YouSaid · the spoken record

Calvani

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS CALVANI

lines on the record: 135
first: 1969-09-24
most recent: 1973-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“According to the ordinary approach to history, by war we mean a way of resolving differences among States when diplomatic action fails. But when mankind discovered the atomic bomb the feeling was that war would no longer exist due to the deterrent nature of nuclear weapons. 107. But a new phenomenon has emerged: war in peace. This paradox has a name: a system of permanent subversion. No nation can escape this fact. Both the developed and undeveloped, all may be victims of this evil. Subversion may exist at any point of tension or antagonism, wherever it may exist. 108. In addition to subversion carefully developed into a system, we find at the international level, the cult of violence. Let me define my terms very clearly. In ordinary language violence is often confused with force. But this is an error.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Thus, at a time when man has made the most sensational discoveries, at the international level we must witness enormous efforts to achieve superiority in weaponry while at the same time more than two thirds of mankind remain victims of underdevelopment. 105. We have seen how precarious the peace has been over the past twenty-five years. Armed conflicts have indeed not come to an end and the blood of the dead and the wounded has been shed in the remotest areas of the earth. We have grown accustomed to all this. We are not even so worried any more about living on the brink of disaster. And I say "the brink of disaster" because in a situation where there is a balance of power, events cannot always be controlled and indeed may take us unawares and lead us to a catastrophe. 106.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The maintenance of this balance, precarious at best, requires the investment of gigantic sums of money for the acquisition of attack and defense systems which are increasingly complex and costly. The possession of the atomic bomb has been the point of departure in a constant arms race designed to end the balance of terror by some decisive discovery or by establishing the kind of material superiority which Would have an unquestionable effect. 103. With a very small percentage of the investments that are made for destruction, the face of the earth could indeed be changed. However, the struggle for control of the world makes it impossible for the competitors to act in everyone's best interests. 104.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“The profit motive on the one hand and the desire for ideological penetration on the other have, in international systems, existed to the detriment of many countries which need the co-operation of the major countries of the world. 100. Hunger continues to be a scourge for two thirds of mankind. In spite of all the efforts and programs being pursued hunger continues to prevail in enormous areas of the world. Thousands and thousands of men are still literally starving to death every day. 101. This fact points to just one more injustice which divides the peoples of the world today into a club of wealthy nations, an exclusive club with closed doors, and poor nations. 102. We have already spoken of an international order based on the balance of power between the various blocs.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“These economic and social differences lead to domination of the under-developed countries by the developed countries as a result of the so-called assistance they provide. We made this point in our statement in the general debate in this Assembly last year. We said: "The policy of blocs and the division of world power between the two great Powers has introduced deep-rooted evils in international assistance. "Under one system, economic domination of necessity leads to political and cultural penetration. Under the other system, political and ideological domination implies equally economic control and exploitation. Both systems result in terms of different emphasis and methods in what can only be described as an objective position of subjugation." [1779th meeting, paras. 85 and 86]. 99.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Statistics show that the absolute and relative difference between the industrial and backward States is growing every year; this imbalance grows in fact daily. Wealth and progress continue to exist solely in the same States. 97. It might be thought that as a result of scientific and technological progress the under-developed countries could in fact develop, but this would be a mere illusion. Scientific and technological development will be, in the normal course of events, beyond the reach of the developing countries, or at least their development will not be such as to overcome their backwardness. No matter how one looks at it, the lack of three fundamental elements for development capital, educational level and technology, which are indissolubly related creates a vicious circle of poverty. 98.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Equality among nations is, to be sure, enshrined in texts. In reality, however, the 'e is only token recognition reflected in a mere right to speak and vote in international organizations. 95. International order as we know it is based on the preponderance of the major Powers, and peace is solely the result of a policy of balance of power among them. This fact is brought out very clearly in the tendency of the major Powers to disregard the United Nations when considering the principal international problems. The most important political issues are aired and in fact solved without the participation of the developing nations. 96. There are very great economic and social differences dividing the peoples of the world.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“But let us have no illusions, the existing international order shows many serious shortcomings which must be squarely faced. 92. It would be impossible to take up each and every one of the specific features of today's world. It is only feasible to take stock of the more relevant events which in our opinion determine the march of mankind at this moment of singular importance. 93. There is a great gap between the principles pro-claimed as the basis of international relations and their concrete application. The important leaders of the major countries of the world assert in their speeches rules for international behavior which are admirable for their beauty and content. However, all too frequently they are mere theoretical expressions, for these rules have not been made a reality in relations among States. 94.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“We must have a critical turn of mind as we endeavor to make the proper judgment. We believe that our primary goal can only be the one which led to the creation of this international Organization, namely, the maintenance of international peace and security. 91. It is obvious that many positive results have been achieved by the United Nations in the economic, social, cultural, legal and health fields. However, we feel that it is necessary not to disregard the negative aspects of the situation confronting us today. We must concentrate on them if we wish to correct the errors which we have committed in the past. In our opinion the United Nations continues to be the best instrument of the international community in its search for peace and justice in the world.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Men, in their desire not to forget the past, have performed acts to mark great moments in history. So it is that we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations at this session. There have been twenty-five years of efforts to maintain international peace and security, to promote friendship among peoples, to co-operate in the solution of the various problems before them and to serve as a center to help achieve these goals. During these twenty-five years man's weaknesses have at times led to the shipwreck of fine ideals, but at the same time heroic virtues and a feeling of human solidarity have asserted themselves on many occasions. 90. As this long journey draws to a close it is only fitting that we pause and carry out a critical analysis of the results achieved.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“Mr. President, on behalf of my Government may I convey to you our sincerest congratulations on the honor which has been conferred upon you by your being elected President of this General Assembly. Your personal qualities, your experience and your important contribution to the study of the United Nations Charter assure us that we will enjoy effective and fruitful guidance of our work during the course of this session. 87. I should also like to pay tribute to the admirable work accomplished at the past General Assembly session by your distinguished predecessor, Mrs. Angie Brooks-Randolph. 88. In this general debate we shall refrain from stating our position in detail on all the specific items on the agenda. Our delegation will state its views on all these items when they come up for debate. 89.”
1970-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 25 (1970)
“But we must likewise ask ourselves: will this generation retain its faith in the United Nations? If we can ensure that our most precious resource, youth, participates in the activities of the United Nations, we should be taking a great step forward towards the future realization of the great hopes born at San Francisco.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“That will be a magnificent opportunity to make a clear and realistic analysis of its structure and effectiveness and of the role that it is destined to play in a rapidly changing world. 106. In this analysis we must obviously assess the real results that have been achieved. But this in itself is not enough. In a constructive spirit, we must ask ourselves whether our peoples still believe in the United Nations as an effective instrument for the maintenance of international peace and for the promotion of the necessary economic and social development. 107. Moreover, the post-war generation must receive our special attention. Animated by praiseworthy concerns and impelled by a tireless energy, this generation can and must be a positive and decisive factor in contemporary history.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“A new international order must be based on recognition of the unity and indivisibility of mankind’s destiny and of the inherent dignity of human beings, and should be aimed at the development of the whole man and of all mankind. 104. In examining all these problems, we think of the heavy burden borne by our Secretary-General, U Thant. We know his devotion to the cause of peace, his spirituality and his will to serve, all of which constitute a guarantee of patient and fruitful action. We congratulate the Secretary-General on his positive efforts and we offer him our support and our co-operation. 105. Next year the United Nations will have been in existence for a quarter of a century.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“While the policy of a balance of power among nations, among the great Powers, was incapable of ensuring peace in the past, the possibilities of creating a just international order today on-the basis of that same system are remote indeed. It might be argued that this balance of power has prevented a world conflict. We cannot forget, however, that we have been on the brink of the abyss on more than one occasion. Moreover, the maintenance of this precarious balance entails the investment of vast sums on the acquisition of complex and costly systems of attack or defence. In any event, the balance of power did not prevent the armed conflicts that have broken out in various parts of the world since the end of the Second World War. 103.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“All these reasons have undoubtedly affected the state of affairs, but in our view the root of the problem is the lack of a general political will to work within the framework of the United Nations and actively to promote the principles and purposes of the Charter. 101. There is clearly a tendency for the great Powers to leave the United Nations to one side in considering the main international issues. We other Member States encourage this attitude, which is gradually undermining the very foundations of the Organization, through inactivity and our inability to work together and make our contribution to the study of those items. 102.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“There are complex reasons for this weakening of the United Nations, which many speakers have described in the course of this general debate: non-compliance with its resolutions by certain Member States; the lack of a sense of realism on the part of delegations that are more interested in adoption of draft resolutions than in the actual possibilities of action by the Organization; the unjustified refusal of other delegations to support specific measures for the implementation of principles and standards generally accepted by the international community; the excessive number of meetings, documents and words; the dispersal of efforts; the limitations of the Charter, and so on.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We are concerned at the loss of authority and prestige suffered by the United Nations, which in our opinion is still the international community’s best instrument for achieving peace and justice in the world.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“When these practices, instead of being combated by Governments, are institutionalized by them and proclaimed as official policy, they constitute an intolerable mockery of the very bases of the international community. 98. To these forms of violence we should add one other: religious discrimination. We had thought that it was something that belonged to the past, but we see with concern that it is re-emerging in various parts of the world and that it, too, constitutes a threat to understanding among men. 99. In this general debate we have refrained from explaining in detail our position on specific agenda items. Our delegation will express its views on each item as it is discussed. We should like, nevertheless, to take this opportunity to make a few general comments about the Organization. 100.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Colonial oppression that prevents nations from choosing their own destiny is also a form of violence. The historic tradition of Venezuela, bequeathed by, the Liberator. Simon Bolivar, compels my country to support all measures designed to eliminate the detestable colonial system, whatever form and characteristics it may assume. 97. There is another form of violence in our world which it is our duty to combat, namely, degrading and cruel racism. Racial persecution is a serious threat to world peace and a burden on the conscience of every free man. The blood of three races which runs intermingled in the veins of the Venezuelan people makes us particularly sensitive to this absurd form of hatred among men.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In short, we must work towards an international order aimed at the universal common good and based on international social justice. 95. Having described the foundations which, in my Government’s view, are indispensable for the attainment of lasting and fruitful peace for the full development of man, we wish to express our most fervent hope that violence will be banished from the world. The most obvious form of violence — war - still persists in Asia, Africa and the Middle East in all its tragic manifestations: the dead and the wounded, hunger, destruction, poverty and the shipwreck of man’s dignity. We are shocked and deeply disturbed that efforts to achieve peace have ended in failure. 96. But armed struggle is not the only form of violence.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Thus there has emerged—although still in an imprecise form — the idea of a universal common good that demands the support of all the peoples of the world. International structures must be adapted for the purpose of achieving this universal common good, and to this end the mistaken and harmful concept of selfish nationalism must be superseded by a concept of sovereignty and patriotism based on solidarity among nations and applied in the light of the values of international social justice. Consequently, we must move from an international order based on bilateral agreements between Governments towards one founded on multilateral institutions established by the peoples. We must move from national autarchies to the creation of a supra-national society through successive processes of integration.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“This fact, which has still not been sufficiently assimilated, sheds a new light on the concept of “mankind”. As the earth grows smaller and smaller, men feel closer and closer to each other. It is easier to understand, or rather to feel, the solidarity that is needed among nations. 93. It is obvious that participation in the international community cannot be based on the selfish and negative idea of the benefits to be derived from the political domination and economic exploitation of other countries. This is so obvious, that, as can clearly be seen, the peoples of the developing countries feel the need to unite against an unjust international order, just as the under-privileged within each State feel the need to unite against those who are responsible for their deprivation. 94.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The deterioration in the terms of trade, the growing cost of financial resources and the increasingly difficult access to technological advances are daily widening the gap separating the developed countries — which are a true international oligarchy — from the rest, which in increasingly difficult situations are struggling to ensure genuinely human conditions of life for their peoples. 91. I have one further observation to make. The lack of any criterion of social justice in the policy of development aid frequently has the effect of strengthening inequitable structures in the developing countries. 92. Moreover, man’s landing on the moon opens up new horizons for human existence. The earth is no longer the only sphere of man’s activities. Man has reached outer space, and thus gives a vital new dimension to life.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In his Introduction to this year’s annual report, the Secretary-General states that “development is the long slow road to peace” [A/7601/Add.1, para. 84]. The distance we have travelled along this road is frankly unsatisfactory, and it will continue to be unsatisfactory so long as no effective efforts are made by the more developed countries to support the efforts of the United Nations. The praiseworthy efforts of UNCTAD and its Secretary-General, our distinguished compatriot Mr. Manuel Pérez Guerrero, can achieve nothing concrete so long as the States that have the resources, far from using them to promote a more reasonable and just international economic order, continue by their behaviour to aggravate the present unacceptable. situation.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Is it not the same social justice transposed to the level of relations between countries? Why is a principle operative in national economies not operative in the world economy? The result would be radically different, since something which is an obligation could scarcely be described as “aid”. The wealth of the developed countries has its roots in the poverty of the developing countries. Thus, on the international plane, the developed countries have — in all justice — certain duties towards the developing countries. It is therefore a matter not of concessions, but of obligations. 89. This might seem somewhat exaggerated. Let us remember, however, in this respect the serious problem of the constant deterioration in terms of trade and its important sole in the “vicious circle of poverty”. 90.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“The actual words used convey the underlying ideas. Reference is made to “aid” to the under-developed countries, thus apparently attributing generosity to the donor. In point of fact, generally speaking, the provision of resources either represents a straightforward commercial transaction or pursues ideological or political goals; in neither case does it warrant the connotation of the word “aid“. 88. What is more, in the developed countries the tax systems — whatever form they take — generally place the burden of taxation on those who possess most. These nations believe this is a logical system where their own countries are concerned, and this is so, since it is in accordance with social distributive justice. Why, I ask, is not this same principle applied to international relations? Why are there two weights and two measures?”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Under one system, economic domination inevitably leads to political and cultural penetration. Under another, political and ideological domination also implies economic control and exploitation. Both systems, though their emphasis and methods differ, result in what can only be called an objective situation of subjection. 87. Development financing is, in fact, subject to many conditions. Disinterested donations are the exception. In one case, the “beneficiary” country is a victim of the developed country’s desire for profit and has to repay what it has received with interest and to compromise its economic freedom. In the other case, the so-called beneficiary country is a victim of the developed country’s desire for ideological penetration and sees its structures invaded and its political freedom removed.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“At the national level, marked economic, social and cultural inequalities give rise to tensions and disturbances of various kinds, and, at the international level, make peace an illusion. 84. The exploitation of man by man undoubtedly generates violence. How then can the exploitation of one country by another engender peace on earth? How, I also ask, could we describe the exploitation of one country by another as anything but a situation of domination and subjection? How indeed can we describe the relations between the developed nations — whatever banner they fly — and the developing nations except in terms of domination and subjection? 85. The policy of blocs and the concentration of world power around two great Powers have caused serious defects in international assistance. 86.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“They are realizing the extent of their under-development, which cannot be concealed by such euphemisms as “developing countries” or “relatively less developed countries”. 82. The spread of literacy, the press, radio, cinema, television, easier and increasing communication between peoples, and the very attitude of the developed countries in their relations with the developing countries have led the developing countries to realize that there is a section of mankind which is over-endowed. The resignation of former years has given way to the desire to work for an end to this unjust situation in international relations. And today, nations, as individuals did in the past, look to international social justice as an ideal to inspire and guide their activities. 83.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“In its name a fight was waged to counter the abuses of the powerful, to change the concept of society and its structures. As it was considered that those who have more should contribute more, the weight of the tax burden began to fall on the wealthy. As employers and workers, too, were not in the same situation, social legislation to protect workers was evolved in order to put an end to the domination of the socially weak by the socially strong. But this is something that is so well known that there is no need to dwell on it further. This process took place within each nation, at different times but along the same general lines. The poor became aware of their own poverty. 81. Today it has taken on a new dimension: it has become international in character. The under-privileged peoples of the world have become aware of their state.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“As the differences between the haves and the have-nots became more accentuated, an event occurred which was to have far-reaching consequences: the have-nots became aware of their own poverty and rebelled against it. Fatalistic resignation to subhuman living conditions gave way to a belief in collective responsibility for the well-being of every member of the community, a responsibility directly proportional to the capacity and wealth of each individual. 80. There thus emerged a new view of the ideal of justice, namely, social justice, justice as a regulating principle restoring the balance between the haves and the have-nots, between the strong and the weak, between the rich and the poor and between employers and workers.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“We do not, however, consider it sufficient to adopt a purely static approach, since the problems facing the international community, far from remaining static, are increasing in gravity and complexity faster than means can be found to solve them. The Venezuelan Government wishes to make a determined effort to join in the concerted and dynamic action that the times demand. 78. However, efforts do not always produce the desired results unless they are carried out as part of a coherent plan laying down the goals towards which they should be directed. These goals are, in our view, international social justice and universal well-being. 79. As we all know, the early stages of the industrial revolution produced the most inhuman conditions of poverty for large masses of the population within each country.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“Arenales afforded us an unforgettable example of dignity and strength of spirit in the way in which he directed the work of the past session while afflicted with great physical suffering. 76. I have the honour to address the General Assembly for the first time as the representative of the Government presided over by Mr. Rafael Caldera who, in keeping with the constitutional and democratic tradition of Venezuela, has been entrusted by the people of Venezuela with the difficult task of leading the country along the path of progress. On his behalf, I reaffirm Venezuela’s support for the United Nations and for the principles of the Charter which provide a basis for its activities. 77. The Government of Venezuela is determined to remain faithful to the principles on which international peace and co-operation are based.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)
“74. Madam President, please accept our warmest and most sincere congratulations on your election as President of the General Assembly. It is a just recognition of your personal qualities and of your long and distinguished career in the United Nations. It is also a well-deserved tribute to womanhood and motherhood, and to a continent which played an important part in forming the people and national character of Venezuela. We have already had occasion to appreciate the intelligence, tact and firmness with which you direct our discussions, thus ensuring that the work of the session will be orderly and fruitful. 75. We should be failing to pay a well-deserved tribute if at this time, we were not to recall your predecessor, Mr. Emilio Arenales. Mr.”
1969-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 24 (1969)