YouSaid · the spoken record

PAPOULIAS

lines on the record: 263
first: 1985-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-general-debate

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“The European Community has also developed, during the last few years, constructive relations with a number of Asian and Latin American countries. The wide-ranging co-operation agreement with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in particular registers very active progress. Since the Community is itself the reflection of a strategy of regional integration, it is only natural that it encourages and supports similar efforts of other countries in a way compatible with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). For that reason, it has also signed co-operation agreements with the Andean Pact and the Central American countries.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Agreements are also currently being negotiated with other COMECON member States and contacts are being maintained in order to define future relations with the remaining countries of the group. This is a clear indication of our desire to make substantive progress, where economic and political conditions allow, as opposed to the past when links between the Community and its Eastern European neighbours were either limited or non-existent. The European Community has, moreover, wide-ranging bilateral agreements with individual Mediterranean countries. The purpose of these agreements is to guarantee continued favourable access of those countries' exports to the Community market, provide financial assistance to agricultural and industrial development, and promote large-scale co-operation.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“On 25 June the European Community and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON), signed a joint declaration establishing official relations between them. Such relations are being established between the European Community and most of the member States of COMECON. These are very important steps and will, it is hoped, lead to the further development of East-West relations in general and economic relations in particular. These relations with our European neighbours should pave the way for the rapid development of intra-European co-operation and its extension to all sectors of common interest which are of mutual advantage. In this context, I should like to emphasize the importance of the European Community-Hungary Trade and Co-operation Agreement, which was signed yesterday.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this context, it is in the first place important to safeguard what has already been achieved in the earlier Convention, and in particular the priority given to agricultural development and security of supplies. At the same time it is necessary to adapt, in agreement with our ACP partners, the next convention in order to be able to respond more effectively to the current situation in those countries. The Community is intent on widening the range of its support for ACP-partner countries pursuing structural adjustment and confronted with grave macro-economic difficulties. The European Community has constantly supported the normalization, improvement and development of East-West relations at all levels and in all sectors.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“On the basis of the progress that is seen to have been achieved, guidelines will be established for the next phase, so that the entire effort will be in line with the principle of globality, that is, balanced results for all participants at the end of the negotiations. The Assembly will also be well aware of the close relations between the Community and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group (ACP) which, within the framework of the Third Lomé Convention, are in many respects a model of relations between industrialized and developing countries. Already, with a view to the renewal of this Convention, those concerned are giving intensive consideration to the problem involved in an effort to further improve and promote co-operation.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Clearly, these adaptations are helpful in the context of ongoing negotiations within the framework of the GATT Uruguay Round. As we indicated in our proposals, both short and long-term actions are needed to reduce support. All producing countries should contribute to this end with a view to the restoration of balance in the international markets. In December, at the ministerial meeting in Montreal, there will be a review of the results of two years of negotiations in all sectors. The Community is looking forward to the meeting in the hope of a fresh political impetus that will help to further advance all aspects of the negotiations.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It is not, moreover, a matter of chance that despite its sensitive nature and the problems encountered in international trade, for which all countries bear some responsibility, the agricultural sector in general, which is of particular interest to the developing countries, has been included among the items under negotiation. Having recognized this need, the Community has, for its part, since 1984, taken far-sighted measures with the aim of fundamentally restructuring its agriculture. In February 1988, we agreed upon a series of measures for a range of products which provide for automatic reductions of guaranteed support prices where production thresholds are exceeded, ensure that producers will bear a proportion of the costs of disposing of increased outputs, and facilitate the withdrawal of land from production.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We are convinced that greater liberalization of international trade, which is envisaged in the new Round, will bring major benefits for all the countries taking an active part in the negotiations, and in particular the developing countries, which the Community is certainly not going to ask to take on obligations that are incompatible with their level of development. Indeed, the Community has accepted, in accordance with the commitments in the Punta del Este Declaration, that special attention should be given to the fullest liberalization of trade in tropical products which are of particular interest to developing countries, and has submitted concrete proposals in Geneva.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“With a view to the further improvement and expansion of international economic relations, the Community supports the development of a more open, viable and durable multilateral system of trade within the framework of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) through the negotiations under the Uruguay Round. It is imperative that in order to preserve a favourable negotiating climate, participants in the Uruguay Round should implement the commitments to standstill and rollback undertaken at Punta del Este.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“For all countries as a whole, another important development, one that calls for even greater attention than it commands today, is the depletion of natural resources, along with the degradation of the environment, to the detriment of future generations. It is becoming increasingly clear that progress depends not only on growth rates but also on the duality of such growth. The concept of sustainable development must - as was done by the participants of the Toronto economic summit - become endorsed by all countries. The Community is prepared to contribute to international environmental co-operation as mentioned at Toronto. We urge that similar resolve be demonstrated in all regions and organizations. We wholly support the action set in motion within the United Nations to promote sustainable development.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“However, there are new signs of an increase in the prices for some commodities. There is a clear need to seek ways and means of bringing about a diversification of commodity-based economies and an approach to trade in commodities that takes into account market conditions. In this context, the Community and its member States operate a system of stabilization of export earnings. The Community and its member States are ready to play a constructive role in the proceedings of the Governing Council of the Common Fund for Commodities and expect other countries to do their part to enable the Fund, when it is brought into operation, to function with maximum efficiency consistent with the altered economic environment of the late 1980s.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The Community has always shown a special interest in the problems of h-Saharan Africa. I think that the mid-term review of the United Nations programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990 at the present session will give us the chance to evaluate together the results achieved and the progress made in this sector. But more needs to be done. Additional financial resources are needed to give that continent a chance to develop - a view that is supported in the report on financing African development. It is a fact that the majority of developing countries derive a large proportion of their revenue from the export of raw materials and first-stage processed products. They have therefore been adversely affected by the generally low level of commodity prices during the last few years.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In December 1987 the Council of Ministers adopted a Community programme to fund certain highly indebted low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Under that programme, 500 million ECUs were made available, of which 300 million ECUs were additional to existing commitments under the Lomé Convention. This facility was -rapidly put into effect. It is intended that these resources be fully disbursed by 99υ. This initiative is tied in with the relevant measures being taken by the World Bank to help the indebted countries in Africa, measures with which most of the member States are also closely associated. The Community believes in the effective and efficient functioning of the economic and social sectors in the United Nations system. We stress our readiness explore with other parties any initiatives aimed at improving their operation.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Major initiatives have been taken since the last session of the General Assembly to strengthen and update the implementation of the debt strategy. In particular, the financial resources of the IMF, notably through the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility, the World Bank and the African Development Fund have been extended significantly. Following the conclusions of the recent Toronto economic summit, the poorest indebted developing countries should continue to benefit on a case-by-case basis from debt-service relief through the Paris Club. The Twelve are participating actively in the co-financing of internationally approved programmes. Moreover, the Community has also taken action on its own part.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“They have taken, and will continue to take, specific actions to achieve balanced, non-inflationary growth and a strong, liberal, multilateral trading system. No effort is spared to assist developing countries in dealing with such obstacles to rapid, sustainable growth as debt problems, excessive economic dependence on raw materials, trade protectionism and structural bottlenecks, and in protecting their environment. The European Community and its member States believe that the evolving debt management strategy, which is based on a co-operative approach by all the parties concerned, remains the only viable response to the developing countries' debt problems. They continue actively to support attempts in all competent forums to find suitable growth-oriented solutions to the debt problems.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The burden of debt servicing is compromising prospects for growth and political stability, particularly in African and South American countries, and in the case of some countries it is a constant threat to the international financial system. Economic maladjustments, aggravated by adverse external developments, have affected the growth performance of these countries negatively and undermined confidence in their economic prospects. As a result there continues to be cause for concern. It is essential, therefore, to strengthen international co-operation and increase individual and collective efforts in a number of areas. The European Community and its member States are fully aware of their weight in the world economy and their responsibilities with regard to future economic growth and development and the international trading system.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“On the other hand, unemployment, which affects 11 per cent of the active population, is a grave economic and social problem for the Community of 12 and afflicts 16 million Europeans, particularly young people and women. The developing countries, for their part, are expected to show an average growth rate of some 4 per cent, but that figure conceals considerable differences between the various regional groupings. While economic growth remains strong in certain Asian countries, many other developing States, for example in sub-Saharan Africa, continue to experience low economic growth and falling standards of living. Above all there is the problem of the external debt of many developing countries, a problem which concerns the whole international community.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Moreover, the level of unemployment in many industrialized countries is high and the state of the international financial markets remains unsettled To turn to more specific matters, the economic situation of the European Community in 1988 has been characterized, so far, as in 1987, by a growth performance of 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent. Average inflation is scarcely a quarter of what it was in 1980, despite certain deviations. However, vigilance is needed to prevent its re-acceleration. There has been an increase in productive investment in industry and services. Trade, both within the Community and with the rest of the world, forms the corner-stone of internal recovery.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Moreover, it is encouraging to note that the stock market crisis in October 1987 did not unduly upset the growing climate of confidence in the economies of the industrialized countries. For this year the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts a further increase in the growth rate to almost 4 per cent. Whether this growth performance is sustained will depend, inter alia, on how the international community deals with problems such as renewed inflationary pressures rising interest rates and continued large external imbalances.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We expect that other Member States will not lack the political will to engage in fruitful consultations with a view to reaching a substantive reform that would undoubtedly enhance the ability of our Organization to deal effectively with the current economic and social problems. The improvement in the political climate coincides with encouraging developments in the general economic situation. The European Community, through the achievement, by 1992, of an economic space without internal frontiers, is determined to make its full contribution to enhancing world-wide economic growth for the benefit of all. The upturn in economic activity in the industrialized countries in 1987 was greater than expected.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In this respect we cannot fail to note with regret that the Special Commission undertaking the in-depth study of the United Nations intergovernmental structure and functions in the economic and social fields has not been able, so far, to achieve concrete results. Concerted action during the summer session of the Economic and Social Council led to a consensus resolution concerning the rationalization of the work of the Council. However, no considerable progress was made on other issues. Our commitment to reforms remains strong, and we consider the reform of the Economic and Social Council to be another significant part of this exercise.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Two years ago all States Members of the United Nations undertook the difficult but essential task of improving the Organization and making it more efficient and effective in dealing with the complex problems of contemporary reality. At this point I would like to reiterate the full support of the Twelve for the Secretary-General, who has demonstrated his determination to follow up seriously the reform process initiated by General Assembly resolution 41/213. The Twelve believe that the Secretary-General, in implementing the part of the reform that was entrusted to him, has performed his duties with flexibility and political judgement. The matter is now at the hands of Member States, which must show the same kind of political perspicacity and determination.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It is, therefore, extremely important that the role of the United Nations and its institution· in this field, especially the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse Control, be strengthened and increased. Recent weeks have seen a succession of natural disasters that have taken a heavy toll and caused much suffering. The European Community and its member States wish to express their sympathy and support for the Governments and peoples of all the affected countries, and their willingness to continue to provide, to the best of their ability, humanitarian assistance as well as, where appropriate, longer-term support for economic recovery. Allow me now to turn to another very important issue.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We reiterate our appeal to all the countries which have not yet signed the international conventions on this matter to examine the possibility of acceding to these important instruments. The Twelve, considering that drug abuse and trafficking have become a terrible scourge for the whole of mankind, make an appeal for wider and strengthened international co-operation in this field. In this spirit, they call for a successful outcome of the plenipotentiary conference in November-December in Vienna, with a view to the adoption of the United Nations convention, against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs. Moreover, specific initiatives are needed in the area of supply reduction, demand reduction and the rehabilitation of drug addicts.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We reaffirm the principles adopted by the Council of Europe in 1986 - in particular, the principle that there should be no concessions under duress to terrorists or their sponsors. We have never left any doubt about collective determination to fight terrorism by all means. Unfortunately, terrorism has continued to take innocent lives and to bring bloodshed to our countries. We are determined to continue our efforts and to strengthen international co-operation to fight this scourge of our age, for terrorist attacks can never be justified and do not serve whatever political cause the perpetrators claim to be assisting. In this context, we support the initiatives undertaken in multilateral organizations, both to strengthen international protection of civil aviation and to enhance maritime security.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“As to the division of the Korean Peninsula and the continuing tension there, we welcome efforts to resume the suspended direct dialogue between North and South as the only way to reach a solution by peaceful means. As in the past, we express again our hope that, on the basis of the principle of universality, the people of Korea may soon gain full membership of this Organization. It is encouraging to note the progress made towards democratic reforms in the Republic of Korea. Turning now to the Olympic Games in Seoul, we express our appreciation that they are taking place in an atmosphere consistent with the classical ideal that gave birth to them. The Twelve have repeatedly and firmly condemned terrorism in all its forms.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In co-operation with the countries in the region and with international organizations, we have been trying to alleviate the suffering of these people and to help them. We believe that Viet Nam must assume urgently its responsibilities according to international law and internationally accepted practice. The Twelve express their deep concern at the renewed violence and loss of life in Burma. They are firmly convinced that the Burmese people's clear desire to enjoy the benefits of peace, prosperity, the full protection of human rights and a multi-party democracy should be met. As we recently declared, we are ready to assist, to the best of our ability, a fully representative democratic Government in Burma to secure the social and economic recovery of the country.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We stress the essential role that Prince Norodom Sihanouk can play in a new Cambodia that must be free from any prospect of return to the universally condemned policies and practices of the recent past. The Twelve renew their appeal to Viet Nam to withdraw all its troops from Cambodia. We call upon all concerned to pursue their efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive solution in accordance with repeated United Nations resolutions. There is no doubt that the full withdrawal of the Vietnamese troops and the re-establishment of a genuine peace in Cambodia would open the way to international co-operation for the reconstruction of the region. Furthermore, the dramatic increase in the number of boat people from Viet Nam is a source of serious concern for the Twelve.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“A return to peace and stability in South-East Asia is still contingent upon a solution being found to the problem of Cambodia. This conflict is the result of a foreign military occupation in violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations and international law and must be brought to an end. In this connection, the Jakarta informal meeting was an encouraging step towards a political solution of the conflict resulting in an independent, democratic, neutral and non-aligned Cambodia. We express our firm support for the constructive efforts made by the Association of South-East Asian Nations for the promotion of a political solution to the Cambodian problem that would ease tension in the region and enable the Cambodian people freely to decide their own future.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Also in this forum I wish to reiterate the readiness of the European Community and its member states to contribute, when the time comes, to the resettlement of refugees and displaced persons as well as to the reconstruction of the country in accordance with the priorities laid down by the United Nations Co-ordinator for Humanitarian and Economic Assistance to Afghanistan. Concerning the Question of East Timor, the Twelve reiterate their support for the contacts between Portugal and Indonesia under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. They express the hope that it will soon be possible to achieve progress, thus paving the way to a just, comprehensive and internationally accepted settlement of the Question, with full respect for the · interests of the people of East Timor.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The Twelve welcomed the signing of the Geneva agreements on Afghanistan, which constitute an important step towards the settlement of the crisis. They now call on all parties involved to spare no effort in pursuing the peace process. An overall political settlement of the Afghan problem involves the withdrawal of all Soviet troops in accordance with the agreed timetable, the unimpeded return of refugees in safety and honour, the establishment of a fully representative government through a genuine act of self-determination, and the re-establishment of a genuinely independent and non-aligned Afghanistan. It is essential that the resistance be fully involved in this process.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We have followed with particular interest the efforts initiated last November in Acapulco by the Heads of State of eight Latin America, countries to establish a permanent mechanism for consultation and concerted political action. We welcome this initiative, which has opened up new paths for regional concentration and we intend to pursue our dialogue with these countries aimed at promoting peace, development, democracy and stability in Latin America. The Twelve are encouraged by the progress made in the process of democratization throughout Latin America. We appeal to the Governments of those few countries that have not yet seen the re-establishment of full pluralistic democracy to engage in a process of genuine democratization that will enable their peoples to express themselves freely and to build a future worthy of them.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“There will be no peace and democracy unless the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and the right of all nations to choose their economic, political and social models freely and without external interference of any kind are respected. We urge the Central American countries to make every effort to give new impetus to the peace process. For their part, the European Community and its member States wish to reaffirm, once again, that they are committed to contributing, to the best of their ability, to the process set up in Esquipulas, including the creation and the functioning of the Central American Parliament, and to the economic and social development of the region. We call on other countries to do likewise.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Although progress has been achieved in some fields, the Twelve note that the principal conditions for a stable and lasting peace in Central America have not yet been met. Our view concerning the solution of the region's problems is based on the principle that responsibility for peace and democracy rests with each country individually and with all of them collectively. The arrangements provided for in the Esquipulas II Agreement represent an indivisible entity and should be implemented as a whole. I must stress once again that there will be no authentic democratic process without pluralism, involving respect for human rights and promotion of social justice.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Nearly 14 months ago the international community warmly welcomed the historic decision by the five Presidents in Central America to sign the Esquipulas II Agreement in order to bring about stable and lasting peace in their region, a process to which the European Community and its member States have given their unremitting support. We have on several occasions appealed to all the parties directly or indirectly involved to give effect to the agreement in letter and spirit by fully implementing all the commitments they have assumed and to contribute towards the region's efforts for peace, democracy, economic development and social justice. Today we wish to express our concern that the momentum of the peace process should be maintained.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“However, the serious tensions in both Ethiopia and Somalia, which have caused loss of life and an exodus of civilian population as well as economic and material damage, continue to be a cause of great concern.. The conflict in northern Ethiopia still endangers the distribution of food to millions of people threatened by famine and starvation. The Twelve appeal to all concerned to make serious efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the region. The Twelve express their deep concern about the dramatic events in Burundi and the resulting flood of refugees at the Rwanda's border. They hope that the situation will soon be normalized and that a satisfactory and lasting solution will be worked out in order to prevent further outbursts of violence in Burundi.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In our view, there can be no dialogue as long as the state of emergency j still in force and the African National Congress, the Pan-Africanist Congress and other political parties are banned and while Nelson Mandela, now seriously ill, and other political prisoners are not released. In pursuit of their stated objectives, the Twelve follow a policy of persuasion and pressure. Apart from declarations and pressing demands to the South African Government, the European Community and its member States have adopted a number of restrictive measures as well as positive programmes of assistance to the victims of apartheid. As regards the Horn of Africa, the Twelve have noted with satisfaction that normal relations have been established between Ethiopia and Somalia, which represents a step towards achieving lasting peace in the region.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“All those developments point to the fact that Pretoria is still unwilling to commit itself to real and significant change, and we fear that that will worsen even further the relations between the Twelve and South Africa. The Twelve once more stress that apartheid must he totally abolished by peaceful means and the vicious circle of repression and violence that it provokes must be replaced by a constructive national dialogue. Only negotiations involving the genuine representatives of the black community and all other components of the South African population can bring about a future of peace and prosperity in a free, democratic and United South Africa with no racial discrimination.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Furthermore, the Twelve reaffirm their willingness to contribute to the implementation of the Oslo Declaration and Plan on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa. Yet the abhorrent system of apartheid remains entrenched in South Africa. This year has again been marked by serious and disturbing developments, like the adoption in February of new restrictive measures against a number of organizations peacefully opposing apartheid and several of their leaders, the arrests of church and trade-union leaders, the detention without charge of men, women and even young children and the maltreatment and torture inflicted on a number of detainees, the uncertain fate of the Sharpeville Six, and the bill threatening to deprive peaceful anti-apartheid organizations of external funding.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“They express the hope that the dialogue that has been initiated will ease the existing tensions and pave the way for peace, security, stability and social, and economic development, based on respect for human rights in the entire region. In this connection, they welcome the prospect of a bilateral agreement between Angola and Cuba which will include a timetable acceptable to all patties for the phased and total withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola. The Twelve reiterate their strong support for the efforts of the front-line States and other countries of the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC) to achieve security and economic stability.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In southern Africa there have been some encouraging signs of progress after years of South African aggression and destabilizing acts against neighbouring States, The Twelve have, both individually and collectively, declared their support for the efforts currently under way aimed at securing peace for Angola and independence for Namibia on the basis of Security Council resolution 435 (1978), They have also welcomed, as recently as 26 August in their statement on the occasion of Namibia Day, the encouraging agreements reached in the quadripartite talks for the implementation of that resolution. The Twelve are looking forward to the rapid and successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations, leading to Namibia's independence.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The success of his endeavours enhances the prestige of the United Nations and paves the way for the Organization to play an increasing role in the maintenance of international peace and security. The Twelve note with satisfaction the improvement in relations among the countries of the Maghreb. That development creates new prospects for co-operation between the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea and for regional stability. We also welcome the positive reactions by the parties concerned to the peace plan on Western Sahara which has been put forward by the Secretary-General and endorsed by the Security Council and which is aimed at the holding of a referendum on self-determination under the auspices of the United Nations. We believe that all parties will demonstrate their willingness to restore a just and lasting peace to the region.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We have welcomed the announcement of a cease-fire and the decision of the Governments of Iraq and Iran to accept that cease-fire, to be followed by direct talks under the auspices of the Secretary-General, The Twelve remain determined to support the efforts of the Secretary-General, and they call upon both parties to co-operate intensively with him in order to achieve a comprehensive, just, honourable and durable settlement of the conflict, in full compliance with Security Council resolution 598 (1987), so that peace and security may be restored to the region. In this connection, the Twelve pay a tribute to the Secretary-General for his untiring efforts and dedication.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We emphasize our support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and appeal to all parties to ensure that that Force is allowed to fulfil its mandate without hindrance. The Twelve have been following with great satisfaction recent developments in the Iran-Iraq conflict.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“At this particular moment it seems especially important for all parties concerned to show political responsibility in order to permit the peace process to move forward. For our part, we remain ready to play our role fully in that effort. In Lebanon also, after 13 years of war and suffering, it is vital that a political solution be found. The proper functioning and strengthening of Lebanon's constitutional bodies is a pre-condition for such a solution. We regret that the mandate of President Geroayel expired without a new President being elected. We strongly appeal to all parties to favour the election, in all freedom and without external pressures, of a President capable of carrying out the task of national reconciliation and safeguarding unity, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty in Lebanon.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“For the implementation of this policy, we have on several occasions reaffirmed our support for the International Peace Conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, as the suitable framework for the indispensable negotiations between the parties directly concerned. After so much suffering, so much tragic loss of human life, the time has come to break the vicious circle of repression and hatred. There can be no real security, nor any real peace, for any of the peoples in the region without a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement. All parties concerned should recognize each other's rights. We therefore address from this rostrum an urgent appeal to all the parties concerned to make the necessary efforts to achieve that aim.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We urgently renew our call on Israel, pending its withdrawal, to fulfil scrupulously its obligations as an occupying Power in accordance with the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949. The Twelve's views on the key elements which must make up a solution to that conflict are well known. In accordance with the Venice Declaration and other, subsequent declarations, two principles are fundamental: the right of all States in the area, including Israel, to exist within secure, recognized and guaranteed borders and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, with all that that implies. These principles continue to be the basis of the policy of the Twelve.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The Twelve call upon all States Members of this Organization, and especially the two super-Powers, to render their full support to these operations. It is only with this support that the encouraging developments we have recently witnessed will lead to positive results. The European Community and its member States have important ties with the countries and peoples of the Middle East, and they cannot be passive about or indifferent to the serious problems affecting a region which is so close to them. Today the conflicts in that region continue. The Arab-Israeli conflict remains an issue of deep concern to all of us. The status quo in the occupied territories is not sustainable. The situation in those territories remains tense. We have repeatedly deplored the Israeli repressive measures, which make a peaceful settlement harder to find.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Member States of the European Community have contributed Blue Helmets in the past and some of us are doing so right now. In view of the considerable peace-keeping tasks which may lie ahead, the Twelve will continue to attach great importance to the matter and are giving active consideration to its various aspects. They also wish to assure the Secretary-General that he can count on their full support. We emphasize our view that the costs related to peace-keeping operations based on decisions of the Security Council, in accordance with the Charter, are to be regarded as mandatory expenses, unless it is decided otherwise by the Security Council, to be borne by all Members of the United Nations, having been carefully examined in the appropriate way. We should be prepared to pay the price of peace.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We also express our satisfaction with the successful efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General to bring about a resumption of the intercommunal dialogue in the search for a settlement in Cyprus, based on the above principles, and we call upon the parties concerned to co-operate fully towards the achievement of that objective. The improvement in the international climate should render the task of finding just solutions to the regional crises, which continue to affect our age, more promising. The Twelve firmly believe that an important element for the implementation of arrangements or agreements to settle these conflicts will be the present and future United Nations peace-keeping operations. Some of the peace settlements we fervently hope to see materialize in a not too distant future will require peace-keeping and observer forces.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)