YouSaid · the spoken record

Stray

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS STRAY

lines on the record: 88
first: 1970-09-24
most recent: 1985-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“Only if our Organization can truly be said to be "a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends", as formulated in the Charter, will we be able to build a more peaceful, stable and just world.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“International humanitarian work, and in particular assistance to refugees, is an important element and has a long tradition in Norway's foreign policy. This policy will be continued and we will do our utmost to strengthen and support the activities of the High Commissioner. The United Nations is aptly described as a corner-stone in Norway's foreign policy. To enhance the role of the Organization is an important task for the Norwegian Government. Our aim is an organization that is effective and vigorous, that serves the needs of Member States and that plays a central role in the maintenance of international peace and security, in the promotion of economic and social development and in the protection of fundamental human rights.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“This international responsibility roust be exerted in a non-discriminatory way irrespective of.where the violation takes place. The application of basic human rights standards must be truly universal. A priority task must therefore be to strengthen the ability of the United Nations to deal with human rights violations. The establishment of a position such as the united Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will in our opinion be a useful instrument to this end. The refugee problem is also a joint responsibility of the international community. It is important that we all contribute to its solution. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees plays a key role in the efforts to alleviate the plight of refugees, in providing humanitarian assistance and protection and in finding countries for resettlement.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Norway supports these efforts of the United Nations and stands ready to participate actively and constructively in this field. In spite of present international rules and regulations, violations of human rights continue to take place to an alarming extent. In many parts of the world, discrimination, arbitrary executions, torture and denial of basic political and civil rights seem to be the rule rather than the exception. The most pressing challenge facing us today in the field of human rights is the practical implementation of agreed standards. This obligation rests primarily with the Governments themselves within their area of responsibility. The international community, however, in particular through the relevant organs of the United Nations, has a responsibility to oppose and as far as possible prevent violations wherever they occur.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Norway intends to participate actively in the .deliberations at this session of the General Assembly in order to arrive at a comprehensive approach within the United Nations to issues related to women. The United Nations has over the past 40 years made substantive advances in elaborating international human rights standards. The Covenants and Conventions that grew out of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights constitute the basis for promoting equal and fundamental rights for people in all parts of the world. Specific mechanisms have also been established by the United Nations to monitor compliance with these agreements. Although the existing international instruments are fairly comprehensive, improvements can and should be made.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The recently concluded World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for women succeeded in adopting by consensus a forward-looking strategy. This is a highly satisfactory result. After 10 years of struggle and confrontation, the Conference was able to affirm a global commitment to seek long-term changes in order to eliminate discrimination against women. We have thereby been provided with an important set of propositions that will guide our renewed efforts to help women to move into the social and economic mainstream of their societies. The General Assembly should at this session take steps to ensure that the many recommendations are systematically followed up and monitored by the United Nations.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“It is a matter of the utmost concern that such abhorrent weapons have been used in recent years and that they continue to be considered as militarily useful. Both the buildup and the spread of such weapons should be halted and a process of reduction should be started. International stability depends to a great extent upon our ability to secure a balanced development in all parts of the world. If we succeed in reducing the present levels of armament - as we must - some of the resources released in this process should be used for the benefit of the poorer nations. For those reasons Norway puts great emphasis on and will take an active part in next year's International Conference on the Relationship between Disarmament and Development.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Norway considers it most important that the confidence-building measures laid down in the Final Act of Helsinki be developed further. The commemoration this summer of the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Final Act of Helsinki reminded us that many expectations relating to the process of security and co-operation in Europe have not been met. However, through persistent efforts and by taking small steps at a time it should be possible to reduce mutual suspicion and insecurity and break down the barriers between East and West in Europe We regret that agreement on a comprehensive convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons has not been readied despite painstaking efforts in the Conference on Disarmament. The elimination of all chemical weapons from existing arsenals must be our aim.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“For our part, we have also stated that we would be ready to support proposals to create a basis for an agreed, balanced and verifiable freeze on nuclear arms in the context of negotiations on substantial reductions. Although substantial and balanced reductions in nuclear weapon are of primary importance, it is also vital to achieve progress in the field of conventional disarmament. We believe that a verified, lower level of forces in Europe, as a result of the Vienna negotiations on mutual and balanced force reductions, would be an important contribution to stability in that region. It would also be conducive to building confidence in East-West relations. The Stockholm Conference on Disarmament in Europe has taken up this particular task.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Moreover, the Review Conference has demonstrated the urgent need for further measures to halt the nuclear-arms buildup and to begin nuclear disarmament. We should continue to take concrete measures also within the United Nations framework to create a favorable climate for new progress in disarmament. Our task must clearly be to broaden the areas of agreement and put the collective weight of the Member states behind our recommendations. in this way our Organization will be able to make significant contributions to our efforts in search of security at a substantially lower level of armament. Similarly, the negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament should be expedited; in particular, it would be of special importance to move forward on a comprehensive ban on all nuclear tests.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“It is highly significant therefore - and it must be welcomed -that the United States and the Soviet Union have resumed their talks in Geneva. Norway fully supports those negotiations as a means of obtaining substantial reductions in the number of nuclear arms and in securing the removal of the most destabilizing nuclear-weapon systems. It is equally important to prevent an arms race in outer space. It is our hope that the Geneva talks will result in agreements covering reductions and limitations of offensive and defensive weapon systems. The maintenance of the non-proliferation regime is of vital importance for international peace and security. During the Third Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) that aspect was strongly emphasized.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In Central America, the persistent efforts of the Contadora countries offer the best hope for resolving problems in the area. The aim is to lessen the military tension and build confidence among the neighboring countries. Durable solutions can best be sought by the countries of the region themselves. In the opinion of sty Government, it is of particular importance to prevent outside interference. But other nations should render economic support and co-operation and encourage political and social reforms as a basis for a truly democratic and peaceful development. Disarmament has remained a central and important concern of our world Organization over the years. The challenge is especially urgent in the field of nuclear weapons.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In spite of the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General, the Afghan problem remains unresolved. The core of the problem is the unwillingness of the Soviet Union to consider in a serious way the question of troop withdrawal. We urge the Soviet Union to reconsider its position. A solution would significantly improve international relations. In Kampuchea we are confronted with a similar situation. Kampuchea has been occupied for nearly seven years by Vietnamese forces. The occupying Power shows no concrete willingness to contribute to a lasting and peaceful solution as drawn up by the General Assembly: first, the total withdrawal of all foreign troops and, secondly, the right of the Kampuchean people freely to choose their own government.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The parties involved must genuinely co-operate with UNIFIL in discharging its mandate. The security of the forces must not be unduly jeopardized. Responsibility for that rests primarily with the parties; but the Security Council also has an obligation to see to it that the Force's mandate can be implemented in accordance with the Council's own decisions. Before the present mandate expires in mid-October, careful consideration must be given to all aspects of UNIFIL*s presence in southern Lebanon. In Asia also we are faced with serious conflicts with widespread international consequences. The Soviet Union's military intervention in Afghanistan not only causes great suffering and losses for the Afghan people and increases tension in the region, but it is also me of the major issues preventing normalization between the East and the West.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The situation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) illustrates, however, the great difficulties that a peace-keeping force may encounter. UNIFIL is still in a position to fulfill its mandate. In spite of the difficult circumstances in which the Force has operated over the years, UNIFIL's presence has symbolized the will of the international community to restore peace and security and to re-establish Lebanese authority in the area in accordance with the resolutions of the Security Council. As a major troop-contributing country, Norway is concerned about the present unsatisfactory situation for the Force. It is of particular importance that UNIFIL be given a realistic opportunity to perform the tasks it has been assigned. UNIFIL should be allowed to deploy its troops down to the international border.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The peace initiatives taken by King Hussein of Jordan and President Mubarak of Egypt are steps forward in the search for a settlement. It is our impression that the cautious Israeli response enhances this prospect of renewing the peace process. Peace and security in the Middle East can ultimately be achieved only through a negotiated settlement that takes due account of the interests of all the parties concerned. Such a settlement must be based on the united Nations Charter and Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and negotiations should take place directly between the parties concerned. Peace-keeping operations constitute one of the most important and successful tools of the United Nations in its efforts to maintain international peace and security.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“My Government continues to believe that every effort must be made to achieve a negotiated settlement of the Namibian conflict in accordance with Security Council resolution 435 (1978). We have noted in this respect the efforts made by the Secretary-General and by the United States and would encourage them to continue their endeavors. The independence of Namibia is long overdue. The Middle East continues to be one of the most serious areas of conflict in the world. Lebanon remains in turmoil. There is no foreseeable end to the tragic armed conflict between Iraq and Iran with its meaningless loss of life and endless human suffering. The Arab-Israeli conflict is still an unresolved issue, we have, however, witnessed some positive developments.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In recent months many countries have introduced various such measures. In July the Security Council, in its resolution 569 (19S5), recommended that member States adopt a number of voluntary measures against South Africa. Norway welcomes these developments and urges other countries to implement similar measures. However, mandatory sanctions by the Security Council are still our primary request. Words of condensation of apartheid are not enough. Norway also appeals urgently to the South African Government to lift the state of emergency, to release all political prisoners and to start a dialog with the genuine leaders of the black population with the aim of abolishing apartheid and introducing equal rights for all population groups. The question of Namibia also constitutes a major challenge to the United Nations.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In 1978 the Nordic countries adopted a program of action for this purpose, and in March this year Norway took the initiative in reviewing and extending this program. The result of this will be that the Nordic Foreign Ministers will finalize an extended Nordic program of action at their meeting in Oslo next month. In addition to these Nordic measures, last March the Norwegian Government presented a national plan of action in order further to reduce Norway's trade and other economic relations with South Africa. This plan has already resulted in substantially reduced imports of any commodities from south Africa. In the present situation even limited sanctions may have an important psychological effect on the South African Government by making it clear that the apartheid system is unacceptable to the world community.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“In July this year the South African Government declared a state of emergency, detaining hundreds of political opponents and using violent means to suppress all political manifestation. These acts of oppression must be strongly condemned. The Norwegian Government firmly believes that effective international pressure must be brought to bear on the South African Government to put an end to apartheid by peaceful means. Norway has therefore repeatedly advocated that the United Nations Security Council adopt mandatory and comprehensive economic sanctions against South Africa. In the absence of this, Norway and the other Nordic countries have adopted a number of unilateral measures in order to increase the pressure on south Africa to abolish apartheid.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Opposition to apartheid is growing every day. Apartheid represents a serious violation of basic human rights as laid down in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Apartheid also constitutes a serious threat to peace and stability in southern Africa. The response of the South African Government to the legitimate demands for meaningful political participation by the non-white majority has been disappointing, to say the least. One should have no illusions that the recent attempts at reforming the apartheid system will bring any fundamental changes in the system as such. They are mostly directed towards maintaining it in another form.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Political rhetoric and verbal condemnations have often replaced efforts and taken time for the work of seeking realistic and constructive solutions. This is harmful to the reputation of the United Nations and, even more important, it is contrary to the long-term interests of Member States. We urgently need to alter this. Meraber states must face up to this challenge realistically and reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter, not only in words but, above all, in deeds. The challenges we are facing today, grave conflicts the resolution of which requires concerted international action, explain why a strengthening of the united Nations is so important. Let me comment on some of the more pressing problems with which the Organization is faced. In south Africa the situation is explosive.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“The fortieth anniversary of the united Nations calls for reflection and assessment of the future role of the Organization.- In his report the Secretary-General says: "He must be realistic about our difficulties and the dangers that we face. But let us also resolve to find the ways by which, together, we can surmount them." (A/40/1, p. 16) Norway fully concurs with the Secretary-General in his call for such a constructive and forward-looking approach. But, unfortunately, the realities today do not always correspond with the aims and objectives of the United Nations Charter. Too often we see a lack of the political will to assume collective responsibility and to respect and abide by the decisions taken.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Let me begin by expressing the deep sympathy we all feel with the people of Mexico following the serious earthquakes that struck their country and their capital last week. The tragic and widespread consequences, loss of life, human suffering and material damage have made the deepest impact world-wide. The international community stands ready to help the Mexican people in the enormous tasks that now lie ahead. Let me also join the previous speakers who have congratulated you, Sir, on your election to the very important office of President of this session of the General Assembly, i feel confident that your wise and firm leadership will contribute greatly to the successful outcome of our work this autumn.”
1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)
“Within the United Nations there is a need to ensure more concerted action by the organizations of the system in dealing with the important issues of development and international economic co-operation. For UNDP the resource problem is acute. Reductions in UNDP have serious repercussions not only for the entire United Nations development system, but also for the United Nations itself. I therefore appeal to all donors to maintain and, if possible, increase their contributions. Norway intends to maintain an active role in the work for a new international economic order. We regard the concept of a new international economic order as an effort to achieve the necessary combined strategy to foster just and equitable economic relations between rich and poor countries.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, held at Belgrade, took place in a constructive atmosphere, but it did not achieve the results we had hoped for. The Conference did, however, provide for common ground for tackling some of the most acute problems. It is now our hope that the joint meeting of IMF and the World Bank, which is currently taking place in Washington, will be able to bring the most pressing problems the developing countries are facing a step forward. We hope this meeting will give impetus to a positive result from the ongoing negotiations on the seventh replenishment in the International Development Association. Norway for its part is ready to participate in a seventh replenishment of the Association, which, in our view, ought to be at least as great in real terms as the sixth.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Finally, let me say a few words about the North- South issues which constitute an important part of our agenda. In spite of all efforts to bring the dialogue forward, we regretfully have to note that little progress has been achieved during recent years. Signs of economic recovery have been noted in some industrialized countries, but there is still widespread uncertainty about its underlying strength and durability. Even if we were to obtain increased and sustained growth in the developed market-economy countries, this alone would not be sufficient to bring about the reactivation of the development process in most developing countries. Recovery by itself cannot solve the problems of capital shortage, international indebtedness and protectionism.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“On the other hand, we share an international responsibility to oppose and prevent violations wherever they occur. The international community cannot accept the principle of non-interference in internal affairs as a justification not to act. The application of basic human rights standards must be truly universal and not subject to political expedience. Against this background, it is important to strengthen the institutional machinery of the United Nations in order to increase its ability to deal promptly with serious cases of human rights violations. The establishment of a post of high commissioner for human rights is such an instrument. We hope the recent decision by the Sub-Commission of the Commission on Human Rights 9 has brought the establishment of such a post closer to realization.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We are regularly confronted with reports of summary and arbitrary executions, racial discrimination, torture, involuntary disappearances and denial of basic political and civil rights. In many parts of the world such violations seem to be the rule rather than the exception. This is a situation which the international community must not tolerate. The realization of the dignity and equality of all human beings is an indispensable precondition if we are to strengthen and obtain international peace and security. The question of whether or not a State can be trusted is to a great extent influenced by its record in the Held of human rights. Clearly, the major responsibility for promoting and protecting human rights rests with Governments themselves within their area of jurisdiction.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The situation has been such that it could easily reach proportions which might have consequences for peace and stability beyond the borders of Lebanon. We therefore warmly welcome the cease-fire which was announced last night. We urge all parties fully to respect the provisions of this cease-fire agreement. However, a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in Lebanon can be achieved only if some basic principles are observed by all parties concerned. The independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected. The request of the Lebanese Government for withdrawal of foreign forces must be met. Violations of human rights continue to take place to an alarming extent in many parts of the world.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Norway fully endorses the resolution adopted at the special session of the Council of ICAO on 16 September calling for full investigation of the incident and measures to improve procedures relating to the interception of civil aircraft. The Soviet Union has a particular responsibility to co-operate fully with the competent international aviation authorities in this matter. We find a number of international conflicts on the agenda of this session of the General Assembly. The Norwegian delegation will refer to them all at the appropriate time. At this juncture, I shall address only one particular question, namely the situation in Lebanon. For a long time now we have been receiving daily reports on extensive fighting, civilian tragedies and failed efforts to restore peace.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We shall welcome all realistic proposals put forward with this objective in mind. They must be based on mutually agreed, balanced and verifiable formulas and include proposals prohibiting anti-satellite weapons. The tragic incident of the South Korean passenger aircraft which was shot down near the island of Sakhalin by Soviet military aircraft has shocked the world community. The use of armed force against international civil aircraft is incompatible with elementary considerations of humanity and with the rules, standards and recommended practices of the 1944 Chicago Convention All efforts must now be made, through ICAO, to prevent such a tragic incident from ever happening again.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The upholding and the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime must remain on our international agenda as a task of high priority. Emphasis also must be put on the achievement of a comprehensive test-ban treaty. Norway believes that such a treaty would represent an important disarmament measure. Likewise we attach considerable importance to the efforts to reduce and ultimately prohibit other weapons of mass destruction. It is particularly important to expand the present prohibition on the use of chemical weapons to include production and stockpiling, as well as a permanent and credible machinery for verification. We note with satisfaction that the question of prevention of an arms race in outer space has been placed on the agenda of international disarmament negotiations.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Furthermore, conventional arms reductions to equal and lower force levels would raise the nuclear threshold. The Madrid meeting on security and co-operation in Europe also aimed at achieving more openness and confidence among the States of Europe. It is encouraging that these talks have now concluded positively. This provides a basis for further progress. The negotiations within the Committee on Disarmament at Geneva and disarmament deliberations in the General Assembly provide an important and necessary supplement to the direct East-West negotiations. The General Assembly will set in motion the preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which is to be held in 1985.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In the United Nations context there has obviously been a tendency to focus our disarmament discussion mainly on nuclear weapons and to ignore the role played by conventional arms. As pointed out by the Secretary- General in his latest report on the work of the Organization, it is necessary to keep in mind that the many millions killed in war since Hiroshima and Nagasaki have all died from conventional weapons. We also know that the greater part of the vast resources spent on armaments all over the world—frequently to the detriment of essential needs—has been used for conventional arms. In Europe, the question of conventional arms has been subject to negotiations in the mutual and balanced force reduction talks at Vienna. A successful outcome of these talks would significantly promote confidence and stability between East and West.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In his statement earlier today, President Reagan outlined the main elements of the new United States proposals in Geneva. These proposals demonstrate the firm will and determination of the NATO countries to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion as soon as possible. They have, as President Reagan also mentioned, been subject to extensive consultations in the NATO alliance and have Norway's full support. We hope that the Soviet Union will respond to this initiative in a constructive manner. Our objective is not only to stop the nuclear arms race, but to achieve substantial reductions in these weapons. A general freeze on nuclear weapons is not an adequate solution, as by definition it would mean freezing the present imbalance, and this would probably weaken our possibilities of achieving real disarmament.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This development took place at a time when the Soviet Union had achieved parity with the United States in strategic nuclear arms. Against this background the countries of NATO found it necessary to counter the increased Soviet medium-range nuclear capacity and adopted in 1979 the double-track decision. It was decided to deploy in Europe 572 new United States missiles of a similar kind from the end of 1983 onwards, while at the same time offering negotiations in order to reduce or preferably eliminate the need for such weapons. These negotiations have now been going on at Geneva for more than two years. In this period the Soviet Union has continued to deploy its missiles. The number now stands at approximately 350 missiles with more than 1000 warheads.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Its impact is felt worldwide, but is of particular significance to the European countries, because it has a direct bearing upon their security situation. East-West relations in the early 1970s were characterized by the efforts to promote defense. This was above all marked by the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975. We had hoped that this event would lead to moderation and restraint by all parties—also in the military Held. However, a dominant feature of the European security situation in the last part of the 1970s was an increasing military buildup by the Soviet Union. West European countries observed with growing concern the development of a new generation of medium-range land- based Soviet SS-20 nuclear missiles, targeted on Western Europe, adding drastically to the existing Soviet military superiority in Europe.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Past experiences have shown us that all peace-keeping operations must have a clearly defined and operationally feasible mandate. It should be a precondition that all parties to a conflict are ready and willing to co-operate with the peace-keeping force in discharging its mandate. The collective responsibility of all United Nations members for the financing of peace-keeping operations must be respected. Let me add that the Nordic countries have for many years had stand-by forces earmarked for United Nations peace-keeping operations. We are prepared to share our training programmers for the forces with other countries. The East-West relationship plays a dominant role in international affairs.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The members of the Security Council, and particularly its permanent members, ought here to feel a special responsibility. Secondly, the Nordic report expresses support for a strengthening of the role of the Secretary-General. It is especially important that he should be able to act in the first stage of a conflict, and the report therefore strongly supports his idea of developing a wider and more systematic capacity for fact-finding in potential conflict areas. Further, it encourages him to make more use of his powers under Article 99 of the Charter to bring matters to the attention of the Security Council. Thirdly, the ability and capacity of the United Nations to launch peace-keeping operations should be strengthened.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Let me briefly mention some of the recommendations contained in the report. First, the efficiency of the Security Council should be improved. Procedures should be developed for initiating action by the Council at an early stage of conflicts. The idea of holding periodic meetings of the Council at the ministerial level to review the international situation should be considered again. Such periodic meetings could be useful both for early-warning purposes and for review of decisions taken previously by the Council. Decisions of United Nations organs should be the beginning and not the end of governmental concern and action, as rightly stated by the Secretary-General. All Member States have assumed an obligation under the Charter of the United Nations to respect and to implement the decisions of the Security Council.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This situation will continue as long as we do not take our commitments to the United Nations more seriously and take the necessary steps to make it a better and more efficient organization. In his report on the work of the Organization to the General Assembly last year the Secretary-General appealed to the Member States to take urgent action to enable the United Nations to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in its Charter. Subsequent international events have clearly demonstrated the need for the measures he called for. The most alarming feature is the continued tendency to resort to the use of force to settle international disputes. In order to support the Secretary-General's efforts to strengthen the United Nations, Norway, together with other Nordic countries, has presented a report with some ideas to this effect.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I should first like to associate myself with all previous speakers in congratulating you, Sir, on your election to the great office of President of this session of the General Assembly. I wish you every success in the fulfilment of your important tasks. One of the most famous works of the great Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is Peer Gynt. Through the character of Peer Gynt, Ibsen gave life to an inclination which we find in all of us—the inclination to evade the problems that we face. States Members of the United Nations seem to suffer from the same weakness as Peer Gynt. It is now nearly four decades since the United Nations was established, but we have still not been able to make it an effective instrument for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The Norwegian Government still thinks that the planned round of global negotiations represents a comprehensive and integrated approach to the North- South problems, and it still hopes that agreement can be reached so that this round can be launched during this session of the Assembly. We also intend to take a very active part in the preparations for the ministerial meeting of GATT in November and for the sixth session of UNCTAD to be held next year at Belgrade. The commitment of Norway to the goals of international development co-operation will also 6e evident from the decision of my Government to main¬tain its official development assistance at the level of 1 per cent of its gross national product in the years to come in spite of the economic problems which are facing my country also.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“My Government intends to maintain an active role in the work for a new international economic order. We regard the concept of a new international economic order as an effort, through international negotiations, to achieve a combined strategy to foster just and equitable economic relations between rich and poor countries. We see this as a matter of developing mechanisms for co-operation which will enable the international economic system to function in the best possible way to the mutual advantage of all parties, and in particular to the benefit of developing countries. 90. If the present situation regarding the North- South dialogue is allowed to persist, it may not only have a negative impact on the relations between the developed and developing countries, but also further aggravate the stress on the international economy.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The spectre of mass unemployment threatens the stability and cohesion of the international com¬munity, in particular because of its effect on our youth. 88. At the same time, the economic and development organizations within the United Nations system are faced with a crisis of their own. In a joint Nordic statement to the IMF/World Bank meeting the crucial importance of multilateral assistance was underlined, as well as the necessity for donor countries at least to keep their contributions to the present level. It* this forum, I would in particular point to the very difficult situation now facing UNDP. If we do not find a rapid solution to the present financial problems of UNDP the resulting cutbacks in projects and assistance will have serious repercussions on the entire United Nations development system. 89.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Before concluding, I would like to comment briefly upon the importance of the international economic situation, in particular the North-South dialogue. 87. One conclusion from the September meeting of the International Monetary Fund [IMF] and the World Bank in Toronto was that the world economic situation has worsened and that the short-term prospects for improvement are still bleak. The low-income devel-oping countries have been particularly hard hit by the recession in the industrialized world. Many of the developing countries are faced with crushing debt problems, the ramifications of which may threaten the stability of the international financial system. We see increasing protectionist tendencies and a risk of an erosion of the open international trading system.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Recognizing that violations of human rights must be regarded as an international concern, it must also be the duty of the international community to react to such violations whenever they occur, regardless of the political colour of the regime in question. The invocation of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs cannot be accepted as a justification for the international community not to act. If we do not respond similarly to comparable violations, our credibility will be at stake. My delegation will address itself to those issues later in this session, in particular with regard to the situation in Iran, where the viola¬tions of human rights are becoming increasingly severe through religious persecution, torture and arbitrary executions. 86.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Such reports show that a number of Governments do not live up to the commit¬ments and principles embodied in those covenants and declarations. We must also, regrettably, conclude that the mechanisms established for the protection and promotion of human rights are inadequate. 84. With that situation as the background, it must be an overriding concern to ensure more effectively each individual's enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This issue has been discussed for a number of years within the United Nations. Concrete proposals have been submitted; the establish¬ment of a post of United Nations high commissioner for human rights is only one among several examples. Thus, it is not a lack of ideas that hampers the pro¬motion of respect for human rights, but a lack of political will. 85.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“To conclude my remarks on disarmament, I would like to point out that positive results from these nego¬tiations could lead to a lessening of tension in the East- West relationship in general. 83. Since the creation of the United Nations sub¬stantial efforts have been undertaken to establish international instruments and norms for the protection of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights, one on civil and political rights and the other on economic, social and cultural rights, have become our basic instruments. In spite of those and other declarations, we are nevertheless confronted almost daily with reports of gross and systematic violations of fundamental human rights.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)