YouSaid · the spoken record

Shamir

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS SHAMIR

lines on the record: 166
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1986-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“King Hussein has been caught in their clutches before and it seems that he has failed to learn from his own experience. Only after freeing himself from his dangerous association with the PLO terrorists will it be possible to achieve progress towards peace between Israel and Jordan. Indeed, the recent marked increase in terror attacks against Israelis stems, among other things, from Hussein's partnership with the PLO. Jordan cannot extend the olive branch of peace on the one hand and play host to terror at the same time. The two are mutually exclusive. Our position in this regard is clear and decisive. We are firmly against any contacts or dealings with terrorists or their representatives - and, in this case, with an organization whose declared purpose is the liquidation of Israel.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“There is no change in our deep commitment to the Camp David accords, and we stand ready therefore to meet a Jordanian delegation, which may include Arab Palestinians from Judea, Samaria and Gaza, or other Arab Palestinians to be mutually agreed upon. Israel firmly believes that there is no way to solve the problems of our region except through negotiations and peace. If King Hussein has finally decided to offer his hand in peace, let him act the way the late President Sadat did. He should not drown the quest for peace in a sea of conditions that nullify any chance of peace - conditions such as an international conference and the participation of terrorist organizations in the peace process. I should also like to urge King Hussein to free himself at this eleventh hour, from the clutches of the PLO.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“We hope that in the near future we shall be able to negotiate with Jordan, our neighbor to the East. It is crucial that the peace treaty with Egypt should not remain the sole example of peace with our neighbors, and therefore we earnestly seek to widen and deepen that peace by extending the process to include the rest of our Arab neighbors. From this rostrum I once again urge King Hussein of Jordan to enter into direct negotiations with Israel - not in some vague, deflecting international forum, but in direct, bilateral discussions. An international conference is a means of evading direct negotiations. It will be a stage for hostile and extreme propaganda and will not serve the cause of peace. Our aim should be the achievement of a bilaterally negotiated peace treaty between our countries.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Peace for us is a natural and integral part of our national heritage. The Jewish people is a small, democratic and free people, striving to rebuild its renewed nationhood in its ancient homeland. We cherish peace and we teach its blessings to our children. Indeed, after a prolonged period of strife and hostility forced on us by our neighbors, we found a way to build a bridge of peace with one of our Arab neighbors. Egypt and Israel have demonstrated clearly that face-to-face negotiations and direct dialog are the most constructive and beneficial ways of achieving peace. This was brought about on the basis of the Camp David Accords, which established a just and effective framework for the settlement of conflicts. It is for this reason that Israel is so insistent on applying this framework to the further extension of the peace process.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“It would, therefore, be appropriate and timely to strive for what I would call "political disarmament" in these bodies, in order to guarantee that they maintain their integrity and credibility in the exercise of their legitimate functions. Israel was established in 1948 against the background of a United Nations resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish State in Palestine. The United Nations, however, did nothing to implement its resolution, and the State of Israel came into being through the will, the toil and the sacrifice of its people. Nor, I might add, did the United Nations alleviate the immense threats and dangers that Israel had to face since its establishment. Since the founding of the State we have made every possible effort towards the achievement of peace and the normalization of relations with our neighbors.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In this context, we sadly note the tenth anniversary of the passing of the infamous General Assembly resolution falsely equating the Jewish National Liberation Movement - Zionism - with an outrageous phenomenon totally alien to the most fundamental and spiritual values of the Jewish heritage. That resolution, 3379 (XXX), of 10 November 1975, will be remembered in the history of the United Nations as a terrible blot on its record and a discredit to the Organization and to those irresponsible Members that supported it. Other international forums have also been exploited for the purpose of propaganda and political warfare against Israel, distorting the real purposes for which they were established.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“This was, of course, the horrendous Holocaust which was wrought upon us by nazism and anti-semitism. For this reason the emergence of the United Nations provided a source of inspiration and light for us at the end of a very dark era in our history. Indeed, what could be more stirring than the unequivocal declarations of principle appearing in the opening paragraphs of the United Nations Charter, such as: "We the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" and the call "to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors"? To my great regret, however, this Organization has had a part in shattering these aspirations and noble ideals. The slander of anti-semitism has also been propagated in the guise of anti-zionism.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Sir, at the outset I should like to congratulate you on your election to the high position of President of the General Assembly for the fortieth session. I am convinced that your wealth of diplomatic experience and proven skills will contribute to the enrichment of the deliberations during this special session. This year we are commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, which was established with many hopes and expectations in the aftermath of a world distraught by death, destruction and the plunder of war. Like many other peoples, but significantly different from them, the Jewish people underwent an ordeal which will leave its eternal mark not only in the long annals of its history but also in its deeper spiritual and psychological experience.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Our reward will be true peace. There can be no greater goal for the United Nations. 143. The vision of our ancient prophets of universal peace was intended for a distant, Utopian future. But, if we succeed in removing these two formidable obstacles—hunger and terrorism—from our path, the march of humanity towards the fulfilment of that vision will be immeasurably advanced, our stride quickened and our hearts uplifted with the promise of better days.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“All of us are aware that a moderation of the armament spiral, both conventional and non- conventional, will free huge resources needed for the welfare of mankind, in particular that of the developing countries. 142. In conclusion, our mission is twofold. Our first task is the improvement of the quality of life in this world, especially for those who are suffering or who lack the means of sustenance; the hungry millions are waiting for us to do our duty. Our second task is to concert our efforts to eradicate from our midst terrorism and all other violations of civilized norms. We must dedicate equal effort to achieving both goals. We cannot accomplish our humanitarian task unless we overcome the dangers that threaten our society. Both objectives can be achieved provided we muster the courage and the will to do so.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In the vital field of disarmament, we are impelled by a permanent moral imperative. Progress in this field is indispensable if we are to remove the nuclear threat. It may be a commonplace to say that time is running out, but it is nevertheless true. A very recent experience demonstrates that weapons, once they exist, are used. During the current terrible Iran- Iraq war, new non-conventional weapons, such as gas, have been used. This latest addition to the arsenal of fighting armies, against established international conventions and basic decency, cannot but arouse the deepest anxiety. It should be opposed vigorously by anyone concerned for the future of our civilization.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Israel is aware of the substantial contribution which the peaceful uses of nuclear energy can make to the well-being of the world and of the right of all countries to benefit from such uses. We support those international arrangements that would ensure the status and inviolability of nuclear facilities dedicated to peaceful purposes. 139. Israel has long been concerned by the dangers posed by nuclear armaments and has therefore consistently supported the objective of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. 140. We believe that the most credible barrier to proliferation in such a sensitive area as the Middle East is a freely negotiated nuclear-weapon-free zone. In this belief, we are encouraged by the Latin American experience and the recent progress towards establishing the South Pacific as a nuclear-weapon- free zone. 141.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Unfortunately, Egypt has discontinued its participation in the talks, while Jordan and the Palestinian Arabs have refused to join them. Arab rejectionism and extremism continue to have a stranglehold on those who may have been willing to embark on the path of moderation and peace. 136. From this rostrum, I turn yet again to our neighbours with the same call. Let us move forward together on a new path. Let us talk to one another. Let us engage in a common effort to resolve our conflicts, rather than perpetuate the negative attitudes which find frequent expression in this building. 137. Until this call is heeded, Israel will continue to strive for an end to Arab rejectionist attitudes and aspire to mutual acceptance, tolerance, understanding and dialogue, which are consonant with the most basic goals of the United Nations. 138.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“By now it should be clear to everyone, including the Arab States in our area, that Israel has no interest in maintaining any military presence in Lebanon. But we have to make certain that after the last Israeli soldier leaves Lebanon, the terrorists will not return to attack us. 134. Let me repeat: anyone, any people or State that is interested in the evacuation of the Israel army from Lebanon must see to it that the terrorist organizations expelled from Lebanon by Israel do not return to our borders to renew their attacks. This is an essential condition for peace. Israel is ready to cooperate in any serious effort towards a fair solution to this problem. 135. Since the conclusion of the Camp David accords, Israel has repeatedly called on Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Arabs to join in negotiations for an agreement on autonomy.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The agreement was designed to lead to the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, the restoration of Lebanese independence and the establishment of security measures along the Lebanon- Israel border. 132. Today, some 40,000 Syrian troops occupy 65 per cent of Lebanon and show no sign of any intention to leave. The Lebanese Government is dominated by Syria and is not capable of conducting free negotiations that would resolve its problems with Israel. Obviously, Israel will ensure its legitimate security needs and make the necessary arrangements in southern Lebanon to protect the people of northern Israel against any repetition of the terrorist attacks of recent years. I reiterate our readiness to withdraw all our forces from Lebanon, subject to the above-mentioned arrangements. 133.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We therefore call on Member States that have the interest of peace at heart to bring their influence to bear on our Arab neighbours to the east and north to adopt the only successful and tested path to peace—direct negotiations with Israel. 131. Such negotiations produced the agreement with Lebanon which was signed on 17 May 1983. That agreement provided for security arrangements against terrorism and an agreed basis for normal relations between our two countries across the recognized international boundaries. It was approved by the legislatures of Israel and Lebanon, but Syria and those that cannot tolerate the idea of peace with Israel destroyed it by the application of sheer, brutal force.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Recently, the idea of convening an international conference on the Middle East was resurrected. It was advanced by a State that has no diplomatic relations with Israel and that recommends the participation of representatives of terrorist groups. The Arab-Israel dispute is not in need of another international forum. There have been more than enough such gatherings and proposals, and they have all proved futile. They served as a stage for propaganda and for competition between Arab States in the politics of public confrontation with Israel. A conference such as the one being proposed would strike a blow at the principle of direct negotiations, which has proved to be the only means of producing agreements between Israel and its neighbours, from the time of the General Armistice Agreements in 1949 through the Camp David accords in 1978. 130.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Camp David has been the only ray of light in an otherwise dismal and dark picture of hostility. It will continue to serve as a beacon of hope until its message is finally accepted by the peoples and Governments of our region. 128. The United Nations can contribute to peace in the Middle East by a change of direction. It should embrace the idea of peace between Israel and its neighbours condemn the blatant attacks on Israel and reject outright the attempts to expel it from international forums. Recently, an attempt to expel Israel from the UPU was properly rejected by an overwhelming majority. It is now time for the United Nations as a whole to muster the courage to condemn such behaviour. It will mark an important milestone in rehabilitating the image of the United Nations and its standing in the world community. 129.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We have to state with regret that any sign of ostensible moderation in the attitude of Arab Governments towards Israel is negated by their sustenance and support of terrorist organizations committed to Israel's destruction and by their continued attempts to expel Israel from United Nations bodies and other international organizations. We will welcome a change in the Arab stance if it is given concrete expression, such as a clear-cut disengagement from the so-called PLO and other terrorist organizations and a straightforward statement of readiness to make peace with Israel. 127. Sadly, such a breakthrough for peace was set back by the General Assembly's rejection of the Camp David accords and the Israel-Egypt peace treaty, for no other reason than that certain Arab States reject the idea of peace with Israel.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“But Israel cannot be expected to shoulder alone the burden of fighting international terrorism. Since we are all potential victims of terror, we must fight it together. If we do not, terrorism will endanger our basic freedoms and all the standards of civilized behaviour for which the United Nations stands. 126. The attitude underpinning Arab terrorist attacks against Israel is the continued denial by Arab States of Israel's right to exist. Translated into wanton attacks on civilians, the ideology is cruel and inhuman. But it has produced the very opposite result to that intended. Israel has taken the necessary measures to protect its people and enable them to live and prosper alongside their Arab neighbours throughout the Land of Israel.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Rather, it is how to prevent terrorism and root it out from the international arena. There is only one way to deal with this problem. Those countries which agree that terrorism must be eradicated should join forces and wage a permanent war on the terrorist organizations. This is the only way to expose, pre-empt, weaken and finally destroy them. This is a war of self-defence in its true sense, a campaign that the free world should undertake on behalf of its peoples and of the entire human race. 125. For its part, Israel has been waging an unrelenting war on Arab terrorism and has dealt it a number of crippling blows. The so-called PLO, which had established its own mini-terrorist State in Lebanon, from which it carried out and assisted terrorist acts in five continents, was expelled from that country.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“As long as the family of nations continues to evade its responsibilities, to appease rather than punish, to pardon terrorists rather than prosecute or extradite them, to afford terrorists diplomatic immunity, the disease will spread and claim yet more victims in our homes and communities. 123. Whenever a particularly outrageous terrorist attack takes place, as for example the recent bombing of the United States Embassy at Beirut, a wave of outrage sweeps public opinion in all parts of the civilized world. People naturally demand instant retaliation against such despicable acts and a fitting punishment for the criminal perpetrators. 124. While punishment has its necessary place in any system of justice, the overriding problem here is not whom to punish and how punishment should be delivered.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“But at least in one instance concerted international effort has produced results. When terrorism first raised its ugly head in the mid-1960s, its prime target was international civil aviation. Planes were hijacked almost daily, aircraft bombed, passengers terrorized and murdered. The proper functioning of civil aviation today is a result of powerful measures taken jointly by many nations to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft and to combat the threat of hijackings. But such successful international co-operation remains an exception. Terrorism is still an item on the Assembly's agenda, but it is debated ineffectively, shunted aside by vested interests which offer its representatives support, sustenance and even quasi- recognition.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“When in 1972 the Secretary-General proposed that the United Nations promote measures to counter international terrorism, we were among the first to welcome that initiative. Regrettably, it has been thwarted by States that sponsor and support terrorism. Middle Eastern terrorism, sanctioned by these Governments, has been thus allowed, through neglect and indifference, to expand to more and more countries. Today the cancer of terrorism has spread to all continents. The latest form of terrorism and international piracy is the mines that threaten shipping and the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Recently, we were again horrified by the murderous bombing of the United States Embassy at Beirut, a calculated and deliberate act of terrorism. 122. Terror is a malignant disease that will spread everywhere if not contained.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The Middle East continues to be beset by violence, bitter conflicts and wars. In a few weeks of bloodshed along the Iran-Iraq border, more men and children die than in all the Arab-Israel wars. Thousands die every year in domestic strife and hostilities entirely unconnected with the Arab-Israel conflict. Yet, as everyone in this Hall knows full well, a disproportionate amount of the time of the General Assembly is devoted year after year to a contrived and counter-productive review of the Arab-Israel conflict, the main purpose of which seems to be only to slander Israel. 121. In the last two decades, the violence and oppression that characterize so many regimes in the Middle East have erupted on the international scene in waves of terrorism, hijacking and assassination.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In the north, we stand ready to reach an understanding with Lebanon which will guarantee the security of our common border and thus make possible the withdrawal of all forces from southern Lebanon. Syria remains dogmatically opposed to the idea of peace with Israel. Nevertheless, we are adamant in our conviction that there can be no solution other than peace. In the east, we have repeatedly called on the Government of Jordan to join us in negotiations for peace. In the south, of course, we have peace with Egypt, but we are convinced that peaceful relations should be deepened and strengthened in the face of so much rejectionist pressure against peace. 119. The chances of progress towards further peace and stability between Israel and its neighbours must be appraised, however, in the context of the realities of the region. 120.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We acknowledge the gesture of the Ethiopian Government, which has recently enabled Jews and non-Jews from all over the world to visit that community, and we express our sincere hope that it will take all necessary steps to protect and respect their religious and cultural rights and enable those who so desire to be reunited with their families in their ancient homeland. 117. On 13 September 1984, a Government of national unity, encompassing the overwhelming majority of political parties in Israel, was established. Its creation is a reflection of the wide consensus that unites the people of Israel on the main issues on the Government's agenda in the economic, defence and political domains. 118. In its foreign relations, Israel is dedicated, as always, to the goal of peace and accommodation with all its neighbours.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Soviet Jewry demands nothing more than to exercise this right. 115. In our own part of the world, the Middle East, the Jews of Syria continue to suffer under a harsh regime that holds them hostage and refuses to grant them basic human rights, the most important of which is the right to emigrate and join their brethren. Periodic killings of Jews, either sanctioned or tolerated by the authorities, maintain a climate of terror among the Jews of Syria. 116. In Ethiopia, an ancient Jewish community struggles to maintain its heritage, culture and integrity under dire hardship.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“113. Soviet Jews are deprived of access to Jewish culture. A systematic campaign is waged against those Soviet Jews teaching and studying the Hebrew language. Ill-concealed under the cloak of anti-zionism, officially inspired anti-Semitism is being increasingly manifested in the Soviet media. 114. We call upon the Soviet Government to change its policy, which is unjustifiable. The Soviet Jews are not involved in any anti-Soviet activity, nor are they violating Soviet laws or working against Soviet interests. Their only wish is to study their ancient culture and their national language and to live as Jews in their historic homeland. It should be recalled that in front of this very Assembly official representatives of the Soviet Union have declared that the Jewish people have a right to a State of their own.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We are aghast at the fact that, 40 years after the eradication of Nazism, rampant anti-Semitism and racial discrimination still exist in a number of countries. The situation of Soviet Jewry has recently taken a definite turn for the worse. From this rostrum I call upon the Government of the Soviet Union to remove the harsh limitations and restrictions imposed upon Jews who seek repatriation and reunion with their brethren in Israel. The continued harassment of Soviet Jews has become one of the most pressing humanitarian problems of the day, a violation of the most basic human rights as expressed in the Helsinki accords. Hundreds of thousands of Jews are being systematically denied their rights and many are forced to live as outcasts, deprived of their livelihood, harassed or imprisoned in gaols and labour camps under inhuman conditions.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Israel calls upon all Governments to set aside political differences and narrow economic interests to join forces in the campaign against hunger. Israel will continue to co-operate with other nations in technology and development and stands ready to join other Governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations in working to meet this great challenge to humanity. 111. Israel is the fulfilment of an age-old dream and prayer for the re-establishment of the Jewish State in the Land of Israel. It is the home of all Jews who wish to make it their home, and it is the defender and protector of all Jews who are oppressed or persecuted because they belong to the Jewish people. These principles are enshrined in Israel's Declaration of Independence, in its laws and in the conscience of its people. 112.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In fact, Israel has emerged in only one generation from severe austerity and food rationing to self-reliance; we have increased our food production twelvefold and have become a net exporter of food. 109. Israel recently marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of its programme for international development co-operation. This programme had its beginning in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the emergence of newly independent nations that sought rapid development. Imbued with a pioneering spirit that thrived on successful adaptation and innovation in the development of their own country, the people of Israel considered it a duty to share the knowledge acquired through their own rapid development experience with the peoples of other emerging nations. 110.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Nations that were once self-sufficient have become importers of food and, as a result of their economic difficulties stemming from the increase in the cost of energy, their true independence has become endangered. 108. Catastrophe awaits many nations if we do not find the way to assure adequate food for our world's growing population. World security and stability begin with the assurance of basic human needs. A change of direction is thus urgently needed in the goals of international development. That is the challenge of this decade. This goal can be reached despite the scarcity of arable land and water and despite the meagre resources that are available in various countries.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Agriculture is the key to the present challenge, but its development and that of the rural society that sustains it have been sadly neglected. 107. Great strides have been made world-wide in industry, in the development of infrastructure, transportation, education and health, but food production has remained deficient. It is a terribly sad comment on our society that in this modern age millions go hungry and die of famine; hundreds of millions, mainly children, suffer malnutrition, their future as productive members of their society endangered. Per capita food production in Africa, for instance, has in fact dropped 15 per cent in the last decade. Countries in other continents have required emergency food supplies.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The coming year will be marked by the conclusion of the United Nations Decade for Women, with the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the Decade to be held at Nairobi. Our hope is that that Conference will become a high point in women's struggle for equality and will not be exploited for narrow and barren political interests. 106. Technological progress holds the promise of providing solutions to some of the most pressing problems of developing nations, but nowhere is it more sorely needed than in the field of agriculture and food production. It is now widely recognized that the international development effort has failed to meet its most important challenge, the production of food for the fast-growing population of our world.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“There are still a few pockets of neo-Nazism that continue to linger, and they should be dealt with firmly, but the true heirs to this inhuman creed are those organizations and Governments that continue to this day to deny the right of existence of another State and strive for its outright destruction. There should be no room in civilized society for such doctrines or for those who promote them. 104. The United Nations concept embraces the whole of mankind. Its raison d'etre is the welfare, present and future, of humanity, with special attention accorded to the underprivileged, the disabled and the oppressed. Our special attention should be focused on the problems of children and of youth and on their appropriate education and training. This should be our central task in building up our nations and societies. 105.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Israel and the Jewish people, who still carry so many scars of that terrible war, will commemorate the occasion appropriately. The event will undoubtedly be marked by all nations, as was indeed recommended by the thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly, which invited States Members "to adopt . . . measures declaring punishable by law any dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred . . . including Nazi, Fascist and neo- Fascist ideologies". The Assembly also appealed to all States to accede to the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Every session of the General Assembly must set out in a spirit of hope that, despite the disappointments of the past, we can and should renew our efforts and work for a better world. Forty years ago, the founders of the United Nations looked back on a tragic past and undertook to forge instruments that would ensure a better future for humanity. So do we, in accordance with ancient Jewish tradition, look back year after year upon the disappointments of the past with firm belief in a better future, buoyed by an unflagging hope in the triumph of that human spirit which never deserts us. 103. The fortieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War will occur in 1985, as has already been noted from this rostrum. This was a landmark in history and even more so in the annals of my people.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It gives me pleasure, Mr. President, to associate myself with the warm congratulations offered to you from this rostrum. They are a tribute to your country and to yourself, as well as to a continent which is playing such a prominent role in the United Nations. I hope and trust that, under your leadership and guidance, the deliberations of this session of the General Assembly will be constructive, positive and responsive to the grave problems that face us. 101. It is gratifying to observe the family of nations grow from year to year, reinforced with new partners in our common endeavours. The United Nations will either stand or fall on the principle of universality. The only attitude we should disavow is the promotion of narrow, selfish interests which run counter to our common international efforts. 102.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Nevertheless, there were manifestations of blind hatred and false accusations leveled at Israel from a number of quarters. Such actions are outrageous and deserve universal condemnation. 96. AH those who proceed along this path must realize that by such action they are weakening the chances of peace and encouraging those elements in the Middle East whose interests are served by radicalization and violence. The Middle East is sorely in need of good counsel, moderation, much patience and a sincere desire for coexistence of diverse ideas, ideologies, faiths and communities. Israel, for its part, is ready to participate in and contribute to the creation of such a reality and atmosphere in the Middle East.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“These accords are the only accepted blueprint for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). Pressing Israel for more territorial withdrawals will not bring peace. Indeed, there is no peace without security, and further territorial amputations negate security. Those of Israel's neighbors who seek peace and coexistence will find Israel a willing partner. But those who think that they can weaken Israel while dangling the word peace as a bait are deluding themselves. The reward for peace is peace itself. There can be no greater recompense in such a vital and noble cause. 95. The foul massacre of civilians in the camps at Beirut brought a wave of shock, outrage and revulsion in Israel. The perpetrators of this crime are well known. They were not Israeli.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Against this background of active and sustained belligerency, it is ludicrous to search for moderation in possible hints contained in Arab summit resolutions, including the recent one at Fez. Any change toward moderation must first be reflected in deeds and facts. 93. The Arab leaders responsible for this campaign against Israel have inflicted much suffering on the Palestinian Arabs without bringing them any closer to a solution of their problems. History will record the fact that Israel did more for the Palestinian Arabs and their welfare than their Arab brethren. 94. Israel remains faithful to its commitment under the Camp David accords. Israel has cautioned against attempts to reinterpret, renegotiate or bypass them.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The number of Palestinian Arab refugees in 1948 was about 350,000. There is no lack of land or financial resources in Arab lands, including Palestinian territory in Trans-Jordan, to provide them with homes and employment. Israel did as much and even more, with meager resources, for some 800,000 Jews who left or fled from Arab and Moslem lands after 1948. The humanitarian aspect of this problem could have been solved several times over in the intervening years. 92. In addition to creating a Palestine problem and using it as a weapon against Israel, Arab Governments instituted a boycott against Israel in almost every sphere of human endeavor and supported the terrorist organizations' attacks on Israel.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We remain convinced that to focus now on what is beyond the horizon is a sure way of inviting failure. 90. Israel would welcome additional partners to the process, as provided for in the Camp David accords. We firmly believe that agreement is achievable. There is no need to introduce new concepts and approaches which were discarded or not accepted at Camp David. We are not prepared, for instance, to reopen the debate on issues, such as the creation of a second Palestinian Arab State, which were rejected at Camp David in favor of more realistic and acceptable solutions. 91. As for the refugee status in which many Palestinian Arabs have been kept over all the years since 1948, this is shameful testimony to the cynical exploitation of human suffering for political ends by Arab Governments.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Egypt, Israel and the United States repeatedly countered criticism of the Camp David accords, emphasizing that these accords were the only agreed, and therefore the only viable, path to peace between Israel and its neighbors. 89. Our approach is practical and realistic. We are ready to renew negotiations toward the establishment of the self-governing authority for the Arab inhabitants of Judea, Samaria and Gaza District, as provided for in the autonomy plan. The representatives who will be elected to the administrative council will be empowered to speak for the population and negotiate on the future status. There is a great deal of logic in the provisions specified in the Camp David agreement that the final status of these areas should not be negotiated at the present stage.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is a stain on our civilization and on the Governments directly concerned that Jewish communities in the Soviet Union and in Syria remain deprived of their human rights, especially the basic right to leave and take up residence in countries of their choice. The State of Israel, national homeland of the Jewish people, cannot and will not rest until these rights are granted. 88. Just four years ago the leaders of Egypt, Israel and the United States concluded an historic agreement at Camp David. Egypt assumed the role of pioneer among Arab States. The two neighbors accepted each other's right to exist behind secure and recognized borders. The negotiations were long and arduous. Israel's sacrifices and the risks it undertook in the implementation of the Camp David accords were heavy. A framework for general peace was pains-takingly devised.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Thirty-seven years ago, with the defeat of nazism, we all believed that the civilized world had learned the lesson of anti-Semitism that led to its most terrible expressionógenocide. Unfortunately, this monster is raising its ugly head once again. Often, attacks on Israel or Zionism in international forums serve as a transparent mask for anti-Semitism. The State of Israel, which is the fulfillment of the Jewish national movement, cannot and will not passively accept a resurgence of this evil ideology. We call on all self- respecting people and Governments to join in a renewed solemn undertaking to stamp out anti-Semitism, in all its forms and expressions, from human society. 87.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We received concrete proof of planned, large-scale aggression which was to have taken place in the near future. 84. Lebanese and also Palestinians who for years suffered from PLO terror and feared to divulge what had happened to them are now free to unmask the true face of the PLO in action. They corroborate our gravest suspicions. 85. The entire international community has the responsibility and should have the courage to stand up and formally ban PLO terrorism and expel its representatives from every self-respecting State and every international body. The United Nations and its agencies cannot begin the process of rehabilitation and revitalization as long as such organizations and their representatives are permitted to set foot in a civilized forum. 86.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The enemies of Israel felt that they could embark on a full-scale military attack whenever they judged the hour to be right, knowing full wel that the United Nations would not move a finger to stop them. 82. It is sufficient to recall United Nations behavior in 1967, when discussion in the Security Council of the warlike steps Egypt had carried out in May and June 1967 was prevented. It is enough to be reminded of the apathy with which the United Nations reacted when Egypt and Syria broke the cease-fire and launched a co-ordinate surprise attack on Israel on Yom Kippur 1973. 83. Even the information at our disposal before the Peace for Galilee operation in early June did not foresee all that we found in the terrorists' bases, headquarters, arms and ammunition reservoirs, operational documents and so forth.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Behind the backs of the United Nations peace-keeping forces in southern Lebanon the terrorists built a military infrastructure and huge arms stores, in preparation for a combined Arab assault against Israel from the north and the east. 81. Had we allowed United Nations resolutions, as distinct from the Charter, to determine what might or might not be done in Arab-Israeli relations, our future would have been destruction. Those resolutions allowed Arab countries to pursue their belligerence against Israelómilitary, political, economic and so forthóand the PLO could continue its terror warfare against Israel, Israelis and Jews, without any restriction by the United Nations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)