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1980-09-24
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  1. Developing countries have suffered enormously from the protectionist policy of some industrialized countries at a time when they need to trade to sustain their meager subsistence. Their indebtedness and debt-servicing accentuate their plight more profoundly. Since Thailand is a developing country heavily dependent upon export earnings from food products, agricultural commodities and industrial raw materials for the financing of its social and economic development, it is concerned that in recent years commodity prices have dropped to their lowest levels in more than 30 years. Export subsidies for agricultural products also place us at a disadvantage in the world market, where it is already difficult to compete in a fair manner.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  2. As we look at the world economic situation, it is important to state that the world economic outlook has shown little improvement. It has indeed become worse in recent months, especially for the developing countries. The debt burden has hit the hardest at the economic and social foundations of those countries, while market access for their exports is being gradually curtailed in the developed economies. Threats to international peace and security do not come from political and military conflicts alone; they come also from economic factors. The increasing tide of protectionism, together with other unfair trade practices, could lead to a trade war with terrible consequences for all.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  3. The Council would be in a better position to act quickly and early before a situation erupted into an international crisis. A new order of peace and justice requires also a viable multilateral mechanism to enhance international co-operation. Our Organization represents the most far-reaching, albeit imperfect, effort in that direction. It is therefore a matter of concern to all Members that the United Nations is facing a serious financial crisis. My delegation hopes that the General Assembly will soon address this important issue in a spirit of give-and-take, taking into account our common goals of efficiency and effectiveness, without losing sight of our common commitment and obligations. The report of the Group of 18 should thus be considered in a constructive manner.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  4. During our term on the Security Council, we have offered several suggestions aimed at improving the Council's ability to maintain international peace and security. Today, we should like to offer another suggestion. Keeping in mind the unavoidable linkage between regional and global peace and security, my delegation would like to see the United Nations establish and maintain regional mechanisms to serve as an early warning system for the Security Council. My delegation feels that an early warning system of that nature would improve the Council's ability to play an early role as a problem develops affecting the regional peace and security. With such a mechanism in the various parts of the world, the Security Council's role in the maintenance of international peace and security could be enhanced.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  5. Each decision has been guided by our firm adherence to the principles and purposes oS the United Nations Charter and the rules of international law. Furthermore, our activities have been guided by our desire to promote objectivity and moderation in the Council's decisions. We are in a unique position. We enjoy excellent relations with developed countries although we are a member of the third world. We are not part of the West nor of the Socialist bloc. We are not a member of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries although we do share its basic values and principles. In this unique position, we have served the third world and the international community in a positive way by helping to bridge the gap among conflicting groups of countries.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  6. All States have proclaimed their respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States. However, the actual behavior of some States has proved otherwise. We must bridge this gap. We must make certain that our deeds complement our words. We must make certain that our deeds will reinforce our stated desire to see peace and justice. Keeping in mind the urgent need for understanding and compromise, my Government has pursued the firm policy of promoting objectivity and moderation in international relations. Let us look, for example, at our activities in the Security Council. The end of this year will see the end of our first two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. As a member of the Council, we have had to make many difficult decisions.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  7. We want to improve it. We want to work from within to render the international order more just and therefore more peaceful. In our interdependent world, the North cannot live without the South; the South cannot live without the North. We are all in the same boat. We must work together or sink together. A new world order of peace and justice requires all States to observe strictly the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the rules of international law. My delegation is deeply concerned about the growing gap between what States say and what States actually do. All States have proclaimed their acceptance of the principle of non-intervention. All States have proclaimed their support for the principle of non-use of force in international relations.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  8. In our interdependent world, inter-State relations are no longer zero-sum. One country's gain is no longer another country's loss. When the international community gains, each member will gain. My delegation feels that justice is a prerequisite for peace. We must work together to promote international justice. As a developing country and a steadfast member of the Group of 77, we share the common concerns of all other developing countries. We feel that there is a lack of justice in the relationship between the North and the South. We must put an end to this. Most importantly, we must tackle our problems through mutual understanding. We must give and take. A new world order of peace and justice can come about only through understanding and a willingness to compromise. We do not want to destroy the existing international order.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  9. With advanced weapons technology, it is now possible for mankind to destroy itself and all future generations in an instant. We urgently need an equitable system to redistribute the world's limited resources. We urgently need to lead mankind away from total destruction. We need a new world order of peace and justice under which all nations can co-operate with one another and live in harmony. Our world is at present a divided one. Members of the developed North perceive that their interests are threatened by members of the developing South, and vice versa. The same applies to the East and the West. We do not have much time left. If we do not stop fighting and join our hands together now, we may not live to see another opportunity. International co-operation was once desirable; it is now vital for our survival.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  10. Among the central issues confronting the international community today are the nuclear threat and the plight of the Namibian, the Palestinian, the Afghan, and, in my own region, the Kampuchean peoples. In looking at our world today, it is hard to remain an optimist. Many problems confronting us appear to be insurmountable. There is a great temptation for us to let go and rely exclusively on fate. My Government has done its best to resist such temptations. We are determined not to be passive. We feel that the lack of international justice is a major contribution to international conflict. There can be no lasting peace without justice. We do not have much time. As the world population grows, the fight for limited resources will intensify.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  11. However, it is adversity of this kind which often emphasizes the common bond of humanity that unites us and places in true perspective the barriers dividing us. We have seen this reflected in the generous outpouring of sympathy, solidarity and support from the world at large to the peoples of the afflicted nations. Thailand wishes to express once again its sympathy to the Governments and peoples affected. Apart from these disasters, the international situation remains charged with tensions and uncertainties. Although some developments, during the past year, have generated optimism, it cannot be said that the past year has witnessed any significant resolution of problems or issues confronting mankind Indeed, the lack of major progress is distinctly disappointing and in direct contrast to the obvious urgent need for solutions.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  12. In the course of history, sane years bear the stamp of certain dominating events or series of events for which they remain memorable. I fear that the past year may be remembered as an unfortunate year for the number of large-scale disasters, both natural and man-made, which have struck different places in different forms. We recall the sadness brought on by drought, famine and locusts in Africa, the Chernobyl incident, the Challenger accident, terrorist attacks against civilian targets, and the tragic calamity in Cameroon, all of which meant suffering, death and devastation. These catastrophes demonstrate how fragile the human condition is and the extent to which we are all susceptible to shattering blows by natural calamities or malfunctioning technology.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  13. Jaime de Pinies, President of the fortieth session of the General Assembly, for the exemplary manner in which he presided over that historic and eventful session. His qualities of leadership, dedication, and wisdom have thus earned our respect, admiration and gratitude. Hy delegation would also like to extend our warm felicitations to all the Vice-Presidents, who represent the different regions of the world, reflecting thereby the universality of our Organization. The delegation of Thailand pledges its full co-operation with the President and all the Vice-Presidents who are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the deliberations of the General Assembly. During the past 12 months there have been extraordinary events which have given rise to concern and hope.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  14. Sir, it is indeed a great pleasure for me, on behalf of the delegation of Thailand, to extend to Ambassador Choudhury our warmest congratulations, on his unanimous election to the presidency of the forty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly. We are highly gratified at the honor bestowed on one of Asia's most distinguished sons from Bangladesh, a third world Member and a friendly country with which Thailand enjoys cordial relations and close co-operation. We are confident that, with his political wisdom, proven diplomatic skills and vast experience, the Assembly's deliberations will be constructive, and lead to a fruitful conclusion. I should also like to pay a tribute to Mr.

    1986-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 41 (1986)

  15. My delegation fully subscribes to his views. On the eve of the Organization's fortieth anniversary, the Thai delegation pledges its continued co-operation to you, Mr. President, and to the Secretary-General in the furtherance of the noble aims and objectives of the United Nations. Let the cry in this Hall be: "Forty more years!"

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

  16. This is an opportune moment to pay a well- deserved tribute to the Secretary-General, who has courageously appraised the role of the United Nations, noted its accomplishments and shortcomings, and added stature to his position during his relatively short tenure thus far. 100. In the conclusion to his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General has reiterated his call for a multilateral and rational approach to the problems of international peace and development, and he states that: "It is widely understood that without such a system we shall run unacceptable risks and that it is therefore irresponsible to weaken the multilateral approach. Without the safety net which multilateral organization provides, the world would certainly be a much more dangerous and disorderly place." 101.

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

  17. It is indeed a significant milestone in international co-operation. My delegation joins the other Members in extending its best wishes to the Group, as well as in thanking its chairmen, past and present, and their able staffs for their dedicated work on behalf of the Group, to which Thailand is proud to belong. 98. It is perhaps through lending one another a helping hand that we can best learn to experience the multilateral approach. The value of multilateralism cannot be gainsaid in a forum such as this, where leaders of so many countries have taken the trouble to be present. 99.

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

  18. The Thai Government stands ready to make a financial contribution to the arrangements. 96. As a founding member of the Group of 77, Thailand attaches high priority to the goals of collective self-reliance through economic and technical co-operation among developing countries, both within its own sub region and at the global level, under the aegis of the Caracas Programme of Action4 and the Buenos Aires Platform, respectively. In this connection, Thailand has recently played host to two technical meetings under the sponsorship of the Group of 77 and at the Group's request. One of the important outcomes was the establishment of an action committee on co-operation in fossil fuels, which is the first of its kind under the Caracas Programme of Action. 97. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Group of 77.

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

  19. We were therefore disappointed at the failure of the London Economic Summit of the seven major industrialized countries, held from 7 to 9 June 1984, to address adequately the problem of debt and the whole range of problems besetting the majority of countries in the world, including trade liberalization, commodities and financial flows. 95. On science and technology, Thailand welcomed the agreement reached on 20 June 1983 on the establishment of the long-term financial and institutional arrangements for the United Nations Financing System tor Science and Technology for Development. Although the agreement falls short of world-wide expectations, it is hoped that successful collective efforts will be made to mobilize adequate resources for the system, to enable the long-term arrangements to take effect as soon as possible.

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

  20. Investment, development and growth of production in the energy fields in the developing countries should also be encouraged. The Thai delegation supports the need for a sustained mobilization of international financial resources as a means of assisting the national efforts of developing countries in using domestic energy resources. My delegation also renews its call for the early establishment of the proposed energy affiliate of the World Bank and for an early implementation of the Nairobi Programme of Action for the Development and Utilization of Mew and Renewable Sources of Energy. 94. With regard to the debt problem, Thailand feels that it not only imposes a burden on debtor nations but also constitutes a far-reaching constraint to world trade and recovery and contributes to the weakening of the international financial system.

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

  21. Despite its limited resources as a developing country and despite its various commitments, Thailand has been able to provide modest assistance in the form of food aid and financial contributions, as well as technical assistance, to those nations most severely affected. Recognizing the seriousness of food shortages, particularly in Africa, my Government will look further into possibilities for bilateral co-operation with African countries in food production in order to promote self-sufficiency. 93. Regarding the question of energy, recent adjustments in fuel prices should not be regarded as diminishing the need for lasting and effective solutions to energy problems, including those of energy conservation and the utilization of alternative sources of energy.

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

  22. Protectionism in developed countries has imposed severe constraints on our food production and marketing, and too little attention has been paid to the impact of trade barriers on the problem of famine and malnutrition in the world at large. 92. Thailand is deeply sympathetic regarding the economic difficulties of the least developed and land-locked developing countries, which are the world's poorest and most disadvantaged. These countries include Thailand's neighbour, the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Many such countries, in Africa in particular, have to face serious famine and deprivation.

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

  23. Since Thailand is a developing country heavily dependent on export earnings from food products, agricultural commodities and industrial raw materials for the financing of its development programme, it is concerned that in the past year commodity prices have dropped to their lowest levels in more than 30 years. Increasing recourse to protectionist measures, including export subsidies, quantitative restrictions and the use of other non-tariff barriers by the industrialized countries continues to accentuate the economic plight of the developing countries, to the detriment of trade growth and global economic recovery. The Thai delegation believes that verbal commitments to honour an open trade system must be followed by concrete actions to reduce trade barriers. 91.

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

  24. In this regard, my delegation is convinced that such recovery and continued economic development are inseparable. My delegation therefore wishes to express its disappointment at the lack of progress towards the launching of global negotiations and to reiterate its call for their early inauguration. At the same time, we endorse the proposal for an international conference to re-examine the functioning and rules of the present international monetary, financial and trading systems and to bring them within the framework of global negotiations. 90.

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

  25. In this connection, the tone set by President Reagan in his statement before the Assembly should further encourage us to renew our collective efforts in the quest for a world free from weapons of mass destruction. Such a step would indeed be a giant step for mankind. 88. If the world can be spared the immense costs of the arms race, then enormous amounts of resources can be released for such constructive uses as the economic and social development of the poorer countries. 89. The Thai delegation is conscious of the crisis at present affecting the global economy. While the underlying problems are structural in nature, interna-tional efforts to revitalize the development process in the developing countries are indispensable for sustained global recovery.

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

  26. In view of their inhumane and indiscriminate effects, my delegation is strongly opposed to the development, manufacture, stockpiling and use of these weapons in any circumstances. A comprehensive treaty banning such weapons, with adequate mechanism for verification, should be a matter of the highest priority in the ongoing work of the Conference on Disarmament. 87. On the eve of this session of the General Assembly, my delegation was encouraged to see some signs that the two super-Powers were more inclined towards a resumption of their bilateral arms talks. While it may be too optimistic to hope for a meaningful dialogue between them before the end of this year, it should be realized that time passes and with each passing day the risks of confrontation increase.

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

  27. In the light of this fact, Thailand and the other countries members of ASEAN will exert every effort to bring about the early establishment of a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality in South-East Asia. 85. In the same manner, Thailand supports an early convening at Colombo of the Conference on the Indian Ocean. My delegation urges that the Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean continue to make determined efforts to overcome the outstanding problems and finalize all preparations for the Conference in a timely manner. 86. Recent reports of the use of chemical and biological weapons in certain parts of the world, including South-East Asia, are an appalling reminder of the urgent need to control and eliminate this type of armament.

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

  28. My delegation urges that all States, particularly the nuclear-weapon States, pursue as a matter of urgency negotiations on the implementation of the Programme of Action contained in the Final Document, taking into account the legitimate security interests of nuclear-weapon and non- nuclear-weapon States alike. 84. As a further step to advance the cause of disarmament, measures to halt and reverse the arms race should be complemented by other initiatives, such as the establishment of zones of peace. Such zones could strengthen the fabric of regional peace and stability and prevent extra regional interference, thereby creating conditions conducive to regional cooperation in economic and social development.

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

  29. Moreover, the deterioration of the international situation provides added impetus to the arms race, thereby bringing the world closer to the brink of doom. 83. In view of the unabated escalation of the arms race and the dangers that confront the world today, disarmament has become more urgent and imperative than ever before. The Thai delegation fully shares the views expressed in the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly, the first special session devoted to disarmament, that, while the final objective should be general and complete disarmament under effective international control, the immediate goal must be the elimination of the dangers of nuclear war and the implementation of measures to halt and reverse the arms race.

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

  30. The world is still confronted with the unprecedented threat arising from a massive build-up of arms and competition in the qualitative refinement of weapons of all kinds. Furthermore, rapid advances in science and technology have made the extension of the arms race into the new dimension of outer space a very real possibility. 82. Negotiations, both within and outside the framework of the United Nations, to halt the spiralling arms race and reduce the risks of nuclear confrontation have not thus far made any significant progress. To this paralysis of multilateral negotiations is added the recent suspension of the bilateral talks between the two super-Powers on intermediate- range nuclear forces and strategic arms reduction issues.

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

  31. The task is made more difficult by the inability to curb demand, which is often the responsibility of another sovereign Government, and by the rugged terrain and the limited equipment in the hands of enforcement officers. Moreover, in the case of opium cultivation by hill tribesmen, any ill- considered actions in contravention of their age-old custom and belief should be avoided. Indeed, one can safely predict that if such precipitate actions were taken, they would be condemned by many people from the same country which now demands such actions. 80. The problem of drug abuse, if permitted to continue unabated, would become a time bomb that might ultimately lead to the debasement, and even the destruction, of man. Death would not be as rapid as in a nuclear war, but man would lose his reason for being long before death overtook him. 81.

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

  32. Thailand's consistent policy is well known to all, and my delegation will continue to demand the abrogation of apartheid by the Pretoria regime and the recognition of the legitimate rights of the black people in South Africa in accordance with the principle of majority rule and with respect for human dignity and equality. 79. By the same token, the international community has a stake, and an important role to play, in dealing with another humanitarian issue, namely, drug abuse. The Royal Thai Government intends to remain in the forefront, in co-operation with the international community, in its efforts to suppress opium cultivation and to interdict trafficking in illegal narcotics in the areas under its jurisdiction. While it is true that not all our efforts have been completely successful, we remain no less committed and determined.

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

  33. The principle of burden-sharing must remain the cardinal tenet in dealing with the aftermath of a refugee influx, so as to enable the countries of first refuge to continue with their humane policies. Not only must the international community do its part in alleviating their burden, but it must also try to deal with the root causes in order to alleviate the refugee problem itself. 78. There are many important aspects of the humanitarian problem of concern to mankind, but among the most serious and appalling must be the deprivation of the basic and fundamental human rights of the black majority in South Africa. The policy of apartheid and its practice by the Pretoria regime are roundly condemned by the international community.

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

  34. In 1981 the Royal Thai Navy set up an anti-piracy unit of its own. In 1982 the Government commenced an anti-piracy programme in co-operation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. However, owing to financial and territorial constraints, it was possible for the programme to cover a sea area of only 15 per cent of the total area envisaged. In this connection, it should be noted that the so-called Gulf of Thailand comprises sea areas belonging to several coastal States, as well as parts of the high seas. Even then, according to UNHCR statistics, the incidents of piratical attacks on the boat people as well as on fishermen have decreased significantly. In July of this year, the programme was extended for another year, thereby indicating the confidence of the participants in the continued usefulness of the programme. 77.

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

  35. On the other hand, international concern is more clearly perceived with regard to the Vietnamese boat people. Since 1975, Thailand has given temporary refuge and protection to approximately 80,000 Vietnamese boat refugees. It continues to be Thailand’s policy, as in other refugee cases, to assist these hapless boat people in ways that are commensurate with Thailand's limited resources and capabilities. The fact is that, long before their plight had become an issue of international concern, Thai authorities had provided them with relief and assistance. As long as the root causes are not dealt with, there will continue to be people who are willing to flee their country in rickety boats and to risk dangers on the open sea. Unfortunately, there will also be ruthless individuals who will prey on them.

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

  36. The magnitude of the problem in Asia is often compounded by the circumstances and duration of their plight, as in the case of the uprooted Palestinians. In Thailand, some Indo-Chinese refugees have languished for over nine years. Following the invasion of Kampuchea by Vietnamese forces, the number of Kampuchean refugees reached its peak a few years ago. Continued Vietnamese occupation has brought about widespread famine and food shortages and has driven a quarter of a million more Kampucheans to the Thai border, a fact that is a matter of concern to the international community. 75. The refugee influx has, in turn, displaced the local population. However, their predicament is less well appreciated by the world at large and should be given due sympathy and assistance. 76.

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

  37. There is nothing more symptomatic of our troubled times than the existence of millions of refugees all over the globe. The fact that poorer countries have had to bear a disproportionately heavy burden also indicates the state of the world's conscience. 73. The refugee population in Africa alone numbers 5 million. It is gratifying to note the successful convening at Geneva, from 9 to 11 July 1984, of the Second International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa, and the fact that other countries with a similar problem, including Thailand, participated in that Conference and made their pledges to assist their African brothers. 74. In numbers, Asian refugees follow closely behind those in Africa. There are 2 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, for instance.

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

  38. My delegation is of the view that the Contadora Group's proposal for negotiations among all parties concerned, in order to arrive at a peaceful settlement with viable guarantees, is constructive and conforms to the aspirations of the peoples of the region. We wish, therefore, to express Thailand's support for the efforts of the Contadora Group, which apparently enjoys increasing acceptance not only by the regional countries, but also by the international community. 72. One of the tragic human consequences of conflict is the refugee problem. While we have not successfully dealt with its root causes, we must continue to perform our humanitarian task, within the limits of our capabilities, in taking care of uprooted and displaced persons.

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

  39. It seems only just that the position of the Lebanese Government be scrupulously respected, since it constitutes the Administration recognized by all, including Israel, which had indeed concluded an agreement with the same Administration. 70. Above all, Thailand calls for the immediate implementation of Security Council resolution 509 (1982) and urges all United Nations Members to respect the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon, as well as its inalienable rights to its resources, and to support the efforts of the Lebanese Government to restore the legitimate authority of the Lebanese State throughout its territory within the internationally recognized boundaries. 71. The situation in Central America continues to be a cause of concern for the international community.

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

  40. Since the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the Middle East has been fraught with heightened dangers. Lebanon is today wracked by civil strife and outside interventions, posing a grave threat to Lebanese sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. It is with genuine sadness that we observe Lebanon, with its dynamic people and ancient heritage, being ravaged by destruction and incalculable suffering. It has been the consistent policy of Thailand to recognize the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon. The ongoing crisis in its southern part, which is under Israeli occupation, has recently deepened, owing to illegal actions by the occupying authorities.

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

  41. While we were rightly horrified by Nazi persecution of the Jews and are deeply moved by the plight of dissident Jews, the right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and properties has never been adequately addressed. Nor has the plight of the Palestinians in the occupied territories. 68. The Arabs in the occupied territories, too, share a similar plight, having to live under foreign occupation while Israeli authorities adamantly refuse to implement the relevant United Nations resolutions and to withdraw their forces from the Arab territories occupied since the 1967 war. Thailand's consistent policy is to demand the prompt withdrawal of all Israeli forces from those territories and the full implementation of all relevant United Nations resolutions without further delay. 69.

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

  42. The world has already witnessed "qualitative" escalation in the use of arms both on land and sea, including chemical weapons. It bodes ill for the patriotic youths of both great nations having to lay down their lives in a war that may never be won. 67. The core of the Middle East problem remains the question of Palestine. Thailand deplores the fact that the Palestinian people are still denied their inalienable rights, including self-determination. While we are asked to ensure the right of all States in the area to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries, the rights of the Palestinians to national independence and statehood are ignored.

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

  43. The Middle East continues to be embroiled in conflicts which are of the greatest concern to us all. 65. The war in the Gulf area between Iran and Iraq constitutes a worrisome source of instability in the region, with grave implications for international peace and security, as well as tragic human consequences. 66. The Government of Thailand enjoys friendly relations with both conflicting parties and earnestly wishes to see the two parties engage in a cease-fire and peaceful settlement of their dispute. We watched with deep concern the start of the present conflict by Iraq and continue to watch with equal concern the determined persistence of Iran in proceeding with the war until certain conditions are met. Does this mean that the hostilities and the accompanying agonies and risks will be prolonged?

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

  44. My delegation wishes to pay a fitting tribute to Iran and Pakistan for providing these unfortunate refugees with temporal^ refuge, which imposes a serious burden on their economies. 63. The Thai delegation reaffirms its full support for the repeated calls by the C nation of the Islamic Conference, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the General Assembly for the immediate and total withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, in order to allow the Afghan people to exercise their right to self-determination, free from outside intervention, subversion, coercion or constraint of any kind. My delegation also reaffirms its full support for the effort of the Secretary-General and his Personal Representative to bring about a negotiated settlement in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions. 64.

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

  45. Therefore, despite efforts of the other side to impede progress towards a peaceful settlement, the Royal Thai Government has decided to remove the Thai military presence from the three villages in order to defuse the situation and bring about a peaceful solution to the problem. 62. The situation in Afghanistan involves one of the super-Powers as a combatant against the Afghan patriots, who only wish to see the restoration of sovereignty and independence to their country. Having undergone some internal dissension, Afghanistan fell prey to foreign intervention and naked armed aggression. Five years of foreign occupation have resulted in nearly a quarter of its population being displaced and in their hapless existence in refugee camps in neighbouring countries.

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

  46. This bilateral issue was further complicated by an undue interference from a third country, which has seized upon the opportunity to divert world attention from its military occupation of Kampuchea and to introduce an extraneous factor in the form of linkage to the Kampuchean problem. 61. It has long been the policy of the Royal Thai Government to maintain good-neighbourly relations with Laos. The issue of the three villages should not be permitted to stand in the way of improved relations between the two peoples, who speak the same language and have relatives on both sides of the border.

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

  47. Moreover, it will only lead to more bloodshed, regional tension and external intervention. For these reasons, therefore, the ASEAN States hope that their joint appeal will find increasing support among the States Members of the United Nations. 59. With reference to the incidents near the Thai- Lao border, my Government regards them as minor border incidents which can unfortunately occur in any part of the world. The issue itself concerns only three small, remote villages covering an area of 19 square kilometres and with a population of 1,100 people. The matter arose when Lao troops began harassing a Thai work crew building a road some distance from those villages and well inside our border. Once military actions had taken place, it became difficult for either side to yield for fear of giving the advantage to the other side. 60.

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

  48. Recently, the Foreign Ministers of the member countries of ASEAN issued a joint appeal calling for the restoration of full independence and sovereignty to Kampuchea through withdrawal of all foreign forces from that country, national reconciliation among all Kampuchean parties and the exercise of self-determination free from outside interference. 58. It is important to note that in the ASEAN appeal there is a factual cognisance of the existence of Kampuchean factions whose reconciliation is necessary—indeed, essential—for the survival and well-being of the nation, and that an independent, neutral and non-aligned and united Kampuchea will best serve the interests of the Kampuchean nation. On the other hand, foreign occupation, under whatever pretext, will never conform to the legitimate aspirations of the Kampuchean people.

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

  49. Thailand had the honour of hosting the extraordinary plenary meetings of the United Nations Council for Namibia, held at Bangkok, from 21 to 25 May 1984, at which the Bangkok Declaration and Programme of Action on Namibia were successfully adopted. My Government will continue to maintain its support for the Namibian people until they achieve sovereignty and independence in a united Namibia. 57. By the same token, Thailand will maintain its support for self-determination by the people of Kampuchea.

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

  50. However, a cogent argument is that the super-Powers also have a vital interest in maintaining peace and stability in the regions of southern Africa and South-East Asia, which are undoubtedly important parts of the world. Moreover, their interests can be severely damaged by strained relations with the majority of countries in those regions. Since their immediate interests are not involved in supporting South Africa and Viet Nam, respectively, but only their fears of the other's intentions, their interests would be better served by ensuring the implementation of the United Nations plan for the independence of Namibia endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 435 (1978), and the framework for a settlement of the Kampuchean problem adopted by the International Conference on Kampuchea, held in New York from 13 to 17 July 1981. 56.

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