YouSaid · the spoken record

U Hla Phone

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS U HLA PHONE

lines on the record: 63
first: 1975-09-24
most recent: 1977-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

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“Obviously, a new international order, a more just, fair and equitable system of relations among States, will emerge only to the extent that States Members of the United Nations harmonize their national interests with the long-term interests and purposes of the emergent international community as envisaged in the Charter. It is therefore apparent that Member States should address themselves more consciously to such practical measures so as to translate the ideals of the United Nations into reality.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“As is clearly indicated in the Charter itself, such a world community will emerge only if Member States steadfastly pursue the purposes of the United Nations and act in accordance with its principles in pursuit of these purposes. 185. It is a fact that every State, when it joins the United Nations, cannot help but bring with it its own national interest and it expects that it will be satisfied, or at least not be infringed upon, by membership in the United Nations. In practice, however, it is often not possible to avoid some serious conflict or incompatibility between national interest, on the one hand, and the wider international interests pursued by the United Nations, on the other. 186.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Some are structural in nature and here changes can only come with time. But others, such as the rapid deterioration in the balance of payments of many developing countries, are more pressing and require urgent attention. We hope that our continuing dialogue on these important issues will take place in a spirit of co-operation and mutual benefit and that we shall be able to find just and concrete solutions to these complex problems. 183. Before I conclude, let me turn briefly to a fundamental difficulty of our Organization. 184. It is a matter for satisfaction that steady progress is being made towards the universality of the membership of the United Nations. It is clear, however, that universality of membership alone is not sufficient to bring about the kind of international order, the kind of world community, envisaged in the Charter.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Under these circumstances, negotiations must necessarily be resumed. We endorse the view that the United Nations system is the most appropriate and fully representative forum for these negotiations. We also believe that is general consensus on this. Such a process should, incur opinion, begin with the current session of the General Assembly. 181. There is much that can be done within the United Nations system on the question of international economic co-operation. But a successful outcome will depend on our efforts to strengthen the United Nations and make it a more effective instrument for such action. Hence we support the current endeavour to restructure the Organization, to increase its efficiency and to enhance its role. 182. The discussions of the past year have identified many key issues in the current economic scene.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The latent instability and prolonged crisis in the world economy more than ever points to the fact that the present international economic system no longer conforms to the demands of the times. A restructuring of the world economy has become imperative to resolve the inequalities and imbalance in international economic relations by the establishment of the new international economic order. 179. The past year witnessed an intense debate at the Paris Conference to resolve some of the main problems in international economic relationships. Despite concerted efforts, the achievements did not go much beyond clarifying problems and enhancing our understanding of the basic issues. We feel that no substantive gains were made towards the establishment of the new international economic order. 180.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Only thus can the over-all responsibility of the United Nations in the disarmament sphere be upheld and agreements responsive to the interests of the international community as a whole be achieved. 176. World economic trends over the past year continue to reflect the prevailing crisis of recession. What is worrisome is that no solution has yet been found to alleviate the problems of economic growth, unemployment, monetary difficulties, hunger, poverty, and so on. These ills afflict all countries in some form or the other and to a greater or lesser degree. 177. No single country has been spared the economic shocks of crisis in the domains of energy, raw materials, food, industrialization and technology. 178.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“To tamper with the established programme of priorities between nuclear and non-nuclear measures will do a grievous disservice to the cause of general and complete disarmament and of world peace and security. 174. The delegation of Burma is glad to note what appears to be hopeful signs of movement in two important areas of arms control. We refer to the trilateral talks on the prohibition of underground nuclear weapon tests and the bilateral talks on the banning and elimination of chemical weapons. 175. In this connexion we welcome the assurance that the results of the negotiations will be laid before the appropriate international forums. This would enable positive improvements to be made through democratic discussions and the broadest possible multilateral dialogue and consensus.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Currently, the thrusts and responses of new advances in weapons technology, of shifts in the orientation of strategic doctrines, and of the political-level decisions taken in their wake are threatening to set off yet another frenzied and dangerous nuclear arms race between the world's most powerful nuclear-weapon States. 173. It has long been recognized that nuclear weapons and their carriers lie at the heart of the disarmament problem. Given the magnitude and gravity of the present state of the nuclear arms race, the delegation of Burma strongly feels that the forthcoming special session of the General Assembly on Disarmament should address this key area as the matter of first priority. Nuclear disarmament can pave the way to arms control and disarmament measures in the other fields.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Outside its framework are the bilateral Strategic Arms Limitation Talks conducted between the major nuclear Powers since 1969. No less significant are the East-West talks in Central Europe held since 1973, on reducing armed forces and armaments. The United Nations designated the 1970s as the Disarmament Decade, which is now well past its half-way mark. There have been no tangible results in the field of disarmament measures basically because of a lack of political will on the part of the principals of the arms race. This situation reveals a serious- crisis in the current negotiations on disarmament and arms control. 172. In particular, the disarmament scene today is heavily overshadowed by new and ominous developments in the nuclear arms race.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It is a paradox of our times that, while the world talks of disarmament, the science of war has progressed enormously in terms of the range and destructive power of weapons, both nuclear and conventional. Disarmament negotiations have been deadlocked for years and the arms race continues unabated, thrusting to ever new heights. The agreements reached thus far are largely measures of control and limitations of armaments in environments where weapons do not as yet exist, such as outer space, the moon, the sea-bed and ocean floor, and so on. In other words, these agreements do not constitute actual disarmament measures and have not acted to stop the escalating arms race. 171. The Geneva Conference of the Committee on Disarmament has been meeting yearly since 1962.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Without saying that the Palestinians should accordingly be represented with all other parties in any negotiations for a just and lasting settlement in the Middle East. 169. The prospects for reconvening the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East appear to have moved closer than before. This is a trend which we welcome. At this point, the delegation of Burma must express its deep regret over the recent Israeli establishment of new permanent settlements on the West Bank. Such action can only be deplored as an obstacle to international peace-making efforts and as compounding further the complexities of the Middle East problem. 170. I now turn to the pressing problem of disarmament. This has been a matter of prior concern since the inception of the United Nations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“The situation would almost certainly deteriorate, with incalculable consequences not only for the Middle East but for the international community as a whole". 167. In the search for a just solution to the problem, much stress has been laid on the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from Arab territories occupied in 1967; on the recognition of the right of Israel to exist as a State; and on an end to the state of belligerency. These are indeed important prerequisites to a negotiated settlement in the Middle East. 168. As we see it, the key to a Middle East solution is still the Palestine issue. It is now generally agreed that the Palestinians are a national entity entitled to their own State in Palestine.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It firmly believes that the evil system of colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination and oppression must be finally eliminated in the interests of peace and friendly relations among nations. 165. The critical Middle East situation remains a perplexing issue. International peace-making efforts in the current year have not brought the Middle East problem any nearer a solution, though they did at times seem to be moving forward to enter a period of active negotiations for a peaceful settlement. 166. The burden of prolonged confrontation in the Middle East and its political and economic consequences is beginning to tell on all parties concerned. These are pressures compounding the dilemma of peace or war. Unless serious negotiations get under way, we are in agreement with the Secretary-General that: ..”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“In this situation, the delegation of Burma would hope that the present United Nations decision to help with the necessary arrangements to effect the transition to majority rule in Zimbabwe will prove fruitful. We further express the hope that it will be possible for all parties concerned to co-operate in finding a solution which would reflect the legitimate aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe for transition to majority rule and national independence. As we see it, the struggle over Zimbabwe has reached a stage in which there is less and less scope for manoeuvring and for delaying a solution. 164. The delegation of Burma is unequivocal on the question of southern Africa. Burma is committed to the struggle for freedom, equality and human dignity, which has swept over Asia and Africa.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“We consider that the United Nations commitment to carry out the decolonization of Namibia and to ensure the handing over of power to the people of Namibia in a united Namibia should be scrupulously honoured. 161. The explosive situation in Zimbabwe is another area endangering peace and security in the region. 162. Considerable diplomatic efforts have been invested, both within and outside the United Nations, for effecting a negotiated transition to majority rule in Zimbabwe. The policy of the so-called internal settlement pursued by the illegal racist minority regime has frustrated all positive endeavours 'in this direction. If that regime were not stopped from implementing its plans in Zimbabwe, an escalation of the armed conflicts with disastrous consequences would become inevitable. 163.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“It has embarked on a policy of imposing its own constitutional formula for Namibia that would fragment the country into several States with subservient regimes. In this manner, the South West Africa People's Organization, a liberation movement internationally acknowledged as the representative of the people of Namibia, is being excluded as a partner in any effort to settle the problem of Namibia. Furthermore, that regime has escalated its military build-up in the Territory. All this has brought the situation in Namibia to a crisis. 160. The delegation of Bur via reaffirms its support for the inalienable right of the people of Namibia to self- determination and independence.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“A classic case in point is the upheavals involved in the current situation in southern Africa. The policies and practices stubbornly pursued there by the minority racist regimes in open defiance of United Nations authority continue to exacerbate the world situation. 158. The situation in Namibia and Zimbabwe is in a critical phase and is dangerously fraught with the risk of civil war and outside intervention. Both Territories are being subjected to an "internal solution" by the illegal racist minority regimes in occupation. This is in complete disregard of all positive initiatives taken by the Security Council and the General Assembly to enable the people concerned to achieve genuine national independence. 159. In Namibia the racist minority regime of South Africa continues to consolidate its illegal occupation of the Territory.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Its admission to the United Nations signifies a positive step towards fulfilment of the goal of the universality of this Organization. 156. Yet another African State has shaken off the shackles of colonialism and emerged as a sovereign, independent State. I refer to the Republic of Djibouti, whose delegation is among us for the first time. We congratulate it on its admission to the United Nations and extend to it the hand of friendship. The birth of a new State like the Republic of Djibouti certainly demonstrates that colonialism is being progressively eliminated and it marks another milestone in the discharge of the historic tasks of our Organization. It reminds us not only of the vast field we have traversed in this area but also of the persistent need to march forward. 157.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“153. I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to you, Sir, the warm congratulations of the delegation of Burma on your election as President of the thirty-second session of the General Assembly and to assure you of our support and cooperation as you discharge your high office. 154. At the same time, we pay a tribute to the President of the thirty-first session of the Assembly, Ambassador Amerasinghe, for the dignity and distinction with which he steered the work of that session. 155. This year we are happy to see the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam swelling our ranks. After a heroic struggle for over three decades to gain acceptance as a unified legitimate entity in the international community, Viet Nam has achieved at last its rightful and deserved place in our family of nations.”
1977-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 32 (1977)
“Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that, although a favorable international setting can be conducive to promoting economic progress, the main effort for development must be made by the developing countries themselves. International assistance and co-operation can, at the same time, play a useful supplemental role in aiding such efforts. The assistance thus provided, at present and in the future, should be expanded and made more effective. This, we feel, is a responsibility which the developed countries should undertake in co-operation with the developing countries. 85. These are in general the reflections of the delegation of Burma ?n reviewing the world situation.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In this regard, we are glad to note that the activities that the regional commissions, the specialized agencies and other United Nations bodies have undertaken in support of the development effort of many developing countries have met with a considerable degree of success. 82. Obviously, we are in favor of increasing the effectiveness of this role of the United Nations. We therefore welcome the present attempt to restructure the United Nations and to make it a more effective instrument for economic development and international co-operation. 83. I have so far dealt with the problem of economic development and social progress in the international context. This is because in our increasingly integrated world, the interdependence of the interests and well-being of developed and developing countries is a factor of growing significance. 84.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In recent years, the sixth and seventh special sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, the fourth session of UNCTAD, and the recently concluded Colombo Conference of non-aligned countries have highlighted the tasks ahead. It is imperative that the international community address itself urgently and resolutely to these tasks if any appreciable progress is to be made towards the achievement of the objective set out in the Charter of the United Nations. 81. The resolutions and decisions taken at various United Nations forums have not had the political impact we had hoped for. This should not, however; make us lose sight of the useful work the United Nations and its agencies are performing in the economic and social field.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Over the past three decades, numerous consultations have indeed been held both within and outside the United Nations with a view to resolving the economic problems facing the world today. As a result of these consultations, many important issues have been clarified and useful approaches to the solution of the problems involved have also been identified. The large number of resolutions adopted and recommendations made, particularly the recommendations contained in the International Development Strategy, testify to this. peoples. The reason for this state of affairs is that these resolutions and recommendations, like many resolutions on political issues, have largely remained unimplemented. 80.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“It can fairly be said that, as a result of the Third Conference, new legal concepts have already emerged as principles and rules of international maritime law which will provide a sound and viable basis for inter-State relations with respect to the sea. 77. I would now like to say a few words on the state of the international economy. As the representatives present here are fully aware, one of the basic aims of the United Nations is to promote social progress and better standards of life in greater freedom and, towards this end, to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples. 78. To what extent has this objective been achieved?”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“As some of my colleagues present here are probably aware, the Prime Minister of Burma in his report to the Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament) on 10 March 1975, stated that arrangements were under way to establish Burma's exclusive economic, zone at 200 miles. Till now we have kept faith with the negotiations of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. However, faced with the prospect of even further protraction of those negotiations, we in Burma consider that the time has now arrived for us to judge what measures are needed to protect our national maritime interests and act accordingly. We must, however, hasten to add that the historic international effort to elaborate a new convention on the law of the sea has not been an exercise in futility.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“My delegation is most gratified that our distinguished Secretary-General has lent his valuable support to the proposal of ' the non-aligned nations. 75. We have often stated in the General Assembly that Burma strongly favors the governing of the oceans and their uses by generally acceptable and universally applicable rules of international law, elaborated through multilateral dialog and consensus. We have stated that if multilateral dialog should fail, or become unduly protracted, necessity would compel nations to resort to unilateral action in establishing national maritime zones along their coasts. This is precisely what is happening now in various parts of the world, including our own. 76.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“That is why my delegation would urge the General Assembly to give due consideration to the call made by the recent Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held in Colombo, for the holding of a special session of the General Assembly on disarmament as early as possible and not later than \91S [see A/31/197, annex I, para. 139]. A special session will not only focus the attention of international public opinion on this age-old and pressing problem, but will also enable Governments to explore and devise ways and means whereby our common goal of universal disarmament can be pursued more methodically and with a greater sense of purpose and direction in the decades ahead than in decades past.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“At the same time, ever newer and deadlier types of nuclear weapons and systems are being devised and produced. The number of nations possessing technological capability to produce nuclear explosives has increased and the possibility of its misuse is becoming a matter of grave concern. 73. The armaments race has thus become one of the greatest scourges of humanity, and failure to act wisely and effectively at this juncture in order to halt and reverse it is bound to confront the world with an unpleasant and irreversible reality. 74.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“To quote the words of our Secretary-General "in a world increasingly preoccupied with the problems of social justice, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, disease, development and an equitable sharing of resources", in this situation, such continued diversion to armaments of creative human energies and productive resources on a colossal and ever- increasing scale is both tragic and intolerable while keeping the world in a constant state of insecurity and tension. 72. My delegation cannot fail to stress that the ominous implications of nuclear weapons continue to impinge upon our lives. No progress has been made in nuclear disarmament despite the priority assigned to it in negotiations for the goal of general and complete disarmament under effective international control. Nuclear testing continues.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Indeed rearmament has been pursued so ruthlessly that, over the past decade alone, world military expenditures have more than doubled to the staggering annual rate of $US 300 billion at constant prices. What is perhaps even more alarming is that an end to this escalation of military spending is nowhere yet in sight. Along with military expenditures, military arsenals-particularly those of the major armed Powers are continuing to grow unchecked in size and in diversity. New and even deadlier weapons systems are being developed. Massive arms transfers are taking place on an unprecedented scale. In short, the uncontrolled arms race is threatening to become uncontrollable. 71.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“There is a growing awareness among these countries that they themselves have to play an increasing role in creating conditions under which peace and security can be maintained, and co-operation for economic and social advancement promoted. We view these positive factors as providing the countries of the region with an opportunity to work together for their common objectives of safeguarding national independence and promoting peace and social progress. 70. Let me now turn to another area in which resolute and co-ordinated international action is urgently required. For over 30 years now, the world has been concerned with the problem of disarmament, but nations are engaged in rearmament.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Allow me to turn briefly to the region in which my country is situated. The end of the war in Kampuchea, Viet Nam and Laos last year was highly welcome in South-East Asia. It was a great relief to the region, which had not known peace and tranquility since the beginning of the Second World War. Now, after 30 long years of arduous struggle by its people, Viet Nam has emerged as a reunified nation. Kampuchea and Laos are also proud to stand once again as united independent nations. 69. As a result, the whole region is undergoing a process of far-reaching political, economic and social change and, of late, there have emerged trends towards establishing new relationships among the countries in the area.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The lack of a lasting and permanent homeland for the Palestinian people is the underlying cause of the problems of the Middle East. The basic prerequisite for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the region is obvious: it is the restoration of the national rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to establish their own State. It is also clear that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all States in the region and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized borders cannot be ignored and must be respected. 67. Burma is, in principle, opposed to any territorial acquisition by war. We consider the rectification of the problem of the Israeli occupation of Arab lands of 5 June 1967 to be of the utmost importance. 68.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Given the spirit which moved Korean statesmen to agree on the three principles of the joint communique, may we be permitted to express the hope that they will overcome their present differences and prove equal to the commitment to seek national unity and the peaceful reunification of Korea. It is our view that the Korean people themselves should work out, without any outside interference, acceptable positions that could be adopted as a basis for eventual reunification. It also stands to reason that any process directed towards resolving the Korean problem must involve the active participation of both the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. 66. The crisis in the Middle East continues to command world attention. The situation there has, in fact, become more confused and complex with recent happenings in Lebanon.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The situation is, however, still extremely tenuous and would require greater efforts to ensure a transition from the threat of war to prospects of a peaceful solution. 64. If the minority regimes are to be induced to change their course, this can be accomplished only through united action on the part of the international community to dispel such illusions in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. 65. So long as the Korean problem eludes settlement, it will remain a source of world tension. Burma regards the joint North-South communique of 4 July 1972 as an act of statesmanship opening the door to dialog to facilitate conditions for a peaceful solution of the Korean problem.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Dark clouds of war hover menacingly as the people of the region mobilize for armed struggle to liquidate colonialism, racism and racial discrimination. The collective efforts of the United Nations to assure the peaceful fulfillment of the aspirations of the oppressed peoples of southern Africa have long been up against the solid wall of open defiance by the minority regimes of Rhodesia and South Africa. 63. South Africa persists in its intransigence by continuing its illegal occupation of Namibia, as well as by its unabated policy of apartheid, in defiance of countless resolutions of the United Nations. In Zimbabwe, the situation has been escalating rapidly with the intensification of the armed struggle against minority oppression. There is now a belated recognition by the illegal regime of the principle of majority rule.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“It is our fervent hope that it will be equally possible for other parts of the world to benefit from the favorable trends in great Power relations, so as to achieve the greatest possible spread of peace and security. 61. The longstanding areas of crisis in southern Africa, the Middle East and the Korean peninsula, continue to constitute a threat to international peace and security. Over the past 30 years, the General Assembly has been preoccupied with many of the problems of these crisis areas. Yet there is no discernible prospect of fruitful advance towards their resolution. Today, the situation in these areas is marked by acute tensions. The issues have become more intense and complicated than ever as time and history overtake events. 62. We meet at a time of grave forebodings in southern Africa.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In recent years, the tendency of the great Powers to have recourse to negotiations, dialog and contact in the search for political solutions to their differences has resulted in the relaxation of tensions among them and has been instrumental in giving a positive direction to their relations. The fact remains that this is chiefly a bilateral process based on mutual interest and security. It cannot be meaningful for other countries unless the same great Powers limit their involvement in the areas of the world where their competing interests tend to interpose. 60. Peace and security are indivisible. It is important to stress here that in the closely linked world of today, peace and security cannot be confined only to a few Powers.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Likewise, we very much regret that the People's Republic of Angola which has been accorded de jure recognition by more than two thirds of the States Members of the United Nations is still denied admission to our world Organization. This is contrary both to the spirit of the United Nations Charter and to the principle of universality. 58. The addition of each new Member implies the growth of this world forum in both strength and stature. It also implies the Organization's continuing validity and efficacy. Despite its short-comings and despite its apparent inability to make an impact on some of the most vital issues facing the world today, the United Nations remains a basic necessity of our times and the best hope of mankind. 59.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The consistent view of our Government is that each application for membership should be decided strictly on its merits in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of the Charter of the United Nations. Since last year, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has clearly established itself as a reunified nation of national independence with a Government exercising effective control over the entire country. Clearly it is entitled as of right to be represented in the United Nations according to the principle of universality of this Organization and on the same basis as every other Member State. The delegation of Burma looks forward to welcoming soon the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam into our family of nations. 57.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Mr. President, permit me first of all to convey to you the warm congratulations of the delegation of Burma on your election as President of this General Assembly. We wish you every success in the discharge of your high office and assure you of our support and co-operation. 54. To our outgoing President, Mr. Gaston Thorn, we take this opportunity to pay a tribute to his energetic efforts in presiding over the last Assembly. 55. We should also like to take this opportunity to extend to the delegation of the Republic of Seychelles a very warm welcome to our Organization. 56. At the same time, we regret that our friendly neighbor, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam has not yet been able to send a delegation to participate in the work of the General Assembly.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka, when he emphasized the urgent need to modernize the law of the sea, by saying: "Necessity knows no law". 126. My delegation earnestly hopes that when the Conference resumes its work in the spring of next year a spirit of accommodation and a resolute political will will be displayed on all sides in the measure needed to make the Conference a total success.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“I therefore realize that the task before the Conference is by no means simple or easy, and will require time for successful completion. 124. But we must also bear in mind that the political, economic and technological changes to which I have earlier alluded are taking place inexorably, thereby making the need for an international consensus on a new legal regime for the seas not only imperative but one of the utmost urgency. 125. Should the negotiations at the Conference become indefinitely protracted or fruitless, they will surely be overtaken by events. The alternative indeed, the only alternative to collective international consensus is unilateral State action. In this regard I can do no better than to recall the wise words of the President of the Conference, Mr.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Surely, there can be no rule of law on a world-wide basis if legal confusion and disorder prevail over the 70 per cent of the earth's surface that is covered by the seas. 123. Therefore every State, large or small, rich or poor, landlocked or coastal, has a vital, overriding interest in a speedy elaboration of a new, comprehensive international treaty that would replace the outdated Geneva system by a new legal order which would be just and equitable and, for that reason, more stable, durable and viable. I am not unmindful of the complexity of the issues involved, the multiplicity of the national interests that need to be harmonized, and the sheer magnitude of the undertaking in hand, which is nothing less than to legislate for the international community as a whole on a long-term basis.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Under the impact of rapid and far-reaching political, economic and technological developments, the legal system established by the four Geneva conventions of 1958 on the law of the sea is fast becoming inadequate in fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to prevent disputes and conflicts among States in the ocean environment and to ensure a peaceful, orderly and equitable utilization of the seas and their vast resources. There can hardly be any doubt that the "Geneva system" cannot much longer withstand the thrusts and responses arising out of technological innovation, political aims and economic necessity. A breakdown of that system will inevitably deal a severe blow to the cause to which my country is firmly dedicated of promoting the progressive establishment of, and universal respect for, the rule of law in this world.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“In this context, it will be necessary to take into account the possibilities and the scope of organizing specific needs, whether in the field of international security, economic development, communications or cultural co-operation. Only then can any structural or organizational changes that may be made secure the support and understanding of the Member States. 122. Another area in which urgent and timely international action is called for concerns the unfinished work of the third session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. As we all know, international maritime law, although it was codified as recently as 1958, has already become ill-adapted to meet contemporary needs and concerns.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“We hope that the Ad Hoc Committee on the Restructuring of the Economic and Social Sectors of the United Nations System established by the General Assembly at its seventh special session [resolution 3362 (S-VUJ] to prepare detailed action proposals will be able to make concrete recommendations which all of us can support. 121 The ever-growing interdependence of States and the need for promoting co-operation among them so as to be able to take collective action in various field obviously cjS for the strengthening of the United Nations The move to examine what structural change are needed tn t h e United Nations system to make more efficient and economical is, therefore, to be welcomed However, structural changes alone will not create necessary co-operative relations among Member States.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“It is also implicit that to do so, the effectiveness of the United Nations must be enhanced in dealing with problems of development and international economic co-operation. 119 By saying this we do not wish to deny that the United Nations is at present performing a useful function in international economic and social development. But its resources are limited, while the needs of world development are large. Hence it is all the more important to make effective use of the available resources. 120 We are therefore in favor of the new initiatives that are being taken to make the United Nations a more effective instrument of development and international economic co-operation.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“But, above all, the intensification of the debate in the wake of new developments in the structure of world economic power has given rise to a spirit of greater mutual accommodation, This was clearly discernible at the Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Non-Aligned Countries held at Lima last August. 117. Similarly, an expression of a spirit of conciliation was also noticeable at the recently concluded seventh special session. Likewise, there was a desire on the part of all the participating countries to make progress and to achieve concrete results, thus agreement was reached for further co-operation in several key problem areas. 118 Given this situation, the United Nations should help promote the emerging spirit of international cooperation and make it a vital force in world development.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“In particular, the program of Action adopted at that session contained many useful proposals which would contribute greatly towards the creation of a fairer world economic order. 114. What is being attempted at present is no less than to restructure and re-order the existing international economic relationships. This is not an easy task. For understandable reasons, many countries have strong views on the matter and difficulties remain. 115. Nevertheless, some progress has been made. Thus the continuing debate has helped clarify many complex issues. In the process, new approaches and new courses of action, too, have been devised and recommended. 116.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)