YouSaid · the spoken record

Sonoda

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS SONODA

lines on the record: 100
first: 1978-09-24
most recent: 1981-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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

“I strongly urge South Africa to reconsider its policies and to co-operate with the United Nations in achieving Namibia's independence through elections held under the supervision of the United Nations. I should like on this occasion to confirm once again Japan's readiness actively to participate in and co-operate with the United Nations efforts to foster Namibia's peaceful transition to independence. 157.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It is thus my country's policy to extend vigorous co-operation to the nation-building programmes of the African States. 155. The situation in Africa is, however, troubled in some areas. In particular, it is a matter of deep concern to Japan that a great number of people in southern Africa continue to suffer under the yoke of racial discrimination. I am profoundly distressed that progress towards the elimination of apartheid policies in South Africa has been so meagre. 156. Regarding the question of Namibia, the Government of South Africa has embarked upon a dangerous course by seeking an internal settlement and totally disregarding the efforts of the United Nations. This is a serious situation and must be considered a challenge to the international community.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In this connexion, I should like to urge Israel to refrain from any measures that would be detrimental to the atmosphere of the negotiations, such as the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and its military actions in southern Lebanon. 153. Firm in the belief that stability and development in the Middle East are essential to the peace and prosperity of the entire world, Japan will continue, in accordance with its independent policy, to co-operate actively in the development efforts of the countries in that region, Out of this concern as well, we strongly hope that a just and lasting peace will be established as soon as possible. 154. The nations of Africa are Japan's vital partners in promoting world peace and prosperity.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“From this point of view, we strongly hope that, to avoid further delay in establishing peace in the area, the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization in the peace process will be realized, with Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization mutually recognizing each other's position. 152. I strongly call on the participants involved in the talks regarding the autonomy of the West Bank and Gaza to display courage and flexibility in the negotiations in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions in order to achieve a result that is satisfactory to all the parties concerned.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We believe that such a peace should be achieved through the complete implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (L967) and 338 (1973) and the recognition of and respect for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations Charter. 151. We believe that the future development of the negotiations now under way between Egypt and Israel on the question of the autonomy of the West Bank and Gaza will have a serious influence upon whether or not a comprehensive peace will be achieved in the Middle East.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“For our part, we will continue to co-operate with all countries concerned to foster an international climate that is conducive to the relaxation of tensions on the peninsula. 150. The problem in the Middle East is one of the most serious problems confronting the world today. Japan maintains the position that it is essential that peace in the Middle East be just, lasting and comprehensive. Thus, Japan thinks the Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel should be a first step towards achieving a comprehensive peace in the area.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I therefore strongly urge all the parties, including Viet Nam, who are directly involved in the conflict in Kampuchea to exercise prudence and restraint and I reiterate my appeal to all the countries and parties concerned to make every effort to achieve peace in Kampuchea. 149. Another major task confronting us in Asia is the relaxation of tensions on the Korean peninsula. At present, the dialogue between South and North Korea is suspended. The tripartite talks, proposed jointly to North Korea by President Park of the Republic of Korea and President Carter of the United States, have not yet come about. Since the building of genuine peace and stability on the Korean peninsula is a matter of deep concern to Japan, we hope that a substantive dialogue between South and North Korea will be resumed as promptly as possible.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Given the widespread and profound sympathy the Japanese people have for the Kampuchean people in their catastrophic privation, the Government of Japan is determined to do everything possible, by mobilizing the resources of both government and private sectors, to extend such co-operative assistance and relief. 146. Even as I express these views on the Kampuchean problem—the most serious problem in Asia today—the implementation of relief measures is being further delayed. Profoundly distressing are the movements that appear to be starting in Kampuchea which might lead again to an intensification of the fighting there. 147. No action must be allowed which would further aggravate the situation in Kampuchea, whatever the reason for such action may be. 148.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“First of all, I should like to appeal for the co-operation of all the parties to the conflict in Kampuchea in ensuring that these humanitarian relief supplies reach those who are in need of them. I call specifically upon all the parties to the conflict to come to an immediate agreement with the international organizations concerned on a practical arrangement to ensure that such international relief measures be implemented safely and promptly. 143. Secondly, I should like to urge strongly that all the countries concerned exert every possible effort to make such an arrangement, and that as many countries as possible participate in and co-operate with such international relief measures. 144. The Government of Japan is prepared to cooperate to the fullest extent of its abilities in these international relief measures. 145.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“But whatever political position one may take, one cannot ignore the millions of Kampuchean people facing death due to starvation and disease. 141. I am convinced that humanitarian concerns must transcend political differences and that it is of absolute importance for all parties, both inside and outside Kampuchea, to take concerted action to bring to the Kampuchean people relief from the starvation and disease that makes a living hell for them. What the Kampuchean people urgently need right now is not an exercise in political polemics, but rather food and medical supplies. It is our responsibility as human beings to see that the Kampuchean people get the supplies they need. 142.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I think it is important for us, as a first step, to make every effort to promote the common recognition among the countries concerned, including all the parties to the Kampuchean conflict, of the importance of restoring lasting peace in Kampuchea. It is on the basis of this belief that I have repeatedly proposed that a conference be convened in which the countries concerned, including all the parties to the Kampuchean conflict, would participate. 140. In conjunction with these long-range efforts, I should like to call attention to the very urgent task that demands immediate action in Kampuchea. In the devastated nation of Kampuchea, millions of people are stricken with disease and are in danger of starvation. There is undoubtedly a wide range of political positions and opinions regarding Kampuchea's future.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I feel it is important to stress, however, that the Indo-Chinese refugee problem cannot be solved in any real way unless the peace and stability of this region is assured. In order to secure peace and stability in IndoChina, it is essential that lasting peace be restored in Kampuchea. I am of the opinion that the only way to accomplish this is for all foreign forces to withdraw from Kampuchean territory so that the Kampuchean people may determine their own political future, free from any foreign intervention. 139. This is in no sense an easy task, but we must do everything possible to accomplish it.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Secondly, in order to provide relief for the refugees as well as to lighten the burden of the first-asylum countries, international co-operation should be further strengthened in the fields of the permanent resettlement of refugees and of financial contributions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 137. Determined to take an active part in this international endeavour, Japan decided to provide half the funds required this year for the High Commissioner's Assistance Programme for Indo-Chinese Refugees. At the same time, we are making efforts to promote the resettlement of refugees in Japan and intend gradually to expand the target figure for resettlement in Japan, depending on the progress of the programme. 138.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Although the United Nations Meeting on Refugees and Displaced Persons in South-East Asia, held in Geneva last July, achieved significant results, thanks to the efforts of the Secretary-General and other United Nations officials, as well as to those of the various countries concerned, the problem has not been fundamentally resolved. Indeed, each country is called upon to strive even harder in its own way to help to alleviate the difficult situation. 135. First, it is necessary that Viet Nam should continue to exert every effort to stop the illegal departures of its people as it stated it would do at the Geneva Conference. 136.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I should like to comment first of all upon the situation in Asia. 132. One of the most urgent tasks confronting us now is to secure peace and stability in South-East Asia. 133. The members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations [ASEAN] are steadily pursuing courses of national development based on the progress of regional co-operation. However, serious anxiety regarding the security of these nations is resulting from the conflicts and tensions in the Indo-Chinese peninsula and from the outflow of the refugees from that area. In particular, the problem of Indo-Chinese refugees is no longer solely a matter of humanitarian concern; it has become a destabilizing element in the Asian and Pacific region. 134.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We are determined to strengthen Japan's diplomatic efforts in international political, economic and social areas in order to contribute further to the peace and prosperity of the world community in the coming decade. In so doing, it is the policy of my Government to explore actively from a global perspective the ways in which it can help to achieve the stability and development of countries in various parts of the world, giving attention to the Asian and Pacific region in particular, but also recognizing the importance of the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. 130. With this perception of the present, and looking ahead to the future, I should like at this time to explain briefly my Government's position on the major problems confronting the international community today. 131.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“If each nation bases its foreign policy on that recognition, I am convinced there will be a way to solve the difficult problems besetting all of us. One of the major tasks for the 1980s will be for each of us to renew our efforts in this direction. 129. My country maintains as its fundamental national principle the pursuit of peace and the refusal to become a military Power that could pose a threat to another country. Thus the basic objective of Japan's foreign policy is to contribute to world peace and prosperity by fully wielding its economic strength and political influence. This policy, of course, is based on the recognition that there can be no peace and prosperity in Japan unless there is peace and prosperity throughout the world.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“As I pointed out last year at the thirty-third session of the General Assembly, mutual dependence among nations and regions of the world transcends differences in social systems, size, abundance of natural resources or stage of development and this interdependence is growing at an increasingly rapid pace. Thus, no nation can maintain peace within its own borders unless peace prevails elsewhere in the world; and no country can plan its own economic prosperity in isolation from the development of the world economy as a whole. 128. These are the realities which all the countries of the world must approach dispassionately. In our quest for world peace and prosperity we must recognize the interdependence among nations as well as regions and help each other and complement each other in a spirit of accommodation.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“While, in the international political and economic arenas, interdependent and complementary relationships among nations are generally deepening, co-operative relationships between oil-producing and oil-consuming countries have not yet taken hold. Industrialized and developing countries continue to grope for an international order that is mutually beneficial. 126. These are no more than simple illustrations. Yet, as we look ahead on the basis of these experiences to the coming decade, the prospects for the international community do not allow us to be totally optimistic. At the same time, we need not be unduly pessimistic. 127.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“While there have been real international efforts to promote the stable expansion of the world economy, as exemplified by the five summit meetings of the major industrial nations and the GATT Tokyo round trade negotiations, energy problems cast a vast and gloomy shadow over the future of the world economy, and there is no solution in sight to such problems as inflation and recession. 124. While nation-building programmes of developing countries are progressing, the non-oil-producing developing countries are experiencing extremely serious economic difficulties stemming from sharp increases in the price of oil. Prospects concerning North-South problems are complicated by a great number of difficulties, due in part to the stagnation of the economies of industrialized countries. 125.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“While tensions have relaxed among certain States with different political systems—as seen, for example, in the progress in the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks between the United States and the Soviet Union and in the normalization of relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China— —elsewhere, in such areas as the Indo-Chinese peninsula, the Middle East and Africa, regional confrontations and conflicts are continuing. In some regions we have even witnessed the intensification of tensions. 123.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Let me also take this opportunity to express a sincere welcome to Saint Lucia on its admission to the United Nations. My country looks forward to deepening its co-operation with Saint Lucia within the United Nations as well as in other contexts. 120. The year 1979 is significant as the transitional year from the 1970s to the 1980s. As we recall our experiences of the 1970s and reflect upon their implications for the future in our quest for world peace and prosperity, this session of the General Assembly, held at such an important time, should, in my view, provide us with a new vigour and perspective for the coming decade. 121. Looking back on the 1970s, I consider it a time mixed with promise and disappointment in terms of world peace and prosperity. 122.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I should like to extend warm congratulations to Mr. Salim on his election as President of the thirty-fourth session of the General Assembly. I am confident that, under his impartial guidance based on superb wisdom and wealth of experience, this session will be a most fruitful one. 117. I should also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Lievano, who contributed greatly to the successful conclusion of the thirty-third session of the General Assembly. 118. I take this opportunity also to pay a sincere tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim. We deeply appreciate his dedicated efforts towards the maintenance of international peace and security as well as towards the promotion of international co-operation, thus helping to realize the goals of the United Nations. 119.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“What is expected is that, regardless of whether countries are large or small, regardless of whether their positions are strong or weak, and regardless of whether they are developed or developing, each of them should, in proportion to its ability, act from a global standpoint. 173. I firmly believe that if all countries act on the basis of this awareness then surely we shall resolve the difficult problems with which we are faced, and will create a brighter future for mankind in the. next century. 174. My country pledges to devote its every effort to making an active contribution to this common undertaking of mankind.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Relationships of mutual interdependence among nations transcend differences in social system, size, or stage of development, and are deepening at an increasingly rapid pace. The peace of one nation is inseparable from that of the world as a whole, and the prosperity of one nation cannot be built except upon the prosperity of the world. There can, therefore, no longer be such a thing as the peace or the prosperity of but one nation alone. What is expected of all nations in a world such as this is that they should join their wisdom in determining what each of them must do for the sake of coexistence and mutual prosperity.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Furthermore it is vital that research and development be furthered through international co-operation in order to promote the more efficient use of existing energy sources and the development of new sources—including renewable energy. 170. My country intends to co-operate actively in international efforts in these fields, and is further determined to join its efforts with those of the developing countries in the field of energy development. 171. As I noted at the beginning of my remarks, the world community today faces such extraordinarily difficult problems that it may truly be said to be at a historic cross-roads. Thus far I have stated my beliefs concerning what we must do in such a situation if we are to bring about a bright outlook for man's future as we move toward the twenty- first century. 172.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Finally, we have the extremely serious problems of how we should effectively employ the energy resources which are indispensable for human existence, and of how we shall secure them far into the future. When one considers that existing energy resources are finite, it is clear that this is a major issue whose solution is necessary even for those countries that currently possess these resources, and that in that sense it is the common problem of every country in the world. 168. From that viewpoint I am convinced that it is important to promote the peaceful uses of atomic energy in a form compatible with the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. 169.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“To this end, my country took the initiative at last year's session of the General Assembly in the formation of a consensus on the resolution on international cooperation for the prevention of hijacking [resolution 32/8], and in co-operation with other interested countries, is continuing its efforts to urge all countries to become parties to the three conventions concerning the safety of civil aviation. From this same viewpoint, moreover, Japan hopes that all nations will align themselves with the import of the statement on air hijacking which was adopted last July at the Bonn Economic Summit Conference of the major industrialized countries. 166. It is the intention of my country to continue to co-operate actively in efforts to resolve these humanitarian and social problems of our international community. 167.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In Asia, moreover, Japan is endeavouring to aid the refugees of Indo-China by means of, among other things, a special contribution of $10 million in addition to its previous contributions to the special programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We have also extended our support through the High Commissioner to the refugees who have come about along the border between Burma and Bangladesh. 165. The hijacking of aircraft, through which suffering is brought to large numbers of innocent passengers, is an act which is impermissible on humanitarian grounds. In order to prevent hijacking, it is essential that all nations should co-operate.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My own country wishes actively to support the effort to guarantee fundamental human rights in a form which, at a minimum, protects the most fundamental human dignity of all individuals. This past, spring, I signed the International Covenants on Human Rights, and they are currently before the Japanese Diet with a view to their early ratification. 163. We are today faced with grave humanitarian issues which must be tackled by the entire international community—the problems of refugees and of aerial hijacking. 164. The refugee problem is one which not only includes the threat of breeding new tension and confrontation between States, but is also, in its fundamental sense, a humanitarian problem. From this viewpoint Japan has each year increased its contribution to UNRWA.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The fact that, this May, at the tenth special session of the General Assembly, the first in the history of the United Nations to be devoted solely to disarmament, an international agreement laying down guidelines for the furtherance of disarmament [resolution S-10/2/ was adopted by a consensus of all Member States is an event still fresh in our memories. Taking the agreement of this special session as our new point of departure, we must strengthen still further our concrete efforts to promote disarmament, with nuclear disarmament receiving our primary attention. I should therefore like to address an appeal to the various countries concerned, beginning with the nuclear-weapon States, for their special efforts in this regard. .162. The problem of human rights is taken up within the United Nations from a variety of angles.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In this sense, it is indeed regrettable that new confrontation and conflict have broken out on the Indo-China peninsula. My country earnestly hopes that through the self-restraint and efforts of the parties concerned, peace and stability in this region will be restored and progress can be made in the economic and social development of the countries involved. 161. Along with the effort peacefully to resolve tension and confrontation between States, international efforts for disarmament are extremely important.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That Japan does not offer any form whatsoever of military co-operation with that country follows naturally from our fundamental position as a peace-loving nation. 159. In Asia, confrontation and tension persist on the Korean peninsula. My own country is deeply interested in the peace and stability of the peninsula so dose to us, and it is our strong hope that the two parties concerned, the North and the South, will reopen their dialogue without delay and that genuine peace and stability will be established in this region. My country wishes, therefore, to co-operate with other interested countries in creating an international environment conducive to this end. 160. The peace and stability of South-East Asia is also of great concern to Japan.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Until an internationally recognized Government of Zimbabwe has been born, it is the intention of my country fully to respect the economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations, and to co-operate in international efforts to achieve a peaceful solution for this problem. 158. The continuation of racial discrimination in South Africa is something which must be vigorously condemned; and Japan strongly demands that the Government of South Africa strive to eliminate such discrimination. Until it does so, my country will continue to have no diplomatic relations with South Africa, to refuse to co-operate with South Africa in the field of nuclear development, and to prohibit direct investment in that country.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My country intends actively to participate in the envisaged United Nations operation. In the transitional period before independence, my country intends to direct its co-operative efforts into participating in the supervision and control of fair and free elections which will constitute the nucleus of the United Nations operation, and in providing materiel and equipment in support of the operation. Once independence is achieved, Japan will be willing to co-operate as much as possible in the nation-building of Namibia. 157. In Southern Rhodesia, the fact that the resistance by the white minority regime still drags on is deplorable in the extreme.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Turning to the situation in southern Africa, I find it most encouraging that, despite the confrontation and tension springing from racial discrimination and minority rule, international efforts to achieve Namibia's independence by peaceful means continue to be pursued. In this connexion, it is most deplorable that, notwithstanding these international efforts, on 20 September the Government of the Republic of South Africa announced its intention to carry out the elections on its own. Japan earnestly hopes that the Government of South Africa will again realign itself with these joint international efforts. Japan strongly hopes that, in accordance with the Secretary-General's report to the Security Council, United Nations activities to bring about Namibia's peaceful transition to independence will soon be set in motion.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In the midst of this situation, a number of dramatic initiatives are being undertaken in order to bring about peace in the Middle East. In particular, my country highly values the courageous decision of those who brought about the three-country summit meetings at Camp David, which we strongly hope will lead to the realization of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. 155. The guiding principles for peace in the Middle East remain unchanged. It is necessary that Security Council resolutions 242(1967) and 338(1973) be fully implemented, and that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination, be recognized, respected and implemented in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. 156.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Every one of these tensions and confrontations has the potential of directly affecting the peace and stability of the entire world. It is, moreover, a most deplorable fact that in these regions the funds and technology which could otherwise be utilized for development purposes are channelled into the unproductive purpose of expanding armaments. I strongly hope that in order to relax the tensions and eliminate confrontations in such areas, all countries concerned will make much greater efforts in a spirit of self-restraint. 154. From this standpoint, I feel deep anxiety over the continuation of the confrontation and tension in the Middle East. The conditions surrounding the Middle East problem are at present highly complex and fluid.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In May of next year the fifth session of UNCTAD will be held in Manila. Furthermore, it is planned that in 1980 we will convene a special session of the General Assembly devoted to economic questions; in the meantime the Committee of the Whole, that is, the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution' 32/174, has already begun functioning with the aim of considering North-South problems from an over-all point of view. Japan is resolved to devote its every effort to the dynamic building, through these forums, of a just and equitable international economic order. 153. The fact that at present tensions and confrontations continue in several regions of the world, and that at times we even witness the outbreak of armed conflicts, is an extremely serious problem for the world community.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“As regards the debt problems of poorer developing countries, Japan, in conformity with the resolution adopted last March by the United Nations Trade and Development Board [see A/33/15, part two, annex I, resolution 165 (S-IX)J, has decided to extend in principle new grant assistance as a measure which will, in substance, be equivalent to the cancellation of the annual debt-servicing obligations of its least developed debtors or to a reduction in the obligations of its debtors which have been most seriously affected by the oil crisis. 151. As I have stated thus far, Japan places great importance upon making a positive contribution to the development of the developing countries through the improvement of the trade environment and this provision of development funds; and -it is expending the maximum possible effort to this end. 152.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“With regard to the quality of our assistance, moreover, we are not only striving to increase our grant aid and to improve the terms and conditions of our loans, but have also established the fundamental policy of untying our aid so as to ensure the most efficient use of the development funds we provide; this policy is already being implemented. 149. Furthermore, more than one third of Japan's official development assistance is extended through international organizations—including the International Development Association and the regional development banks—and it is our intention actively to promote this form of assistance. 150.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“May I add that my country is actively participating in international commodity agreements; at the end of last year, for example, we signed the new International Sugar Agreement, and we have already pledged to contribute up to 7 billion yen to the buffer stock of the Fifth International Tin Agreement. 146. Together with the trade measures of the sort I have just discussed, the quantitative increase and qualitative improvement of development assistance are extremely important when we talk about co-operation directed toward the developing countries. 147. Quantity-wise, my country has recently decided upon a vigorous expansion of our financial assistance to the developing countries, the target being to double our official development assistance within three years. 148.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We are also striving within the framework of the Tokyo round for a further reduction of trade barriers. 144. The question of commodities, and particularly, the establishment of a Common Fund under the Integrated Programme for Commodities , is one of the central issues in the context of what we refer to as the North-South problem. At the recent Bonn Economic Summit Conference of the major industrialized countries, Prime Minister Fukuda of Japan laid particular stress upon the importance of the Common Fund. As a result, the meeting agreed to pursue actively the negotiations on a Common Fund to a successful conclusion. I feel that a Common Fund should be established at an early date, and wish to exert my every effort for such a successful conclusion at the resumed session of the Negotiating Conference scheduled for this November. 145.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Furthermore, in order to suppress the rise of protectionism, as well as to maintain and strengthen the structure of free trade, Japan intends, in co-operation with the other countries concerned, to expend still greater efforts to produce a successful conclusion to the Tokyo round of multilateral trade negotiations. 142. As regards the problem of the expansion of trade with the developing nations in particular, I wish first to point out that Japan's imports from these countries are increasing annually, and that in 1977 the total of such imports reached some $40 billion, or 56 per cent of our total imports. 143. Each year Japan has improved its generalized system of preferences; during the last fiscal year, for example, we effected approximately a 1.8-fold increase in the ceiling of its preferential quotas.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“To that end, my country is not only voluntarily co-operating in international efforts to guarantee the stable expansion of the world economy, but also devoting all its strength to contributing actively to the development of the developing countries and to improving their peoples' welfare. 140. In the first place, my country has set itself the highest target for real economic growth among the developed countries and is implementing vigorous expansionary measures—centering upon the expansion of domestic demand-in order to attain that target. This is a policy which, by encouraging imports to my country, will contribute to the stable expansion of the world economy as a whole. 141.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The first thing which my country can do in the field of international co-operation is actively to employ its economic strength for the sake of the stability and prosperity of the international community. As I stated in some detail at the special session on disarmament, my country maintains as its fundamental policy the pursuit of peace and the refusal to become a military Power. For precisely that reason, I feel that it is particularly necessary that my country should use its economic strength for the stability and prosperity of the international community. 139.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“These problems are grave ones, having a decisive influence upon the future of mankind, and their resolution is a common task imposed upon all of us. 136. I am convinced that now all countries of the world must strive for the resolution of these problems in a spirit of harmony and solidarity, and must take firm steps toward the building of a new order for the world community, in which all countries may share equally in peace and prosperity. I believe that thus to bring about a bright outlook for the future of mankind as we face the twenty-first century is the responsibility of all of us living in the twentieth. 137. Japan itself is fully aware of the responsibility which it bears as an advanced industrialized country in Asia, and it intends to co-operate to the fullest extent of its ability in the creation of this new order. 138.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The developing countries have been particularly strongly affected by this continuing stagnation of the world economy, and are experiencing extreme difficulties in furthering their economic and social development. 131. In a number of regions-notably in the Middle East and Africa—bitter confrontations and tensions continue. 132. In the midst of this situation, the world's stockpile of arms has been increasing steadily, and negotiations for nuclear and other disarmament measures have proceeded languidly and with little noticeable progress. 133. The plight of refugees and the hijacking of aircraft- humanitarian and social problems that transcend national boundaries—continue unabated. 134. Finally, the prospects concerning the availability of natural resources and energy do not allow for any optimism 135.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“I am also taking this opportunity to express my heartfelt welcome to Solomon Islands, our friend in the South Pacific, on the occasion of its admission to the United Nations. Henceforth, my country looks forward to deepening its co-operation with Solomon Islands both within the United Nations framework and in our bilateral relations. 128. It is by no means an exaggeration to state that the international community today stands at a cross-roads: will it be able to take firm steps in the direction of securing a lasting peace and prosperity, or will it tread the road of confusion and instability? 129. For some years now, the world economy has been faced with such difficult problems as recession and inflation, and the rise of protectionism threatens to jeopardize the entire structure of free trade. 130.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“124. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I should like first of all to congratulate you on your election as President of the thirty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly. Under your distinguished leadership, the current session of this Assembly will surely be most fruitful. 125. I should also like to express my deepest - respect toward Mr. Mojsov, the former President, for his having led both the thirty-second regular session of the General Assembly and the special sessions of the General Assembly, particularly that devoted to disarmament, to their successful conclusions. 126. I should like at the same time to express my heartfelt respect to the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, for expending such dedicated efforts for the realization, of the goals of the United Nations. 127.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)