YouSaid · the spoken record

RAO

lines on the record: 213
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1989-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“He hoped that the groundswell of international public opinion would help restore the spirit of trust, harmony and concord which had prevailed in Fiji since its independence. As a Member of the United Nations and as a member of its Committee on decolonization, India had been in the forefront in the fight for Fiji's independence. It is a matter of great regret to us that the situation in Fiji has considerably deteriorated during the past year. There are clear indications that an attempt is being made to institutionalise racial discrimination in Fiji. We understand that there is to be a process of consultation with the various communities before the draft constitution is finalized. We hope that this process will enable all sections of the people to participate in it in a non-discriminatory manner.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The Action for Resisting Invasion, Colonialism and apartheid (AFRICA) Fund, established by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, has received pledges and contributions from a third of the world community. Described at the recent meeting of the non-aligned in Nicosia, Cyprus, as an instance of the Movement's capacity for collective action, the Fund demonstrates an international commitment to the front-line States and liberation movements of southern Africa transcending geographical or political barriers. The international 00tmunity should be opposed to racial discrimination no matter where it is practised. Last year my delegation referred to the unfortunate developments in Fiji, which had distinct racial overtones.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The racist Pretoria regime continues its reign of terror, subjecting the people of South Africa to the most inhuman forms of oppression. The evil system of apartheid cannot be reformed, it has to be abolished in total. South Africa must open а dialogue with the genuine representatives of the oppressed people. Nelson Mandela, the universal symbol of courage and fortitude, whose state of health is a cause of concern to all of us, must be released immediately and unconditionally. Effective pressure in the form of comprehensive mandatory sanctions must be applied, without invoking unconvincing arguments regarding their effect on employment of the oppressed people, and so on.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“There is renewed belief that the long-delayed solution to the Namibian question is at hand. Responsibility for the delay rests squarely with the South African Government, which has, with impunity, refused to comply with its international commitments and obligations. The world community is committed to the emancipation of the Namibian people engaged in a historic struggle for freedom under the leadership of the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO). Their sole and authentic representative. India was the first country to accord diplomatic recognition to the representative of it. We look forward to welcoming Namibia as the 160th Member of the United Nations at the General Assembly session next year. While there is movement on the question of Namibia, the situation in South Africa itself shows no sign of improvement.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We also applaud the initiative of the Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement to explore ways and means in which the Movement can assist the efforts to solve the Kampuchean problem. Given India's historical ties with the peoples of South-East Asia, we are ready and willing to contribute in whatever way we can to this process. In our neighbourhood, we have watched with growing concern the trials and tribulations faced by the people of Burma, with whom the people of India are bound by close ties of history and culture. India has always scrupulously avoided interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. However, we cannot but sympathize with democratic aspirations. We are saddened by the growing number of innocent dead in Burma. We hope that a way will be found to end this tragic conflict as soon as possible.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In addition to restoring peace and stability to the region, the implementation of the Geneva Accords would also remove the ostensible cause for introduction of sophisticated arms into the area. While positive developments have taken place in the Gulf as well as in Afghanistan, the continued great-Power naval presence in the Indian Ocean remains a factor contributing to tension and instability. We reiterate our call for the withdrawal of all military forces of outside Powers from the Indian Ocean so that it can emerge as a zone of peace. There is more than a glimmer of hope for the resolution of the conflict situation in South-East Asia. The horrors suffered by the people of Kampuchea in the 1970s must not be allowed to revisit them ever. The dialogue at the Jakarta Informal Meeting was a welcome beginning, which we appreciate.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“India has the closest of ties with Iran and Iraq, and we know that the two countries are anxious to get on with the stupendous task of reconstruction. My country rejoices at the release of the Indian national, Mr. Mithileshwar Singh. We hope that all the other hostages will also be freed and reunited with their families at an early date. India has welcomed the Geneva Accords on Afghanistan. We have had historical ties of deep friendship with the people of Afghanistan. The Geneva Accords have established & framework which would enable the Afghan people to decide on their future free from foreign interference or intervention. While the withdrawal of Soviet troops has proceeded on schedule, we are greatly perturbed at persistent reports of violations of the Geneva Accords and hope that they will be implemented faithfully by all the parties.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“India rejoiced at the cease-fire between Iran and Iraq which came into effect on 20 August 1988. Thanks to the statesmanship of the leaders of the two countries and to the efforts of the Secretary-General, the international community has been spared witnessing the eighth anniversary of the war. The cease-fire is an important first step and must be consolidated. The negotiations between the two countries currently under way, under United Nations auspices, must be pursued. The issues involved are complex and highly emotional for both sides. India has been involved in discussing the issues in detail with the two countries as part of the efforts of the Non-Aligned Movement. That experience makes me feel confident that the issues, though complex, will eventually be solved.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Regional conflicts have dominated discussions at the current session of the General Assembly. This is perfectly understandable. Success in achieving breakthroughs is most of these conflicts is attributed, and justifiably so, to the patient diplomacy of the United Nations, as well as to the rapprochement between the two super-Powers. There is, perhaps, a lesson for all of us in this, particularly for the non-aligned and developing countries. If the tendency to seek massive external military assistance and to pursue dangerous nuclear weapon policies in the illusory hope of strengthening one's bargaining position with one's neighbours were resisted, there would be fewer regional conflicts and consequently less dependence on outside Powers for the solution of such conflicts.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“With regard to verification, delegates will recall that the delegations of countries participating in the six-nation initiative for peace and nuclear disarmament presented a concrete proposal at the third special session on disarmament the endorsement, in principle, of an international verification agency within the United Nations. It is the intention of the six countries to revive this initiative at this session of the General Assembly. The linkage between disarmament and development is by now well-recognized. Hardly anyone can dispute the proposition that the resources being spent on armaments could be more profitably employed in peaceful developmental activities. The decisions taken by the United Nations Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development, held last year, need to be followed up and acted upon.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“At the third special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament in June this year, my Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, put forward a comprehensive action plan for the total elimination of all nuclear weapons by the year 2010. That action plan has received appreciation in the Non-Aligned Movement, among other Governments as well as non-governmental organizations. We put forward our proposal to give concrete shape to the desire of a large segment of world public opinion for a time-bound action programme to eliminate nuclear weapons. We should also take into account other related aspects including verification.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“While we are fully aware of the complexities involved in disarmament negotiations, we find that political will has enabled the experts to find satisfactory answers to what were projected as almost un-resolvable difficulties of adequate verification. Similar political will would be needed in solving the whole gamut of disarmament questions, beginning with the reduction of strategic nuclear weapons by 50 per cent, which has already been agreed upon. Those steps, each important in itself, have to be viewed in the perspective of a comprehensive scenario of total disarmament. Only thus do they make sense and become effective and beneficial.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We would therefore be well-advised to remain watch full and alert, while pursuing determined efforts to make the transformation to peace final and all-pervasive so as to comprehend all facets of human life and activity on our planet. While the primary responsibility would remain with the major Powers, the rest of us and, of course, the United Nations, can and must play a very important role. The ratification of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles - INF Treaty - by the United States and the Soviet Union was a historic first step which must, within an agreed time-frame and in well-considered stages, lead to successive reductions and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Therefore, we the non-aligned can claim part of the credit for the improved state of affairs. But along with claiming the credit the Movement needs to redouble its efforts to make the peace process irreversible, no longer vulnerable to the braking mechanisms which operated earlier owing to motivations too well known to need recounting. The new air of euphoria is totally understandable as it marks a welcome departure from the intense and often bitter rivalry between the major Powers which at times brought the world to the brink of a catastrophe. It seems to have been replaced now by healthy competition for presenting proposals for strengthening peace, supporting the United Nations, saving the world from ecologic disaster, among others. It is true that this long-awaited spirit of change unfortunately has not extended to the economic field.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“But one may be forgiven on the present occasion for entertaining the belief that the principal players have by now made a realistic assessment of the long-term interests of mankind, along with their respective national interests, and that hence the current thaw may be more lasting than those of the past. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, since its inception, has worked tirelessly precisely for such a turn in the international climate. By taking principled positions on major issues of our times and by refusing to get entangled in the confrontation of competing military alliances, the non-aligned countries have helped in containing conflict, and have thus contributed to the peace process which has always inhered in the minds of the millions, although it had been rendered dormant and muted by the display of military might.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“We trust that the United Nations will be reinvigorated, not only in political terms but also in terms of concrete financial support. Let the coming decades be the decades of the United Nations. Let the all-round support which the United Nations always deserved, but seems to have got this year, be always available to it hereafter. India, along with the rest of the international community, rejoices in the transformation of the international climate during the past year. We are indeed living through historic times. The dramatic improvement in relations between the super-Powers, for which we salute the leadership of the two countries, has had a positive impact throughout the world. History, however, teaches us that good times, like bad times, do not normally last forever.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“Even those who tended to pass judgement on the United Nations purely on the basis of the criteria of the maintenance of international peace and security are happily acknowledging today that this is indeed an impressive record of which the United Nations can be justifiably proud. India welcomes this reaffirmation of faith in the United Nations. For an overwhelming majority of Members, support for the United Nations has always been an article of faith. The universalization of this support during 1988, which we applaud as we always did, will no doubt strengthen the capacity of the Organization, not only with respect to preserving peace but also, equally, to tackling other scourges facing humankind, such as poverty, hunger, ecological degradation, terrorism and narcotics.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“The decision to confer the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding on our Secretary-General was a tribute to his exceptional contribution to the cause of peace. This year, 1988, has been the year of the United Nations. In the past few months the patient and persistent diplomacy of the United Nations was capped with the signing of the Geneva Agreements on Afghanistan, the entry into force of a cease-fire on the Iran-Iraq border, the renewal of inter-communal talks in Cyprus and the creation of an environment conducive to the resolution of the problem of Western Sahara.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“In his report on the work of the Organization for 1988, the Secretary-General recalled that he was cautiously optimistic that "the sails of the small boat in which all the people of the Earth were gathered seemed to have caught a light but favourable wind". (Д/43/1, p. 2) I take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the man who has played no mean role in the careful and patient navigation by which the vessel has come within sight of large sections of the shore. The Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, has earned the admiration of all for his patience, his skill, his understanding touch and his grasp of the larger questions as well as the small details involved in the various issues dealt with by the United Nations.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“It gives me great pleasure that a distinguished son and eminent representative of a country with which my country has close and cordial relations is presiding over the General Assembly at its forty-third session. I extend to Ambassador Caputo our warm felicitations on his well-deserved election. We are confident that with his exceptional ability and experience the deliberations of the Assembly have already been assured success. I would like also to place on record our deep appreciation for the effective leadership that his predecessor, Mr. Peter Florin, provided to the General Assembly during its forty-second session.”
1988-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 43 (1988)
“With such a distinguished gathering of leaders from all over the world who have addressed and are going to address the Assembly, we cannot afford to fail in finding that vision of truth and glory. I should like to conclude with the conviction that if we pledge to act together, we will overcome the crisis that faces us today.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“This Organization, composed of 157 nation States, represents the quintessence of the civilization that mankind has labored hard over the centuries to build. The Prime Minister of India, Shrimati Indira Gandhi, recently observed: "One of the most fascinating riddles of history is what makes a group of people share a sense of common destiny. Almost always this is the result of being together in hardship and humiliation; often it comes from being summoned to a heroic effort by a great figure or group of people who inspire them with a vision of truth or glory''. The community of nations, as practically every distinguished speaker has stressed in the Assembly, is confronted with an economic, political and moral crisis. Such adversity should, instead of dividing us, reinforce our resolve to seek and secure our common destiny.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The present sorry state of affairs can be repaired only by action on all fronts. We need bilateral as well as multilateral co-operation, official development assistance as well as private flows of capital, North-South co-operation as well as South-South co-operation, global negotiations for restructuring international economic relations as well as concurrent efforts for securing progress in sectoral areas. Let us, therefore, not engage in futile debates, but work honestly to secure concrete results. I trust that our deliberations in the Assembly will lead us to this path. 91. The German philosopher Hegel believed that a notable contribution of man to civilization was the creation of the nation-State, which provides the individual with the opportunity of finding the full satisfaction of his needs in co-operation with pie community.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We note with satisfaction that a process has now been set in motion which is continuously enriching the concept, practice and content of economic and technical co-operation among developing countries. 89. Concomitant support measures by international organizations would be of great help in technical preparations for major South-South undertakings such as, for instance, the establishment of the global system of trade preferences among developing countries and the setting up of a South-South bank. We believe that economic co-operation among developing countries can make a significant contribution to world economic recovery. We trust that the Assembly will give due and favorable consideration to these matters. 90. This is not the moment to think in terms of mutually exclusive alternatives.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“This is happening at a time when the oil-importing developing countries are making efforts against such heavy odds as increasing exports during a time of declining world demand, raising higher and higher resources domestically in order to finance the same volume of imports; and bringing about reduction in already low levels of consumption in order to increase investments and savings. There is a limit to which our countries can be pushed. 88. Co-operation among developing countries is now viewed both as an essential component of the new international economic order and as an important instrument for bringing it about. Three years ago, the Sixth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries at Havana had agreed on policy guidelines for reinforcing the collective self- reliance of developing countries.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It cannot alleviate the balance-of-payments burdens of developing countries. Above all, multilateral aid should not be made conditional on corresponding in flow of private investment. Similarly, the increasing recourse to exclusive bilateralism continues and must be resisted to the extent such bilateralism tends to obstruct multilateral co-operation and is pursued at the expense of the latter. 87. Thus, the international monetary and financial system is increasingly pushing developing countries towards adjustment policies that seriously undermine their stability.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The situation created by the second massive oil price rise is qualitatively different and more acute than that faced by the world community at the time of the first energy crisis less than 10 years ago. The growth momentum of the developing countries was then maintained through flows of international finance on suitable terms to the countries most adversely affected by the crisis and through new modalities of concessional developmental assistance. No similar effort is visible today or even being considered. Instead, private capital and investments are suggested as a solution to the problems of developing countries. While private capital can be useful in certain areas, experience clearly shows that it cannot provide resources for long-term development aiming at social improvement and stability with low or no market profit.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“For this there should be a return to a set of agreed principles in international trading relationships, particularly through practical support for the principles of multilateralism, non-discrimination, non- reciprocity vis-a-vis developing countries, transparency and predictability consistent with special and differential treatment to developing countries. Progressive liberalization of the trade in textiles, clothing, the leather industry and other consumer durables is a matter of great importance to the industrial development of developing countries. The developing countries possess comparative advantages in these areas. We expect that the GATT ministerial meeting and the sixth session of UNCTAD would agree on concrete measures in this regard. 86.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Indeed, we need to give greater consideration to the establishment of a completely new commodity-related scheme. Predictability in the earnings, supply and demand of commodities is an objective which we should seriously pursue. This calls for adequate and effective price stabilization arrangements. 85. The deterioration in the world trading situation is especially affecting countries with relatively low per capita income. The international trading regime which has emerged neither adheres to the principles and rules envisaged by GATT, nor is it responsive to new circumstances. What is necessary is the most careful consideration of the requirements of an international trading order that will be efficient, equitable and effectively promote the development of developing countries.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Efforts must continue to devise a global strategy for food security and for constant updating of measures and actions. It is important to reach agreement on an international wheat trade agreement for stability of supplies and prices. 83. In the field of energy the most important task is to help oil-importing developing countries to exploit their own energy resources. At the same time, much greater research activities and financial resources are needed for developing alternative sources of energy. Ongoing studies should be completed early in regard to the securing of financing for an increased program of energy investment through an energy affiliate of the World Bank or a special fund, or other agreed arrangements. 84. A further expansion and liberalization of the International Monetary Fund [IMF] compensatory facility is called for.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Numerous international conferences have stressed the need for making efforts concurrent with global negotiations in order to achieve progress in areas of critical importance to developing countries such as food, energy, trade and financial flows. The Versailles Economic Summit had outlined certain practical areas for action. We would urge developed countries not to use lack of progress on global negotiations as an alibi for inaction. We expect that they would translate their suggestions into concrete and co-operative programmes of action that would contribute to the development of the developing countries. 82. A broad consensus now exists, and indeed, this was one concrete gain in Cancun—on evolving a strategy to increase food production. We hope that a well-thought-out international program would emerge in this regard.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We should thus lose no time in devising feasible strategies that are complementary to those predicated on global negotiations for restructuring international economic relations. Urgent steps need to be taken for a world economic recovery program and for building upon the limited gains that have been secured through North-South co-operation. Agreement should be sought wherever possible. Detailed guidelines for further work should be drawn up so as to facilitate thorough discussions and eventual agreement on all connected matters at the sixth session of UNCTAD, where this matter will be high on the agenda. 81.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Consequently, there has been a decline in the price per unit of exports by developing countries of their raw materials and primary products. The exports of industrial products of developing countries have been adversely affected by growing protectionism. The high interest rates are causing serious problems in regard to debt burden and access to international capital markets. The International Development Association [IDA] is in deep trouble. All this makes the task of developing countries extremely difficult. The situation is particularly grave for oil-importing developing countries in regard to their balance-of-payments position and the development of their energy resources, which require large capital outlay. 80.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“They are conscious of the fact that the progress in regard to the achievement of the new international economic order is inextricably linked with the world economic recovery program. Thus, today world economic problems can be solved only by joint actions. There is no alternative for the international community but to move beyond the present stalemate to more fruitful, durable and just international economic relationships. 79. Let me now turn to the current problems arising from the pursuit of anti-inflationary policies, protectionist trends, high interest rates and the drying up cf the sources of concessional flows. The anti- inflationary policies that have been adopted by some developed countries are not conducive to growth and employment.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“There is no agreement, even on the procedures for the global negotiations that were expected to contribute to the implementation of the Strategy. 78. Recent developments show that while the developing countries do have a conciliatory approach, there is not enough encouraging response from the developed countries. Several of them are not negative, yet there are some that are not even prepared to think in terms of a consensus that can bind the North and the South. They are still to be convinced that comprehensive and global negotiations will in the long run facilitate the emergence of a viable co-operative relationship among the nations of the world. As for the developing countries, they are not interested in a zero- sum game, but in a positive-sum approach.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Examples of this are increasing protectionism, high interest rates, fast-diminishing concessional assistance, the secular decline in prices of many commodities, difficulties in access to the international capital market and the injection of non-economic factors and political considerations in the functioning of multilateral economic institutions. For the first time since the Second World War, the developing countries, taken as a group, have registered a fall in their per capita output. 77. Two years ago the Assembly adopted the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade. However, it remains a paper document. There is all round failure on the part of the developed countries to fulfill their commitments.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We also need to promote world-wide political understanding, with the involvement of the public, of the connection between the North-South relationship and the maintenance of peace. This would contribute significantly to generating the requisite political will that is sorely needed to overcome the present paralysis in the North-South dialogue. 76. Viewed against this background, it is most disheartening that the adverse effects of the continued deadlock on the negotiating front have been compounded by an actual deterioration in the North- South relationship. As the report of the Committee on Development Planning on its eighteenth session^ has illustrated, there is both qualitative and quantitative deterioration in multilateral economic co-operation.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Some months ago, in a special session, the General Assembly brought out clearly the close connection between disarmament and development, but failed to draw the requisite conclusions from it. 74. A year ago the two co-Chairmen of the International Meeting on Co-operation and Development, which was held at Cancun, referred to the North-South relationship as one of the most serious challenges to be faced in the coming decades by mankind, together with the maintenance of peace. The theme of Cancun was "Co-operation and Development". Regrettably, there was no agreement as to how the real challenge of the North-South relationship was to be met, though, as our Prime Minister observed after the Cancun meeting the door was kept open for dialogue. 75. One can only hope that world statesmen will take an enlightened and long-term view of history.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We strongly believe that our approach to development and co-operation will have to be informed by certain objective and fundamental considerations. First, the arms race is not compatible with the movement towards a more stable global development and sustainable international order. Secondly, the international community cannot aspire to durable peace so long as a major component of it remains underdeveloped. Thirdly, orderly development and continued progress can take place optimally only in an atmosphere of harmony and co-operation. Fourthly, co-operation demands that the privileges which the developed countries have been enjoying so far should not be turned into rights and that the concerns of the developing countries be taken into account. 73.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The United Nations cannot remain a mute spectator and must lend support to all efforts for dialogue and negotiation to create mutual confidence and to resolve outstanding disputes. 71. It is with great satisfaction that we note the long and at times difficult negotiations successfully concluded with the adoption of a universal and comprehensive Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Convention is a symbol of shared expectations of the international community and represents a major contribution to world peace and the new international economic order. Later this year, in December, in Jamaica the Final Act will be open for signature. It is our earnest hope that the Convention on the Law of the Sea will be endorsed by all States with prompt signatures and ratifications. 72. International co-operation for development is the topic of our age.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“68. Several old items on the agenda continue to engage our attention. Thus the situation in Cyprus, unfortunately, still remains frozen. In spite of repeated calls of the movement of non-aligned countries and the support of the international community in general the relevant resolutions of the United Nations have not yet been implemented. We trust that the inter- communal talks will soon bear fruit and the question resolved free from external interference and in accordance with decisions of the United Nations. 69. More recently, despite the efforts of our sagacious Secretary-General, conflict and bloodshed in the South Atlantic could not be averted. 70. In Central America there are dangerous portents of intervention and destabilization.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We have been awaiting the outcome of the contacts being conducted by the five Western States for the implementation of the United Nations plan for free elections in Namibia. The South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO], the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people, which negotiated in good faith for a cease-fire and free elections, has reason to apprehend that South Africa and its supporters have been creating an illusion of progress in these talks merely to link up the situation in Namibia with extraneous issues. The international community will, as it must, intensify its demand for punitive action against South Africa under the Charter, if the current efforts for a negotiated settlement fail to achieve results. South Africa's supporters will find it difficult to shield it from the wrath of the world for very long.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Therefore the quest for a comprehensive solution should be pursued relentlessly. Instead of indulging in a fine-print scrutiny of the various plans mooted so far and losing valuable time in endless discussions, immediate steps should be taken at the United Nations to devise a suitable mechanism for finding a permanent solution to the problem of West Asia. This is the very minimum that needs to be done in expiation of the rivers of innocent blood that have been allowed to flow in Lebanon. 67. Racism and colonialism still rage in southern Africa today, with little progress either in the elimination of or in the liberation of Namibia. The people of South Africa remains in bondage, despite the universal condemnation of the obnoxious discriminatory laws of the Pretoria regime.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The PLO and other Arab nations have since shown great statesmanship in evolving and adopting the Fez Charter", the Final Declaration of the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, whose proposals deserve very serious consideration. 66. In recent weeks there have been important proposals made by world leaders. They vary in approach and content, but fundamental to all of them is the recognition that the uprooted people of Palestine should secure their legitimate rights. In this case, as with other problems, the slowing down of the effort to find a solution often results in the creation of vested interests in the continued non-solution of the problem. This leads to prevarication and circumvention and a long stalemate. This has happened in West Asia, with the disastrous consequences which we are now witnessing.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The dispersal of the heroic Palestinians will neither weaken their will to fight for their inalienable rights nor bring peace to the area. Occupation of the land of its neighbors will not guarantee Israel's security; the effect, if anything, will be just the opposite. A comprehensive solution consisting of Israel's withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied since 1967, the establishment of a Palestinian State and mutual guarantees of security among the States of the region must be achieved. There now seems to be greater understanding of the fact that no comprehensive solution will be achieved without the active involvement of the PLO, the representative of the Palestinian people. In the gory drama in Lebanon, the PLO has demonstrated great heroism and courage.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The recent conflagration in West Asia resulting in the virtual destruction of Beirut and the horrid genocide of the Lebanese and Palestinian population have shaken the conscience of mankind to the very core. It was nothing short of a holocaust, imposed, strangely and ironically, by none other than Israel. Ironically, again, the withdrawal of the PLO from Beirut, to save innocent civilians from further suffering and devastation, itself led to the gruesome massacre of Palestinians in Shatila and Sabra. Israel's responsibility, indeed complicity, is self-evident. Those who had undertaken to protect the Palestinian and Lebanese civilians in Beirut in the wake of the PLO's withdrawal must also share the blame for the criminal bloodshed. 65.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The shifting of fortunes in the war between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran and the colossal loss of lives and property has once again highlighted the futility of war as a means of settling disputes. I personally have had the experience of participating in the peace-making effort on the basis of a mandate given to my colleagues from Cuba, Zambia and the Palestine Liberation Organization [FLO] and to me at the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Countries at New Delhi in 1981. My colleagues and I are convinced that, while there can be no victor or vanquished, the damage inflicted on each other by these two neighbors will only weaken their ability to meet the challenges that face them as developing countries. 64.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Theories of balance and doctrines of deterrence are being advanced in order to justify the introduction of sophisticated weaponry into the area. 62. The Conference on the Indian Ocean, originally scheduled to be held in 1981 in Colombo, is still postponed at the behest of those who are far removed from the area. Simultaneously, efforts are afoot to subvert the fundamental elements of the Declaration set out in the 1971 resolution and to distort its essential framework. We believe that the time has come for the commencement of the process of the elimination of foreign military presence from the Indian Ocean, that the Colombo Conference should be held come what may, in accordance with the new schedule, and that it should address itself to the question in a forthright manner. 63.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The expedients improvised for seating the forces without legitimacy in these chambers can hardly help either the process of healing the wounds of Kampuchea or of finding an acceptable political solution. What is needed is the ending of confrontation in South-East Asia, which alone could have a welcome impact on the stability and prosperity of the entire region. 61. The security environment in the Indian Ocean region has further deteriorated because of the increased build-up of the military presence of great Powers, contrary to the wishes of the non-aligned littoral and hinterland States. The implementation of the historic general Assembly resolution 2832 (XXVI) declaring the Indian Ocean a zone of peace, adopted in 1971, has remained a distant dream.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We commend the commencement of the Geneva talks and trust that they will pick up momentum hereafter, to enter substantive areas. We feel it is high time they did, and our feeling is in line with what the Afghan people urges. 60. Geographically distant from us but equally close to our hearts are the friendly people of Kampuchea, who are struggling valiantly to remove the ravages caused by a heartless dictatorial regime. The advent of an alliance of convenience, whose real content is too thinly veiled to need any unveiling, should not distract our attention. Once the fear of the return of the holocaust is removed and the threat to their territorial integrity and sovereignty is ended, the people of Kampuchea will be willing—nay, eager—to get foreign troops to leave their sail.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)