YouSaid · the spoken record

Thompson

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS THOMPSON

lines on the record: 136
first: 1973-09-24
most recent: 1976-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

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

“It is only by so doing that we can hope to maintain international peace and security and ensure the well-being and progress of mankind based on the fundamental principles of equality. As my Prime Minister, Michael Manley, said in his address to the General Assembly in October 1972, "We believe that the idea of equality is the only enduring principle by which mankind may be guided in the conduct of national and international affairs"”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Unless the developed countries now begin to display some degree of urgency and sincerity in tackling the international economic issues affecting the developing countries, the result will be a further widening of existing disparities between North and South, forcing the developing countries towards more effective alternatives in order to ensure improvement in their situation. It is all too apparent that the lack of foresight, and self-interested delays, which so obviously pervade the treatment of major international political issues, also extend to international economic issues. Yet, it should be clear to all that the consequences of failure to find effective solutions in either sphere could be equally disastrous. The future depends on our determination to resolve the urgent political and economic problems before us.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We join in urging all the participants to accelerate the negotiations towards a successful conclusion of this major endeavor in international cooperation. 142. In closing, my delegation wishes once again to stress the urgent need for the international community, and particularly the major Powers and the industrialized countries, to come to grips with the crucial political and economic- issues before us -not by trying to postpone or to freeze them but by tackling them squarely, having regard to the body of opinion expressed in this and in other forums of world opinion. 143.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The succession of meetings of the non-aligned countries from Lusaka to Colombo which culminated in the non-aligned Action Program for Economic Co-operation [see A31ll97, annex III] has been paralleled by similar endeavors by other developing countries, leading up to the dialogue of the third-world countries which recently took place in Mexico. 141. Another matter which we regard as being inseparably linked to the new international economic order is the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. While significant progress has been made on many important issues, the resolution of the well-known central and fundamental issues, such as the composition and functions of the international sea-bed authority, now requires high- level political representation in order to expedite the completion of the work of the Conference.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In fact it would appear that in little more than a year since the much hailed seventh special session developed countries, with a few notable exceptions, have retained much of their attitudes and approaches of 1974 and earlier. This is borne out by the relatively decreasing support of developed countries for even long-standing development programs which are themselves based on traditional but not irrelevant concepts of development. 140. Despite the disappointments of the current year, the developing countries have maintained their thrust in the area of economic co-operation among themselves.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The results of the fourth session of UNCTAD are viewed by my delegation more as an avoidance of the disaster of total failure than as a positive achievement. The insensitivity with which most developed countries treated the debt situation of developing countries only adds to our despair. The acid test will be the negotiations on the major issues of primary commodities and the common fund. 139. In summary, developing countries are facing a situation in which, with few exceptions, the international community has far too little that is significant* meaningful or concrete to show as a result of the series of intense negotiating events held with the aim of achieving equity for developing countries since the sixth special session of the United Nations General Assembly.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“On the initiative of the developed countries, the Conference on International Economic Co-operation was launched in Paris early this year against a background of reservations on the part of many developing countries concerning the fact that such a conference was being held outside the ambit of the United Nations system. The Conference has been meeting for nine months, and participating developing countries have publicly expressed their deep concern at the absence of progress. At this stage of the Conference, and on the basis of the attitudes displayed by the developed world over the past few months, it is still most uncertain whether significant and concrete results can be achieved by December of this year. 138.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In the field of international economic matters the current year has been disappointing. The sixth special session of the General Assembly held in May 1974 laid the groundwork for the new international economic order based largely on proposals of the non-aligned countries. The seventh special session, which took place in September 1975, although disappointing in many respects, at least provided some hope for a transformation of die style of the dialogue between the developed and the developing countries in order to ensure progress towards the implementation of a new economically just order. 137.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“As the Political Declaration of the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Countries points out, such interference could assume multifarious forms, political, economic and military, as well as being exercised through the information media [see A/31 / 197, annex I, para. 146]. It includes the politics of pressure and domination, economic subversion and measures calculated to cause disruption and destabilization in an effort to undermine the independence of sovereign States. Urgent action by the international community is required to bring this issue under close scrutiny and to come up with appropriate solutions for the removal of this constant threat to international peace and to the principle of sovereign equality and the political independence of States. 136.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Only by observance of this principle can we lay to rest the classic relationship of the domination of the many by the few. Regrettably, despite the constitutional liberation brought about by the decolonization process, there is evidence of increasing interference in the internal affairs of States. This is in flagrant violation of respect for sovereign and political independence and is contrary to the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co¬operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations [resolution 2625 (XXV)] and is also contrary to the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States. 135.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The in-dependence of that country has been delayed under the threat of aggression from neighboring Guatemala. My delegation deplores this situation and calls upon the international community to take urgent measures in accordance with resolution 3432 (XXX) with a view to ensuring the exercise of the inalienable right of the people of Belize to self-determination and independence as well as the preservation of the inviolability and territorial integrity of Belize. 134. As we proceed through the final stages of transition towards the post-colonial era there is one fundamental principle upon which the new international system must be built. That is mutual respect for the sovereign equality and political independence of States.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“reach $300 billion a year, thereby exceeding by 20 times the net flow of official development assistance. The issue of disarmament is thus to be seen as one of the most urgent issues of international peace and security, as a means of averting catastrophic warfare and in terms of increasing the availability of financial resources for development. My delegation wishes to add its support to the call for a world disarmament conference to deal with the basic issues of general and complete disarmament under strict international control. 133. The process of political decolonization is nearing completion. In addition to the major problems already mentioned there are, however, a number of other important issues to which solutions have to be found. Of particular concern is the situation in regard to Belize.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“For that reason my delegation is of the view that any convention on this subject should extend beyond international action against the taking of hostages to include procedures for securing their prompt and safe release and that this should be reflected both in the content and in the title of the convention. 132. We are all aware of the grave threat posed to mankind by the intensifying arms race. Repeated calls for general and complete disarmament have gone unheeded by those major Powers which continue the production and stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction. It is a sad state of affairs for humanity when not only are we unable to control our propensity for self-extinction but also the growing callous disregard for human economic and social deprivation can permit expenditure on armaments to.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This we feel would be a significant step towards international peace and security, which has suffered immensely from unnecessary and arbitrary delay in the conduct of negotiations towards lasting settlements. 131. My delegation notes with interest the initiative by the Federal Republic of Germany in proposing a convention on international action against the taking of hostages [A/31/242], we completely abhor and denounce the inhuman act of taking hostages, which endangers the lives of innocent individuals. We are, however, equally concerned to see that the measures taken to stamp out this evil not only are consistent with the recognized principles of international law but do not in themselves create possibilities for the violation of international law in securing the release of hostages.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“That is a matter which it appears can no longer be left to be decided by tilts of diplomatic or political strength. At the present moment there are two major outstanding international problems among many the Middle East and Korea-and there can be no headway on these either, largely because no agreement can be reached on who should sit at the conference tables. Moreover, it is interesting to note certain inconsistencies in the different lines of argument being pursued in each case concerning the question of participation. My delegation calls upon this body to establish once and for all appropriate machinery under an international convention for the purpose of determining universally applicable criteria for the right of participation in peace negotiations based on real and identifiable interests.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The Charter of the United Nations provides for pacific settlement of disputes, and in Article 33 the obligation is placed on the parties to any dispute the continuance of which is likely to endanger international peace and security to seek a peaceful solution. Regrettably, the obligation is sometimes either flouted or rendered practically meaningless principally on account of differences as to who the parties to the dispute are or, put in another way, as to who should have the right of participation at the conference table. 130. In these circumstances, surely the time has come for the international community as a whole to lay down a basic definition of "interested parties" as well as rules governing the right of participation in international peace conferences.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“It is clear that no lasting solution to the problem will be found as long as foreign troops are stationed on Cyprus, not only to give aid and comfort to one party to the dispute, but also to maintain the status quo of partition. Progress appears therefore to hinge on the phased withdrawal of foreign troops coupled with the resumption of meaningful negotiations between the two communities towards a satisfactory solution. 128. I wish to dwell a little on the question of participation in international peace conferences, particularly where the failure to reach agreement on who should have the right of participation prevents the commencement of meaningful negotiations on a major issue constituting a threat to international peace and security. 129.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“At the same time, the increasing collaboration between Israel and the Pretoria regime constitutes a major cause for concern. 126. In order to move towards an urgent settlement in the Middle East my delegation joins with others in calling upon the parties concerned to ensure the early resumption of the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East, including the representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization. 127. In addition to the Middle East, we are faced with the impotence of the United Nations to deal effectively with the dismemberment of Cyprus, whose sovereignty and independence have been sacrificed on the altar of big-Power military relationships and alliances.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“As to South Africa itself, I stand here with mixed emotions-of profound horror at the massacres which have been perpetrated against children by the racist Pretoria regime with trained dogs and brutish men; and of pride that the indigenous peoples have demonstrated to the world that they are prepared to die en masse for their freedom. To those who continue to support the Vorster regime by supplying military equipment I say this: let it be known that not even nuclear capability can save the Pretoria regime from being consumed in the determination of the millions of black Africans at home and abroad to rid their continent of alien domination. 125. I turn now to the situation in the Middle East. The Palestinian question, which has long been recognized as the central problem in the Middle East, remains unresolved.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“But let it be made clear that further efforts in this direction will also come to naught if two basic principles are not adhered to by the racist Vorster regime-first, that representatives of the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO] fully participate in constitutional discussions and early attainment of full independence for Namibia; and secondly, that free elections be supervised by external machinery acceptable to black Africa. The question of confrontation in Namibia is not only between the Vorster regime and the indigenous peoples but also between that regime and the entire international community in the form of the United Nations. There is not one single legal impediment to prevent the Security Council from exercising its authority over Namibia today. 124.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Blood has been shed and is still being sued by black Africa to achieve this end, and until it is achieved my Government will continue to give full support to the further intensification of the struggle for liberation. 123. Turning to Namibia, we have witnessed yet another example of the criminal arrogance of the Pretoria regime in presenting to the international community the results of their manipulations with the "settler" interests of that Territory over its political future.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“And why the revocation of sanctions before the achievement of the objective or at least significant progress in drawing up the constitution on the basis of majority rule? 122. The time for majority rule is not two years from now, or one year, or even six months, but now. Now! Such arrangements as might be considered necessary for the finalization of a constitution should themselves be based from the outset-that is, from now-on the full application of the principle of majority rule at all levels of the decision-making process, with basic safeguards to protect the fundamental rights of the individual, regardless of race, sex or creed.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Of major concern to all of us at this time is the situation in southern Africa, and particularly the recent diplomatic developments relating to the struggle for liberation of the people of Zimbabwe from the minority racist tyranny of the illegal Smith regime. We support the African stand that it be clearly understood that the terms of any settlement for the liberation of Zimbabwe will be dictated by the front-line warriors of liberation themselves who are fighting in the bush and not by belated diplomacy resulting in a formula for settlement which would only serve to perpetuate and entrench the position of the illegal racist minority regime. Why is it necessary, for instance, to have a two-year period of transition at all?”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The outstanding success of that Conference is clear testimony of the determination of the non-aligned countries to act with unity and solidarity in accelerating the transition from an international system centered on colonialism, imperialism, racism and super-Power domination and rivalry to a new world order based on mutual respect for the sovereignty and political independence of all States, the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, regard for human rights and the dignity of the individual and international economic justice and equity. The texts of the consensus declaration and resolutions reached at Colombo, which have been transmitted to this Assembly [A/31/197], provide both an incisive analysis of many of the complex issues facing the international community today and concrete proposals for dealing with them. 121.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“There is also a fundamental obstacle to the solution of critical political issues in terms of the extent to which the issues are viewed by the major Powers in the context of spheres of influence policies. They fail to recognize that such policies as well as the outmoded international system which gave rise to them are increasingly more difficult to sustain in a world in which the vast majority of developing States have declared themselves firmly in support of non-alignment and against competing Power blocs. 120. It is indeed a happy coincidence that Mr. Amerasinghe should have assumed the office of President of the General Assembly only a few weeks after his country was host to the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Among the many reasons for our seeming inability to overcome a number of major international issues facing us is that the order of the day appears largely to be a matter of belated crisis management stemming from earlier failure either to perceive an obvious problem or to engage in a genuine search for lasting and rational solutions. 118. Another factor is the increasing tendency of some Powers to ignore even the most widely held views of the body of world opinion represented here. This is clearly shown by the abuse of the veto in the Security Council, particularly in situations where all but the party using it are agreed. It is a natural consequence of this that even lesser Powers are prepared to risk ignoring the opinions and resolutions of this body-until, of course, it is too late. 119.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The upsurge of international terrorism, the real possibility of a full-scale racial holocaust in southern Africa and nuclear proliferation are but examples. Economic crisis after economic crisis and the continuing massive under-development of mankind can be largely attributed to the unwillingness of the industrialized countries to take positive and constructive steps towards removing economic inequity through the establishment of a new international economic order. In short, we are in a situation where the United Nations, and particularly the major Powers, must come to grips with the long-standing major problems affecting international peace and security, if we are not to find ourselves faced with critical problems arising largely from those which they have not managed to resolve. 117.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The question during that period was not whether colonial, imperialist and racist domination could be overcome but how long the process would take and whether it could occur with a minimum of violence, upheaval, oppression and dislocation of mankind. Today we are in the crucial and final stage of transition towards the post-colonial era-a stage where the major outstanding issues can no longer remain unresolved without posing the gravest of threats to international peace and security and risking a degree of human calamity beyond anything we have so far seen. 116. The continuing delay by the international community in coming to grips with long-standing major problems increases the likelihood of new tensions and problems arising from them.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This is a loss not only for China but for the entire world, which mourns a great leader and statesman of immense standing, whose place in history has long been assured as one of the giants of the twentieth century. I offer my condolences from this rostrum to the delegation and the people of China. 114. My delegation joins others in welcoming Seychelles as a new member of this world body. We also look forward to the removal of obstacles in the way of early admission to membership of the People's Republic of Angola and the Socialist Republic of Viet-Nam. 115. The last two decades have witnessed a dramatic evolution of the international system from the colonial towards the post-colonial era.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“I take note of his very forthright statements in his address at the opening of this Assembly, particularly on the subject of global economic injustices. 112. To Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim, I should like to add my congratulations, yet again, for another year of unselfish dedication to the task of maintaining the peace of the world. In this context my delegation also wishes to welcome Mr. Buffum, the new Under-Secretary-General for Political and General Assembly Affairs, and to express our appreciation of the role played by his predecessor, Mr. Bradford Morse in the work of the Assembly over the past few years. 113. On behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica, I wish to express profound regret over the passing of Chairman Mao Tsetung of the People's Republic of China.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“On behalf of my delegation and my Government, I wish to extend warm congratulations to Mr. Amerasinghe on his election as President of the thirty-first session of the General Assembly. His wealth of experience in international affairs and his active participation and leadership in matters of vital importance for global peace and the well-being of all mankind assure us that under his able guidance this session of the General Assembly will result in meaningful progress on the range of issues with which the international community is faced. His most positive statement at the opening of the session attests to this. 111. I also wish to pay a tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Gaston Thorn, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, who was President of the General Assembly during a year of far-reaching developments.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“It can also and this is precisely where the greatness of its vocation lies help the mass of its readership to become aware of the real problems of the world and the danger concealed behind an all-too-complacent prosperity to enable it to gauge the magnitude of the suffering all around it."3 179. It is because we believe in the United Nations and reaffirm our full support that we have directed our thoughts, through you, Mr. President, to the peoples of the world.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“In addition, the communications-information media has a crucial role in re-educating the people. 178. In conclusion, I wish to endorse the statement made by our previous President, Mr. Bouteflika, on this subject, He said: "Because of its vast facilities and the size of its readership, even in our countries, the Western press, in my view, bears an even greater responsibility in this area. It can and unfortunately it has to some extent done so attempt to counteract the present course of events in the world and take the easy way out of flattering the ego of the wealthy and seeing nothing but ingratitude and incomprehension in the behaviour of the poor.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“It is clear that substantial restructuring of the economic and social sectors of the United Nations system must take place in order to make it more responsive to the requirements of the international community, and in particular in the implementation of the new international economic order. My delegation notes with satisfaction the establishment by the General Assembly at its seventh special session of an Ad Hoc Committee on the Restructuring of the Economic and Social Sectors of the United Nations System. However, restructuring of the system will not bear the expected fruit if the necessary political will does not exist for the implementation of the new order. This political will can be achieved only through influencing the mind of'' the man in the street''. In this regard, all member countries must play their part.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Jamaica has participated actively in the work of the Preparatory Committee for the forth-coming Habitat Conference to be held at Vancouver in 1976; and in addition we attended the regional conference recently held in Caracas, Venezuela. It is our expectation that the Human Settlements Conference will mobilize international awareness to the enormity and the urgency of the problem. 177. The international community faces a tremendous task not only in the field of integrated social and economic development, but also in the political arena. This is essential for the implementation of the former.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“The central theme of all developmental policies, whether at the international, regional or national levels, must be the improvement of the quality of life for all the peoples of the world. The Government of Jamaica is particularly gratified by the adoption earlier this year of the Plan and program of Operations for the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation, which in effect has set the stage for the Foundation to become operational. It is imperative that Human Settlements policies designed to bring about such an improvement be evolved without delay in order that the basic human needs for housing, which continues to assume critical proportions, may be tackled at both national and international levels.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“We have accelerated all of our policies and programs during the course of the past 12 months in the fields of education and skill training; maternal and child health; legislation ensuring a minimum wage to all workers, male and female; equal pay for equal work; social legislation relating to the status of the child and the unmarried mother; and the establishment of a women's bureau in the office of our Prime Minister. These are all instruments which we have developed this year for the more effective elimination of any discrimination or inequalities which inhibit our women from full participation in national life. No nation can afford to be without the contribution of its women in the search for international peace and equity. 176.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“In the midst of all these considerations, we must not lose sight of the central core of our endeavors, which is the pressing need for the fullest mobilization of the human resources of developing countries. In this connexion our women must be brought fully into the mainstream of economic, political and social life, contributing as vital elements to the process of development and benefiting equally from that process. This is the imperative of healthy national growth; it is the imperative of social justice. For this reason, Jamaica welcomes the designation of this year by the United Nations as International Women's Year. It has given added inspiration to our national efforts in this area.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“It seems they would rather preserve a system that retains an advantage for the more technologically advanced. 173. When we consider that the immense wealth, both mineral and organic, of the sea and ocean bed means for some countries not merely an improvement in the quality of life but survival itself, the Assembly will, I am sure, share my hope that the same speed and application manifested during this past seventh special session will be applied to the next session of the Conference on the law of the sea and bring it to its final phase. 174. With so many experts and specialists, there can be no excuse to the peoples of the world for this issue drowning in the sea of indecision. 175.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“This is understandable because the problems are so numerous and complex, and also because there is a real danger that unnecessary delay may cause States to make unilateral and precipitate declarations against the moratorium and against the spirit of the convention itself. My delegation, however, sees some signs of hope: from new ideas, such as a concern for the less-developed countries, including the land-locked, island-developing and others; identification of the treasures of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction as the common heritage of mankind; and deliberate efforts at adjusting the existing economic imbalances. 172. My delegation believes that there has been evidence of deliberate and unnecessary delay by some of the great maritime hegemonies which are not yet prepared to concede these economic, adjustments during the negotiations.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“This body, ranging alphabetically from Australia to Zambia, comprises some 25 per cent of the Governments of the world. Represented there were the millions of India, as well as the more modest numbers from Barbados. The great leaders from varying backgrounds, bound together by that particular mystique of the Commonwealth, met under Prime Minister Michael Manley of Jamaica, himself a symbol of the possibilities of change; and there they set an example to the world of how free men in a free association can unite in the quest to establish social justice and extend it to the poor of the world, regardless of color, creed or political persuasion. 171. Let me turn for one moment to the ongoing Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. There have been expressions of dissatisfaction at the rate of progress.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“It is also encouraging to see that those voices that had ominously spoken about the decline of the United Nations have been converted to a new note of optimism and the question I ask is: Have they become admirers because the United Nations has changed, or have they changed their tune because the United Nations has so far failed to effect a real change? The special session, however, did show that the General Assembly of the United Nations is still the only international forum which acts as a final repository of hope for mankind, and that in the words of a representative of a Member State, "the system works". 170. A few months ago, at Kingston, Jamaica, a conference was held by the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of nations.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“However, in my delegation's opinion it is still too early to make a full assessment; but I will say that the earlier session marked the beginning of a process, and its results will require careful and sober evaluation. It is true to say that it was an advance to have proceeded without acrimony or violent confrontation. It was a success to have had countries of vast ideological and economic differences seated together in deep and long consultation. However, the reservations expressed by some delegations have cast doubt on the value of what may have been achieved. Nevertheless, developing countries have set out to make fundamental changes in the international economic system, and we are determined to continue this process. 169.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Regarding the Middle East, any action which halts the unnecessary sacrifice of human lives is a step in the right direction, and is welcomed. While we welcome the genuine efforts made towards the achievement of peace in the Middle East, my delegation expresses the firm belief that for a lasting peace a fair and permanent settlement of the just claims of the Palestinian people must be made. 168. I have commented on some of the major current political issues which affect the lives of millions of people throughout the world. An event of considerable political and economic significance occurred during 1975, a very short time ago; that is, the seventh special session of the General Assembly, Undoubtedly, much discussion will take place during this session about the results of that one.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Why is it that, although for years the United Nations has been reviewing the trouble-spots of the world, where the security of the world is threatened, millions of dollars have been spent on the conflict in the Middle East and not a cent has been spent by any of the great military hegemonies to restore justice to the millions of blacks in southern Africa, including those in Namibia and Zimbabwe? Is that another question of "kith and kin"? Yet many consistently pay lip-service in the United Nations to the concepts of universality and the indivisibility of justice. 166. My country joins in congratulating the leaders of Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique on their courage and unselfishness in their efforts to establish justice in southern Africa by all means. 167.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“One question I wish to ask is this: Why do some trouble-spots, like the Middle East or Cyprus, attract the attention of the great Powers, with massive interference, while the interests of the peoples of Belize and southern Africa seem to pass unnoticed as far as positive action is concerned? As a representative of a small country I must confess to great confusion here as to whether the concern of the great Powers is to protect the rights of people or to secure the rights to property. I am confused as to whether detente means here that the great Powers, ideologically poles apart, have together adopted the same policy of inaction in cases like those of Belize and southern Africa. 165.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“162. Cyprus is but one example of the tragedy of interference and oppression of the weak by the strong. Belize is another example, and I note with joy that the United States has offered to stand ready to assist in the settlement of regional disputes. 163. In Belize we have a good example of stagnation indeed, more festering sore of discontent. We must not accept a stalemate there, even as we reject it in the case of Cyprus. We must keep up the momentum for peace, and we call upon the Powers, especially the influential Powers of Latin America, to remove Belize from its intolerable position. It is now on the threshold of independence, yet unable to accept that freedom which is offered to it as of right because it fears annexation. 164.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“This is of particular importance to developing countries, which are implementing programs for the structural transformation of their societies and which therefore run the risks of internal disturbances fomented by external forces. 160. Does the ordinary citizen know that after wholesale devastation by war, when the victims offer their hands in forgiveness and attempt to join the United Nations as a haven of peace, those most responsible for the devastation refuse to accept that gesture, by denying them membership? 161. I agree without reservation with the words of the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr. Kissinger, that: "A world in which the survival of nations is at the mercy of a few would spell oppression and injustice and fear." [2355th meeting, para. 73.] All small nations know that; they believe it, with fear and trembling.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“The media are replete with pictures of suffering orphans of war and the endless line of distraught refugees whose fields have been defoliated by the modern instruments of war, and those Powers are selling them guns instead of implements for reconstruction. To people who need homes, food and medicine they sell tanks, guns and missiles. A gun has but one use. It cannot build a school or a home; it cannot plough the land for food. It can only kill and destroy. 159. The trafficking in arms is not limited to areas of overt conflict. It becomes even more clandestine in nature when used for subversion, against the exercise of full sovereignty by States in pursuit of political, social and economic policies which do not find favor with interfering interests.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Do you know and approve that, while you, through your representatives in this Assembly, are speaking of easing international tensions to usher in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity, and while you may be sending tractors to help in planting food for the hungry, you are also sending sophisticated weapons to murder the weak?" It is difficult to say which we deplore the more: the dilemma of the poor nations that purchase swords instead of the ploughshares that they need, or the guilt of those merchant nations that deal in death by the massive sales of armaments. 158. The major Powers, which share the responsibility for international peace and economic well- being, at the same time manufacture, sell and ship missiles, tanks and guns, sometimes to both sides in an international conflict.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)