YouSaid · the spoken record

Masri

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MASRI

lines on the record: 121
first: 1984-09-24
most recent: 1988-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“Finally, in this complex and unstable international situation characterized by fluctuations in the relations between the super-Powers, oscillating between from detente and cold war, with the consequent potential for a world confrontation that would threaten all mankind, in addition to a weakening of belief in the principle of multilateralism, and the danger this engenders for the future of the United Nations, which personifies the hope of mankind for a more secure life free from want and poverty.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Prom this standpoint, we welcome the efforts of the two Koreas towards the reunification of their territory by peaceful means and dialog, in accordance with the three principles enunciated in the joint communique of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, dated 4 July 1973. We welcome their joining the international community. We also support the efforts of the Secretary-General to solve the question of Cyprus, With regard to the situation in Afghanistan, we hope that the efforts of the Secretary-General, which are aimed at achieving a speedy settlement of the problem, will succeed and ensure the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghan territory, the return of Afghan refugees and emigrants, and the safeguarding of the independence and territorial integrity of this friendly country.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We are also in favor of supporting the African front-line States materially and politically in their confrontation with the expansionist policy of South Africa. We also support the efforts of the Contadora Group to bring to an end the conflict and tension in Central America, so that the peoples and States of the region may devote themselves to the economic and social development of which they are in dire need. The principles which govern Jordan's foreign policy of support for the right of peoples to self-determination, resistance to foreign occupation, rejection of the use of force in international conflicts, and adherence to the peaceful settlement of disputes, are the constants of our position towards all urgent regional conflicts, in Kampuchea, Afghanistan and elsewhere.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Our concern with the deteriorating situation in the Middle East in no way prevents us from paying attention to the deteriorating situations in other regions of the world, be they in Africa, Central America, Asia or the Mediterranean. We stand firmly at the side of our brothers in the African continent against the racist and colonialist policies of South Africa, manifested in the apartheid regime and the occupation of Namibia. We oppose such policies firmly and strongly and support all the measures recommended and adopted by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the United Nations to put an end to the obnoxious apartheid regime in South Africa and to achieve independence for Namibia in accordance with the United Nations plan on this subject.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In sister Lebanon, the plight of the Lebanese people has lasted for over 10 years. It has been worsened by Israel's expansionist policy and its repeated acts of aggression - in particular, its illegal presence in southern Lebanon, which threatens Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Israel is using the area as a stepping stone for continued interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon and the whole region. We hope that Lebanon will be able very soon to restore its sovereignty and independence as a result of the complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory of all Israeli forces, thereby making it possible for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to discharge its mandate under Security Council resolution 425 (1978).”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In welcoming this move towards peace by Iraq - which is extending its hand to peace from a position of strength - we call upon Iran to reciprocate by making a similar positive move in order that an honorable and just solution acceptable to both parties may be achieved, a solution which would spare the two countries and their peoples further killing, destruction and depletion of resources. The continuation of that war not only constitutes a danger to the welfare and safety of the Iraqi and Iranian peoples, but also threatens regional and international security. Furthermore, it constitutes defiance of the United Nations and contributes to weakening it. In that regard, we must condemn all attempts designed to prolong and fuel this war, in particular by supporting and backing the intransigent party that refuses to end it.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In spite of the unanimous recognition of the necessity to put an end to that war, the realization that it is futile and that there can be no justification for continuing it, and the possibility that it will spread, Iran continues to reject all appeals for the cessation of this devastating war. Iran has lately coupled its rejection of the various appeals for peace with a dangerous escalation of the war. In contrast to this, Iraq has made a positive response to all the peace initiatives aimed at ending the war. The President of Iraq, Mr. Saddam Hussein, put forward in August 1986 constructive proposals for ending the war with Iran.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“One of the results of such a trend on the part of some quarters is that terrorism has become an aspect of the absence of peace and the continuation of the current deadlock; and some wish to use this as a pretext for ruling out a political settlement and dissociating themselves from attempts to achieve peace. That can only provide extremist and rejectionist parties with an excuse to exploit situations and encourage terrorism to serve their own schemes. In the Arab Gulf area, the Iraq-Iran war has entered its seventh year, and we still witness international impotence and indifference in regard to Iran's intransigence and obduracy.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“On the other hand, we feel that attempting to place the stress on terrorist acts, which have recently escalated, instead of working to put an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab territory and achieving peace, can only contribute to increasing the tension already prevalent in the region. The attempt to reduce the Arab-Israeli conflict - with the aggression and occupation of Arab territory that it involves - to a mere problem of international terrorism can logically have only one result: creating new justification for more violence and more terrorism.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We in Jordan have never hesitated to condemn and denounce terrorism, regardless of its source or nature. We do not agree that attacks against the lives of innocent people in places of worship or while they are traveling can be condoned as being in accordance with international principles or civilized human behavior. We do, however, draw a distinction between such shameful acts and the legitimate national struggle waged by oppressed and colonized peoples and their liberation movements; the latter are approved by the principles of international law and in United Nations resolutions.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We hope that the Security Council will support that call before it is too late, so that all the parties concerned may negotiate for peace. All those who oppose the convening of the international conference must understand that by their opposition they are only prolonging the Arab-Israeli conflict and, consequently, the suffering and anguish of the peoples of the Middle East, and are exposing the whole region to instability. The emergence of some response on the part of those who have taken positions in opposition to the convening of the conference confirms the fact that the position we took from the beginning is the right one and that the international conference, as proposed, remains the ideal way to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Palestine question and the Arab-Israeli conflict.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In 1967 their views again converged on a fundamental concept - the concept of territory for peace - upon which to build a just and comprehensive peace, based on the principle of the non-admissibility of the acquisition of territory by war. That was the principle at the basis of Security Council resolution 242 (1967) - reaffirmed by Security Council resolution 338 (1973), which called for the implementation of resolution 242 (1967) by negotiations between the parties under appropriate auspices. The appropriate framework is provided by the General Assembly, the highest international authority, in which all the peoples of the world are represented and which is supported by everyone. This is reflected in the call for the convening of the International Peace Conference on the Middle East.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The problem became even worse when the international Organization found itself unable to implement its 1948 resolution on the right of the Palestinian refugees to repatriation or compensation. It again found itself powerless when Israel occupied all of the Palestinian territory in 1967. It was unable to implement a comprehensive peace settlement based on the principle of non-admissibility of the acquisition of territory by force and to achieve peace in return for withdrawal. We cannot disregard the responsibility of the five permanent members of the Security Council in regard to this problem and the Arab-Israeli conflict which it caused. In 1947 the views of those States converged on partitioning Palestine - despite rivalries and struggles between them.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It essentially guarantees the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the legitimate and sole representative of the Palestinian people, in peace-making and peace-keeping, if our efforts have met with obstacles placed by some, this should not provide an excuse for the international community to shirk its historical responsibility towards the Palestinian people and the achievement of peace. We should not allow Israel to use this as a pretext to deny the Palestinian people their legitimate rights and continue its policy of keeping the land, and hence impose, if possible, its version of peace, armed with unlimited political, military and economic support from the United States. The United Nations took on a special responsibility for the Palestine question when in 1947 it adopted the resolution to partition Palestine.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We therefore oppose the attempts that are being made to confine them to a cycle of violence, rejection and extremism whereby their enemies, that is the enemies of the Palestinian people, may be able to exclude and ignore them, and, even worse, to trample upon their rights under the pretext of combating violence and terrorism. That is why we have worked, together with our Palestinian brethren, towards the implementation of the Arab peace plan, which enjoys the support of an overwhelming majority, by creating practical machinery for the implementation of this plan. To this end, we signed an agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization on 11 February 1985, the bases and principles of which continue to constitute the starting-point of our orientation in relation to the Palestine question.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We feel that the outcome of such a settlement should ensure Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, guarantee the historic and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in their ancestral homeland, and guarantee the right of all States and peoples of the region, including Israel, to live in security and peace within internationally recognized boundaries. Our position has a firm foundation. First and foremost there is our belief in the inevitability of peace, and our national commitment to the Palestinian people, with whom we are linked through a common historical background and the bonds of a common aim and destiny. In view of this special and distinctive relationship, we are the first to realize the true and sincere desire of the Palestinian people, languishing under occupation, to achieve a just and honorable peace.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We feel that convening such a conference would provide the appropriate framework for negotiation on the basis of international law and the principles of the Charter. We consider that it would be a forum that could not be exploited as an arena either for debate or for polemics. It would rather be a solemn international framework for responsible negotiation and effective action to reach the desired settlement, one in which the parties would be held responsible for their actions before the whole world, and subjected to the scrutiny of the international community.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The situation of the Palestinian Arab people, languishing under occupation, has worsened to an unprecedented degree that gives rise to grave concern. For all these important considerations concerning the future of the Palestinian Arab people and the preservation of their national identity and of the Arab and Islamic rights in Palestine, Jordan has worked for a comprehensive, just and durable peace settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the Palestine question, which is the core of the conflict, through an international conference attended by all parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Such a conference should be held under the auspices of the united Nations on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) .”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We have always been convinced that the mere affirmation of principles, the taking of postures and the issuance of declarations without practical efforts towards the achievement of what we aspire to often constitute a course of action that is no less dangerous than the outright occupation. There has developed a regional situation characterized by demographic and geographical changes in the occupied Arab territories; a state of international laxity and a feeling of inability to take any serious action against the creeping annexation of occupied Arab territories. This has been accompanied by a state of international polarization and rivalry between the super-Powers to control the region's destiny and resources.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“In this situation, where occupation is being consolidated, and the historical and inalienable rights of the Arab people have remained confined to theoretical reaffirmation, we in Jordan decided to do our utmost to change the situation so that the Arab rights in Palestine may be translated into practical reality, and the principles and resolutions of the United Nations condemning aggression, prohibiting foreign occupation and calling for self-determination may be translated into direct political action, through the formulation of practical solutions to the Palestine problem and the Arab-Israeli conflict.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Therefore, the role of the international Organization has been confined to affirming the principles without being able to take any practical action in this conflict. There are those who benefit from this state of no-peace, no-war. Therein prevails a situation where the only winners have been those who refuse to give up anything and who would not accept less than everything. The only loser has been the Palestinian Arab people, who continue to languish under occupation.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“For if it were to disappear, an international situation would arise in which force will take precedence over law. In the context of our commitment to the United Nations and our belief in its importance and effectiveness, we consider it necessary to provide it with adequate means to fulfill its role with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict. So far, its role has largely been confined to that of an observer or of a non-active participant. The outcome of the struggle between right and might has been the freezing of the United Nations role with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict. In a situation in which the majority would not agree to set aside the principles of the Charter which reject aggression and domination while the minority refuses to permit the application of the provisions of the Charter against the aggressor.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“I believe that one of the reasons for its weakness is to be found in the selectivity practised and the double standards observed by some in applying the principles of the Charter, in particular those calling for self-determination, non-use of force in international relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes. With regard to the financial crisis facing the United Nations, I feel that we can work together to find appropriate and practical solutions. We can be guided by the views suggested so far and by the outcome of our deliberations and consultations in this regard. I believe, however, that our aim in solving this current financial crisis, which we do not underestimate, should be to strengthen the role and effectiveness of the Organization rather than cast doubt on it or weaken it.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The countries of the third world emphasized the importance of enhancing the role of the United Nations and the need to tackle the problems that face us in a spirit of co-operation, trust, realism and frankness. While we continue to believe in the vital need for the existence of the United Nations, we feel, unfortunately, that there is a campaign being waged against this Organization. Although I do not want to go into the details of this campaign, I feel it is essentially unjust and prejudiced. The United Nations can be as strong and effective or as marginal and unimportant as we, the Member States, want it to be.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We see in that a ray of hope that progress can be made towards a collective solution to the economic and political problems in other regions of the world. The United Nations can contribute to the settlement of explosive regional conflicts in the Middle East, southern Africa, Cyprus, Afghanistan and other areas. The Secretary-General is making strenuous and sincere efforts to that end. We support his efforts and call upon others to support and respond positively to them. The United Nations machinery can also be activated to deal with the question of disarmament and the control of nuclear weapons. The eighth summit conference of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries held at Harare has recently dealt with these questions.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“The United Nations crisis is part of a world crisis, which is a reflection rather than a cause of the worsening situation of international peace and security. Therefore, the way to start dealing with the United Nations crisis is to implement United Nations resolutions, not to rob them of all force and vigor. The usefulness and efficiency of the United Nations as a framework for co-operation among States was demonstrated once again when, in spite of the financial crisis imposed on it, it was able to organize the special session on the critical economic situation in Africa. That session was testimony to the need for collective action and multilateral co-operation. It also showed the importance and effectiveness of multilateral action when the will is there.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We must deal with the Arab-Israeli conflict and the situations in southern Africa, Kampuchea, Lebanon and Central America as threats to international peace and security which sap the resources of the peoples of those regions, rather than treat them as mere items on the United Nations agenda. The situation in the Middle East was dealt with in 1967 by a single resolution, namely, Security Council resolution 242 (1967), which Israel has refused to implement to this day. The United Nations has been unable to force Israel to comply with that resolution. In fact, Israel has escalated its practices and consolidated its occupation, thus forcing the United Nations to keep on reaffirming its resolutions.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It is our view that the crisis in the United Nations and the proliferation of its resolutions are caused essentially by the worsening international situation and the chronic regional conflicts that remain unsolved. We should not start from a false premise. The real problem facing us is not the proliferation of united Nations resolutions or the expansion of its organs, important and urgent as dealing with such aspects may be. It is the proliferation of the problems besetting the nations of the world and the fact that they remain unsolved. Therefore the sound premise is not the impact of international conflicts on the United Nations but rather the need to settle such conflicts using the machinery in an effective way. The settlement of these conflicts would absolve the United Nations of blame.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“We share the Secretary-General's great concern to ensure effectiveness of the United Nations and its adherence to its ideals and principles, as well as his sincere desire that its role be enhanced, so that it may remain not only a forum for discussion and the expression of views and positions, but also a means of achieving consensus, and possibly agreements on the serious challenges that face mankind. The fortieth anniversary of the United Nations last year, was an opportunity to evaluate the progress of this vital Organization. In the course of the celebrations emphasis was laid on the importance of action to solve outstanding international problems in a spirit of co-operation and harmony and on the common concern not to allow international crises to get out of hand and escape collective control.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“His ability to deal with thorny international problems, thanks to his wide knowledge and creative democratic spirit, coupled with firmness and decisiveness, led to the outstanding success of that session. This was only to be expected of such a seasoned diplomat, steeped in multilateral diplomacy and with wide experience in United Nations affairs and activities. I also wish at the beginning of my statement to convey on behalf of the Government of Jordan our great appreciation and gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, for his sincere and tireless efforts to enhance the role of the United Nations and help solve conflicts and crises which threaten the security of peoples and deplete the energies of countries. We shall give his proposals and observations on various issues the attention they fully deserve.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“It gives me great pleasure to extend to you our heartfelt congratulations, Sir, on your election as President of the forty-first session of the General Assembly. We are confident that your ability and diplomatic skill will enable you to conduct the business of the General Assembly in a very able manner and that will be a great help to all of us in achieving the positive results that we aspire to at this session. It is a source of particular pleasure that the representative of a friendly country, Bangladesh, with which my country, Jordan, has the closest relations of brotherhood, friendship, co-operation, assume that important international post. I should also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Jaime de Pinies, who conducted the proceedings of the fortieth session of the General Assembly with extreme skill.”
1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)
“Jordan emphasizes once again the basis for peace spelt out by the international community as follows: a comprehensive—not a partial—peace; the complete withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied in 1967, including Arab Jerusalem; the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination in Palestine; the right of all States in the region to live in peace within internationally recognized borders. 42. Jordan declares its full willingness to work on the basis of these principles and towards their implementation within a comprehensive and balanced peace process.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In conclusion, Jordan, which considers the problem of Palestine its own problem and has borne, together with the Palestinian Arab people, all the consequences of the Israeli occupation, expresses its firm commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in Palestine and declares its readiness to co-operate with all sincere international efforts to end the Arab-Israeli conflict and achieve a just and comprehensive peace on the basis of international consensus—that is, territory in exchange for peace.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The first steps to be taken in order to avoid the dangers involved in the aggravation of disputes and to prevent further deterioration are to work for the implementation of United Nations resolutions, to facilitate the role of the Secretary-General and respond positively to his valuable efforts and, finally, to revitalize the Security Council, thus putting an end to its current state of paralysis. 41.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In Afghanistan, no concrete progress has been made in the efforts exerted by the parties concerned, with the help of the Secretary-General. The problem of Cyprus is still awaiting resolution. Namibia remains under foreign occupation, and South Africa's policy of apartheid is continuing. In the Korean peninsula, there are still obstacles to the efforts to unify the two parts of Korea by peaceful means. In Central America, we support the efforts of the Contadora Group and hope that all countries will find it possible to support them. 40.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“While Iraq has co-operated with the efforts of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, and the Secretary-General and while it has accepted United Nations resolutions in regard to the conflict, Iran has so far rejected all efforts at mediation and all attempts to solve the dispute by peaceful means. For these reasons and, frankly speaking, for the sake of our credibility, we must commend our brother country Iraq for its positive response to all those efforts aimed at a cessation of the war, and we hope that Iran will also hasten to express a similar acceptance. 39. We are aware of the deteriorating situations in other regions of the world—in Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and Latin America—regions where a number of international disputes are still simmering.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Regarding the war between Iraq and Iran, which is in its fifth year, we again warn all countries of the dangers involved in the continuation and widening of that war. During recent months we had the opportunity of witnessing the consequences of such expansion and its implications for the security and stability of the world if we do not hasten to terminate it. We therefore call upon all nations to help bring that war to an end, not only because of fear of a stoppage of oil production but also out of concern for the bloodshed that is taking place there. We believe that political and moral considerations in both the short and long run require us to make sincere efforts to help find an honourable solution to that war. 38.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“That occupation represents a grave danger to the unity, independence and national resources of Lebanon. We would like to repeat here our earlier warning that Lebanon is being turned into a means of draining the resources of the Lebanese and Arabs and of diverting attention from the Palestinian problem, thus becoming a smoke-screen behind which Israel is swallowing up the West Bank, Gaza and the Golan Heights. We again emphasize the urgency of ending all practices affecting Lebanon's sovereignty and independence and impeding its efforts to attend to its wounds and proceed along the path to unity and reconstruction, thus enabling it to reassume its role among the Arab nations and in the international arena. 37.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“President Reagan's proposal a few days ago from this rostrum for United States- Soviet consultations on regional problems was a positive suggestion to facilitate the achievement of an indispensable political solution in the Middle East. It is consistent with Jordan's view on the usefulness of convening such a conference. 35. Consistent with its quest for peace, Jordan has worked with many Arab and other parties to create conditions for promoting our chances of achieving a permanent and just peace. 36. While world attention is focused on the Palestinian question, which is the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israel is endeavouring to add a new dimension to that conflict—southern Lebanon. We are gravely concerned over developments in the situation there resulting from the Israeli occupation of the region.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We have declared our commitment to Security Council resolution 242 (1967) and our willingness to implement it fully, asserting that the implementation of that important international resolution provides a good opportunity for satisfying the demand of the Palestinian people to exercise its right to self-determination in its homeland, Palestine, and ensures for all the States and peoples of the region, including Israel and the Israelis, the right to live in peace and security. For that reason, Jordan has supported the United Nations call for the convening of an international peace conference with the participation of all the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and the permanent members of the Security Council. 34.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We hope that the United States will reconsider its prejudicial position vis-à-vis certain parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict. This would not only enable it to regain its ability and effectiveness as a neutral mediator but also increase the chances of the success of its efforts to serve its true interests and those of both regional and international peace. There is still a chance, although it is quickly receding. 33. Peace is the central goal of Jordan's foreign policy. We have striven in various circumstances, by every legitimate means and within all international forums for the promotion and encouragement of sincere and balanced peace efforts.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“One of the requirements for achieving a political settlement is the restoration of the balance by and between the great Powers the Arab-Israeli conflict and the establishment of a balance between the Arabs and the Israelis. The experience of past years has proved that the imbalance which characterizes the role of the super-Powers in the region, in terms of both their relationship with each other and their relations with some of the parties in the conflict, is one of the main reasons for Israel's intransigence, its persistence in challenging the international will and its rejection of all peace efforts and initiatives. The history of relations between States and peoples contains not a single example of a situation in which genuine peace was achieved in a state of imbalance.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The great Powers which have special relations with Israel bear direct responsibility for the failure of peace efforts because of Israel's intransigence and insubordination with regard to the international will. The complete bias of the United States in favour of Israel and its acquiescence in all the latter's illegal and aggressive practices have caused a set-back to the chances for peace and could destroy those chances. That bias has also undermined the effectiveness of a super-Power which has a fundamental role to play and must bear special responsibility for the deterioration of the situation and the lack of peace in the region. 32.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The problem of water is an important aspect of the Arab- Israeli conflict, and Israel has resisted every regional solution to it. Israel seeks to control the greatest possible quantity of water and to use that water to serve its expansionist settlements policy. One reason for its present occupation of southern Lebanon and its resistance to all pressures for an early withdrawal is its desire to realize its historic ambitions regarding Lebanon's waters. The increasing Israeli ambitions regarding Arab waters in southern Lebanon, the Golan Heights and the Jordan River region represents a dangerous escalation of the situation in the area. 31. Israel could not have persisted in its expansionist policy had the international community as represented by the United Nations been allowed to fulfil its responsibilities.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“That canal, which begins in the occupied Arab territories and ends in the Dead Sea, violates and threatens Jordan's vital and legitimate national interests, besides being an act of aggression against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. It is but another example of Israel's consistent tendency to threaten the stability of peace by undermining its foundations. 30. The danger of this Israeli project is not only that it is contrary to the principles of international law concerning the riparian rights of States and to the laws governing military occupation but also that it is another manifestation of a consistent Israeli policy of controlling the water resources of the region and refusing to recognize their legitimate owners.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“To justify its use of force, Israel has invented the myth of an Arab threat to its existence and has exaggerated its need for security in an attempt to rationalize its military build-up. That has served also to project an image of Israel as always being in a situation in which it has no choice. However, Israel's aggression against Lebanon and its continued oppression of the Palestinian people have proved again that Israel has chosen to wage war against the Arabs. 29. Another aspect of Israel's rejection of peace and its desire to expand at the expense of the Arabs is its construction of a canal linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Dead Sea.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The explicit international position on this question is testimony to the credibility of the United Nations and a guarantee of the success of its efforts and of any other efforts exerted to find a political solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. 27. The security argument evoked by Israel from time to time to justify its settlements policy is baseless. The international community knows that peace cannot be achieved through expansion, aggression and the denial of the legitimate rights of others. Rather, expansion, intransigence and failure to recognize the legitimate demands of the Arabs are all a threat to the security of the entire region. In fact, it was the Israeli settlements in the occupied Arab territories and its policy of forced transfer of civilians which in the first instance caused the threat to Israel's security. 28.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“That plan is also aimed at bringing in large numbers of Jewish settlers so that they will soon become the majority in the occupied Arab territories, with the indigenous Arab population consequently becoming a minority. At that point, the problem will cease to be that of the number of settlement colonies and will become, rather, one of the presence of a Jewish majority. The Israeli settlements already number 182 and occupy approximately 55 per cent of the West Bank area. 26. I need not emphasise again that that policy is contrary to the principles of international law governing military occupation and that those settlements are illegitimate and illegal.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“More than one Israeli leader has revealed this intention and has made the plan the corner-stone of their campaigns in the recent Israeli elections. This has been evidenced once more in the outcome of those elections, in which those blocs and parties that explicitly called for the expulsion of the Arabs from their country—Palestine—were elected. 25. The salient aspect of Israel's rejection of the principle of exchanging territory for peace is the Israeli settlements policy. Israel's plan to annex and Judaize the occupied Arab territories is based on the establishment of colonial and settlement zones on the outskirts of West Bank cities, in order to encircle them, and in the midst of Arab villages, in order to divide them, as well as along the Jordan River Valley and around water sources.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“This aggressive policy has recently taken the form of an Israeli plan to uproot tens of thousands of Palestinians from refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza and to resettle them in the Jordan River region. We have every reason to be concerned about the consequences of this Israeli plan, particularly in view of Israel's previous practices and deliberate attempts to empty the West Bank of its legitimate owners. This act represents Israel's conception of the Palestinian problem, which it considers a simple demographic one to be solved at the expense of others. 24. Israel's plan to ratify its occupation, to impose a fait accompli and to annex the Arab and Palestinian territories, has been exposed to the whole world.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)