YouSaid · the spoken record

Palma Galvez

lines on the record: 99
first: 1976-09-24
most recent: 1978-09-24
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

“Other United Nations funds should also co-ordinate their policies with those of UNDP, and all of them should always adhere to the principle of universality in their allocations. The specialized agencies of the United Nations should not only be able to use the resources of UNDP, but they should begin really to supplement them with funds from their regular budgets which, despite the financial difficulties affecting them at the present time, should be more oriented to development assistance. 128. We cannot fail to mention the importance which Honduras attributes to co-operation among developing countries, especially to forms of economic integration based on a just distribution of benefits and sacrifices.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Similarly, in the areas of industrial development, infrastructure and the transfer of technology, my country feels there should be machinery to make more flexible and regulate relations based on mutual advantage, bearing in mind the special needs of the developing countries. 126. UNDP has fortunately overcome the crisis .which threatened it last year, but it cannot be said that its future is completely secure. It has done most useful work, for which Honduras would like to express its appreciation once again; it should continue to receive increased funds, to administer them judiciously, and to adopt new machinery such as joint projects and bilateral sources of assistance. 127.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“This co-operation should be extended to the search for effective means to ensure competitiveness between natural and manufactured products and to ensure better marketing and distribution of raw materials, diversification of exports, the opening of new markets for traditional products, and the improvement of the generalized system of preferences and of bilateral trade conditions. 124. Negotiations regarding tropical products in the Tokyo round of GATT negotiations ran into the same sort of impasse as in other areas, despite the urgent-label attached to the conclusion and implementation of an agreement on the subject. 125. Attention must be given to development aid programmes and to increasing co-operation in the areas of agriculture, food and health.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“These objectives can only be achieved in a climate of harmony and with the understanding of industrial countries. The, dialogue begun in Paris during The Conference on International Economic Co-operation should be pursued and continued within the United Nations. 122. It would be disastrous for the world to close out the possibilities of discussion and effective co-operation concerning energy conservation, rational use of energy, energy supplies and the search for new sources of energy, as well as the help that should be given to the developing countries that do not. produce oil and whose economies have been seriously affected by the recent rise in the price of energy. 123. The establishment of a common fund for stabilization of commodity prices might be one result of the Paris Conference.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“This struggle cannot be separated from the international undertaking to bring about a new international economic order. We fully support the philosophy of the United Nations that there should be new relations of co-operation based on equity, sovereign equality and the common interests of States. My country hopes that effective action will be taken to rectify existing injustices. We must set aside whatever resentful feelings we may have which may cloud our action, and we must substitute co-operation for confrontation. The countries of the third world must speedily overcome the present vulnerability of their economies, the chronic deficits in their foreign trade balances, and the lack of funds they need for integrated development.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Juan Manuel Galvez. Our rights were reaffirmed in the Declaration of the Honduran Foreign Ministry of 17 June 1974, wherein Honduras' right was stated as follows: "to exploit the living and mineral resources in a 200-mile zone, in accordance with the principles proclaimed for the first time in the Galvez Declaration of 1950". 120. This is perhaps an appropriate time also to say that recently the twenty-fifth anniversary of the historic Declaration of the South Pacific was put forward. While recognizing the special features of the position put forward by the brotherly countries of Chile, Peru and Ecuador, we must recognize their contribution to the fight being waged by developing countries to maintain their rights over the sea. 121.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The conferences that the United Nations has convened on the law of the sea should give the world rules and regulations ensuring the rational and equitable exploitation of such resources, the freedom of navigation, agreement on the delimitation of various maritime areas under national sovereignty and control, effective means to prevent the pollution of the seas, and the rights of States to conduct scientific research in the various zones. All such arrangements should, of course, have due regard for the inalienable right of the developing countries to dispose freely of their natural resources. 119. My country established its sovereignty over the continental and insular shelf and superajacent waters out to a distance of 200 miles from our coast, in Decree No. 96 of 26 January 1950, which was issued during the administration of Mr.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“For that reason, my country will continue unreservedly to support whatever action is taken to eliminate the policy of apartheid once and for all. 118. Regarding the problems relating to the law of the sea, Honduras hopes that, with wisdom, nations will be able to remove the dangers that threaten the conservation and exploitation of the resources of the sea, which is the common heritage of mankind. In the coming years, we will have to resort more and more to the sea as an important source of food and mineral resources.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Those acts, which have proliferated over the past few years, deserve a detailed and thorough analysis of their causes and motives and drastic action on the part of the international community. 116. We are well aware of the efforts that the United Nations has made to arrive at decisions aimed at eliminating this problem completely. It is unquestionably a threat to the integrity of the human person. 117. My country greatly regrets that, halfway through the second part of the twentieth century, the policy of apartheid continues to exist, for it negates the principles of the Charter and constitutes a real crime against humanity. The indifference with which the various resolutions of our Organization have been greeted should lead us to reconsider collective action against that particular odious form of segregation.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We believe that respect for human rights is a problem which cannot be taken up solely from a national standpoint. We believe that international relations play a most important role in the observance of human rights and that both the industrial nations and those striving for development have a responsibility which cannot be avoided. For that reason, my country supports Costa Rica's proposal for the establishment of the office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 115. Political terrorism, which is non-existent in our country, is a source of great concern to the Honduran people, particularly because of' the harm that violence has caused throughout Central America.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“reforms with a view to furthering economic, social and political development in my country. We are particularly interested in social development-to benefit the overwhelming majority of the population of my country. 113. In September Honduras became the fourth country to deposit with the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States its instrument of ratification of the American Convention on Human Rights, which was signed in San Jose, Costa Rica, on 22 November 1969. By so doing, my Government wishes to emphasize the importance which it attaches to this subject. 114. We hope there will be an analysis of the situation of human rights throughout the world, with special reference to the close relationship between under-development and respect for human rights.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“My country hopes that at the next special session of the General Assembly while will be devoted to disarmament significant progress will be made and that the role of the United Nations in achieving this priority objective will be strengthened; otherwise the declarations and covenants which state that international society was created by and for man will have no meaning. 112. In the sphere of human rights our position has been, is and will continue to be one of strict respect for those rights. We believe that the problem of human rights is a challenge to the international community. There can be no respect for human dignity when we do not fight hunger, low. levels of health, illiteracy, inequality and injustice. My Government is trying to bring about substantial!”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Because it is contrary to our way of thinking, we are particularly concerned about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the growing danger of the use of nuclear energy for warlike and destructive purposes. The security supposedly created by an arms race has in fact been destroyed by the very existence of these death-dealing weapons. The enormous sums of money spent on arms make us think that the world's development depends largely on halting the arms race. The world community can no longer continue to harness human genius to the invention of the means of its own destruction. With a quarter of the resources spent in one year on research on and the production of armaments we could carry on a significant struggle against under-development and social injustice in Asia, Africa1 and Latin America. 111.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I am expressing the feelings of the people and Government of my country when I say that it is our hope that the outstanding problems to which I have referred will be. solved speedily and appropriately in accordance with the principles of international respect and harmony. 109. Any conflict requires the diversion to armaments of the resources needed to provide better living conditions for man. Unquestionably, the settlement of international disputes would release a large part of those resources. We are hoping for ever more radical changes in this field because never before has so much been spent on armaments in time of peace. But mankind must not only desire but must move firmly towards general and complete disarmament. 110.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Today more than ever before the future of mankind depends on our being able to reconcile the different interests in the international community. Honduras places its faith in continuous negotiations, open dialogue and permanent co-operation. No matter how widely separated positions may seem to be, my country believes that at the present time no international conflict can remain unresolved indefinitely. 107. Reviewing the principal international problems, Honduras is particularly pleased that in most cases the world has chosen the only acceptable civilized way of settling disputes among nations—namely, the peaceful way, which my country traditionally, clearly, sincerely and unswervingly supports. 108.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Honduras cannot fail to reaffirm its hope that in regard to this international problem as to others the principles of the United Nations Charter will be respected. 104. My Government joins the international community in urging the provision of assistance to the peoples of Namibia and Zimbabwe in order to ensure that they speedily obtain majority government and independence by peaceful means. 105. We also hope that there will be genuine progress in the talks on Cyprus which are being held in Vienna with the participation of the United Nations. The best tribute to the memory of Archbishop Makarios would be the achievement of an equitable solution of the complex problems of that country, which relate to its territorial integrity. 106.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We note that similar arrangements exist in other parts of .the world with regard to pending problems, the solution of which is not impossible. 103. Consequently my Government views with satisfaction the prospects for the resumption in Geneva of negotiations on peace in the Middle East. The diplomatic actions of friendly nations lead us to hope that there will be at the negotiating table representatives of all the parties concerned. The United Nations has played and should continue to play an important role in the maintenance of peace in the Middle East, and resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) adopted on the subject by the Security Council take account of the interests at stake and should serve as a basis for lasting peace in that part of the world.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“For the reasons already stated, my country has followed with interest the negotiations between the Governments of Bolivia, Chile and Peru relating to the land-locked status of the first. While sympathizing fully with Bolivia's predicament, we believe that the countries concerned will be able to reconcile their positions so that, in accordance with the historic Declaration of Ayacucho, the dialogue will continue and lead to the best possible solution in accordance with the aspirations of those brotherly peoples. 102. The efforts which have been made to maintain peace throughout the American continent strengthen our confidence in the inter-American system and its machinery for the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is our earnest hope that the dispute between the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the Malvinas Islands will be resolved taking account of the historical and legal rights underlying the position of the Argentine Republic. We are confident that the talks which took place in Rome in May of this year between the representatives of the two nations will make a positive contribution to the settlement of the problem. The reopening of the dialogue is proof of the mature and responsible manner in which the Governments concerned have approached the settlement of the problem. We also hope that Spain, rejuvenated and vibrant, will conclude its negotiations on Gibraltar with the United Kingdom. 101.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Pursuing the same line of thought, I must say that the Government and people of Honduras welcomed with satisfaction the signing of the Panama Canal treaties between the United States of America and Panama. Honduras interprets this as the expression of a new attitude and a new desire on the part of the United States of America to understand Latin America sympathetically, to work with and respect us in meeting the challenges of the world of the present day. Force must no longer be used but must be replaced by interdependence and considerations of mutual benefit. 100.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Honduras believes that in the solution of this problem the historical and legal data on which the Guatemalan claims are based and the universally recognized principles of international public law that guarantee for the parties a solution that will take account of their fundamental interests, must not be disregarded. 98. In accordance with the Guatemalan statement of 25 August of this year, my Government reiterates its satisfaction at the decision of the Governments of Guatemala and the United Kingdom to resolve the problem of Belize in accordance with the method of the peaceful settlement of international disputes established by international law in such a way as to find a negotiated solution which will reconcile the rights of Guatemala and the interests of the people of Belize. 99.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We shall go to the negotiating table without any prejudgement and with our minds open to whatever solutions may be proposed for the settlement of the dispute, and we invite the nations represented here, and the Organization itself, to follow closely and support our efforts to bring back peace and harmony to Central America. 95. That has been our traditional position. That is also our hope with regard to other conflicts dividing friendly countries. 96. It is with good reason that my Government has viewed with concern the crisis which has recently arisen between Guatemala and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the territory of Belize. My country wishes to express its support for a negotiated settlement of the problem. 97.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We hope that in our part of the world, Central America, renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling differences will be a guiding principle in our international conduct. 94. I should like to reiterate on this occasion our determination to achieve an early and satisfactory settlement of the dispute that has in the past few years divided my country and the Republic of El Salvador. We believe that the mediation agreement concluded under the auspices of the Organization of American States on 6 October 1976 will be a decisive element in a final settlement, if both sides so agree. We expect that on 22 November next the procedure laid down will be initiated and can lead us eventually to the restoration of the peace and the cordial relations which should exist between peoples that are linked together by history and geography.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is a matter of urgency that we overcome the economic and political obstacles to a climate of peaceful coexistence based on a harmonious and balanced development of the international community that will end situations of great inequality, substitute dialogue for confrontation, recognize the interdependence of the peoples of the world and associate the developed and developing countries in prosperity and freedom. We believe that it is only by overcoming economic and political obstacles that we can guarantee peace and well-being for present and future generations of the world in which we live. It is towards these goals that we must strive. 93. Honduras is a peace-loving nation and it respects its international commitments.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The United Nations must therefore maintain peace with justice and, faced with this immense task, its role as a great conciliator will increase, and in future years its success will largely depend on the progress made in the area of justice among nations and development. 92. There have been many changes in the international arena in the past few years, and in this constantly changing world of ours there must be respect for the principles which should underlie international relations and which have been often proclaimed by our Organization over the past three decades. Not only is this the right time to reaffirm our faith in the principles of the Charter; this is the time for performance and for achievement.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“By strengthening it we are laying the groundwork for world peace and we are giving substance to the hope for a better future for the peoples of the world. All countries represented here have an excellent opportunity to realize fully their potential, to join forces to prevent war and to strengthen international justice. 90. My Government believes that within this Organization the nations of the world must direct their efforts to two fundamental and indissolubly linked objectives: peace and development. 91. There must be world harmony, but it will be difficult to achieve without high levels of economic growth and social well-being for the more than two thirds of the people of the world who are living in a state of abject poverty.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“My country welcomes the admission of two new Members to the United Nations: The Republic of Djibouti and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. We greet them warmly and wish to express to them our feelings of friendship and solidarity. 88. The United Nations came into being at the end of the Second World War and unquestionably it has been an expression of the fondest hopes of the peoples of the world for the creation of lasting peace for everyone on the basis Of sovereign equality and international co-operation. The United Nations today constitutes the best forum for raising and solving the problems besetting nations. It offers us eloquent proof of what can and should be achieved through dialogue for the benefit of mankind. 89. We have faith in the United Nations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“85. On this particularly auspicious occasion I should like to present to all the members of this Assembly and to the peoples of the world so ably represented here the best wishes of the people and the Government of Honduras. 86. I wish in particular to offer my sincere congratulations to Mr. Mojsov, Deputy Federal Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Yugoslavia, on his well-deserved election as President. We are well aware, Mr. President, of the dynamic role your country has played in the international arena in the past few decades, and we are familiar with your personal contribution. Our congratulations go also to Mr. Amerasinghe, who so ably carried out his important functions as President of the General Assembly in a year which was particularly important for the United Nations. 87.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We should like to express our desire that decisions may always be taken in furtherance of justice and man's dignity and we shall contribute as far as we can to this-so that within this body the law of nations will reach levels of excellence such that here may be heard the clearest voice of the conscience of mankind.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“All this deserves a revision that would really be a proof of goodwill, taking into account the experience gained over 20 years. It would make it possible to strengthen the United Nations once again while maintaining its present organic and legal structure. 214. Once unswerving confidence has returned to the international sphere the new order will prevail in a collective life free of anguish and ensure a future free of catastrophe for man, who longs to follow a sunlit path brightened by the light of law, which, as Cicero said, frees us as we abide by its principles. 215. The tasks before this General Assembly at its thirty-first session are of great importance, and great are the hopes of the peoples whose trust is placed in this highest forum.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“There can be no doubt that grave and frequent infractions of the code of coexistence among States do indicate gaps and imperfections which could be overcome. The slowness with which infringements of national sovereignty are sometimes dealt with; the possibilities and the subtle untilization of the veto; the fact that some provisions, recommendations and resolutions are not compulsory; the limitation and neutralization of the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice; and the fact that the Organization cannot take up facts or conflicts, however serious they may be, when they are being studied by other regional bodies, are all serious impediments to the effectiveness of the Charter and mean that the United Nations organs do not function as they should. 213.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Hence we join our voice to the chorus of those calling for the elimination of the discriminatory practices of apartheid, An infraction of the most fundamental principles of social interrelations, apartheid cannot continue to exist in human society, where daily the essential moral values of man are being reaffirmed. 212. The contribution of the United Nations to forging peace has been great, and its efforts at maintaining collective security have been effective. But an Organization bom of a conflagration must adjust its machinery to the experience acquired over 30 years of existence. This is why Honduras has supported the efforts designed to carry out a new study of its statute: and those of its subsidiary bodies.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Although it does not exist in our country, political terrorism is of great concern to the people of Honduras. The proliferation of such acts in recent years merits a thorough study of their causes, and drastic action on the part of States in which terrorists seek refuge, even though those who commit the transgression may be identified with the prevailing ideology of the particular country. The form of mass danger generally inherent in these acts of terrorism means that they must be considered as a flagrant crime against humanity. 211. Although not of specific concern to our continent, apartheid does affect mankind as a whole.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Any contribution made to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will be small in relation to the dimensions of the problem, and the one relatively untapped reserve, the riches of the sea, must be protected so that it may feed the progeny of tomorrow. 209. With regard to the item on our agenda [item 80] which deals with freedom of information, I can announce with heartfelt satisfaction deriving from respect for a right of such magnitude, that the Government of my country is fully complying with a commitment which, besides being enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, corresponds to a guarantee rooted in the depths of the conscience. Therefore, this ethical imperative must be strictly observed so that no one, in this day and age, should be interfered with or persecuted for expressing his thoughts. 210.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“A concern which must be shared by all nations of the world derives from the Malthusian theory that the relentless rate of population growth will outstrip the rate of food production. Few States have rationally conserved their natural resources; others-the poorest-have frittered them away improvidently. But whatever precautions may be taken, it is certain that there is a growing shortage of food-stuffs, and in a few decades the squalor of hunger will overshadow many horizons, just as the scourge already exists as a living fact in many regions. That is why we must take collective measures to forestall that evil.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This proposal should be considered in all its ramifications, because if jurisdiction is fragmented by the creation of other legislative bodies we run the risk of weakening the authority of the International Court of Justice, which is the highest judicial body, par excellence, of this Organization. And even if that should not occur, there would be a fragmentation of jurispurdence, which is one of the principal sources of the law of nations. It might be better to consider systems for the joint exploitation of marine resources through the setting of quotas proportionate to the capabilities of States, so that their peoples, who must regard the sea as being the safeguard of the future, may be able to share in the benefits of this resource which is the common heritage of mankind. 208.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“During the course of this year, the fourth and fifth sessions of the Third United Nations Conference on the law of the Sea have been held, presided over by the President of this Assembly. As is logical to suppose, it is not easy in a short time and on so controversial a subject to reach agreements that reconcile the interests and aspirations both of those States having vast economic potential and those which, for all their incipient development, still have the right to share in the benefits of wealth which belongs equally to all peoples of the world, as do the resources of the sea. Efforts are being made to establish a special tribunal for the settlement of disputes "which may arise in this connexion.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“But while some American countries are toying to solve their differences by peaceful means in other parts of the world burning passions unleashed by opposing factions are endangering international order, wasting hundreds of thousands of lives in a sterile holocaust, because on innumerable occasions the ideology of a prevailing regime has flouted basic rights and principles of human conscience, which are recognized by only one form of social interaction: the Western system of coexistence. It is to be hoped that these difficulties will cease so that civilization, which must face a future of limited physical potential, as indeed the world which surrounds us is limited, will be able to apply its energies and intelligence to meeting the needs' of the immediate future. 207.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Hence we wish to take this occasion to express our optimism for the success of those direct negotiations which, with mutual understanding based on their long diplomatic tradition,, are to be undertaken by the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom, and we hope that those negotiations will culminate in a just settlement for Argentina. 205. In the same spirit of equanimity which inspires our international relations, we sincerely hope that the negotiations being carried out by the United States and Panama within the framework of mutual respect will yield positive benefits for both States and the recognition of their mutual rights. 206.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Because of everything Honduras and Guatemala have gone through together, Honduras trusts that this time the negotiations will lead to recognition of those rights which Guatemala is claiming. 204. There is also a recommendation before this Organization that the parties continue in their talks aimed at settling the status, of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas). Any time a dispute is settled, it can be said that no party loses because, in any case, what is feeing strengthened is the juridical order, and this in itself constitutes a guarantee for the preservation of peace and the harmonious coexistence of States.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“If mediation fails to settle all issues, Honduras would be ready to take its case, in all goodwill, to any other body able to eliminate once and for all any basis of disagreement or lack of understanding, and would comply fully with any ruling, in the case of an arbitration or judicial procedure, both because of the nature of those means and because of the fact that it is the inherent factor of good faith which must underlie such agreements. 203. We are pleased to see proceeding the talks to end the existing dispute over Belize-a Central American region which, because of its historical and juridical links with the sister Republic of Guatemala, is foremost in the minds and spirit of justice of the peoples of the Isthmus.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Honduras, through civilized channels, is in the process of solving its dispute with El Salvador, both countries having agreed to mediation, the recommendations of which would be respected by the parties. Such respect is necessary because, besides complying with the minimum requirements of ethics, it would open the way to a, bright future for two nations which, because of their identity of origin, should undertake joint enterprises. 202.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Explosions in the atmosphere pollute with their harmful gases elements which are essential for life, while explosions under water will destroy or make unusable species which inhabit vast areas within the range of radioactive fallout. Indeed, there is no general belief to the contrary. Moreover, experiments of this type can alter ecological conditions, and hence any test which would, intentionally or otherwise, modify the environment should be prohibited. 201. In this connexion, it would seem that the nations which have scarce resources and limited economic and war-making potential are the ones looking hopefully to juridical systems for the settlement of disputes.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In other words, the effectiveness of a means of solution does not depend upon the technical or legal tool itself; rather, it flows from the willingness and concurrence of States to contribute to the success of the regulatory system. 199. But if, instead of contributing to the strengthening of the world body or of regional bodies, Powers are compelled to perfect the means of mass destruction, while law languishes from neglect and repudiation, we can see looming over the future the risk of a conflagration that would imperil the survival of civilization itself. 200. For those reasons, we believe that the detonation of atomic devices in the atmosphere, underground or under water should be prohibited by a treaty or by conscientious self-limitation on the part of States which possess such weapons.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This means that the factor of virtual coercion has made its appearance: its absence had been one of the many gaps inherent in international law. This more sophisticated thinking demonstrates the achievements which can be made when there exists a will to acknowledge that there are limitations to traditional concepts. Those concepts are not absolute, and it is to be hoped that States, the principal protagonists in the legal field, once they are convinced that coercion, even if only moral coercion, can be embodied in principles and resolutions, will co-operate so that international order may rise to even greater heights of perfection. 198. This degree of development will be possible only when it is generally held that any dispute can be settled by means of instruments in which the will of the parties is taken as the decisive positive factor.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Any weaknesses or imperfections attributable to the international legal order arise out of the conscious will of States which regulate their relations according to its tenets, for they have not wished to be compelled to abide by its precepts or to make them binding. Even the jurisdiction of the legal arm of the Organization depends upon the free will of the parties involved in any legal dispute, and the provisions of Chapter VII of the Charter, which, because they refer to acts which constitute breaches of the peace, seem to be highly effective, in fact lack any threatening power. Despite this, hesitant steps have been taken, albeit with understandable caution, to make international law more effective, and the defects in the legal arm of the Organization can now be compensated for by the application of compulsory measures.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“A new Member has come to swell the concert of nations gathered within the portals of this world Organization. We are extremely pleased to welcome the Republic of Seychelles, and at the same time we should like to express our admiration to the United Kingdom for its strict compliance with international law. By giving autonomy to the Seychelles, the United Kingdom has punctiliously applied the principle of the self-determination of peoples. 197. With due attention we have taken note of the report of the Secretary-General with regard to the maintenance of peace and international security, which constitutes one of the most outstanding duties of the international body, and is one of the fundamental concerns of exponents of the law of nations, both ancient and modern.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“For nations such as ours, which do not have abundant economic means, it is encouraging to see that within this Assembly high moral values are respected, because only by recognizing the true and transcendental value of the human person is it possible to foresee a bright future for mankind, which, unfortunately, is hesitantly groping along at the present time. 194. We should also like to express our appreciation to Mr. Gaston Thorn, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, for his discretion and his effectiveness in guiding the debates of the last session of the General Assembly. 195. We also extend our praise to Mr. Kurt Waldheim, the Secretary-General, for the positive action he has taken during the period as is outlined in his report on the work of the Organization [A/31/1], which is before the Assembly. 196.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We are loyal to the fundamental postulates of international law, one of which is the juridical equality of States, and thus we should like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Amerasinghe on his well-deserved election to the office of President. His election is an acknowledgment of the tradition of culture and the devotion to peace of the country he represents. This election does honor to our world Organization and underlines the effectiveness of the principle of the equality of States, since it indicates that it is not necessary to possess great economic wealth to serve in a leadership role in the United Nations and its General Assembly. 193.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)