YouSaid · the spoken record

Colombo

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS COLOMBO

lines on the record: 161
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1992-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

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“Italy looks with interest and appreciation to the possibilities of a breakthrough and the important pronouncements in the recent statements made by the President of the United States, which contain more specific details regarding a solution to the Palestinian problem and give greater prominence to that problem in the general context of the Middle East question. 142. The leaders of the Arab countries, meeting at Fez a few days ago, on the commendable initiative of the King of Morocco, put forward interesting new ideas based on the Fahd plan, ideas which we appreciate and which suggest a high degree of restored unity in the Arab world based on positions which are not extreme but in fact show a trend towards a certain negotiating flexibility. 143.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“This can be achieved only by seeking an equitable solution to the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict, giving equal weight to Israel's right to be recognized and accepted by its neighbours and to exist within secure and guaranteed boundaries and to the right of the Palestinians to see the fulfilment of their national aspirations. We are thus more convinced than ever of the need to facilitate a start to negotiations that can involve all the leading protagonists in the Middle East conflict. It is particularly necessary that the Israelis and Palestinians should be able to move beyond the logic of confrontation and violence and become aware of the existing realities in the area as a prerequisite for reciprocal recognition, even if it is conditional. 141.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Following wing the most dramatic phase of the crisis, it will be necessary to proceed rapidly to the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops and all other foreign forces stationed in Lebanon against the wishes of the lawful authorities of the country, so that the Lebanese Government can exercise its authority fully over the entire national territory. Only thus will Lebanon be able once more to become an element of stability in the region. 140. We must, however, never lose sight of the comprehensive peace settlement that we have long advocated, both on behalf of Italy and in the context of the European approach to the problems of the Middle East, as the sole solution capable of bringing lasting stability to the entire region.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In view of the gravity and urgency of the situation and bearing in mind the fact that the consultations held by the Secretary-General had shown that it would be difficult to reach agreement quickly on the deployment of an international force, and also in response to appeals received, Italy decided to take the initiative in ensuring the speedy reconstitution, together with the United States and France, of the multinational force for Beirut, which will act with United Nations observers upon the formal request of the Lebanese Government and in conformity with the objectives of resolution 521 (1982). 139.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I am thinking first of all of the Middle East, an area of traditional and direct responsibility for my country, situated as it is in the centre of the Mediterranean region. A moral and political judgement on the recent tragic events in Lebanon is not enough. There must be concrete action if this vicious circle is to be broken. Aware of this fact, Italy made direct efforts with a view to the adoption by the United Nations of measures to deal urgently with that situation. A first important step was the strengthening of the United Nations observer contingent, decided upon by the Security Council in its resolution 521 (1982). 138.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We hope that the General Assembly will encourage the European countries to create, in keeping with the provisions of the Final Act of Helsinki, the necessary conditions for the proceedings to be resumed and to move towards a positive conclusion. 136. Unfortunately, the persistence and aggravation of focal points of tension in many parts of the world inevitably cause serious apprehension among the entire international community. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, in his capacity as current President of the European Community, expressed here, at the 8th meeting, the anxiety which we all feel over the world situation and identified and commented in depth and with lucidity on those international problems which, because of their gravity, must be brought to the attention of the Assembly. 137.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Italy is also committed to progress in negotiations on the subject of conventional weapons, particularly as regards initiatives aimed at limiting and reducing international transfers of that type of weapon. 135. The crisis in the process of detente unfortunately had negative repercussions on the follow-up meeting to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, held in Madrid, which after three postponements was approaching a positive outcome. Our concern for safeguarding the process of that Conference, because of its world-wide as well as European importance, led us to agree to a further postponement until the beginning of November, which is now close.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In this connection, I should like to confirm that my country considers that the solution must be sought in the direction of the zero option, with the aim of ensuring the total elimination by both the Soviet Union and the United States of the lethal and destabilizing medium-range missile systems. Also, as regards the strategic arms reduction talks, Italy is determined to make its own contribution both in the framework of Atlantic consultations and through appropriate bilateral channels with the two Powers involved. 134. While recognizing the objective difficulties in arriving in the near future at a verifiable treaty on the comprehensive prohibition of nuclear tests, I confirm that my country attaches paramount importance to that objective. However, we must not neglect the very serious issue of chemical weapons.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Serious blows have been struck at the foundations of world peace by changes in the balance of forces to the advantage of the East. These balances must be restored. That is the firm resolve of my Government. Italy is ready in this context to make its full contribution to the study and solution of the problems deriving, above all, from the accumulation of all kinds of armaments, often in excess of any reasonable or legitimate national security need. In that spirit and in expectation of general and complete disarmament under strict international control, my country participated with hope and commitment in the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament. We are not taking a sceptical view of that session. We merely say that efforts should be continued and intensified. 133.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Unfortunately even the most recent events confirm that there has been no significant development in that area, which is still the scene of a series of challenges to the Polish people's aspiration to freedom, ranging from the persistence of martial law to arbitrary arrests, and contacts between the Government and the bodies most representative of the people have not been resumed. Only a resumption of dialogue and the participation of all the vital forces of the nation can give the support of a consensus to economic revival and social peace. 132. But the situation in Poland is not the only obstacle to the process of detente, the momentum of which unfortunately diminished following the signing of the Final Act of Helsinki.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Polish problem, not only because it is being enacted only a few hundred kilometres from our borders but also because it involves our culture, affects us directly as Italians and Europeans concerned with the construction of an open Europe committed to human rights, peace and progress. The Italian Government and Italian public opinion is deeply concerned about the drama of the Polish nation, whose courageous search for valid and autonomous forms of renewal has been violently interrupted. 131.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We have to note with deep regret that there has still been no response to the appeals and the constructive proposals made by the General Assembly, the non-aligned movement, the countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the countries of the European Community with a view to the restitution of the right of the Afghan people to self-determination and the re-establishment of that country's traditional status as a an independent, neutral and non-aligned State. Therefore we fully support continued pursuit of the Secretary-General's initiative concerning tripartite negotiations in Geneva. 130.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Sometimes more recent and very serious events may make us forget or may divert our attention from the events which have most affected the increase in tension between East and West and are decisive elements in the disquieting international situation facing us today. 129. In view of its gravity, the Afghan problem must continue to be a focal point of our debate at the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly and for United Nations action in general. Three years have now elapsed since the Soviet invasion, but the resistance of the proud Afghan people to a regime imposed from outside is stronger than ever. The tragic odyssey of those long-suffering people, great numbers of whom have been forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in neighbouring countries, troubles us profoundly.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We certainly do not consider that an organizational adjustment is an adequate response to one of the most serious problems of our time, the solution of which depends on the ever increasing maturity of our common sensitivity and on the courage, never clouded by opportunism, to denounce any violation of human rights. 128. On East-West relations, Italy continues to pursue a firm, responsible policy and is therefore always ready to take part in a constructive dialogue. Detente must be preserved and indeed given a new impetus. Italy is convinced that there is no alternative; therefore, wherever possible, it works with the utmost commitment for the fruitful resumption of the process of detente.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Since in too many areas there is still a disturbing discrepancy between theoretical affirmation of principles and their concrete application in regard to human rights, Italy deems it essential that the United Nations be enabled to have a more direct and incisive impact on the work of verifying effective respect for such principles. The lack of a suitable and prompt response to the intolerable defiance inherent in the persistence, and indeed the spread, of flagrant and serious violations in many countries is highly damaging to the prestige of the United Nations. 127.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Following the assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel and the entry of Israeli troops into west Beirut, in flagrant violation of Israel's commitments, there was a tragic increase in violence. In connection with the Sabra and Shatila camps one of the most bitter pages in recent history was written. It revolts the conscience of the world and it arouses feelings of indignation and the strongest condemnation against those directly and indirectly responsible for the slaughter, as well as feelings of pity for the innocent and helpless victims. This is a lesson which should induce everyone to reflect on the inhuman and monstrous consequences which await those who repeatedly take the path of violence. 126.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It has known 3,000 years of history, difficulties, disputes and wars, but in the Mediterranean region, from which I come, in the course of encounters and, admittedly, clashes between different civilizations originating in three great continents, there has been growing consideration for the values of the human being, his rights and his freedom everywhere in the world, and we are proud of that fact. 125. However, it is in this very area of age-old civilization that in the last few weeks human rights have been totally ignored and trampled underfoot. The images of the tragic events in Lebanon are still vividly and horrifyingly impressed on our minds.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Italy will continue to provide financial support for the growth of the developing countries with a view to attaining even before the end of the decade the goal of assigning 0.7 per cent of the gross national product to development, in accordance with the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade. 123. The creation of a better international order presupposes the commitment of all States-whatever political-institutional pattern they follow, in keeping with their respective needs and traditions-to respect human rights, which represent the highest value that our society is required to protect. 124. These are the beliefs of Italy, a nation that can speak in the name of its ancient traditions as well as its active and highly dedicated present.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The last specific action, in chronological order, by Italy is the initiative, in collaboration with FAO, to alleviate the food problem in eight countries of the Sahel. Altogether this programme will cost $500 million, to be provided entirely by my country, over a period of five to seven years. 121. With these initiatives Italy intends to carry out, in the immediate future, an even more organic policy of co-operation, in collaboration with United Nations agencies and programmes, based on a realistic and effective strategy for action that will directly and fully involve the developing countries themselves as partners. South-South relations, in which we see the prospect of concrete and substantial developments in the years to come, should also be encouraged. 122.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The purpose of this initiative launched by Italy at the Ottawa Economic Summit meeting of industrialized countries in July 1981 was to promote a set of joint initiatives while broader discussions would develop in the framework of global negotiations. 118. I would also recall that my country has reached agreement with UNICEF and WHO on a five-year programme, 1982 to 1986, involving $100 million that will help to reduce infant mortality in 15 developing countries. 119. I should also like to mention the outline agreement signed in Washington with the World Bank, whereby the Italian Government will make available to that institution-inaddition to the regular contributions already made by Italy-a sum of approximately $400 million in assistance loans and grants over a three-year period. 120.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“On the basis of these assumptions, as well as for other idealistic and humanitarian reasons, my country has decided to make a particular effort in appropriating, for the three-year period 1981-1983, some $4 billion for development co-operation, notwithstanding the considerable economic difficulties which we, too, are facing. In this context ample priority will be given by Italy to assistance to the less developed countries, particularly in the agro-industrial sector. In April of this year a high-level technical meeting was held in Rome, in preparation for a subsequent meeting at the political level, to discuss in depth the problems of hunger m the world. That meeting showed that there was broad agreement on the most suitable and effective, as well as the most modem, means of action to combat that scourge.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“That is why we remain convinced of the urgent need to initiate the global negotiating process. The important developments of the last few months, as reflected in the submission of the draft resolution by the developing countries and in the results of the June Versailles Economic Summit, should induce us to take the present opportunity to reach an agreement. More important than the excessive refinement of the text of a resolution is the setting in motion of a negotiating mechanism and to begin, together, the global study of North-South relations with a view to their improvement and development. 113.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“My country, together with other members of the European Community, has made a concrete effort to solve the problem of financing the sixth replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) and thus to guarantee adequate aid flows. The understanding concerning the start of negotiations for the further financing of the seventh replenishment of IDA also constitutes a major advance. The problem of the Eight General Review of the International Monetary Fund [IMF] Quotas, even if not finally resolved at Toronto, now appears in a more favourable light as a result of the agreements reached there on the consideration of increased quotas, which we favour. 112. But solution of these and other problems regarding relations between industrialized and emerging countries requires a more rational and adequate negotiating framework.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is to this goal that our common efforts must be directed, benefiting from the growing maturity of conscience evident on all sides, and not forgetting that the initial and the most concrete means of expressing our will for peace is constituted by a balanced reduction of nuclear and conventional armaments. 110. Italy is convinced that the way to peace is to be found primarily through development. Hence the need to allow each country to pursue the development course best suited to its own requirements, while respecting its own traditions, and to participate adequately in the global world process of production and distribution of goods. 111. The recent Toronto meetings marked a positive stage within the framework of the North-South dialogue.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is therefore not outside but fully within the Charter that the study I just mentioned would seek ways of restoring active vitality and decisive effectiveness to the Organization. Such a conscientious analysis could, in our opinion, give rise to a more binding system of collective security, the most solid foundations of which would be constituted by greater understanding among Member States in general and, in particular, those with seats on the Security Council. 109. In fact, only the United Nations, constituted and consolidated around an ethical and normative system of peaceful and civilized international coexistence, can point out the difficult but necessary course, not based on the mere reality of the balance of forces but guaranteed by the rule of law and by considerations of justice.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In fact, we share, on the whole, the perceptive evaluations he has made of the causes most frequently responsible for the limited effectiveness of United Nations action. In particular the slow recourse of Member States to the mechanisms provided for in the Charter and the failure to adapt national policies to the specific provisions of the resolutions adopted, especially those adopted unanimously, are in our opinion most often and most directly responsible for the failure of United Nations action. 107. Even though it was signed 37 years ago, the Charter still provides means for prompt and effective action in order both to prevent international crises from arising-before situations have crystallized, sometimes irreversibly-and to ensure the rapid return to a state of normalcy in the areas concerned. 108.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is the specific duty of us all-in taking note of this disquieting reality-to analyse in depth, with proper realism, the causes of these limitations, and to give careful but dynamic consideration to the most effective means of enhancing the role of the Organization which, in an international situation characterized by an increase in hotbeds of war, is finding it hard to promote a more equitable international order and is often powerless to prevent violations of the peoples' sovereignty, of freedoms and of human rights. 105. In suggesting this I am fully mindful of the recent detailed report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization. The ideas underlying this report naturally elicit a deeply felt and positive response from my country. 106.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The international situation during the past year has been growing steadily worse: hotbeds of tension, sometimes turning into violent struggles and wars -with immense losses of human life and acute suffering-have, in fact, constituted threats to the peace and security of the world. 104. The United Nations is all too often faced with serious restraints. Even in its most committed actions, it seems unable to fulfil the expectation that it should not only be the forum of major international debates but also the institution capable of acting effectively to prevent or to extinguish conflicts. This must not discourage us.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Perez de Cuellar, who, in nine months since he took office, has so completely fulfilled the hopes placed in him. A worthy representative of the illustrious Latin American legal tradition, and particularly the Peruvian school of international law, he has tackled the difficulties which the Organization has had to overcome in this period of his term of office with wisdom, equanimity and, above all, a keen sense of justice. In his search for the road to peace, in his indefatigable championing of negotiated solutions and in his firm defence of the principles of the Charter, the Secretary-General has had and will continue to have the full support of the Italian Government. 103.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Allow me, first of all, Sir, to convey to you, on behalf of the Italian Government and on my own behalf, most sincere congratulations on your election as President of the thirty- seventh session of the General Assembly. We are pleased that this honour has been conferred on the representative of a nation with such great traditions. Your vast experience of the workings of the United Nations is a guarantee of the successful performance of the delicate task entrusted to you. 102. I should also like to express our sincere gratitude to your predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who fulfilled the mandate entrusted to him by the General Assembly last year at a particularly challenging time for the Organization with great dedication and skill. The deep appreciation of the Italian Government, and my own appreciation, also goes to the new Secretary-General, Mr.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“As we tackle the specific objectives facing this Assembly in the political and economic fields and discuss the best means of achieving those goals, we must not lose sight of the basic consideration that this Organization is, first and foremost, the supreme body at the service of mankind. Beyond the diversities of tradition and culture, man is in effect the subject of rights and freedoms, who through dignity attains a universal value. The mission of the United Nations thus becomes universal only to the extent to which the Organization proves capable of promoting and protecting these rights and freedoms.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Policies which disregard the essence of human rights have continued to be practiced, and we are still faced with extensive violations of human rights as a result of local conflicts or situations of instability or intolerance. Italy is ready to cooperate fully in this respect with the world Organization, convinced as we are that wherever the value and dignity of the human person is at stake no obstacle must be allowed to stand in our way. Only thus can we give effectiveness and incisiveness to United Nations action in the field of the international protection of human rights. This is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges that the United Nations will face in the years to come, 191.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“We trust that that initiative, besides offering prompt solutions to the international scourge of malnutrition, will help to strengthen confidence in the possibility of advancing along the path of economic growth through cooperation, which is one of the basic aims of the United Nations. 189. In concluding my statement, I should like to refer to the important dual responsibility of the United Nations in the field of human rights: the definition of principles and related standards of conduct, and vigilance as to their effective implementation. 190. As regards the first objective, the Organization has already achieved substantial and indisputable results. But in the matter of vigilance and respect for the norms and principles adopted by the Organization, the United Nations has not shown appreciable progress.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“After having substantially increased in recent years its contribution to the major organizations and programs of the United Nations operating in the agricultural and food sector, Italy, true to its civil and Christian traditions which other cultures reflect as well, has just suggested the organization of an operational meeting for the purpose of achieving, through the action of the United Nations specialized agencies located in Rome, certain concrete objectives to be given immediate effect relating to the struggle against hunger and malnutrition and cooperation in the field of agriculture and food production. This initiative, which was put forward by Italy at Ottawa and approved in the final communique of that meeting 10 has been endorsed by the countries of the European Community and is now in the course of preparation and development.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The Italian Government maintains that the problems of the NorthSouth dialogue can only be tackled within the framework of the global negotiations which this Assembly will be called upon finally to launch after appropriate and careful preparation. Moreover, our awareness of the urgency of these questions has led us to take an initiative designed to help in the solution of the tragic problem of word hunger. 188.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In the trade sector, we are convinced of the need, reaffirmed by the seven main industrialized countries at their meeting in Ottawa, for a vigorous joint effort to fight against the resurgence of the spectrum of protection ism and to keep open the system of world trade. Next year, the GATT Ministerial Conference, welcomed by the Ottawa summit, will provide us with a valuable opportunity to consider in depth the obstacles which already impede the orderly development of international trade, as well as those which threaten to arise. But the most serious challenge concerns the launching of global negotiations, since it affects the very negotiating ability of the international community. 187.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“I should like to stress that these are countries to which Italy is already devoting a substantial percentage of its official development aid and for which it plans in the future to develop a more effective and differentiated policy of cooperation which will allow us to achieve the target amounts set in that program. 185. Italy is also playing an active role in the field of science and technology for development. As I had occasion to stress to a delegation of ministers from developing countries with whom I recently met in Rome, we hope that the United Nations Interim Fund for Science and Technology for Development, to which Italy has made a substantial contribution, will have sufficient resources to achieve its objectives. 186.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“As for the short and medium terms, these problems could be tackled effectively if we could finally reach a consensus on the establishment of an energy affiliate of the World Bank, a proposal that Italy has supported on numerous occasions. 184. The recent United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries was also successful in adopting the Substantial New Program of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed Countries. That program will now constitute the basic reference point for the initiatives of the international community.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“An authoritative and inspired voice, that of Pope John Paul II, has recently been raised in the context of that comprehensive review, the encyclical Laborem Exercens, to encourage that cooperation. It recommends a profoundly innovative vision of labor problems as well as a new relationship between institutions and labor. I believe that all men of good will should carefully study those lofty pronouncements. 183. The United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy has given positive indications as to the road we should follow in order over the long term to solve the energy problems of the non-oil-producing developing countries.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Still on the subject of disarmament, Italy has for some years put forward proposals aimed at limiting the potentially destabilizing aspects of an arms race in space and has consistently affirmed the need to continue to work on a global program of disarmament as an appropriate basis on which to ensure the achievement of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. 181. As regards the important work of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, Italy is firmly convinced that the exploitation of the mineral resources of the seabed must benefit all mankind. 182. During the past year, in despite of the difficulties arising from the present crisis, international economic cooperation has made modest but significant advances.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“In the nuclear field, Italy, which is a party to the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons, views with sympathy the demands of certain nonaligned countries for security guarantees on the non-use of nuclear weapons by the nuclear-weapon States. Italy is making a direct contribution to their efforts in its capacity as chairman of the pertinent Ad Hoc Working Group at Geneva. 179. In the field of conventional weapons, while understanding the security requirements of many countries regarding the protection of their independence and territorial integrity, we feel that the Assembly must none the less redouble its efforts to regulate such weapons. 180.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Unfortunately, it must be said that the Committee on Disarmament, at Geneva, has not yet been able fully to carry out the tasks entrusted to it by this Assembly. At the same time an increasing need is felt within the Committee to avoid abstract generalizations so that negotiating activities can concentrate primarily on subjects that offer realistic possibilities of agreement. Accordingly, Italy continues to demand a ban on chemical weapons and the destruction of stockpiles thereof in order to avert the serious threat posed by the proliferation of these weapons, which are indeed weapons of mass destruction. 178.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“However, the negotiations between the two communities, which the United Nations can use its authority effectively to encourage, now have a greater chance of leading to a solution to the problem. Again, for its part, Italy has done and will do everything possible to assist those negotiations. 175. It is an essential function of the United Nations to monitor the imbalances in the armaments sector, both conventional and nuclear, and the increasing spread of weapons of all types among the less developed countries. 176. The Italian Government attaches particular importance of the special session of the General Assembly on disarmament to be held in 1982, which will offer a unique opportunity to review the results so far achieved and to outline the programs to be followed in the future. 177.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“It was in the context of a policy aimed at further increasing the stability of the central Mediterranean region that the Italian initiative was taken with regard to the declaration of neutrality issued by Malta, which can only prove to be a useful instrument in favor of peace and progress. In order to help strengthen this new status, when registering its agreements with Malta in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Italy requested the SecretaryGeneral [see A/36/348, annex] to draw the attention of Member States to that part of the Italian declaration in which all the States concerned were invited and I repeat that invitation now to take note of Malta's declared neutrality. 174. Another Mediterranean island, Cyprus, has unfortunately been experiencing a difficult situation for many years.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“A speedy cessation of the hostilities between Iran and Iraq would put an end to the material and human losses involved and thus remove a serious obstacle to the peaceful progress of those peoples. 172. In addition to the crisis in the Middle East, recently in the Mediterranean region there have been signs of a disquieting restlessness which seems to make even less attainable the dialogue and cooperation that we would like to see built up in the area. During this delicate phase we must appeal to all concerned to show a sense of responsibility, to maintain attitudes compatible with the goals of peace full coexistence and to renounce claims that conflict with international norms. 173.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“The best proof of the validity of this approach has been provided by the truce and cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon, achieved through diplomatic efforts that Italy fully supported. That development has opened the way to the beginning of a pacification process in that long suffering country. It is now more than ever necessary to guarantee, with the help of all countries, the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, thus avert ing a recurrence of the sufferings endured in the past by that defenseless people. Italy is cooperating in the pursuit of that objective by its participation in the peace mission of the United Nations in southern Lebanon, which we hope will be allowed to play an increasing role in that country. 171.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“This leads us to the conclusion that whatever the operational modalities of the implementation of a peace process, such a process must pass through a compulsory and fundamental stage, namely, mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestinians. In this respect, we feel that the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], which we recognize as a significant political force of the Palestinian people, should be given an opportunity to prove its readiness to contribute to a peaceful solution of the ArabIsraeli dispute. 169. Crises such as that in the Middle East require realism, but also courage and hope. We must encourage moves towards detente by both parties so as to prepare the ground for direct dialogue since, in this case also, any lasting solution finally depends on the will of all directly concerned parties. 170.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“May I add, in this respect, that we have noted with interest the proposals put forward by Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia because they reveal the readiness of that country for a negotiated solution of the Middle East problem and because there is an interesting principle implicit in them. 168. Our action is based on certain essential principles which may be summed up as follows: the right to existence and the right to security of Israel, a great people to whom mankind owes a considerable cultural debt, are for us facts which we cannot renounce; we recognize as well the right of the Palestinian people to self determination and, if it so decides, 10 the creation of a State entity.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“If the objective to be pursued is that of the security of the area, its attainment requires the solution of the various crises that afflict the region, and, above all, the establishment of peace in the Middle East. This area has too 'neat a need for peace and justice for us to sit back and conclude, with facile pessimism, that we have exhausted the possibilities for seeking a political solution. On the contrary, we feel that important and positive factors are emerging which, together with the effort the European Community is making, gives us reason to believe that today in the Middle East the starting point is no longer zero. Italy will continue to support any progress towards a political settlement of these disputes and remains committed to the contribution which the Ten feel able usefully to offer.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)
“Italy hopes that such trends will be further intensified and will yield concrete results, because it is convinced that a substantial affirmation of the principle of the respect of the popular will and of the ideals of pluralism and democracy can only strengthen the cause of peace on the continent, particularly in Central America, and prevent the resurgence of fratricidal struggles such as those which, linked to the pressure of external destabilizing factors, are tearing apart the people of El Salvador. 166. At the beginning of my statement I observed that the Government of Italy devotes particular attention to the problems of the Mediterranean. 167.”
1981-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 36 (1981)