YouSaid · the spoken record

GAUCI

lines on the record: 198
first: 1976-09-24
most recent: 1981-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“There are some areas where an updated, concise study by a small panel of these experts could perhaps indicate to us procedures designed to facilitate our work in future, as the membership of our Organization continues to expand.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Against this somewhat negative over-all assessment of our performance, we can still derive comfort from the fact that the major problems confronting us have been thoroughly analysed and that the parameters of potential solutions have been indicated. 180. In the process of that analysis we have also indirectly acquired long and practical experience of the techniques of conference procedures. We have among us in the Secretariat and in delegations many experienced participants who have been involved in these conferences, both as representatives of Governments and as international civil servants. I believe it would be useful to attempt to derive benefit from this experience. 181.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“We seek to pursue our objectives through a mutually receptive dialogue, through common endeavour and through collective action. 178. We therefore invite our partners in the developed world to understand our objectives and to join us in our sincere endeavour to make the world kinder, healthier and happier for all peoples. Only through such a partnership approach can we resolve the problems which we face in elaborating a new strategy for the 1980s, in preparing for the General Assembly's special session next year and in agreeing upon an effective format for global negotiations in the years to come. 179.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“As an island developing country, Malta is particularly aware of the different types of constraints which lie in the path of development. We find it difficult to understand the attitudes of some developed countries which insist on defining the problems of development in a rather simplistic manner, refusing to acknowledge the different constraints which exist, and refusing to apply the various remedies which have been proposed. 177. The net result of our endeavours is that, as we approach the end of this decade, most of the fundamental issues posed at its inception are as yet unresolved. Persistent, unalleviated adversity consequently has made militants of us all. But let us not forget, we are militants for the shared objectives of peace, justice and equity.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It should be recalled that one of the most fundamental elements of the Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order was the emphasis placed on the diverse economic adversities as they manifest themselves in the different parts of the developing world. 175. This approach in turn is premised on the understanding that poverty and social injustice, if they are to be effectively eliminated, must be tackled at their roots, not only at the level of their most obvious manifestations. Furthermore, in identifying the roots of the problems as and where they exist, we have tried to move away from rigid notions and definitions based on criteria and perspectives peculiar to advanced market economies. 176.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I refer to the question of supplies and prices of oil. Together with the rest of the developing world, the oil exporters had long been seeking a radical adjustment of the prevailing economic structures, from which the real cause of the present international economic malaise arises. Therefore, the malaise itself, far from serving as an excuse to retard structural changes, should serve as an added inducement to speed up the necessary reforms. 174. The noble, challenging objective of the New International Economic Order is the achievement of a humane and equitable living environment for the whole of mankind. This is a challenge which none should shirk, and from which none should be excluded.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“This premise runs counter to the whole foundation of the New International Economic Order, and is itself, perhaps, the major reason for the dialogue to be regarded by the developing world as completely sterile and frustrating—a dialogue of the deliberately deaf and indifferent. 171. No one denies that the present international economic situation is extremely serious, even though, once again, there are fundamental divergencies between the North and the South in the emphasis which is laid on the various factors contributing to this situation. 172. For instance it is ironic that the developed world sees the roots of the current economic crisis in the only area where the developing world has finally been able to utilize the prevailing international circumstances to remedy or to lessen its previous disadvantage. 173.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It is the essential objective of the New International Economic Order to reshape these patterns. 169. The persisting economic crisis in the industrialized world has been singled out as the main factor which makes it impossible for Governments in the developed countries to take bold measures at the national level which would lead to structural changes at the international level. 170. However, this argument rests on an incorrect premise—namely that evolution of the dialogue depends upon concessions which the North decides to give to the South at a time, and under conditions, which the North deems appropriate.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Without going into too many details, my delegation shares the serious concern at the lack of results of the negotiations aimed at the establishment of equitable relations between developed and developing countries, as stated by the Ministers of the Group of 77 at their meeting here last week. 168. This acute divergence of opinion cannot be explained away as a mere affirmation of the instinctive, initial bargaining attitudes adopted by both sides. The significance runs deeper. The developing world defines as failures not only those negotiations where no conclusions have been reached—even though agreed deadlines have long been passed—but, more especially, those negotiations where the formal conclusions arrived at are moulded in the classic patterns of North- South relations.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“After so many years of debate, the mere repetition of stated positions, in which each side conveniently blames the other for all imaginable ill-will, no longer carries much conviction; in fact, it has lost all credibility and should be discontinued. We must henceforth try to understand the preoccupations and concerns of the other side and seek the most efficient modalities and opportunities for progress. 166. In the past year the calendar of activities in the economic field has been particularly full. No doubt some will claim that results are encouraging, if only because of the concentrated attention that has been generated. 167.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The mutual fear and suspicion of the major Powers continues to prevail and, with few exceptions, their interests pull in opposite directions, and hence cancel each other out, rendering our Organization ineffectual. The Security Council has become the living embodiment of this present phenomenon, which is certainly not what the founding fathers of our Organization had anticipated. 165. It is trite but true to observe that there can be little significant progress in the complex, highly volatile questions facing the international community, unless there is a change of attitude among the protagonists. Uneasy, occasionally provocative coexistence is not enough, even when it is labelled "detente".”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Consequently, the potential impact on economic equity and co-operation from exploitation of the resources within the "common heritage" area risks being greatly eroded, and thrust further into the future. Nevertheless, Malta hopes that next year the negotiations will be concluded, and we remain willing to play host to the proposed international sea-bed authority. 163. The reasons for our lacklustre performance on issues that have become almost permanent features of our agenda are undoubtedly many and complex. It would be unfair to ascribe the paucity of progress to only one source. But the negative influence of the most powerful nations remains without question the principal determining factor. 164.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I refer of course to the question of the utilization of the resources of the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction, and to the concept of the common heritage of mankind. After more than a decade of effort, a treaty is within the grasp of the international community. Yet, in the negotiating process, the original concept has been shorn of much of its imaginative content, and ocean- fronting States have laid claim over the maximum extent of their continental shelf, to include the slope and the margin, even when these extend beyond the 200- mile exclusive economic zone, and thus they seek to encroach on the area that would otherwise be considered international. 162.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“There are other danger-spots, and some new ones looming ahead, which we will have to discuss on our present and future agenda, these are, admittedly, the most extreme examples of political problems inherited from the past, on which progress has been alarmingly slow or practically non-existent. They must of necessity now constitute our priorities for the future, before our attention is diverted by other events. 160. Even in a new field of human endeavour, in an area when we were trying collectively to plan for the future rather than to undo the events of the past, our progress was tardy, clouded by suspicion and conditioned by outdated concepts of the national interest. 161.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“I am glad that the first contacts between the parties to the conflict in Zimbabwe were held in Malta. These have since progressed and at the recent Meeting of Heads of Government of Commonwealth Countries, in Lusaka all participants finally came to the realization that a truly representative Government must be installed. We trust that the consultations at the Rhodesia Constitutional Conference in London, despite last- minute complications, will still end in a positive outcome, and that the example of majority rule will promote further advances throughout southern Africa. 159.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“This symbol of division frustrates the peaceful dialogue which is the prerequisite for the solution of the economic and political problems hindering reunification. 157. Similarly, there is a stalemate in Cyprus, and the country remains artificially divided, its economic and social progress inhibited, with foreign troops threatening its territorial integrity and violating its sovereignty. Malta has played its part in the Commonwealth, in the Council of Europe and in this forum to encourage progress, but so far reason has not prevailed. None of the protagonists benefits from the present stalemate, least of all the people of Cyprus. 158. There is, at least and at last, some room for optimism that the shameful repression of the oppressed minorities in Namibia and Zimbabwe is nearing an end.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“155. Until these questions are settled there will be no peace in the Middle East. In the meantime, Lebanon also continues to suffer, caught in the instability of the region. It is evident that security has not been attained by the injection of massive armaments into the area in the past; a new approach is necessary, one which overlooks no important element essential for success. The United Nations has pointed a way out, and it would be tragic if once again a critical opportunity were by-passed, with dire consequences for the economic and political future of the entire world. 156. In Korea the situation remains tense, the country divided, despite the wish of the people concerned for peaceful reunification. The most visible obstacle to reunification—foreign troops stationed in the south, potentially armed with nuclear weapons—remains.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“First, since the approaches of the past have brought no solution, but only bloodshed and misery, over the last 30 years, is it not time to give priority to a peaceful approach based on fundamental justice? Secondly, can an approach be considered democratic, peaceful and just if the people whose future is at stake is not represented in the negotiations by its recognized representatives? Thirdly, why is it assumed that a people working for its economic future within its own homeland is less peaceful than the same people forcibly denied its dignity and political aspirations and living in deplorable conditions? Fourthly, why can we not concede to others the rights that we ourselves recognize as fundamental? Fifthly, and finally, on what basis should the Palestinians uniquely be considered by a few countries as ineligible for independence?”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Malta is striving to convince all countries, particularly Israel, that their best interests and the interests of peace will be served best if they act to recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people—a gesture of statesmanship which would pay rich dividends in future. The time is approaching for difficult decisions of reconciliation and recognition to be taken by all sides to the conflict and also by those countries in a position to influence positive decisions. Those countries which are still hesitant will probably find it convenient at worst to be highly critical of the United Nations plan, or at best, to qualify the plan as wishful thinking. 154. I respectfully ask those countries to consider the following main questions.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The Middle East is probably the most dangerous potential flash-point at present. After a dangerously static period, an element of movement has been introduced, which so far, however, fails to tackle the central issue of the Middle East tension and hence gives rise to uncertainty. 152. It is becoming increasingly urgent for all countries to realize that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people can no longer be thwarted arbitrarily and that as long as the PLO, as the representative of its people, is kept out of the search for peace, no just or permanent solution can be envisaged. The United Nations has prepared a comprehensive peace plan. This has already gained wide acceptance, which I hope will be even more pronounced at this session. 153. My delegation has been actively involved in this process.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“A programme of action has been agreed to, at least in theory, and the concept of zones of peace has been defined for the first time; this concept offers prospects for regional initiatives which would reduce tension through cooperative efforts by the States concerned, with the tacit acquiescence—preferably even the support—of the major Powers. The Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea and the Indian Ocean are promising areas to explore and have already attracted wide interest among the States concerned. 150. Lack of progress in disarmament has been matched on other political issues which this Organization has spotlighted for too many years. They are areas of regional tension, which are among the most dangerous threats to peace, principally on account of the diametrically opposed policies of the two military alliances. 151.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“It is too pessimistic to conclude that neither of the two ideological systems is capable of halting what each one of them has defined as insane. We cannot but encourage the major Powers to ratify the agreements and to proceed without delay to the next round of negotiations, for which far better results are augured. 149. At the same time we note that the major impetus for disarmament comes from the non-nuclear-weapon States, which have assumed the responsibility of substituting for the inertia of the major Powers. Arising from these efforts, machinery for disarmament negotiations has been broadened and democratized to allow for the participation of all potential contributors.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In contradiction of theory and declared policy, the practical result of 10 years of negotiations has been escalation of the arms race, which has not brought about increased stability, but only an increase in the tragic cost and the serious risks inherent in nuclear deterrence. Additionally, new doctrines of limited nuclear war and first-strike capability are attracting increasing attention among military strategists. Unfortunately, the agreements reached at the first and second rounds of SALT have not eliminated any single weapons system that has been deployed. By no stretch of the imagination can this process be considered as arms control, still less as disarmament. 148. Promise remains for the future, in the agreement to go on talking and in a resigned acceptance of the fact that any treaty is better than no treaty at all.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“This observation hardly needs elaboration. 146. The failure of disarmament negotiations provides striking evidence. Both major Powers have a declared common interest and a legal commitment to control and reverse the nuclear arms race. Lengthy negotiations were held on a bilateral basis at the stated preference of the parties. These were therefore the optimum conditions for negotiations. Yet neither one of the two accords signed so far has achieved its declared objective. The very notion of arms control, which surreptitiously replaced that of disarmament, has proved illusory. The arms race keeps on escalating: from 1,000 warheads on each side in early 1970, the number has increased to around 9,000 at present, with an anticipated 20,000—constantly more refined—by 1985. To look beyond is perhaps too optimistic. 147.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“Consequently, very little of the great expectation generated by the fanfare surrounding detente has been converted into practical achievement. There is still much uncertainty on the code of detente, which often turns hot or cold. 144. Detente was predicated on the perceived need of preserving a stable balance between two opposing military blocs. It followed as a corollary that a wildly spiralling nuclear and conventional arms race enhanced neither side's security and should therefore be avoided. It also followed that avenues of co-operation in responsible political conduct should be encouraged and explored at the same time. 145. Neither of these two essential corollaries has been applied in practice, although both have been debated at length in theory here and elsewhere, and have often been quoted in negotiations.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“The lengthy debates we have had at this session and over the past three and a half decades, particularly on the theoretical parameters of important economic and political issues, should be more than sufficient, at least to identify reasons for lack of progress, to pin-point priorities, to select the best means to render our performance more efficient, and thus to alleviate the crisis of confidence besetting our Organization. A survey of the past decade helps to focus our attention on the main contributing factors. 143. The most serious consideration immediately stands out: peace in the world—such as it is—remains precarious. Detente—the golden concept of the 1970s—has promoted intensive debate, which, however, has rarely been translated into genuine dialogue.”
1979-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 34 (1979)
“In accordance with the democratic principles of this Organization, and on the basis of geographic rotation, we hope that our candidacy will obtain the support of the group to which we belong and of this Organization in which we are proud to serve. We will seek to bridge the psychological gap that at this critical period seems persistently to separate the Western European countries from the non-aligned. We confidently rely on your verdict, on the basis of our motives and our record in this Organization.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We appreciate that mankind's final objective can be attained only by all nations acting in concert, and that many have a far bigger contribution to make. 170. This body is the receptacle of mankind's most cherished aspirations. The message from my country that I bring to you remains one of determination and hope. I want to let you know that before we next meet, in the spring of next year, the guns of Malta's famed fortifications will officially have fallen silent; the beacon that now illuminates the ramparts is the torch of labour, for peace and economic and social justice in the years ahead. 171. It is against this background and in the spirit of this philosophy, in pursuit of our peaceful but activist role in international relations, that for the first time we are seeking to serve on the Security Council.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In this connexion I wish to thank the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for publicly confirming here his country's unquestioning and timely support for Malta's peaceful strivings [28th meeting]. 168. We are convinced that one day the community of nations will have cause to appreciate the initiatives, the energy and the foresight of small countries in their disinterested pursuit of promoting change from policies of almost instinctive military confrontation to a more peaceful, just and co-operative society. 169. In terms of all that is needed before universal peace is secured, Malta's contribution, coming as it does from a small island, cannot but be modest; set against what the island can contribute on its own, it represents our maximum potential.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Even as we continue to search for this understanding, the transition-period we had allowed ourselves is nearing its end. Undeterred by obstacles, Malta plans to move ahead, serenely to meet its moment of destiny, to honour its undertaking. In good faith, with pride and dedication, Mr. President, we bring before you and this Assembly at least on? example in today's turbulent world of a country turning away from militaristic confrontation and -transferring all its energies and resources to peaceful endeavours, backed by the courage of its convictions, by the determination of its own people, and by the. sympathetic understanding and tangible support of many countries, starting with some of our most immediate neighbours-particularly Algeria and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Why, then, should there be hesitation, given these convergent interests, about taking effective action when the opportunity presents itself? Is it considered unnatural or eccentric these days for a small, defenceless country to seek to promote stability and security within its region? 166. By contrast, Malta's objectives and aspirations were quickly understood and endorsed by the non-aligned countries, near and far. They have all decided to extend moral, economic and political support, for which we express great appreciation. It is only in Europe that difficulties persist, despite our affinities in all other respects. My Prime Minister recently took the occasion of a Council of Europe, meeting forthrightly- to explain our aspirations, and to ensure that they were well understood and evaluated. 167. But time is running out.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“To our regret we have found those sources that are the best equipped, and from which we had expected the greatest measure of assistance and co-operation, consistently failing to give us the necessity response, which could have created the basis for mutually satisfactory arrangements. European countries that we contacted in a search for political and economic support to guarantee our neutrality only gave responses that were, and continue to be, vague and vacillating. 165. This we find difficult to understand, because it is clear to us that a peaceful island in the centre of the Mediterranean will contribute to the stability of the region, which is in the best interests of Malta's immediate neighbours and even of distant Powers.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Ever since the decision was taken, therefore, the Government and people of Malta have been strenuously endeavouring to build the necessary political and economic infrastructure that would permit a truly independent Malta to pursue its natural yearning—to serve as a haven and catalyst for peace in our troubled region and to erase our old image as an island- fort IOSS for the dominant foreigner. 164. In these endeavours we have felt it both necessary and legitimate to turn to our partners and neighbours for understanding, assistance and support. Many countries have responded tangibly and enthusiastically.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“One pretext after another was advanced against our just claims, and the little effort made to diversify the economy had hardly any effect on the island's heavy dependence—almost 50 per cent-on income generated from the military bases. The real needs of the island's security were also subordinated to military considerations, as seen, not by Maltese leaders, but by outsiders. 163. This was the formidable problem that Malta faced in 1971, at the time the momentous decision to do away with all military entanglements was taken. This decision implied a radical change in the structure of the entire economy within a relatively short period, necessitating the transformation of all activities and a transfer from war-related services to the new industries of peace.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In historical perspective, that past period in our history covers several centuries, but particularly in living memory it is represented by the darkest days of the 1940s, when Malta, constitutionally not even authorized to take its own decisions, was inextricably caught in the European fratricide. The people of Malta at that time suffered the world's most concentrated bombing and came within a few days of outright starvation, and the island incurred enormous physical damage. 162. Subsequently, when sanity was restored, despite Malta's valiant contribution to the cause of democracy and despite the strivings of its political leaders, we were denied contributions in financial aid compatible with our needs, even though our economic infrastructure had been damaged beyond repair.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“This will be a major turning-point for which we had deliberately planned a phased approach in advance. As a first step, my Government in 1971, on the basis of its popular mandate, told the people of Malta and the world at large that it had set itself a target date, by agreement with the United Kingdom, for the dismantling of the military bases on the island. 161. The second phase was a search with our European and Arab friends for a formula for a political status that would permit Malta to give its fullest contribution to peace and security and continue to serve European interests in a peaceful way in future, in stark contrast to the tremendous sacrifices in blood and tears that Malta made in the past when it served Europe militarily.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Malta's objective is to turn the Mediterranean area into a hive of friendly co-operation, throbbing with peaceful activities so demanding in time and resources that none will be left for military confrontation, and the tensions of the past will eventually be relegated to our history books, so that we shall truly have transformed the Mediterranean into a zone of peace, through common endeavours. 160. The February meeting will hardly have ended before we pass another important milestone in our chequered history. It will herald a new era for Malta, because we do not preach in the abstract; what we propose regionally and globally we apply rigorously at home. Accordingly, in March 1979 the existing military bases in Malta will be closed down for good.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Subsequently, at the first review session in Belgrade in 1977, while pointing out deficiencies in implementation, we secured agreement to a meeting of experts on the Mediterranean to discuss specific avenues of co-operation— the only new and practical outcome after the promise of progress raised by the Helsinki Agreement. That meeting will be held in Malta in February next year. It will, we hope, constitute a watershed in the history of our region. It is the first meeting of its kind, and we are dedicated to making it a success. Preparations are already under way, and consultations will soon be initiated, to smooth the way for the substantive discussions that should lead to several recommendations for specific areas of co-operation.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We therefore support the proposal for the holding of an international conference in 1981, and have in fact offered to act as host to that meeting. A few years ago, also on Malta's initiative, decisive action was finally taken through the co-operative action of all concerned to prevent and halt pollution in the Mediterranean, which was threatening to turn that beautiful sea into a lifeless sewer. 159. At the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe we insisted that a declaration that did justice to the importance of the Mediterranean should form an integral part of the Final Act signed three years ago at Helsinki.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“We believe that such consultation, recognizing mutuality of interest and conducted in a constructive spirit of equality, could lead to the gradual disappearance of past division; it could forge the links of a new partnership capable of keeping peace in our own region, without outside interference, while restoring to the region a new spirit and an independent, respected role in the council of international relations. 158. Even as I speak today, on my country's initiative representatives from all the Mediterranean countries are meeting in Malta to establish a regional centre for the practical utilization of renewable energy sources—wind, solar and biomass energy. This is future-oriented planning, on a regional basis, but we are not neglecting the global aspect.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“From our own contacts and from the strength of these popular movements we sense that Europe as a whole is slowly awakening to a fuller realization of the political, strategic and economic significance of the countries on the opposite shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is strenuously engaged at the governmental level in promoting the advancement of the muted dialogue that has been initiated so as to transform it into a permanent platform of political consultation.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In our own region we have stressed the need for greater concentration on the potential for unity and have derived encouragement from the evident trends towards regional integration. Consequently no opportunity has been lost to point out the significance of new perspectives in Euro-Mediterranean co-operation. Despite psychological and historical obstacles, at times even derision, popular movements for understanding and co-operation are reaching out to each other among Mediterranean countries even as new clouds of confrontation are unfortunately looming in other parts of the world. We have nourished these popular peaceful movements, and many meetings have been held in Malta over the past few years in which wider co-operation has been discussed-and given new impetus. 157.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“With success within the grasp of the international community acting in concert it would be deplorable if economic interests in one or more industrially-advanced nations were to be given unilateral legal sanction to embark on exploitation activity before a convention was negotiated. This element of power-play would deal a psychological blow to the delicate negotiating process. My country has expended much energy on this initiative, and as a token of our faith in eventual success the Government of Malta continues to keep available valuable land and building sites for the proposed international sea-bed authority, which we hope will be established, with its headquarters in Malta in recognition of our historic and timely initiative. 156.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Other resources and intellectual efforts have also been expended on this worth-while attempt to introduce order and equity in a new field of human endeavour, instead of possible anarchy and the continued injustice of the strong to the detriment of the weak. This constitutes a practical example of cumulative concerted effort and concentration of resources by this Organization for the common good. It will pay enormous dividends in the years to come and could provide a new spirit of partnership in the relations between developed and developing countries, which Malta has long advocated. 155.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“The concept of the demilitarization of the ocean floor is already embodied in a treaty [resolution 2660 (XXV)], subject to improvement though it may be. A certain amount of co-ordination among previously independent institutions and haphazard activities has been secured. A new legal concept of the common heritage of mankind has been accepted and its provisions elaborated. Contributions by dedicated scientists, such as Cousteau and Heyderdahl in their admirable peaceful research, have dramatically opened our eyes to the beauty and fragility of the marine ecology and environment, and their scientific expertise has been devoted to preservation rather than to destruction.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“Consequently, after months of quiet but intensive research, the Maltese delegation placed before this Assembly a detailed projection for a new concept of international co-operation in the area of this planet beyond national jurisdiction, which up to that time had been protected from man's rapacity by the superjacent marine environment. We signalled in advance the potential—either for partnership or for conflict—that new technology would soon make possible, within our lifetime, in the militarization of the ocean floor and the exploitation of its mineral resources. 154. The result of that initiative has not yet crystallized into a permanent convention and institution, despite a decade of intensive negotiations. Already, however, much has been accomplished, and the end is in sight.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“And so we looked into the future, to a new arena of human endeavour on our planet and to emerging perspectives in Malta's own region. We fitted our own national policy to and concentrated our energy and resources on the pursuit of those approaches, almost revolutionary in concept but entirely just and peaceful in application. We put forward concrete proposals which have been translated into specific action. 153. In 1967 we felt that a start could at least be made, with better prospects of success, in deciding on a course of action over an area of activity that at that time was only a future possibility.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“In all modesty, let me not only say but also prove to the Assembly that, parallel with our active participation in this forum to resolve enduring problems inherited from the past and as we became increasingly conscious of the difficulties of securing a sufficient rate of progress, Malta did not content itself with merely pointing out the need for changes in our attitude and joining in the passage of countless resolutions. 152. We felt that much more was required, that the time and opportunity for change had arrived and that they should be seized before they were lost. We felt that it was within our individual and collective capability to envisage new horizons. We felt that the more formidable the obstacles the more strenuous and persistent were the efforts required at the global, regional and national levels.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“As a developing island country lacking in natural resources, Malta has piloted various resolutions, both in UNCTAD and in the General Assembly, calling attention "to the particular problems of this category of developing country, and recommendations have emerged whose application we shall pursue. On social affairs, we have raised the question of the elderly and the aged in society, a phenomenon of increasing importance in modern population trends and one with regard to which we have developed new models of treatment at home. 151.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)
“There is still much that needs to be done even in this administrative approach, certainly on such matters as the streamlining of bodies and institutions, the avoidance of overlapping activities and the elimination of unnecessary expenditure, but also, which is of more importance, on such matters as the need for the various secretariats within the system - particularly here at Headquarters to be more attuned to the needs and objectives of the developing countries. 150. In recent years we have also taken direct initiatives in chosen sectors of special concern to us.”
1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)