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1984-09-24
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1985-09-24
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un-general-debate

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  1. Whence our continued concern regarding the unprecedented escalation of the proliferation of dangerous nuclear armaments, whose end result will be the total destruction of mankind. Above all, the Kingdom of Swaziland is an ardent believer in the norms of international economic co-operation, and in the positive spirit of multilateralism. Thus, at this fortieth session of the United Nations our country expresses its firm conviction in and continued adherence to the United Nations Charter, and reiterates that the United Nations remains the only appropriate international forum for finding solutions to the major world problems today. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us as States Members to renew our dedication and commitment to the noble purposes and principles of the United Nations.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  2. My delegation is also particularly perturbed by the recent trend aimed at dismantling the role of multilateralism in international economic relations. I also view with the utmost concern the plight of the economies of many developing countries due to unfavorable international economic scenarios. Thus, my delegation wishes further to assert that Swaziland is a small land-locked country whose economic development depends solely on the goodwill of natural forces and external trade. The unprecedented decline in commodity prices and unfavorable international economic scenarios therefore represent a major blow to our fragile economy. In conclusion, the delegation of the Kingdom of Swaziland wishes to reaffirm that Swaziland is a peace-loving country, whose foreign policy is dictated by pragmatism rather than political and ideological realism.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  3. In our pursuit of world peace and security, it is important that we refer to the sensitive political situation that continues to divide North and South Korea. My delegation submits that the reunification of Korea is a matter to be decided by the Koreans themselves in direct inter-Korean negotiations. It remains for the United Nations to continue to encourage the resumption of those talks without preconditions or external interference. The delegation of the Kingdom of Swaziland is equally perturbed by developments in Central and Latin America. We therefore urge all the parties concerned to exercise both moral and political constraints and resolve their differences through peaceful contacts; all possible assistance must be given to the Contadora Group for the creation of bridges of peace in that troubled area of the region.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  4. It is therefore the concern of Her Majesty's Government that the explosive situation prevailing in the Middle East, and created by the Persian Gulf war and the protracted occupation of Kampuchea, Afghanistan and Chad, continues to deprive the people of those countries of their inalienable and sacrosanct right to self-determination. He also note with grave concern that such tendencies are a direct cause of tension, and therefore pose a grave threat to both regional peace and international security. My delegation firmly believes that peace in those areas of conflict can be achieved only by the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from and the end of interference in those trouble-spots of our time.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  5. We note with concern that whenever the question of destabilization in the region arises, Swaziland is at least partly, if not completely, disregarded, in spite of its contribution towards peace in that region. I once again reaffirm that Swaziland strongly believes in the policy and philosophy of peaceful negotiations, a philosophy whose firm foundations were laid down by our beloved late King Sobhuza II. Above all, history has taught us time and again that violence has never benefited anybody but has left its sinister legacy of counter-violence. My delegation cannot fail to express its serious concern about the fact that we have witnessed, over the years, gross violations of the United Nations Charter, and particularly of Article 2, paragraphs 3 and 4, and Article 33, to the detriment of international peace and security.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  6. The delegation of the Kingdom of Swaziland further views with a sense of shock and dismay the rapid deterioration of peace and security in our southern African region. We are perturbed by the aggressive policies of destabilization aimed at the disruption of both our economic and political stability, and especially in Mozambique after the signing of the Nkomati accord. Swaziland has suffered economically as a result of the repeated derailment of railway trucks taking our exports to the port of Maputo in Mozambique. The disturbances that occur in neighboring countries have an overspill effect on the Kingdom of Swaziland. Thus we find ourselves having to share the meager resources available with the uncontrollable influx of refugees from neighboring States.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  7. On the other hand, like many others, my country had higher hopes and expectations when the Security Council adopted resolution 435 (1978) unanimously and, for that matter, with the overwhelming support of the leading Western countries. However, my delegation observes with grave concern that such well-intentioned efforts emanating from the solidarity of the international community have been thwarted by certain Member States in utter disregard for the independence and aspirations of the Namibian people. We therefore continue to assert that the Namibians have suffered for too long and call for the urgent implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) in order to save mankind from yet another carnage of war and gross threats to international peace and security.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  8. However, it is the view of Her Majesty's Government that it is perhaps not too late to effect drastic changes inside South Africa, and that South Africa, as a first step, should release all political prisoners unconditionally and then begin a process of negotiations with all genuine leaders of the black community. It is exactly 14 years since the Security Council terminated the colonial Mandate of South Africa to administer Namibia. Moreover, resolution after resolution has been unanimously passed by this Assembly, appealing to south Africa to relinquish Namibia. Above all, it is also a sacrosanct principle that the Namibians, like all other people, should enjoy the right to self-determination and national independence.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  9. We in Swaziland recognize the urgent need to establish a non-racial society based upon the fundamental norms of democracy, whereby participation by all the people, irrespective of their color, race, politics or religious creed, is sacrosanct. Our delegation further asserts that the problems of South Africa must be solved peacefully, for violence has never benefited anybody, but has brought its sinister and pernicious lesson of counter-productivity. We are therefore greatly perturbed at witnessing this blood-bath unprecedented in modern history unleashed by the apartheid policies in that part of our world.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  10. My delegation views socio-economic and political developments in southern Africa with added concern. Indeed, the question of apartheid policies as instituted by the Government of South Africa was first placed upon the agenda of this very august body years and years ago. Ever since, this Assembly has debated the issue and passed numerous resolutions and declarations, condemning apartheid in South Africa. Furthermore, Member States of the United Nations have continued to call strongly on South Africa to move progressively from its racial policies of discrimination based solely upon the color of one's skin and to give universal suffrage to all its people, but to no avail.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  11. Indeed, one may well shudder at the idea of a world without the United Nations, even given its fair share of omissions. Today we live in an unstable world, a world threatened by all kinds of conflicts, be they inter-state or global. It is therefore incumbent upon us as Member States of the United Nations, to uphold Hie Charter and to interpret its sacrosanct provisions with the utmost care. International peace and security seem to be elusive nowadays. Many nations tend to be indifferent to resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. We therefore note with grave concern that, should such a trend persist unabated, Armageddon will soon befall the world, and peaceful economic development and good-neighborliness will be things of the past.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  12. However, on the contrary, we in the Kingdom of Swaziland attach great significance to the existence of the United Nations and to the expanding roles it plays for the sole benefit of mankind. Thus, we continue to cherish our membership of this body. Above all, we in Swaziland salute the excellent and admirable achievements of the United Nations in matters of decolonization, achievements that have even changed the membership of this Organization from a mere 51 Member States in 1945 to 159 today. We are also grateful to the United Nations for its efforts and measures towards achieving international economic co-operation and for the role that it plays in encouraging Member States to observe human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  13. We cannot fail to mention that we in Swaziland have vivid and painful memories of the First and Second World Wars and their historic aftermath. Indeed, it was an era marked by the total destruction of man's achievements on our planet and of gigantic disruption of global diplomacy that laid the foundations of dangerous theses about the proper conduct of international diplomacy. If we do not take advantage of this present opportunity, the present generations will never forgive us for missing this golden opportunity to save mankind from disaster. It is my honest observation that it is human nature and almost customary for people to make massive charges of failure and criticisms about anything on earth, and the United Nations is no exception.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  14. The delegation of the Kingdom of Swaziland wishes at the very outset, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government and the people of Swaziland, to convey our heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Mexico in connection with the recent tragedy, entailing a heavy loss of human life and destruction of property, in the wake of the devastating earthquakes in their beloved country. It is my delegation's strongest and sincerest conviction and we firmly assert that anniversaries are times for serious reflection and stocktaking, particularly in the management of international political statecraft. I therefore consider that the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations provides Member States with a rare and excellent opportunity for this.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  15. Indeed, my delegation salutes that fellow African and brother from our part of Africa, who not only demonstrated his skill and prudence but also, in conducting the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly, showed excellent leadership abilities. I should like once again to convey our profound gratitude to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, and the entire staff of the United Nations for the noble service they continue to render the international community. We also commend them for the excellent United Nations reports before us and their untiring zeal in the maintenance of international peace and security.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  16. On behalf of my delegation. Her Majesty's Government and the people of the Kingdom of Swaziland, I should like to convey our profound gratitude and sincerest congratulations to Mr. Jaime de Pinies on his well-deserved election to the presidency of this historic fortieth session of the General Assembly. My delegation has no doubt whatsoever that his wisdom and rich diplomatic experience will help galvanize this vital session so that it reaches a fruitful and happy conclusion. My delegation, therefore, wishes to pledge its unreserved commitment and fullest co-operation in all the crucial deliberations ahead of this body. The delegation of Swaziland also wishes to express its warm and heartfelt appreciation to his predecessor, Mr. Paul Lusaka of Zambia.

    1985-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 40 (1985)

  17. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us as Member States to renew our commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  18. We appreciate the efforts of the United Nations and the international community, the concern they show with regard to the problems of southern Africa and their clear understanding of the major handicaps facing the independent States which are neighbours of South Africa. 36. The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland welcomes the expression of the need to relax the tension between the two super-Powers and we support the call to resume these vital negotiations. 37. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to reaffirm the Kingdom of Swaziland's trust and uncompromising faith in the United Nations. It is our sincerest belief that the United Nations remains the only apposite and appropriate international forum for finding solutions to major problems that beset contemporary international relations.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  19. My delegation has stated our stand in previous years, and we continue to reiterate our Government's position that the Kingdom of Swaziland is unswervingly committed to the noble principles of non-racial democracy, non-alignment and complete respect for human dignity, justice and peaceful coexistence with all. 34. Once again, it is my country's humble submission to the Assembly that the problem in South Africa can be solved only if all concerned, irrespective of the colour of their skins, their creeds or their ideological affiliations, will come to the negotiating table. Indeed, my country has deep-rooted faith in and commitment to the mission of peace, and adheres firmly to Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Charter of the United Nations. 35.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  20. Regarding the thorny problem of the serious contention prevailing in southern Africa, my delegation wishes to reaffirm its known policy based on the Kingdom of Swaziland's commitment to the noble principles and objectives of self-determination, national independence and majority rule for all peoples. 32. My delegation wishes to thank and congratulate the Secretary-General, the front-line States and all ethers concerned for their relentless efforts in seeking a peaceful solution of the Namibian question. We stand committed to urgent implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) concerning the independence of Namibia. 33. The position of my country regarding the apartheid policies of the Government of South Africa remains unchanged.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  21. The situation prevailing in Africa, particularly in those areas which are of major concern to the OAU, continues to disturb us profoundly. My Government is deeply perturbed by the conflicts in Chad and Western Sahara. We share the agony of our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer the terrible scourge of the bitter conflict. Above all, the Kingdom of Swaziland wishes to commend the good efforts of the OAU and the international community in their endeavours to find a genuine and permanent solution. We also wish to add our voice to those that have requested all the conflicting parties to exercise both moral and political restraint, for violence has never served as a basis for the peace and security of nations. 31.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  22. We call for respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and for non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Above all, we are convinced of the urgent need to bring about a relaxation of tensions through a solution providing for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from that region. 29. My delegation fully shares the grave concern over the unresolved problems and continuing conflicts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Further, we make an appeal to the parties involved to respect the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Above all, it should be clearly noted that history shows that violence, apart from being a true exercise in self-destruction, has never profited anybody. We welcome the efforts of the Contadora Group in seeking a permanent solution to these problems. 30.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  23. In pursuance of world peace and security, it is important that we refer to the sensitive political situation that continues to divide North and South Korea. My delegation submits that the reunification of Korea is a matter to be decided by the Koreans themselves, in direct inter-Korean negotiations. It remains for the United Nations to continue to encourage the resumption of those talks without preconditions or external interference. 28. With regard to the conflicts in South-East Asia and South-West Asia, the Kingdom of Swaziland firmly supports the urgent call for all States concerned to exercise both political and moral restraint to avoid any further endangerment of peace and security in that troubled region.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  24. We commend the people of Lebanon for their untiring efforts towards the continuation of their socio-economic and political development. My delegation remains firmly convinced that peace in Lebanon can be brought about only through the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces from its territory. Only then will the Lebanese be in control of their own destiny. 26. The ongoing war in the Persian Gulf is also a cause of great concern to the international community. My delegation humbly urges Iran and Iraq to exercise moral restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful contacts. My country calls upon Member States of that region to adhere to Article 2, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, in order to safeguard international peace, security and justice. 27.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  25. It is my Government's objective to enhance the economic and social welfare of our people, in unity, freedom and love for one another. Our people are resolved to ensure that our generation enjoys the fruits of peace, unity and stability while respecting the dignity and freedom of the individual. 23. My delegation wishes to state that, as a peace- loving nation, the Kingdom of Swaziland is greatly perturbed by the major conflicts that characterize the contemporary international political scene. 24. My country views with great alarm the continued conflicts in the Middle East. We recognize the difficulties in attaining international peace and security, and wish to appeal to the conflicting parties to exercise both moral and political constraint. 25. My delegation is very much concerned about Lebanon.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  26. The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland remains committed to the sacred principles enshrined in the charter of the OAU and the Charter of the United Nations respected by the non-aligned countries, particularly the principles concerning the self-determination and independence of peoples under colonial rule and all other forms of oppression. We wish to reiterate Swaziland's commitment to the settlement of disputes by peaceful negotiation and non-use of force as wisely advocated by our late King. Thus, we salute the salient features of Chapter VI, in particular Article 33, of the Charter of the United Nations which advocate the pacific settlement of disputes. 22. Therefore, my Government is inspired by the noble principles of peace, democracy, freedom and justice.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  27. This has led to acute shortages of food and medicines, which have resulted in the deaths of millions of people, more especially children and the elderly. A good number of countries have come to the aid of Africa, and we thank them for their efforts. However, the problem is far from being solved. My delegation urges those that have food and money to lend a helping hand. The countries affected are trying their best to improve their economies, difficult as that is. As time goes on, we hope to be in a position to stand on our own feet and to feed our people. 21. Permit my delegation to reaffirm my Government's policy, the modern foundations of which were laid down by our late beloved King Sobhuza II. Our policy is based on concrete factors of pragmatism rather than narrow political and ideological expediency.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  28. It is a fact that maintenance of the refugees places a heavy burden on the country's resources, already exhausted by years of severe drought and by cyclone Domoina. 19. However, these multiple problems have not deterred the Kingdom of Swaziland from honouring its international obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, for we are still committed to offering all possible humanitarian assistance to all genuine refugees. We are also grateful to the United Nations and other organs that continue rendering assistance to the fragile economy of Swaziland. 20. It is now a known fact that it was not only Swaziland that sustained drought conditions recently, but 23 countries of Africa.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  29. These two calamities left an indelible mark of devastation on our fragile economy, to say nothing of all the great works of post-independence Swaziland that were completely washed away in less than three days of heavy rainfall—our modern, technologically constructed roads and bridges, houses, schools, offices and intensive agriculture networks, and to say nothing of the loss of precious human lives and of livestock. Economic experts have also stated that over $100 million will be needed for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of our roads and bridges that were badly damaged by cyclone Domoina. 18. On the other hand, the disastrous situation of my country's economy was compounded when Swaziland was inundated with an unprecedented influx of refugees early this year.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  30. In that report, the Secretary-General observed that: "The total losses to the Swazi economy represent an amount equivalent to 45 per cent of total annual government expenditure or 12 per cent of the country's gross domestic product. This is a major set-back to Swaziland after many years of substantial developmental progress and represents a burden that in proportional terms would jeopardize the growth of even the most developed country." 17.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  31. It is an expression, in practical terms, of the political will of the Governments and peoples of the nine member States to improve their development and eventually assert their economic independence. It is through the Conference that we shall be able to dictate the course of our socio-economic development on the basis of the profound knowledge of our needs and actual conditions and inspired by our own ethics of development. 16. It may well be said that over the past three years our country has suffered the worst economic set-backs in history as a result of the years of severe drought and a catastrophic cyclone, Domoina, evidence of which is well documented in a recent United Nations study dated 17 August 1984.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  32. As a member of the OAU and of the United Nations, my delegation strongly believes that the harmonious development of the African continent and its bargaining power would be greatly enhanced by closer economic co-operation and development between African States and the rest of the third world countries, particularly in the fields of trade, industry, agriculture and natural resources. My country therefore welcomed the Treaty establishing the Preferential Trade Area for eastern and southern African countries, negotiated under the auspices of ECA. 15. Allow my delegation to place on record the mention of one of our vital contemporary economic institutions in Africa, the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference. The international community should not lose sight of its importance.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  33. Practices such as racism and racial discrimination, apartheid, exploitation of child labour and the like are all violations of human rights which are to be condemned and discouraged. 12. Efforts to restructure the international economic order continue to be thwarted by theories tending to favour the haves and not the have-nots. Many of the industrialized countries continue to hide behind economic theories and monetary policies which place very little or no value on the lives of other people. 13. My delegation views with intense shock the fact that in our present world many millions of people in Asia, Africa and Latin America continue to live in abject poverty, with unemployment and mass starvation. The problem of economic subservience is not the only humiliating constraint which faces the developing nations. 14.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  34. My delegation hopes that those nations that have fallen into the temptation of not respecting the Charter will reconsider, for the sake of international peace and security. 10. Article 1, paragraph 3 of the Charter of the United Nations states: "To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion". 11. Respect for human rights is of cardinal importance in the world. It is unfortunate that we still learn of torture, disappearances and wanton killings in some parts of the world. The international community has a fundamental duty to encourage respect for human rights and freedoms.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  35. Indeed, such criticism is disquieting, and it is the duty of all Member States of this Organization to abide by the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and to implement the General Assembly and Security Council resolutions without fail. The United Nations is not a world parliament. It does not enact laws but recommends appropriate action by means of resolutions. Thus, peace and security can be upheld only if Member States respect such recommendations. 9. Over the years, we have witnessed gross violations of the Charter, particularly of Article 2, paragraph 4. Interference in the internal affairs of others runs counter to civilized conduct and is a direct cause of tension around the world.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  36. Many nations tend to be indifferent to General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Should such a trend persist, the world will soon find itself in Armageddon, and peaceful co-existence and good- neighbourliness will be things of the past. 7. The world is in dire need of complete disarmament. The accumulation of dangerous weapons for mass destruction by both large and small nations threatens the very existence of humanity. While many people are concerned more about a "nuclear holocaust of some sort, let us remember that many of the wars fought in the past, and those that are being waged today, have resulted in the loss of millions of lives by the use of conventional weapons. 8. It is common to hear complaints about the inability of the United Nations to deal with armed conflicts around the world.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  37. Let me also convey my delegation's appreciation to the Secretary-General and the entire staff of the United Nations for the excellent work they continue to render the international community through the United Nations system in the maintenance of global peace and security. 5. My delegation is pleased to welcome into this great family of nations the newly independent State of Brunei Darussalam. We look forward to its contributing to the success of the Organization. 6. Today we live in an unstable world, a world threatened by all kinds of conflicts, whether interstate or global. It is therefore incumbent upon us as Member States of the United Nations to uphold the Charter and to implement its provisions with utmost care. Peace and security seem to be illusive nowadays.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  38. Your election to the high post of President of the thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly is clear testimony to your outstanding ability, pleasant personality and diplomatic skills. The delegation of Swaziland is convinced that under your stewardship the proceedings of the General Assembly will be conducted in a constructive manner, and wishes to assure you of its wholehearted co-operation. 3. I should also like to take this opportunity to express our warm appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Jorge Illueca, of Panama, who presided over the deliberations of the thirty-eighth session with skill and competence. 4.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)

  39. 1. It is with pride and a sense of profound gratitude, Sir, that I have the honour, on behalf of the delegation of Swaziland, to address the Assembly during the presidency of a man who not only hails from our part of the world but is a true son of Africa. Your beloved country, Zambia, and the Kingdom of Swaziland share the best of relations in harmony with our common historic and cultural heritage. As Members of the United Nations, members of the OAU, of the Commonwealth and of non-aligned organizations, our sister nation States continue to share identical views and aspirations in the international arena. We are both founding member nations of the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference, a united group of southern African States that seek to widen the scope of their economic development. 2. Congratulations, Sir.

    1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)