YouSaid · the spoken record

Gaston Thorn

lines on the record: 48
first: 1974-09-24
most recent: 1978-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“The arrogant conquerors and those they humiliate by conquest are equally dangerous for harmony among peoples. Those who must today negotiate peace should remember that the greatest virtue of the conqueror is generosity. It will be as it always has been the best cement for lasting peace.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“But my experience in this field is too long not to view problems with moderation. 34. Experience shows us that patience is worth more than passion, that negotiation always works better than bloody confrontation, and that those who have wanted to have everything right away have more often received very little, and that sometimes very late. 35. My country maintains its faith in this Organization and will continue to support it without reservation until we all discover that what politicians 33 years ago only dared to dream of and to desire ardently is and remains within our grasp. Then we shall become, I hope, truly united nations. 36. My country, at the crossroads of Europe, has often found out at first hand that the results of bloody confrontation are nothing but poverty, destruction and misery, which in turn engender new confrontations.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Solidarity in the international community must also be expressed on behalf of all innocent persons who are victims of acts of terrorism, the taking of hostages or the hijacking of aircraft. Blind acts of violence are cowardly means of action which discredit those who carry them out, those who applaud them and the causes they are supposed to serve. We therefore energetically support all the efforts of this Assembly and of Member States to combat international terrorism. My Government holds the same views as the seven major States which, at the Bonn Economic Summit Conference in July, expressed their intention of energetically combating the hijacking of aircraft. 33. I have been speaking before the Assembly for 10 years now, long enough, permit me to say, to yield occasionally to some impatience.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Federal Vice-Chancellor Genscher, the current President of the European Communities, has described the efforts which the nine members of the Community have been making with a view to such co-operation. I can only emphasize what he said and invite all the developed countries to follow the example of the European Community. 31. If some prefer to remain aloof from this major endeavour of solidarity and to limit their contribution to purely verbal assurances of support, they are assuming a very grave responsibility. If the few so-called rich nations were today to prove incapable of contributing to the development of the great number of poor countries, these industrialized countries would thereby be affirming their inability to ensure the lasting nature of their own well-being. That is what the law of interdependence means. 32.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“It suspended its work two weeks ago with the observation that, given the divergences of views concerning the mandate, it considered that the Assembly should continue the debate in order to get it out of what it calls a procedural rut. I wish to emphasize that despite certain flagrant shortcomings throughout the whole of these very hard and difficult negotiations the will to compromise has never been lacking. In the near future a new session of UMCTAD will perhaps make it possible to find, through negotiations, solutions to the remaining problems. 30. Personally, I have always spoken in favour of interdependence and the need for closer co-operation among all countries, both the industrialized and the developing countries.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In a world in which focal points of discord are not in short supply, we have to note that it is taking a long time for the world economy to recover and that disorders in the monetary sphere only augment the disarray which is afflicting both industrialized and third world countries. 28. Happily, the dialogue which has now been established is continuing to make progress that is sure but too slow towards a new world economic order, which can only come about through permanent co-operation. We must ensure that it is not the product of confrontation. 29. The Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174, also known as the Committee of the Whole, has done an extremely useful job.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We hope that common sense will eventually prevail, and the Assembly must bring its full weight to bear so that reason will prevail. 26. It is with consternation that I find myself unfortunately obliged each year to take up the case of Cyprus. If on both sides, instead of virtually rejecting a priori the proposals of the other side, some effort were made to take more account of the aspirations of the ordinary citizens of the two communities, that would lead us and the two parties more rapidly to make workable and therefore valid proposals. The Secretary-General has given adequate proof that he is fully prepared to help in such an effort. 27.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“I would go even further and say that our full support would give to the mission of those who are devoted to the quest for solutions in South Africa all the weight needed, indeed indispensable, for rapid progress. 25. Is there or is there not, the prospect of a settlement of the painful problem of Namibia? That is a question we are all asking ourselves. We had thought that such a settlement had been virtually achieved when South Africa and the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO] both accepted this five-Power plan [S/12636]. Now, its acceptance appears to be called in question by South Africa on the vague pretext that United Nations soldiers and observers would be acting as an army of occupation. Trying to keep at bay the inevitable outcome, South Africa is at the same time incurring responsibility for future dangers.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“On the contrary, the lack of progress towards mutually acceptable solutions only poisons relations between the parties so that a new armed conflict could break out at any time. 24. In southern Africa, Anglo-American efforts towards a solution of the problem of Rhodesia continue to be valid and Pretoria can no longer disregard international pressure. Rather than engage complacently in vehement speech-making. which has never ameliorated the condition of those suffering from the atrocity apartheid, let us give our support to those who have provided proof that patient, tenacious negotiation has not gone out of fashion as a way of achieving positive results.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Slowly but surely that Conference is now moving through negotiation to the establishment of rules and regulation for the oceans, the exploitation of their wealth, their peaceful utilization and the safeguarding of their environment. 22. My friend and successor, Mr. Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka has devoted a great part of his career to this gigantic task. His dynamism, undoubtedly carried along by unshakeable conviction, has meant that that Conference has not sunk into oblivion and failure. He ought to be publicly thanked from this rostrum. 23. Generally speaking, the picture presented by today's world is not a pretty one, as we all know. Whether it be the problems of southern Africa, with the policy of apartheid, or the stagnation of the Cyprus negotiations, we see that time does not heal the wounds.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Since perfection does not belong to this world, I think it is and will for a long time continue to be for us to seek perfection in its most human, most just and most equitable dimensions. 20. If a new departure has been made in the field of disarmament I think we owe this to a small group of people, whom I would not hesitate to describe as fanatics, for such a complete commitment as that of the President of the thirty-second session of the General Assembly, of Mr. Ortiz de Rozas and of my colleague and friend Garcia Robles can only be understood and appreciated on its merits if one has become fully aware of the feeling of commitment of the non-aligned countries and of our Latin-American friends in this very complex and difficult sphere. 21. Another Sisyphean task is that of the Conference on the Law of the Sea.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Can we at last learn a lesson from these facts? Can we have the courage, the restraint and the far-sightedness to seize the opportunities which have now so clearly come to light and which have yet again provided evidence of their efficacy? 17. I would hesitate to make myself an advocate of the Charter yet again here, because I feel I should be preaching to the converted, to those already convinced. Nevertheless, I feel it was a good idea to remind the Assembly of certain primary truths which, even though they are self-evident, gain validity from being repeated. 18. With 150 independent countries, each having its own kite rests, aspirations and distinct political and even economic ideologies, one can hardly expect the whole Assembly suddenly to endorse all initiatives and to find each of them the best. 19.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Happily, there are other questions which were resolved thanks to the untiring work of the committees and other bodies of this Organization and to' the unflagging and constant sense of commitment of the Secretary-General and his associates. 13. The Middle East, disarmament and the law of the sea are three fields of primary importance for our peoples, because they involve peace, security and economic prosperity. 14. What does one see in these three spheres to which I have just referred? Wisdom, moderation, co-operation and the desire to understand each other's problems—in a word, negotiation and fraternal dialogue—have prevailed during this year. 15. Once the parties involved decided to leave aside vehement speech-making, sterile polemics and ideological speeches too often doomed in advance to failure, concrete results soon followed. 16.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Of course, those results fell far short of our hopes, but, all things considered, and taking into account the interests and the differences involved, we can confirm that the final result, and particularly the prospects for the future, exceeded our pessimistic expectations. 11. There was also the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. This is a highly important problem. It seems to me that many people do not fully grasp its scope and 1 believe we shall often have to talk about this in the future. 12. Those are three complex fields, if ever there were complex fields, in which decisive progress has proved possible.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The member countries of the European Community have frequently stated their position on the situation in the Middle East, It is thus with some satisfaction that 1 note that the concessions made at Camp David by the parties, in comparison with their earlier positions, are very much along the lines of the ideas advocated by the European Community over the years. It is important to continue along that path. As my colleague and friend, the current President of the Community, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, said this morning, our Community is more willing than ever to contribute to all efforts to bring about a solution. 10. There has also been a tenth special session of the General Assembly on the crucial problem of disarmament. With some hindsight one can now say that noteworthy results were attained on that occasion.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Now it must be given substance as soon as possible. I am nevertheless optimistic, despite critical, even hostile, reactions, and I express the fervent hope that all the States and parties directly involved in the conflict will eventually arrive at as objective a judgement as possible on the step that has been taken and will agree to proceed from that basis towards the over-all, just and lasting settlement of the conflict which the world has been awaiting for so long. Whatever the reservations concerning the long and certainly abstruse texts issued at Camp David,1 the cause of peace requires that we consider carefully and without undue haste all the potentialities they may contain. 9. I wish to make one final comment on this matter.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Last year, the courageous initiative of the President of Egypt, Mr. Anwar El-Sadat, breathed new prospects and new life into the peace efforts. Now what might be called the persistence and the diplomatic skill of the President of the United States, Mr. Jimmy Carter, have made it possible to enter a new stage, or so at least it is hoped. At this rostrum I wish to voice my admiration at the considerable task which President Carter has carried out with infinite courage and patience-admiration which I feel also for President El-Sadat and the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Menachem Begin, who have shown the breadth of mind required by the circumstances. 8. That does not mean that everything has been settled-far from it. However, a framework has been, if not actually traced out, at least sketched.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“I assure that young State of our sincere desire to co-operate with it in order that we may together achieve our common goals. 7. A year ago, when we had just begun the work of the thirty-second session of the General Assembly and as the world situation was under review, I found myself voicing feelings of I would even say profound pessimism. Throughout the world, the already existing hotbeds of tension had been joined by others, so that the picture presented by our world at that time was anything but reassuring. Today, at the beginning of this thirty-third session, I am happy to be able to discern, if only faintly, certain bright spots in that picture. The results of the Camp David meetings are certainly of fundamental importance for the settlement of the Middle East conflict.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Only those who have, like myself-as you have just indicated, Sir-presided over the work of this Assembly can fully appreciate the honour and the difficulties of the presidential responsibility. 5. I wish also to address a few words to our Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, that tireless worker -for the noble cause of the defence of the Charter. It might seem superfluous to renew our confidence in him every year at this rostrum, but I can assure him of the confidence that my Government has in him, and I confirm with conviction Luxembourg's support in this difficult but noble task. 6. Lastly, I should like to say how very pleased we were to see Solomon Islands admitted as the one hundred and fiftieth Member of our Organization.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“2. Mr. President, I welcome this opportunity to congratulate you in person on your election to the responsible post which will mean your presiding in the weeks to come over the work of the thirty-third session of the General Assembly. The honour thus accorded to you and, through you, to your country and to Latin America as a whole is fully justified, and I am convinced that under your enlightened leadership our Organization will make the progress we all desire. 3. Having said that, I hasten to emphasize the important contribution made by your predecessor, Mr. Mojsov, to the achievement of the aims and ideals of our Organization. The skill with which he presided over the work of the thirty-second session and then three special sessions of the General Assembly merits not just our unreserved admiration but indeed our profound gratitude. 4.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We must learn to make better use of the vast possibilities offered by our Organization and to develop them further so as to enrich our common heritage as much as possible; as the representative of the Netherlands said this morning so eloquently [2252nd meeting], we must make use more fully than in the past, of the many channels of international co-operation within our Organization.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Our world Organization was the result of the aspirations of mankind, which had endured the agonies of a devastating war and which placed its hopes in the attainment of a peaceful world that would enable all States to co-operate fully in order to ensure a better life for all peoples. In the course of that period, the fundamental objectives enshrined in the Charter have successfully stood the test of time and all the pro-gramme of international co-operation which has resulted will continue to constitute an indispensable framework and an essential condition for genuine international co-operation to flourish. 45. However, it is not enough to support the United Nations with words alone.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Such a situation certainly presents problems, but stimulating problems whose solution appears promising. But it would be absurd to claim that an over-populated country with meager resources can ensure its development despite a high birth-rate. 43. It follows that a world population plan of action cannot be uniform. It is not a question of reducing the number of human beings at all costs everywhere, or, on the contrary, of believing that the more people there are, the more power, and indeed wealth, there will be. The main purpose of that world plan of action should be to ensure a better proportion between available resources and their present and future users. 44. Next year we shall celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Furthermore, the World Population Conference held a few weeks ago in Bucharest drew world attention to the growing importance of the problems of population growth. It goes without saying that one cannot expect final conclusions in so vast and complex a field. The World Population Plan of Action which was adopted by the Conference could not, by the nature of things, go beyond certain general guide-lines. 42. Bearing in mind the considerable decline in the birth-rate in most industrialized countries, they may soon have to face a serious problem of depopulation. This is the case in my country, where a certain balance is maintained only because of migration. On the other hand, many developing countries have a high rate of population growth, together with a substantial economic and geographical potential.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“For that operation to be really successful, all potential donor countries, of both East and West, and the countries which have a wealth of raw materials, should agree as soon as possible to exceptional and universal aid. 40. Among the major problems, we must still, alas, include famine in certain African and Asian regions. One of the main tasks of the forthcoming World Food Conference in Rome in November 1974 will be to consider this problem in depth, and recommend medium- and long-term measures so as to prevent shortages of all kinds in the future, particularly of fertilizers. But we must not lose sight of short-term needs, and must provide sufficient food for countries in urgent need of it. Countries in the drought zone of Africa are among those suffering most. 41.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Furthermore, it is essential that all countries concerned clearly realize that if the world were to have an economic and financial crisis because of new exaggerated rises on so essential a product as oil, for example, the super-Powers would be the first to come out of such a crisis, and even come out of it strengthened economically and politically, while the lesser industrialized countries, like the developing countries, would feel the full weight. 39. As for the Special Program, under the Pro-gramme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order [resolution 3202 (S-Vl)], to give emergency assistance to the countries most seriously affected by recent movements in international prices, the European Community is going to make a concrete and substantial contribution.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“The last year has nevertheless shown that the world economic system is not able to absorb too many sudden shocks, such as the quadrupling of the price of one raw material, oil, within a year. If one goes too far or too fast in isolated sectors without taking into account the whole economic picture, there may be breakdowns or violent reactions harmful to all to all, I emphasize. 37. Doubtless, in the past the industrialized countries have not given all the assistance which they could and should have given to poorer countries, and an additional effort can legitimately be demanded of them. But that entails the obvious need that their own economies should not be imperiled by ill-timed rises in indispensable primary commodities. 38.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“As a reaction , too many countries have had as a reflex action the protection of their immediate national interests, without taking into account the needs of their neighbors. What could follow is a large-scale economic crisis. International co-operation has never been as necessary as it is today because interdependence is such that no country, even the wealthiest, can be sheltered from a world crisis. 35. The sixth special session of the General Assembly shed new light on these major economic and social problems which have accumulated over several years. It has made it possible to see a little more clearly what are the renewable and non-renewable resources of the earth. 36.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“In our times, economic and social problems have acquired a growing importance, both nationally and internationally, since economic difficulties, as we all know, frequently generate political tensions. It is therefore natural that international organizations, and particularly the United Nations, should concern themselves more actively with these questions. 34. The world economic situation has deteriorated in the course of the last year because of increased inflation, a shortage of certain primary commodities, and because of important changes both in trade balances and in balances of payments. It is symptomatic that economic growth should be negative in several industrialized countries which have to meet very high deficits in their balance of payments.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“May those in authority in every country realize that no ideological consideration can justify recourse to torture, and that those who resort to dishonor themselves and deserve to be placed outside the pale of mankind. Seizing innocent hostages who are alien to any conflict can never be justified anywhere, and those who still indulge in such abominable and cowardly acts can no longer lay claim to an ideology or popular cause. They are simply common criminals. If our collaboration in the United Nations is to have any meaning, all Member States here should, without exception, agree to abolish, as swiftly as possible, international gangsterism. 33.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“In this respect I fully agree with the ideas expressed from this rostrum by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium [2244th meeting] and by other colleagues. 32. We are alarmed by the frequent reports which describe recent cases of the use of torture, arbitrary detention or other degrading treatment, and we fully support any action taken to condemn and abolish such reprehensible practices. It is in cases of armed conflict that human rights are most often disregarded and populations subjected to great risks. One notes with growing frequency, however, that similar injustices are perpetrated in times of peace as well, in defense of so-called "higher interests or ideals".”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Conscious of the dignity to which all peoples aspire, and aware above all of the needs of the least endowed, it feels that it must contribute substantially to the creation of a more just world order, one which is better balanced and able to meet the multiple challenges which face us all, taking realistically into account all of the factors and resources which condition our common survival beyond the short term. 30. It is with such an approach and with a view to a more effective universal co-operation that the nine members of the Community have requested the status of observer within this Organization. 31. More than a quarter of a century has gone by since the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is the fundamental charter for safeguarding human dignity.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“I shall not deny the complexity of this evolution, but it moves ahead relentlessly because of the determination of its sponsors, the originality of its approach and its very promising nature. 29. As was emphasized so eloquently the other day by the President of the Council of the Community, Mr. Sauvagnargues [2238th meeting], this Community will be both internally and externally a valuable guarantor of peace and justice and a powerful factor for progress and co-operation.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Furthermore, Lisbon has accelerated its negotiations with the liberation movements in its other territories, and those negotiations have already produced agreements. 26. Favorable developments of this kind are, unfortunately, not yet in prospect in South Africa, Rhodesia and Namibia. These areas will doubtless be the last on the planet openly to suffer from a policy of racism. We must hope that the wisdom of all men will finally put an end to this suffering. 27. Two European countries, Portugal and Greece, are preparing to rejoin the family of truly democratic countries. For me, this is another positive factor of great importance which I cannot fail to welcome warmly from this rostrum. 28. Together with this, there is the very difficult evolution of the nine countries of the European Community towards economic and political .union.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“I referred earlier to the importance of trust and I remain convinced that without effective control it will be impossible to instill the trust that is needed to arrive at effective disarmament. 24. We believe that a general conference on disarmament might bring us closer to our desired objective, provided that it is preceded by an adequate preparation, bearing particularly on effective means of achieving that goal. 25. The rather poor record of this year nevertheless includes a most satisfying development, namely, the radical change in the policy of the new Portuguese Government in regard to its overseas territories. The distressing Guinea-Bissau affair has now had a happy outcome.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“At the report of all those armament policies there is a feeling of suspicion: none dares trust a potential adversary. Yet it is clear that this arms race cannot go on indefinitely, because it increasingly absorbs wealth which is essential for humanitarian purposes. Further-more, the risk of a fatal accident with incalculable consequences cannot be excluded. 22. In my view, the problem must be approached realistically. While complete disarmament must and should be considered as the ultimate goal, it is nevertheless more realistic on a short-term basis to consider an effective and controlled reduction of a given proportion of weapons. In this field as in others, the best is often the enemy of the good. It is in this spirit that my country participates in the Vienna talks on the reduction of arms in Central Europe. 23.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Several speakers have already referred to the favorable development in the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, and this is obviously a source of satisfaction for all of us. 19. Furthermore, let us recognize that for many years discussions concerning disarmament have nevertheless been carried out within the framework of our Organization and other international forums, and yet only modest progress has been achieved in this field. 20. We must regrettably note that, despite the existence of immense war arsenals which can eradicate all life on earth, the general arms race continues at a devastating pace and the budgets to this end increase regularly. Ever more sophisticated weapons are continually being produced and made available to an ever-growing number of countries. 21.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“increasing war arsenals with those actually devoted to the quest for and the establishment of peaceful relations. The United Nations has a fundamental mission to perform here, one which is fully in accord with the primary objective of the Charter, namely, the maintenance of international peace and security. 17. The United Nations forces, in accomplishing their task in the Middle East and in Cyprus, have fulfilled with distinction the mission entrusted to them, and I bow my head in memory of the 40-odd members of the United Nations forces who made the supreme sacrifice, not as heroes of war, but as defenders of peace. These forces cannot, of course, be a substitute for real negotiations, which alone can create a new viable political situation. 18. For some time a great deal has been said about detente.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Waldheim quite rightly highlights this important point in the introduction to his report on the work of the Organization the United Nations can effectively intervene in conflict situations only if it has the support of all its Members in the application of the decisions of its principal organs, and particularly the decisions of the Security Council concerning the maintenance of international peace and security [A I96011Add. I, sect. VII]. It goes without saying that in that respect the support of the permanent members of the Council is particularly vital. 16. In the second place, the two conflicts 1 have just mentioned show that mankind clearly remains more skilled in the art of war than in the art of restoring peace, as we can see if we compare the funds spent on.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“It should surprise no one that the head of Government of a small State linked, through the European Community, with both Greece and Turkey, and also with Cyprus, is much more concerned with the independence of Cyprus and the sovereign will of the Cypriots than with the desires and preoccupations demonstrated in other capitals, in Europe and else-where. 13. On the humanitarian level, the international community as a whole is invited, once again, to con-tribute generously to alleviating the suffering and repairing the damage. It goes without saying that we shall not be remiss in fulfilling our duty of international solidarity. 14. In my opinion, our Organization can learn several lessons from the events in Cyprus. 15. In the first place and Mr.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“For there is the risk that, in placing certain conditions on the resumption of negotiations, one becomes locked in an impasse that can lead to the broadening of the forum of the discussion without necessarily increasing the chances of success. 11. With regard to the solution to this critical situation, I fully share the opinion expressed here a week ago by Mr. Callaghan, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom [2245th meeting]. I, too, hope that the negotiations between the leaders of the two Cypriot communities will soon lead to positive results. 12.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Despite prompt action by the competent bodies of the United Nations the Security Council, the Secretary-General and the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus, and despite prompt diplomatic intervention, it was not possible to avoid the creation of this new hotbed of tension, not to say war. I think that a solution to this painful conflict must be found by negotiations between the parties directly concerned. There must not be a repetition of the mistakes which have made us lose so many years in the Middle East. Of course, it is permissible, and possibly even useful, for the parties to the conflict to make clear what they cannot accept, but they should not at this stage pose their requirements as pre-conditions.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“I am convinced that the observance of those principles will facilitate the search for a stable solution and thus will enable all the countries concerned to devote their best efforts to the economic development of the region rather than to the purchase and use of ever more costly and ever more lethal weapons. A/PV.2253 10. Only a few weeks ago we witnessed another tragic event, this time in the eastern Mediterranean. There was a coup d'etat in Cyprus, launched by irresponsible elements. It resulted in a series of murders and military actions, the displacement of thousands of persons and immense destruction in a country which had never been among the richest of the world.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“Hence, they thus have been led to define their position on the conflict and have called, essentially, for the observance of the following fundamental principles: the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force and the need to end the occupation of territory resulting from the 1967 conflict; respect for the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and independence of each State in the area and its right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries; the necessity of taking into account the legitimate rights of the Palestinians in the establishment of a just and lasting peace. 9.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“It is therefore only logical to draw the conclusion that we must not lose the momentum thus gained, for to do so would mean that the situation could again be aggravated and the temptation to use force could become stronger. I think I can say that there is a general desire to see the Organization play a paramount role in the next phase of the negotiations, whatever form they may take, and I am gratified to be able to note that fact. 8. The countries of the European Community, of which Luxembourg is a member, have been deeply concerned with the situation in the Middle East, a region to which they are bound by many ties woven by geography and history and with which they wish to maintain ever closer relations.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“While only too often people seem to feel that they should criticize the role of the United Nations, I take pleasure today in emphasizing the fundamental contribution of the United Nations forces in the' disengagement of the belligerents, thereby making a decisive contribution to the maintenance of the cease-fire. 7. The United States Secretary of State, Mr. Kissinger, who has not spared himself in leading us step by step to this partial relaxation of the situation, realistically reminded us in his statement here on 23 September that progress can be made only in steps, but he said that "Each step forward modifies old perceptions and brings about a new situation that improves the chances of a comprehensive settlement [2238th meeting, para. 55].”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“As is clear from the statements already made here by heads of delegations during this general debate in which each year we draw up the balance-sheet of the world situation, there are really not very many grounds for general optimism, even if in some regions of the world for instance, the Middle East there has been a relaxation of international tension and a more favorable atmosphere for the quest for peace has been created. 6. We pay a tribute to all those who, displaying great realism, have during the past year contributed to the lessening of tension in the Middle East, to the point where today one can again hope for a peaceful settlement of the conflict which has been weighing on international relations for a quarter of a century.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)
“I am very happy to extend my whole-hearted congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly. I take personal satisfaction in the honor that has been done to you and, through you, to your country, Algeria. 3. I should also like to tell the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, how much we appreciate the intelligent and effective work he has been doing for years without respite. 4. My country welcomes the admission to the United Nations of Bangladesh, Grenada and Guinea-Bissau. The United Nations has thus taken a further step to-wards the ideal situation, which would be the presence of all the countries in the Organization. 5.”
1974-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 29 (1974)