YouSaid · the spoken record

Iribarren Borges

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS IRIBARREN BORGES

lines on the record: 80
first: 1966-09-24
most recent: 1968-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“Here, it may be observed that our record is unsullied, a fact to which we shall be proud to call upon our other neighbours to bear witness. 176. Such an indictment of a country which has an unbroken tradition of devotion to peace and respect for international law is so absurd that not even the Government of Guyana itself could believe it.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is ironic and, above all, sad that Guyana, whose people suffered and continue to suffer so much from the consequences of the United Kingdom’s colonial practices, should come here today to defend, before the Assembly, the adoption of those same practices in order to steal from Venezuela. 174. The representative of Guyana says that Venezuela is claiming two-thirds of his country’s territory. That is false. It is the Government of Guyana which is clinging illegally to one-seventh of Venezuela territory — stolen from us by the United Kingdom which, at the time, in complicity with the then Government of the United States, sought to make that seizure final by means of a legal farce they called arbitration. 175. Finally, I turn to the accusations of expansionism and aggressive intention levelled at Venezuela by the representative of Guyana.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“That country cannot accuse Venezuela of interfering with the unjust possession exercised by Guyana over Venezuelan territory. 172. The representative of Guyana has stated that the Venezuelan claim is groundless and a symptom of Venezuela’s “expansionism”. At the same time, he recalls the existence of the 1966 Geneva Agreement — accepted by Guyana — which establishes the parties’ obligation to seek satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the dispute. In pursuance of that Agreement, Venezuela, through peaceful means and in good faith, is continuing its attempt to settle this problem which has been inherited from British imperialism. 173.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Venezuela has merely pointed out that, when the territory which was snatched from Venezuela by the United Kingdom regains its sovereignty, it will not recognize any foreign concessions which may have been granted in regard to it by Guyana. We must make such an affirmation in order to avoid giving powerful international economic consortia interested in the territory any grounds for future claims against Venezuela based on spurious titles obtained from the Government of Guyana. 171. Fifthly, he has chosen to construe as an act of aggression the Decree of 9 July 1968 on matters relating to Venezuelan territorial waters. This Decree merely reserves the rights of Venezuela over that portion of Venezuelan territorial waters held by Guyana.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“They can hardly avoid comparing the progressive and integrated society of Venezuela with the policy of racial hostility which the British colonialists have deliberately and systematically fostered in Guyana, as in all other places where they have held sway. 169. Thirdly, he has accused Venezuela of excluding Guyana from the Organization of American States and from the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America. Suffice it to say, in reply, that the conditions of admission to both organizations were unanimously laid down by the Member States. 170. Fourthly, he has accused Venezuela of economic aggression.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“To occupy that territory would have been impossible for the simple reason that it has always been in Venezuela’s possession, and that not even the legal farce which the representative of Guyana termed the “Arbitral Award” denied Venezuela’s sovereignty over Ankoko Island. 168. Secondly, he has accused Venezuela of intervention in Guyana’s internal affairs and specifically accused our country of attempting to subvert the indigenous community of the disputed territory. Those accusations are entirely false and groundless. Any sympathy which the islanders may feel for Venezuela is certainly none of our doing.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The representative of Guyana has himself recalled the existence of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the United Kingdom and Guyana, on the one hand, and Venezuela, on the other, and has referred to the Mixed Commission established under that Agreement to consider all matters relating to the territorial dispute which exists between our countries. We may add that the Commission met last week for the tenth time at Georgetown. The Venezuelan delegation therefore feels that to bring up this matter in the United Nations is out of place, and our remarks are intended not to start a discussion on this topic, but to reject the unjustified accusations and put right the factual errors contained in the Guyanese statement. 167. In the first place, he has repeated the absurd allegation that Venezuela “occupied” Ankoko Island.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We must now tackle and solve those problems; we must adopt practical and direct measures which will help the immense developing world to shake off the inertia which seems to be gripping it. The industrialized countries have a serious historic commitment towards that world in which poverty, sickness and ignorance still prevail. 165. That, Mr. President, was all that my delegation had wished to say at this time; however, the accusations made yesterday [1680th meeting] against my country by the representative of Guyana compel us to add a number of observations. 166.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Venezuela believes in the United Nations, in its organs and specialized agencies, and, when it is called upon to fill positions in certain institutions, it does so, not for reasons of international prestige, but rather with a fervent desire to collaborate and give its firm support with a view to strengthening those institutions. 163. During the present year, the representative of my country, Dr. Manuel Pérez Guerrero, presided over the Economic and Social Council. This was a great honour for Venezuela, and we take this opportunity to thank the members of that body for the spirit of understanding which they showed during the meetings and which helped it to achieve positive results. 164. The time for noting and analysing the problems of economic and social development has now passed.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Furthermore, Venezuela feels that the development of nations cannot be measured only by indices of productivity. We must know how far national, regional and world development programmes are designed to bring about the actual betterment — material and spiritual — of man or of the masses. It is the task of the United Nations to ensure that present-day national and regional development plans contain programmes for education and training, health ad social security. The technology and awareness of past generations was such that they strove first to produce greater wealth and then to distribute it; the peoples of today, however, will brook no postponement of their legitimate sharing in the fruits of development. That is how we view our own national development, and we hope international development will follow the same course. 162.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Venezuela, for its part, is playing an active role in initiatives designed to avoid any deterioration in the world market conditions for its main products. 160. By the same token, it is taking part in the efforts being made to achieve the integration of Latin America and hence a sound economic foundation for its industrialization and its participation, on competitive terms, in international trade. Our activities have not been limited to the Latin American Free Trade Association: within LAFTA, we have conducted talks on the possibilities of establishing closer sub-regional integration of the countries of the Andean Cordillera and, outside LAFTA, more recently, we have also been developing, through talks and agreements, our economic, social and cultural relations with neighbouring States of the Caribbean. 161.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“As long as we see no real change in this situation, or at least no real desire on the part of all countries for such a change, we cannot be optimistic about the prospects for the next Development Decade. We therefore feel that a more appropriate name; and one which would emphasize this need for effective collaboration between the developed and the developing countries, would be “Decade of Co-operation for Development”. 159. We nations of the Third World must continue in our united efforts to change the attitude of the developed countries. At the same time, we must take steps among ourselves to protect our interests by using all the means in our power to ensure that discussions and negotiations bear fruit.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“It is therefore particularly disturbing to note that the volume of international assistance is tending to stagnate or even regress. 157. Another problem of increasing gravity is the ever-widening technological gap between the two groups of countries. Technological backwardness is at once both a cause and effect of economic and social backwardness. Modern technology cannot flourish where the people are poor and uneducated. Nevertheless, it is an essential requisite for the industrialization which would overcome ignorance and poverty. It is therefore urgent to create conditions for a transfer of technology to the countries of the Third World. 158.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Raul Leoni, President of the Republic of Venezuela, referring to the problems of international trade, said: “The developing nations’ persistent campaign, at various meetings and conferences, has so far failed to produce a single significant result and the solemn declarations and formal promises have not been accompanied by the appropriate practical measures, or even by the required will, to translate them into reality. The repeated demands of the Latin American countries for measures to increase their commodity earnings appear today like an awful nightmare”. 156. Furthermore, it is difficult for our countries to achieve, solely by means of their own resources, an adequate rate of development. Their low rate of capital formation must be boosted by an adequate flow of finance from abroad.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Nor was the New Delhi Conference able to make any definite contribution towards the formulation of the global development strategy. Unless UNCTAD fulfils the important role allotted to it, the next United Nations Development Decade can hardly be expected to yield better results than the frankly unsatisfactory ones of the present Decade. 155. The reasons for the lack of success are clear. One of those which disturbs Venezuela most is the steady decline in the prices of our countries’ exports and the ever-growing restrictions on their access to world markets. Dr.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The unwillingness of the developed countries to change the prevailing system and make it fairer, or even to halt the decline of the under-developed world, was revealed dramatically at the second session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development at New Delhi. Despite the joint action taken by the Group of Seventy-seven, most of the developed countries maintained their Opposition to all changes of any significance. The only really positive aspect of the New Delhi Conference was the demonstration of the common feeling and solidarity of the Third World. It was further proof that resolutions, recommendations and measures approved in international bodies are in themselves valueless unless they represent the will of those who have the power to carry them out. 154.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Let us hope that a feeling of human solidarity will prevail over political differences and put an end to the suffering of the innocent victims of the conflict. 152. While Venezuela’s prime concern, in political affairs, is respect for the sovereign equality of all States regardless of their military might or geographical position, it believes that, in economic affairs also, justice must govern international relations. It is just as wrong for the great Powers to abuse their military or political strength in their relations with weaker nations as it is for the industrialized nations to abuse their economic might in dictating conditions of trade with the developing countries. 153.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Apparently, these Powers persist in upholding colonial structures which are out of date and which are being sustained only by legal fictions and racial discrimination — concepts unacceptable to civilization whose basic tenets are founded on the ideal of peace and justice for all freedom-loving nations and the equality of men in shaping their common destiny. 150. Venezuela trusts whole-heartedly that the efforts to achieve the freedom and independence of all territories still subjected to colonialism will be intensified. 151. On humanitarian grounds, I must now refer to something which has disturbed international public opinion and causes us the deepest concern: the consequences of the struggle taking place in Nigeria.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The activities of this Organization and the positive attitude now adopted by the administering Powers have done much to guide these peoples towards the exercise of the right of self-determination, thus enabling them to share with us the grave and increasingly complex responsibilities of the international community. 149. At the same time, however, it is regrettable to note those colonial situations which persist even now in obstinate defiance of the United Nations; such situations are the results of the intransigence of certain colonial Powers and their rejection of General Assembly and Security Council resolutions outlining specific and effective measures for the restoration of the inalienable rights of peoples under colonial domination.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“With great satisfaction the Government and people of Venezuela have noted some progress in the process of decolonization which this Organization has inspired and encouraged; I refer to the independence of Swaziland and the imminent independence of Equatorial Guinea. We are pleased to send our greetings and cordial felicitations to the peoples of those territories and to their leaders for their unswerving dedication to the cause of independence. For them, just as for those who are still struggling to gain their freedom, we would note, with Renan, that “suffering together unites more closely than joy, and that sorrows are worth more than triumphs since they impose duties and require joint efforts”. 148.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“The warnings of racists about the danger of the mixture of races or, as they call it, miscegenation, have been clearly refuted by the Venezuelans, who have practised such a policy since their independence, with such good results that I can state with pride that, regardless of our colour, we Venezuelans have no race. 146. Viet-Nam and the situation prevailing there continue to be a cause of concern to the entire world. The lack of progress in the Paris talks increases that concern. Today, we reiterate our hope that the countries involved in that situation may be able to resolve it in such a way as to bring peace, after so many years of conflict, to the war-torn territory of Viet-Nam. 147.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“No reasonable man can accept any arguments, open or implied, which seek to justify the oppression of one group of men by another, or the separation of groups because of the colour of their skin. Venezuelans find such arguments especially absurd, because our nation is a product of three human groups: the indigenous Americans, the Europeans and the Africans. We have progressed beyond the peaceful coexistence of different racial communities; among us there is no concept of racial collectivity. As a motive to unite or separate Venezuelans, the colour of a person’s skin is for us of as little importance as the colour of the eyes or the hair. 145.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Venezuela, which has friendly relations with all the peoples of that region, reiterates its support of United Nations efforts to make real progress towards a permanent and lasting solution to the conflict. 143. We recall that the year 1968 was proclaimed the “International Year for Human Rights” by the General Assembly [resolution 1961 (XVIII)], and that Member States undertook to make further efforts to reaffirm the dignity, worth and freedom of man, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For this reason, it is particularly painful to the human conscience that the monstrous policy of racial discrimination continues to be applied in South Africa, Namibia and Southern Rhodesia. 144.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Undoubtedly, they constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of non-aggression and of the self-determination of peoples, both of which are expressly set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, and of the principle of non-intervention formulated in resolution 2131(XX) and unanimously adopted by the General Assembly at its twentieth session on the initiative of the Soviet Union. The Venezuelan Government, a firm champion of the principle of non-intervention, peaceful coexistence among nations and the right of self-determination, once again condemns that action. 142. The Assembly will once again have to consider the Middle East question, which, far from approaching a solution, is yearly growing worse, thus constituting a constant threat to world peace.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“We are especially concerned over violations of the principle of non-intervention, the formulation and defence of which may be counted among the most notable advances of our times. That principle is the key to the whole system of international law; only if it is strictly observed can we expect a balance between nations and a true expression of the sovereign equality of all States. For this reason, the Venezuelan Government continues to be gravely concerned over the acts committed by troops of Eastern Europe against the Czechoslovak nation.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“Unfortunately, we cannot say that peace has definitely been ensured or that all countries are upholding the purposes and principles of this Organization. However, we can hope from experience that reason and the law will prevail and that Governments will base their conduct on the principles of coexistence and co-operation within the international community. 141. There does indeed exist an international order that cannot be ignored by those who threaten world peace. This conviction reigns in the conscience of all the representatives here, and the principles underlying it are fully valid both within and outside the Organization. We feel that most countries share Venezuela’s concern at the perpetration of acts which constitute a breach of international legal order and are serious threats to world peace.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“In the fulfilment of that mission, the President can count on the determined co-operation of the delegation of Venezuela. 138. My delegation also wishes to record its appreciation of the work of the President at our previous session, Mr. Corneliu Manescu of Romania, who, with calmness and skill, led the debates which took place during a particularly difficult period of the General Assembly. 139. On behalf of the Government of Venezuela, I am pleased once again to congratulate the Secretary General, U Thant, for his perseverance and efficient work and for his efforts in seeking solutions to the conflicts which threaten world peace. 140. The multifarious problems confronting mankind are grave and call for urgent solutions.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“136. On this occasion, the fifth time I have had the honour of addressing the General Assembly on behalf of Venezuela, I am gratified to be doing so under the Presidency of Mr. Arenales. 137. As a Latin American country, we share the pride in being guided in these deliberations by the representative of the sister Republic of Guatemala, and we have the added satisfaction that that country is represented by its Foreign Minister, Mr. Arenales, who, on account of his personality, his activities and his virtues, has won the admiration and esteem of all of us who have had the privilege of knowing him. We are sure that he will preside with wisdom and ability over the General Assembly in its consideration of the important items on its agenda.”
1968-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 23 (1968)
“My country is proud to state before this Assembly that it has at no time been stinting in its efforts to contribute to the achievement of international harmony. We shall continue so to act in the future, for we are convinced that well-being and prosperity will appear on man's horizon the day we decide genuinely to unite our efforts to achieve the essential objective, namely, the improvement of the standard of living of all mankind.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The concept of free trade without reciprocity must be put into practice on a world scale as soon as possible; otherwise vertical trade flows will crystallize and develop in a way which would be far from beneficial to the developing countries, whose economies would become more and more dependent upon particular States. Similarly, the raw material exporting countries must obtain, within the framework of UNCTAD, more favourable conditions for tackling the problems created by the steady deterioration in commodity prices coupled with the constant price increases of the manufactures those same countries are importing in growing quantities. 32. Unless specific agreements within UNCTAD are forthcoming soon, the only alternative will be agreements, several examples of which already exist, among exporting countries. 33.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In this connexion, the views expressed by the Secretary-General on the United Nations Development Decade In his Annual Report [A/6701J merits our full support. 30. Although Venezuela has achieved the goal of progress set for that period, we realize that our development will not give us a firm foothold in world economic affairs until a clear-cut trade policy favourable to all developing peoples has been devised and implemented. It has been said that prosperity, like peace, is indivisible. Among the developing countries, this is an incontrovertible truth. Apparently, however, it has gained no currency in the industrialized countries' attitude. 31.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The main achievement thus far is the creation of an awareness of this problem in the international community, for little progress has been made in actually achieving the desired objectives. The Second United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which will take place at New Delhi in 1968, offers a new opportunity for realistic and effective planning of measures that should be adopted within the framework of UNCTAD in the next few years. That occasion will be a crucial test of the readiness of the more developed countries to face the need to contribute all they can to the solution of one of the world's serious problems: the widening economic and social gap between their countries and ours.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The problems confronting the developing countries call for capital investment on a scale which the countries themselves cannot supply owing to the weakness of their economic structure, The flow of capital from the developed to the developing countries has been at a standstill for the past five years, despite the fact that the earnings of the developed countries have risen considerably. There is every reason to think that the situation will become more acute in the next few years unless there is a considerable change in the policy adopted by the industrialized nations. 28. The vital problem confronting us as developing countries is, and will continue to be for some time, the conditions governing the marketing of our basic export products and, in general, the terms of trade. 29.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Within our continent, the American Chiefs of State, meeting at Punta del Este in April this year, proclaimed at the highest political level the need for the total economic integration of Latin America as the only means of ensuring the harmonious development of the countries of the continent. 26. The Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Seventy-Seven which will take place at Algiers in a few days' time emphasizes the need for all the developing countries to review, within the context of their own national economies, the degree of co-operation received from the industrialized countries. 27.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“It has been said that the growth of interest in economic integration among the less developed countries seemed to be due more to a desire to emulate the European Common Market than to a conscious desire to promote their own development. The fact is that it is an economic concept of universal validity, antedating the European experiment; furthermore, in the case of the Latin American countries, there was the concern at the possibility of losing their European markets, as well as the overriding need to establish a regional organization to promote the development of Latin America. Thus integration has become a "must" among developing countries throughout the world. 25.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“We must make a valiant effort to put an end to internal economic imbalances which lead to persistent migration from the rural areas to the towns, with the consequent emergence of a marginal sector of the population; to foster bold reforms of the tax systems, which are often inequitable and archaic; to form rational plans for improving standards of living, while trying to prevent this from becoming a mere attempt to prevent population growth; in short, to carry out national integration at all levels. This is the way, in which each nation taking a reasonably objective view of its own economic structure, should help to strengthen and harmonize the main regional economic policies. 24.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“It also ensures basic stability in the production process and rapid and secure marketing of products. 23. When my country became a member of the Latin American Free Trade Association (LAFTA), I had the opportunity to express the views of the Venezuelan Government on the problem of regional economic integration. In my statement I stressed the need to take decisions which would represent firm and positive steps towards the creation of an economic area large enough to ensure our development. Venezuela is aware of the need to translate into concrete facts all the studies undertaken and the views expressed on the subject; for that reason, we whole-heartedly support the projects aimed at establishing a system of planned tariff reform and a common external tariff, and the proposals for subregional and area agreements within LAFTA.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Thus we deem it wise to begin the study and planning of any changes and adjustments needed to adapt the existing machinery to the technical and financial assistance requirements of integration programmes submitted to the United Nations organs for consideration. 22. Economic integration raises a series of problems so wide and complex that it requires the co-operation of all the various sectors, public and private, in the countries of the integrated area. At government level, fiscal and economic policy measures are called for. The private sector should view integration as an advanced form of international trade. Economic integration offers the entrepreneur an expansion of markets and the chance to raise his productive capacity to the maximum.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“In his search for well-being, man tends to establish economic systems on a broader basis than that of the national State, and it has been said that international co-operation is inadequate as a means of achieving development. 21. If we agree that within present-day possibilities economic integration is the most direct means of promoting development, and if we recognize that one of the basic aims of the United Nations is to ensure that mankind achieves a state of well-being, then the Organization must be expected to help to further the process of economic integration in the various geographical regions and zones of the international community.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Later came the idea of international co-operation as a direct means of speeding up the development process of the economically less prosperous countries. 20. A cause of concern for the United Nations has been the implementation of economic development plans, which have not come up to expectations. It has been found not only that the results achieved by the United Nations Development Decade have fallen short of the minimum targets, but that even the levels attained previously have not been reached. This situation calls for serious thought and the application of the appropriate corrective measures. It might quite well be shown that, within the current world economic framework, it is impossible to achieve the desired level of economic development without removing the limitations imposed by national economies.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“We are sure that the prestige of Latin America, which consistently champions the just causes of oppressed peoples, fully warrants the position we have adopted. 19. The United Nations came into being twenty-two years ago for the essential purpose of promoting the social, political and economic progress of mankind in an atmosphere of freedom, peace and security. Until the Second World War, colonialism and nationalism were the predominant themes. The problem of development and the concept of economic integration appeared only recently, and there is a certain degree of interdependence between the two. Economic development must go hand-in-hand with independence in the economic relations of the country or community. Integration, in its turn, seeks the expansion of markets within a region comprising independent economies.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“On the second occasion, at the Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs which ended in Washington last week, it was unanimously decided to ask the countries members of OAS — which are also Member States of this Organization — to submit to the United Nations the problem threatening peace as a result of the Cuban Government's acts, which openly and publicly flout the provisions of General Assembly resolution 2131 (XX). This places the Cuban problem in a political context in keeping with its true international proportions. 18. This decision represents the unanimous will of the American States and voices the grave concern of all the Latin American countries, which we wish to convey to this Assembly.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“general and complete disarmament under effective international control is a vital matter which all the peoples of the world equally demand". [A/6663, p. 13]. 16. Venezuela respects the principle of self-determination for all peoples. This principle, together with that of non-intervention, constitutes the basis of coexistence among nations. My country embarked on independent statehood with that unwavering attitude which embodies respect for the sovereignty of other States and the vigilant defence of its own. Venezuelan troops have gone beyond the frontiers of our country only to contribute to the emancipation movements of other neighbouring States. 17. The attitude of the Cuban Government has twice forced us to have recourse to the Organization of American States.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Another important step in this connexion will betaken when the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies [Resolution 2222 (XXI) and Annex] comes into force shortly. 14. As a step towards the control of nuclear weapons, we can point to the draft treaties prepared by the United States and the Soviet Union on the nonproliferation of such weapons. We are all awaiting with interest the report shortly to be submitted by the Secretary-General on nuclear weapons; we have no doubt that it will bring up new points for consideration in regard to this important programme. 15. In the treaty on denuclearization already referred to, Latin America proclaims that: "...”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The Venezuelan Government continues to regard with concern the problem of South West Africa as well as the practice of the policy of apartheid and the question of Rhodesia. The first two are directly concerned with South Africa, and all of them are survivals of the colonial period. 13. Once again we must state with pride that Latin America has been first in the field in concluding a treaty for regional denuclearization. Apart from its intrinsic value, the Treaty of Tlatelolco, signed in Mexico in February 1967, serves as encouragement for continuing the negotiations for world disarmament.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Of particular importance among the other points that should be taken into account in the search for a solution are the right of all nations to freedom of navigation through International waters, particularly the Gulf of Aqaba; the acute problem of the refugees, which far from improving has worsened; and the status of Jerusalem, bearing in mind that the city is the meeting point of three of the world's great religions. 11. On the question of decolonization, the line taken by Venezuela is quite clear. Everyone is aware of my country's solidarity with those struggling for self-determination and independence; it has always been and still is based simply and solely on our adherence to the principle of freedom for men and for peoples. We have the courage of our convictions. 12.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“At the same time, the parties to the conflict would have to refrain from any belligerent attitude that might lead to acts of war and behave in a manner in keeping with the provisions of the Charter. We shall have come no nearer to settling the conflict unless such a change of heart is forthcoming. 10. Israel's concern to have its frontiers guaranteed is perfectly legitimate, and it is equally obvious that such a guarantee must extend to the neighbouring States also. Similarly, the obligations inherent in any agreement will have to be freely accepted; in fact otherwise any results which might be achieved would be short-lived.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“The greatest responsibility, however, lies with the countries directly concerned, and they must be prepared to adopt a reasonable solution satisfactory to all parties in its essential elements. The General Assembly nevertheless cannot be expected to bring about a final settlement in one move. We must proceed by stages, never losing sight of the ultimate goal, namely the establishment of conditions in which a lasting peace can be achieved. 9. The Venezuelan delegation, inspired by the attitude of the Latin American delegations at the fifth emergency special session of the General Assembly, considers that the measures calculated to create a climate propitious for a final settlement should begin first and foremost with the withdrawal of Israel troops from the occupied territories.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“Fortunately, the Security Council had previously arranged a cease-fire. We believe that a new effort during the present session, in full awareness of the urgency but in a calmer atmosphere, will offer a better chance of success. There can be no doubt that the present situation demands a political solution to the problem. A satisfactory end to the conflict must be sought which at the same time will preserve the prestige of the United Nations. 8. The problem of the Middle East, which the United Nations has had to face in varied and at times dramatic circumstances, is one of world-wide significance because of its vast and complex repercussions. Every one of the Member States can help towards its solution.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)
“It is no exaggeration to say that the problem of Viet-Nam is a matter of the utmost concern to the entire world. The fact that not all the countries directly involved in the conflict are represented in the United Nations reduces the chances of finding a solution to it. As has been said and repeated time and time again, the solution can be only a political one. Only the countries involved in the situation are capable of settling it. The rest of us can but express our concern and our fervent hope that the situation will shortly be restored to normal. 7. The General Assembly is once again faced with the question of the Middle East. When this matter was discussed at the emergency special session of the General Assembly the prevailing atmosphere was not the most propitious imaginable for a real solution.”
1967-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 22 (1967)