YouSaid · the spoken record

Minah

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS MINAH

lines on the record: 63
first: 1975-09-24
most recent: 1976-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Instead, conscious efforts are being made by the industrialized world to turn back the hands of time. There is hardly any sign whatever that concrete results are likely to emerge from the new international economic order, and certainly the main proponents of the old order-the developed countries-are doing all in their power to maintain that order intact. If the United Nations is to continue to have meaning and relevance, the new international economic order would demand a reversal of this trend. 154. In conclusion, Mr. President, let me recall that in the interdependent world of today, all our destinies are inextricably intertwined. There is only one humanity and we must survive or sink together.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“One group of developed nations opposes international commodity agreements f.i bolster prices as "a matter of principle" and are willing to go only as far as stabilizing foreign-exchange earnings through compensatory financing schemes; a second group is only prepared and willing to enter joint commodity pacts designed to reduce price seesaws and to guarantee a floor price; still a third group is willing to enter such pacts only on the condition that a ceiling based on so-called natural market forces is also agreed upon at the outset. 152. For the developing countries, there is nothing more frustrating than these diversionary tactics. 153. I hope it has been amply demonstrated that one year after the proclamation of the new international economic order, the aspirations of the peoples of the third world are still far from being realized.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“What the developing countries are seeking is the protection of the purchasing power of export earnings, the negotiation of commodity agreements, the formulation of the general principles of a pricing policy for commodity exports, compensatory financing schemes and buffer-stock arrangements-in short, greater stability in commodity prices and rising incomes. 151. These demands of the developing countries are just and reasonable. But this notwithstanding, we find varied opposition from the consumer nations.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“But they are, with notable exceptions, reluctant to accept the 0.7 per cent aid target suggested for the Second Development Decade, and- they shy away from the question of debt moratoriums. All these are traditional prescriptions calculated and insisted upon in order to maintain the old system and to frustrate any meaningful change. They voice their opposition to the integrated program for commodities and the establishment of a common fund for buffer stocks, and consider any idea of the indexation of prices as "absolute anathema". Consequently, the interest of the developing countries and the much-talked-of principle of interdependence are coldly cast aside. 150.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We have pursued our individual and regional efforts .with some consistency and reasonable success. In the latter area in particular, the growing contribution of the Mano River Union to the mutual development of Liberia and Sierra Leone and the emergency of the Economic Community of West African States give ample evidence of this. It is at the global level that results appear most disappointing because of a lack of goodwill on the part of those who are in a position to contribute most significantly. 149. The developed countries emphasize the importance of foreign aid (particularly food), the transfer of technology, international private investment, increased agricultural and food production, enhanced trade opportunities and rapid industrial growth.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Unfortunately, the response which they have made to the appeals of the third world in forums like UNCTAD in Nairobi and the North-South dialog in Paris, gives little hope of success as some of the promises, agreements and compromises reached during the sixth and seventh special sessions of the General Assembly are still to be honored. 147. We are told, of course, that if the international monetary system can be reformed in the right direction, many of these problems will automatically disappear and the First and Second United Nations Development Decades will suddenly become meaningful and productive. 148. We see our salvation, however, as the result of a many-sided effort involving individual endeavor, regional co-operation and global collaboration.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“No one can ignore the overwhelming debt-servicing and balance-of-payments pressures that have crippled some of our economies over the last few years. In 1972 the debt of non-oil-producing countries was only $15 billion. In 1976 it has soared to $120 billion. 146. The real rate of growth of the poorest countries, which before the oil crisis was 2 per cent, is now minus 0.8 per cent when allowance is made for population growth of 2.8 per cent. Indeed, the shrinking quantum of resources being transferred from the developed to the developing countries has combined with these pressures and many others, with which we are all too familiar, to decelerate the pace of our development and the growth of our economies. The eradication of these ills is the noble task in which we have called upon the industrialized countries to participate.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Based on these convictions, the developing countries have deployed considerable efforts to translate the concepts and principles of the new economic order into reality: from the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 in Manila culminating in the declaration of Manila, the Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non- Aligned Countries in Colombo, the fourth session of UNGTAD in Nairobi to the Group of 77 s recent Conference on Economic Co-operation Among Developing Countries in Mexico City. The philosophy behind these efforts is clear and simple: it is that any meaningful advancement by the developing countries must start with the removal of the root-causes of under-development. 145.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We are convinced that these efforts would, in the final analysis, make the new order a turning-point in the history of international relations and transform the entire economic structure of the world. For us, the new economic order holds the prospect of major progress towards the realization of the economic and social aspirations of the vast dispossessed majority of mankind. Until recently, these millions could not hope for anything but the perpetuation of the traditional relations of dependency Which locked them firmly in the selfish strangle hold of the industrial nations and their transnational corporations. 144.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“With the beginning of the North-South dialog a year or so ago and the establishment of the new international economic order, it can be reasonably assumed that the era of recriminations and confrontation is passing and being replaced by interdependence and self-reliance. More important still is the widespread acceptance of the Charter of the Economic Rights and Duties of States, in which the economic philosophy of the developing world is so eloquently articulated. 143. As a small country, Sierra Leone has contributed and continues to contribute to the translation of the new international economic order into reality by strengthening regional, subregional and interregional co-operation with countries whose present socio-economic structures are similar to its own.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The developing countries, on the other hand, apprehensive of economic monopolies and the systematic erosion of their interests, have consistently called for the exploitation and distribution of the resources of the sea-bed on the basis of equity, bearing in mind the present imbalance in the world economic structure. It is hoped that in the next session, there would be a greater effort towards compromise so that a draft treaty on the Law of the Sea would finally emerge. 141. Meanwhile, Member States should exercise restraint and refrain from embarking on unilateral exploitation of the sea-bed before a final draft treaty is universally concluded. 142.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Al-though a few dramatic events have taken place recently which had a tendency to tilt the balance of international economic relations in favor of the third world, a lot still remains to be done through concerted efforts if the present economic maladjustments that plague our international community are to be rectified. 140. My delegation is concerned over the fact that the recent meeting of the fifth session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea did not make any remarkable progress. The developed countries, desirous of maintaining their traditional economic power, are anxious to obtain guarantees of unrestricted access to the mineral wealth of the sea-bed.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In the circumstances, the need for restructuring the United Nations system, especially its economic and social sectors, is more urgent now than ever. Although we share the views of the Secretary-General that such restructuring is, and I quote, "an infinitely complex subject" [see A/3111/Add.l, sect.X], Sierra Leone is indeed proud to have been a part of this effort, for it is our conviction that the restructuring of the United Nations should begin by some kind of collective self-criticism. Such criticism should be founded on research and study of the variety of concrete experiences arising out of the new international economic order and the concept of interdependence. 139. Permit me now to make a few comments on the economic situation in the international community.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“interest groups which, left on their own, can do nothing but reproduce the conditions creating the very development problems they are supposed to solve. 137. Another important institutional obstacle in the United Nations system can be traced to the fundamentally officious position assumed by some United Nations bodies which, when in the field, find themselves playing counterpoint to national governments, marginalizing civil societies and giving non-governmental organizations an almost ritual treatment. We believe that this is wrong and that any international organization should be committed to struggling alongside the people of the developing countries; it should not act as a vehicle for defending models to be imposed on the nations of the third world. 138.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Again we have witnessed United Nations institutions responsible for development assistance in the developing countries go from one financial or liquidity crisis to another. This is particularly the case with that nerve center of the United Nations development efforts in the third world -the United Nations Development Program- which early this year suffered from a severe liquidity crisis that has led to the dislocation of priority development programs in recipient countries like mine. The reasons for those crises are indeed obvious. Some are political; others are the result of what one would term "technocratic irrationality'' found in some of the specialized agencies with their all-capable and all-knowledgeable technical programs, which are, however, applied through the so-called "competent channels"-i.e.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“My Government's postion has been that, in view of the changes which have taken place in the international scene since the inception of the United Nations, the time has come to bring the Charter up to date and in line with new contemporary realities. 135. We note with appreciation the work already done in this regard by the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization and the proposals it has put forward for discussion. In particular, my Government wishes to see the voting system in the Security Council reviewed, with particular attention being paid to the power of the veto, which has so often been used to the detriment of the interests of the third world. 136.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“My Government therefore fully supports the proposal for the convening of a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to be followed by a World Disarmament Conference, which will work out suitable arrangements to prohibit the use, threat of use, and manufacture of nuclear weapons, the destruction of existing stockpiles and the prohibition of all nuclear-weapons tests in all environments as well as the destruction of all chemical and bacteriological weapons. 134. Over the years the United Nations has certainly had some successes. Admittedly, it also has its record of failures, and one wonders to what extent these failures are the direct result of deficiencies inherent in the Charter has been recognized.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Since the end of the Second World War, and more especially in view of the destructive potential of nuclear armaments, the problem of disarmament has assumed increasing urgency for mankind. For us in the third world in particular, this problem constitutes one of the central themes in our program, realizing as we do, that peace and stability are vital to the orderly pursuit of our development programs. We realize also that no section of humanity is immune to the effects of a nuclear holocaust, or even the effects of conventional warfare. Thus, disarmament is no longer merely an aspect of detente and big-Power accommodation, but a problem of universal dimensions requiring universal concerted action for its solution. 133.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We therefore appeal to all the parties concerned, through dialog and accommodation, to create an atmosphere in which peace and eventual unification can be realized. 131. On the question of Cyprus, it is a matter of deep regret that one of the States Members of this Organization has, through the years, been experiencing various forms of interference which compromise its territorial integrity and independence. As a result of some of these outside influences, there has been a constant state of virtual belligerency. We therefore appeal to all concerned to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus by the withdrawal of all foreign troops from its territory. We are confident that, left to themselves, the people of Cyprus will be able to reconstruct a prosperous and peaceful future. 132.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Consistent with our policies of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, we are prepared to support any practical proposals aimed at establishing lasting peace in a spirit of mutual co-operation. In particular, the exchanges advocated in the North/South joint communique of 4 July 1972 and endorsed by the United Nations in 1973 s should be reactivated, as it provides a basis for communication and the ironing out of existing differences. The existing tensions can also be greatly eased by the conclusion of a non- aggression pact involving all the parties concerned. If such a pact were to replace the existing Armistice Agreement, it would significantly help to obliterate the lingering memories of the Korean War.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“While the war in Lebanon may have temporarily diverted attention from the real issue of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the situation in itself, in our view, is fraught with danger. The war is a tragic and pathetic ramification and side-effect of the Middle East question. Unless the parties concerned realize the urgency of a negotiated settlement, we are afraid there will be more Lebanons as a prelude to a general conflagration in which there will be no winners but only losers. We commend the Secretary-General's enormous efforts in trying to minimize the devastating effects of the civil war in Lebanon. My country is deeply committed to the difficult search for peace and security in every corner of the globe. 130. My delegation shares the concern of this world body for the return of peace to the Korean peninsula.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Israel continues to occupy Arab lands and, contemptuous of public outcry, is going ahead with its plans to build Jewish settlements on those lands. The continuing presence of Israel in the Arab territories it acquired by force, and its violation of the sacred rights of the Palestinian people must clearly be regarded as a grave threat to peace and security in that region. We advocate full compliance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), as we feel sure that a lasting solution can only be found through compliance with the provisions of these resolutions. 128. My delegation is also concerned about the growing relations between Israel and South Africa, which suggests the insensitivity of Israel to the sufferings of people under the oppressive yoke of apartheid. We hope that this is not the case. 129.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Meanwhile, as the liberation struggle continues, we must commend the courage of the Governments of Zambia and Mozambique, which, in solidarity with the liberation movements in Namibia and Zimbabwe, have closed their frontiers to all traffic with Rhodesia. The price which they are paying is enormous. In making these sacrifices, and in coping with the consequent problems of their altruistic decisions, the support which these frontier States deserve from us must be given unreservedly. To this end, my Government urges all Members of this Organization, singly and collectively, to give every possible assistance to the front-line States that are suffering economic hard shops as a result of sanctions imposed on their racist neighbors. 127. The Middle East continues to present a problem of grave dimensions.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Given the circumstances surrounding the recent attempt at settlement of the problem of Zimbabwe and Namibia, we would like to express our sincere hope that no secret concessions have been made for which the people of Zimbabwe and Namibia might have to pay dearly in the long run. 125. Having thus stated our reservations, we would like to express our appreciation to the United States Government for its peace efforts and hope that they will be crowded with lasting success, particularly in Namibia, for as far as Zimbabwe is concerned, we believe that victory is already in sight.. We also hope that whatever happens, the United Nations, as the true and impartial guardian of the peace and security of the world, would be intimately involved in the settlement of these problems. 126.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“The illegal Smith regime in Zimbabwe, a subject of numerous debates in this Assembly, has suddenly realized that it has been the victim of self-deception. Events have brought home to them the bitter truth that time is not on their side. The freedom of the black majority in Zimbabwe can no longer be negotiated. 123. We are not unaware of the last-minute efforts that are being made from various quarters to avoid further bloodshed. We wish to emphasize, however, that similar initiatives have been taken before by African leaders without success, because of the intransigence and insincerity of Smith and Vorster. Indeed, it is not inopportune to recall the Lusaka Manifesto on Southern Africa and the Victoria Falls meeting sponsored by the great African leader, Mr. Kenneth Kaunda. 124.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We recall with abhorrence the recent incidents at Soweto and surrounding areas, characterized by the murder of school children, whose rude awakening to their inhuman conditions under apartheid was their only crime. Naturally, the victims of these atrocities have embarked on violent demonstrations which will continue until they are treated with equality and human dignity. In these circumstances, the situation in South Africa has clearly become a threat to international peace and security, which can be defused only by the abandonment of apartheid. It is our duty in this Assembly to strongly condemn the policy with all its horrible manifestations, and to appeal to each and every Member State to use every possible means to end this inhuman policy. 122.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We therefore condemn South Africa's illegal occupation of that Territory, and again call for her total and immediate withdrawal from Namibia. 120. My Government continues to recognize SWAPO as the only legitimate representative of the people of Namibia devoted to the cause of self-determination and independence for that Territory. The recent stipulation of 1978 as the independence date for the Territory is totally unacceptable, because it merely seeks to provide time for South Africa to consolidate its stranglehold on the Territory and intensify its aggression against SWAPO. 121. In South Africa itself, the rising wave of brutality and inhumanity makes gruesome reading.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“A year has passed, and today what we are witnessing is intense repression and a desperate search for puppets who would willingly sell their birthright and put themselves at the service of international imperialism and South African apartheid. In the meantime the legitimate .demands of the recognized representatives of Namibia, SWAPO, remain unheeded by the Vorster regime. 119. Perhaps South Africa has reasons for being so stubborn and impervious to reason. Facts have revealed that South Africa has decided to delay its withdrawal from Namibia as long as possible, in order to continue the exploitation, not only of the mineral resources of that country, but also of the services of the African population, a regular source of cheap labor. My Government's commitment to Namibia's right to self-determination and independence remains unchanged.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“This is clearly evident in the strides made in decolonization and in the increasing momentum being gained by our own initiatives to establish a new international economic order. At the same time, there has been a stubborn resistance to progress on the part of some forces inimical to our interests. This is manifested in the most bizarre and barbarous forms of oppression in southern Africa as well as in the insensitivity of developed countries to the needs of the third world. 117. We remain concerned over the lingering colonial problems complicated by racism in southern Africa. Our skepticism could easily be excused on the basis of recent experience. We vividly recall that a little over a year ago, Vorster's Government promised the world that in less than six months there would be the most dramatic changes in Namibia. 118.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Today these tensions have abated and the cold war has been replaced by the more humane and conciliatory concept of detente. With these developments, the focus of concern has visibly shifted to the relationship between the minority affluent North and the vast majority of the poverty-stricken South. These relationships go well beyond concern with simple economics and politics. They touch the vast majority of mankind struggling for freedom and survival, a struggle which has certainly been plagued by "frustrations" as the Secretary-General aptly mentioned in his report on the work of the Organization [AI31/1/ Add.l]. 116. We are happy to note, however, that since the last session of the General Assembly the international scene has undergone some salutary changes, which are no doubt due to the efforts of the much misrepresented third world.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the People's Republic of China as well as to the family of this monumental statesman. We feel sure that his life and work will continue to motivate the vast majority of humanity and serve as a continuing inspiration and hope to the underprivileged and oppressed masses. 115. Ten years ago, one of the greatest threats to world peace and security was tension between the super-Powers, which resulted in a senseless arms race and the grim possibility of nuclear holocaust. While this issue dominated the debates of the United Nations, other issues were relegated to the recesses of the deliberations of the world body, which thereby shelved the search for solutions to the economic, social and political problems of two thirds of mankind.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“It is our sincere hope that in the case of the People's Republic of Angola and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Security Council will squarely face its responsibilities and make appropriate recommendations to this Assembly which would enable those countries to take their rightful places among us in the not-too-distant future. 114. A short while ago, the relentless hand of fate snatched from the international community one of its most dynamic and distinguished leaders. I refer to the late Mao Tsetung, Chairman of the Central Committee of the People's Republic of China. By his death, the People's Republic of China has been deprived of its founder and revered deader, and the rest of the world has lost the supreme proletarian of our time, whose primary concern was always for the freedom and dignity of oppressed peoples everywhere.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“In the view of my delegation, this Organization owes a debt of deep gratitude and appreciation to the Secretary- General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, for his continuing commitment to the work of the United Nations and his perseverance in the great and difficult search for international peace and security. 113. It gives me great pleasure to welcome most warmly our newest Member, the sister State of Seychelles as it takes its rightful place among the community of nations. We congratulate its Government and people on their achievement of independence and look forward to its full and fruitful participation in the common endeavor to create a better future for all mankind.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation, I would like to seize this opportunity to congratulate you on your election to the high office of the presidency of the thirty-first regular session of the United Nations General Assembly. Your dynamism and your dedication to the promotion of international understanding, as evidenced in your brilliant performance as President of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, reassures us that our deliberations during this session will be both meaningful and successful. 111. We also wish to commend your distinguished predecessor, Mr. Gaston Thorn, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, for the statesmanlike manner in which he conducted the proceedings of the thirtieth regular session of the General Assembly. 112.”
1976-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 31 (1976)
“We shall continue to strive towards the goal of a world in which, to borrow the language of the late Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore: "The mind of man is without fear And knowledge is free Where men are no longer divided By narrow domestic walls."”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“The records will show not only that we have been concerned with the evils of colonialism, exploitation, racism, poverty and inequality, which have long plagued peoples and nations in the third world, but that we have been equally vocal and articulate in expressing our concern over larger issues such as war and peace, freedom and humanism, space exploration and the exploitation of outer-space resources whatever these may be for the good of mankind. We do not intend to change our course, certainly not our policy of non-alignment. 154. We are united in our determination and dedication to work resolutely with all States Members of this Organization engaged in the search for a new world order based on equity, dignity and justice.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“This Organization and its specialized agencies have transformed traditional inter-State relations, which had hitherto been characterized by confrontation, to those of consultation and co-operation among nations irrespective of their political, economic or social systems. Indeed, the United Nations has brought a new concept to international relations by its in-creasing concern for the welfare of the individual within the international community. 153. My delegation represents one of the smallest democracies of the world. Sierra Leone was admitted to membership in this world body barely 14 years ago as the one hundredth Member.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“But just as it would be foolish to underestimate the political aspect, it would be a serious mistake to ignore the importance of the task of improving it to the extent possible. 151. My delegation therefore welcomes the establishment of the 42-member Ad Hoc Committee on the Charter of the United Nations, which has been mandated to discuss the observations received from Governments on the review of the Charter and to consider other specific proposals that Governments might make with a view to enhancing the ability of the United Nations to achieve its purpose. 152. Let us for a moment reflect on the achievements of the United Nations over the generation of its existence.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Since the Charter is a legal instrument, it cannot be said that, literally taken, it is a perfect document. The fact is that, since legal norms are usually formulated in words liable to more than one interpretation, every legal instrument has its own life more or less independent of the intentions and expectations of its formulators. That the law is open to more than one interpretation is certainly detrimental to legal security; but it has the advantage of adaptability to changing circumstances without the requirement of formal alteration. 150. The United Nations, established by the Charter at the San Francisco Conference 30 years ago, is by its very nature a political phenomenon. This being so, a mere juristic interpretation of the Charter cannot do it justice.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“As the President of the Conference himself observed: "It should therefore be quite clear that the single negotiating text will serve as a procedural device and only provide a basis for negotiation. It must not in any way be regarded as affecting either the status of proposals already made by delegations or the right of delegations to submit amendments or new proposals". My Government will study these texts very carefully in the light of the interests of the international community generally and in our interest in particular. 149. From this rostrum and in the appropriate committees of this Organization, my delegation has made it quite clear, on several occasions, that active consideration should now be given to a review of the Charter of this Organization.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“We pledge our continued cooperation in all future negotiations aimed at bringing about conditions of economic stability and a climate of peace throughout the world. 148. The third session of the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea ended on 10 May this year, no more near agreement on a comprehensive treaty than the second session. If the second session in the summer of 1974 in Caracas was notable for the reopening of the debates that had gone on in the defunct Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the SeaBed and the Ocean Floor beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction, the notable achievement of the third session at Geneva was the distribution of informal negotiating texts covering all subjects before the Conference. These do not represent agreed articles.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Although we are no oblivious of some of the difficulties facing the developed countries, these difficulties should not be magnified or used as excuses to maintain the old order. 146. The recommendations and conclusions of the seventh special session give some satisfaction to my delegation, although there are some Grey areas which will have to be further examined. It is also clear that some of those recommendations provide only temporary solutions. Consequently, we should all be prepared to re-examine these issues with a view to providing for a smooth adaptation to changing circumstances. If in the spirit of co-operation we all keep open minds, we shall surely move forward. 147. My delegation has co-operated fully in the negotiations to date.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“In our attempt to effect a change in the international economic situation, the developing countries have attended several meetings between the sixth special session and the present session. All these meetings were designed to devise modalities the would ensure the equitable redistribution of the economic resources of the world and plan measure that would ensure peace, stability and the genera material improvement of the lot of mankind. My delegation realizes that there is a need to consider the diversity of interests. At the same time we should also like to stress that the discussions we have had so fa have revealed that the world economy cannot be left to function under the old system.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“Throughout our history, women have been accorded sufficient opportunities to play active roles in public and private life. Sierra Leone women have been cabinet ministers and have been appointed ambassadors to foreign States. Our women have risen to the highest ranks in the civil service, the judiciary and the professions. They have also been traditional rulers for over a century, receiving the same high respect from their subjects as their male counterparts. The concept of equality between men and women, therefore, is not new to us in Sierra Leone. In fact, Sierra Leone granted women equal pay for equal work long before some advanced countries accepted this principle. It is the hope of my delegation, therefore, that this solemn undertaking to promote the cause of women will not terminate wit the year 1975. 145.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“It is the responsibility of this Organization to ensure that the atrocities committed in violation of human rights, especially in South Africa, are brought to an end. 143. The General Assembly adopted resolution 3010 (XXVII) designating 1975 as International Women's Year. In adopting that resolution, the international community solemnly undertook to devote the year 1975 to intensified action which would, among other things, promote equality between men and women, and ensure the full integration of women in the total development effort, especially by emphasizing their responsibility and importance in economic, social and cultural development. 144. It is with great pride that I state here that it is not only now that Sierra Leone is recognizing the important role of women.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“However, my Government is deeply concerned about the remaining issues, without the solution of which there can be no lasting peace in the Middle East. My delegation therefore calls upon Israel to adhere to Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). 142. Twenty-five years have passed since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but the observance of its articles has been rather disappointing. It is not unusual to hear of flagrant violations of those articles, particularly in southern Africa. The situation there has become a threat to international peace and security. Many resolutions have been adopted in connexion with the persistent violations of the Declaration, but little has been done to secure their implementation.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“My Government reiterates its avowed policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States. My Government is convinced that the Turkish and Greek communities in Cyprus, with the active co-operation of the guarantor Powers, should be able to work out a solution acceptable to the entire people of Cyprus. 141. My delegation notes with satisfaction that a peaceful solution to some of the outstanding problems in the Middle East now appears to be in sight. I also wish to place on record my Government's appreciation of the strenuous efforts which have been made to bring about the Sinai Agreement. In particular, the combined efforts and initiatives of the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Kissinger, and the Secretary-General and his able staff are worthy of commendation.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“It is to be hoped that the Koreans would achieve the reunification of their territory by exchanges of visits, trade links, transport and communication agreements and the signing of a peace agreement which would eventually replace the armistice agreement. 140. The General Assembly adopted resolution 3212 (XXIX), which was endorsed in the Security Council by resolution 365 (1974), spelling out the terms and conditions for a peaceful solution to the question of Cyprus, Since then, my Government has followed with keen interest the developments on that island. We wish at this stage to commend very sincerely the efforts of the Secretary-General and all those concerned in attempting to work out a peaceful solution to this problem. We would continue to advocate respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Cyprus.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“With regard to the Korean problem, my Government has stated its position in clear and unequivocal terms in various international forums. The once united country of Korea has remained two separate entities for more than 25 years. The result of this is that it has become extremely difficult to work out a formula for their reunification. It is our view that only the Koreans themselves are qualified to work out a program of reunification for their country. 139. Following this line of thought, we would advocate that all foreign troops should be withdrawn from the Korean peninsula and the dialog between North and South, which was suspended, should be renewed to facilitate the reunification of that territory.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)
“The Vorster regime would do well to take a leaf from the book of the recent history of the former Portuguese Fascist regime in Africa. It must abandon its present suicidal collision course, and embark on a dialog with the black and colored peoples within its borders. So long as the South African Government refuses to enter into dialog with the black and colored peoples within its own borders, my Government totally rejects any dialog between South Africa and African States, 137. I am indeed very happy that the Viet Nam issue has at last been resolved and, now that political independence has been won, my delegation calls on all progressive nations to come to the aid of the Vietnamese people in their search for economic emancipation, and for the assumption of their rightful place as full-fledged members within the comity of nations. 138.”
1975-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 30 (1975)