YouSaid · the spoken record

Chavez-Mena

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS CHAVEZ-MENA

lines on the record: 104
first: 1980-09-24
most recent: 1983-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“Peoples all over the world, although they have certainly been more vocal in certain regions than in others, have clearly expressed their commitment to peace and their rejection of any atomic confrontation, however limited. Recent events in Lebanon, including the reprehensible massacre in the refugee camps, constitute a clear call to seek, by means of new political formulas, a lasting and just agreement in regard to the Palestinian problem, which continues to be at the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The absence of an overall solution in the Middle East constitutes a permanent threat to world peace. We believe that President Reagan's proposal, which was made known on 1 September, is truly intended to lead to a viable and just formula.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In this sensitive and complicated context, the Governments of Costa Rica, Honduras and El Salvador established in San Jose, Costa Rica, on 19 January 1982, the Central American Democratic Community, a noble integration initiative based on the common historical destiny resulting from an identity of ideals, unswerving devotion to democracy, recognition of the economic and social interdependence of our peoples and the firm will to resolve, in a coordinated manner and on a basis of solidarity, the social, political and economic problems which beset Central America. We wish to express cur disappointment at the results of the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament, which dealt particularly with the problems of nuclear armament and the dangers this poses at the present stage of history.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“But, if we have firm conviction and faith in the destiny of Central America, we can overcome our differences with a view to adopting, by mutual agreement, methods which, without sacrificing our vital interests, would allow harmonious coexistence in the region, bearing in mind that the peoples are those who, in the final analysis, will define and determine their own destiny.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“National situations which are exacerbated demagogically from outside and international tension provoked by the extremist policies of ideological unilateralism which denies pluralism constitute an explosive mixture which, unless action is taken, could set the region ablaze. We recognize that the process of change in societies becomes irreversible both nationally and internationally and that the strategy to be followed is not to fight against the march of history but rather to adapt existing institutions to the necessary and inevitable change.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Even an endless arms buildup cannot alter the absurdity of that argument. That is why, in principle, the technological and economic gap between the developed and the developing countries must be closed, especially when developing countries are poor in financial and investment resources. The question arises as to whether this might be a legitimate need in terms of security, and the answer is obviously that it is not. The pretense of absolute security when dealing with a super-Power is either an absurdity in itself or a pretext for extending hegemonistic designs. The irrational arms buildup is offensive in its internal effects on the poor countries, a source of concern for the wiser and more prudent statesmen of the peoples living in the relevant region and sows the seed of discord.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“There is no doubt that so far in 1982 situations of conflict have arisen which have led to serious breaches of world peace. Some of those conflicts started a long time ago; others have emerged in more recent times and situations. Certainly the behavior of the super-Powers in their mutual relations as well as with regard to countries that are within their respective spheres of influence has left much to be desired when it comes to the quest for peace. Such situations lead only to greater conflict, increasing suspicion and the stepping up of the arms race. Historical experience of relations between nations convinces us that no country remains indifferent to a disproportionate increase in a neighbor's arsenal, although the latter may claim threats to its territorial integrity as an excuse.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Aware of the fact that ideological pluralism must be the philosophy which inspires our Government so as to make possible the free interplay of ideas and thus the promotion of democracy, our domestic position can be reflected at the international level only by an attitude of respect for the struggles of the third world countries, which find expression in political forums such as those of the Group of 77 and the non-aligned movement. In the latter, El Salvador retains its observer status, bearing in mind the origin and the true doctrine which led to its foundation. Thus we wish to stand aloof from East-West confrontations so as to facilitate progress along our true path to development, while we strengthen our freedom, our independence and our sovereignty.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“For the same reason, it is essential that Central American countries adopt consistent policies to limit armament and military equipment; that end all traffic in arms; that we neither accept provocation nor harass a neighbor; for we are all entitledto organize ourselves at the social, economic and political levels in the manner determined by the sovereign will of our peoples. My appeal, the appeal of my people and of my Government, is for the establishment of democracy, the full enjoyment of human rights, the rule of social justice and peace, tolerance and brotherhood among the peoples of Central America.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“As long as there is no peaceful coexistence, as long as there is no respect for the principles of the self-determination of peoples and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, as long as base foreign interests influence the behavior of some countries in the region, stability, peace, democracy, development and social justice will be beyond our reach. That is why I pledge the good will of my Government in the efforts to achieve that peace, which is the first and the essential factor in the attainment of the other conditions in which the well-being of the peoples can increase.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Through the introduction of political interests alien to Central America, which derive from confrontations on a larger scale, countries of the region tend to perpetuate our problems and to play the game of the merchants of war. If we do not begin to formulate ideas which lead to harmony based on trust, cooperation, our common origin, our common geography and our common destiny, our peoples can begin to write their own obituary-unless men of good will devote themselves with great enthusiasm to the quest for peace.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Thus it is that there will be no peace in Central America if the arms race continues; there will be no peace if the traffic in arms continues; there will be no peace as long as people continue , to support armed groups which seek to overthrow established Governments; there will be no peace if there is no respect for the right of peoples to self-determination; there will be no peace if people do not reject overt or covert foreign intervention; there will be no peace if there is no respect for ideological pluralism; there will be no peace if unfair social and economic structures are not eliminated; there will be no peace if democratic institutions are not strengthened and if human rights are not fully exercised. In sum, there will be no peace if people do not have faith and work for peace.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“On the other hand, the situation in the region is not isolated from the serious disorders in the international monetary system, the high rates of unemployment, excessive protectionism and the many other negative symptoms, all of which the Central American subregion is encountering in its own social and political crisis.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“A/37/PV.28 We must emphasize that the overall solution to the problem in El Salvador is not to be found in El Salvador alone, since everybody knows that there is a general situation of conflict in Central America which gives rise to fresh tension and fosters old tension, making it difficult for any political project to be viable and stable. In this connection, the existence of various political projects designed to meet and overcome the conditions resulting from underdevelopment at the social, political and economic levels gives rise to tension and conflict when there is an attempt to give one priority over the other, and in certain sectors this nurtures the illusion that the concepts are mutually exclusive. Thus, when there is interventionist behaviour, regional peace is endangered in Central America.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Human Rights Commission serves as an instrument for the protection, promotion and maintenance of human rights in the broadest sense and recommends appropriate measures for the effective attainment of human rights. To give an example of the way in which these commissions operate, I am able to announce that the Political Commission has prepared a timetable which includes deadlines for important political events, among them the holding of presidential and municipal elections on 28 March 1984 at the latest. We hope that in these elections all political sectors will be represented, without distinction as to ideological or political views. It is clear that we are moving forward along the path leading to peace, harmony, justice and national unity.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Political Commission, which is made up, infer of the forces that were proved most representative by the elections, is designed to bring a greater dynamism to the democratic process, to ensure its effective implementation and to adopt the necessary measures for the implementation of the Government's basic platform. The Peace Commission seeks the attainment of peace in a social climate that will enable all Salvadorians to live, work and fulfil themselves as human beings through national reconciliation, the abandonment of sectarian attitudes and the channeling of political interests along an institutional path. It also proposes the solutions necessary to bring about lasting harmony and social stability.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Those basic objectives are peace, democratization, human rights, the consolidation of social reforms, the establishment of a climate of institutional and juridical confidence, the strengthening of international relations and economic recovery. Naturally, since we are aware that good declarations are the framework of great actions, and that at the present time pragmatic steps that can achieve visible results are called for, my Government has set up three commissions: a political commission, a peace commission and a human rights commission.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“On that day, before the eyes of a world that was half indifferent and half amazed, the people of El Salvador rejected violence, totalitarianism and terrorism and opted for the exercise of self-determination by peaceful and rational means as a solution to our many problems. The country chose the formula of pluralism and a multi-party system. The present Government thus joined the political forces that represent 92 per cent of the electorate and, acting in keeping with the aspirations of the people, adopted the basic platform of government known as the Pact of Apaneca, which emerged from the common objectives of the various political parties as expressed in the electoral campaign.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The entire world already clearly recognizes the scope of the structural reforms my Government has undertaken, particularly agrarian reform, which has been termed the most thorough ever undertaken in the Americas, and the nationalization of banking and foreign trade. At the same time, we are undergoing a political, democratic, participatory and pluralistic process the legitimacy of which was confirmed when, on 28 March this year, our country entered into history through the open door of elections held under the scrutiny of observers from more than 50 countries, recognized international organizations and institutions and some 300 foreign journalists.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Beginning in 1979, El Salvador took the first steps towards the establishment of appropriate and effective mechanisms to make the frequently postponed process of social, economic and political change a reality; to enable the great majority of the population to enjoy better living conditions, democracy and social justice; to bring about effective enjoyment of human rights by the exercise of self- determination; in short, to enable Salvadorian society to improve its overall way of life. Now, as then, my Government is engaged in a hard struggle to reduce the numbers of people living in or on the borderline of poverty, while also attempting to establish new structures with the sole purpose of fostering the development of the human person.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“First of all, Mr. President, I wish to convey to you my most sincere congratulations on your assumption of your office at this thirty- seventh session of the General Assembly. I also wish to express my Government's and my own pleasure at the good work done so tirelessly by the Secretary- General since the day he assumed the lofty and important responsibilities of his office. We are certain that his sound knowledge, his broad judgement, his sensitivity and his experience are and will continue to be positive factors that, together with his realistic outlook, will lead to the accomplishment of the mission entrusted to the Organization by the peoples of the world. I should now like to present the general foreign policy views of the Government of National Unity, which I represent.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Revolutionary Junta of the Government of El Salvador places and reiterates its trust in the United Nations as a forum for unity within a plurality of interests and ideological and political trends, which confront each other with the force of their ideas and arguments in a constant search for reconciliation and consensus, on the understanding that the destiny of mankind will be shared and that we must all shoulder the serious responsibilities of avoiding its destruction and of promoting harmony, progress and well- being.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The Government of El Salvador highly appreciates the support received from friendly countries for its revolutionary process and wishes to stress that, on the basis of principle, it rejects in advance any conditions that might be attempted to be imposed on the granting of any sort of assistance. Likewise, for the same reason we reject any attempt at interference in our internal affairs, which would be inadmissible. 70. El Salvador demands, urges and asks countries that are interested in its internal affairs to respect the self- determination of its people, which will resolve its own problems. The internationalization of conflicts that are strictly domestic only worsens those conflicts. Intervention can endanger the peace and security of a region—in this case, Central America. 71.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The status of immunity is not a mere privilege; it has been and will continue to be a requirement for the normal fulfilment of the functions of a diplomat. It is inconceivable to any civilized mind that a diplomat should be a natural target for acts of terrorism. 68. In the context of human rights, we wish to refer to the deplorable fact of terrorism. Terrorist actions are in themselves violations of the most basic human rights. Of course, this phenomenon must be analysed in all its complexity in order to reveal its causes, to understand them and to eliminate them. Terrorism as such is an action that, because of the irrationality of the means used and its intrinsic brutality, violates the most sacred values and legal and moral concepts of society. 69.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We see the safeguarding of human rights as an integral system that does not exclude continents, regions or countries because of different ideologies. Action should be undertaken without discrimination and without any political sectarianism. There should be a crusade to condemn violence, regardless of its source and of its motivation. 67. We are confident that the maximum protection of human rights requires a just and non-discriminating international system. In this context, we welcome and shall support the proposal to be submitted under agenda item 114 by the Nordic countries concerning the protection of diplomatic representatives and other persons invested with similar functions, such as officials of international organizations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“It is fair to state that at this point, a crucial one for Central America, we have seen the generous will and readiness of Central American Governments to create renewed links of understanding and friendship. 65. Once again, sister States have felt their calling for unity, peace and close relations. In Central America, the reconstruction of the greater fatherland is a mystical concept. For El Salvador it is the height of our international political aspiration and responds to our deepest wishes. Hence, our devotion to Central American integration, to the strengthening of its common market, the creation of the most favourable atmosphere for a rapprochement and so overcoming the differences and problems that arise. 66.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“"The peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the States of the Isthmus requires respect for the different social, economic and political systems, the right to self- determination and the right to resolve their internal matters in accordance with their own historic development. 2. "The absolute and unrestricted observance of the principle of non-intervention in the affairs of other States is vital to the maintenance of peace and security of the countries of the area. 3. "Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence are vital conditions for guaranteeing the peaceful coexistence and economic and social development of States." 64.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In connection with the sister Republics of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, we have endeavoured to maintain the best possible level of relations, and to this end, the visits, dialogue and constant communication of our views and concerns have been fundamental. 62. We hope that in the framework of the principles contained in the San Jose Declaration, signed on 15 March, we shall be able to strengthen further our ties of regional co-existence, co-operation and integration. 63. I should like to read the first three paragraphs of the San Jose Declaration, which include the fundamental rules which should prevail in present relations among Central American countries. 1.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“A considerable part of our efforts have been geared to direct negotiations in a process of mediation effectively guided by the distinguished jurist, former President of the International Court of Justice, Mr. Jose Luis Bustamante y Rivero. The progress achieved is a source of well-founded optimism and we are confident that very soon we shall be signing a peace treaty, to which our peoples aspire. 60. Fortunately our countries have been able to use peaceful means to resolve their disputes, following their principle of respect for the rules and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations and the charter of the Organization of American States, a body that has played a relevant role in our search for understanding and harmony between the two nations. 61.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“I wish to reaffirm our position that we consider to be under national sovereignty the adjacent sea to a 200-nautical-mile limit, without prejudice to freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. 57. I should now like to refer to a few relevant aspects of my country's foreign relations at the regional level. 58. At the Latin American level, El Salvador joins those countries that are fighting for democratization, countries from which it has received considerable demonstrations of solidarity and understanding. We have carried out a very successful dynamic policy aimed at increasing our ties. 59. As regards the Central American countries, in particular, we have given priority to the search for an agreement with the sister Republic of Honduras.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Our country is awaiting with particular interest the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries that will be held next year. We are optimistic that positive results will be achieved for this category of countries, within the philosophy of international justice in distribution. 56. I should now like to refer to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which completed its ninth session after making marked progress. My Government wishes to stress the importance it attaches to the early signing of a convention regulating the issues. El Salvador has a maritime vocation and bases its hopes on its potential for exploiting the resources of the sea as an aid to its economic and social development.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“My delegation considers that the items that should be given priority in the negotiations are those concerning raw materials, trade, development, energy and monetary and financial questions. 52. Although they are all of singular importance, in the view of my country the issue of raw materials is vital. 53. El Salvador, as a producer and exporter of coffee and a country whose economy depends to a great extent on that product, is affected by the unjust prices imposed by the international market while the prices of the goods that we need to import from developed countries increase day by day. 54. Moreover, the establishment of customs and non- customs barriers, mainly export quotas, by the industrialized world continues to have a negative impact on the economies of our countries. 55.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“However, the aforementioned special session also had as its objective the launching of a global round of negotiations to begin in January of next year, and here there was failure. In fact three industrialized countries did not give their consent to a consensus on a text concerning procedure for that new round of global negotiations. El Salvador is confident that at the thirty-fifth session it will be possible to achieve that consensus. 51. I wish to reiterate our full support for the positions of the Group of 77 and the group of countries that are members of the Latin American Economic System with regard to the new International Development Strategy and he global negotiations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Allow me now to make a few comments on the world economic situation and on the aspirations of the developing countries. The economic problems facing our world are many and complex and are manifested in an economic crisis with a vast global impact, especially on the majority of the developing countries. We must find a solution to these problems within the framework of the United Nations. 50. At the eleventh special session, which has just been concluded, a consensus was reached on the text of the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade. While the text is not completely satisfactory, at least there was progress on agreements in the framework of the North-South dialogue.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“With regard to the agreements between the major Powers, we feel it is a negative sign that the ratification of the SALT II Treaty is still pending and that no definite date has been set so far for the third round of negotiations on strategic arms limitations, known as SALT III. The escalation of the arms race in a search for advantage in the balance of weapons continues uninterrupted, with the assistance of vast technology which should be used for the development of peoples. 48. The overwhelming majority of States are at the present time spectators of a drama which, if it were to lead to tragedy, would turn them into protagonists. The Disarmament Decade will have significance only if we promote negotiations towards general and complete disarmament. 49.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“In the Middle East region also, in regard to the question of Lebanon, my country hopes that that nation will at last recover the peace that is so necessary for the harmonious coexistence of its people. 46. El Salvador has given constant support to the work of the United Nations in the field of disarmament. That goal, which responds to the desire for world peace, has implications for development because of the vast resources that are diverted to the arms race. One step in that direction is represented by Protocol I of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America. We hope that other regions will adopt similar denuclearization schemes. 47.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Fifthly, all States members of the international community must recognize the existence of the State of Israel and its right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. 43. Jerusalem, because of its history and its religious importance, must be subject to a special regime in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. 44. We feel that the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish a State can be associated with the corresponding right of Israel to existence as a sovereign political entity. My delegation urges that efforts continue for a process of negotiation with the participation of all the parties concerned in the conflict. 45.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Secondly, the Palestinian people has an inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of its national homeland, that is, the right to form an internationally recognized sovereign State. 40. Thirdly, the acquisition of territories by force cannot be accepted, and therefore Israel must return such territories. 41. Fourthly, the Palestinian people has the right to be represented by whatever organization it deems fitting. The Arab world without exception has recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO] as the sole legitimate representative of that people. Therefore that organization must be accepted and included in peace negotiations. 42.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“When a powerful State opposes the appeal made by the United Nations for it to correct its behaviour in the international field, the small countries have no alternative but to rely on the strength given them by the principles of the Charter and they must insist on the need for the application of the full force of international law and express their emphatic condemnation. 37. The non-aligned countries played a relevant role in the convening of the seventh emergency special session in July of this year to deal with the question of Palestine. My Government already expressed its views to the General Assembly in that connection. These views may be summarized as follows. 38. First, in the Middle East crisis the question of Palestine has a predominant place. In the Arab-Israeli problem the destiny of the people of Palestine is the nucleus. 39.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The conflict is particularly serious because of its potential for expansion and it unfavourable effects on the international economy. We urge the parties to the conflict to negotiate a cease-fire and to seek terms of understanding in order peacefully to resolve their disputes. 35. With regard to the situations of conflict in Afghanistan and Kampuchea, the international community has stated its opposition to the presence of foreign forces in those countries. The peoples of those nations must have the opportunity to determine freely their political future. 36.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We must be aware of the justified impatience of the people of Namibia, which, following its lengthy struggle for national identity, wishes to see the realization of its dearest ideal: complete independence. We wish to express our recognition of and support for the people of Namibia and its African brothers. 32. In connection with the process of decolonization in the north of Africa, El Salvador is in favour of the independence of Western Sahara. 33. We should now like to comment on a few international problems that affect peace in the world. These problems are of such importance that they have an unfavourable impact on other areas of the world. 34. The war that has been unleashed between Iran and Iraq is a matter of concern to my country.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We see international law as essentially dynamic in a world of constant change, where principles are basically stable and permanent. The principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations provide the best approach to important problems in the international field. 30. With regard to South Africa, a country with which the Revolutionary Government of El Salvador broke, diplomatic relations less than a year ago, we see that it has continued to sponsor racial discrimination and the odious policy of apartheid and that it has done little to help the independence process of Namibia. This reluctance on the part of South Africa comes as no surprise to the Members of the United Nations. 31.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We must reiterate that relations among sovereign States must be based on mutual respect for the principle of non-intervention. In relations among States, stable and precise rules and values must prevail, not temporary attitudes or expediency. 29. The people prefer attitudes of principle to demagogic posturing. The people are aware that different problems must be given different treatments and different responses. Even though we may try to compare different social phenomena, it is impossible to distort the essence of the social and political forces at work in each individual situation. The Government of El Salvador wishes to emphasize that respect for such principles will be its guiding light in its foreign policy.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“This is most significant when Powers that in the past had confined their interests to given areas now wish to extend them to other regions, regions that had been traditionally more or less left out of the game of political and international ambitions. 26. In the face of the major Powers, in a world fought over by blocs and alliances of power, El Salvador has set for itself a clear foreign policy line based on its affirmation of its own sovereignty and independence in the face of any plans for expansionism, hegemonism or subjugation. Here we fully support the non-aligned countries. 27. The third world countries have matured sufficiently to make their positions of nationalism and self-determination prevail. It is authentic nationalism that must prevail in response to the conditions existing in each country. 28.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We are optimistic because we believe in Salvadorians, in their intelligence and hard-working nature which will make it possible for them through self- determination and self-development, to emerge successfully from this time of trial. 24. As regards the international situation, we have seen that detente has lost ground in the face of confrontation between the super-Powers. We have seen this not only at the world level, in the problems in reduction, control and balance of nuclear weapons, but also in the proliferation of hotbeds of tension. 25. In these circumstances, the world runs a greater risk of a wide-ranging conflagration.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The important thing is to put an end to violent means and to seek to have reason prevail through calm, objective dialogue in order once and for all to put an end to irrational political action and to outbursts of emotion. 23. Our struggle is a difficult one because emotions and interests have been aroused that at present would seem to be irreconcilable. None the less, we are optimistic because we have faith and trust that we shall manage to establish a democratic society in which the people will be able to express themselves freely and in which the vote will be respected in the election of officials. Given a disintegrated society, a society in a state of conflict as a result of years of pain and exploitation, we have taken as our objective harmony and justice.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Violence, in fact, is a phenomenon caused by incompatibility between popular aspirations and economic, social and political structures; hence the eradication of violence, in the case of my country, is being made dependent upon the establishment of economic, social and political machinery to produce social flexibility, confidence and co-operation. 21. We are endeavouring to build a system of democratic life, a legal system of full respect for human rights to make it possible for us to conduct a process of social and moral integration. 22. My Government is taking positive steps towards the achievement of these goals. We require the co-operation of all Salvadorian citizens for this purpose without any discrimination or political or ideological differentiation.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We have also carried on a nationalization of foreign trade and of our domestic financial system. 18. At the political level, my Government has set a political time-table for itself which includes a series of measures and a full process of democratization which will lead to free and democratic elections in the near future so that the people may be the master of its own destiny. 19. In this way we are creating a political organization which will be a tool used by the society as a whole and which will make it possible for us to bring genuine peace to the country. 20.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“We are aware that it is only through structural changes, only through providing an escape valve for social and political expression that we shall be able to eradicate the deep-rooted motives for violence which the system in force before 15 October had produced. 17. At social and economic levels, my Government had been legislating and carrying out integral agrarian reform. We have completely eliminated the system of large land- holdings and have begun a system of agrarian reform, making it possible for 70 per cent of our masses in the countryside to own their own land. It will be the first programme of agrarian reform which in its first year will achieve a 25 per cent increase in agricultural production, especially in food grains. This demonstrates the absolute support that has been given to the agrarian reform system in our country.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“The groups that held power turned a deaf ear to the outcry of the people, who were with good reason demanding a new, more just and more humane society. In this context, neither democracy nor development had any alternative. 14. Because of this, on the basis of the right to insurrection, the Administration in power was overthrown on 15 October 1979 and the Revolutionary Government Junta was established. 15. That insurrection began a revolutionary process which attempts to combine social and economic factors with political factors in order to create a democratic, pluralistic society in which all may play a part. There has been an attempt to accomplish a series of structural changes, making it possible for us to have a society and a style of life which would be more just, more humane and more united. 16.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)
“Trade union movements rose as well as ideological political parties, organizations of the workers and the masses. These popular movements aspired to and struggled for economic and social reform and for the establishment of a democratic government. 12. With these tools for social action, the people on three occasions engaged in democratic electoral processes, in 1966, 1972 and 1977. In all those campaigns an apparatus of fraud and repression was mobilized. On those three occasions the will of the people was betrayed and the possibility of introducing reforms through electoral means lost all credibility. 13. This cut-off of democratic viability intensified the struggle of political and trade union organizations.”
1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)