YouSaid · the spoken record

Dennis

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS DENNIS

lines on the record: 167
first: 1947-09-24
most recent: 1978-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“Whatever its short-comings, we must remain mindful of the fact that this Organization will be no less and can be no better than what we, its Member States, endeavour to make it. In an era of magnanimity and ruthlessness, of hopes and fears, of faith and doubt, of noble prospects and challenging adventure, ours is the duty to make this Organization a viable instrument of international peace and security. This is our challenge.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“From its very inception it was hampered by great-Power conflicts, buffeted by racism and nationalism and beset by financial and constitutional crises which threatened its very existence. It has not only survived these crises but has made significant contributions to peace and security. It has localized major conflicts, spearheaded the transition from colonialism to independence, mobilized substantial resources to enhance the socio-economic progress of peoples all over the world and championed the search for equality and justice in inter-State relations. In essence, the United Nations has served the interest of its Member States and the world community reasonably well. 285.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Facing the future, we have endorsed a blueprint for harmonious inter-State relations based on justice and solidarity. The United Nations provides the most appropriate framework for the attainment of this objective. It is within this Organization that a veritable code of conduct for nations can be progressively defined and adopted; it is here that peaceful co-operation between countries possessing different social structures can be developed, nurtured and transformed into more dynamic collaboration in building a genuinely humane world. 284. While this Organization has been severely criticized for its weaknesses and short-comings, it has nevertheless remained a dynamic organism for contemporary international relations.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“This is most evident in the case of the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174, which has failed to reach agreement on a matter as elementary as its mandate and terms of reference. The North-South dialogue remains deadlocked on such issues as orderly commodity markets, stabilized foreign exchange earnings, mutually beneficial corporate partnership, debt problems and an increased transfer of real resources to developing countries.' 282. The need for structural adjustments to meet the imbalances and inequalities among nations must be considered, negotiated and promoted. It is only through a continuing commitment to change and reform, coupled with the requisite political will and co-operation, that the New International Economic Order will be achieved. 283.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The sixth and seventh special sessions of this Assembly are historic for the unequivocal and unprecedented emphasis they placed on development and economic issues, which were made co-equal with political and security questions. We are gratified by the creation, within the structure of the United Nations, of the new post of Director-General for Development and International Economic Co-operation and here we commend the Secretary-General for his selection of Mr. Dadzie, a worthy son of Africa, to serve the international community in this vitally important position. 281. Nevertheless, it is a sad commentary that the constructive spirit that characterized the two special sessions has not permeated the wide range of negotiations motivated by them. Empty pronouncements, stalemated talks and endless rhetoric remain the order of the day.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It must, therefore, be the link that unites us in our endeavour to achieve collective economic security. Thus the oceans and the sea-bed must remain the common heritage of mankind, allowing all to benefit equally from the exploration and exploitation of resources in that region. We should each refrain from undertaking unilateral action which could undermine the efforts of the international community to formulate an acceptable convention on the law of the sea. 280. The quest for sustained-world economic growth and development remains a major preoccupation of my Government. We are mindful that only after the first decade of its existence did this Organization become regularly seized of problems of economic development.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Perhaps the greatest achievement of the session lies in the establishment of a constructive framework for deliberations on and negotiation of disarmament issues in all their aspects. While institutional machinery cannot be a guarantee of the translation of ideals into realities or serve as a substitute for political will, it constitutes an essential link in the realization of declared intentions and aspirations. Therefore we believe that a rededication of our efforts would contribute to maintaining the momentum of the tenth special session both in principle and in practice. 279. The central role of the sea for the future quality of life cannot be over-emphasized. As the last untapped reservoir of terrestrial natural resources, it represents man's last hope in the management of the limited resources of our planet.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We remain deeply disturbed over all acts of international terrorism, but my delegation also recognizes that there are often underlying causes that breed and spawn terrorism and that these causes need to be redressed if international terrorism is to be eliminated. 278. The process of human development could be aided by a progressive movement towards general and complete disarmament. The tenth special session, devoted to this question, marked a major step towards the attainment of this goal. We consider that session to be indicative of the growing awareness that peace remains fragile in the face of a mounting arms race, with the unchecked economic burden it entails.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Indeed, my Government during the thirty-second session of the United Nations General Assembly supported the drafting of an international convention against the taking of hostages. 276. At this point, permit me to express to the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, through its Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, my Government's deep appreciation. of the Federal Republic's initiative in this grave and important matter. We pledge our full support for this laudable effort. 277. During the thirty-second session of the General Assembly my delegation also joined in the efforts to seek measures to prevent international terrorism, which resulted in the adoption of a resolution on this question.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“There could be no better way to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights than by a common resolve to translate these lofty principles into meaningful action for human progress. 275. The question of international terrorism continues to be of deep concern to the world community. My Government regrets any action by anyone anywhere that takes or endangers innocent human life. We stand ready to cooperate with other Members of the United Nations in pursuing appropriate action to combat international terrorism, whether it be the hijacking of international carriers or the indiscriminate taking of hostages or the killing of innocent persons.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It is regrettable to note that 30 years have elapsed since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and yet gross violations of these fundamental rights are still common occurrences in many parts of our one world. Man's inhumanity to his fellow man has taken more repugnant forms, clearly violating internationally accepted standards of morality and decency. 274. There is a pressing need to reaffirm these rights in all their aspects since they must be recognized as the strongest foundation for international peace and security. It is here that the phenomenon of progress finds its truest significance, for. development can be fully appreciated only when man serves as the central point of all development objectives and goals. This is the conviction that shapes and directs Liberia's domestic and foreign policy.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Liberia remains convinced that the two communities in Cyprus have the capacity to decide their common fate with due regard to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island and the enjoyment of freedom, justice and equality by both communities. This cause can be advanced through the implementation of relevant resolutions of the United Nations. 272. Similarly, as regards the Korean question, my Government strongly believes that the joint communiqué of 4 July 1972 constitutes a realistic basis for bridging the chasm that divides the Korean people. We hold the view that a pragmatic and realistic effort to resolve this problem should be aimed at encouraging the two parties directly concerned to resume their dialogue as early as possible. This approach would enable them to dispel lingering mistrust and fear. 273.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“To this we add the wish that the impact of a just and lasting settlement in the Middle East will serve to extinguish the fires of hatred and conflict now ablaze in Lebanon. Such a settlement, if it is to" occasion genuine and enduring peace, must rest on Arab unity and solidarity. 271. The calm that prevails in Cyprus, in the presence of a United Nations peace-keeping force, should not lure the international community into a false notion that conditions for a genuine peace have thus been fulfilled; for the danger of renewed explosion simmers beneath the current stalemate, making real the possibility of an eruption of hostilities.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My Government, always preferring that conflicts be resolved through the instruments of conciliation and negotiation, commends the initiative taken by President Jimmy Carter in hosting this important meeting and the flexibility, goodwill and compromising spirit demonstrated by the parties concerned. The results of the summit meetings no doubt represent a significant step in the application of the principle of peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. 270. It remains our hope, however, that within the framework of the agreements reached at Camp David the Palestinian people will be allowed fully to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of a State of their own.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“For its part, Liberia will continue to consolidate its efforts for the attainment of those objectives, whether by peaceful means or through an intensified armed struggle. 268. Towards the establishment of a lasting peace in the Middle East, recent developments have given cause for guarded optimism. I refer to the historic tripartite summit meetings convened at Camp David in the United States between the heads of State of Egypt, Israel and the United States. It has been disclosed that the summit meetings succeeded in designing a framework for peace in the Middle East and laying the basis for the conclusion of a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. 269.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My Government believes that the last hope for a peaceful resolution of this crisis lies in the proposal for an all-party conference involving the Patriotic Front and other political factions of Zimbabwe, aimed at reaching an acceptable formula for independence on the basis of the Anglo-American proposal. 267. We have repeatedly cautioned that time is of the essence if we are to avert a catastrophe in southern Africa. For the patience and endurance of the oppressed people are by no means without limits. Already their quest for freedom has taken the form of armed resistance. It will intensify and escalate unless the international community resolves to take firm, positive and united action to remove all obstructions in the path of independence in Namibia, independence with majority rule in Zimbabwe, and majority rule in South Africa itself.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We believe that even those countries which heretofore had opposed the application of those measures should by now be convinced of their necessity given the continued intransigence and obstinacy of racist South Africa. 265. With respect to Zimbabwe, the international community has rejected the so-called internal settlement as a basis for genuine independence with majority rule. Even the signatories to that agreement have come to recognize its inadequacy. Yet they refuse to join the international community in the search for a more wholesome settlement. Thus, increasing violence is the state of affairs in that troubled Territory. 266.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My Government maintains that any formula for independence in Namibia must accord to SWAPO a distinction commensurate with its role in the vanguard of the liberation struggle. 264. The United Nations cannot accept, without losing credibility, yet another affront by South Africa to' its legitimate authority over Namibia. The international community cannot shirk its responsibility by tolerating the subterfuges, schemes and machinations of racist bigots in South Africa who are bent on imposing an unrepresentative and puppet leadership on the Namibian people. It is more imperative now than ever before that we counter this new South African challenge by imposing mandatory economic sanctions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“My Government had taken the occasion of that special session to indicate its recognition of the proposal of the five Western nations" as a basis for further negotiations towards independence of the Territory. In the same vein our doubts were expressed about the sincerity of South Africa's acceptance of the proposal. Time and events have substantiated those apprehensions. The deceptive nature of the South African regime has thus been exposed by its decision to implement its own formula for independence in Namibia, implicitly rejecting the proposal of the five Western nations, which has won the endorsement of the Security Council and the international community. 263. The historical role of Liberia in championing the cause of independence for Namibia is well known and needs no further elaboration here.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“That uncertainty is as glaring in southern Africa as in the Middle East and other vortices of tension. 261. In the case of southern Africa, the inhuman, abhorrent and repressive system of apartheid and racial discrimination still undermines the dignity and worth of the true African personality. There, an immoral and callous white minority daily suppresses the majority black population. There, racist obstinacy and recalcitrance sharply confront the wrath and dogged determination of a people whose just claim to freedom, human dignity, equality and independence will inevitably triumph. 262. The just entitlement of Namibia to independence in the entirety of its territory has always been upheld by this Assembly, as recently confirmed at its ninth special session devoted to that question.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“But mere increase in membership alone is no guarantee of an effective and viable organization; nor will it ensure the realization of established objectives: those can come to fruition only through the determined will and combined effort of each and every Member State. 259. The new world order to which we aspire must envisage an equitable and democratic system of international relations. It must be based on co-operation, equality and justice, rooted in respect for fundamental rights, and geared towards the achievement of the greatest good for the greatest number. 260. We can all agree that those factors constitute the essential prerequisites for an enduring international peace. And yet, peace continues to elude us. Whether mankind's common fate will be one of peace or of destruction remains uncertain.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Our total energies, our determined efforts must be galvanized and directed towards the resolution of problems that affect our common interests. It is through these efforts that we might ensure for all mankind the enjoyment of a minimum standard of living devoid of hunger, apprehensions, ignorance, disease and poverty. 258. In this global undertaking we welcome the participation of Solomon Islands, whose admission as the one hundred and fiftieth Member of the United Nations represents a step forward in this Organization's endeavour to attain true universality , as envisaged by the Charter.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Various forms of pollution and the wasteful use of limited and irreplaceable resources threaten to plunge humanity into an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude. 256. Those are the dismal realities of our times. A reversal of those trends and the blossoming of a more hopeful future demand concerted and positive action by us all. It will require the adoption of an approach truly reflective of the interdependence of nations, an approach transcending parochial conceptions of national interests and demonstrating genuine commitment to the fulfilment of shared goals and aspirations. The seeds of mistrust, fear and suspicion, whether planted in the Middle East, southern Africa or Cyprus, must be uprooted and replaced by mutual trust and understanding, friendship and co-operation. 257.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Standing on the threshold of the last quarter of this century, we perceive grave challenges for the international community with respect to those noble principles and great objectives which we as Members of this Organization are pledged to pursue and implement. 255. Peace remains precarious and human rights are wantonly denied in many parts of our one world. Self-determination is still less than universal. Debasing policies of apartheid, racism and racial discrimination continue to insult the conscience of humanity. Vestiges and upsurges of colonialist and neo-colonialist oppression and foreign domination remain deeply entrenched. Exploitation and deprivation bear heavily on the underprivileged. The race for weapons of mass destruction escalates unabated. Imbalances in world economic relations seem to defy change.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“To the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, we offer a special word of appreciation for his undaunted efforts in the interest of peace, prosperity and justice for all mankind, again reflected in his concise but comprehensive annual report to this Assembly on the work of the Organization. The selfless, loyal and dedicated service he continues to render to the international community has won for him high esteem and credit. 254. Once again we have assembled in this great hall of the United Nations, as we do each year, to assess the progress of peace in our world, to debate the problems of global concern and to chart the course for a better future for mankind.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“251. The delegation of Liberia extends its warmest congratulations to you, Sir, on your well-deserved election to the presidency of this thirty-third session of the General Assembly. We wish you well in the performance of your tedious responsibilities and pledge our unswerving co-operation and support. It is our hope that under your able leadership and guidance this session will be marked by a constructive and creative spirit. 252. In the same light, we wish to express our appreciation to your illustrious predecessor, Mr. Lazar Mojsov, who presided with distinction over the thirty-second session of this Assembly and three special sessions of significant historic meaning. His tactful handling of delicate issues and his wise conduct of difficult negotiations certainly merit our high commendation. 253.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We must therefore nurture the forces for conciliation, co-operation, collaboration and accommodation in our international relationships. Above all, let us work at this thirty-second session of the General Assembly so that the growing anxiety we feel in 1977 about the burning issues on our agenda will be transformed into hopeful and wholesome break-through in 1978 and in the years ahead.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“At the outset, I spoke of the challenge of change in our contemporary world and suggested the need for us all genuinely to recognize it as imperative if international co-operation is to be maximized and conflict minimized. With regard to some of the major political and economic problems we face, we can entertain some hopes as of now. With regard to others, such as those, notably, of interference in the affairs of States and the issue of human rights, optimism as of now would be premature. 151. And yet, in the nature of things we cannot despair. From every situation of conflict we must diligently seek possible elements of co-operation; from our differences we must extract the least likelihood of agreement upon which to build understanding. Our condition of interdependence on this planet leaves us no viable alternative.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In recognition of this role of international organi7ations, perhaps the United Nations, the most universal of them all, should resolve to devote a year to international organizations. 149. My delegation formally proposes that as a tribute to these great institutions for facilitating international relations, the year 1980 be designated international Organizations Year, a year when world-wide attention would be focused on the significant contributions of international organizations in containing or resolving world problems and thus serving even more effectively as instruments for the maintenance of global peace and security. 150.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“This great international Organization and the phenomenon of international organizations in general have been invaluable, almost indispensable, instruments in mankind quest for a stable, just and progressive world society. Whether young or old, regional or trans- regional, such international organizations as the Organization of American States, the OAU, the League of Arab States, the Association of South-East Asian Nations, the non-aligned countries movement, the Afro-Arab Conference, and perhaps even those that have grown out of the antagonism of the cold war, have each in their respective regions or areas of emphasis, complemented the efforts of the United Nations, advanced the idea of a global community, and thus promoted international understanding and co-operation.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is therefore absolutely wrong in North, West, Central, East and South Africa or for that matter in any part of our one world for human dignity and human rights to be irreverently invaded and assailed." And in a note of admonition to the OAU Assembly, President Tolbert indicated: "The same standards of moral integrity and humane uprightness we apply to our foes must also be applied to our friends; we must consider ourselves obligated to practice the same among ourselves and accord to our own peoples." 148. Thirty-two years have elapsed since the founding of the United Nations, which was' dedicated to the active promotion of peace by constructively and co-operatively responding to world human needs which still remain central to international relations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“said at the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU in Gabon last July: "There must be a common standard which the international community should recognize and apply equally for the protection of life and limb, liberty and property; and no one should be deprived of those sacred rights, contrary to universal laws or declarations." Continuing, President Tolbert said: "Mankind is the same everywhere, and its rights should be respected and safeguarded in every way at all times and in all places.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“And we wish here to indicate our support for the idea of upgrading the head of the United Nations Division of Human Rights to a commissioner, as a means of focusing greater attention on a vital area of the United Nations. 147. With reference to the growing contemporary crisis of human rights violations, the President of Liberia, Mr. William R. Tolbert, Jr.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We see that fundamental principle blatantly assailed in southern Africa, in the Middle East, in Cyprus and in other areas of world tension. The issue is also of consuming concern at the important review meeting of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe which is now under way in Belgrade. And yet, as Members of the United Nations, we have all solemnly pledged, by the fact of our United Nations membership, to uphold, defend and promote fundamental human rights, especially as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. My Government continues to take very seriously the responsibilities inherent in Liberia's adherence to that Declaration.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Liberia believes that the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East would serve as a most useful forum for initiating negotiation with a view to resolving Arab-Israeli differences. But that "Conference can be successful only if all the concerned parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, participate. That is why Liberia applauds the joint American-Soviet statement of 1 October in that regard, and fervently hopes that fears and suspicions on the part of Israelis and Arabs alike can give way to courageous action and accommodation-and even calculated risk—so that the Geneva Conference can in fact be convened before the end of 1977. 146. My delegation believes that the question of the violation of human rights is also implicit in the leading international issues on our agenda.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“My Government believes that all States in the region have a right to independent existence within secure and recognized boundaries. 144. We are of the view that it is imperative that the current situation in the region of "no war, no peace'" should be replaced by genuine mutual accommodation and mutual preparedness to act in good faith. That would entail, among other things, the return by Israel of all Arab territory occupied since the 1967 war"; an immediate end, in the interim, to the establishment by Israel of "settlements" in the occupied Arab territories; and the recognition by Israel of the political reality of the Palestinian people and their legitimate national rights. But that would also entail unequivocal Arab acceptance of the existence and permanence of the State of Israel. •145.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Steven Biko and the callous insensitivity of the apartheid regime to that human tragedy are yet further demonstrations of the wanton brutality which apartheid rains daily upon the oppressed masses of that country. Liberia will continuingly concert its efforts with a view not only to the total destruction of apartheid but also to- bringing majority rule and self-determination to South Africa. 142. We want here fully to associate ourselves with our brothers and sisters in South Africa today, 11 October—the Day of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners-as they remember the plight of political prisoners and other victims of apartheid. We are with them in heart and spirit. 143. As regards the problem of the Middle East, Liberia considers that the question of Palestinian rights is one of the principal elements.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“While it would seem that there is now a brief interlude in those talks, we remain hopeful that the talks will soon be resumed with no prejudice to the progress so far achieved. In the meanwhile, my Government will continue its full support of the efforts of the OAU and SWAPO until Namibia, in the entirety of its territory, attains independence. 141. The Republic of Liberia, whose existence was the end-result of grinding oppression, will remain unrelenting in its opposition to the evil system of apartheid in South Africa. The recent death in police custody and under highly questionable circumstances of the South African nationalist Mr.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“With an emerging united national patriotic leadership for the people of Zimbabwe and goodwill on the part of all the parties involved, we entertain the hope that the limited step already taken by the Security Council in implementation of an element of the proposals will gain momentum so that the anxiety we now feel for our brothers and sisters of Zimbabwe will be transformed into the satisfaction of our expectations. At any rate Liberia will persevere with free Africa and the OAU in the liberation struggle until majority rule and independence come to the people of Zimbabwe. 140. The efforts of the contact group of the five Western members of the Security Council in respect of Namibia also deserve our commendation, as long as they remain within the framework of Security Council resolution 385(1976).”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Moreover, for diverse reasons, associations have been nurtured over the years between the subregion and various elements particularly external to the continent. The international community, must be constructively involved in evolving an early but genuinely African solution. That imperative found echoes in the Maputo Declaration on Zimbabwe and Namibia, as well as the Lagos Declaration on South Africa-declarations which have the unreserved endorsement of my Government. 139. Some of the developments of late have given cause for guarded optimism. I refer particularly to the Anglo- American proposals on Zimbabwe, proposals which my Government sees as constituting a good and important basis for initiating the process of negotiation.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The issue in southern Africa is continuingly one of fundamental human rights denied a preponderant majority of the people by a lunatic clique of petty-hearted racists; it is one of restoring justice and human dignity to an oppressed segment of humanity; of effectively curbing support and sustenance for apartheid; of following through with determination the process of decolonization, and removing the anachronism of racist minority rule and apartheid from the continent of Africa. The issue is moving away from catastrophic racial confrontation to racial harmony. 138. While southern Africa is essentially an African problem, the principles which suffer flagrant violation in the subregion are universal principles.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“At a time when the call is persistent for a new world-wide political and economic order, the vital area of the sea cannot be left unregulated, as that would favour power at the expense of justice. We fervently hope that next March in Geneva we will witness the beginning of the process of initiating in this area international regulation conducive to the interests of all States. 136. A happy note in international relations is the recent signing of the United States-Panama Treaties on the Panama Canal. My Government renews its welcome of that development as a positive step towards furthering international understanding. 137.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Because my Government sees the issue of disarmament in the context of world order and progress, not only have we given full support to the convening in 1978 of a special session of the United Nations General Assembly devoted to disarmament, but we are of the firm belief that, whether we are talking about nuclear or conventional arms limitation, nuclear proliferation, or the relationship between development and disarmament, the issue is a concern of all, not simply of the more powerful of the international community or those who are members of the "nuclear club". 135. My Government regrets exceedingly that there is a continuing absence of international agreement to regulate the affairs of the oceans of the world.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In Cyprus, all we ask is the implementation of the resolution which we have adopted here and which has been duly endorsed by the Security Council. 133. That economic problems are priorities in our concerns today we have fully recognized. As we therefore continue to deploy efforts to make sanity, reason and compassion prevail in our economic relations, let us heed as well the perceptive observation of the Secretary-General that: "The question of disarmament lies at the heart of the problem of international order, for, in an environment dominated by the international arms race, military and strategic considerations tend to shape the over-all relations between States, affecting all other relations and transactions and disturbing the economy." 134.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“As perceived by my country, the challenge to the international community in 1977, a challenge reflected in the issues of moment on the agenda of the thirty-second session of the Assembly, is whether we will collectively diagnose adequately and in a timely manner the requirements for genuine peace and progress, and then collectively undertake adequate and timely measures to advance peace and accelerate progress. We face this challenge just as much with regard to the problems of international economic co-operation and its relations to disarmament and the issue of the law of the sea, as with regard to the critical political questions, especially of southern Africa and the Middle East. We face this challenge as well in the impasse in Cyprus and the growing crisis of human rights violations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“And yet we can all agree that change in human affairs, as in international affairs, is inevitable. The question is whether we, as members of the international community, will seize the initiative and direct the course of change into peaceful channels for human enrichment and progress, or whether we will allow the forces of human and national selfish interest to stifle the process of change, and consequently plunge us all deeper into the abyss of interminable conflict and tension, thus increasing the threat to international peace and security. 132.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“My delegation fully supports the declaration of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 of 29 September 1977 and hopes that the dialogue between the developed and developing countries, of which the Paris Conference was only a part, will continue to be pursued actively at the United Nations and at other international forums. 130. The recent admission of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations, which my country hails and salutes, not only represents progress for the principle of universality of membership, but bears eloquent testimony, in each case, to the changing nature of our world. Viet Nam and Djibouti represent, each in its own way, the victory of human will over blind intransigence. 131.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Let us therefore endeavour to transform our differences in respect of the assessment of this Conference into guide-posts for renewed efforts and continuing negotiations in the hope that we can generate greater understanding and contribute positively to international economic co-operation. 128. Reduced to its bare essentials, what we are advocating in the establishment of a new international economic order is no more than asking the rich nations to do a little more to enable the poor nations to help themselves. This is the idea which inspires my President, Mr. William R. Tolbert, Jr. in his humanistic capitalism, a concept designed to build a world that is based on peace, security, equality, justice and human dignity for all men and nations. 129.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Unfortunately, the note upon which we begin is not too encouraging for the failure of the resumed thirty-first session of the General Assembly to come to an agreement with respect to the assessment of the results of the Paris Conference on International Economic Co-operation demonstrates that the international community continues to show a woeful lack of the political will and of that degree of mutual accommodation which is indispensable to the establishment of the new international economic order. What is more regrettable is that agreement could not even be reached on how best the United Nations system can carry forward the work of the Paris Conference. 127.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Kurt Waldheim, to whom we extend our sincere congratulations on his re-election to this important office, is most deserving of our special commendation, not only for the efficiency and dedication which he and his able staff continue to bring to the administration of our Organization, but for his comprehensive, incisive and realistic annual report to this Assembly. We can only hope that this year of growing anxiety for the international community can also become a year of unprecedented opportunity as we resolve-all of us-to undertake bold, courageous and decisive measures to further the objectives of these United Nations. 126.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)