YouSaid · the spoken record

Grondal

lines on the record: 36
first: 1978-09-24
most recent: 1979-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

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“But we seem to lack the knowledge—or is it the love and the compassion?—that is needed to outlaw wars, hunger and terror. 278. May the work of the United Nations continue to move us in the right direction, and save us from self- imposed catastrophes.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“There is, of course, no panacea, but several things come to mind: first, we must break the stalemate over the new international economic order; secondly, we must deal vigorously with the problems of energy; and thirdly, we must especially deal with the problems of oil-importing developing nations. 276. Today we have technical knowledge and communications unsurpassed in human history and beyond the wildest dreams of a generation ago. Yet we seem to make little or no progress in the field of social science, which should provide adequate guidance for the equitable distribution of the world's goods. This disparity is not new, yet it becomes more terrifying with every passing year. 277. We have within our grasp the scientific knowledge that we need to solve most problems of managing and dividing the resources of the earth and the sea.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Suffice it to say that the use of force is everywhere to be condemned and is contrary to the Charter of the United Nations. 274. The economic state of the world is certainly one of disorder. In almost every area economic problems have multiplied. Inequality of wealth continues; poverty and undernourishment are rampant. Producers of certain necessities form cartels to raise their prices and reap immense profits. Some countries suffer from intolerable unemployment or inflation. Trade is stagnant and protectionism seems to be growing. 275. These are all indicators of an economic situation that seems difficult to overcome and likely to cause major difficulties for some time to come.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Recent events in the Zimbabwe conflict have brought new hope—if the results of the Meeting of Heads of Government of Commonwealth Countries in Lusaka and the talks now going on in London, as so brilliantly described by Lord Carrington, prove to be a basis for genuine majority government in the country. All political groupings must be afforded equal opportunities in elections for a new parliament if such a solution is to be acceptable. 272. The situation in the Middle East continues to be highly explosive and no effort must be spared to keep the peace with a view to securing the right for all States in the area to live in peace and security within recognized boundaries. The Palestinians must be granted their legitimate national rights. 273. I shall not continue to enumerate the trouble- spots of the world.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The Nordic countries pledge to continue their efforts aimed at the elimination of torture, capital punishment, racism and racial discrimination, as well as religious intolerance, throughout the world. 269. Once again we join all those who have condemned in this forum South Africa's policy of apartheid, and all that goes with that ominous system of suppression and injustice. Eventually, international pressure must bring down this system and see it replaced by a just and equal system for all races in that country. 270. South Africa continues to thwart the implementation of the United Nations plan for free and fair elections in Namibia. Further delay is unacceptable in the negotiations for Namibia's peaceful transition to independence. 271.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In this context they have re-emphasized the relationship between civil and political rights on the one hand and economic, social and cultural rights on the other. 268. The Nordic countries underscored, in the common statement made by their Foreign Ministers recently in Reykjavik, the importance of making progress at this session of the General Assembly in the work of improving the international machinery for the implementation of human rights. They stressed in particular the development of regional co-operative machinery to protect and promote human rights, and asked for renewed consideration of the proposal for the establishment of a post of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights under the Secretary-General.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Let us hope that by the time the next session of the General Assembly meets in this hall the United Nations will—to its eternal credit—have created the new law of the sea. 266. I should like to turn now to a major question that occupied us especially during last year's Assembly session, namely human rights. While we celebrated in this very hall the thirtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the milestones of international co-operation, we witnessed at the same time continued violence in many countries, the continued use of force, and continued torture and cruelty. 267. The Nordic countries have recently repeated their pledge to continue their active international involvement in promoting and safeguarding human rights.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I fully agree with the comment made by the Secretary-General in his report, that "the outcome of this Conference could greatly influence the willingness of Governments to make full use of the machinery of the United Nations to achieve international understanding on global issues." 265. The long work of the Conference on the law of the sea has already made a great impact upon international law. With other major ideas, the 200-mile concept has been put into practice by so many nations that it must be regarded as internationally valid by custom as well as by widespread recognition. This one rule leads to many other problems that call for solutions, and all this makes it imperative that no effort be spared to follow the schedule for completion of the convention by next year.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Perhaps the greatest is the very relationship of man to the sea: whether the immense oceans are to be saved and their resources harvested with prudence or whether they are to be polluted and destroyed, as most certainly would happen in the absence of a comprehensive law of the sea. The draft convention provides for the ideal of giving the profits of the deep ocean to the developing countries of the world, which is a most novel and admirable approach. It also provides for equitable principles of settlement where interests clash and, in return for generous economic zones, coastal States will be charged with the responsibility of protecting the resources of their waters and saving them from pollution. 264.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“During its last session this summer, the Conference approved a programme of work providing for the adoption of a convention on the law of the sea next year. Although some issues have yet to be resolved, the representatives attending the conference unanimously agreed that it is possible to adopt a convention before the end of August 1980. 262. Many questions that seemed insoluble in the early stages of the long conference have found solutions through the patient and often brilliant work of the participants in the spirit of compromise. 263. Vital issues have been and are at stake.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I refer to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which this summer finished its eighth session. This has become the longest and most comprehensive diplomatic Conference ever held under the auspices of the United Nations and, counting the previous two Conferences on the subject, is perhaps the greatest effort ever made to bring the rule of law to human affairs, where anarchy has too long been dominant. 260. About six years of long, biannual meetings have, no doubt, tried the patience and endurance of many representatives attending the Conference. But the end is in sight and we must not give up on the final stretch or bring up new problems and complications that might ruin the positive results of years of work. 261.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“My people in Iceland live on an island in the middle of the North Atlantic, and we cannot but take notice of the immense armament race that goes on throughout the oceans of the world—two thirds of the surface of the globe. 258. There has been little talk of naval disarmament of late, only some speculation about possible confidence- building measures on the oceans. I shall not express impatience in this matter, but I should like to call the attention of my colleagues from lands around the world to the fact that naval power can easily traverse the globe and reach every coastline, however distant from the hubs of power. Naval might used to be the backbone of empires—and it still can be. 259. Speaking of the sea, allow me to turn to a more pleasant aspect.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It has still to be ratified and is being critically examined these days. I hope that the results of these deliberations will be positive, not only because of the contents of the second SALT Treaty itself but even more because of the continued process of detente that it promises, as exemplified by a comprehensive test-ban treaty, conventional disarmament in Europe and many other possible agreements. 257. As President John F. Kennedy of the United States once said, we must change the arms race into a peace race. Even the disarmed and the smallest nations are involved in this matter, especially if they are geographically situated in strategic areas.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The Helsinki agreement has had its ups and downs while the participating nations and others have digested its contents. The results seem to be that they want to continue and maintain the spirit of the agreement. 255. The next milepost in the development of detente will be the second Review session of the Conference, to be held in Madrid late next year. Active preparations have been going on for many months already within conferences of groups of States and bilateral discussions. It seems that everyone is anxious to make the Madrid meeting a success to enhance the future development of detente. Let us hope that this great effort will mean a real step forward, and that the optimists will be proved right and the sceptics wrong. 256. The second SALT Treaty is, of course, the latest and most important step in that process.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Precarious as the military balance may be, in the opinion of the experts, the most important thing is that in Europe and North America the leading items on the political agenda are detente and disarmament. At the same time other continents are ravaged by civil strife and warfare, which cause great misery and damage to large populations. This difference is most striking, and it is to be hoped that Europe will continue to stabilize its peace and that other continents can follow in its footsteps; but, alas, problems are different and they call for different solutions. 254. The Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe represents one of the milestones of post-war history, as it strives to formalize detente.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It is true that there have been rapid changes and that the international scene is becoming ever more complex. 252. But there are bright spots in the landscape. For 30 years there has been peace in Europe—the Old World which has been the battleground of empires for so long. This has, however, been an armed and an expensive peace. Regional alliances, as provided for in the Charter, have formed around the two super-Powers and have established the most sophisticated systems of armaments at immense cost to their two peoples. But, however costly they are, we can be certain that conflict involving atomic weapons would have cost these nations infinitely more in lives and property. 253.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to join my colleagues in congratulating you on your election as President of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. I am certain that your wisdom and experience will enable you to give the Assembly the leadership that it needs. 250. I should also like to express my deep gratitude to the Secretary-General and the entire staff of the United Nations for their tireless efforts in the slow and often frustrating fight for peace and better conditions for humanity. 251. The Secretary-General opens his annual report by stating: "The past year has been full of uncertainty, tension and conflict", No doubt the same could have been said—or was said—about every year in the third of a century during which the United Nations has existed.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We wish for a successful session of the General Assembly under the President's distinguished and able leadership.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Let us remember that most of our problems are man-made and can be solved by man, given the necessary goodwill. Let us in these halls attempt preventive diplomacy, finding and settling potential disputes before they become acute problems. Let us to this end engage in candid debate without recrimination. Let us ever remember that we are not only solving the problems of our own age; we are here making the future. 247. The people of Iceland believe in peace with freedom, justice and equality for nations and individuals. 248. The United Nations journey of a thousand leagues started with a single step, but we are under way, distant though the goals may seem. The delegation of Iceland wishes the United Nations continued and growing success under its able Secretary-General.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The latest developments, which culminated in the discussions at Camp David, are to my mind a step in the right direction. I want to thank all those involved and express admiration for the statesmanship and courage shown. I hope that this effort will enhance the work of the United Nations, and I again pledge the support of the Icelandic delegation. 245. There are a great many more problems on the agenda of this Assembly and pending in the chancelleries of the world, although I shall not take time to discuss them. I have kept mostly to the subjects that primarily concern the Icelandic people and on which we are, perhaps, capable of making useful contributions. But we shall listen with care to those who are more competent on other matters before we decide how to use our valuable vote in this Assembly. 246.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is tragic indeed when submarines loaded with nuclear rockets are constantly creeping over ancient fishing banks and the trawler-men can expect to catch electronic devices in their nets. All of this most certainly counteracts the good work being done by the Conference on the Law of the Sea, where there has been manifested a great desire for preserving the marine environment, protecting living resources for maximum allowable yields to feed mankind, protecting commerce, and increasing human knowledge for peaceful ends. 244. Once again we are faced with the acute and highly dangerous situation in the Middle East. We have supported the efforts of the United Nations to establish just, equitable and lasting peace in the area.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“First, it is downright tragic to see developing nations use vast amounts of money out of their limited resources for the purchase of arms, thus keeping the military industrial complex both pleased and prosperous. This, most obviously, is taking bread from the hungry and medicine from the sick; that is one of the most disconcerting aspects of the armaments race. 243. The second point concerns again the vast ocean. There is in progress an immense and growing arms race in the naval, commercial shipping, fishing and research fields, all for military purposes. Showing the flag in every port around the globe, as the super-Powers do, is only one indication of a new form of imperialism.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Let me only remind the Assembly that giving a starving man a fish you give him a meal; but teach him how to fish, and you have given him a livelihood. 241. It does not befit the delegation of a small, unarmed nation like Iceland to venture to give to others advice on technical military matters, but I must voice our deep concern over the lack of progress made in the field of disarmament, especially as regards the monstrosities of mass destruction, poised and pointed at population centres with their infinite over-kill capacity. We are also disappointed at the slow progress of talks on mutual force reductions in the field of conventional arms 242. Two aspects of this question I must mention with emphasis.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is obvious that history has favoured some nations more than others, whatever the causes. Some have education, knowledge, technology, industry and abundance, while the fate of others has been overpopulation, poverty, disease and a widespread lack of education. In the highly developed countries we all share, to a differing degree, the opinion that the prosperous must give up a considerable share of their wealth to aid those who are poorer or less fortunate 240. We ar6 yet to see this same philosophy firmly enough established in the relationships of nations. We must continue on this path and we must soon obtain much greater results than we have so far. It is not for me to say what are the right methods; direct aid, rising prices of raw materials or whatever.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Only with self-restraint, humanity and education can a suppressed nation rise to anew age and advance to a new future. 238. This we have experienced-and this many other newly independent nations have learned, each in its own way. Quickly acquired material prosperity, even with a high level of education, can bring with it serious difficulties and dangers of losing again the self-determination so precious to us all. Multinational corporations, moneylenders and even powerful international institutions can-if we do not watch out-stealthily replace the more obvious colonial masters of the past. Individual nations must in this modern age exercise internally moderation and self-discipline if they hope to find those same qualities in the international community. Salvation must, as always, begin at home. 239.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The swift movement of events in Zimbabwe has again taken a turn for the worse and caused disappointment to all those who hope for majority rule in that country. Renewed efforts to bring all parties to agreement on a peaceful transition must be made, but in the meantime present sanctions must be effectively maintained. 237. The people of Iceland have in their past a long history under colonial rule. We know from our experience that freedom and independence do not of themselves bring a sudden reversal of conditions, and they do not instantly abolish poverty. But we certainly know that independence does kindle a national spirit and give nations new and further unknown strength for progress. But one ruling class must not be replaced by another, one kind of inequality and injustice must never replace another.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We must continue to condemn the policy of apartheid practised in South Africa and all that goes with that ominous system of suppression and inequity. International pressure in various forms must be increased in order to bring to an end this system and send that country on the way towards a just and equal society serving all its races. 235. We trust that developments in Namibia will, in spite of temporary setbacks, continue and lead that country towards independence and majority rule in the near future. We hope that free elections under United Nations auspices will ensure equal opportunity to all groupings, certainly including SWAPO. This must be followed by substantial economic aid for build-up and development. The vital port of Walvis Bay must certainly be an integral part of Namibia. 236.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We must, on the occasion of the coming anniversary of the Declaration, rededicate ourselves and renew our efforts. Without the basic human rights there can be no individual freedom-and without individual freedom we shall never realize the central goals of the United Nations Charter. 233. Talk of human rights directs our attention to the southernmost part of Africa, where racism, inequality and injustice are the very basis of social structures in which relatively small minorities oppress large majorities among the population. The pressure of the United Nations in this area must be increased and directed towards fair solutions and national freedom, without which this region might well plunge into armed conflict on a large scale. 234.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We all know that torture is practised more or less in scores of countries belonging to this Organization, and we must not rest until that blemish on mankind is erased. We know that thousands of people have been imprisoned for political reasons, for trade union activity or religious beliefs in a number of countries, and they are kept behind bars or in concentration camps, often without trial. This in the long run is an intolerable state of affairs. We know that racism and racial discrimination are not only practised widely, but are in some countries an official policy. In the fight against this, Assembly resolutions have been abundant but results are so far altogether too meagre. We know that other human rights, civil and political, economic, social and cultural, are widely abused. 232.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“229 Permit me to return to the relatively short history of the United Nations by calling attention to the thirtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights before the end of this Assembly session. 230. This Declaration, coming so soon after the Charter itself, is one of the milestones in the work of the United Nations. Like the Ten Commandments of the Christian religion it has been and still is an inspirational guide to many; it has also caused fear and worry to those who trespass against it, but I am sorry to say it has been ignored and unrespected by far too many. 231. The fight for human rights has been gaining momentum, and at the same time it has increased our awareness of the formidable work that remains undone in this field.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In this category we can place most points concerning national maritime limits, which a large number of States have affirmed in their national legislation 228. The vital interests of Iceland have throughout the last 30 years dictated that my country should be in the forefront in this field. Our next step will be comprehensive national legislation confirming the 200-mile economic zone, extending the breadth of the territorial sea from 4 to 12 miles, establishing measures for the preservation of the marine environment, and dealing with other related subjects. Such legislation will be discussed in the Government and Parliament of Iceland in the near future.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Considering what is at stake-the rule of law over two-thirds of the globe I find that the matter should be raised to the highest political level in order to secure positive results from the long work already performed by ambassadors and experts, great as their achievement has been. Anarchy on the oceans would cause innumerable conflicts and immense damage, not least to the poorer nations. The successful conclusion of the Conference next year is vital and should most certainly be given the highest priority. 227. Many phases of the work of the Conference have already been successfully concluded. The consensus reached on important matters has already brought about widespread practice which is unchallenged, in spite bf the lack of an agreed and ratified comprehensive treaty.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The oceans cover two-thirds of the surface of the earth. In spite of the fact that large areas will be within the national jurisdiction of coastal States, there remains an immense area of sea-bed and ocean floor which, it is hoped, will be affirmed to be the common heritage of mankind, as foreseen in the first resolutions of the General Assembly setting out the terms of reference of the Conference. I have no doubt, unfortunately, that the founding fathers of this grand design have been disappointed, even though much has been achieved and there is still a strong likelihood that a comprehensive law of the sea will be agreed upon. 226. Yet the slow pace the Conference and the complex disputes which have repeatedly delayed its success give us serious cause for worry.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We are now suffering the growing pains of adolescence. Before us stretches a long time in which we shall really come to grips with life and solve its problems with ever-growing strength and maturity. Such is the future of the United Nations as I see it. if I may quote the late Adlai Stevenson: "Let none of us mock its weakness for, when we do, we are mocking ourselves." Let us rather devote our strength faithfully to realizing the aspirations embodied in the Charter as truly united nations. 224. The people of Iceland are an island race much dependent upon the sea. For this reason I hope it will be understood why we attach more importance to the Conference on the Law of the Sea than to any other activity of the United Nations with the exception of the maintenance of peace and security. 225.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Those tongues are ever numerous which deplore and attack the United Nations, and in particular this Assembly, as a political slow of overrated significance, long on words but short on deeds. Although not unaware of our shortcomings, we must answer such criticism not only by describing numerous achievements of the United Nations, but also by pointing out that 30 years is a very short time in the lives of international organizations. "Rome was not built in a day" is a saying in many Western languages. Was there ever a great culture, was there ever a major religion, that established itself and realized its potential in anything less than several generations? Why, then, should we demand instant fulfilment of the greatest dream in human history, the United Nations? 223. We may say for the United Nations that childhood is behind us.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“220. Mr. President, I am happy to join my colleagues in congratulating you on your election as President of the thirty-third session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. I am confident that your experience and wisdom will enable you to give this Assembly the leadership that it needs if it is to meet expectations. 221. With the most welcome addition of Solomon Islands, the membership of the United Nations has now reached 150. This is a remarkable growth since, 33 years ago, some 50 nations started building this Organization on the ruins of mankind's most terrible war. Through the dissolution of the system of imperialism, almost 100 new, free and independent States have emerged and become a powerful element in contemporary history. And let us never forget that there are more to come. 222.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)