YouSaid · the spoken record

Castillo-Valdes

lines on the record: 122
first: 1972-09-24
most recent: 1980-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The establishment of a new world order is the responsibility of all countries, great and small, developed and developing. This objective can be attained if all nations are ready to sacrifice a small part of their interests for the benefit of mankind. 347. Guatemala will always associate itself with all efforts to achieve peace, social justice, freedom, democracy, support for and observance of human rights, friendship among peoples and the prosperity and development of nations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Also, on 7 and 8 July 1980, a meeting of technical officials from Guatemala and the United Kingdom was held here in New York. 342. At all these meetings we viewed the dispute from different angles, determined to find a solution to it. We shall continue our future discussions along these lines. The next meeting is to be held in New York. 343. Obviously, the problem is complicated, but we feel that if the parties concerned show goodwill a just settlement to this territorial dispute will be found. 344. I wish to extend my best wishes to the President for the success of this session of the Assembly under his experienced guidance, and I reaffirm the faith of my country in the United Nations. 345. This world body has played an important role in the maintenance of international peace, security and understanding. 346.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“They are sure they can reach a solution that will be honourable and just to all the parties concerned. 338. Guatemala has come to the negotiating table with the sincere desire to accept conciliatory formulas for the equitable settlement of the dispute, taking into account the legitimate rights of Guatemala over the territory of Belize and the vital interests of the inhabitants of that territory. 339. Within this round of negotiations, there was a meeting on 19 and 20 May 1980 in Bermuda between the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala and the United Kingdom. Officials from Belize also attended. 340. I visited London at the end of June and the United Kingdom Minister of State for Commonwealth Foreign Affairs was in Guatemala in the early part of August. 341.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Guatemala rejects in this case the intervention of the United Nations and restates its position that it will not consider itself bound by the resolutions which have been adopted or which may be adopted on this question. 336. Similarly, it repudiates the interference of Governments which have absolutely nothing to do with this dispute but which arrogate to themselves the right to dispose of the territory of another nation. This is contrary to the principles of non-interference in the internal or external affairs of other nations and to the respect which States must show to each other, as laid down in the Charter of our Organization. 337. More than two years ago Guatemala and the United Kingdom began a new series of direct negotiations, in which they have made some progress.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The dispute over Belize is subject to a process of direct negotiation among the parties involved: Guatemala, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the representatives of Belize. 334. In other words, the dispute is governed by one of the procedures set forth in the Charter of the United Nations for the peaceful settlement of such disputes. Hence, the United Nations must not intervene or take a stand on this question. If it does so, instead of helping to solve the problem, its intervention will constitute interference in bilateral negotiations. It would be seeking a political solution to what is a territorial dispute in which very special elements are involved. 335.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“It solemnly declares, once again, that Guatemala cannot accept, recognize or permit the unilateral granting of independence to Belize by the colonial Power which usurped the territory. That would involve the dismemberment of our native land, a matter on which we cannot compromise because it affects the integrity of our territory, which we are pledged to defend at all costs. 332. In that respect, it is pertinent to quote paragraph 6 of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), which states: "Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations." 333.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Our foreign policy is carried out with the aim of helping to establish an international community in which the rights of peoples to determine freely their own destiny are recognized and international peace and security are not mere aspirations but effective realities. 328. My delegation wishes now to refer to the longstanding dispute between Guatemala and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the territory of Belize. 329. Guatemala reaffirms in this world forum that Belize is an integral part of our national territory. 330. It also reiterates that the rights of Guatemala over the territory of Belize are unquestionable. They are founded on solid historical, geographical, legal, political and moral arguments, of which the international community is well aware. 331.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We are convinced that the United Nations has been and still is the most important instrument yet devised by the family of nations for the maintenance of peace and security in the world and for the promotion of the principles of freedom, justice and human dignity. 326. We support the appeal which has been made for strengthening the United Nations so that it can play a more effective role in tackling the serious political, economic and social problems we are facing. 327. To sum up, the international policy of Guatemala is sovereign, democratic, realistic, responsible, honest and dignified. We seek friendship and co-operation with all nations, we have faith in international organizations and we respect all countries.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“At the Latin American level, Guatemala maintains cordial relations of diplomacy, friendship and co-operation with all nations. We extend our support to all just causes and we are doing our utmost to strengthen our region to enable it to participate in decision-making on the grave problems confronting the world and so that the importance of the Latin American continent may be recognized within the international community. 323. At the world level, our policy is to understand the problems besetting the human race and to search for solutions to them. 324. As a founding Member of the United Nations, Guatemala has continued to make its political and juridical contribution to the United Nations, with the aim of promoting the achievement of the purposes and principles set forth in the Charter. 325.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In pursuit of that noble aim of our peoples, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Central American nations met at San Jose, Costa Rica, in March this year to work out effective machinery to give it practical effect. At that meeting we adopted, on 15 March, a very important document entitled the Declaration of San Jose. It sets forth the basic points for implementing a series of measures designed to increase the fraternal links between the countries of the region on the basis of mutual respect, and to advance the process of integration of the Central American countries. Regular meetings of the Central American Ministers will continue in order to evaluate the progress made and to take the action necessary to secure the goal we have described. 322.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The foreign policy of Guatemala is based on principles enshrined in international law, such as non-intervention in the internal or external affairs of other States, the territorial integrity of nations, ideological pluralism, the sovereignty of countries, the peaceful settlement of disputes between States, good faith in the fulfilment of international undertakings and the development of international cooperation and solidarity. 320. With regard to the Central American countries, Guatemala is following a policy of fraternal association with their peoples and respect for their Governments. It is a sincere believer in Central American integration at all levels, aimed at the early reconstruction of the Central American fatherland. 321.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The groups abroad who are fostering a climate of violence in Guatemala are completely out of touch with our social situation, traditions, special qualities, the spirit of unity of our people, the political history of the country and the values inherent in our Guatemalan nationhood. It is precisely because of that ignorance that they are making false allegations against the Guatemalan people. 318. In the international field Guatemala is following a policy which is fully in accord with its national policy. Thus we support the decisions adopted by the world community which are designed to uphold certain fundamental values: peace, freedom, justice and social progress, democracy, the promotion and observance of human rights and respect for the dignity of nations. 319.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“They came from all parts of the nation and belonged to ail social sectors: peasants, workers, students, professionals, private and State employees, businessmen, industrialists, farmers and so on. They condemned the extremist factions which spread subversion, terrorism and death. That massive demonstration showed the fervent desire for peace that lies in all Guatemalan hearts. 315. We Guatemalans hope that peace will once again reign in our country and we are doing our utmost to secure that noble objective. 316. We are convinced that, with God's help, we shall achieve in Guatemala the peace so fervently desired by the whole people. 317.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“That apotheosis met with the spontaneous approval of the Guatemalan people and the date of the beatification, 22 June, was declared Peace Day in Guatemala. 311. Also, upon popular request, it was decided to construct a peace plaza as a symbol of the overwhelming aspiration of the people for peace. 312. In addition, we were visited this year by Mother Teresa, winner of the Nobel peace prize and a missionary who has dedicated her life to the cause of the poor. 313. The people of Guatemala have made public their profound desire for peace in the country and there have been many spontaneous demonstrations in favour of peace throughout the country. 314. On 7 September last, in the capital, there was a huge demonstration in favour of peace in Guatemala. More than 500,000 persons participated, prompted by their own convictions and desires.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The Guatemalan people rejects the activities of these factions. There is a fervent desire for peace among the population who is profoundly concerned at the climate of violence now existing in Central America. 309. Thus, farmers, workers, organizations, associations, groups, political parties, universities, professional schools, trade unions, and in general all the sectors which make up our population have made public appeals to the warring factions and have called upon them to cease their activities and to understand that dialogue is the best way of settling differences—a view which the Government of the Republic fully supports. 310. This year saw the beatification of that venerable servant of God, Pedro de San Jose de Betancur, the first Guatemalan saint.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Despite the fact that Guatemala enjoys all possible freedoms, some groups, inspired by political and economic doctrines alien to the people of Guatemala, instead of channelling their aspirations through civic participation in the political parties, have chosen the path of violence as a means of usurping power and enslaving our people. 306. This tortuous campaign, which is instigated, supported and financed from abroad, has given rise to the formation of clandestine groups which compete with each other in acts of terrorism and murder, spilling the blood of Guatemalans and bringing mourning and sorrow to Guatemalan homes. 307. These subversive factions, by public statements and announcements sent to the news media, have arrogated to themselves the right to commit acts of violence. 308.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“They have not succeeded in this aim because they have encountered the rock-like unity of the Guatemalan people, which rejects any kind of interference in its domestic affairs. 303. Precisely for that reason, in the face of the campaign directed against the people of Guatemala by foreign sectarian organizations, we have extended an invitation—already accepted—to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States to visit Guatemala in order to observe our full enjoyment of human rights. 304. In the same spirit, on behalf of the people and Government of Guatemala, I invite citizens of all countries of the world to visit Guatemala and see how things really are in our country. 305.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We Guatemalans seek through our political system to be genuine and authentic persons, we try to find our own path and to live in peace, with dignity, in a free society, engaging in fruitful and productive work and enjoying to the full the aptitudes and qualities of citizenship and all the advantages of material, moral, civic, intellectual and spiritual development. 301. In this way Guatemalans enjoy, exercise and observe all human rights in the broadest possible sense and the State guarantees the exercise of such rights. 302. Our Government feels it is important to refer to the campaign which certain groups and individuals abroad have been waging against Guatemala in an attempt to undermine its international prestige.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“There are now four ex-Presidents living in Guatemala, together with all the persons who have held high office in former administrations. 299. In Guatemala there is not a single political prisoner and no citizen has been exiled. The right of asylum is respected and the few persons who have sought asylum in the diplomatic missions accredited to Guatemala have been granted safe conduct out of the country, in accordance with our domestic legislation and the international conventions to which Guatemala is a party. 300.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“A number of them are opposed to the present Government. 296. We Guatemalans have experienced all kinds of political systems: a colonial regime, a federation, liberal, conservative, revolutionary, leftist, dictatorial and de facto governments, presidents for life Juntas and triumvirates; but we have found our right institutional path through suffrage. Thus, so far, we have elected four successive governments by popular vote, the first time we have achieved this in our history. 297. Democracy is a living reality in Guatemala where the universities, the central bank, the social security system and the municipalities are autonomous. There are other bodies which enjoy decentralized or semi-autonomous status for the better fulfilment of their objectives. 298.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“When penal law favours the accused, it may be applied retroactively. The penalties of life imprisonment, solitary confinement, exile or loss of nationality do not exist in Guatemala. 293. With regard to public liberties, since Guatemala is a free, sovereign and independent nation, it has chosen a republican system of government and it is a parliamentary democracy. The exercise of sovereignty is delegated to the legislative, executive and judicial branches, which are all equal. 294. In Guatemala the President may not be elected; nor may. congressmen, mayors and other numbers of municipal corporations be re-elected before a certain time has elapsed. 295. In Guatemala there is complete political freedom. At the moment there are eight legally registered political parties with different ideologies and tendencies.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“With regard to civil legislation, which in a number of aspects falls within the purview of human rights, Guatemala has very advanced provisions, such as those ensuring non-discrimination against children on grounds of birth, the investigation of paternity, the freedom to dispose of property, equal status, with certain requirements, of de facto and civil marriage, so as to guarantee the unity of the family and the rights of the children. There is divorce by mutual consent and divorce on specific grounds. The rights of minors are specially protected and there are special family courts. 292. Penal legislation is designed basically to rehabilitate the delinquent. There are provisions for the remission of penalties through work and the training of prisoners is encouraged so that, on regaining their freedom, they can be useful to society.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“There are institutions for controlling the conduct of public officials such as parliamentary questioning, the use of amparo (right to legal counsel) and habeas corpus, the law of responsibilities and the law of probity. Congressmen enjoy parliamentary immunity. There is complete freedom of the press, which enjoys special protection. 290. With regard to social human rights, there is freedom to form trade unions for purposes of economic protection and social betterment. There is a system of social security. The right to strike is recognized. Labour legislation is based on principles of social justice with safeguards for the workers. The enjoyment of all kinds of labour benefits is guaranteed, and there is a special labour jurisdiction. 291.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“There is complete freedom of movement, of individual or collective petition to the authorities, of peaceful meetings and of association for the different purposes of life. There is freedom of thought without censorship and it is not an offence of slander or insult to denounce, criticize or censure public officials for purely official acts performed during their public duties. There is complete freedom of religion. There is freedom of industry, trade and work. There is freedom of access to the courts to bring proceedings in accordance with the law. The documents of the Administration are public. Suffrage is universal, direct and secret.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Any act preventing or impeding a Guatemalan from exercising his rights or fulfilling his duties as a citizen is punishable. No one may be detained or imprisoned except for an offence and by virtue of an order issued in accordance with the law by a competent judicial authority. In criminal proceedings no one may be obliged to give evidence against himself or his relatives. There is no imprisonment for debt. No one may be convicted without being summoned, tried and sentenced in legal proceedings held before competent and pre-established courts, where the essential legal formalities and guarantees are observed. The domicile and correspondence of all individuals are inviolable.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“As regards fundamental human rights such as the right to life, to education, to free and fairly remunerated work, to decent housing, to health, to access to all levels of education and, in general, to a dignified existence, I have already described the progress which the Guatemalan people, by hard work and their own efforts, are making in pursuit of these noble and so human aspirations. 289. As regards individual human rights, in Guatemala all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights. There is no discrimination on grounds of race, sex, religion, birth, economic or social position or political opinions. Everyone has the right to do what the law does not prohibit. No one can be persecuted or harmed because of his opinion or acts that do not involve an infringement of the law.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“With renewed determination and genuine cooperation, all of us, both developed and developing countries, must respond with courage and determination to this difficult and important challenge. 287. Guatemala is a country which respects and guarantees universally recognized human rights. Such rights, as far as Guatemala is concerned, have been elevated to the category of constitutional precepts since the promulgation of our Constitution on 11 December 1879. 288.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“This strength should reside not only in their number but also in the awareness that they constitute the majority of nations and the majority of the world's population. It should be emphasized that their aspirations therefore acquire special significance for the future of mankind. 284. Guatemala considers that the implementation of the decisions agreed to for the establishment of a new international order is a collective responsibility which we are required to support with unshakable faith, co-operation and political will. Any delay or postponement will increase tensions, which will run counter to the interests of all peoples. 285. We have the opportunity to establish a new international order in which all nations can maintain harmonious and just relations with one another. 286.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Our situation has become worse as a result of the constant and unreasonable increase in the price of oil and its derivatives, and of world inflation whose effects are more strongly felt in the underdeveloped countries, which are more vulnerable to external phenomena. 281. To this we must add the unfair conditions of international trade. 282. In order to continue with development programmes in Guatemala, as in all developing countries, it is urgent to improve the conditions of trade and credit, to obtain easier access to markets and to secure a higher price for the raw materials and industrial goods of the underdeveloped nations, in order to achieve greater equity in the distribution of profits. 283. The strength of the developing countries must be based on the justice of their cause and on their unity.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The execution of our educational plan is given high priority, since it is aimed at equating education with the needs and aspiration* of Guatemalan society, with the improvement of the quality of education and of the system, so as to serve the whole population. 279. Every encouragement to cultural development is given and the participation of all social sectors in cultural activities is promoted. Guatemalan folklore, one of our people's sources of pride, is thus protected. 280. Guatemala, as a country in the process of development, is like all other developing countries, faced with a number of problems.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The sporting spirit is being fostered among children and young people as a means of creating unity and strengthening feelings of friendship, achievement and solidarity, in accordance with the principle that sports are a patriotic activity. 276. We have begun to harvest the fruits of this policy: young people have discovered that the practice of sports is not only a recreation but a stimulus to their participation in the enhancement of Guatemala's greatness. 277. With reference to hydrocarbons, we are strongly encouraging oil exploration and development. We have already exported modest amounts—a total of 520,000 barrels—of Guatemalan crude oil. 278.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We have promulgated the appropriate legislation necessary to strengthen the cooperative movement and have set up the bodies required for the implementation of a comprehensive policy of aid to the workers. 274. Recently, a substantial increase was decreed in the minimum wage of agricultural workers to allow them to cope with the increase in the cost of living, a phenomenon which affects all nations. 275. For the first time in the history of our nation, sports, which are carried on in a fully autonomous manner, enjoy the financial resources required if sports are to be engaged in for the benefit of the country. The State has promulgated legislation granting all kinds of support and encouragement to sports at all levels.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We must note the progress of work in the northern fringe of the country, which comprises an area of 9,140 square kilometres. This area is being incorporated into the activity of the country and is designated for social transformation, since the land is being handed over to be worked mainly on a communal basis. This will allow the settlement of numerous families in that large area assigned for agricultural development. 272. Moreover, the work of reforestation has been intensified through a series of programmes to protect the ecology of the nation. 273. We are continuing to give strong support to the national co-operative movement, mainly with the aim of improving the living conditions of the small producers, most of whom are in the rural areas.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Building operations have started to provide Guatemala with a modern and functional port on the Pacific Ocean. The construction of hospitals, health centres, schools and recreational establishments is being accelerated, and we have continued to build housing projects mainly for the low-income sectors. 270. We are also carrying out a land reform policy with the aim of providing farmers not only with land they can own but also with farm credit, training and technical assistance to ensure the best use of the land, effective support for agricultural activities, assistance with the industrialization of agricultural products and construction of the infrastructural works necessary to ensure that farmers have all types of facilities for the marketing of their products. 271.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“My delegation would like to convey its condolences to the Byelorussian SSR on the tragic death of Pyotr Masherov, alternate member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of that country, which occurred on 4 October. 268. The Government of the Republic of Guatemala, •under General Fernando Romeo Lucas Garcia, considers that it is important to describe to this world Assembly what the people of Guatemala are doing at all levels to accelerate 269. Large-scale projects of direct benefit to the people are being carried out in Guatemala. For example, a comprehensive road-building plan has been launched to ensure that Guatemala is endowed with a perfect road network. Work is proceeding to equip the country with hydroelectric plants.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We have read with great interest the Secretary- General's annual report on the work of the Organization and we express our appreciation of that important document, which reflects judgements based on his years of experience in his post during which he has always worked with patience, diplomacy and discretion, thus fully deserving our admiration. 266. I also wish to take this opportunity to convey a cordial welcome to the countries which have just joined the Organization. We support their admission in conformity with the principle of universality, an aspiration which, strengthened by the observance of the provisions of the Charter, is aimed at .the maintenance of world peace. 267.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“On behalf of the delegation of Guatemala, I extend to Mr. Rudiger von Wechmar my warm congratulations on his election to the presidency of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. The unanimous confidence which the Assembly has shown in him by electing him to such a high office is fully justified by his participation in the activities of the United Nations and his qualities as a diplomat and international negotiator. 263. I also wish to congratulate his predecessor, Mr. Salim A. Salim, of the United Republic of Tanzania, for having successfully presided over the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. 264. My delegation joins in the tributes paid in this forum to the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, who has done his utmost to tackle the many serious problems confronting the world community. 265.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Destiny has linked us to strengthen a development we can carry out jointly, overcoming any obstacle that might bar our way. However strong the factors that might divide us, our will to achieve mutual understanding will be more powerful and more resolute. 181. I wish to express my Government's hops that the work of the thirty-third regular session of the General Assembly will be crowned with successful results compatible with the aspirations of the peoples of all the world. 182. I believe the United Nations must devote its best efforts to maintaining the new international spirit so as to build a new era of solidarity and co-operation for the benefit of our peoples.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Being in favour of peaceful solutions to settle international disputes in accordance with international law, we have held uninterrupted talks with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland aimed at ending this dispute. 179. In the same spirit, the Government of Guatemala is prepared to continue those negotiations so as to find an equitable, honourable, peaceful and negotiated solution to this dispute without undermining the rights of Guatemala and taking into account the vital interests of the people of Belize. 180. We, the Guatemalans, are able to offer every kind of guarantee and security to the people of Belize, who will always find among us a brotherly willingness to arrive at fruitful and constructive coexistence.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“I should like to ask this Assembly whether there is any Government which, in compliance with the principle of self-determination, is prepared to accept the claim of a tribe, population clusters, ethnic group or minority which, taking refuge in this principle, wants to remove a good part of its territory, as is the case with part of Guatemalan territory which they intend to separate from Guatemala, on the basis of a convenient interpretation of the principle of the self-determination of peoples. 178. Guatemala has fully shown its willingness to have this matter solved by means of negotiations so as to arrive at a just and equitable settlement of its historic territorial claim of more than a century.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In connexion with this matter, it is fitting to recall what the representative of Congo (Leopoldville) said in this Assembly more than 15 years ago: "In obedience to the wave of new ideas, they [the colonialists] intend to 'decolonize' at any cost, as if to ease their consciences. But Africa remains vigilant and refuses to be taken in by the peddlers of good intentions." 176. The Head of State of Ghana at the same Assembly in 1960 said that: "... something has happened... which has justified the constant warning to the African countries to be on their guard against what I call 'clientele-sovereignty', or fake independence, granted by the metropolitan Power, with the concealed intention of making the liberated country a 'client-state' and controlling it effectively by means other than political ones."18 177.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Representatives should also give thought to the designs of the colonialist Power, which apparently incites foolhardy movements to precipitate a declaration of independence in Belize, even though this runs counter to the procedure which this same Power has proclaimed as legal and viable for the attainment of that objective. In this respect I must reiterate that Guatemala clearly, definitely and categorically opposes a sudden or unilaterally granted independence for Belize, as well as any act aimed at transforming the status of Belize behind Guatemala's back; we also oppose any attempt to circumscribe, limit or disturb the framework of the negotiations taking place between Guatemala and Great Britain, with the participation of the Government and the people of Belize, to settle the territorial dispute. 175.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Obviously, many delegations supported the resolutions on the case of Belize adopted by the General Assembly in the years 1975, 1976 and 1977, prompted by deep feelings, since they represented peoples which had had to fight and to shed their blood to free themselves from colonialism. 173. My Government wishes to appeal to the delegations here present to meditate very seriously over the Belize problem and understand that my country cannot recognize as binding or constituent any resolutions which exceed the competence of any political organ, such as the General Assembly. 174.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“At that time Indonesia was claiming its rights over West Irian, which it considered to be an integral part of its territory and which was later restored to it. 170. It is fitting to recall that the Goa enclave was also incorporated into the sovereign possessions of India, which considered it an integral part of its territory. 171. There is no doubt that the principle of self-determination cannot be extended to the point where it causes the territorial dismemberment of a State; this would be contrary to the fundamental right of existence of the State and of its own integrity. 172.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In so doing, we placed clearly and unequivocally on record that the Declaration, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 6, was not applicable to the age-old dispute over Belize, since it expresses in categorical terms that: "Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations." 169. At the meeting of the General Assembly on 14 December 1960, Mr. Palar of Indonesia explained that his delegation was one of the delegations which has proposed paragraph 6-which I have just quoted-and that he considered that the situation of the territory "which the Guatemalan delegation had in mind [has] been taken into consideration in paragraph 6".”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“As has been rightly said in this forum by one eminent representative, Guatemala has no imperialist tradition; all it wishes is to recover part of its territory, which belongs to it in accordance with unquestionable legal titles and obvious social facts and realities. 168. Guatemala was one of the 89 countries which voted to adopt the historic resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Naturally that can only happen if the process is not disturbed by persistent interference and if the craftiness of the other side does not render null and void the desire to reach agreement which has been shown. That side can give the best proof of its sincerity by adopting an understanding and a flexible position. 167. I have set forth very briefly the background and present status of this historical territorial claim. I have also demonstrated that the territory of Belize is an integral part of the national Guatemalan territory. All of this compels me vehemently to-reject any hint that my country has any expansionist or colonialist intentions.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Then there was a proposal to bring the problem before the International Court of Justice, but the United Kingdom insisted that that lofty tribunal consider the case stricto jure as against the Guatemalan request to apply the procedure ex aequo et bono, so as to make it possible for the judges to learn the historical, legal and moral circumstances which had been decisive in this question. After many diplomatic initiatives, it was later agreed that there the United States of America would act as mediator, and once again the British put up opposition, this time to the proposals of the mediator. Lastly, for the past three years we have been committed to direct negotiations, in conformity with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, and we trust that by this means we shall soon be able to arrive at a final settlement.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Out of necessity we reached the conclusion that if the indemnity clause had no effect for Great Britain then neither did the clause on the boundaries of the territories have any effect for Guatemala. The entire treaty then lapsed as was recognized many years ago in London by British officials. This enabled Guatemala to maintain firmly, as it always has done and will continue to do, its claims for the recovery of the territory which was seized from us. 166. Nevertheless, the Government of Guatemala has always been ready to resolve the matter in the best manner possible, and to this end it put forward various proposals which repeatedly met with the barrier of British inflexibility or manoeuvring. After various attempts at a direct settlement, arbitration was proposed, but London did not approve the candidate for arbitrator.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Guatemala took action and constantly and repeatedly submitted requests to the British Government for compliance with what had been solemnly agreed upon. All was in vain. On the contrary, in a singularly cavalier manner Great Britain not only proclaimed itself, as it still does, in legitimate possession of the regions that it exploited under the precarious right of specific use in accordance with the treaties with the Spanish crown, but also claimed new and extensive areas over which it had never had any title and which it had taken away from the Republic of Guatemala. 165. This accumulation of circumstances led to my country's declaring that the 1859 Convention had lapsed because of non-compliance by one of the parties. We had no other choice.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)