YouSaid · the spoken record

Johannesson

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS JOHANNESSON

lines on the record: 47
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1982-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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

“It must therefore be one of the principal aims of the Organization to strive to ensure that every child bom in this world has sufficient food and health care and education in accordance with his or her ability. The mottes of this session of the General Assembly might, indeed, be decreased hunger, lower military expenditures and increased respect for international obligations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“But it is the responsibility of each Stateóand indeed an obligation undertaken by all the States Members of the United Nationsóto ensure respect for the individual and for human rights. That obligation is unfortunately not complied with by a large number of Governments which here represent the inhabitants of their countries. This is even true of many Governments which in other respects abide by their international obligations. 300. In referring to fundamental human rights, I include therein the right of every human being to an equitable share in the world's resources. Other human rights are of little avail to those with no prospects but starvation.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“As regards the law of the sea, I would call on those countries which are still not prepared to agree to the Convention to reconsider their position. Through the participation of all nations in the Convention on the Law of the Sea, we can avoid severe conflicts between individual States on various law-of-the-sea issues and thus take an important step towards the world structure to which we aspire in the Charter. 299. Earlier, I dealt particularly with States and their relations with other States and the lack of respect which is all too often evident in those relations. It is a fact that it is usually the individual human being who is the victim in such circumstances, although in the name of safeguarding the interests of one State against another.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“As a representative of an island nation which depends for its existence on the living resources of the sea, I am bound to express grave concern about the increased armaments in the oceans and, in particular, the enlarged fleets of submarines armed with nuclear weapons. Even in peacetime, an accident under adverse conditions could destroy the economic basis of such nations. Thus I would emphasize that the proper response to the opposition of people in continental Europe and America to an even greater increase in the number of nuclear missiles in their countries is not to move these weapons to the oceans but, rather, to agree to a real reduction. Only thus will the threat posed by such weapons be diminished. 298.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We must therefore hope and trust that concrete results will be achieved in the negotiations between the United State s and the Soviet Union on reducing stockpiles of a number of the main types of nuclear weapons, in the negotiations on mutual and balanced force reductions and in the work of the Committee on Disarmament and, of course, at the Madrid Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, should it result in an agreement on a conference on confidence-building measures and disarmament in Europe. The implementation of disarmament must be based on reciprocity. Anything else would be neither realistic nor justifiable. The aim should be to achieve a balanceónot a balance of terror, but a balance based on a reduction, not an increase, of arms. 297.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The only alternative which would not sooner or later lead to destruc-tion is effective and genuine agreements on arms reduction as a first step on the long road to total disarmament, which should beóindeed must beóthe vision of those who believe in the high principles of the Charter. 2%. The demand for realistic action on disarmament is more pronounced now than it has been for a long time. In that light, it is tragic to have to admit that the second special session on disarmament yielded practically no results.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Such measures are indeed essential now. 294. The quantity of armaments is of a much greater dimension and weapons are more menacing than those the world has ever seen before; but still the frantic arms race continues. The debate on who is the most powerful could no doubt go on a J in/M/Mm. In fact, the debate would probably not be resolved unless the unthinkable should happenóthat the big Powers put the matter to the test. It is not likely that many would be left to judge the outcome, and the winner would not be in a very much more enviable position than the loser. The weapons of mass destruction can at any time bring total devastation to mankind. The nuclear Powers carry a heavy burden. They are, indeed, responsible for the fate of the world. 295. Mankind has but one option.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Just over two years ago, new waves of freedom spread through Polish society. The people sought a greater voice in their own affairs. Agreements were reached with the authorities on a slight relaxation of controls and the establishment of free trade unions was allowed. These tendencies towards freedom were to be short-lived. They ended with the imposition of martial law on 13 December 1981. 292. A list of this kind could be long. There are many States which suffer under totalitarianism and oppression where the principles of the Charter are ignored. 293. While such situations recur at short intervals, it is extremely difficult to lower the tension in international relations and to proceed to effective and realistic measures to promote and preserve peace and security in accordance with the fundamental aims of the Organization.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I should like to turn briefly to a number of other questions, questions which are the most blatant examples of the disrespect for the equality, sovereignty and political independence of all nations. These are principles which should be respected under the Charter of the United Nations but which are in fact disregarded in practice when the more powerful States perceive their interests to be better served thereby. 290. The situation in Afghanistan has not improved since we met here one year ago. The military occupation has now lasted nearly three years. Efforts continue with limited success to force the submission of the people and compel them to resign themselves to the situation. Repeated United Nations resolutions are disregarded. Much the same can indeed be said of war- torn Kampuchea. 291.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In that connection, I would also emphasize in particular the necessity for realizing the legitimate national rights of the Palestinians through the exercise of their right to self- determination, including their right to participate in negotiations on their own future. 288. I welcome the proposals for a solution of the major problems in the Middle East which have been put forward by the President of the United States and the Arab Summit Conference. It is still too soon to predict whether those proposals can form a basis for negotiations by all the parties, but I sincerely hope that they will. Indeed, many elements of both proposals are worthy of further consideration. 289.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The invasion of Lebanon by Israel is one more episode in a long history of revenge and retaliation in the Middle East. At the same time, it is a tragic example of the disrespect for Security Council deci-sions to which I have referred. I declare my full support for the United Nations resolutions condemning the invasion and occupation of Lebanon by Israel and its refusal to abide by the Security Council resolutions. That behavior increases the difficulty of attaining a comprehensive, just and lasting solution of the disputes in this area. Such a solution must be based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and must safeguard the security of all States in the region, including Israel, and ensure justice for all peoples, including the Palestinians.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Further-more, the ministers were in agreement on the need to examine and to discuss with other States measures which could strengthen the ability of the Organization to act in conflicts and crises. I draw attention to those statements of the Nordic Foreign Ministers and reiterate the appeal contained therein. 286. The situation in the Middle East has been discussed in the United Nations from its inception. But still we seem far from a peaceful solution of these disputes, which constantly poison the atmosphere and cause the inhabitants of the region suffering and death. That tragedy culminated in the massacre in the refugee camps in Beirut earlier this month. All those who wish to uphold respect for the Charter must insist on an independent investigation of that crime as soon as possible. 287.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It cannot be achieved by amending the Charter of the United Nations but, rather, as a result of nations becoming increasingly cognizant of the danger to world peace if those developments continue. 285. At the recent meeting of the Nordic Foreign Ministers, the strong support of the Nordic countries was reaffirmed for the United Nations and for measures aimed at settling international disputes by peace-ful means, in accordance with the principles of the Charter concerning respect for the territorial integrity and political independence of all States. In that context an appeal was made to all States to respect the internationally accepted rules guiding relations between States. It was declared that the Nordic countries would continue to work to strengthen the United Nations as a universal organization for peace.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Changes in that basic structure could result in the collapse of the Organization, and therefore I do not regard such changes as being open to debate. But it is evident that the ability of the United Nations to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes is virtually non-existent when a State with veto powers perceives its direct or indirect interests threatened by actions of the Organization. Such situations occur more and more frequently. In addition, there is an increasing tendency by other States to feel that they are strong enough to defy the unanimous decisions of the Security Council. They are confident that the unity of purpose of the Organization is not such that words will be translated into action. That trend must be reversed.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I compared the words to the deeds. In the past year there has been a continual deterioration in these matters in many parts of the world. Amongst the most serious events are those in the Middle East and in Poland, although they are different in nature. But, regrettably, a number of further examples could be cited. 284. In his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General raises a matter of great concern, namely, the increased lack of respect for Security Council resolutions. I endorse whole-heartedly his words of warning that we are perilously near to international anarchy. The structure of the Organization, and in particular the veto, has been both its strength and its weakness.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“As we come to this session of the General Assembly, the international situation is in some respects more serious than it has been since the end of the Second World War and the establishment of the Organization. The quantity of armaments is much greater, weapons are more devastating, hunger more severe, destitution more extensive, and the curse of unemployment more far- reaching than ever before since the establishment of the Organization. We have certainly made some gains and that we must not forget. But much more glaring are the cases where success has been limited, or when no results at all were achieved. I intend to deal with a few of those aspects here. 283. When I addressed the General Assembly in September 1981 meeting, I referred to a number of provisions of the Charter and of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I should like to use this opportunity to urge the representatives of all nations present here to do their utmost to ensure that all nations of the world can sign a new Convention on the law of the sea next year. If we succeed in that endeavor, we will have shown what our nations can achieve if they stand united, as the United Nations should.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Here I am referring to the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, dealing with two thirds of the surface of the earth. When I addressed this Assembly at its last session [5th meeting], I thought the prospects for finally concluding the drafting of a treaty which all nations of the world would accept and sign were bright. Unfortunately, there are now clouds on the horizon which, if worst comes to the worst, could preclude the wide international support necessary if the convention is to serve its intended purpose, i.e., to ensure the application of international law in that large area of the globe and prevent disputes which might endanger good neighborly relations and international peace. 24.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“I want to stress here that I consider it one of the main tasks of the United Nations in the immediate future to stop that negative development. We should, rather, use all our collective strength to press for improvements regarding human rights. My Government will wholeheartedly support such efforts. Iceland would want to promote an agreement on the abolition of capital punishment. Iceland would want to conclude the drafting of a convention on the prohibition of torture and, along with the other Nordic countries, actively work for the final adoption of the Nordic proposal submitted to the Commission on Human Rights to establish a universal fund for the victims of torture. 23. Before closing, I must refer to one field of the work of the United Nations one which my country has long considered among the most important.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“To reiterate that determination, we have solemnly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With that in mind, it is extremely depressing to have to observe the fact that violations of that fundamental principle of the Charter have become more and more frequent in vast areas of the world. Violence and force are openly used at will by governments, whether to compel individuals, minorities, or entire nations to accept the political opinions of the authorities, their religious beliefs, or whatever pretext they use to force obedience. Imprisonment, torture, and capital punishment have become part of daily life in many Member States, in spite of the clear obligations all of us accepted upon becoming Members. 22.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Next month the International Meeting on Cooperation and Development will be held at Cancun, and recently we held in Paris the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries and at Nairobi the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy. The problems of the developing countries will also occupy a large part of the debates at the present session of the General Assembly. I should like to express the hope that all the efforts expended in those activities will result in substantive solutions, although it is obvious that the problems are so great that they will not all be solved in a short space of time. 21. In the Preamble to the Charter, we state that we are determined to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Here I refer to international solutions of economic, social and cultural problems %s well as to respect for human and civil rights. 18. The development of international economic relations in the past few decades and the serious energy crisis of recent years have made it more necessary than ever before to organize closer cooperation between the industrial and the developing countries. New methods must be found to divide the riches of the earth in order to ease the suffering and scarcity which a great part of mankind endures. 19. My country is among the fortunate, economically speaking, and the Icelandic people have come to realize more and more our obligations to assist those who are less fortunate with larger contributions towards their development. 20.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“I condemn in the strongest terms this military intervention and call for the immediate and total withdrawal of all foreign military forces, just as I support wholeheartedly the demand for total withdrawal of all Vietnamese invasion forces from Kampuchea where a war torn nation should be allowed to organize free elections. We must constantly insist that all States Members of the United Nations abide by the fundamental principle of refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. 17. We also have other aims and fundamental principles in the United Nations, future goals that we knew in the beginning would take a long time to reach. And today we are possibly farther away from reaching some of those goals than at the time of the establishment of the Organization.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In order to arrive at a comprehensive peace in the area, the right of Israel to exist within secure and recognized boundaries must be respected as well as the legitimate national rights of the Palestinians. And in accordance with the right of the Palestinians to self-determination, they must also participate in negotiations concerning a just and lasting settlement of the Middle East problems. 16. It is regrettable that no changes seem to be in sight in the apartheid policy of the South African Government, and South Africa continues to resist the implementation of the declared policy of the United Nations about the independence of Namibia. To boot, South Africa recently carried out a military attack on Angola.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Many serious problems will be debated at this session, and most of them have been discussed in the General Assembly for years or even decades, and yet no solutions have been found. Some of those problems have even become more difficult to solve as time has passed. This is notably the case with the developments in the Middle East. 15. The situation in the Middle East is a constant threat to world peace. That is why our Organization must do everything possible in order to find a solution to the problem. On earlier occasions I have stated what I will reaffirm again here: that a solution to the Middle East problem must be found on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The arsenals of the superPowers are such a great part of the total armaments in the world that there is no hope for disarmament if they are not willing to cooperate. If the super Powers do not agree, there can be no progress in international negotiations, whether in the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva, at the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament to be held next year, or in the negotiations in Vienna on mutual and balanced force reductions. 13. The arms race is different from other races in that the faster the pace the greater the probability that all participants will lose. Therefore, the question of security must not revolve around the attainment of military superiority. Increased security must be attained through military balance at the lowest possible level of armaments and forces. 14.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“There, all participants have to unite their efforts to strengthen the confidence necessary to promote a policy of genuine detente. If we are successful in building confidence, then it will prove easier to take effective measures to reduce armaments in Europe by negotiating agreements within the framework of a conference on disarmament and security in Europe. 12. This conference to which I have referred is certainly an important factor in the efforts to reduce armaments in the world. However, it would only be one part of the extremely important field of disarmament and arms control. It is no less important to achieve concrete results in the negotiations soon to be initiated between the United States and the Soviet Union on strategic nuclear weapons in Europe.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“During the past few months, European and North American representatives have been meeting at a conference to discuss the follow-up to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. When the Final Act of Helsinki1 was signed in 1975 it was the formalization of the results of the policy of detente, which had been practiced from the latter part of the 1960s. Unfortunately, some of theStates that have participated in the work of the conference have shown a rather limited determination to carry out in earnest certain important elements of the Final Act. However, it is much more serious that faults are beginning to appear in the basis for improved relations: the mutual confidence on which increased cooperation has to be built. 11. The Madrid conference will reconvene next month.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“There has to be respect for the sovereignty and political independence of all States if we are to succeed in lessening the dangerous tensions that exist today in relations between States and in maintaining international peace and security, which is one of the primary purposes of the Organization. All nations, large and small, will have? to work in earnest towards that goal. And 1 refer again to the principles of the United Nations as stated in the Charter. We have to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples. There has hardly ever been more reason than there is today to recall these words, to remember them and to try to live up to them. 10.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“It is almost two years since the invasion of Afghanistan began. We all have fresh in our memory the emergency special session of the General Assembly that was convened for this reason in January 1980. Then an overwhelming majority of all the Member States adopted resolution ES6/2 in which the Assembly confirmed in clear terms that the sovereignty and political independence of all States is a fundamental principle of the Charter of the United Nations, The violation of that basic principle, whatever the pretext, is a breach of the Charter. Therefore, all foreign military forces should be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. A similar resolution was again adopted by the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly last year, but unfortunately those resolutions have not had any tangible effects. 9.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The United Nations is almost universal in membership and the danger from those outside the Organization is minimal. Can we then ask ourselves whether we have not already attained some of the goals set in the original Charter and whether we do not after 36 years have the others within our grasp? I shall let each man answer for himself and I myself shall not attempt now to give a comprehensive answer to those questions. 7. thirty-six years are not a long period in the history of mankind and some of the solemn declarations in the Charter certainly take time to put into practice. However, others need no time, but only the will to live in accordance with the agreement we have all signed, it is the lack of the will to honor those obligations of the Charter that is the main reason for the situation existing today in international relations. 8.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“When the victors in the Second World War met at San Francisco in 1945 to build the foundation of a new and better world, the representatives of all the Member States signed the Charter of the United Nations. Its purposes and principles are to be found in the Preamble and Chapter I, including solemn declarations on fundamental human rights and basic rules for international relations. Since that time representatives of all new Member States have also accepted their obligations under the Charter. We are not a small group of States that have to stand together and resist the transgressions of other powerful States and groups of States when they do not respect the solemn declarations we have made individually and confirmed collectively. 6.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Mr. President, I should like to join my colleagues who have congratulated you upon your election as President of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. I am convinced that your experience and wisdom will greatly help you in finding solutions to the many problems which will be debated at this session. 3. I should also like to welcome to our Organization a new Member State, Vanuatu. 4. The SecretaryGeneral and his entire staff have continued with devotion and steadfastness to work at the tasks given them by the United Nations. Allow me to express my thanks for their efforts and to promise to the SecretaryGeneral full support for his ceaseless activities in his important position. 5.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“After seven years of conference work and extensive preparations prior to the Conference, it now appears that agreement is possible on a comprehensive treaty on the law of the sea. If this convention becomes a reality it will be one of the greatest achievements of the United Nations since its beginning. It will be a shining example of what our Organization can accomplish if the will is there.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“On account of these developments, the Nordic countries requested that a new item be inscribed in the agenda of this session of the General Assembly entitled "Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives." I should like to express the hope that the deliberations of the General Assembly under this new item will result in increased confidence that diplomatic and consular relations, a fundamental requirement for the normal functioning of the international community, will not break down when most needed. 18. Before concluding, I should like to refer to one matter which Iceland considers among the most important tasks undertaken by the United Nations: the preparation of a treaty on the law of the sea.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Each and every State represented here in the General Assembly is morally bound to do its utmost to make the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the guiding principle in its relations with individuals, 17. When I mention here the increasing use of violence and lack of respect for life and liberty, I come inevitably to a related matter. I refer to the shocking increase in acts of violence directed against embassies and consulates and their staff. Only last year, no fewer than 20 such violent acts were committed, and obviously the attack on the United States Embassy at Teheran and the seizure of the hostages constitute the most serious case in question.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“A major effort in this matter is necessary, not only to eradicate the shameful situation where a large number of the people of the world live in dire poverty and hunger but also to prevent the danger of war which would otherwise result from this intolerable situation. 16. Respect for human rights is one of the fundamental principles of the nation I have the honour to represent. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly almost a third of a century ago. It is. Therefore, regrettable to have to say that the civil liberties and fundamental freedoms of the individual are being trampled on in the world today. This dismal situation has to be corrected.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In accordance with the rights of the Palestinians to self-determination, they must participate in the negotiations on a lasting and just solution. 15. The North South disparity, or rather the broad and widening gap between rich and poor nations of the world, constitutes another set of problems with which our Organization has been dealing, most recently at the eleventh special session, just concluded. Unfortunately, in spite of the intensive search for agreements at the special sessions on international economic relations, progress has been slow. It remains, therefore, a primary task of the United Nations to achieve realistic agreements on international economic: issues which would improve greatly the standard of living of the low-income nations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Here, I should like to express my hope that all participants in the Conference at Madrid try earnestly to regain what has been lost recently and prove their good intentions by making an extra effort. 14. One of the most serious problems our Organization has to deal with is the situation in the Middle East. I do not intend to discuss these grave issues in detail or analyse their causes. I should only like to stress that the Middle East conflict has to be resolved as soon as possible. A comprehensive peace settlement has to be found on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Peace in the Middle East requires that both the right of Israel to exist within secure and recognized boundaries and the national rights of the Palestinians be accepted and respected by all parties concerned.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Experience has showed us that mutual trust is the basis for successful agreements in these important and delicate matters. It is therefore today our urgent and pressing task to try to re-establish this mutual trust. In order to do so, all parties concerned have to show by word and deed their will to respect the basic principles which we agreed upon in the Charter of the United Nations. 13. A few days ago there was convened at Madrid the preparatory meeting of the second review session of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. It is of the greatest importance that that session of the Conference succeed in reawakening as much as possible the cooperative will and trust which was originally the basis for the Helsinki Final Act.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In our Charter and other fundamental documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we find the most important basic principles, which every State has to carry out both internally and externally, if we aim sincerely at the prosperity and progress of all mankind. Unfortunately, we have in many instances made regrettably little headway towards actual implementation of the policies we decided upon. However, this does not mean that we should give up. On the contrary, this performance should incite us to work harder at promoting our policies and advancing towards our goals. 12. As I just mentioned, the situation in international affairs is now more serious than it has been for a number of years. This fact is reflected in particular in the field of disarmament.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“If international peace and security are to be maintained, we have to continue to work towards reducing tension. Technical development in communications and armaments increases the danger of a cold war turning into a nuclear holocaust, and then nobody would be safe, anywhere in the world. Therefore, although I have discussed relations between only a small part of the nations represented here, this matter concerns each and every human being. 11. Relations between the superpowers and their actions on the world scene have truly tremendous influence on the development of all international matters. However, we should not forget that the small nations also carry a heavy responsibility in the world. By their firm policy they can have decisive influence on both the fortunes and the future of mankind.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Consequently, I consider it my duty as a representative of a small nation State, which puts its trust in full respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, to remind the Assembly here and now of the provisions of the resolution passed at the sixth emergency special session. It is necessary to start implementing them without delay. 9. This situation in Afghanistan which I have referred to has, in my opinion, been the major cause of cooler relations and increased tension between East and West, although other events have no doubt also had their influence. 10. The policy of detente in Europe, which had its origin in the latter part of the 1960s and was formalized by the Final Act of Helsinki, has certainly taken a step backward. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that there is .no acceptable alternative to detente.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“A vast majority of the nations represented in this distinguished body strongly deplored the armed intervention in Afghanistan in a resolution adopted in January of this year by the sixth emergency special session. That resolution clearly states that respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States is a fundamental principle of the Charter of our Organization. A violation of this principle on any pretext is contrary to the aims and purposes of the Charter. Therefore, all foreign troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately and unconditionally. 8. Now, more than eight months after that resolution was adopted by the General Assembly, nothing has so far been done to comply with it.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“However, we also have in this Assembly hall evidence of the great changes in international society which have taken place in this short period in the history of the world. Since I first attended the Assembly session in 1946, the membership has tripled, and by far the greatest number of new Members are former colonies which have now become full participants in the community of nations. 6. Unfortunately, it is not overstating the case to say that the atmosphere in East West relations has deteriorated since the conclusion of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. This turn of events, along with other occurrences on the world scene, now throws new shadows on the development of international relations. 7. The situation in Afghanistan stands out and casts the darkest shadow.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“They have not seen all their hopes realized. But the words and deeds of visionaries often bring results, although they themselves do not live long enough to see those results. Ideals can have wings to fly into the future and across borders. 4. When we look at the progress of the United Nations, which in the beginning raised such high hopes, we see both a bright and a dark side and many changing shapes. For more than a third of a century the United Nations has successfully accomplished a great deal for the good of all mankind. However, we are obliged to note that a number of the items of the agenda of the first session of the General Assembly, held in 1946, are still under discussion 34 years later. That shows us that, even with the greatest of effort, there are often many difficulties to be overcome before attaining a goal. 5.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“It gives me great pleasure, Sir, to join my colleagues who have congratulated you on your election as President of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. I am confident that your wisdom and experience will stand you in good stead in your search for solutions of the many problems which this General Assembly will discuss. 2. Allow me also to join in the welcome to the new Members of our Organization, Zimbabwe and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 3. It is a special pleasure for me to have this opportunity to address the General Assembly. In 1946 I was a member of the Icelandic delegation to the second part of the first session of the General Assembly here in New York, when Iceland was admitted as a Member of the Organization. There was optimism in the air then. No doubt the most optimistic idealists have been disappointed.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)