YouSaid · the spoken record

Zahedi

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS ZAHEDI

lines on the record: 95
first: 1967-09-24
most recent: 1970-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“It is to his foresight and initiative that we owe the recommendation now before us from the Economic and Social Council [resolution 1539 (XLIX)] to establish a United Nations volunteer corps. We regard this as only a beginning of what will eventually be an important part of the United Nations structure. 71. Our goal must be a world of enduring peace, and universal prosperity and opportunity, with ample room for diversity. That appears to be our children's ideal. Let us make it our own.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The crises of our times give new proof each year of the importance of putting the peace-keeping function of the United Nations on a solid and permanent footing. We hope other nations will join those of us who have already done so, in earmarking troop contingents for this purpose. Realization of the end in view now depends mainly on decisive action by the superPowers. 70. The Charter places on us the responsibility of helping to build a world in which those who come after us will feel safe and happy, materially and spiritually. That means enlisting youth activities in the cause of the United Nations. My august Sovereign saw this need early, and was the first to press the United Nations to act upon it.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“To sum up my remarks on this subject, as I have stated in this Assembly, and as the Permanent Representative of Iran has informed the President of the Security Council several times, we are ready at any time, at any hour, at any moment, anywhere, to start negotiations with the Government of Iraq, for the purpose of reaching a peaceful settlement of the Shatt- el-Arab dispute, on the basis of the boundary to be set at mid-channel on thalweg and freedom of navigation for all countries throughout the entire river, in accordance with the accepted principles of international law. 68. We remain faithful to the pledge made several years ago by His Imperial Majesty Shahinshah Aryamehr to contribute to the peace-keeping resources of the United Nations. 69.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Subsequently, a number of countries, including Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Jordan, offered to mediate between Iran and Iraq. We responded positively to those overtures and we made it clear that as soon as Iraq sent its troops back to their barracks, we would do the same. Unfortunately, the Iraqi Government failed to respond. What could have been the reason for Iraq's refusal? I believe the answer has now become clear. Was it not because it wanted to have its forces on secure and safe frontiers? 67.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“A few hours after midnight, on 15 April 1969, the Ambassador of Iran in Baghdad was awakened, to be officially notified by the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iraq that Iraq would use force against vessels sailing to Iranian ports flying the Iranian national flag. Iraq went so far as to threaten to lower the Iranian flag if Iranian merchant vessels were to refuse Iraqi demands. To make its threat appear real, the Iraqi Government concentrated the bulk of its military forces along Shatt-el-Arab, facing Iran. 66. Under the circumstances, Iran was left no choice but to take firm measures to defend its sovereign rights by sending troop contingents to the border, which took place eight to nine weeks after Iraq sent its troops to the border.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“By its persistent refusal to honor a substantial part of the 1937 Treaty, namely, articles 4 and 5, and article 2 of the Protocol annexed to the Treaty, the Government of Iraq in effect rendered the whole Treaty null and void. 64. We cannot tolerate the legacy of imperialism in any form, nor will we accept Iraq as an heir to colonialism. The era of colonialism is over Shatt-el-Arab, as a border river, is as much ours as it is Iraq's. We do not demand exclusive domain over it. We seek no more than is accorded to us by the practice of nations under well-established rules of international law, as shown in the case of the Danube, the Rhine and the Scheldt rivers. 65. Let me recount how the crisis between our two countries started.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“I would have preferred to remain silent on our differences with Iraq, which happen to be the only sore spot in the relations with our neighbor. But His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Iraq yesterday [1854th meeting] chose to rehash the same old story, which he recounted to this Assembly last year. He himself concedes that he has nothing new to say this year on this subject. 62. Most of what I have to say, in order to disabuse this Assembly about baseless charges, is in fact also found in the records of the General Assembly. I wish only to declare once again that the 1937 Treaty is nothing but a dead letter now. 63. The 1937 Treaty is dead, not because of Iran, but through the action, or inaction, of Iraq. For 32 years all our efforts to persuade Iraq to live up to its obligations under the Treaty were of no avail.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Moreover, the settlement of the Bahrain issue has opened up a noble and new vista in which peace, progress and concerted efforts for the common good would characterize relations not only between Iran and our Bahraini brothers but all States and emirates in the Persian Gulf area. 59. With the entire northern coastline of the Persian Gulf belonging to Iran, my Government naturally attaches particular importance to peace and stability in that area. To that end we have spared no effort to co-operate with other littoral States and emirates. 60. The declaration of. the British Government to withdraw from the Persian Gulf region which, of course, we welcomed whole-heartedly, cleared the way for such regional co-operation for the maintenance of peace and stability in this area. 61.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Seldom have Governments shown readiness to submit questions of national interest to the judgment and action of bodies outside their own control. In this instance, consideration for the common good, in conformity with the basic principles of the Charter, prevailed over self-oriented policies. By having recourse to the machinery of the United Nations we have shown how effective the United Nations system can be in the peaceful settlement of international disputes, provided Member States abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter. 58. In the introduction to his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General states: "The Bahrain settlement is a striking example of how the good offices of the Secretary-General can be used for the peaceful settlement of international disputes". [A/8001 /Add.1 and Corr.1, para. 14].”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“56. Although the question of Bahrain was closely linked to our national interests we nevertheless felt that it was only just and fair that after a century and a half of separation from us the wishes of the people should be determined. Accordingly, we decided to seek the good offices of the Secretary-General, to whom I must pay a high tribute in this regard. To facilitate matters further, and as a sign of our good intentions, we took the unusual step of accepting in advance the findings of the Secretary-General's personal representative provided they were endorsed by the Security Council. On 11 May 1970[1536th meeting]the, Security Council endorsed the report submitted by the Secretary-General's personal representative. Subsequently, Iran declared its acceptance. 57.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“That opens the way for greater co-operation and for the consolidation of the deep-rooted ties between our two peoples. 55. The best example of our sincere and genuine desire for peace with justice through international conciliation, co-operation and understanding is the recent settlement of the question of Bahrain. In this day and age, when force still appears to be the main recourse of nations in the defense of national interests, we chose peaceful settlement as the means of resolving our differences with the United Kingdom on the question of Bahrain, to which we attached the greatest importance. That question had remained unresolved for a century and a half. The imminent departure of the United Kingdom forces from the Persian Gulf area provided a favorable atmosphere for a further effort to be made towards the solution of the problem.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“I venture to say that in our case these are no high-sounding words devoid of real meaning. They constitute the corner-stone of our independent national policy . In essence this policy is based on peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the internal affairs of others. 54. We follow that policy with regard to all countries in every region, irrespective of their social or political -systems. In the Middle East, our own region, we naturally take a keener interest in the application of that policy. In this area, an important step was recently taken, and the way was paved for a better understanding with the Government of the United Arab Republic. It gives me pleasure to report that relations with the United Arab Republic have been resumed.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“However, I do wish to say a few words on how we are to exploit the resources of the sea-bed and ocean floor beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. 52. We firmly believe that the fruits of exploitation must be devoted to the common interest and allocated in the first place to the needs of development. In theory, the sea and atmosphere can be divided into marginal waters and international waters, air space and outer space. But the environment cannot be divided by national frontiers; abuses in one part are bound to have an effect on the other parts. 53. I should now like to turn to the question of security in our immediate region. In describing what is required for peace in the world I mentioned earlier that peace is possible only through international co-operation and conciliation.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Unless that trend is checked in time it will be impossible to bridge the gap without serious consequences. The Second Development Decade offers a challenge, and it is our earnest hope that developed nations will assume their full responsibility in meeting that challenge. Here I must point out that the developed countries cannot absolve themselves of their responsibility for the dangerous implications that might result should the Second Development Decade fail. 51. Much has been said, and will be said, of the work of the United Nations Development program, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and others, to which we attach great importance. Our views on the work of these organizations are well known. I therefore do not wish to tax your patience by repeating them.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“While, my Government will be expressing its views on the various items of the agenda in the Committees, I should like here to refer to certain items that are of particular interest to us. 49. As usual, development heads the list. I am sorry to say that the First United Nations Development Decade has been a failure. We had hoped that the developed nations, which had originally committed themselves to the basic objectives of that Development Decade, would play their full part in the realization of its objectives. While we recognize the difficulties which may have confronted them, we nevertheless firmly believe that a contribution of 1 per cent of national income would not impose a heavy burden on them. 50. On the eve of the Second Development Decade the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen at a rapid rate.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“I have especially outlined some of the positive aspects of developments in international affairs to show that prospects for peace and security during the next 25 years are far brighter than they were at the inception of the United Nations. This is so despite the set-backs, frustrations and failures of which we are all well aware and which have greatly damaged the effectiveness of our Organization. 47. There is much that is urgent on our agenda, and much that is not on our agenda is even more urgent. I hope that at the present moment of crisis nothing will be said or done here to aggravate the perils which threaten the world in the Middle East and Far East. 48.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The signing of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [resolution 2373 (XXII)] was a landmark in the long, barren and difficult negotiations. 45. To facilitate matters further in the implementation of this Treaty to which we soon become a party, as my beloved Sovereign, His Imperial Majesty the Shahinshah Aryamehr, has mentioned on a number of occasions, Iran is ready to declare the Middle East a nuclear-free zone, should other countries of the area agree to do so. The strategic arms limitation talks constitute another important step forward. While we welcome these measures, we would also like to express the hope that, in accordance with our Charter, the United Nations will be kept in the picture at all times during all phases of negotiations on disarmament. 46.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In the field of decolonization, the United Nations can rightfully boast of a great record of accomplishment on this tenth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 42. Largely through the power of persuasion and concerted action of this Assembly, millions of people who languished under the colonial yoke have attained freedom and independence. They have taken their rightful place in the community of nations. 43. While we must rejoice in this phenomenal development, we must at the same time express our concern for the freedom of the remaining colonial peoples, and vigilance should continue to be our guide until all territories under colonial rule are free again. 44. Much still remains to be achieved in the field of disarmament. But we must acknowledge that some progress has been made.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“In the case of the Arab-Israeli conflict, those principles are spelled out in the Security Council resolution of 22 November 1967/242 (1967)], which provides the basis for a durable peace with justice in the area. In this context, Iran was the first country to declare that acquisition of territory by force is no longer admissible. This principle was later embodied in the above- mentioned Security Council resolution which, inter alia, called upon Israel to withdraw its armed forces from occupied Arab territories. 40. It is my delegation's sincere hope that Ambassador Jarring's efforts in this direction will lead to the realization in this area of the motto "Peace, justice and progress" which we have adopted for this anniversary session. 41.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Despite the emotions, the complexity of the problem and the almost uncontrollable forces operating in different directions, a basis for negotiations was found. 38. It is, however, a matter of great concern that after much painstaking preparation the talks are now at a standstill. The recent peace initiative offered a ray of hope. We felt it opened the door to a peaceful settlement of the dispute. It continues to remain our earnest hope that efforts to resume the talks will succeed. While the need for seeking peace and tranquility through pacific means should remain a cardinal consideration, due regard must also be paid to well- established principles of conduct. 39.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Thus, whereas the Versailles Peace Treaty of 1919 was torn to pieces within 20 years, we have now witnessed how the Federal Republic of Germany and the Soviet Union have succeeded in signing a Treaty which holds a promise of peace and security in Europe. It is encouraging that, in keeping with the fundamental principles of the Charter, this Treaty is based on the renunciation of force as an instrument of change in the existing conditions in Europe. We regard this Treaty as a clear expression of the recognition of the need for peace through international co-operation and conciliation. 37. The recent initiative in the Middle East, which has led to a halt in the fighting and the reactivation of the Jarring mission, is indicative of another move in this direction.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“These past 25 years have been the most trying and difficult period in world history. During this period, man has lived under constant threat of total annihilation. 35. Conflicts have always existed in the relations among nations. However, conflicts in our age have assumed a more dangerous character. Under the shadow of the cold war and the nuclear age, conflicts facing the United Nations imposed a much heavier and a much graver responsibility than did those which plagued the League of Nations. But the United Nations, unlike the League, still remains a reality and the world's only hope for peace and security. '36. We believe that the imminence of total disaster has further sharpened man's instinct for survival, making him recognize the imperative urgency for peace through international co-operation and conciliation.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“31. Mr. President, it is only fitting that on this twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, a man of your stature, who has contributed so much to a better understanding of the United Nations Charter, should preside over our proceedings. 32. You bring to this Assembly a distinguished career, not only as the representative of your country, but also as a scholar. Your works on the Charter have, from the very beginning, enriched the minds of the students of the United Nations. 33. It therefore gives me great pleasure to extend to you our warmest and most heartfelt congratulations on your election as the President of the twenty-fifth session of the General Assembly. 34. Our principal cause for satisfaction on this twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations is the fact that the Organization- has survived.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“If, from that mixed history, one bit of wisdom is to be gained, it is that the principles of the Charter remain the bedrock on which to build a peaceful and prosperous world. If we have not made greater progress toward building it, the fault lies in ourselves. 168. What is required from each of us is a sober resolve, when dealing with our common problems, to see them in a wide, indeed a global, perspective. This would mean abandoning excessive preoccupation with the achievement of narrow national interests. It would mean seeking to conduct our international relations so that everyone gains, not so that some profit at the expense of others. 169. It is my hope that, already at this session of the Assembly, we shall see a new birth of such a co-operative spirit in the approach to our trying problems.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The focus of our fourth development programme is on the industrial sector, an institution of far-reaching social reforms which provides necessary impetus for rapid growth. Last year, our economy enjoyed another twelve per cent expansion. This was achieved with relative price stability. 166. In other areas, the use of army conscripts in literacy, health and development programmes continues to yield important results. 167. We shall soon be marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of our Organization. As we approach it, we cannot expect to recapture the first hopes that went with the signing of the Charter. We must draw the lesson of twenty-five years’ experience of success and failure.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The approval by the Economic and Social Council is ample proof that there is a recognized need to afford young people an opportunity to participate in the global quest for peace as well as for development within an international framework. Here, I should like to stress that we attach the greatest importance to a volunteer corps which has a genuine international character, operating under the United Nations supervision and administration. It goes without saying that national schemes may also make their contributions to the international volunteer corps, but that once they are made, they fall within the jurisdiction and under the authority of the United Nations. 165. For our part, we have oriented our social programmes towards economic prosperity.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It was in view of these considerations that the Shahanshah Aryamehr took the initiative in suggesting the creation of an international corps of volunteers. The response of the General Assembly at its last session and its unanimous vote is encouraging in this regard. It is equally gratifying to note that at its last summer session, the Economic and Social Council adopted, without a dissenting vote, a resolution [1444 (XLVII)] based on that proposal. 163. It gives me a great pleasure to express the thanks of my delegation for the cordial words of support expressed by many of those at the Economic and Social Council meeting for the initiative of my august Sovereign. 164.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Lester Pearson, a former President of this Assembly, and other distinguished experts have so ably reflected the needs of the developing countries in their report to the World Bank. It is our sincere hope that their recommendations will receive active and positive consideration. 161. Closely linked with the problem of securing the necessary resources for development programmes is the question of manpower shortage, which is acute in most of the developing countries. In this area, however, conditions are rather favourable. Here, the enthusiasm of youth provides an enormous source of energy which is still largely untapped. Should we not then try to channel the idealism of youth into the fight against poverty, disease, and illiteracy on a global scale? 162.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Surely, the time has come, through global partnership, to deal effectively with this paradoxical and intolerable situation. 159. It is tragic to note that when development aids are beginning to yield results, the political will in the developed countries for international aid seems to be faltering. Perhaps this may be partially due to the realization that the fight against poverty and want in the domestic field has been neglected. Nevertheless, no matter how much progress towards establishing conditions of affluence is made in the domestic realm, the war against injustice and want will not be won if it is neglected in the international field. 160. In this regard, we were gratified to learn this morning that a distinguished world personality, Mr.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We believe now, and we continue to believe, that conditions of security and stability in the Persian Gulf area can be maintained only if the historical rights and interests of all the littoral States are preserved. 158. I now wish to turn to a matter of equal importance to peace and security in the world; the question of economic development. As to the need for concerted action and co-operative efforts to deal with problems of under-development increases, there appears to be less willingness on the part of the developed countries to take the resolute steps required to translate lofty objectives into living realities. At a time when affluence is rapidly becoming the prevailing condition of whole countries or regions of the world, the large majority of humanity continues to live in conditions of poverty, disease and hunger.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The Persian Gulf is part of our past, and its entire northern shore constitutes Iranian territory. Under these circumstances we attach the greatest importance to the developments in this area, and are destined to share with other Persian Gulf States and Territories the fortunes of the region. 156. Ever since the announcement by the British that they would withdraw from the Persian Gulf, we have made it clear that it is not enough only to advocate that an old era. is dying out and a new one is setting in. We maintain that this withdrawal should be real and genuine. The people of the Persian Gulf should be left free to determine their own future and to evolve the necessary co-operative arrangements suited to the new evolving pattern. 157.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The issue between the two Governments is whether the Shatt-al-Arab should be a barrier or a bridge. Iran has offered to work out with Iraq a treaty for co-operative administration of the Shatt-al-Arab with free navigation throughout the entire river. 154. We have informed the President of the Security Council of our position, and have proposed a number of constructive alternatives for the peaceful settlement of this dispute in accordance with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. It is our earnest hope that Iraq will respond positively and in the same spirit of co-operation and understanding for a satisfactory solution of this problem. 155. Another matter of concern to my country is the situation in the Persian Gulf. We are bound to this area by history and geography.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“A river with such characteristics cannot, on the basis of established rules and principles of international law, come under the jurisdiction and absolute sovereignty of any one country. More than half the waters of the Shatt-al-Arab originated from Iranian sources. Moreover, from the general tone of the 1937 Treaty, and the real significance of the Protocol attached to it, it is clearly and fully understood that the Shatt-al-Arab is not and cannot be under the absolute sovereignty of Iraq. 153. Iraq, by its refusal to carry out its commitments under the 1937 Treaty, has forfeited any rights it acquired under that Treaty, which, moreover, due to its colonialistic aspect is null and void. Consequently, the boundary set in the Shatt-al-Arab reverted to mid-channel or the thalweg.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“I should add that this threat has not been carried out due to the fact that Iran stands alert in defence of its inalienable and legitimate rights. Nevertheless, there have been increasing acts of interference, resulting in serious discouragement to shipping to Iranian ports on the Shatt-al-Arab. 151. Iraq bases its claim of absolute sovereignty over the Shatt-al-Arab on a treaty imposed by colonial interests and which Iraq itself has for thirty-two years refused to carry out. It is inconceivable that in the second half of the twentieth century a country should rest its case on the doctrine of exclusive domain on a river of this size, which runs some eighty miles along the shores of our two countries. 152.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In line with cur national independent policy in international relations, Iran enjoys cordial and friendly relations with all countries, irrespective of their social and political systems, and in particular with its neighbours. There is one unhappy exception; the recent developments in our relations with Iraq. 150. The Government of Iraq persists in interfering with the free navigation of vessels bound for Iranian ports on the Shatt-al-Arab, the river that flows between the two countries to the Persian Gulf. On 15 April 1969 Iraq went so far as to threaten to board vessels sailing to Iranian ports and flying the Iranian flag. It further threatened to use force should the Iranian merchant vessels not comply with its demands.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We continue to endorse their legitimate struggle to restore their fundamental rights, freedom and independence in accordance with the provisions of the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. 148. It is the hope of my delegation that as we approach the tenth anniversary of the historic Declaration contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), the world community will intensify its efforts, not only to eliminate the last vestiges of colonialism but also to restore the legitimate rights of those nations who, in the course of colonial domination, were victimized by arrangements contrary to international laws and justice. 149. I wish now to turn to certain questions of particular concern to my country.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The drive by the United Nations to promote respect for human rights has continued to meet massive resistance. Our rhetoric does nothing to reduce the misery of men living under the scourge of apartheid. Despite efforts to bring colonialism to. an end, millions of people still suffer under its yoke in one form or another. Blended with racism and the denial of human rights, colonial domination in southern Africa has created a situation that poses net only a challenge to the authority and prestige of our Organization, but also a threat to world peace and stability. 147. We continue to condemn the policies of apartheid, suppression and exploitation of colonial Territories and peoples.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It is in this spirit that we hope and expect that out of the present negotiations in Geneva an agreement will emerge to bar the extension of the arms race to the sea-bed and the ocean floor. It is also our hope that a consensus will be reached on the issue of prohibition of chemical and biological weapons and methods of warfare. 145. I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our Secretary-General for the constructive proposal made in the introduction to his annual report to the General Assembly, to designate the 1970s as the Disarmament Decade [A/7601/Add.1, para. 42]. We see in that proposal the customary merit of his timely warnings on the issues facing the world community. Iran is glad to associate itself with that proposal. 146.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“It will be noted less for its achievements than for its failures. The continued postponements of the strategic arms talks tend to increase the difficulty inherent in the issues that form the substance of those talks. The reasons behind that delay still remain unknown. 144. The super-Powers, which have managed to become both the champions and the arbiters in the disarmament game, remain reluctant to discuss, and even more so to resolve, the issues which have been accorded the highest priority by this Assembly. Instead they discuss their own priorities within their self-designed negotiating forum. In a constructive spirit of self-discipline, we are willing to ignore this as long as the outcome serves, though in varying degrees, the interest of all.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The slow pace of progress should, in our view, be judged tolerantly in the light of the nature of the issues involved and the differences on major aspects of this matter. Looked at from this angle, the question of United Nations military observers presents itself as the end to a beginning. 142. There is, of course, a long way to go. We should continue with patience and vigour to try to overcome divergences through detailed and businesslike discussions of the issues. In doing so, we must continue to be guided by fidelity to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for past experience in this field. 143. In the course of the past year, progress in the field of arms control and disarmament dropped to a disquieting low. More aptly this period might be described as one whose potential productivity remained untapped.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Principles such as freedom of consent and that of prohibition of force, coercion and threat, in the conclusion of treaties, were provided with an international legal context for the first time. The Convention no doubt will strengthen the friendly relations among States and promote international understanding and co-operation. 141. Let me turn now to the question of peace-keeping operations. Iran follows developments in this field with the same interest as that which prompted us, some years ago, to offer to place a detachment of our armed forces at the disposal of the United Nations. It is in this spirit that we welcome the progress made on some minor aspects of this important issue.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“I wish to express once again our earnest hope for a speedy settlement of the armed conflict. 139. Our preoccupation with problems of war and peace should not distract our attention from a score of important issues before our Organization; neither should we fail to note its achievements. 140. This year marked the successful conclusion of work begun some years back in the International. Law Commission. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which has already received the signatures of more than thirty States, is the fruit of years of co-operative efforts by a body of distinguished international jurists. In codifying recognized principles of international law the Conference did not fail to devote time and attention to the progressive development of international law in the spirit of Article 13 of the Charter.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We also continue to believe that only through the implementation of the decisions of the Security Council, in particular the Security Council resolution [242 (1967)] of 22 November 1967, is it possible to reach a peaceful settlement. We further maintain that the four-Power negotiations could make valuable contributions to arriving at a settlement. 138. The tragic war in Viet-Nam continues to exact a heavy toll of human life and property. The diplomatic initiatives taken by the parties involved to break the deadlock in the Paris talks are significant. We certainly hope that the present trend, in particular the partial evacuation of United States troops, will lead to meaningful discussions and a final settlement. Nevertheless, our concern for international peace and security has not diminished.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“My Government supports the Declaration of the Rabat Islamic Conference, which is in conformity with the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations to which we have already subscribed. 136. Now a word about Jerusalem. While restoration efforts must continue, we must also address ourselves to the root cause of the problem, which is the occupation of the old section of Jerusalem by Israeli forces. Efforts to change the status of Jerusalem have met with the strong opposition of the overwhelming majority of Members of the General Assembly and the unified stand of the Security Council. Israel has been instructed by those two organs to rescind all measures taken to change the status of Jerusalem. 137. We believe that Israel should be made to implement those decisions.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In voicing the deep sense of grief of the Iranian people, cause by the calamity which has befallen the Moslem world, my august Sovereign offered Iran’s assistance to meet the situation, particularly for the rebuilding and repair of the mosque. At the same time, together with other Moslem countries, we took the necessary steps in the Security Council for the safeguarding of the holy shrines. 135. This act of arson, through deplorable, was the spark that led to the first Islamic Summit Conference, held at Rabat from 22 to 25 September 1969. The Conference ended with positive results and laid the foundations for future co-operation among the various Islamic nations. It also fostered solidarity among the Moslems of the world.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“I have on a number of occasions, from this rostrum as well as in other forums, urged the need for withdrawal of Israeli forces from Arab territories, as it is essential to the establishment of a just and lasting peace. I have also stressed that we reject resorting to force as a means of settling disputes, and we have reaffirmed our conviction that titles obtained by force could not be recognized as valid. No State must be allowed to extend its frontiers as a result of war. 134. We were filled with a sense of deep shock and repulsion at the burning of the Al Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest shrines in the Moslem world. This criminal act has also destroyed irreplaceable relics dating back to the beginning of Islam. The anger and sense of indignation of people throughout the Moslem world were profound.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The situation in the Middle East has gone from bad to worse and represents a grave threat to peace and security. At the turn of the year, some hopes were raised by the prospect of talks among the four permanent members of the Security Council. It was hoped that the assistance which the four Powers were to render would break the deadlock and lead to a settlement of the present precarious and explosive situation. However, these hopes were soon to be dashed, while Ambassador Jarring has all but abandoned his search for settlement. As a result, Arab territories are still under occupation. In its attempt to keep its hold on Jerusalem and parts of other occupied Arab territories, Israel is missing a central point: that lasting peace cannot be built on a victor-vanquished basis. 133.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Many of the concepts and policies that had shackled progress towards understanding and co-operation between the great Powers are diminishing in importance. Yet, seeking to limit the areas of friction, the great Powers face the same dilemmas on the road to peace as in the past. The war in Viet-Nam keeps harvesting young lives in both camps. The search for peace in the Middle East remains blocked. War in Nigeria goes on. 130. This year we have also witnessed the development of a new situation. Tension over the Sino-Soviet border poses a new menace to the peace and stability of the world. 131. I should like, therefore, to turn my attention briefly to some of these areas and to begin, specifically, with a conflict that has torn down the foundation of peace in our own region. 132.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“As man plans to move to Mars and throughout the solar system, more than half of the world’s people continue to suffer under conditions of poverty, injustice and oppression in a world torn with strife and armed conflict, Our efforts to tackle these problems have made little or no headway. 128. While man’s flight to the moon demonstrates his genius in overcoming physical problems of great magnitude and complexity, the sad state of affairs prevailing in the world today is a vivid but tragic reminder that man is still afflicted with shortcomings in the social and political fields, which hamper him from coping with the age-old problems of peace and security with justice. 129. Détente is beginning to take shape despite passing setbacks.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“This fantastic feat represents not only the rapidity of change in the world today but, more important, the fact that man is capable of realizing his most ambitious dreams. We owe the United States a particular vote of thanks for this historic and tremendous achievement. We express once again our congratulations to the American Government and people and, in particular, to those men and women whose contributions turned the Apollo 11 project into a living reality. Similarly, our congratulations must also go to the Soviet Union for its outstanding contributions in the same field. 127.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)