YouSaid · the spoken record

THORN

lines on the record: 229
first: 1969-09-24
most recent: 1980-09-24
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

“Next spring, a special session of the United Nations will be devoted to the burning question of disarmament. This is a very important step forward—I do not dare say, because I dare not believe, towards a definite solution of this question, but at least towards a possible lessening of the threat. We naturally welcome this initiative because it will enable us to define the problem and submit to the judgment of public opinion all its implications, among which its influence on the evolution and development of the whole of humanity is paramount. 31. It is with distress that we raise the question, which is without doubt justified, of whether our Organization-and above all the Members who bear the responsibility—will be able to take up the challenge which has been issued.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“What can we say of that today? Today, mention is made of $350 billion for military expenditure, whereas the number of those who suffer from famine, malnutrition and illiteracy increases from year to year. The developed countries spend 20 times more on military programmes than on development aid. But I must add that developing countries have also been caught up in the momentum of this dangerous frenzy, this fever, for their importation of increasingly sophisticated arms now exceeds a value of $6 billion. 29. Faced with these figures, which barely give an idea of the destructive potential that is being stockpiled and the terrible magnitude of the poverty which the majority of the world's population has suffered all too long, should we not say that the time has come at last to give up vain words for specific action? 30.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Should we not help the new generation of Cypriots—since this is already the second generation—to bury hatred and the mistakes of their forefathers and to build up a land where the two communities can feel that they are Cypriots and are proud to be Cypriots? Our Organization should help in every way both in maintaining peace and in providing humanitarian aid. 26. I should like now to refer to a chapter whose importance and danger to humanity at large I cannot stress too strongly. I wish to speak of the frantic arms race which, far from abating, is gathering ever-increasing momentum. 27. Last year in this Assembly I criticized the disproportion between military budgets—some $300 billion— and the amount of money devoted to development for the 1,200 million people who live in a poverty no human being should have to endure. 28.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Honestly I cannot go along with that because as soon as one looks for major reasons for not acting one finds them. In the meantime the situation deteriorates and solutions become more and more difficult. I personally continue to believe that the crisis in Cyprus and the future of that sovereign State, a fully fledged Member of our Organization, should be quickly resolved in Cyprus by the Cypriots of the two communities under the aegis of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Kurt Waldheim. Following the sudden demise of Archbishop Makarios it is up to his successors and to the leaders of the Turkish community in Cyprus to resume negotiations as soon as possible and to find a solution. No one will gain anything from acrimonious debates either in this forum or in any other expanded forum.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is perhaps their belated recognition of this that Ld our countries, hardly reassured as to their own borders, to consider abolishing them for the greater benefit of their citizens. We have things to learn from our neighbours as well, and what we can give them in experience and co-operation is more fruitful than simply wasting our energies in sterile quarrels. 24. The development, or perhaps we should say the stagnation, of the situation in Cyprus is naturally of great concern. While at the beginning of this year hopes were justified, thanks especially to the efforts made by our Organization, constructive talks between the two communities have not been held for several months. 25. It could be said, and some do say, that there are major reasons for this.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I do not need to recall here my feelings for the people of this young continent or my personal commitment to their legitimate aspirations. I beg them to cease these fratricidal struggles, whether in Zaire, in West Africa or in the Horn of Africa-these border struggles which are as useless as they are interminable. They do not resolve the real problems. On the contrary, they merely provoke frustration and fan the spirit of revenge which breeds further murderous struggles. And who, may I ask, derives any benefit from all of this? 23. It took, as we all know, our ancient continent of Europe 10 centuries of bloodthirsty fighting and great sacrifices to recognize the pointlessness of all these struggles. We know how terrible these sacrifices were.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Rarely, it seems to me has a meeting convened to discuss such explosive situations been able to do so with so much dignity. 21. While still on the subject of southern African problems, I should like to pay an unreserved tribute to the five countries which, through perseverance and persuasion contributed so greatly to speeding up the development of the situation in Namibia towards independence. This initiative deserves our full support because the sooner some, shall we say, formal hesitations are overcome, the sooner will the Namibians be able to proceed to self-determination. Here again last minute obstacles should not discourage us. 22. Unfortunately, southern Africa is not our only preoccupation in Africa. The border disputes which have proliferated between African countries have now assumed truly tragic proportions.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The countries of the European Community have committed themselves to this policy and my colleague, Mr. Simonet, current President of the Community, has informed the Assembly of the initiatives our Community has taken and is still envisaging. The code of conduct adopted to control companies and enterprises in South Africa is a first step in trying to improve the lot of coloured workers. Other measures being studied now will highlight further our intention and our determination not simply to tolerate passively continuation of the present situation in South Africa. 20. In Lagos a few weeks ago we announced these initiatives and I should like to congratulate those who organized the World Conference for Action against Apartheid.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“There forms of inhuman racism have been of concern to our Organization for many years without any improvement in the fate of the oppressed peoples concerned being detected. This distressing situation persists in spite of repeated resolutions, lengthy conferences and many statements expressing understandable abhorrence at a regime which has cunningly and until now with impunity continued to humiliate and to exploit human beings pitilessly. If we want to see an end to this intolerable situation, words are not enough; actions are required from our Governments and real commitments are needed from -all our countries. Only at this cost and the cost of some sacrifices will we be able to succeed in making justice, equity and peace prevail in that part of the world. 19.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Rejecting negotiation which might have led to a peaceful transition to a majority regime, the Ian Smith regime is clutching at straws and its obstinacy and perseverance on the path of confrontation will not help at all. Only a negotiated solution can spare the country the greatest sacrifices and utter economic ruin. 17. I should like to pay a tribute to the efforts made by the United Kingdom and the United States in their search for a solution with the help of the United Nations and I appeal to all African countries and to the liberation movements in Zimbabwe to try to support this effort without any exclusive pre-conditions and in a manner which will allow the people concerned to express themselves freely. 18. In South Africa the policy of apartheid and that of the bantustans continue to take their toll of victims.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I now come to another sad chapter in the history of our Organization: I am speaking of the extremely complex problems of southern Africa. 15. Border incidents, bloody clashes and inhuman repressions, alas, continue to dominate the scene in this region. The hopes that we have pinned on a peaceful settlement in Zimbabwe to try to make the minority regime accede to the wishes of the majority, have unfortunately not been achieved. Despite the mounting pressure of world, public opinion and in spite of growing opposition and internal armed struggle, the illegal minority Government of Ian Smith has succeeded in keeping the great majority of the population under the intolerable yoke of colonialism which disregards even the most elementary rights. 16.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“And now why waste time in establishing illusory exclusive conditions or to resolve sterile conflicts by resolutions and condemnations. We cannot wait here indefinitely for the last intransigents to overcome the last of their prejudices. It simply must be realized that the Assembly cannot just count the number of supporters on each side but we must find a solution which is acceptable first and foremost to all sides. That is the only way by which the small and medium-sized Powers which form the immense majority of the United Nations, can show that they are not simply pawns in a game, the rules and outcome of which they do not know. On the contrary they can make a real contribution to peace and security which are theirs as well as ours. 14.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I would therefore call on all the parties concerned to resume the dialogue without any pre-conditions, and when I say all the parties concerned this naturally includes, as I said at this rostrum a number of years ago, the Palestinian people. Now that difficult negotiations are under way, I willingly exercise great caution and I shall therefore not air in public my detailed views on this subject; however, I should like to emphasize that it is just as illusory to wish to deny the existence, the right to a territory with guaranteed boundaries and the right to peaceful development to Israel as it is to deny them to the people of Palestine. On the other hand, territorial conquest on the pretext that it enhances the national security of a people will never make for durable peace, but only perpetuate war and bloody conflicts. 13.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We find the state of no belligerency which now prevails in this region is far from satisfactory, and that is why I would make an urgent appeal to the parties concerned not only to resume the peace negotiations but also to accept the extended hand of the great friendly nation of the United States which, under the leadership of its President, is sparing to effort to bring a just and lasting peace to the Middle East to the benefit of all concerned. The solutions tirelessly advocated by President Carter and his Secretary of State, Mr. Vance, are honest and just, and deserve to be accepted. They are, moreover, for the most part in line with the relevant resolutions of our Organization.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“For us, I repeat, human rights are not merely one means among others for achieving the aims of a particular policy. For us, the full and complete achievement of human rights and freedoms, the flourishing of these rights for all without restriction is an end in itself, perhaps the highest goal which a political leader can pursue. To that end, my country is prepared to support any realistic and constructive initiative aimed at strengthening the role of the United Nations in this area. 12. I have spoken of disappointments, but also of hopes, and that holds true with regard to the question of the Middle East, among others.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It must go far beyond ideologies and group solidarity, for what is at stake here is what is or should be the ultimate aim of all political action, that is to say, man himself and his dignity and freedom, and these, I repeat, are inalienable whether for men living in the East, in Uganda, in Viet Nam, in Chile or in our midst. 11. While the ideological struggle is going on or is even being intensified, when criticism against this or that Government or regime is becoming more and more insistent, when more or less justified accusations are levelled against anything that might even smack of imperialism, how can we not see that that is interference of quite a different kind from that represented by asking our Organization to take a larger and more active part in ensuring each man as many rights and freedoms as possible?”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The evidence gathered during the Prisoners of Conscience Year of Amnesty International, the testimony of refugees and political exiles, the reports of our ambassadors and our journalists describe a situation where horror is often equalled only by the sufferings of men who have been physically and morally destroyed simply for having dared to think and—if I may be allowed the tautology—to think freely. 10. It is time for our Organization to deal seriously with this problem, not so much in terms of codifying rights as in terms of making sure that they are respected in practice. That is not to interfere in the internal affairs of other States; respect for human rights is not anyone's special preserve; it is part of the common and inalienable heritage of mankind.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We should note that in any case it is rarely those who are tearing each other to pieces in battles and ambushes which, far from establishing anyone as victor, usually leave both sides the losers. 8. To all these direct threats to world peace we must add the short-comings of Governments in facing the problems of economic development, and the always numerous violations of human rights, I am forced to ask myself when the world will, finally, learn from its rather inglorious past. 9. Is it not discouraging to see still today-today perhaps more than ever—a quarter of a century after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that these rights are daily violated in many countries?”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In spite of the proliferation of international contacts, international tension still exists in the Middle East and southern Africa, and, what seems to me to be worse still, other conflicts have arisen in Africa and other regions of the world. 7. A careful analysis of these tensions shows, on the one hand, how some of them have been with us for a long time and some are largely irrelevant to present-day problems; on the other hand, we see how far we have progressed towards solutions, so that I am led to ask why at this time, in many cases quite suddenly, tension rises up again in a given area of the world, in outbursts of violence and hatred. Who can be benefiting from all this?”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“At the time when each year we attempt to take stock of the world situation I had hoped, until the last moment, to be in a position to insert some note of optimism. Unfortunately, I think that once more our expectations and our hopes have been greatly disappointed. And yet the need, the urgent need, to advance towards compromise and the essential conciliations, is becoming more and more pressing. On the other hand, distinct possibilities for solutions can fortunately be discerned for almost all the dangerous situations. There is therefore still reason for hope, even though the solutions are not yet within our grasp.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I am particularly pleased to see that during his mandate—indeed, his mandates—an increasing number have come to share the views which he has always expressed with courage and lucidity on strictly intergovernmental co-operation, and also on the imperative need to work together in organizations such as the United Nations. It is my most sincere wish that he will be able to continue to gather the fruits of his patient work for the good of humanity. 5. This year again our Organization has taken a major step towards the situation which I believe we all agree to be ideal of absolute universality. Djibouti and Viet Nam are now seated among us. My country sincerely welcomes this development, and extends to the new Members its unreserved co-operation in the search for our common goal-peace and good relations among all peoples. 6.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I wish now to extend most sincere thanks to the outgoing President, Mr. Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe. While so many other Presidents of the Assembly, including myself, have made brief ascents to this presidency, he is always, so to speak, President by vocation, because after having brilliantly conducted the debates of the thirty-first session of the General Assembly, he assumed, and continues to fill, with admirable competence, the office of President of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. 4. I should like now once more to assure our Secretary- General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, of the boundless trust and support of the Government of Luxembourg in his tireless efforts to eliminate hotbeds of tension and conflict threatening international peace and security.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“1. Mr. President, my first words are naturally addressed to you, Sir, in extending heartfelt congratulations on your election to the presidency of this thirty-second session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. 2. The excellent bilateral relations which my country maintains with Yugoslavia have already allowed me on many occasions to appreciate your talents, and the conviction which you bring to the noble task of bringing peoples together. Moreover your presidency once more reminds us of. the eminent role being played by your country in world affairs at this time when the meeting ,o review the Conference on European Security and Co-operation is being held in Belgrade. I wish you, Mr. President, all the perseverance and patience which I know from personal experience you will sometimes need in the coming months. 3.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“I trust that the efforts of the present session will bring us closer, under your guidance, Mr. President, to that noble goal.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“In recent years, the United Nations and its affiliated international organizations have assumed new tasks which the authors of the Charter of San Francisco could not foresee, and thus the very structure of the Organization and the co-ordination among the various organs have become more and more complex. I therefore believe that the time has come to re-examine this evolution as a whole in order to make the necessary improvements while maintaining the central and co-ordinating role which the Charter has entrusted to the Economic and Social Council. 209. I have very briefly tried to express the views of my Government about some of the problems now confronting the United Nations. The achievement of a better world community is an extremely difficult task which calls for the full co-operation of all nations.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“It is to be hoped that the World Population Conference to be held in Bucharest in 1974 will produce ideas concerning all aspects of this very delicate problem. 207. All over the world, efforts are being made to create concrete programmes based on the results obtained at the United Nations Conference on the Environment, held at Stockholm in June, 1972. We know that our natural resources are not unlimited and that the search for growth at any price can have extremely grave long-term consequences. In asking nations to protect and improve the common heritage, we must endeavour to seek genuine growth but also to protect the human element. It is therefore urgent to find a way of reconciling the immediate legitimate interests of mankind with the protection of the interests of succeeding generations. 208.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“And for that assistance to be effective, it is imperative that the international community, and the organs of the United Nations in particular, tackle these problems in a co-ordinated fashion. 204. I believe that the proposal made [2124th meeting, para. 71] by the Secretary of State of the United States, Mr. Kissinger, for the holding next year of a world food conference is a wise one and that preparations should immediately be undertaken for it. 205. I am happy to state, within this general context, that my Government has just decided considerably to increase, within the limits of its possibilities, the assistance we give to the developing countries. This increase will start with the 1974 budget. 206. With regard to the world population problem, it is encouraging to note that the United Nations Special Fund has increased its activities.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“I should also like to mention the world-wide problem of finding a sufficient supply of food-stuffs and the necessity for an increased international effort to contain the expansion of desert zones and to improve the yield of arid lands. The tragic drought that has devastated a number of Sudano-Sahelian countries in western and central Africa has suddenly brought these two problems to the attention of the world. Very significant assistance has been given following that catastrophe, both on a bilateral basis and through the machinery established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. However, since it is quite possible that the drought may persist in the region, outside assistance is still indispensable.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Therefore, its contents can be expanded to take into account certain new elements, while the general philosophy and the basic objectives are maintained. 202. Thus the interdependence of monetary problems and those raised by economic development and the structure of international trade has been brought to light. Another important element is the poverty of the masses in the developing countries, with all the attendant scourges such as under-employment, malnutrition, lack of decent housing, lack of education and crying inequalities in standards of living. It is urgent that valid solutions be found to these complex problems. In order to do so, we have to replace the old statistical approach of measuring economic growth on a per capita basis by a new concept placing human welfare in all its aspects at the centre of development policy. 203.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“I come now to another important question, which deals with economic development and social improvements in the world in order to achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth among all peoples. Three years have elapsed since the General Assembly adopted the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)], and certain doubts have appeared regarding the possibility of achieving the targets set by the Strategy, because of the absence of sufficient funds. That does not necessarily prove that we should give up the Strategy here and now and lose confidence in the results to be expected from the Second Development Decade. Indeed, the Strategy was conceived from the outset as a dynamic instrument which had to be adapted to changing circumstances.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“We are convinced that it is necessary unreservedly to condemn any terrorist activity endangering the lives of innocent persons. The taking of hostages, the hijacking of aircraft and the resulting blackmail are particularly repugnant crimes which cannot be justified nor excused by any motive and in any circumstances. It is truly deplorable that a series of political motives — albeit valid but nevertheless secondary when compared to the objective sought — has prevented the conference recently held in Rome from adopting any concrete decision. It is certainly necessary that this Assembly adopt quick and efficient measures on this matter and that the highest political gatherings of the world thus reaffirm the great moral principle that the end does not justify the means. 201.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“My Government gives neither military nor economic assistance to such Governments and fully complies with the mandatory decisions of the Security Council in this respect. However, we do not consider the exclusion of colonialist Governments from international organizations, or even the breaking off of diplomatic relations, as constituting the most effective means of forcing them to change their policies. 199. I should like to add here that I profoundly regret a certain confusion which seems to have been created in the Assembly between the notion of struggling against terrorism and that of opposition to colonial or national liberation movements. The legitimacy of the objectives of the latter can but suffer from that confusion. 200.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Although the situation in this connexion has greatly improved throughout the years, it is nevertheless a fact that millions of human beings are still deprived of their fundamental rights to self-determination, freedom and independence. 197. Despite the numerous resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council on this subject, we must unfortunately note that colonialism, racial discrimination and apartheid continue to prevail particularly in southern Africa. 198. I should like to make the position of my Government very clear on this matter. We are firmly opposed to any policy which an objective examination of the facts allows us to consider as colonialist or subject to convictions of racial discrimination, and we consider the action of Governments following such a policy as reprehensible.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“May I express, contrary to what certain other speakers have said, my conviction that in this specific case time is on no one's side but against all, and my hope that all the countries concerned will realize this and act accordingly before it is too late. 195. For five years from this rostrum I have drawn the attention of the Assembly to the fact that we must never underestimate the importance of the Palestinian phenomenon within the framework of the Middle East conflict. The inexcusable acts of terrorism and political blackmail exercised through innocent victims should finally prove to the most recalcitrant observers that no final settlement can be arrived at if they overlook this burning question. 196. I come now to the question of colonialism and connected phenomena.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“May I be allowed sincerely to regret the fact that such negotiations have not yet been possible and also that Israel is in the process of creating a fait accomplis in certain parts of the occupied territories, which might jeopardize the very objective of such negotiations. 194. It is naturally also true, and experience has proved this very often in the past, that it is difficult to maintain for a long period of time a status of strict occupation. That is not an accusation against any of the parties, nor is it an excuse; but it is merely a statement of the regrettable fact that, the more time passes, the more the search for a solution becomes difficult.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“The provision on withdrawal from the territories occupied by Israel must, however, be considered in conjunction with the right of Israel to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. These two elements cannot be considered each as a prior condition for the other, since that would lead to never being able to change the situation. Only the parties concerned, either through direct or indirect contacts, whether these are termed negotiations rather than soundings or preparatory talks, can decide by common agreement what in the end will be secure and recognized boundaries and, consequently, what will be the so-called minor changes to be made to these same boundaries. 193.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“That situation is — we must unfortunately repeat it-contrary to the spirit and the letter of the Charter, to the rules of international law, to the resolutions of the United Nations and also to the interests even of the parties and all the countries of the region. 191. The need for a settlement is manifest. The principles on which such a settlement should be based are set forth in the Charter as well as in Security Council resolution 242 (1967). I need not reaffirm the importance of that resolution, which has the twofold advantage of having been adopted unanimously and of defining the respective obligations of the parties. Furthermore, it has acquired particular value since it was accepted by three of the parties concerned, namely, Egypt, Jordan and Israel. 192.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“van der Stoel, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, I should like to stress that, in saying this, our concern is not to intervene in the domestic affairs of certain States but rather to address an appeal to them to prove by tangible deeds that detente and rapprochement between peoples are much more than a vague slogan and have become an everyday reality. 190. In the Middle East, there has been no progress for a very long time. Although a certain detente is enjoyed all over the world and countries of very different ideologies are in the process of establishing relations that could hardly have been dreamed of only a few years ago, that region is still in a situation which is neither war nor peace and which may at any moment degenerate into a new confrontation.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“A continent which for many decades has been disturbed will thus be able to make progress on the road of co-operation among countries with different social regimes, on the road to better mutual understanding and, hence, to increased security. I express the hope and the profound conviction that the negotiations under way will serve to ensure not only material exchanges but also, and primarily, better mutual information and a freer exchange of men and ideas, as well as full respect for human rights and intellectual freedoms. Together with my colleague Mr.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“187. It is with the deepest feelings of sadness and regret that we heard of the tragic death of President Allende and the overthrow by force of a democratically elected regime, regardless of the merits or deficiencies it might have had. For the Chilean people and in the interest of all nations here assembled, I trust that democratic freedoms will promptly be re-established, and we ask above all that, there as everywhere else in the world, respect for human rights be guaranteed to all men irrespective of their political opinions. 188. To turn to the European continent, the second phase of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe has just started in Geneva and the negotiations on mutual and balanced reductions of forces in Central Europe will soon enter an active stage. 189.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“Is it not true that for the moment there is no major source of war, causing considerable loss of human life? I believe that fact should be stressed and Sir Alec Douglas-Home was quite correct when he quoted the Secretary-General and stated that we could consider with a certain optimism the fact that the United Nations had in the last few years contributed to defusing a number of conflicts [2128th meeting, para. 122], Thanks to the wisdom of enlightened statesmen, satisfactory compromises have recently been achieved that have led to a considerable reduction of hostilities in Indo-China. I trust that the agreements recently reached between India and Pakistan will allow a definitive settlement of the difficulties that still persist on that subcontinent. 186. Unfortunately, the world is not safe from new sources of violence and illegality.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“That brings our Organization closer to the ideal situation, which is the participation of all nations of the world in our work. We are particularly happy at the admission to our Organization of the Federal Republic of Germany, a neighbour and friend with which we enjoy close ties of friendship and fruitful co-operation in a number of international organizations, particularly within the framework of the European communities. I wish to express the conviction that the arrival among us of new Member States represents an appreciable strengthening of the United Nations and I trust that the very few countries which have not yet joined us will be able to do so in the very near future. 185. If one glances at the international situation today7 one is able to see certain reasons for satisfaction.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“182. First of all, Mr. President, I should like on behalf of my delegation to congratulate you most warmly on your accession to the Presidency of the Assembly. We all know how wide is your experience and authority and we know we shall need those two qualities in order to complete our difficult discussions on the many subjects before us at the present session. 183. In accordance with well-established tradition, the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, has made things easier for us by the submission of his clear, objective and realistic report on the work of the Organization. 184. I should like to join the many speakers who have preceded me in greeting the admission to the United Nations of the two German States and the Bahamas.”
1973-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 28 (1973)
“I express the hope that the present session of the Assembly will be conducted in a climate of forthrightness and confident and dispassionate co-operation, and therefore in a climate of mutual respect, without which fruitful work cannot be done, so that we may not disappoint the just hopes of the peoples of the whole world.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Some have expressed the opinion that the Charter, signed more than 27 years ago in San Francisco, is now obsolete and no longer constitutes a valid basis for world-wide co-operation. On the contrary, we, together with many Governments represented here, are of the opinion that the Charter, although not a perfect instrument, nevertheless remains one that is very well suited to its purposes, and while it is not something that should not remain untouchable or untouched, at this stage there is no need to make any fundamental changes in it. 78. If international co-operation in the United Nations is not always as effective as it might be, the fault, let us recognize, lies not with the Charter and this must be recalled very often but rather with the very imperfect use made of it by Member States. 79.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Even if there is considerable exaggeration in all these assertions, we nevertheless must recognize that some of the aspects of the work of the United Nations are open to criticism, and it is of course necessary to reconsider the procedures, which are sometimes too slow or cumbersome, in order to arrive at more suitable working methods. I consider in particular that we ought to adhere more to a sound distribution of work and not introduce in technical debates questions of a political order, which, of course, all countries are keenly interested in but which should instead be discussed by highly competent persons, in a context that should be reserved for such discussions. 77.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“I am bound to add that while my comments apply, of course, to southern Africa, I condemn with the same rigor discrimination which emerges in any other country, and in particular the brutal expulsion brutal both in its conception and its execution of persons of different ethnic origins from any country in the world. 75. Over the years we have all had to contend with numerous criticisms of the United Nations, especially by the press and world public opinion, which describe our Organization in terms that are frequently less than kind. 76.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“It is unquestionable that such a situation, by virtue of the differences of language, custom and habit and mores, creates genuine problems in the relations between foreign immigrants and Luxembourgers. Hence even we are perfectly capable of appreciating the difficulties which countries with multiracial populations may be confronted with, but that makes us only more convinced that these difficulties cannot be resolved except through co-operation based upon reciprocal good will and upon extensive understanding, whereas any discrimination will have only the effect of creating tension, indeed hatred, which nothing will dispel but which the slightest thing can cause to explode. 74.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“It ought to be clear to any man of good sense that, while there may be characteristics peculiar to every race, no race is superior to any other, and therefore there is no justification for separation or segregation by force, which is nothing but a manifestation of the arrogance of certain human beings vis-a-vis other human beings whom they consider inferior. 73. In this respect Europe is frequently judged to be privileged, because, it would appear to have a more homogeneous population and is therefore free from any racial problems. This is only partly true. Luxembourg, for instance, has within its borders a foreign population by birth amounting to 30 per cent of its own population.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)
“Nevertheless, it will be necessary to avoid having the just preoccupation with the future of mankind on earth hide from us present injustices and disorder. The setting of priorities for action to be taken will have to be such as to weigh carefully all the problems to be resolved. This is one of the primary tasks of the present session of the Assembly to point the way. Here I can only say that I applaud what my colleague and friend, Mr. Schmelzer, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has said on this subject [2050th meeting]. 72. It might also be appropriate to add to these considerations on under-development and the protection of environment a few brief reflections on this intellectual and moral pollution caused by racial discrimination as it exists today.”
1972-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 27 (1972)