YouSaid · the spoken record

Mitsotakis

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MITSOTAKIS

lines on the record: 50
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1981-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“The ideals most cherished by mankind since the beginning of civilization have found expression in the Charter. It is up to all of us to see to it that they are not reduced to meaningless words. 69. I should like to conclude with this marvellos sentence from Saint Exupery. "Only the spirit can breathe life into clay and make it man."”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We are convinced that a solution can emerge from the inter-communal talks if they are conducted in a constructive spirit and with the genuine political will to arrive at a solution acceptable to all. 66. As far as my Government is concerned, it is prepared to support any solution consistent with the principles of the Charter, General Assembly resolutions and the genuine interests of the two communities. 67. The case of Cyprus may prove to be the touchstone of the United Nations. It is the case of a small country which has placed all its hopes for survival in the Organization. If the United Nations were not to succeed in ensuring that the rule of law prevails it would be failing in a fundamental duty. 68. Force has for too long governed the world. It is high time for it to yield to justice and reason.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The SecretaryGen eral and I wish to take this opportunity to thank him and his Special Representative for their tireless efforts while noting this fact in his report, has expressed his intention to undertake an initiative to make it possible to bring the divergent views closer together [see AI36I1, sect. IV\. We trust him to seek with his wisdom and customary skill the best way of making a contribution to the common effort at this crucial point in the dialog. 65. That is the situation at the beginning of the thirty- sixth session. A few days ago [12th meeting] my colleague from Cyprus assured us from this rostrum of his Government's desire to continue the dialog. We hope that this desire is reciprocated.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“As for the inter-communal talks, after having registered no progress for long months, some progress has finally been achieved through the introduction of TUrkish Cypriot proposals on the territorial aspect of the problem. However, although these proposals are a small step forward, they cannot be considered a substantial contribution to a successful dialog. 63. For its part the Government of Cyprus, in spite of justifiable disappointment, has made reasonable proposals on the constitutional aspect reasonable because they are consistent with the notion of a unified State within which the two communities could live in harmony and with equal rights. 64. There can be no doubt that the respective positions are still far removed from each other.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The refugees, approximately one quarter of the population, /continue to live far from their homes, and the fate of. some 2,000 persons who disappeared remains unknown. 61. I should like first of all to say a few words on the missing persons. Following lengthy negotiations, the two parties agreed on the establishment of a committee of inquiry, which began its work a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, from the outset the work of that committee met with procedural difficulties. Hence, I should like to make an appeal for the committee to begin its work without further delay and report on the fate of the missing persons, thus putting an end to the anguish of their families. 62.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“I hope that this fact will be recognized by all and that all the parties concerned will show moderation and a spirit of cooperation, which are so necessary if we are to arrive at a convention for which the international community has been working for over 10 years. 59. I could conclude my statement on that note if it were not for a problem of particular importance to all Greeks, a problem which has the sad privilege of being one of the oldest in the agenda of the Assembly and which in the course of recent years has not advanced a single step towards a solution. As you may have guessed, I am referring to the problem of Cyprus. 60. The situation has remained unchanged during the past 12 months. A considerable part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus is still occupied.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“It is natural that the Governments, especially those which in the final analysis will be called upon to contribute most to the common effort, should be given time for reflection in order to weigh the implications of the commitments they will be asked to undertake, but they must act quickly. The negotiations themselves will not prove easy, and this is one more reason why they should not be delayed. The millions of children whose growth may be arrested because of inadequate nutrition will not forgive us for our failure. 58. Greece, a maritime country par excellence, believes in the need to conclude without further delay a convention which covers all the aspects of the law of the sea and is acceptable to all countries, large or small. Without such a convention mankind may soon be faced with chaos.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The economic development of all countries, but above all of those which for various reasons are deprived of a satisfactory standard of living, has become increasingly the responsibility of the Organization. This is a source of gratification. In fact the close link that exists between the major economic problems of our day makes it impossible for us to consider the wellbeing of any particular country or economic entity as an isolated case. That is why we welcome the idea of dealing with the great economic challenge by means of negotiations open to all Member States. 57. It was not possible for the global negotiations to begin this year, as we had at one time hoped. We do not wish to underestimate the causes of this delay.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Each year thousands of such cases become known to the world public, and an equal, if not larger, number of violations of this kind never become known beyond the borders of the countries where they are committed. 55. This is a situation in which we can take no pride. However, the task is not easy. Too often Governments invoke the principle of noninterference in their internal affairs to refuse any monitoring, any cooperation with the competent organs of the Organization. Therefore we must remain ever watchful and give human rights the broadest possible definition: not only the right to choose one's leaders freely, to express oneself freely and to practice the religion of one's choice, but also the right to a basic standard of living, one's own culture and one's own personal ethics. 56.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“My Government remains committed to the Final Act of that Conference, signed at Helsinki on 1 August 1975, and hopes that the countries participating in the Conference will make every effort to ensure that a comprehensive and balanced final text is adopted. 53. I should now like briefly to review a few questions which I believe are of universal interest. I shall begin with the problem of apartheid, in order to express once again our repugnance at that degrading regime which constitutes an affront to mankind. 54. Apartheid is an extreme case of violation of human rights. It is not the only one. In a number of countries individuals are arbitrarily deprived of their fundamental freedoms, torture is practiced systematically, and persons disappear without trace or are illegally detained.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“While mentioning the nonaligned movement, I should like to reiterate from this rostrum the best wishes of my Government on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary. In the course of its 20 years of existence the movement has gathered together countries of different political and socioeconomic systems which have a common denominator: the desire to remain separate from blocs and to contribute to detente and understanding among peoples. This is a highly commendable aspiration in which we hope they will persevere. 52. This review of the international situation, however brief, would not be complete without a reference to my country's determination to contribute as much as possible to the successful conclusion of the work of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. Limited progress has been achieved thus far at Madrid.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The same principles should serve as a starting point for the settlement of the problem of Kampuchea: withdrawal of Vietnamese troops and a free expression of the will of the Khmer people under United Nations supervision. It is time for that unfortunate people, which has suffered so much in the course of two wars and under the ' cruel regime of the years 1975 to 1978, to reap at last the fruits of a peaceful existence and dedicate itself to the enormous task of national reconstruction. 50. The conflict between Iraq and Iran has lasted for more than a year. We hope it will be resolved without delay by means of negotiations. It would in fact be inconceivable for those two developing countries, members of the nonaligned movement, to continue a war from which neither can benefit. 51.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“This is further food for thought for the Organization. 48. Another international crisis of serious concern to my Government is that of Afghanistan. The presence of Soviet troops in that country is fraught with consequences that we cannot accept. The United Nations, which has on many occasions expressed its views on this subject, must continue its efforts to arrive at a political solution, which, as for any dispute of this nature, must take into account the* basic principles of the Charter, that is, respect for the independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and recognition of the right of its people to be sole master of its destiny. 49.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In the search for a peaceful solution in Namibia, the initiative of the five Western countries which form the contact group is of particular importance. Greece extends its full support to that initiative and hopes that the five countries will see fit to persevere in their efforts, always on the basis of resolution 435 (1978), of which they are the authors. 47. A factor related to the Namibian problem which affects peace and stability throughout southern Africa is the continuation of armed incursions by South African forces into the territory of neighboring countries, especially Angola. These incursions have recently assumed truly alarming dimensions. It is clear that if any country whatsoever were to claim the right to police an entire region, we would no longer be able to speak of international order, but rather of the law of the jungle.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The failure of the pre-implementation meeting at Geneva, owing to South Africa's intransigence, has given rise to serious doubts about the possibility of an agreement in the near future on the accession of the Territory to independence. Yet, the basis for a satisfactory and viable settlement does exist and, moreover, has already been accepted by SWAPO and the front-line countries as well as by South Africa. It consists of the full application of Security Council resolution 435 (1978), which provides for free elections under United Nations supervision. It goes without saying that all Namibian political forces should be enabled to participate in such elections. Moreover, conditions must be created to enable the different ethnic groups of the Territory to live in harmony. This will strengthen the feeling of security in the region. 46.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Before concluding my comments on this question, 1 should like to say a few words about Lebanon, a country which has attracted general sympathy because of the misfortunes afflicting it simply because it finds itself at the center of a conflict with which it is only indirectly concerned. Greece affirms its support for all resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly which demand respect for the independence, territorial integrity and internal order of Lebanon and which affirm the right of the Lebanese Government to restore its authority throughout its national territory. 45. In Namibia also, prospects for a negotiated settlement have diminished since the thirty-fifth session.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The existence of the PLO is an undeniable reality, as is the fact that that organization represents the Palestinian people which, just like any other people, has a right to create its own State. The State of Israel is, likewise, a reality and has a right to exist within borders which everyone, including itsArab neighbors, recognize and respect. 43. In this context, there is a need to stress the responsibility of countries that have special weight in world affairs or that have particular links with any party to the conflict, that is, the responsibility of those countries to exert all their influence to make it possible for negotiations to begin. 44.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“These are facts which, far from contributing to the success of peace efforts in the Middle East, have fueled distrust and perpetuated confrontation. 42. The prolongation of the ArabIsraeli conflict and the failure of all unilateral attempts to resolve it demonstrate that only dialog among the parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], can lead to a just and lasting solution. Our Organization has defined the guidelines for such a solution in several resolutions: first, the withdrawal from Arab territories occupied as a result of the wars of 1967 and 1973 and, secondly, the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, as well as of Israel's right to secure and recognized borders.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Please allow me, however, to describe the position of my own Government on a few questions of more particular interest to my country. 40. First of all there is the problem of the Middle East, a region of which we are very much aware both because of its geographical proximity and because of the links which for so many centuries have united us to most of the peoples inhabiting it. Unfortunately, the tensions in that region so crucial to world peace, far from diminishing, have persisted and even worsened. 41. IVvo events, above all, have caused a deterioration of the situation: the destruction of the nuclear reactor at Tamuz by the Israeli Air Force and the violent bombings of Beirut and other parts of Lebanon which, because of the loss of life and the material damage caused, have given a new magnitude to the escalation of violence.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We also wish to extend our congratulations to the SecretaryGeneral, who has once again during the past 12 months demonstrated the greatest dedication to his mission, thus winning for himself the confidence and esteem of all. 38. I should also like to take this opportunity to welcome the delegations of the Republic of Vanuatu and of Belize, young countries which, we are convinced, will play a constructive role in the great family of nations. 39. The acting President of the Council of Ministers of the European Community, Lord Carrington, has expressed [8th meeting] in a succinct and eloquent way the views of the 10 members on the principal problems at the heart of the present international situation. Greece, of course, fully supports that presentation.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Mr. President, your election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly is a tribute to your outstanding qualities as a diplomat and to your vast experience, and it augurs well for the success of the work of this body, which most clearly represents international public opinion. Please allow me to congratulate you most warmly on behalf of the Greek delegation and on my own behalf. 36. The outgoing President, Mr. Rudiger von Wechmar, has earned the gratitude of the Assembly for the exemplary way in which he guided its discussions, for his constructive initiatives and for the prestige which he has won for his important office. 37.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“It is up to us all to prove that this is not the case. We owe it to ourselves, but we owe it, above all, to future generations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Let me, however, express a conviction that We have always repeated to all interested parties, namely, that only a solution that provides for the State and economic unity of the Republic of Cyprus would be viable. Cyprus is too small a country to be divided in any way. If this fundamental truth is accepted by the two communities, there will be a good chance of seeing them joining forces in the pursuit of a goal that has hitherto eluded them—that of building together a common future. 104. The review that I have just made of the situation in the world is, perhaps, not calculated to fill us with optimism. International problems, whether they be political, economic or other kinds, often seem to defy the powers of the United Nations to solve them and instead to vindicate those who claim that our world is doomed to catastrophe.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“May all those who have contributed to this positive development find in this an expression of our gratitude to them. 102. I should like to express the hope of my Government that this time the talks, even if they should prove to be difficult, may finally succeed in bringing about an agreement that will make it possible for the unfortunate island to find its peace, independence and prosperity once again and for the two communities to staunch the wounds of the past and resume their common life. As for my own Government, it will do everything in its power to contribute to a satisfactory outcome of the intercommunal talks. I say everything in our power aware as I am of the fact that the brunt of the responsibility lies with the island's inhabitants free of outside interference. 103.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Such an inquiry has not yet been carried out because of the refusal of the Turkish Cypriot leaders, who had, however, agreed to this when Mr. Waldheim went to Nicosia in May 1979. 100. The purely humanitarian aspect of this question should prompt the Turkish Cypriot side, as well as any other authority that is in a position to do so, to help the Organization to obtain information as to the fate of the people 1 have mentioned and thus do something to reduce the distress of their kith and kin. 101. To conclude, I shall refer to the problem of Cyprus. The fact that I can do this briefly is in itself encouraging. It proves that the prospects for an agreed solution have become a reality once again, thanks to the resumption of the intercommunal talks.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“What makes the role of the United Nations particularly delicate in this case is the need to prevent this sacred cause from serving as a pretext for purposes that are alien to it. This is, indeed, a difficult task, which warrants as much attention as possible from the competent organs and the countries therein represented. 99. While on the subject of human rights, I should like to mention a specific case. About 2,000 people disappeared in the aftermath of the hostilities in Cyprus in 1974. We still know nothing about what became of these people, some of whom were of Greek nationality and this in spite of resolutions of the General Assembly and its organs which provided for an international inquiry on the spot.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“If the Organization had only one raison d'etre, it could well be that of ensuring for all the inhabitants of our planet the free exercise and enjoyment of their fundamental rights: that of the freedom of opinion but also the free development of the personality; the right to proper education, but also the right to a satisfactory standard of living; the free election of representatives of the people, but also the choice of the economic and social system best suited to each country. However, in quite a few cases these rights have been systematically disregarded, if not actually trampled underfoot, either by the State itself or by individuals with the complicity or tolerance of the established authority. 98.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We hope that the few points that still remain will be settled at the next session of the Conference and that we will succeed in signing and applying a convention that will make it possible for countries not only to settle their differences and to avoid disputes in the future, but also to devote themselves to the common exploitation of the resources of the oceans and seabed to the benefit of all the inhabitants of our planet. 96. I should like now to deal with a subject that is a matter of particular importance to Greece: that of human rights. 97.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“If there were any need for proof that it is possible to resolve even the thorniest problems provided there is the necessary political will, one has only to consider the progress achieved by the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. Greece, a pre-eminently maritime country, took an active part in that Conference and, we hope, made a positive contribution to it. The work, as was so well pointed out by the secretary General in his report on the work of the Organization, confounded the pessimists and proved that agreement is possible if negotiators act in a spirit of genuine compromise.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“I hope that this deadlock is only temporary. We know that the developing countries consider global negotiations as the means of ensuring acceptance of their legitimate demands. To disappoint them would be a serious mistake, with incalculable consequences. 94. We should not like to minimize the obstacles that remain to be overcome if these negotiations are to be started on time, but it would be wrong to dramatize them. It is our conviction that in the course of the present session it will be possible to eliminate differences in viewpoints, because we do not think that there are leaders in the world who fail to realize the magnitude of the problems and the imperative need to tackle them as soon as possible. 95.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In the words of the poet, ask not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for us all. 92. That is why we greeted with great hope the initiation, a few years ago, of the long process that led to the eleventh special session of the General Assembly, one of the major goals of which, as we know, was the undertaking of preparations for negotiations covering the major problems of an economic nature to which I have just referred. 93. That session did not, of course, yield all the results we had hoped for. If on one of its aspects—the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade—we have brought about a consensus which gives us the broad outlines for economic cooperation for the current decade, on the other hand in another aspect—global negotiations—we find ourselves at present in a deadlock.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“With regard to a field in which the prospects seem to be rather better—that is, the field of international economic cooperation, one of the most constant and encouraging characteristics of recent years has been the Organization's growing awareness of the major social and economic problems confronting our world. The elimination of poverty and hunger; the narrowing of the very wide gulf now separating the rich countries from the poor countries; the struggle against illiteracy; the limitation of unbridled demographic growth; the protection of the environment; the preservation of non-renewable energy resources, and their gradual replacement by other sources of energy—all are urgent and universal tasks that we cannot shirk without the risk of earning the reprobation of future generations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“It is in the same positive spirit that we approach the second review session of the Conference, to be held at Madrid, the major objective of which should be to maintain the momentum provided by the Helsinki Conference for the development of harmonious relations among countries belonging to different socioeconomic systems. 90. But in the view of my Government it will be easier to attain that objective if at Madrid we undertake a frank and objective examination of what has been done so far and if we ensure the application of the provisions of the Final Act of the Conference as a whole. 91.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Another aspect of disarmament, and by no means the least important, is the release of funds to be used in the fulfilment of the major economic and social aspirations of our time. But that requires the sincere cooperation of all countries, beginning with the nuclear Powers and that, in turn, presupposes effective international control over any arms limitations provided for in agreements already signed or to be signed. 89. My country's willingness to contribute to understanding among all European peoples has been manifested in the constructive attitude it adopted in the very opening phases of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, held at Helsinki in 1975.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The crises I have just mentioned, with all the dangers they entail for peace in the world,, make it absolutely clear that it is necessary and urgent for there to be effective disarmament. Furthermore, one of the indispensable conditions for any true effort at disarmament is the gradual elimination of sources of friction as well as suspicion among States. That can be brought about only if all the countries of the world, whatever their power or their resources, refrain from recourse to force or the threat of it and make use of the means available to them under the Charter and other documents of international law to eliminate causes of friction among themselves. Only thus can the current disarmament negotiations, or those contemplated for the future, have any chance of proving fruitful. 88.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Through the Security Council and the Islamic Conference, the international community has declared itself ready to sponsor such an effort. Let us hope that the two adversaries will benefit from that offer before it is too late. At the same time, we duly appreciate the assurances given in various quarters that efforts will be made to avoid internationalization of the conflict. 86. Lastly we should like to state our complete agreement with the statement of the Foreign Ministers of the European Community with regard to the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Gulf. That need, which is obvious, is increased by the fact that a large number of countries, including Greece, depend, with regard to their energy needs, to a considerable extent on deliveries of oil from that region. 87.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Respect for the independence and territorial integrity of States, which constitutes one of the foundations of the Charter of the United Nations, is a rule not only of law but also, and above all, of morality, which should provide the foundation for all international order. If the great and the powerful do not pay all the necessary respect to those principles, there is the risk of intimidation and violence becoming the supreme laws of international life. 85. As for the conflict between Iraq and Iran, which is liable at any moment to assume alarming proportions, I should like to associate myself with all my colleagues Who have from this rostrum appealed to the two countries, to have recourse to peaceful means to settle their disputes.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The attitude of the Iranian authorities with regard to that incident was unanimously condemned by the Members of the Organization and by its supreme legal authority, the International Court of Justice. On the strength of the ties of friendship that have always existed between the Greek and the Iranian peoples, my Government once again urgently appeal to the Iranian Government to comply with the requirements of the law of nations, which it may in turn invoke in order to settle its differences with the United States. 84. The Soviet invasion in Afghanistan, like that of the Vietnamese troops in Cambodia one year earlier, is an event fraught with serious consequences.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“When, at the outset, I said that new sources of tension had emerged over the last few months in addition to the already existing confrontations of the post-war era, which can virtually be called traditional, I was in particular referring to the crises whose impact on world peace and stability is difficult to estimate: the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops and, for a week now, the conflict between Iraq and Iran. 83. The taking of hostages and the detention to this very day of diplomats and other American officials in Teheran should be considered a very serious violation of international law that may well jeopardize the very bases of international relations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Let us hope that South Africa, whose responsibilities towards the Namibian people are particularly heavy, will follow suit. That is something that world public opinion demands. 81. With regard to the problem of apartheid, there has, unfortunately, been no sign that the Pretoria Government has any intention of departing from that odious policy, which is condemned by the universal conscience. This intolerable situation cannot continue much longer without provoking strong reactions both within the country and from the international community. 82.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“It is therefore with particular satisfaction that the Greek delegation again wishes the noble people of Zimbabwe success, happiness and prosperity. 79. At the same time, we should like to congratulate the Government of the United Kingdom on its contribution to the settlement that was brought about. 80. What happened in Zimbabwe should set an example for Namibia. The plan of the five Western countries endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 435 (1978) is an excellent basis for the free expression of the will of the inhabitants of the Territory and its accession to independence. The South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO] and the frontline States have demonstrated their political will to see that plan implemented.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We have seen in southern Africa a development that is both important and instructive: the long struggle of the people of Zimbabwe for its independence has finally been successful and has led to the election of a Parliament and a Government representing all the ethnic elements of the country. That outcome of the long drawn out Rhodesian crisis, an outcome made possible thanks to the political will of all the signatories of the Lancaster House Agreement, demonstrates the moral superiority of reason over force, of conciliation over hatred, and of good will over intransigence. The wisdom and political maturity displayed by the Government of Zimbabwe since it took power has won it the admiration of all.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“For this reason we take pleasure at the declaration of the heads of State and Government and Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the countries of the European Community issued at Venice on 13 June, the outlines of which converge with the policy of my own Government. 77. We have also noted with satisfaction the mission entrusted to the current President of the Council of the European Community to contact the parties involved, with the aim of exploring the possibilities of a negotiated solution of the conflict. We believe that such negotiations should be open to all interested parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO]. 78.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Furthermore, we deplore armed incursions into Lebanese territory, and we appeal for an end to be put to all these acts of violence in Lebanon. The international community is in duty bound to ensure absolute respect for the territorial integrity of Lebanon and the restoration of the authority of the Lebanese Government over the entire territory of the country. It must also ensure that UNIFIL enjoys conditions which will enable it to continue unhindered the admirable work which it has been doing in southern Lebanon. 76. The importance of the Middle East problem is such that all those who can contribute to its solution should spare no effort to do so.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Faithful to these principles, the Greek Government has always expressed disapproval, as indeed have the vast majority of Member States, of the Israeli policy of modifying the demographic nature of the occupied territories, either by the establishment of new settlements or by other means. 74. Similarly, my Government wishes to associate itself fully with Security Council resolution 476 (1980), which opposes any change in the status of Jerusalem. I should like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our conviction that the right of free access to the city of Jerusalem must remain inviolable for the benefit of the faithful of the three monotheistic religions, for whom the Holy Places have a sacred character. 75.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The Greek Government considers that the solution to this problem should lie in the scrupulous application of the following principles: first, evacuation of all Arab territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war, including East Jerusalem; secondly, recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, one of the options of which would be the creation of an independent State; and thirdly, recognition also of the right of all countries in the area, whether they be Arab States or Israel itself, to live in security within secure, recognized and guaranteed frontiers. 73.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Furthermore, new problems have emerged on the international scene creating an atmosphere of crisis that endangers the process of detente, which alone can enable mankind to apply itself to the major economic and social challenges confronting it, on the handling of which depends its very survival. 71. Among the major problems of our time, that of the Middle East has the grim privilege of being the oldest and perhaps the most complicated. After three wars and numerous local conflicts, this region, with the countries of which Greece has long maintained very close links, continues to be a powder keg ready to explode at any time. 72.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“I should also like to welcome the proclamation of the independence of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and bid the representatives of this new Member welcome among us, while expressing the conviction that they will play a constructive role in the United Nations. 70. The development of the international situation over the 12 months which have elapsed since the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly has, unfortunately, not been very encouraging. The major problems facing the world, with one or two exceptions, have become increasingly mired in stagnation, thus depriving whole peoples of any hope of a better future.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Salim Ahmed Salim, a worthy son of Africa, who conducted the proceedings of the General Assembly throughout a particularly difficult period with a skill, flexibility and efficiency which were truly exemplary. 68. It is also a pleasure for me to convey the congratulations of my delegation to the Secretary General, who has placed his great talents, authority and prestige in the service of peace in the world, as we can see once again in reading his report to the Assembly on the work of the Organization. The tireless efforts of Mr. Waldheim to curb the major international crises of our time and assist in bringing about a settlement of them have won for him the admiration and respect of all. 69.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Permit me first of all, Sir, to extend to you the warmest congratulations on behalf of the Greek delegation on your unanimous election to the presidency of the General Assembly. This important post could not have been entrusted to a more experienced diplomat, a diplomat more committed to the ideals of the Charter and more aware of the serious responsibilities entailed in this task. Furthermore, you represent a country which is linked with mine by ties of close friendship and a longstanding common cultural heritage, and which belongs to the great European family, to which Greece will shortly be admitted. 67. We should also like to congratulate the outgoing President, Mr.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)