YouSaid · the spoken record

Bitsios

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS BITSIOS

lines on the record: 59
first: 1975-09-24
most recent: 1977-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“We intend to persevere in this direction and we are ready to support firmly all efforts in the United Nations aiming at the progressive elimination of imperfections or deficiencies in the application of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We shall do so in the profound conviction that our Organization must never lose from sight its raison d’être, which is respect for the dignity and the progress of that unique being, man.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“May I be allowed to express, in this regard, the concern of my country for the economic problems of third-world countries, which for reasons beyond their will, have fallen considerably behind in the march toward development. We consider that it is indeed time to set in motion the process for the establishment of a new economic order and for the restructuring of international society on the basis of a more equitable sharing of resources. For we cannot hope for fruitful international co-operation or the prosperity of peoples so long as the present flagrant inequalities continue to exist. 155. In the area of human rights, I should like to recall that Greece, during the past sessions of the General Assembly, has taken a number of initiatives for the suppression of torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 156.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We intend to continue this effort in co-operation with the countries signatory to the Helsinki Final Act in order to seek additional measures likely to reinforce security and co-operation in Europe. We trust that the positive development of detente in Europe will have a favourable influence on co-operation and peace in the Mediterranean as well as in other regions in the world. 153. I would not like to conclude my intervention without referring to two major issues: the new economic order and the question of human rights. 154. Concerning the first one, we regret that the Conference on International Economic Co-operation has not had the success it deserved.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“This is precisely the case in our differences with Turkey, which are due to problems that have not been caused by Greece. In compliance with our obligations under the United Nations Charter, we are determined to resolve these problems by peaceful means and, naturally, within the framework of respect for the sovereign and legitimate rights of our country. 151. That is our contribution to detente and we hope that Turkey will do its share in order to avert all dangers to peace in this region. 152. In pursuit of this policy, Greece has actively participated in the preparatory meeting in Belgrade of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and we welcome the constructive results that have been obtained.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is evident that if Ankara and the Turks of Cyprus do not adopt more reasonable and moderate positions in the immediate future, the few remaining hopes for a rapid solution will disappear. We believe that the General Assembly should once more express its determination to see the Cyprus problem settled without delay on the basis of the previous resolutions of the United Nations. 150. Greece, being in favour of the policy of detente, has done everything possible in order to improve and deepen its relations with all countries and particularly those of neighbouring regions. We are happy to say that the results have been very positive and in certain cases remarkable. Whenever disputes arise, we have always opted for peaceful means of settlement.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“And yet, very recently, when it was expected that a real effort towards peace would be undertaken, the Turkish Cypriots chose the moment to unleash the threat of colonizing the new city of Famagusta, which has remained sealed off and has symbolized Turkish acceptance of the principle of revision of the status quo imposed by force. 148. We all know that the Security Council has pronounced itself against such action. 149. It is not clear to what extent the Turkish Government supports these extreme positions of the Turkish- Cypriot leadership. One might say that in the presence of a strong Turkish army in Cyprus, the Turkish-Cypriot leadership are not able to act as they please.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The Turkish-Cypriot negotiator has persistently taken refuge in an impenetrable negativism. It is characteristic of this attitude that the Turkish Cypriots have not to this day replied to the proposal of the Greek-Cypriot negotiator, dated 23 August, to resume the dialogue in Nicosia. 147. It is common knowledge that one of the most important elements of an eventual solution is the territorial aspect of the problem. In a federal arrangement, it would be inadmissible for the 18 per cent minority to retain under its jurisdiction 40 per cent of the island's territory, occupied now by the Turkish army, which would perpetuate the problem of the 200,000 refugees in the south.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“At the time of the invasion of the island by the armed forces of Turkey, the Ankara Government pretended that it had acted in pursuance of the Treaty of Guarantee. Without entering into the examination of the legality-more than doubtful-of that action, it suffices to observe today that, after three full years have elapsed, the Turkish army is still present in the island in spite of all United Nations resolutions to the contrary. Moreover, far from having re-established the state of affairs provided for by the treaties, Turkey, by pursuing its aim to create a situation which would suit it alone, avoids pronouncing itself on the elements of a solution. The United Nations Secretary- General has presided over six rounds of negotiations in Vienna without being able to announce the slightest progress.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We shall continue to give all our support to efforts aiming at ensuring respect for human dignity, equality, security and progress for all the peoples of that region, without discrimination on grounds of race, colour or creed. 145. Before dealing with the Cyprus problem, I wish to pay a tribute in this Assembly to the memory of Archbishop Makarios, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus. The deceased Chief of State dedicated his life to the idea of freedom and struggled for the independence of his country and for the preservation of its territorial integrity. He was one of the founders of the non-aligned movement, which plays an important role in our time. 146. The Greek Government has on many occasions expressed before the General Assembly and the Security Council its position regarding the evolution of the situation in Cyprus.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It must also provide solid guarantees for respect for the sovereignty, the independence, and the territorial integrity of all the States in the region. There can be no doubt that any negotiation must take into account the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and their aspiration for a national homeland. 143. The intense diplomatic activity and efforts made to solve the problems of Namibia and Southern Rhodesia, as well as the focusing of international attention on what is going on in southern Africa, augur well for respect for human rights and for the application of the principle of government by majority rule. 144. Greece has constantly supported the principle of self-determination during the historical process of decolonization. It vigorously condemns apartheid and every other form of racial discrimination.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We continue to follow with great attention the development of the situation in the Middle East. For our part we feel that the time has come for a major effort towards peace in that tormented region. 142. It is therefore essential not to waste more time on procedural questions. In this connexion we appreciate the substantial steps which the Arab Governments principally concerned with the problem have taken in order to facilitate the convening of the Geneva Conference. As for the substance of the question, we adhere to the United Nations resolutions which, taken in their entirety, lay down the guidelines for a just and lasting solution. Such a solution must entail the evacuation of all Arab territories occupied since June 1967, on the basis of the principle that the acquisition of territory by force is inadmissible.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is in this context that Greece supports the convening of a special session of the General Assembly dedicated to disarmament and expresses the hope that this session will, with the active participation of all States, result in a programme of action entailing concrete measures with a view to general and complete disarmament. 138. For the same reasons we are in favour of the convening of a world conference on disarmament. 139. It is understood that disarmament should cover both nuclear and conventional armaments. It should also ensure the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons by providing guarantees to the non-nuclear countries as regards both their security and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 140. I should now like to present the views of my Government on certain problems which are particularly pressing. 141.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In fact we find ourselves, more and more, faced with the use of force or the threat of force in relations between States, while we note at the same time a tendency towards the adoption by the Security Council of anodyne resolutions "by consensus", which place offender and victim on an equal footing. 135. On the other hand, we are witnessing a terrifying recrudescence of the arms race, which is no longer limited to the great Powers but is spreading to all regions and to all the corners of the earth. This phenomenon results in an appalling waste of resources which, in turn, seriously obstructs economic progress and the well-being of peoples. 136. Consequently, it is important that we should strive for the success of the new efforts which are being made on the crucial question of disarmament. 137.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The task this General Assembly is called upon to fulfil is to renew its efforts in favour of law and justice. 134. It is indeed not sufficient to record each year the deficiencies of our Organization and to deplore them in unison; we must show that we have the political and moral will to correct them in order to render the United Nations worthy of its mission. We must above all react against the erosion of the security system provided for by the Charter, and against the lack of respect by some for the decisions of the principal organs of the United Nations and particularly for the decisions of the Security Council.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We welcome the admission to the United Nations of the Republic of Djibouti and of the Socialist Republic, of Viet Nam. We address our sincere wishes to the new Members, which, we are certain, will make a valuable contribution to the work of the United Nations. 133. Regarding the world situation and the current state of international relations, we cannot but subscribe to the analysis made by the Secretary-General in his report on the activities of our Organization. This year, which has raised so many hopes, leaves us no closer to the solution of the great problems which preoccupy us. Whether it is the problem of the Middle East or of South Africa, or of Cyprus or even of the establishment of a new international economic order, we are still faced with persistent obstacles.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“130. Mr. President, I am very happy to convey to you my warmest congratulations on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly, which constitutes just recognition of your high qualities and of your profound experience in world affairs, as well as of the important role that your country plays in international life. The Greek delegation is particularly gratified by the fact that our two countries, which are linked by close ties of friendship, are sincerely collaborating, at both the international and the regional levels, for peace and co-operation among peoples. 131. I am also happy to express our deep appreciation for the lofty spirit and great competence shown by your predecessor, Mr. Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe, in guiding the work of the previous session of the General Assembly. 132.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“But we shall know how to resolve them if we are determined to put an end to the wretched poverty which persists in various parts of the world. 188. As far as Greece is concerned, it has always been in favor of the establishment of a more equitable economic order and it will give its support to any initiative aimed at achieving the aspirations of the peoples of developing countries, because it is difficult to claim progress as long as crying inequalities subsist between countries of the world and as long as human beings are deprived of the necessary minimum to an extent which affects human dignity and degrades our civilization.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Lastly, it is significant that the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries at Colombo has devoted a great part of its work to the problem of the establishment of the new economic order. 186. This activity reflects more than a growing awareness of the great economic and social problems which have to be resolved in order to raise the standard of living of the poorer countries and thereby to ensure world-wide political and economic stability. It is evidence of the will of all of us to give these problems concrete, fair and practical responses within the framework of the interdependence of nations. 187. The problems that we shall have to deal with before achieving this objective are great and varied.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Another great design on a world-wide scale to which our Organization has been called upon to make its contribution is the establishment of a new economic order based upon the Charter of the Economic Rights and Duties of States and on the Program of Action elaborated at the sixth special session and on the results of the seventh special session of the General Assembly. 185. It is also necessary to emphasize the importance of the Conference on International Economic Co-operation, known also as the "North-South dialog" which is attributable to a French initiative, as well as the fourth session of UNCTAD which took place in Nairobi.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In order to do this, it is essential that the final text contain specific rules which will not give rise to contradictory interpretations, because the progress of technology, as it opens up great possibilities for the development and economic progress of States, has at the same time created delicate situations which may degenerate into inter-State conflicts without the presence of positive and concrete law. It is equally necessary to indicate the mandatory international authorities who will resolve any disputes in the interests of international peace and security. 184.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In the field of human rights we ourselves have taken certain action at the thirtieth session and we shall support any measures which will strengthen the protection of human rights. 183. Among the activities of the United Nations on a World-wide scale, I would wish to refer to the setting up of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which has entered, after its recent work, into a decisive phase. Important difficulties remain, but no one questions the fact that this Conference must ultimately draw up concrete rules for the law of the sea.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Waldheim tells us, that this problem, like that of the Middle East, occupies such a prominent place on the agenda of the Organization of which we are all Members and that the effort to find peaceful solutions must be persisted in at all costs [A/31/1 /Add. 1, sect. Ill J. We are convinced that this solution can be found and the principles stated this morning by the Secretary of State of the United States [ 11th meetingJ have certainly engaged our attention. 181. It is not possible to conclude an objective analysis of the role of our Organization without recognizing the very important contribution of the United Nations in the fields of decolonization, the progress of the developing countries, the establishment of a new international economic order, respect for human rights and so on. 182.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The new settlers are establishing themselves on the properties of the Greek refugees in violation of the most elementary rules of human rights. In these circumstances one can realize why the Turkish Cypriot side refuses to help negotiations by submitting concrete proposals concerning the territorial aspect of the problem and is considering new faits accomplis, encouraged perhaps by the saying "beati possidentes". When the General Assembly examines this problem once again it will, I am sure, wish to consider the comments of the Secretary-General, who emphasizes that this problem has implications far beyond the immediate area concerned and involves the delicate balance of relations between a number of other States. It is for that reason, Mr.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The General Assembly and the Security Council have already sketched out, by means of successive resolutions, the major lines of a just and equitable solution. The Secretary-General has employed all his efforts and skill to ensure the success of the talks between the communities. Unfortunately, as Mr. Waldheim observes in the introduction to his report, no progress towards a settlement has been accomplished so far. The Turks continue to occupy 40 per cent of the territory of the Republic. Thousands of Greek Cypriots-one third of the population-are living as refugees far from their homes, deprived of their property and despoiled of their goods. Other refugees, expelled from the occupied area, have fled to the south. The large-scale systematic colonization of the north by Turkish nationals is continuing.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“I think that we owe it to ourselves and to this Assembly to remain aware of the seriousness and gravity of the situation when we discuss the problems affecting the destinies of our people. 179. On one point, however, we agree with Turkey, namely, that on the eve of negotiations which we are trying to conduct we must not embark upon any unilateral actions which would be incompatible with Security Council resolution 395 (1976) and which could undermine mutual confidence. Since Greece has not engaged in actions of this kind I hope that Turkey will follow its own advice. 180. I have already mentioned Cyprus. This is a problem which the United Nations has been dealing with at several levels.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This is a sea which, beyond the territorial waters of the coastal countries, is a free sea governed by the international status of the high seas. The Aegean Sea is open to international shipping, and other Powers are interested in having it remain an open sea and would certainly oppose the idea that the Aegean should be a Greekian-Turkish lake. 177. My distinguished colleague then set himself up as an international legislator to tell us that the legal arguments of Greece concerning the continental shelf are not valid and that the law of the sea had to be tailored to suit Turkey. To hear him speak, what was important was population. Here also we have a new theory which will certainly not be appreciated by States which are less populated than their neighbors. 178.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This statement is contradicted by the statement of the Prime Minister of Turkey who, in an interview reported in the newspaper Le Monde of May 1975, affirmed that the Turks do not fear that the Greeks, by strengthening their islands will be able to invade Turkey. Mr. Demirel was right. 175. With regard to the continental shelf the Turkish Minister laid stress on two points: first of all he asserted that the Aegean Sea is a sea where only Turkey and Greece have coastlines, and therefore, he said, this was a "common sea" [ibid.,para. 223J. 176. This theory will surely surprise the members of the international community. The idea of the Aegean Sea as being the common sea of Greece and Turkey runs counter to the principle one as old as the world and still valid that no one can dispose of what he does not own.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Well before the strengthening of the defense of the island, Turkey had systematically proceeded to the establishment of a landing-force, which is essentially a force of aggression, and it has used this force, with the results that we all know, against Cyprus, thereby posing a constant threat to the security of die Greek islands. 173. My Turkish colleague has made reference to the threat to the security of Turkey by the defensive measures adopted by Greece in the Aegean Sea. He said that the militarization of the islands is "a serious threat to the security of Turkey" [8th meeting, para. 221J. 174.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Caglayangil, has dwelt, in particular, on the re-militarization of the Greek islands of the Aegean and on the question of the continental shelf and emphasized that in both cases it was the attitude of Greece that caused the present tension. As for the islands, he invoked existing treaties, but what he did not mention was that these treaties do not require Greece to abandon its natural right to the defense of its national territory. What he failed to say is that the elementary defensive measures taken on some of these islands were adopted after the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey in violation of the United Nations Charter. 172.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The General Assembly is only too aware of the fact that at the time when Greece, two years ago, was restoring its democratic institution, Cyprus was invaded by the armed forces of one of the Powers despite the fact that that Power had guaranteed its independence and its territorial integrity. The fact that to this day the situation in the island remains unchanged underlies the crisis that prevails in our region. 170. In turning to bilateral problems I did not intend to go into them in detail, but the statement made the day before yesterday before this Assembly by my Turkish colleague [8th meeting] obliges me to refer to some of his assertions if only to rectify certain errors of interpretation and certain omissions which have dipped into his presentation. 171. The Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We have always vigorously condemned apartheid and all other forms of racial discrimination and we support all efforts to ensure that human dignity, equality, security, and progress for all might prevail in this region. The blood which has flowed these last months was not only a call for our compassion; the danger of an escalation is too real not to cause the gravest concern. The time has come for radical solutions. Namibia should accede to independence and the people of Southern Rhodesia should be given the great benefit of the democratic principle of government by majority. 168. And now I should like to deal with our relations with our neighbor to the east-Turkey. 169.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We also consider that any solution to the problem of the near Middle East must take into account the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. 164. As to the immediate future, we strongly hope that the tragedy which the friendly Lebanese people is living through will come to an end and that peace will return to this tormented country. 165. In Africa we are following with the greatest interest on the one hand the substantial progress of the countries which, once having acquired independence, are now trying to consolidate it, and on the other hand the evolution of the situation in southern Africa. 166. In this latter region the problems are of such complexity and gravity and give rise to such passions that they deserve a special place in our deliberations. 167.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“As to our relations with the Arab countries, with which so many ties bind us, they are becoming closer in all sectors, and this gives me an opportunity to stress once again that the position of Greece on the problem of the Middle East is based on the principles of the Charter and first and foremost upon the principle of self-determination, as well as upon the resolutions adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly. This policy is not dictated by circumstances; it is based upon immutable principles, the primacy of law over lawlessness, the right of all peoples to an identity of their own and of all States to a peaceful life behind inviolable frontiers. 163. It follows, therefore, that we are against the acquisition of territory by force and therefore we are in favor of the evacuation of all the occupied Arab territories.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We remain convinced that, parallel to the efforts which are designed to promote bilateral relations between Balkan countries, their multilateral co-operation is equally desirable, where favorable and realistic conditions for it exist. 161. Also, by common agreement with countries of the European Community, we have commenced procedures aimed at the adherence of Greece to the European Community. It is quite natural that the Greek people, animated by the European ideal, should wish to take part in the construction of the united Europe of the future, a Europe freed of the antagonisms of the past and going towards its destiny as a factor of peace and co-operation. 162.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Greece has made its contribution to this effort, particularly since the principles stated in the Final Act are those of the United Nations Charter. We have made efforts to promote bilaterally and, so far as possible, multilaterally as well, progress which would be in step with the implementation of the various chapters of the Final Act. Our bilateral relations with our neighbors to the north have seen a new resurgence. Multilaterally, we have convened in January of this year a meeting of government experts on economic and technical co-operation between Balkan countries. We hope that this initiative will have constructive consequences for the greater benefit of the peoples of the region.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“159. In European terms, the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, signed at Helsinki on 1 August 1975, was designed, as is known, to reduce tensions and promote a climate of detente in Europe. Considerable steps have been made since then towards the strengthening of peace and the expansion of economic and cultural exchanges to the benefit of all our peoples in Europe. Next year, at Belgrade, the signatory countries will have occasion to review the progress made since the signing of the Final Act in Helsinki, and to study the measures to be taken for the total application of the principles adopted by the Conference and for the strengthening of cooperation on the multilateral plane. 160.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The system of international security provided for by the authors of the Charter, still remains to be set up. If, in our nuclear age, holocaust was avoided, it is nevertheless also true that a feeling of insecurity weighs upon the peoples of the world. Thus, in spite of the doubts and hesitations that the concept of detente can give rise to, our peoples have no other choice than to hope that it will take root and that it will gradually lead to the elimination of fear and anguish. That is why the policy of detente should not serve as a screen for the pursuit of particular interests. It should sincerely strive towards a better future, a future of co-operation between all the peoples of the world, because we cannot contemplate the selective application of detente, just as there cannot be any selective application of the concept of freedom.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The introduction to the report of the Secretary- General on the work of the United Nations deserves the special attention of the General Assembly, and is a measure of the lofty and dedicated spirit with which Mr. Waldheim carries out his functions. The comments and observations of the Secretary-General are distinguished by their realism. It is all too true, indeed, that 30 years after the formation of the United Nations, we are still in a period of transition marked by the erosion of the rules upon which the present system is based. We are witnessing a resurgence of anachronistic chauvinism and a relapse towards a stage where might makes right and where there is a lack of respect for the resolutions of the principal bodies of the United Nations and especially of the Security Council. 158.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“First of all I should like to offer my congratulations to Mr. Amerasinghe upon his election as President of this Assembly. This is a tribute to his great personal qualities, as well as a recognition of his many services to the ideal of international co-operation and of his experience and his talents. 156. It is also with pleasure that we greet the admission to the United Nations of a new Member-the Republic of Seychelles, which has just acceded to independence within the framework of the historic process of decolonization. Its admission reinforces the concept of universality of our Organization. We wish to express to the new Member our most heartfelt congratulations and our most sincere wishes for the happiness and prosperity of its people. 157.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“I am referring particularly to those parts of the Charter which for the most part have remained a dead letter up to the present day. Of course, I am not unaware of the practical difficulties of a political and an economic nature which their application would encounter, But it must be said, on the other hand, that in international society, as in national societies, stability and security are essential conditions if there is to be any progress and any smooth and harmonious development. In the atmosphere of detente which prevails at present and which justly gratifies us today, has not the time now come to think about the complete application of the Charter? Mankind aspires to peace and tranquility. It is up to all of us not to dash its hopes and not to thwart its aspirations.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Undoubtedly, up to now the United Nations has played a very positive role in preventing armed conflicts, particularly by localizing areas of confrontation and by keeping opposing sides apart, and it is my duty to emphasize especially my great appreciation of the way in which the United Nations Force has discharged its functions in Cyprus in circumstances which have been extremely difficult and sometimes extremely dangerous. But the role of the United Nations should not be simply a preventive one. The Charter contains provisions which, had they been implemented, would have endowed our Organization with the necessary means of imposing respect for its decisions and of protecting the international order from any infraction.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Regarding the resources which would be liberated by the reduction of armaments, we share the view that these should as a matter of priority be used to finance the development of the countries which need it. In this connexion Greece supports the idea of the creation of practical machinery within the framework of the United Nations. 179. Finally, we attach particular importance to strengthening the role of the United Nations in the maintenance and consolidation of international peace and security.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“In connexion with the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, a prerequisite, we feel, for the reduction of armaments and later on for general disarmament, satisfactory and convincing assurances should be given to those countries not possessing nuclear weapons to persuade them that they have nothing to fear from voluntarily forgoing the possession of nuclear weapons. Practical steps should also be taken so that those countries which do not possess nuclear weapons can, on an equal footing and under the same economic and technological conditions, enjoy the benefits to be derived from the utilization of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 178.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“The stockpiling of nuclear and conventional weapons is in contradiction with the concept of international detente and the peoples' sense of security. It also represents an incalculable waste of the economic resources that are so sadly lacking in the developing countries, without even mentioning the general scarcity of natural resources which is such an ominous threat to all mankind. It is therefore logical that we should be quite definitely in favour of disarmament under international control and that we should regard this as an essential condition for the consolidation of world peace. 177.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“I hope that my account of the main trends in our foreign policy makes it quite clear that Greece is devoted to the concept of the interdependence of nations, to the idea of their solidarity and their cooperation in a spirit of justice, peace and progress. At the same time, we are looking after our national security, desirous as we are of defending it against any pressure or threat. 175. I shall now turn to some subjects of general interest which appear on the agenda of the present, session and on which I should like to express the position of my Government. 176. The problem of disarmament is essentially a dual one: it is eminently political because it is, after all, related to the security of nations; but it is also an economic problem, hence its influence on the life of our peoples.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“I am quite certain that the General Assembly will agree with me that such methods do not result in peace but rather in the creation of explosive situations with which, unfortunately, Cyprus is all too familiar. 173. The Greek Government regrets that it is faced with such a situation at a time when it is inaugurating a policy of peace and concord with all its neighbors. We support the Secretary-General in his efforts to reach a peaceful solution, and we are also grateful to the large number of countries which have expressed their active interest in bringing peace to Cyprus in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations. 174.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Furthermore, no progress has been achieved on the question of the withdrawal of foreign troops, so that 40 per cent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and 70 per cent of its economic resources remain under foreign military control and occupation, in the name of a community which does not exceed 18 per cent of the population. We are still faced with the fact that foreign troops still occupy a substantial part of the territory of an independent country, a Member of the United Nations and a member of the group of non-aligned countries. 172. Furthermore, we have witnessed a series of faits accomplis, leading to the creation of irreversible situations, while the threat of other faits accomplis still hangs over this sorely tried island.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Despite resolution 3212 (XXIX) which was passed by this Assembly, and those passed by the Security Council, despite the four successive stages marking the inter-communal talks under the personal sponsorship of the Secretary- General, and despite the constructive spirit which was displayed by the negotiator on behalf of the Greek Cypriot community, none of the essential aspects of the Cyprus problem has been properly solved. Thus, one third of the population of the island approximately 200,000 people are still refugees in their own country and are living far from their homes, contrary to all humanitarian principles, are deprived of their property and stripped of their goods in flagrant violation of the Charter.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Quite naturally, another chapter in the foreign relations of Greece, which, thanks to the country's return to democracy, have made decisive and rapid progress, is that of the reactivation and consolidation of our relations with our friends and allies in Europe, those nations linked by the European ideal. We share that ideal because it is designed to serve the cause of peace and co-operation among peoples for the common good. 171. In contrast to the positive trends observed in our foreign relations, I am sorry to have to say that the question of Cyprus still bears all the marks of a human tragedy and of an acute crisis.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“On this occasion I should like to reaffirm our position on the question of the Middle East namely, that any settlement, if it is to be fair and lasting, must be based on respect for and application of the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. Pursuant to the principle that the acquisition of territory by force is inadmissible in international relations, Greece has always supported the evacuation of the occupied Arab territories and a solution that will guarantee the existence of all countries in that region and at the same time respect the legitimate rights of the Arab people of Palestine. Consequently we support any effort at negotiation which would lead to a lasting solution to the problem of the Middle East in accordance with the above-mentioned principles. 170.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)