YouSaid · the spoken record

Caid Essebsi

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS CAID ESSEBSI

lines on the record: 148
first: 1981-09-24
most recent: 1984-09-24
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

“However, it can be established on a lasting basis only if there is the broadest possible consensus implying justice and the freedom of choice of peoples.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“These problems must be dealt with through an increase in international co-operation, which presupposes a global political vision based on solidarity and the need for interdependence which nations would genuinely have to assume. That is why we need to see an improvement in the international climate. 118. We do not believe in the inevitability of permanent confrontation. If detente is on the wane, that is because it was confined to Europe, whereas zones of tension and conflict persist in other regions of the world. 119. For all its imperfections, the United Nations remains the best framework for resuming the dialogue with a view to reconciling points of view and injecting the necessary minimum of understanding into international relations. Peace is an irresistible aspiration of all peoples.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The initiative taken recently by the Secretary- General to provide assistance to the worst affected African countries is proof of the gravity of the economic problems affecting our continent and has also helped to make world public opinion aware of the grave situation in the African countries and the sufferings of millions of African men, women and children. 116. We hope that the efforts made and the measures taken will not be limited to the immediate and urgent problems but will extend to the solving of structural and future problems obstructing the development of the African continent. 117. As long as the problems of the third world continue to be viewed through the distorting lens of East-West rivalry or understood in terms of strategy, there is absolutely no likelihood of a satisfactory settlement. Quite the opposite is likely.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Thus, concerted action consistently to reduce military spending and the allocation of the resources transferred to development assistance would do more to ensure security in the world than the most sophisticated weapons. Finally, this revival of the arms race is the detriment of development today places the third world in a kind of "armed peace" which is prejudicial to understanding and international co-operation. 115. The African countries, which are facing considerable economic difficulties, are suffering more than others from this dramatic state of affairs in our world.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“When one knows that a million dollars a minute is spent on weapons throughout the world, one realizes the extent of this financial haemorrhage in the name of a security which still remains precarious. We might wonder what the point of such sacrifices is if they do not bring increased security for those who bear their weight, especially since the increase in the number of nuclear weapons poses a threat of unprecedented seriousness to the survival of mankind. The security of our planet is not limited to the search for a strategic arms balance; it also has an economic and social dimension which is vitally important to all peoples. 114.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Although there has been a slight resumption of growth in some industrialized countries, a development that we welcome, we believe that a lasting recovery in the world economy depends on a bold policy of development assistance. 112. It is encouraging to note that some Western European industrialized countries, notably Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, devote more than 0.7 per cent of their gross domestic product to development assistance. 113. At a time when annual development assistance has remained unchanged since the beginning of this decade at a total volume of $33.6 billion, the military budgets of the main industrial Powers are growing significantly.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“We are prompted to fear a breakdown in the process of international co-operation, which would threaten the financing of the long-term growth of many third- world countries. In fact, the IDA is facing serious financing difficulties. The North-South dialogue is becoming more and more like a plea by the industrialized countries in their own defence than a constructive exchange of views among partners concerned at trends in the world economy. The third-world countries feel very strongly that relations of power continue to impose their law on the international economy. There is no easy solution—that is clear— but calls for realism and patience must not serve as an alibi to cover up the dangerous disparities in international economic relations. 111.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Some, however, seem to be more concerned at the admittedly excessive indebtedness of the countries of the South than at the tremendous difficulties which most of those countries are now facing. It is obvious that the external debt problem would not have reached such proportions if the debt- servicing ratios had not increased dramatically as a result of the steady deterioration in terms of trade, the contraction of export markets—caused, it must be said, by protectionist measures—and the upward spiral of interest rates, which is due particularly to the fact that this debt is expressed mainly in terms of United States dollars. 110. While the developing countries grapple with insoluble financial problems as a result of this debt foreign assistance levels have not risen since 1980.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“As for the recent developments in the situation in Chad, Tunisia, which has always advocated a peaceful solution of the problems of that sister country, free from all outside interference and in accordance with the principles of international law and the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, welcomes the agreement reached between the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and France on the withdrawal of their respective forces from the territory of Chad. We hope that this initiative will contribute to the national reconciliation of the Chadian people and to the rebuilding of their country in unity, brotherhood and peace. 109. The economic situation of the countries of the third world remains uncertain and continues to cause us grave concern.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“This is the spirit of the treaty of concord and brotherhood concluded between Tunisia, Algeria and Mauritania, which we see as a basis for firm ties governing relations among all the countries of the Maghreb without exception. Tunisia welcomes the positive results achieved by this judicious approach and is optimistic as to its future prospects. It remains convinced that concord, harmony and a communion of effort to ensure progress, development and prosperity will in the long run surmount short-term obstacles and divisions; such is the wish of our peoples; such is the course of history. 108.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Tunisia would like to see a lasting solution to this question. It remains convinced that such a solution would make a positive contribution towards bringing peace and stability to our region and, above all, opening the way for the building of the Greater Maghreb, which is a historic aspiration of our peoples. 107. It might be useful to recall here what I stated before the Assembly last year, at the thirty-eighth session, regarding the essential principles on which Tunisia has based its policy for joint action by the Maghreb countries. Those principles are none other than mutual trust, good-neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, mutual consultation on questions of common interest and the promotion of our co-operation on a sound and careful basis far removed from the politics of axes and alliances.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The delaying tactics used and the arbitrary pre-conditions set by Pretoria to impede that country's accession to independence cannot deceive anyone or prevent the inevitable liberation of the Namibian people. 104. We believe it is necessary, therefore, that a final date be set for Namibia's independence. As for the sham elections to which Pretoria resorted, the people concerned reserved for them the fate they deserved, despite the bloody repression to which they continue to be subjected. 105. Nearer to us, there has been no progress in the situation in Western Sahara, which constitutes a source of uncertainty and instability in the region. Tunisia, which has repeatedly expressed its concern at the stalemate on this question, urgently appeals for a peaceful and lasting solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the OAU. 106.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Although we understand their motivation, this should not be a reason for relaxing the constant, vigilant efforts undertaken at the international and regional levels by the United Nations and the OAU to bring about the liberation of Namibia and the eradication of apartheid. Nor should it be a reason for undermining the just struggle of the national liberation movements, for which Tunisia reaffirms its full support. 103. In the case of Namibia, Tunisia reaffirms its support for the efforts being made within the United Nations to ensure the implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978), which remains the corner-stone of any just and lasting settlement of this question.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Africa, which is beset by development problems compounded by climatic phenomena such as drought and desertification and where broad sectors of the population still suffer from malnutrition and disease despite the continent's tremendous potential wealth, aspires to a climate of peace and stability in order to be able to devote all its energies to developing its resources and promoting the well-being of its peoples. Conflicts persist, however, sometimes fuelled by East-West rivalry. 102. The recent developments in southern Africa raise questions and arouse certain misgivings.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It is high time that this fratricidal war was ended, especially since Iraq has agreed to an immediate cease-fire, under United Nations supervision, and to embark on the path to a peaceful settlement of the dispute in accordance with the principles of international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and other organizations. 100. The continuance of this war, which threatens to envelop the whole of the troubled region, brings the threat of internationalization of the conflict closer. Hence the urgent need to halt this dangerous process and to resume efforts to make the parties to the conflict commit themselves to solving their dispute around the table, either directly within the framework of the United Nations or through mediation. 101.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In solidarity with that fraternal country, Tunisia reaffirms its full support for Lebanon's territorial integrity and independence. It pledges its support for all the efforts that country is making to bring about the indispensable national reconciliation which is the best guarantee of its security and stability. 99. The armed conflict between Iraq and Iran, two neighbouring countries, has been raging for four years now, causing the loss of countless lives and the destruction of the economic potential of both countries.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“The so-called "Peace in Galilee" operation having failed, they are now trying their best to isolate southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese resistance is carrying on a bitter struggle against them. This area, which represents approximately a third of Lebanese territory, has been cut off from the rest of the country, with the help of control installations, and left to the tyranny of the Israeli military administration. What is more, Israel is now putting into effect a plan to divert the waters of Lebanon's rivers for its own use, in defiance of the rules of international law. 97. The international community must do all it can to put an end to Israeli interference in Lebanon's affairs; it must call on Israel to withdraw its army immediately from southern Lebanon, in conformity with Security Council resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982). 98.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Tunisia, for its part, while reaffirming its support for the Arab peace plan contained in the Final Declaration of the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, adopted at Fez on 9 September 1982 believes that any effort in favour of a just and lasting peace in that region warrants consideration by the international community. It makes an urgent appeal to the United Nations, and in particular the permanent members of the Security Council, which have the right of veto and occasionally abuse it, to shoulder their responsibility to end the violence which continues to buffet this region and to contribute to a rapid resumption of the peace process, based on right and justice. 96. In Lebanon, Israel's leaders have learned from their past mistakes no lessons for their present behaviour.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Is it conceivable that a State Member of the United Nations should be able to continue to flout international legality with complete impunity? What we have here is a paradoxical situation which is contrary to ethics, international law and the very principles of the Charter of the United Nations and which undermines the credibility of the Organization. 94. Since the signing of the Camp David accords, the prospect of settling the Palestinian problem has become increasingly remote, despite the various attempts made to secure a just and lasting peace in the region. 95.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Rejection of a Palestinian State, refusal to negotiate with the PLO, refusal to return to the borders of 1967, refusal to put a freeze on settlements, refusal to accept any initiative for a peaceful settlement no matter whence it comes, including the plan proposed by President Reagan of the United States-—this is neither more nor less than the programme of the Israeli Government. 92. Since 1967, more than a third of the land in the West Bank has come under the control of the occupying authorities, to which must be added the seizure of water resources, the population's use of which is subject to Draconian restrictions. 93. This is the face of Israeli expansionism, which is today the main obstacle to the advent of genuine peace in the region.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“If Tel Aviv is opposed to any just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, based on the recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to create their own State, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, it is because such a solution is incompatible with the expansionist concept of "Greater Israel", which Israeli leaders are implementing by rapidly building settlements in order to create an irreversible situation. 91.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Those extremist movements today proclaim openly their intention of expelling the Arab inhabitants from the territories where their ancestors dwelt for centuries. 88. Is it conceivable that a State Member of the United Nations should be able, through the oppression and exclusion of a section of its population which it regards as second-class citizens, to appropriate their land and their property? 89. If every peace initiative has come up against Israel's implacable intransigence, this is because over the years that country has been able to count on substantial economic and military aid, as well as unreserved diplomatic support, from its allies—factors which have reinforced it in its attitude. 90.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“In this connection, Tunisia reaffirms its support for the search for any solution which would guarantee the independence, neutrality and freedom of choice of those two countries, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, which call for the withdrawal of all foreign troops and an end to all interference in their internal affairs. 87. The Palestinian people, whether living under Israeli tyranny in the occupied territories or in their Diaspora, are distressed to see the chances of peace receding daily. The hope of some Palestinians for a change of Government in Israel that would bring about a more flexible policy has yet to materialize. In fact, we have seen the legalization of Fascist and racist movements known for their excessive demands on the populations of the occupied territories.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“These local conflicts are indeed running sores which threaten the peace and security of the regions in question, thus opening the way for foreign intervention and super-Power rivalry. 85. At a time when the two super-Powers seem disposed to consult one another about these conflicts, let us hope that they will remember that the parties to a conflict are those most concerned and that any solution which does not take their interests into account, or which is achieved at their expense or without their participation, is bound to fail in the long run. Past and present history abounds in lessons to this effect. 86. The situation in two non-aligned countries, Afghanistan and Kampuchea, has for several years now, unfortunately, provided us with a graphic illustration of this state of affairs.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Almost everywhere we look, there is deadlock. 83. The Soviet-United States Strategic Arms Reduction Talks, which have been suspended for months, seem unlikely to resume soon. In Europe, deployment of missiles is met with counter-deployment. The "super" arms race is resuming its diabolical course, extending to space itself. In fact, the militarization of space, which yesterday was something out of science fiction, is today a reality which adds a new dimension to the arms race and to the risks of global conflagration. 84. Rather than being resolved, the regional conflicts besetting the countries of the third world are growing worse, becoming entrenched over the years and thereby creating intolerable situations for the peoples who have to bear them.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“It is not succumbing to discouragement and to despair to emphasize the steady deterioration of the environment in which we live and the virtual inability of the international community to alter the dangerous course of events in any way. It is also disturbing to note the paralysis which is steadily gripping the United Nations in the vital sphere of the maintenance of international peace and security, for which the Organization is responsible under its Charter. Of course, we are all aware of the extent of the problems we face and of their complexity, but is this any reason for giving up hope and taking no action? 82. Since the last session of the General Assembly, monologue has followed monologue. Tension in East- West relations, far from abating, is still dangerously present. We are caught up in a crisis.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Jorge Illueca, President of the Republic of Panama, for his out-standing work throughout his term of office, and particularly in its most difficult moments. 79. I should like also to extend our warm congratulations to the Secretary-General for the tireless efforts he has been making to put an end to the conflicts which are raging in various parts of the world and for the report on the work of the Organization, a remarkably lucid and realistic report, which he recently submitted to this Assembly. 80. Finally, I should like to welcome into our midst Brunei Darussalam, which has just become a Member of the United Nations. We rejoice at the admission of this new Member at a time when this international body particularly needs the contribution of all the nations of the world in order to take up the many challenges that face it. 81.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Allow me, Sir, to add my congratulations to all those already extended to you on the occasion of your election as President of the General Assembly at its thirty-ninth session. By unanimously entrusting that responsibility to you, the Assembly is paying a tribute to your great qualities and honouring your country, with which Tunisia maintains friendly, trusting and harmonious relations. 77. We are sure that your authority, your competence and your vast experience of international relations will be of invaluable assistance in guiding our debates and our decisions and will thus ensure a positive outcome for our deliberations. The Tunisian delegation pledges you its full co-operation as you perform this noble mission. 78. Allow me to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to your predecessor, Mr.”
1984-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 39 (1984)
“Indira Gandhi, the chairman of the seventh summit conference at New Delhi, in inviting her counterparts to come here and consult together at the very highest level on the state of the world and this international society, which we should like to see capable of respecting a discipline freely agreed to. Let us hope that we can gird ourselves to restore faith and vigour to this international system, which was established on the basis of so much hard work. Let us be convinced that development, independence, disarmament and peace are closely linked together and that they are our only means of salvation.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“At a time when the state of the world has aroused concern and anxiety, we are pleased to see the United Nations admitting its 158th Member Stale Saint Christopher and Nevis. We welcome it to our midst. Its admission is a timely occasion to recall the universal nature of the Organization and to strengthen our conviction that it is by means of this international body that the world will find its salvation. 264. Indeed, it is this conviction that the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries has expressed in making itself the champion of the multilateral approach and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations; it is this conviction that is reflected in the fortunate initiative of Mrs.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The most alarming illustration of this is the ever more serious reduction in the contributions to financing operational activities for development, and particularly to UNDP. We think that the present serious financial crisis of UNDP will—if some large-scale action is not undertaken by the contributor countries to ensure UNDP financing on a foreseeable, sure and regular basis—deal a fatal blow to this irreplaceable instrument of multilateral co-operation for development. 262. We are happy to take note of the agreement reached on setting up the United Nations Financing System for Science and Technology for Development, and we hope this will encourage all countries to make financial contributions in order to accelerate its entry into force. 263.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The continuation of the efforts to launch the North-South dialogue and to ensure its success does not prevent South-South co-operation from being strengthened and diversified further. The developing countries are today fully aware of that. They recently again confirmed this at the second meeting of the Group of 77's Intergovernmental and Co-ordination Committee, of which Tunisia had the honour to act as host at the beginning of this month. 260. We are convinced that the decisions taken on that occasion will have a positive effect not only on co-operation among developing countries but also on international co-operation in general. 261. We are concerned about this mood of disaffection about multilateralism which has grown up over the past few years.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Most of our partners in the developed world have in fact refused to debate seriously the new approach proposed. In this regard, the report of the Secretary- General on the work of the Organization quite rightly notes: "The opportunity of the sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was to a large extent allowed to lapse, thus exacerbating political tensions on a range of economic issues". We believe that it is not too late to remedy this failure, but we have to want to do so and therefore to act by means of a true dialogue, which is the best way of bringing about a settlement of the grave and urgent problems of the world economy, particularly the problems of the developing countries. 259.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“While envisaging the adoption of a programme of immediate measures to meet the urgent economic difficulties of the developing countries, this approach aims at lumbering global negotiations in two stages, to define and adapt long-term structural measures and reforms, within the framework of a global, egalitarian dialogue. 257. It is for the international community to seize the opportunity, during this session, to launch seriously a constructive dialogue, bringing together developed and developing countries in a common endeavour matching the seriousness of the situation. 258. This is particularly urgent because the sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in which such great hopes were placed, unfortunately generated nothing but frustration and disappointment.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This will make it possible to ensure growth and full employment for the industrialized countries and to guarantee to the developing countries conditions for true development within the framework of their legitimate aspiration to establish a new international economic order that is just and equitable. 256. I should like to recall in this regard that the approach advocated at the Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held at New Delhi, constitutes in our view the most appropriate response to break the deadlock in the North-South dialogue that has existed over the past few years.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is undeniable that a global solution must be found to this global economic crisis, a solution which takes account of the legitimate interests of all countries, particularly the weakest, within the framework of a common endeavour and dialogue on an equal footing. 254. We do not believe that market forces, however magical they may be, can overcome the structural crisis through which the world economy is now passing. Nor do we share the optimism of those who believe in the "automatic fall-out" from the growth in the industrial countries on the economies of developing countries. 255. We believe that the current recovery can be sustained only if it is supported by a powerful dynamism which takes into consideration, in an equitable manner, the well-understood interests of all countries.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Inflation, unemployment and recession are the major concerns of the industrial countries, and they are giving rise in those countries to reactions of economic nationalism and protectionism, reflected in a whole array of protectionist regulations and measures improvised to adjust to the prevailing situation. This is also reflected by a contraction in the volume of public development aid, the real value of which, expressed as a percentage of gross national product of the donor countries, was still lower in 1982 than it was at the end of the 1960s. 232. The worsening in the terms of trade, the monetary disorder and the rise of protectionism are illustrative not only of the extent of the crisis but of the present system's failure to adapt to the new realities of the interdependence between the economies of different countries. 253.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The poor countries of Africa continue to languish in sordid conditions of absolute poverty, hunger and malnutrition, and a large proportion of their populations do not have even the necessary minimum for survival and human dignity. 248. The international environment is far from favourable to strengthening international economic co-operation for development. Certainly, signs of economic recovery have begun to appear in some major industrial countries, but their effects do not yet seem to have made it possible to overcome the prevailing difficulties in the economies of those countries. 249.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The developing countries' terms of trade, already very precarious, have continued to deteriorate for the fifth year in succession. 245. The contraction of international trade and the proliferation of protectionist measures have had a very bad effect on the most dynamic export sectors of the developing countries, thus worsening their trade deficits and aggravating their balance of payments difficulties. 246. The external indebtedness of practically all the developing countries has reached, and in some cases passed, the danger point, placing certain developing countries—not only the poorest—on the edge of bankruptcy. Faced with declining export earnings and contracting foreign exchange holdings, most developing countries have been compelled to reduce their imports of capital goods, thus seriously affecting their development programmes. 247.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Tunisia is convinced that along these lines may be found the way to a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Middle East conflict, as was confirmed by the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, held at Geneva from 29 August to 7 September 1983. 244. For the third year in succession the world economy is in the throes of crisis, the most serious since the great recession of the 1930s. It has paralyzed growth and slowed down development. Its consequences are serious for the developing countries. In all of them, production ha& failed to increase for the first time since the war, and per capita income has fallen by about 3 per cent. The prices of commodities, the main expense of many developing countries, and sometimes their only exports, have fallen in real value to their lowest level since 1945.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It has been a categorical, unreserved refusal to all, a stinging slap in the face to the international community, on the pretext that the Bible confers upon Israel a divine proprietorial right over Palestine. 242. In the face of that refusal, we stand by the resolutions of the United Nations, upon which the Arab States drew abundantly in order to present to the world on 9 September 1982 their initiative known as the Fez plan. That plan, which is based upon international legality as it appears in General Assembly resolution 181 (II) of 29 November 1947, reaffirms, in different words, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the creation of its own State, and entrusts to the Security Council the role of guaranteeing the security of all the States of the region so that they may live in peace and security. 243.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“239. The Arab countries and the PLO have constantly repeated that their desire for peace is sincere and that they are open to any proposal based on justice and right. This desire has been reflected in the past in many statements by Arab and Palestinian leaders. It was made clear again last year, immediately after the tragic events in Lebanon, with the publication of a series of peace initiatives. 240. The Arab world has never refused to consider these initiatives, whether the Franco-Egyptian draft resolution, the Reagan plan" or the Brezhnev plan," thus putting a favourable construction on the intentions of their authors. 241. What has been the reaction of Israel, in contrast?”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We repeat our conviction that any acquiescence or siding with Israel which could promote its policies of aggression, annexation and destabilization in the region strengthens that feeling of impunity, encourages that attitude of defiance and does the greatest possible damage to the Organization. 237. Resolutions adopted by the United Nations provide the elements of a just, comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict. 238. We are convinced that the United Nations provides an irreplaceable forum to negotiate a lasting peace between the parties concerned. In this context, the appeals for negotiation which have from time to time been made to the Arab countries must, if they are to be realistic and sincere, be addressed above all to the PLO, the sole representative of the Palestinian people, which is the principal party in the conflict.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Israel has recourse to that language of force on the fallacious pretext that its security is threatened, whereas according to the most enlightened observers Israel is the fourth- ranking military Power in the world. 235. It is scarcely necessary to recall that security is the constant, legitimate concern of all the countries of the region. 236. Just as my country is devoted to international legitimacy, it deplores the extent to which the values reflected in the Charter have eroded. That erosion today causes a State Member of the Organization to act with impunity. We appeal to those who bear the greatest responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security to stand alongside us as vigilant guardians of the values defended by the Charter.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Unfortunately, however, some people persist in trying to impose their own concept or the overwhelming majority of the international community, thus placing themselves outside universally acknowledged norms. Equating the occupied Arab territories with a res nullis, they are engaging in the use of force, repression and oppression in order to achieve their own objectives, thus defying the Charter and decisions of the United Nations as well as the most elementary rules of international law. This flagrant defiance, based upon blind force, has reached such a level that the Israeli leaders seem no longer to believe in anything but the language of force.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“If the situation in the Middle East has seen no progress over the last 30 years that is because the international community has not been capable of considering it reasonably or in its objective reality or of stripping it of the emotional attitudes and feelings which have always constituted the backdrop to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 233. So long kept outside the political arena, the Palestinians have been the victims of a fallacious concept of the true dimensions of the problem, which has been reduced to a conflict between Israel and the Arab States. Today the Palestinian problem can be seen in its true geopolitical context, and there is a broad consensus which now places it at the very heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. 234.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The destruction of the Iraqi atomic reactor, the annexation of the Golan Heights, the doubling in the space of three years of the number of settlements in occupied Arab territories, the brutality against the Palestinian people and the denial to them of their fundamental rights, the invasion of Lebanon with its train of victims and destruction and the massacres of Sabra and Shatila are all milestones on the path of aggression trod by Israel and are all part of a systematic plan and a deliberate policy. The ultimate objective of Israel is to Judaize the occupied Arab territories before annexing them and to deprive the just cause of the Palestinian people of its strength and meaning and to reduce them to wanderers. 232.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Everything seems to follow the logic, a logic with implacable objectives: to bring the Palestinian people to their knees by the military elimination of the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO] and to realize the dream of David Ben Gurion by creating "the third Kingdom of David", which would extend from the Nile to the Euphrates. 230. Today, Israel's intentions are secret to no one. Every day brings us further striking proof that the Israeli policy of fait accompli is meant to be irreversible and that this end justifies any means. 231.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We hope that the cease-Ore will be consolidated definitively in the Held and that it will be possible to begin on that basis dialogue and negotiations within the framework of national harmony. We also hope the parties will strive to make it possible for this brother people to recover its unity and liberate its territory from Israeli occupation. 229. The same policy is being systematically applied in the occupied Palestinian Arab territories, where the Tel Aviv authorities are feverishly building settlements, and regarding the Arab populations of the territories under Israeli control, whose rights are being violated and whose lands are being requisitioned and expropriated.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The tragic situation in which Lebanon now finds itself is nothing but the direct consequence of this policy, which is based upon invasion, the occupation of territory and the expulsion of the inhabitants. The most recent phase in the plot concocted against this country is the redeployment of troops by Israel, aimed at making it possible to retain its grip on the south of the country. The previous phase of that plot consisted in sowing the seeds of discord and division among the inhabitants of Lebanon, which has nevertheless so often set us an example of perfect coexistence of communities and religions. 228. That is why we learned with the greatest satisfaction of the cease-fire brought about thanks to considerable and praiseworthy efforts.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)