YouSaid · the spoken record

Bodström

lines on the record: 123
first: 1982-09-24
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

“Against this background, it is of particular importance that a comprehensive test ban treaty be negotiated and that negotiations in the nuclear arms field are resumed. 299. A decision to observe a moratorium on the deployment of additional nuclear weapons would be a valuable contribution in this connection. It is also urgently necessary to initiate multilateral negotiations in order to prevent an arms race in outer space. The major space Powers can lay the foundation for progress on this question bilaterally. 300. In our work at the United Nations, at a time marked by tension and mistrust between the two superpowers, we must seek practical ways to contribute to building up the minimum of mutual confidence required for progress in the field of disarmament.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“For this reason, we who do not possess nuclear weapons must do our utmost to assert our interests and to persuade the nuclear weapon States to realize that they also have a responsibility to us. 298. Today, less than one year before the Third Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, there are no ongoing negotiations, either bilateral or multilateral, on nuclear disarmament. At the Conference on Disarmament, meeting at Geneva, it has proved impossible even to establish a committee on the question of a nuclear weapon test ban. This failure of the nuclear weapon States to fulfil their obligations under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons gives rise to serious misgivings for the future of that Treaty.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Also, a broad section of public opinion in many countries increasingly demands of the nuclear weapon States a nuclear arms freeze. This is reflected in the work of the United Nations by the resolution on a nuclear arms freeze initiated by Mexico and Sweden in 1982 and approved by the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority [resolution 37/100 B] 296. However, it has been possible to implement United Nations disarmament resolutions to a limited extent only. This cannot fail to weaken the authority of the United Nations. A great responsibility for this situation rests on the two leading nuclear weapon States. 297. Those with the power to decide on the use of nuclear weapons are not only gambling with the survival of their own countries but also putting our lives in jeopardy.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Studies are carried out on questions of fundamental importance for the disarmament efforts. The nonnuclear weapon States— that is, the great majority of the United Nations Member States—try in different ways to find methods to break the deadlock in negotiations between the two major nuclear weapon States and to halt the arms race. Sweden continues to attach great importance to this work within the United Nations and at the Conference on Disarmament, meeting at Geneva. 295. On 22 May of this year, six Presidents and Prime Ministers from five continents, including the Prime Minister of Sweden, made an appeal for the nuclear arms race to be stopped. They urged the nuclear weapon States to proclaim a nuclear arms freeze.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Differences of opinion will not be brought any closer to a solution if States are excluded from the Organization. 292. It is also important that States do not turn away from the work of the United Nations but instead participate in efforts to carry out from within the reforms of the United Nations system that may be called for. 293. The United Nations offers a well formulated code of conduct, well tested negotiation machinery and an indispensable meeting place. 294. The concern of peoples and Governments at the accelerating arms race, in particular the nuclear arms race between two superpowers, is reflected in the widening involvement of the United Nations in the area of disarmament. Initiatives, proposals and recommendations for confidence-building measures in the military field, arms control and disarmament have increased in number.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Better methods must be found to ensure that the Council's decisions are implemented. The Council should consider meeting at ministerial level on some occasion in order to consider the dangers threatening peace and to discuss methods of containing them at an early stage. 289. The principle of collective responsibility for the financing of the expenditures of the Organization, including all peacekeeping operations, must be upheld. 290. As Member States, we must all be responsible for ensuring that we utilize the Organization in the proper manner. In his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary General draws our attention to several tendencies with respect to working methods and resolutions which are contrary to this aim. 291. It is of vital importance that the universal character of the United Nations be maintained.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“For the Swedish Government, it is of the greatest importance that the United Nations be given the opportunity to fulfil as intended its primary purpose—the maintenance of international peace and security. 287. The debate ensuing from the Secretary General’s clear-sighted analyses during the past two years has resulted in a number of practical suggestions to strengthen the United Nations. Last year, the Nordic countries made a concrete contribution to this discussion in a joint report to the Secretary General. 288. The Security Council should find working methods to make it easier to deal with conflicts at an early stage and to prevent the resort to violence. With this objective in view, there is room for improving the cooperation between the Council and the Secretary General.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In pursuing its traditional policy of neutrality, Sweden has upheld and is determined to uphold its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Only by respecting the fundamental rules of international law and through international cooperation can a lasting peace be ensured. A special responsibility rests on the permanent members of the Security Council. If they themselves, in contravention of international law, disregard the principles of the Charter, a dangerous breeding ground is created for international anarchy. 286. For Sweden, membership of the United Nations and the obligations this involves remain a comer stone of our foreign policy.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The basic provisions of the Charter are and must remain the foremost principles of the international community. They must be our common guidelines for peaceful relations and cooperation between States. Disputes must be solved by peaceful means. The threat or use of force must not be tolerated. States must respect each other's territorial integrity and political independence. They must recognize each other's right to security. Every State chooses, in its own way, how to achieve security, but this must not be done at the expense of another State. At a time of increased interdependence, security must ultimately be ensured in common. 283. In no circumstances can violations of the fundamental principles of the Charter be tolerated. No country should have to be subjected to such acts.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The United Nations has all too frequently had to play the part of a passive onlooker. Its interventions m conflicts, when at all possible, have often come late and have been directed towards the external symptoms of the conflicts rather than their causes. 283. In spite of their obligations under the Charter, States still to a great extent resort to force to resolve problems. The international community has been unable to rid itself of the scourge that the violations of human rights constitute. The programmes of the United Nations for the promotion of economic and social development have not been assured sufficient resources. 284. The authority of the United Nations can be maintained only if Member States fulfil the obligations they have assumed under the Charter.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Despite the insights presented by scientists about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war, as a result not only of the immediate destruction but also of the nuclear winter, both superpowers are investing in more and more advanced systems. Warning times become shorter and the risks of a conflict breaking out by accident are increasing. 281. The current climate of confrontation must be replaced by increased dialogue. This dialogue should embrace both the armaments situation and the many regional conflicts which, under the influence of the great Power rivalry, tend to become increasingly difficult to solve. 282. It is a deeply regrettable fact that almost 40 years after the founding of the United Nations we are still far from living up to the basic principles laid down in the Charter of the Organization.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“On the agenda of the General Assembly we find the questions of the accelerating nuclear arms race and the illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa. These sad facts should be a cause for deep reflection. 279. There has been no improvement in the international situation over the past year. Relations between the superpowers are marked by deep distrust and there has been little dialogue between them. At the same time, the economic gap between industrialized and developing countries is growing. The debt crisis continues to be a serious development problem. No region can escape being affected by the tensions created by this negative climate. 280. For almost a year, no negotiations have been going on with regard to the reduction of nuclear weapons.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“I should like first of all to congratulate Mr. Paul Lusaka, of Zambia, on his election to the high office of President of the General Assembly. I also wish to take this opportunity of warmly welcoming Brunei Darussalam as a new Member of the United Nations and to extend to it my country's sincere wishes for a peaceful and prosperous future. 278. Among the items raised at the first session of the General Assembly in 1946 were two issues that merit our special attention today. One was the elimination of atomic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The other was South Africa's claims to what was then known as South West Africa, that is, Namibia. Now, when we are approaching the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, these issues are still with us.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We should not let the great-Power confrontation overshadow the work of the entire international community. The general debate of the thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly should be seen in that light. In my view, this is a very important debate, for it will set the tone for the international dialogue in the months ahead. That tone may be one of increased confrontation, which means increased danger, but it can also be a tone that reflects an effort to transcend the ideological boundaries and to seek dialogue and detente. This is our responsibility. I have the privilege of speaking from this rostrum on the first day of the general debate. Let me conclude by saying that as far as my Government is concerned we pledge to do our best to contribute to a constructive dialogue.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“One guideline must be respect for the security concerns and interests of the opposite party. States must realize that in the nuclear age the search for military superiority is futile. States must develop mutual understanding, confidence and co-operation across ideological and political barriers if the nuclear threat is to be removed. Those are the principles on which the concept of common security is based. It is particularly important to recall these principles at a time like this, when tensions have increased and the great Powers confront each other. Now more than ever there is a need for negotiation, for mediation and conciliation in order to settle conflicts. It is now, when the task is so difficult, that patient and determined efforts are needed.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“No sensible military or political goals can be achieved by using nuclear weapons. If they are used, the nuclear exchange that would follow would be virtually impossible to control and to limit. Yet a dangerous ambiguity remains about the role of nuclear weapons in military planning. Is their role only to deter their use by the opponent or will they be used in certain circumstances to redress a military situation? The technological development of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, the continuous modernization of nuclear forces in Europe and elsewhere and their deployment in forward positions give the impression that limited nuclear warfare is considered a possibility. In the long run, nuclear deterrence offers very poor protection for mankind against the horrors of nuclear war. Other paths must be tried.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“For more than a generation the search for security in Europe has been guided by the concept of deterrence. The existence of nuclear weapons may have led to a degree of caution on the part of the two super-Powers in dealing with conflicts, but the doctrine of deterrence and its logical consequence—the accelerated arms race— have created insecurity and mutual suspicion. Suspicion heightens the risk of war breaking out by mistake or misunderstanding. This risk is increased by the rigid procedures automatically set in motion for protection against surprise nuclear attack. The Soviet shooting-down of a civilian airliner has been condemned by Sweden in the Security Council. This tragic incident is a reminder of how close we are to a situation in which the forces of destruction can be released.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Last year the Assembly called upon the Soviet Union and the United States to initiate a freeze on nuclear weapons immediately a call which both these Governments have so far ignored. This appeal is no less urgent today. Progress in the on-going negotiations at Geneva on the limitation of intermediate-range missiles in Europe would be an important step towards controlling the nuclear arms race. The Swedish Government believes that no further deployment of nuclear weapons should take place and that a substantial reduction should be made in the nuclear-weapon systems already in place. In this context a balance in conventional weapons must also be achieved at a lower level. The goal of parity should be sought at a lower, not a higher, level.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“They confirmed that commitment in the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We find it deplorable that the nuclear-weapon States concerned have not fulfilled their commitments. We appeal to them to enter without delay into serious negotiations for a comprehensive test-ban treaty. If they do not, this will also increase the risks of a proliferation of nuclear weapons. Peace and stability in different parts of the world will be endangered. The responsibility rests heavily on the nuclear-weapon States concerned. Achieving a test ban is a central element in the efforts that must be made to freeze nuclear-weapon arsenals at their present levels and to proceed to reductions. A freeze is not intended to alter the approximate parity that exists between the great Powers.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We must create the political conditions necessary to ensure that these weapons of mass destruction will never be used. The goal is a world free of nuclear weapons. One important step in this direction would be the introduction of a comprehensive ban on nuclear-weapon tests. The Assembly year after year has stated that a comprehensive test ban is a crucial measure in the efforts to halt the nuclear arms race. We attach the greatest importance to this issue. After very detailed preparatory work, Sweden therefore put a draft comprehensive test-ban treaty before this summer's session of the Committee on Disarmament. In the 1963 partial test-ban Treaty" three of the nuclear-weapon States undertook to stop all nuclear- weapon tests and declared their determination to continue negotiations to this end.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Sweden has adopted a programme of action to give substance to the follow-up of these common undertakings. The developing countries' readiness for dialogue and consensus must be met by a readiness of the industrialized countries for practical co-operation. In the Held of the environment, Sweden attaches significance to the efforts to reactivate and intensify international co-operation. This co-operation is vitally important to our common future well-being. My country gives its full support to the proposal for a special commission entrusted with the task of formulating long-term environment strategies which can contribute to a stable social and economic development. The overriding problem in today's world is nuclear weapons. Our entire existence is put in jeopardy.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Sweden regrets that so far it has not been possible to start global negotiations within the framework of the North-South dialogue. However, the dialogue has not come to a standstill. The ministerial meeting of the GATT Contracting Parties in the autumn of 1982 laid the foundation for deepened co-operation in the field of international trade. A decision has been taken on a certain strengthening of the resources of IMF. Furthermore, the sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has generated concrete results in some important issues and given impulses for continued practical work. It remains to be seen with what degree of determination Governments will follow up, in UNCTAD and other international organizations, the concrete decisions made.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“However, that recovery appears weak and uncertain. It is difficult to argue that any significant upswing is under way as long as unemployment continues to rise. At any rate, the recovery needs to be supported by a well-balanced and coordinated economic policy. A stable recovery of the world economy requires the involvement of the economies of the developing countries. This will not least necessitate increased financial support to and a greater solidarity with the developing countries, infer in order to reduce their debt burden. Economic growth in these countries is essential in itself, but it also serves to promote recovery in the industrialized countries. We are not lacking ideas—both the Brandt and the Palme Commissions have presented guidelines for action.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I also appeal to all States to make financial contributions to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, so that this Fund can effectively alleviate some of the great needs in this field. Some States are examined by the Assembly for violations of human rights. The Assembly's attention in these matters, however, leaves an impression of selectivity. My Government regrets this. In the Assembly we must not refrain from dealing with governments' violations of human rights when the conditions for doing so are at hand. No nation has escaped the effects of the international economic crisis. As always, the poorest countries are the hardest hit. The patient efforts of the United Nations have led only to a partial alleviation of their situation. There are signs today of an economic recovery.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“However, it is not primarily the risk of international tension which guides our involvement in efforts for human rights. Our interest is focused on the situation of the individual. Attention should be drawn to violations of these rights wherever they occur. It is gratifying to note that these problems have taken an increasingly central place in the activities of the United Nations. At the same time, we see that violations of human rights continue on a frightening scale throughout the world. We must find ways and means to improve the efforts of the United Nations in this field. Torture is a particularly abominable violation of human rights. I urge all States to play their part in the speedy realization of the convention to combat torture which the United Nations has so long been trying to finalize.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is 35 years since the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Along with the Charter and a number of international conventions, this morally binding Declaration lays down the rights of the individual which all States have the duty to respect. These documents provide the basis for the self-evident right and duty of the United Nations to engage in the protection of human rights. Violence between States often has a connection with violence within a State. The violence which consists of oppression of the individual by the authorities and machinery of government can become the root of international tension and conflicts. Efforts to safeguard human rights are part of the work for international peace.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Since the military took power, the people have seen their conditions of living drastically deteriorate and have been deprived of their civil rights and liberties. However, the people of Chile have shown that they will no longer tolerate the suppression of their traditional freedom. Today, the dictatorship is shaken. In this crucial phase, the international community should continue to support efforts aiming at the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Chile. In my country's neighborhood, in Poland, we have seen the process of democratization being shattered. Without a real dialogue between different groups of the society a better future for the Polish people is hardly possible. The repeal of martial law last summer will therefore have to be followed by further measures in the same direction.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Sweden supports the endeavors of the Contadora countries and finds it encouraging that more and more countries are becoming convinced that the path towards a solution of Central America's problems goes via negotiations and not via military escalation. The present situation in Central America has its roots primarily in the economic and social injustice in the region. The countries there must be given the opportunity of building up their societies in peace and in a state of national independence. A first step in reducing tensions must be the cessation of all deliveries of weapons, all arms traffic and all military assistance to and within the region. Ten years ago democracy was crushed in Chile.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Fundamental human rights are being constantly violated. More than 3 million Afghan refugees are waiting in vain to return. The occupation is particularly serious considering the position of the Soviet Union as a permanent member of the Security Council, which entails a special responsibility for the observance of the Charter. The talks in progress under United Nations auspices must continue and lead to the withdrawal of the Soviet troops and to the exercise by the Afghan people of their right to self-determination. There is a danger that the conflicts in Central America will turn into general war. In the present situation, the initiative taken by the countries of the Contadora Group stands out as particularly important in turning developments to another course and in strengthening efforts to find political solutions.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In order to protect the repugnant social structure known as apartheid, South Africa continues its illegal occupation of Namibia and escalates its attacks and pressure on neighbouring States. For five years the negotiations on the implementation of the United Nations plan for Namibia, unanimously adopted by the Security Council, have regrettably come to serve as an argument against putting South Africa under the pressure of sanctions. My Government maintains that the Security Council should exert the pressure on South Africa which is necessary to ensure that the negotiations yield results. No country deserves more than South Africa to be subjected to sanctions as provided for in Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. The Soviet occupation of Afghanistan is now in its fourth year. Acts of war are continuing.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The conflict in the Middle East can be solved only if the legitimate right to self-determination of the Palestinian people is fulfilled, including the right, should it so wish, to form a state of its own in the West Bank and Gaza. Israel has a right to exist in peace within secure and recognized borders. The parties should meet in direct negotiations on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). In these negotiations the PLO must be accepted as an equal party. It is high time that the great Powers restored the Security Council to its central role in the efforts to bring about a negotiated settlement of the Middle East conflict. South Africa persists in flouting united world opinion and international law in an unparalleled manner.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is the sincere hope of the Swedish Government that the agreement just announced in Lebanon will mark the end of the violence and the beginning of constructive negotiations towards national reconciliation. The civilian population in Lebanon is suffering greatly from the chaotic situation in the country. Palestinian refugees also run the risk of new attacks. It should be the urgent duty of the United Nations to ensure the legal and physical protection of these refugees. The situation in the West Bank and Gaza is also cause for continuing concern. Israel's occupation policy, particularly its illegal settlements, is a serious impediment to a peaceful solution of the Middle East conflict.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Nowhere has the involvement of the United Nations been greater than in the Middle East. There have been important achievements, not least through the United Nations peace-keeping operations. Throughout the years, Sweden has taken part in these operations and in various mediation assignments. This year we are commemorating my countryman, Folke Bemadotte, who was murdered 35 years ago during his mission as a United Nations mediator in Palestine. We have been concerned and depressed to see how large-scale violence has broken out once again in Lebanon. Lebanon's sovereignty and independence must be respected, and all foreign forces remaining in the country contrary to the wishes of the Lebanese Government must be withdrawn.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“In his recent report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General refers to the obligations of the Security Council and points out that threats to international peace are of such importance that they should override the differences of interest and ideology which separate the members of the Council. The significance of this cannot be over-emphasized. My Government welcomes the Secretary-General's intention to give priority in the coming year to an examination and appraisal of the administration of the Secretariat with a view to its improvement. The Secretary-General has questioned whether he still commands sufficient authority to meet effectively his responsibilities as chief administrative officer of the Organization. We share his concerns, but our answer is clear: the authority is there, vested in him, according to the Charter.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Our debate on the problems of the United Nations is particularly focused on the Security Council, which according to the Charter bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of peace. The privileged position of the great Powers in the Council places upon them a special responsibility for upholding the principles of the Charter and for the proper functioning of the Council Sweden regrets the inadequacies shown by the Council at present in following up its own resolutions and in dealing with conflicts in time to prevent violence, as well as its inclination to hand over difficult and sometimes impossible tasks to the Secretary-General without giving him the necessary support.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Political tensions must not be allowed to influence the role of the United Nations as a forum where all interested parties can take part in the discussions on equal terms. The results of the two international conferences recently held at Geneva are a source of encouragement in this context. The constructive co-operation in negotiations at the Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination was a definite step forward in comparison with the Conference in 1978. My Government also appreciated the spirit of co-operation and compromise shown by the participating States that led to the outcome of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine. The recommendations of that Conference merit serious consideration by the United Nations organs concerned.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Last autumn, a debate on the strengthening of the United Nations was initiated in the Assembly, largely inspired by the Secretary-General's clear-cut analysis of the Organization's problems. In the view of my Government, it is essential that this debate be continued. It should be pursued with the definite aim of producing constructive, realistic contributions to the solution of United Nations problems, thus strengthening the ability of the Organization to resolve conflicts. The five Nordic Governments have sought to make such a contribution in a joint study. As members of the Assembly, we must seriously consider whether the resolutions we adopt are likely to promote solutions of conflicts. We must avoid using the Assembly for shortsighted and tactical purposes.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We shall endeavor to make this Conference a stepping-stone in the arduous work of turning distrust into confidence and of reducing the risk of armed conflict in Europe, so that, in time, it may prove a valuable contribution to a disarmament process. The great Powers confrontation has impeded the solution of regional conflicts in the world. Tensions between the super-Powers have long hampered the ability of the United Nations to maintain peace and security. There is an increasing tendency among States to resort to force. Frequent violations of the borders and territorial integrity of States take place in disregard of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law. Nowhere can such actions be defended.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Confrontation and suspicion characterize relations between the great Powers. They seek security in advanced weapons technology and in the threat of mutual destruction. They hold us in constant fear that their nuclear weapons may be put to use. One of the few gleams of light in the international situation is the recently concluded follow-up meeting at Madrid of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. The result of the Madrid meeting can be the beginning of improved co-operation and greater understanding between the States of Europe, and between East and West. My country is honored to host the 1984 Conference on Confidence- and Security-building Measures and Disarmament in Europe.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“With the rapid advances in the field of technology, more and more issues are of a kind that cannot be solved by each State on its own. Here we are faced with the necessity for common solutions. We must co-operate. The future always contains both promise and threat. Let us together ward off the threat and fulfil the promise.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“To put it simply, the United Nations cannot carry out its functions without the full co-operation of the great Powers, among themselves and with the rest of the world. They should use that power and influence for the purpose of making the ideals of the United Nations come true. This session of the General Assembly has been convened at a time when many of the world's problems have assumed crisis proportions. It is therefore only natural to dwell particularly on the responsibility of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace and security, and its ability to contribute to a solution of the economic crisis. The defence of the principles of international law is a vital task for the United Nations. This is a challenge for the future.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Many ideas similar to those tut forward by the Secretary-General are to be found in the report of the Palme Commission, to which I have already referred. The report deals, with the need for agreement among the permanent members of the Security Council on early action primarily in border countries in certain predetermined areas. This would mean that in case of such conflicts it would be possible to initiate action by the United Nations in time to prevent the use of force. In this way the risk of great-Power rivalry in areas of conflict would diminish. It is inevitable that the permanent members of the Security Council, by virtue of the special powers and ability to act vested in them by the Charter, have special reason to reflect seriously upon the role they play.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“One is improved co-operation with the Secretary-General, who has already announced his intention to develop and activate the preventive role foreseen for him under Article 99 of the Charter. A factor which has greatly contributed to the erosion of the authority of the United Nations is the repeated failure of the Security Council to secure the implementation of its own decisions. These are, according to the Charter, mandatory for all Member States, and yet we have repeatedly seen them flouted by those to whom they were addressed. The Council must not, because of lack of foresight or for some other reason, place the Secretary-General in impossible situations but, on the contrary, must give him all possible support in the assignments he is given.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“No purpose of the United Nations is more important than the maintenance of international peace and security. Yet the United Nations has repeatedly failed to realize that purpose and never have the failures been more evident than in the last few years. In the long run no organization can survive if the members do not respect its rules. The prohibition in the Charter of the threat or use of force in relations between States is absolute; so is the obligation to use only peaceful means for the settlement of international disputes. We need a more active and imaginative approach by the Security Council to potential conflict situations. There are many ways of achieving this.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The most important instrument we have for achieving common security is the United Nations. It is encouraging that during this debate so many Governments have emphasized that it should be possible to use this instrument for preserving peace and security in the world in a more resolute way. The Secretary-General has emphasized the importance of this question by devoting the whole of his first report on the work of the Organization to it. His report is a clear-sighted assessment of the international situation and of the role of the United Nations in the international system. By departing from the standards and duties which we set ourselves in the Charter of the United Nations we are as the Secretary-General warns, "perilously near to a new international anarchy".”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Swedish Government attaches great importance to all negotiations, such as those on mutual and balanced force reductions and on theatre nuclear forces and the planned European disarmament conference, which aim in this way to reduce or abolish the role of nuclear weapons in Europe. The Commission also proposes an international agreement on the total prohibition of chemical weapons, as well as a chemical-weapon-free zone in Europe. In the view of the Swedish Government, the pre-conditions of implementing such an arrangement for the purposes of confidence-building should be examined more closely. The proposal should also be used in the extensive efforts being made in the disarmament negotiations in Geneva to achieve the total prohibition of all chemical weapons.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Substantial reductions of these arsenals of nuclear weapons are necessary; but there is a connection between nuclear weapons in Europe and balance between East and West as regards conventional forces. One condition for getting rid of nuclear weapons in Europe is that both sides should also agree on a rough parity in conventional forces. The smaller—so-called battlefield—nuclear weapons in Europe constitute a particular danger, as they could be used at a very early stage of a conflict. The Commission proposes that these battlefield weapons be withdrawn from the most forward positions and that a zone be created in Europe which is entirely free of these weapons, a zone which could stretch 150 kilometres on each side of the East-West border. This idea has our full support.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“It is our hope that the other nuclear-weapon Powers will demonstrate a corresponding will to negotiate, so that agreement may finally be reached. May I also emphasize that a test ban is a focal element in the efforts to freeze the nuclear-weapon capacity and to proceed to reductions. I am convinced that the freeze idea will play an important role during this session. In this context I wish to express our appreciation of those popular movements which work independently for disarmament and peace. The military forces stationed in Europe today are much larger than can be justified by the security requirements of the parties concerned. In fact, large balanced reductions would increase security. The vast number of nuclear weapons deployed in Europe or targeted against that continent are the source of special problems.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The Independent Commission on Disarmament and Security Issues, under the chairmanship of Olof Palme, consisted, like the Brandt Commission, of people with varying backgrounds and political convictions. In spite of considerable conflict of interests, they also managed to achieve a measure of mutual understanding. Allow me to comment briefly on a few points. The Commission proposes a total ban on nuclear-weapon tests. This has long been the central issue in the disarmament negotiations. Sweden has for its part, by its own proposals and monitoring efforts, done all it can for the attainment of this goal. I wish to indicate the Swedish Government's satisfaction at the fact that the Soviet Union has submitted to the Assembly a draft agreement which is largely based on previous common endeavours.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“An adjustment of this kind must take place, with account being taken of two conflicting but equally legitimate interests: the need of the developing countries to create sufficient resources so that they can participate in trade for their own benefit and the need of the traditionally industrialized countries to realign their production without creating even greater unemployment. The countries producing raw materials must receive reasonable and foreseeable incomes from their production and gradually acquire the capacity to process a much greater proportion of their own raw materials. No country should be confined to the role of mere suppliers of raw materials. In a world marked by heightened antagonism between the great Powers it is essential to emphasize the possibilities which none the less are available.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)