Volume III

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

CASE CONCERNING
ARBITRAL AWARD OF 3 OCTOBER 1899

CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA
v.
BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA

MEMORIAL OF GUYANA

VOLUME III

19 NOVEMBER 2018

VOLUME III
ANNEXES
Annex 54
Government of Guyana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Memorandum
on the Guyana/Venezuela Boundary (2 Nov. 1981), reprinted in U.N.
General Assembly, 36th Session, Review of the Implementation of the
Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security, U.N. Doc
A/C.1/36/9 (9 Nov. 1981)
Annex 55
Letter from the Minster of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana (Dec. 1981)
Annex 56
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Venezuela to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana (19 Sept. 1982)
Annex 57
U.N. General Assembly, 37th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/37/
PV.16 (4 Oct. 1982)
Annex 58
U.N. General Assembly, 37th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/37/
PV.26 (11 Oct. 1982)
Annex 59
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Venezuela to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana (15 Oct. 1982)
Annex 60
U.N. General Assembly, Sixth Committee, 37th Session, Manila
Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, U.N.
Doc A/RES/37/10 (15 Nov. 1982)
Annex 61
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic
of Guyana to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Venezuela (28 Mar. 1983)
Annex 62
Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Press
Release (30 Mar. 1983)
Annex 63
Letter from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (31
Mar. 1983)
Annex 64
Telegram from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (31
Aug. 1983)
Annex 65
U.N. General Assembly, 38th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/38/
PV.20 (5 Oct. 1983)
Annex 66
U.N. General Assembly, 39th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/39/
PV.19 (3 Oct. 1984)
Annex 67
Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Government
of the Republic of Venezuela, Joint Statement (5 Apr. 1993)
Annex 68
Management and Cooperation Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of Senegal and the Government of the Republic of
Guinea-Bissau, 1903 U.N.T.S. 3 (14 Oct. 1993)
Annex 69
U.N. General Assembly, 51st Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/51/
PV.19 (2 Oct. 1996)
Annex 70
Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Government
of the Republic of Venezuela, Joint Communiqué (23 July 1998)
Annex 71
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela in Guyana (24 Dec. 1998)
Annex 72
U.N. Secretary-General, Press Release: Oliver Jackman Appointed
Personal Representative of Secretary-General in Border Controversy
Between Guyana and Venezuela, U.N. Doc SG/A/709 (26 Oct. 1999)
Annex 73
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic
of Guyana to the Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela (3 Aug. 2000)
Annex 74
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela in Guyana, No. DG/2/11/2007 (15 Nov. 2007)
Annex 75
Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Statement: Thirtieth Regular
Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana (July 2009)
Annex 76
U.N. Secretary-General, Press Release: Secretary-General Appoints
Norman Girvan of Jamaica as Personal Representative on Border
Controversy Between Guyana, Venezuela, U.N. Doc. SG/A/1230BIO/4183 (21
Apr.
2010)
Annex 77
Oxford English Dictionary (7th ed., 2012), “Resolve”
Annex 78
D. Scott Chabrol, “Venezuelan soldiers weren’t allowed entry-govt”,
Demerara Waves (13 Sept. 2013)
Annex 79
Diccionario de la Lengua Española (23d ed., 2014), “Resolver”
Annex 80
Note Verbale from the Ministry of External Relations of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Cooperative Republic of Guyana, No. 000802 (8 Apr. 2014)
Annex 81
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Guyana to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela, No. DG/07/04/2014 (14 Apr. 2014)
Annex 82
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic
of Guyana to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (15 Apr.
2014)
Annex 83
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana to the Ministry of People’s Power for External
Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, No. 815/2014 (1 July
2014)
Annex 84
Letter from F. Patterson, Anadarko Petroleum Co., to R.M. Persaud,
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana (20 Aug. 2014)
Annex 85
Note Verbale from the Ministry of the People’s Power for External
Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, No. I.DDM. 005568 (22
Sept. 2014)
Annex 86
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic
of Guyana to the Minister of the People’s Power for External Relations
of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (2 Dec. 2014)
Annex 87
Letter from the Minister of the People’s Power for External Relations of
the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Guyana (29 Dec. 2014)
Annex 88
M. Shaw, Rosenne’s Law and PRactice of the inteRnationaL couRt
1920-2015, Vol. II (5th ed., 2015)
Annex 89
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Decree No. 1.787 (26 May 2015),
published in The Official Gazette of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela (27 May 2015)
Annex 90
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic
of Guyana to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (8 June
2015)
Annex 91
“Minister Delcy Rodriguez, Official Statement: Guyana shows a
dangerous Politics of Provocation Against the Bolivarian Venezuela of
Peace”, Correo del Orinoco (9 June 2015)
Annex 92
“Venezuela wants peaceful solution to border dispute” Jamaica
Observer (9 June 2015)
Annex 93
“Venezuela further urges peace, but maintains territorial claim”
Kaieteur News (10 June 2015)
Annex 94
“Venezuela urges Guyana to enforce Treaty of Geneva on territorial
dispute”, Caribflame (11 June 2015)
Annex 95
Letter from the Minister of the People’s Power for External Relations of
the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Guyana (19 June 2015)
Annex 96
Note Verbale from the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Guyana
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, No.
56/2015 (2 July 2015)
Annex 97
“New Venezuelan decree doesn’t remove old claims – Granger”,
Guyana Times (9 July 2015)
Annex 98
Letter from the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to
the Secretary-General of United Nations (9 July 2015)
Annex 99
Address of the President of the Republic of Guyana to the U.N. General
Assembly, 70th Session, U.N. Doc. A/70/PV.16 (29 Sept. 2015)
Annex 54
Government of Guyana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Memorandum on the Guyana/Venezuela
Boundary (2 Nov. 1981), reprinted in U.N. General Assembly, 36th Session, Review of the
Implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security, U.N. Doc
A/C.1/36/9 (9 Nov. 1981)
Annex 54
UNITED NATIONS
Distr.
GENERAL
GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
A/C.l/l6/9
9 November 1981
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
Thirty-sixth
session
Níl\/ 1 7 ,981
FIRST COMMITTEE
Agenda ítem 58
,, '/-A<',
"". -·
REVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION O~
THE STRENGTHENING OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Letter dated 2 November 1981 from the Permanent Representative of
Gu,yana to the United Nations addressed to the Secretar:v-General
I have the honour to request that you arrange to have the enclosed Memorandum
prepared by the Government of Guyana with respect to Venezuela's claim to territory
in Guyana circulated asan official document of the General Assembly under &Renda
item 58.
(Si~ned) Noel G. SINCLAIR
---Permnnent
Representative
I •••
81-29303
Annex 54
A/C.1/36/9
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Page 2
MEMORANDUM
ONTHE
GUYANA/ VENEZUELA
0OUNDARY
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFF AIRS
GUYANA
INTRODl.'CTION
Guyana is under militant threat of a claim by the neighbouring
republic of Venezuela to no less than five eighths of her territory.
Guyana is a small developing country which achieved independence
just fifteen years ago. Venezuel:l is a rich and comparatively
powerful country with a land arca four times that of Guyana :md a
population twenty times that of Guyana. Her claim is being
advancecl through an intensive campaign of mounting hostility to
Guyana. The claim moreover is one which completely disregards
the fact that thc existing boundary was dcfined by the unanimous
judgment of an international arbitral tribunal ¡iven in París in
1899, that it was thereafter laid down on the ground by a
Vene1uelan/British Mixed Boundary Commission, and that, as so
laid down, it was fully rcspected and observed by both sidcs and
~Y the international community for upwards of sixty years.
/ ...
Annex 54
19
Brief Historical Background
. Th~ origins of the problem lie in the European scramble for
emp1re m the "New World" which took place during the 16th
1 7th and 18th centuries, t~e _majar colonising powers being Spain:
Portugal, Holland and Bntam. lt was against a background of
unsettled and competing claims amongst these powers that the
liberation struggles within Latin America were carried on in the
early y_ears of the 19th century. The consequence was that many
countnes emerged out of that process into independence without
defineq boundaries. These were left to be determini:d by the new
states 'themselves through negotiation, arbitration, and, regrettably
in sorne cases, armed conflict. One of these states was the Republic
of Venezuela, which proclaimed its independence from Spain in
1811.
The Republic of Guyana consisted originally of the three
separate Dutch colonies of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice.
These were conquered by Britain in 1803 and were ceded to it by
the Dutch in 1814. In 1831 the three colonies were united to form
the Colony ofBritish Guiana. British Guiana achieved independence
in 1966 under the name of Guyana.
The Venezuel:i/British Guiana Boundary Dispute
Arising out of the historical circumstances alluded to above,
for the greater part of the 19th century the boundary between
British Guiana and Venezuela was the subject of dispute between
Venezuela and Great Britain, the territory claimed by Venezu~la
being the entirety of what wa_s the original D~tc_:h colony of
Essequibo, while the territory cla1med by Great Britam rc:a~hed far
into what are now the eastem and north eastc:m reg1ons of
Venezuela.
Venezuela sought the support of the United State~ w_hich
gave the support sought in supposed vi~dication of the prmc1p~es
of the Monroe Doctrine. Under what h1story records as a defin_1te
threat of war by the Unitcd Stati-•. Great Britai~ ag_reed w1th
Venezuela to submit the dispute to international arb1trat1on.
The Treaty of W:ishington. 1897
With that object in view on February 2. ! 897. Brit:iin and
Venezuela signed a treaty in Washington under wh1ch they agreed
/, ...
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Page 4
to estab!ish an international arbitral tribunal for the purpose of
deterrnining the "boundary linc between the Colony of lJritish
Guiana and t/ze United Slates of V cne:uela ". After spelling out
the terms and conditions under which the Arbitral Tribunal was to
function, the treaty concluded with a solemn undertaking by the
two Contracting Parties "to t·onsider tlie result of the proc:eedings
of t/1e Tribunal of Arbitration as a full. perfect and final sctt lement
of ali the questions rcferred lo the Arbitralon ".
The Arbitral Tribunal consisted of five members. Two of these
were appointed on behalf of Britain. They were the lord Chief
Justice of England :ind an English Justice of Appeal. Two membcrs
were appointed on beh:ilf of Venezuela. They were the Chief
Justice and another member of the Supreme Court of the United
St:ites. The fifth member was :i distinguished Russian jurist
unanimously chosen by the other four members.
The Case before the Arbitral Tribunnl
In the course of the procedures leading up to the arbitration,
severa! volumes of historical evidence and arguments were
exchanged between the two sides. The hearing before the Arbitral
Tribunal, which was held in París in 1899, occupied no less than
54 sessions of oral argument.
In the case as presented by her, Venezuela elected to..found
her claim on rights based on Spanish discovery of the "New World".
Such evidence of occupation as she advanced was secondary,
tenuous and pcrfunctory. By contrast, the British rested their case
on concrete acts of extensi"e occupation, possession and develop­
ment carried on both by themselves and by their Dut<.:h pre­
decessors.
The Arbitral Award. 1899
On Octaber 3, 1899, the Arbitral Tribunal gave its decision.
The decision was unanimous. It laid uown a line corresponding to
the existing boundary .
. . The Award of the Tribunal coincided substantially with the
Br~t~sh c~se, but not entircly, because ccrtain areJs claimcd by the
Bnt1sh, mcluding the str.itcgic mouths and lower rcaches of the
~makura and Barima rivers and the upper reaches of the Cuyuni
nver, were awarded to Venezuela.
/ ...
Annex 54
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Page 5
Accept:mce of the Award
Th_~ Award was the subjcct of appreciatory comments from
respons1ble quarters both in the United States and in Venezuela·
Dunng _ the years 1901-190S the boundary as defined by the Award
was la1d down on . the ground by a Venezuela/British Mixed
Boundary Commiss~on. On . January I O, 190S, the Boundary
Comm1ss1oners unammously s1gned a Joint Rcport of the boundary
as dcmarcatcd by them and as set out in a map of the entire
boundary whkh was also signed by them. Their report, with the
bo~ndary map, was in due course presented to and accepted by
bóth governments.
For over six de~aucs successive gencr.tt1ons of liritish,
Guyanese and Venezuelans and, indeed, the rest ofthe international
community accepted as )Cttled and final the boundary as laid
down by the Arbitral Tribunal and as demarcated by the
Venczuela/Briti~h Mixed Boundary Commission. The boundary as
so laid down was later reproduced in official Venezuelan maps,
including maps published in Caracas in 1911 and 1917. On July
:?4, 193:?, the liulletin of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of
Venezuela published the text of an Act of Inauguration by thc:
Venezuelan Legislature of certain border marks which had been
agreed by Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil as determining the
tri-junction point of the boundarics of the three countries where
they meet at Mount Roraima. Indeed, as late as December 13,
196S, the Legislative Assembly of the Venczuelan Statc of Bolívar,
which is adjacent to Guyana, enacted a law which formally
incorporated and promulgated the definition of thc boundary as
laid down by the 1899 Arbitral Awaru. lt is to be remarked that
that law was passed sorne three years after Venezuela first
repudiated the Arbitral Award C'IÍ 1899 upon pretensions to be
now noticed.
A Posthumous Allegation
In keeping with her solicitation of American sponsorsh1p. of
her cause, Venezuela had electcd in 1899 to have her case presented
to thc Arbitral Tribunal by four American lawyers, namely!
ex-Uñited States President General Benjamín Hamson, ex-Umted
States Secretary of War General Benjamín Tracy, Mr. Severo
Mallet-Prevost and Mr. James Russcll Soley. Mr. Mallet-Prevost was
. .
1
·n the team In January 1944 he was decorated by
a Junior awyer 1
·
f h Lb tor On
the Venezuelan Government with the Order o t e t era .
I •. .
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Page 6
the 8th day of the following month and after ali the other act?rs
in the drama had passed away, he dictated a mer:norandum whic?
he directed should be published only after h1s death. In this
document, which was published posthumously in 1949, Mr.
Mallet-Prevost asserted that the 1899 Arbitral Award was null and
void on the alleged ground that it was the result of a political deal
between Great Britain and Czarist Russia.
The Allegation is without Merit
Serious research has long since questioned the accuracy of
the faded recollections on which Mr. Mallet-Prevost's posthumous
allegations were sought to be based. Eve:1 writer:i. known to be
otherwise sympathetic to Venezuela have agreed that his allcgation
that the Award was the result of a political deal between Britain
and Czarist Russia is without foundation. Yet it is chieíly on the.
strength. of this wholly unsubstantiatcd calumny of the dis­
tinguished members of the Arbitral Tribunal of 1899 that
V1:nezue)a is now seeking to impugn the validity of the Award.
Recognising the utter weakness of the Mallet-Prevost allegation
of a political deal, Venezuela has sought to rest her case on
altl"mative grounds including, for example, matters relating to the
negotiation of the Treaty of Washington 1897 and the fact that no
reasons were given by the Arbitral Tribunal for its decision. But
the material on which challcnge is sought to be brought Otl; these
alleged grounds was always within the full knowledge of Venezuela
which nevertheless positively affirmed the validity of the boundary
for six decades. For this and other reasons, which cannot be
conveniently dealt with here, these other alleged grounds of
challenge are considered to be without merit.
Venezuela Objects To Guyana's lndependenc.e
Meanwhile, in Guyana the struggle against colonialism was
gaining mome_¡¡tum. By 1962 it was clear that the demand of the
Guyanese people for indepcndence could not much longer be put
off. In 1962, during a sensitive and vulnerable phase in Guyana's
movement for independence, Venezuela raised the question of the
boundary in the United Nations, when she formally repudiated the
validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and objected to independence
being granted to Guyana until and unless the question so raised
had bcen settled. Concomitantly, Venezuela launched an inter­
national campaign against Guyana the cffect of which, had it been
Annex 54
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Page 7
successful, would have been to delay the granting of independence
to Guyana and to prolong her colonial status.
Examination of Documents
Notwithstanding the certain failure of Venezuela's attempts
to delay Guyana's independence, as the time for granting indepen­
dence approached the Government of the United Kingdom, in
consultation with the Government of the then Colony of British
Guiana, agreed as a gesture of goodwill to afford to the Venezuelan
Government an opportunity of having its contention of nulay
e"amined. Accordingly, on November 12, 1962, Mr. Colin Crowe,
the United Kingdom representative at the United Nations, made
an offer to Venezuela in the United Nations Special Committee to
the effect that the relevant documentary material on the 1899
Award be examined by experts from the United Kingdom, British
Guiana and Venezuela. In doing so he was, however, careful to
state -
In making this offer, I must make it very clear that it is in
no sense an off er to engage in substan~ive talks about
revision of the frontier. That we cannot do; for we consider
that there is no justification for it.
Venezuela having accepted this offer, the documents_ were then
duly examined by experts from each of the three countnes bet~een
1963 and 1965. In the opinion of the governments of the,Umted
Kingdom and British Guiana the work of the experts d1sclose1
d
that there was not a scintilla of evidence to support Venezuela s
contention of nullity.
The Geneva Agreement - February 17, 1966
However, in view of continued Venezuela~ agit~tion, ~hich
became particularly marked during the penod immediately
preceding Guyana's independence, just fo~r m~~th~ befo~~
independence the Government of the Uruted ing om, lie
consultation with the Government of Guyana, agreed :,V
1
~h t f
Government of Venezuela to establish a Mixed Com~ssion °k
Guyanese and Venezuelan r_epresentatives ch_ar~e!17':!e~:~g~e
of seeking satisfactory solutions for :t~~raJ~~d
Kingdom which
contro~ersy between Vlenefzuteh~ ~enezuelan contention that the
has ansen as the resu t
0
I •..
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Page 8
Arbitral Award of, 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana
and Venezuela is null and void" The arrangement to this effect
was set out in the Geneva Agreement which was signed by the
United Kingdom, Guyana and Venezuela at Geneva on February
17, 1966. The life of the Mixed Commission so established was
stipulated to be four years. During that period the Geneva Agree­
ment explicitly prohibited either party from pursuing the issue in
any fonn or manner except within the Mixed Commission.
Venezuel.J's Refusal to Prove her C:ise
The Mixed Commission held several meetings during the four
years of its existence. At the very first meeting, Guyana invited
Venezuela to produce evidence and arguments in support of her
basic contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award was null and void.
Surprisingly, Venezuela's reaction was that the issue of nullity,
which she had raised, was not an issue with which the Mixed
Commission should concern itself, and that the only issue before
the Commission was how much land Guyana was prepared .to
make over to Venezuela. Guyana not unnaturally declined to
proceed in that way. Venezuela then sought to circumvent
argument about her contention of nullity by putting forward
proposals for the "joint development" '>f the area claimed by her
under arrangements which would effectively have transferred to
her substantial elements of sovereignty over the area. These 'loint
development" proposals were consequently unacceptable to
Guyana.
Venezuela's Breaches oJ the Geneva Agreement
The work of the Mixed Commission was regrettably hampered
by pressure and hostility exerted by Venezuela throughout the life
of the Commission. The fact that these acts represented distinct
breaches of the Geneva Agreement and accepted nonns of inter­
national behavi0l1r seemed in no way to trouble Venezuela.
Guyana's protests, both within the Mixed Commission and directly
to the Government of Venezuela, were contumaciously ignored.
Some of these breaches were as follows:-
(i) Venc:ucla'J Violation of Guyana's Territorial Integrity
Anlcnlco l.dand
Jn accordance with the general map of the boundar;, u
I ...
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Pag~ 9
~~ted
and authen~~ted in 190S by the Venezuela/British
Ank k ~un!ary Corrumwon, the eastern portion of the island or
li
o o lJl e Cuyuni River belongs to Guyana As mentioned
ear er that fact was A1·st· tJ
·
·
•
• - - - •
- me Y recogrused as recently as December
1
.• 3, 1965, m ~ decree concerning the boundary which was published
m the Official ~•zc!te of the Venezuelan State of Bolivar which
abuts Guyana m tlie area of Anlcoko Island. Yet a mere ten
months after the publication of that decree the armed forces or
Ve~ezuela p~ceeded to inv_ade th~ Guyana portion of the island,
which ever smce has been m the illegal occupation of Venezuela
nqtwithstanding repeated protests from Guyana.
(ii) Venezuela'i Attempt to Appropriate Guyana's Off-,hore
Water,
On July 9, 1968, President Leoni of Venezuela signed a
Decree purporting to annex as part of the territorial waters and
conti1uous zone of Venezuela a belt of sea lying along the coast or
Guyana between the mouth of the Essequibo River and Wairi Pout,
and purporting further to require the anned forces of Venezuela
to impose the dominion of Venezuela over the said belt of sea.
This Presidential Decree, apart from being in open breach or the
Geneva Agreement, also contravened international maritime law
since it violated the Convention on the Territorial Sea and the
Contiguous Zone and the Convention on the Continental Shelf or
19S8, both of which clearly visualise that- such off-shore waters
pertain only to the relevant coastal state.
(iii) Economic Blackmail and Aggression·
On May IS, 1968, there was_ publ~ed in "!he Times" or
London a paid advertisement entitled Communique from t~e
Venezuela Ministry of Foreign Affairs" dated May 14, 19~8, in
which the Government of Venezuela publicly and categoncally
stated "that they do not recognise any type of such supposed
concessions, eitlier granted or to be panted by the Guyana
Government over the tenitory stretchinc to the West or the
Esseqw"bo River from its source to its mouth .• , "The Vene~lat
Ciovemmcnt wu reacting to infonnation that, _with the help o1
!!~
United Nations and the United States of Amenca. the Govemm
I •••
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Page 10
of Guyana was seeking to develop the mineral sector of the
country's economy in the Essequibo region. This is but one
example of pressure consistently applied by Venezuela with a view
to strangling Guyana's economic development.
(iv) Vene:uela 's Intervention in Guyana's Internal A/fain
Between 1966 and 1968 agents of the Government of
Venezuela organised clandestine meetings with citizens of Guyana,
aimed at the promotion of her claim through subversion. These
efforts were unsuccessful. Indeed, in the early years of her
independence the Government of Guyana was obliged to expel a
Venezuelan diplomat for the part he played in these acts of
interference in the internal affairs of Guyana.
Between December 24, 1968, and January 2, 1969, the
Venezuelan Government however instigated and conspired with a
number of ranchers in the Rupununi District of Guyana, which is
in the area claimed by Venezuela, to seize certain administrative
posts in the area. The aim was to establish a separate state in
secession from the rest of Guyana. Venezuela had an active role in
training, arming and supplying these ranchers. The attempted act
of secession failed and with it Venezuela's efforts at promoting her
claim by such means.
Guyana has naturally reserved her position on all of these
breaches by Venezuela of the Geneva Agreement and of inter­
national law.
The Protocol of Port-of-Spain, June 18, 1970
Apinst this background it is not surprising that the Guyana/
Venezuela Mixed Commission ended its four-year term of office
without reaching agreement for the settlement of the controversy.
In keeping with article IV of the Geneva Agreement the govern•
ments of Guyana and Venezuela were thereupon required to
choose one of the-means of peaceful settlement specified in article
33 of the United Nations Charter, namely, negotiation, enquiry
mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement resort t~
regional agencies or arrangements, or other means of peaceful
settlement chosen by the parties.
The r~quirement to resort to these settlement procedures was
suspended m 1970 by a new Agreement which in effect froze the
I •••
Annex 54
problem fo_r a twelve-year period. This period expires on June 17
1982, but 1s automatically renewable unless either party g
· '
th '
t'
f
·
,
mon s no ice o temunat1on. The Agreement whi"ch
p t f. s · T • "d
IVC!I SIX
· d
t
,
was s1gne
a or -o • pam, nm ad, operates as a Protocol to the Geneva
Agreement 1966. So long as the Protocol is in force it imposes
upon Guyana and _Venezuela the duty to explore all possibilities of
better un~ers!andmg between them and their peoples and for the
cons~ruct1ve improvement of their relations. Correspondingly it
con_tmued the. pr~hibition imposed by the Geneva Agreem~nt
against any activation of the controversy raised by the Venezuelan
contention that the Arbitral Award was null and void.
The Operation of the Protocol or Port-of-Spain
At the beginning, the Protocol of Port-of-Spain served to
induce a period or calm and a ml!asurc of responsible behaviour
from Venezuela following the hostilities and various forms of
aggression and intimidatfon against Guyana which were reatures of
previous years. Thus, on Guyana's initiative, Dr. Haydee Castillo
de Lopez Acosta, Minister of Development, became in 1971 the
first Venezuelan Minister ever to make an official visit to Guyana.
Later that year Cde. ~A. Reid, then Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Agriculture, returned the visit. In the years which
followed discussions took place at several levels. These discussions,
from a Guyana point of view, were aimed at improving co­
ope:.ition between the two countries in many areas. The spirit
generated by the Protocol of Port-of-Spain provided the climate
for exploratory conversations of substance which rook place in
1978 between the then President of Venezuela, Sr. Carlos Andres
Perez, and Guyana's then Prime Minister, Cde. Forbes Burnham.
These conversations examined in considerable depth the state of
relations betNeen Guyana and Venezuela and were regarded as
helpful in advancing the objectives of the Protocol and in opening
the way for a more ordered search for a settlement o~ the contro­
versy which stemmed from the Venezuelan contention that -the
Award of 1899 was a nullity.
Unfortunately, the later years of the Protocol saw a . re•
crudescence of Venezuelan hostility towards Guyana. Notwith·
standing that however. with the advent of a new Vrnezuelan
administr4tio~ early in 1979, the Government of Guyana _renew_e~
its efforts towards meaningful discussion and co-operation wit
Venezuela.
/ ...
Annex 54
A/C.1/36/ 9
English
Page 12
Visit of the President of Guyana to Venezuela - April l-3. 1981
Indeed, it was in furtherance of these objectives that the
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana paid a visit to
Venezuela on April 2-3, 1~81, in response to an invitation by his
counterpart. The visit, which at the official level was cordial,
unfortunately took place amidst an orchestrated Venezuelan
campaign of hostility towards Guyana, including strident c:ills for
military occupation of the region claimed and the institution of a
naval blockade of Guy:ina.
Statement by the President of Venezuela - 4th April, 1981
Less than twenty-four hours after the President of Guyana
returned home, the President of Venezuela saw tit to issue from
Miraflores Palace the following statement:
As a result of the recent visit to Venezuela of the President of
the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Mr. Linden Forbes
Burnham, and the meetings he held with President Luis
Herrera Campins, the Venezuelan Government announced
that:
1. Both Chiefs of State held cordial and frank talks on
relevant issues and on matters of current international
interest.
2. President Herrera Campins firmly ratifies Venezuela's
claims to the Essequibo territory. An illegal arbitration
award of I 899, which was never valid, despoiled
Venezuela of that territory.
3. President Herrera Campins thus reiterates Venezuela's
rejection of any compromise incompatible with
Venezuela's claim and stresses the nation's desire that
t_he grave injustice committed against it by the voracity
of the colonial empires should be righted.
For the same reason President Herrera reiterates
Venezuela's rejection of the Hydroelectric Project of the
Upper Mazaruni.
4. President Herrera also reiterates that Venezuela and
Guyana are committed to seek practical and satisfactory
I .•.
Annex 54
solutions to the pending controversy and ratifies
Venezuela's ~etennination to continue e~ploring every
means to achieve that end.
Therefore, fo: the record, he states that at this moment
Venezuela is not willing to extend the Port-of-Spai~
Protocol.
Thus, even while the moratorium so thoughtfully provided
by th~ Protocol of Port-of-Spain was still in force, Venezuela at
the highest level represented by her President chose to go on
record as breaching the moratorium by actively reviving the issue
and seeking to thwart the economic development of Guyana. This
latter aspect of Venezuela's current attitude is particularly sur­
prising, regard being had to Venezuela's professions of concern for
the economically disadvantaged and her championship of the
cause of economic co-operation among developing countries.
If the belligerency of Venezuela's current campaign or
hostility towards Guyana is any guide, it is a fair ir unsettling con­
clusion that the statement by the Venezuelan President or
Venezuela's intention to terminate the Protocol of Port-of-Spain
portends for Guyana an ominous return to the unhappy e;;irlier
period during which both Guyana and the Caribbean region faced
constant threat to their peace and security as a result of the
Venezuelan claim and the methods whereby ii was asserted and
advanced.
Venezuela - the New Conquistador
The Venezuelan claim, being based an supposed rights or
Spanish discovery, rests essentially on the long since discarded
notion that it was the manifest destiny of European peoples lo h_old
dominion over non-while peoples and their lands. Technological
~periority was thought sufficient to override the claims of ~I hers.
Examples abound. Today, however, the ~rinciple ol . self­
detennination is a mandatory and fully crystallised norm of international
law
anc.i
relations.
The persistence of the Venezuelan claim t_o live-ei~nths or
Guyana's territory notwithstanding that the entire popula11on in
imed is Guyanese in every respect is a strange-a1av,s11c
Cla
th
e area
E
,,,. ·onty wlm:h
throwback to the presumption of uropean su, .• n . .
.
inspired the Spanish conquiiitadors of an earlier tune. It is saJ that
I •••
Annex 54
A/C.1/36/9
English
Page 14
Venezuela should be so insensitive to the incongruity of the role
which she would assume of a 20th century prosecutor of an
obsolete 16th century European colonialism over non-white
peoples. For even if by any stretch of imagination the land claimed
were technically Venezuelan territory, it is clear that that circum­
stance could not justify her in recolonising the very substantial
population of the territory whi,h since 1966 has exercised its right
of self-determination by freely joining in the formation, of the
independent sovereign State of Guyana.
Guyana Stands Finn
ln the light of the statement issued by the President of
Venezuela on April 4, 1981, President Burnham considered it
desirable to clarify Guyana's stand. This he did in a statement
made by him to the Press in Guyana on April 8, 1981, when,
restating his views as publicly declared during his recent visit to
Venezuela, he defined the position of the Government of Guyana
to be as follows:
(a) The 1899 Arbitral Award was entirely valid.
(b) Even if the Award was invalid, the boundary laid
down pursuant to the Award has acquired full validity
as a result of Venezuelan recognition,acauiescence
and other conduct relating thereto.
(c) Even if both the Award and the boundary laid down
pursuant thereto are invalid, the land claimed by
Venezuela does not automatically go to her.
(d) In such a situation, whatever settlement procedure is
adopted, account will have to be taken of all the
claims of both sides, including in particular -
(i) claims by Guyana to the Amakura, Baruna and
Cuyuni areas, which we lost to Venezuela as a
result of the Award; and
(ii) claims by Guyana based upon her possession and
~ccupation right up to comparatively recent
times when Venezuela first formally rejected the
validity of the 1899 Award.
Annex 54
A/C.1/36/9
English
Page 15
(e) Meanwhile, the Essequibo Region is an integral part
of Guyana and has been so for the entirt h.istory of
the country.
(t) There is nothing whatsoever in the Geneva Agreement
or the Protocol of Port-of-Spain which precludes
Guy~na from developing any part of her territory, in­
cluding the area claimed by Venezuela. Nor will
Guyana ever consent to any arrangement having any
such effect. On the contrary, Guyana has a moral
duty to make optimum use of her resources for the
benefit of her population and for the promotion or
the integrated development of the Region and the
Hemisphere of which she is a part.
(g) This applies very specifically to the Upper Maz:mrni
Hydro-Electric Project. Besides being crucial to the
development of the nation, the project offers
opportunities for regional co-operation of a kind
visualised under OLADE, which Venezuela vigorously
espouses, and the Treaty of Amazonian Co-operation
to which both Guyana and Venezuela stand
committed. Guyana therefore intends to intensify her
efforts to bring this project to fruition.
President Burnham ended by saying -
It is entirely a matter for Venezuela to decide whether
she will terminate the Protocol of Port-of-Spain. But
this Government does have some say over the course to
be pursued when the Protocol comes to an end. w_e
would hope that the exploration of the problem will
continue to develop, as it has been developing under the
Protocol, in a climate of friendship, understanding an~
co-operation. To those honoura~le ends ~ pledge this
Government. I would sincerely hke to think that the
same applied to the Government of Venezuela.
Continuing Venezuelan Hostility
Since the issuing of President Burnham's press _statement
evidence has come to light through the Venezuelan media of other
Jevelopments giving cause for more concern. No less than :i
I •••
Annex 54
A/C.1/36/9
English
Page 16
Minister of the Government of Venezuela has publicly boasted of
the fact that he has recently led a substantial body of Venezuelans
across the border for the purpose of establishing acts of occupation
by Venezuela in the territory of Guyana. The M_in~ster has _also
publicly declared his intention to conduct other similar exercises.
In addition, the Venezuelan Government has openly announced
that it has given instructions to its various representatives abroad
to implement a concerted strategy of opposing efforts by Guyana
to obtain financial support for the implementation of projects
vital to her economic development. By way of general
accompaniment, the Venezuelan media is at all levels continuing
its campaign of hostility.
The Nature of the Venezuelan Negotiating Process
It is difficult to negotiate in good faith with Venezuela. The
Treaty of Washington 1897 was entered into by Britain with
Venezuela as a result of pressure applied on Britain by the United
States on behalf of Venezuela. In appreciation of American support,
George Washington's statue in Caracas was covered with wreaths
by jubilant Venezuelans. Yet Venezuela was later to say that she
had been coerced by America into signing the Treaty. Under the
Treaty, as mentioned earlier, Venezuela and Britain undertook to
"consider the result of the proceedings of the Tribunal of
Arbitration as a full, perfect and final settlement of all questions
referred to the Arbitrators". Venezuela, having for so long duly re­
spected the decision of the tribunal, has now totally rejected it.
And then there is the Protocol of Port-of-Spain itself. It was
signed in 1970 by the Foreign Minister of Guyana and the Foreign
Minister of Venezuela at a ceremony presided over by the late
distinguished Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Right
Honourable Dr. Eric Williams. The United Kingdom was also a
signatory. Yet in later years, when it suited her, Venezuela was to
take the position that the Protocol was not valid for the alleged
reason_ .that it had never been formally ratified by the Venezuelan
Congress.
Guyana's experience has been shared by othen. In 1901
Venezuela rejected an arrangement which she had previously come
to with Colombia over the frontier between them. In 1980
Venezuela similarly rejected an agreement reached by a Venezuela/
Colombia Mixed Boundary Commission which had demarcated the
I ...
Annex 54
boundary betwe~n the two states in the Gulf of Venezuela. It is
~own that leading el~ments within Venezuela are opposed to any
-
0
~ of settlement with Colombia which does not result in lhe
entirety of the Gu!f_ being ;,,warded to Venezuela, and this despile
t~c fact that Colombia has a substantial coast line along the western
s1~e of the ~ul_f. According to the Venezuelan members of the
Mixed Comm1ss1on, they had acted with the approval and support
of. the _Venezuelan President himself. Not surprisingly they
resigned ,n protest.
- -
·
Negotiations with Venezuela are never easy - particularly
where smaller states are concerned.
Ve:,ezuelan Revanchism
In her own eyes, Venezuela must be the most "despoiled"
country in South America. She has lerritorial claims against
Colombia. Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago have not yet settled
the demarcation of their boundaries in all their aspects. Grenada
and Venezuela need to settle the limits of their respective maritime
jurisdictions. Venezuela has established her suzerainty over Bird
Island in the Caribbean, and she is yet to conclude discussions
regarding demarcations in the sea between Bird Island and the
French territory of Martinique. And Venezuela claims five-eighths
of Guyana. Of all states in this region it is, perhaps significantly,
only against the Federative Republic of Brazil that Venezuela has
no territorial claim.
The Past and the future
In J 96R Cde. L.F.S. Burnham. then Prime Minister of
Guyana, in a speech to Parliament had cause to lament one of
Venezuela's several breaches of international law. It was a breach
of the Geneva Agreement, occasioned by the Venez~elan Decree
of 1968 i:,urporting to annex a belt of sea off G~ya~a s c~ast. Cde.
Burnham spoke in terms which had a prophet•~ nng. His words.
with which this memorandum might conveniently end, were
these I

cannot teU with any certainty where this ill-advised
course of action on which the Government of Venezuela ~as
embarked will lead us. We must be prepared,. howeve~, for
further and even more aggressive demonstrations of inter•
h G m•nt of Venezuel:i.
national lawles.sness from t e ovem "
Annex 54
A/C.1/36/9
English
Page 18
We will need all our courage and strength to withstand
these efforts to break our will and despoil our land. Venezuela
has now made clear her intention to seek relentlessly to re­
impose the yoke of colonialism on a small nation that has
succeeded in freeing itself from the tutelage of another
imperial power. We have no quarrel with the v~nezuelan
people but we shall not lack courage or resolve in resisting
aggressive demands of a Venezuelan Government that is
prepared to defile the traditions of Bolivar and to flout the
precepts of hemispheric and world order and security .
In our stand for survival we shall call upon the conscience
of all peace-loving people to speak out in our cause and we
shall need all our unity as a people so that our voice may be
heard in all comers of the world and in all the councils of the
world's institutions for peace.
Annex 55
Letter from the Minster of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela to the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (Dec. 1981)
Annex 55
Annex 56
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela to the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (19 Sept. 1982)
Annex 56
(p ,
UNOFFOCIAL TRANSLATION (GUYANA)
Caracas, September 19, 1982.
His Excellency,
Mr. Rashleigh Jackson,
Minister of Foreign Affairs ,
Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
Georgetown:
Mr. Minister,
I have the honour of addressing you on the occasioo of
referring to compliance with the procedures laid down by the Geneva
Agreement of February 17, 1966.
The period of three months provided for in Article IV 2
of the Geneva Agreement has expired without it having been possible to
reach agreement on one of the means of peaceful settlement of contro­
versies provided for in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. It
has therefore become necessary to apply the other ,rovisions of the
same paragraph.
The. Goverment of Venezuela has become convinced that the
most appropriate international organ to choose a means of solution is
the Secretary General of the United Nations, which organ accepted this
responsibility by its note of April 4, 1966 subscribed to by U. Thant
and whose role has been expressly agret?d upon by tlie parties tn -the text"
itself of the Geneva ·Agreement.
In consequence of this, the r,overnmen& of Venezuela intends
to refer this matter to the Secretary Generalf>r his consideration and would
be happy if the Govemnent of Guyana were to undertake a similar initiative.
-=;;-=~
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency
the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Signed)
Jose Alberto Zambrano
Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Venezuela.
Annex 57
U.N. General Assembly, 37th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/37/PV.16 (4 Oct. 1982)
Annex 57
United Nations
16th
Git'.NERAL
ASSEMBLY
PLENARY MEETING
Monday, 4'0ctober /982,
THIRTY-SEVENTH SESSION
at 3.15 p.m.
O/ftcilll Records
NEW YORK
President: Mr. Imre HOLLAI (Hungary).
AGENDA ITEM 17
Appointments to m1 vacancies in subsidiary organs and
other appointments:
(a) Appointment of five members of the Advisory
like to transmit to your illustrious predecessor,
Mr. Kittani, our appreciation for the effective man•
ner in which he discharged his functions during the
last session. We particularly wish to congratulate
Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar., the Secretary-General,
on his election to the loity responsibility of ensuring
the administrative and political functioning of the
;Headquarters of our great community. We are certain
that his stature as an accredited diplomat and his· vast
Committee on Administrative and Budgetary
Questions
·
knowledge of the machinery of the United Nations
system will ensure that the C:ifficult tasks entrusted
to him will be carried out with guarantees of certainty
and effectiveness.
I. The PRESIDENT: This afte1noon, I shall first of
all invite the members of the A~sembly to consider
part I of the report of the Fifth Committee on agenda
item 17 (b). In paragraph 4 of the report the Fifth
Committee recommends the appointment of Mr. Enri•
que Ferrer Vieyra of Argentina to fill the vacancy
for the unexpired portion of Mr. Garcia del Solar' s
term of office, that is, until 31 December 1984. May
5. On my delegation's behalf, it is my pleasant duty
to express our sincere gratitude to the Government
of the United States of America, and in particular
to the authorities of the State of New York, for the
hospitality that has always been lavished upon us and
for making available to us the material and spiritual
conditions necessary for the success of sessions of the
General Assemblv.
I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt
that recommendation?
It was so decided (decision 37/305 A).
AGENDA ITEM 9
General debate ( continued)
6. Three years ago a representative of the people of
Equatorial Guinea came before the Assembly at this
podium to announce to the international community
the action taken by the Equatorial Armed Forces
which, on the dawn of 3 August 1979, decided to do
away with the blood-stained regime of the wretched
tyrant Macias Nguema.
2. The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now hear
a statement by Mr. Cristino Seriche Bioko, Vice•
President and Minister of Health of Equatorial Guinea.
I have great pleasure in welcoming him and I invite
him to address the General Assembly.
3. Mr. SERICHE BIOKO (Equatorial Guinea)
7. Three years ago, in the same statement, the
Government of the Supreme Military Council, estab­
lished by that liberating action of the people of
Equatorial Guinea undertook freely and resolutely,
before the world and history, the sacred obligation of
making every necessary effort to remove my people
from the abandonment and destruction in which it
(interpretation from Spanish): It is a great honour for
me to avail myself of this opportunity to address the
Assembly in the name of the people of the Republic
had ~en plunged by the former regime.
of Equatorial Guinea and their President, Colonel
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whom I repn,sent here,
and to express to the vast family of the international
community the brotherly greetings and solidarity of
my country.
8. Of course, the Government of the Supreme
Military Council had no idea of the enormous dif•
ficulties that would later arise in the country•s
reconstruction. Indeed, the difficulties were and are
enormous and multiple, since our task consists in
eliminating the trauma from the minds of the citizens
of Equatorial Guinea and building a new and different
society. To this end, we have the urgent need to
give priority to rehabmtating those fields of activity
most important to the normalization oflife in Equatorial
Guinea, namely, health, education, agriculture. and,
above all, the economy-the decisive. factor in -the
entire process of our reconstruction and development.
4. I am particularly pleased to pause here to express,
on my own behalf and on that of the delegation over
which I have the honour of presiding, our most
sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President on your
well-deserved election as President of the Assembly
to direct and preside efficiently over the debates that
will be held throughout these days during wh!ch we
shall be trying to find viable solutions to the innumer­
able problems which affect our world of today and
constantly threaten peace and the civic and harmonious
coexistence of peoples. It is our profound hope that
your presidency will oe carried out with the ·equani­
mity, foresight, wisdom and high diplomatic skills
which have always characterized you and won for
you t~e respect and esteem of us all. I should al~
9. Today we can be proud of having worked honesily
and resolutely, facing every difficulty and overcotriir,g
all kinds of obstacles to achieve some positive goats
along the lonq and difficult road of reconstruction.
Our achievements can be seen by all in Equatorial
Guinea, and it would be too much for me to try to
273
A/37/PV.16
Annex 57
274
list them here, achie:v~ments which, I must add,
would not have ,been possible without the decisive
support of the international commupity.
.
·
strict respect of the. human person. On past occa&ions
we listed in various statements the measures, w,e :hav.e
tak-en, from the liberation of all political prisonJ'r5 to
the drafting and presentation to the.people of a Con,sti­
tution. which our Government has been implementing
faithfully, to comply with the promise and commitfl)ent
entered into before our people and history. . . , .
10. When, in order to·brirtg· al:kittt· the economic
relaunching of Equatorial Guinea and in response to
the pathetic appeal made by my country, the United
Nations approved the holding of an international pledg­
ing conference at Geneva, we could not have guessed
the significance it would tia,ve for our country. That
Conference, held at Geneva in the month of April
last-and attended personally by Colonel Obiang
Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Repuolic-repre­
sented for my country a propitious opportunity for us
to present in a clear, concise and detailed manner to
the international community an inventory of our most
urgent needs and the projects we have for solving them
gradually, and at the same time to request assistance
from international financial circles in obtaining con­
tributions for the financing of those projects.
14. Indeed, the Government of the Supreme Military
Council, faithfully following the line of conduct it
established when it first came to power, and in
compliance with General Assembly resolution 34/123
which established the programme for the gradual
democratization of our country, has lived up to its
promise made to the people on the occasion of the
second anniversary of the ufreedom coup", and has
drafted the text of a constitution which, in order to
comply with the requirements of our time regarding
guarantees of human freedoms and the principles of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it submitted
for revision to United Nations experts appointed for
that purpose by the Division on Human Rights.
11. Through not only the assistance but also the
interest and understanding of the international com­
munity, we were able to revise our forecasts, which
was a source of great satisfaction to us, and we are
very grateful to the countries which attended the
Pledging Conference and showed interest in several of
the projects we submitted there. We are also grateful
to the governmental and non-governmental organiza­
tions which also showed an interest in our projects
and to the United Nations system which, with special
zeal and sincerity, worked ceaselessly to ensure the
smooth running and success of the Conference, whose
results are already being made visible in Equatorial
Guinea through the large number of representatives of
countries and international organizations who have
come to maintain the first contacts and evaluate on
the spot the possibilities of carrying out the proposed
projects within the context of that Conference.
15. On 2 August 1982 that Constitution was officially
and solemnly presented by Colonel 0biang Nguema
Mbasogo, President of the Republic, to the people of
Equatorial Guinea. On 15 August the people was
consulted in a popular referendum about whether or not
it accepted the text of the Constitution. On 21 August,
the National Referendum Committee announced the
official results of that referendum.
16. It is my pleasure here to announce with pride
to the international community that the people of the
Republic of Equatorial Guinea, in a referendum
conducted through a direct, free and secret ballot,
has provided itself with a new democratic constitution,
supported by an overwhelming majority of 95 per cent
of the votes cast, o:n ttie basis or a 96 P.er cent
voter turnout.
12. I have been specially asked by the President of
the Republic to avail myself · of this opportunity to
express, on behalf of the Government and people of
· Equatorial Guinea, our sincere gratitude to all those
who participated in or contributed in any way to that
Conference, and our thanks for the fruitful results it
achieved. It is an obvious proof of solidarity which
the people of Equatorial Guinea will never forget,
and we are confident that the spirit of that Conference
17. On the same occasion, and in accordance with
another provision of the Constitution, Colonel Obiang
Nguema Mbasogo, by the acclamation of the people
and in expression of its free will, was charged with
guiding the sacred destiny of Equatorial Guinea for the
seven years following the adoption of the Constitution.
18. That massive, unanimous election of Colonel
will be kept alive and fervent, and that there will be
increasing interest in assisting our country both on the
part of the countries which attended the Conference,
and on the part of those which, while not having
been able to attend, feel" a sense of' solidarity with
the cause of my country's reconstruction.
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to the nation's highest
office was free from any trickery and resulted from the
desire of the people of Equatorial Guinea to maintain
continuity in the process of democratization it has
undertaken, and that the same guiding hand should
complete it, before proceeding to the general elections
to take place at the end of the seven-year term of
the presjdential mandate.
13. One of the most serious injuries suffered by the
people of Equatorial Guinea during the dictatorship
was the undisguised and unprecedented suppression
of . our fundamental rights, leaving the citizen of
Equatorial Guinea deprived of his minimum riiBhts.
There are numerous examples that bear eloquent
.
.
test;mony to the acts of the past regime which with
19. Our Constitution, the basic code which now
rules and guides the sacred destiny of my people,
provides for a Council of State, a People's House
of Representatives, a Court of Justice, a National
Council for Economic Development and Community ·
Councils. The latter are adapted to our national situa­
tion for democratization by giving. the power structure
its roots in the communities, in the countryside.
i~pu~ity c~elly jeopardized those rights. Therefore,
one of .the main goals of the Supreme Military Coun­
cil, when it took power on 3 August 1979, was to
restore those . fundamental rights to the people of
Equatorial Guinea; and from that very year a gradual
but firm process of democratization of the country was
initiated and measures adopted for the scrupulous and
20. We think we have kept our word to the inter­
national community, given in the Assembly, and are
pleased to have done so before the time set in a
programme drawn up in collaboration with~the United
Annex 57
16th meeling-4 October· 1982
275
Nations. Our devotion to the people, and our historic
commitment to it, have enabled us to provide that
people, only three years after taking power, with a
democratic constitution, with aH the organs and
conditions required to ensure scrupulous respect of its
basic rights and the enjoyment of a state of law,
in keeping with the standards of the second half of the
twentieth century.
most appropriate place to denounce the alarming and
growi,11g abandonment by nations of the principle of
dialogue in favour of the spirit of war and confron­
tation. The cold war, which, during the post-war years,
had itself been a threat hovering over the peoples,
has dangerously given way to the proliferation of armed
confrontations.
21. We are fully convinced that, just as it responded
massively and affirmatively in favour of the Constitu­
tion, our people will also be ab2e to live up to it by
safeguarding and respecting it, so that, with the
Constitution as <>Ur cornerstone and beacon, we shall
go forward together in peace and national harmony
to accomplish the very difficult task of reconstructing
the country.
28. National leaders are growing more intransigent,
and the results of this are there to be seen: self­
destruction and the tens of thousands of human
beings who are paying with their lives for wars waged
for sterile claims. Such problems are of profound
concern to my Government; they are to be seen far
beyond the walls of this Hall, and it is imperative
that practical solutions be found. I 1•efer especially-but
only by way of example-to the conflict between
Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the que~t~on
22. Basic difficulties-such as those we face in
the area of food and, above all, in restoring the
country to economic health-have shown us that our
strength is limited, although our efforts are enormous.
We are therefore certain that we cannot travel this
hard road on our own, without the steadfast assistance
of the international community, whether bilateral or
multilateral.
of the Malvinas, the occupation of Cyprus, the situa­
tion on the Korean peninsula, a practical satisfactory
solution for which has been sought since 1966 without
success, the untenable status of Namibia.
29. All these problems ,iave a significant effect on
the noble principles of the self-determination of peo­
ples, respect for human rights and non-interference
in the internal affairs of States, principles to which
my Government adheres and abides by. Along with
this, there is the constant tension in the Middle East,
which has become more acute with the invasion of
Lebanon and the killing of Palestinians by fsrae1i
forces, which constitute flagrant flouting of the inalien­
able rights of an entire people. Further, terrorism runs
rampant in Europe.
23. Regarding bilateral relations, we have sought
to break with the isolation which the past regime
imposed on our people for more than a decade, and
we have not only succeeded in re-establishing inter­
national credibility and trust, but have greatly strength­
ened the links that unite us with neighbouring coun­
tries, with the African continent, and the world in
general, without ideological or bloc discrimination.
24. In this connection it is my honour to mention
the excellent relations of co-operation between the
Republic of Equatorial Guinea with Spain, whose
assistance has always been decisive for our country,
as well as the relations we maintain with France,
the United States of America, the People's Republic
of China, Morocco, the Federal Republic of Germany,
Switzerland and Egypt, to name but a few. These are
countries whose co-operation has already taken
positive form in Equatorial Guinea.
30. The African continent continues to be the theatre
for military operations and adventures by non-African
Powers. Those Powers are fomenting discord and
confrontation among our States, in order to weaken
us and freely to exploit our resources, imposing on
as truly humiliating trading conditions.
31. The tensions which exist are well known and do
not need a special review at this time, for they are
always a part of the daily life of our continent and
pose a grave threat to the Organization of African
Unity [OAU]. This is not the time for a detailed
analysis of this tragic problem, for we believe that that
25. Our relations of co-operation with the neighbour­
ing brother countries of the United Republic of Came­
roon, the Republic of Gabon and the Federal Republic
of Nigeria are excellent, for those countries have
spared neither effort nor moral and material means tl'
encourage us and• spur us on to continue resolutely
the great task of reconstruction. I express, before the
Assembly, our deepest gratitude to them. We have
signed agreements on bilateral co-operation with Sao
Tome and Principe.
analysis and a solution to the problem are an inter­
African responsibility.
32. Nevertheless we appeal to African States to show
maturity and find a single firm and decisive solution
to the crisis, one respecting the integrity and inviola­
bility of the fundamental principles of the charter
of the OAU. We cannot permit the disintegration
of the OAU because our solidarity would thereby
be profoundly affected, as it is our best weapon in
our struggle against the political, economic and social
injustices from which the African continent suffers.
26. As to the community of Hispanic nations, we
are aware of the affinities and identity which unite
us to it, and we are making every effort to achieve
greater integration and to establish solid links with
33. We are pleased at the return to order in Chad
and we wish that brother people peace and prosperity.
our brothers in Latin America and the Caribbean
region. 'fhere are already joint projects with the Argen­
tine Republic, and our ties with other countries such
as Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico, are strengthening
and are becoming increasingly positive.
27. In a world like ours in the second half of the
twentieth century, our concerns can only grow. We
believe that this rostrum-the Assembly-is the
34. In accordance with this line of thinking, the
people of Equatorial Guinea, in the person of .. its
President, Colonel Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whom I
have the honour to represent in the A~cmbly, is in
favour of finding immediate and ·positive solutions to
these disputes by way of dialogue and mutual under­
standing, involving the consistent, clear, and literal
Annex 57
276
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
implementation of the relevant resolutions on these
disputes adopted by this great Organization.
Arms manufacture and the development of new
and powerful means of destruction cast gloom over the
positive achievements of our civilization, and now
there is a real danger that tomorrow, just as the
twenty-first century is about to begin, we may find
ourselves with a world in ruins unless common sense
prevails.
35. As Vice-President of the Supreme Military
Council, and . having the honour of representing the
President of the Republic, it remains only for me to
reiterate to the Assembly that my Government is
resolutely determined to promote the social and
economic development of our country, strictly and
faithfully to comply with the process of democra­
tization which we have started, to respect the Uni­
versal Declaration of Human Rights and to make every
effort to help establish solid foundations for peace
in the world.
42. These are some glimpses oft he realities of today•s
world, which persist despite the efforts of the O~ani­
zation. My delegation would like to state certain
views on these matters, as an expressicn of the
unswerving Bolivian position on principles and inter­
national policies.
36. The PRESIDENT: On behalf of the General
Assembly, I thank the Vice-President and Minister of
Health of Equatorial Guinea for the important state­
ment he has just made.
43. B().-livia is one of the non-aligned countries, for
compelling reasons of principle and also because we
advocate the elimination of dogmatic compartmentali­
zation and hegemonic bonds and because self-determi­
nation and the inviolability of sovereignty are the
37. Mr. SAAVEDRA WEISE (Bolivia) (i11terpre­
tt1tim1 from SpcmishJ: It is a great and significant
honour for me to come to this rostrum representing
my country before the world.
proper response to the efforts of the various forms of
imperialism to absorb others. The non-aligned coun­
tries advocate a role of balance in defence of the rights
of the weaker countries in the face of the cold struggle
by the great Powers for supremacy.
38. My first words go to you, Mr. President, to
congratulate you on your well-deserved election as
President of this session of the Assembly. Your
unmistakable gifts as an experienced diplomat guar­
antee the success of our work. It is a pleasure, and
not merely a formality, for me to convey the thanks
and congratulations of my Government to Mr. Kittani
of Iraq for the wise and successful way in which he
carried out his duties as President of the thirty-sixth
session.
44. Those who supply raw materials and make great
sacrifices in their struggle to achieve their development
have their spokesmen in the non-aligned countries.
The demands and claims made by many of our
peoples have received a positive echo in the voice of
the non-aligned countries. That is the case, for exam­
ple, with Bolivia's demand for the restoration of its
sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Only an equi­
distant position between the imperialist forces,
avoiding subjugation and imposed conditions, can
grant a country moral authority and consideration in
international affairs, and that is precisely the position
which the non-aligned countries seek.
45. It is this unswerving support for the principles
of self-determination and sovereignty which has led the
Government of Bolivia, presided over by General
Guido Vildoso Calderon, to apply a policy of a return
to democratic institutional rights for our people.
39. Recently the United Nations has seen its mission
even further enriched by the appointment as Secretary­
General of one of its most distinguished officials,
Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, a most worthy represen­
tative of Peruvian diplomacy. Bolivia reiterates its
pleasure at his appointment and its congratulations
and best wishes to him, the first Secretary-General
representing Latin America, and the brotherly and
ancestral ties between Bolivia and Peru and the Andean
countries are well known. His presence as Secretary­
General is a sound guarantee for the fulfilment of
the purposes of the Organization.
46. In Bolivia we have set in motion the pre-electoral
process, with the scheduling of a general election
for April 1983. The consensus achieved among the
40. For years we have been expressing our faith and
reiterating our purposes. Every year we come here and
repeat our intention to carry out the purposes and
principles of the Charter. We announce optimistic
outlines for the future and the definite achievement
of our aims. However, realistically and objectively
I think we must now pause on our way to see whether
we have really moved beyond mere statements to
concrete achievement.
political parties on the basis of the invitation to
participate made by the Government without any
discrimination has led to the constitution of a National
Electoral Court. We have also started on the study
of a plan for economic recovery in order to apply
emergency provisions to overcome the situation of
deficit and the serious crisis inherited by the present
Government. As a result of a study, the economic
plan was, also on the basis of consultations, brought
to the notice of the political forces and the trade
unions; a political and economic dialogue thus took
place.
4 J • Peace is still an unachievable goal and perhaps,
sad to say, a nostalgic dream of Utopia. Colonialism
still seeks to broaden its areas of domination, ~ith
aggressive and even bloody usurpation; hegemony. and
47. Giving effect to the general feelings expressed
the use of pressure by the powerful still persevere
and indeed show a disturbing tendency to increase.
Inequalities and injustices continue to show their ugly
faces. Terrorism and new treacherous forms of aggres­
sion, under cover of the advocacy of change, disrupt
every form of coexistence. Racial discrimination con­
tinues as a flaw of mankind in our time. Territories
conquered by force of arms remain in foreign hands.
by the political parties and labour representatives,
who requested an immediate transition to a democratic
system, the Bolivian Government has decided to
convene the representative Parliament elected in the
1980 elections, which had been suspended by a
military coup at the time, so that that Parliament
wm, in accordance with the norms of tl)e politicaJ
Constitution of the State, appoi!'t the new office
Annex 57
16th meetlr•g-4 October 1982
277
holders who will have charge of the nation from
.10 October next. For them and their arduous task in
government we request the solidarity of all nations,
particularly on account of the grave economic crisis
that my country is experiencing. The new constitu­
tional authorities will have to overcome that crisis
and will need all the co-operation that they can
possibly obtain from friendly countries-combined,
of course, with Bolivia"s own efforts-in order that
Bolivia may progress.
cultural liberation of peoples who, like those of Boiivia,
are currently engaged in their own development.
If manifest unwillingness and delaying tactics con­
tinue to be shown, it will be impossible to intensify
the co-operation which at the international level
should promote the development of nations in a
setting of justice and equity. We therefore look forward
very much to the prompt initiation of the global
negotiations.
48. All this process of transition to democracy has
taken place within the framework of an unchanging
respect for human rights and the prerogatives of the
citizens, and on the basis of the fulfilment of the
treaties and international commitments entered into by
Bolivia.
55. Understanding, co-operation and the proc~sses of
integration have another requirement in order to be
perfect-the redressing of injustices and inequalities.
1 must refer once again, before the world community
assembled here, to our geographical condition-the
fact that we are landlocked, a fact that has been
forced upon us for the past 103 years. This reference
also derives from the imperative mandate given by my
49. On 10 October next the armed forces of Bolivia
people, who for more than a century have pressed
for their rights to return, with sovereignty, to the
shores of the Pacific.
will restore the political control of the nation to a
civilian Government. This voluntary gesture, in
keeping with the wishes of the Bolivian people, is
worth emphasizing in this international forum.
56. We all know that when they have the stamp of
legitimacy the rights of nations are never exhausted.
Therefore, the return of territories which have been
usurped in so many latitudes of the world is essential.
50. Another subject which I cannot refrain from
mentioning is that of the progress of integration.
Happily, we are living in a time of integration and
economic co-operation, of interdependence. AH
nations-literally all-need something from others.
There is inevitably a need for raw materials, goods and
services, technology, credits and assistance of all sorts.
What is important is that the prices should be fair,
exchanges just and that co-operation have but one
aim-to secure the goal of shared development and
common benefit.
·
57. With regard to the maritime problem of Bolivia,
the time of our return to the Pacific Ocean is bound
to come. But good faith is necessary for this, together
with a clear readiness by the other party to make
reparations. We also need action and the encourage­
ment and support of the international organizations,
particularly if, as is fortunately the c,,ae, we have the
firm support of the majority of th~ ·,~orld community
for our just cause.
51. In the regional and sub-regional spheres Bolivia
has been taking part in all the programmes of integra­
tion and co-operation. Its special geographical
location in South America and the fact that it is a
country with tributaries of three of the four major
river basins of the continent has given it a unique
status as a signatory country of all the sub-regional
agreements as well as the regional treaties of the Latin
American Integration Association and the Latin Amer­
ican Economic System. For example. we are a member
of the Cartagena Agreement, binding on the Andean
58. Humanity has virtually put an end to one of the
most degrading and odious systems adopted by man in
the past-slavery. But, late in the twentieth century,
still other grievous vestiges of the past remain as an
affront to mankind-colonialism and racial discrimi­
nation.
59- Twenty-two years have elapsed since the General
Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting
of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples
[resol11tio11 /5/4 (XVJ). Each year we revert to the
nations. and a signatory of the Treaty for Amazonian
terms of that declaration and the General Assembly
Co-operation and the Treaty of the River Plate Basin.
52. The Bolivian position with regard to the process
of integration is clear. We uphold the need to preserve,
expand and improve the machinery of the integration
process. Integration and the programmes and actions
for co-operation are only a means towards the ends of
development and the harmonious progress of our
nations. We must also nurture, strengthen and improve
those instruments of economic and social progress.
whose sole beneficiaries must of course be our peoples
and their future.
adopts new resolutions on specific cases. Neverthe­
less, new forms of colonialist aggressaon can be clearly
seen. not simply disregarding the principles and pur­
poses of the Charter but clearly violating them. A
recent example was the case of the Malvinas Islands,
with its bloody epilogue, leading to the restoration
of colonialism. which should give us food for serious
thought.
60. Faithful to its position of principle on the rejection
of any form of colonialism, Bolivia supported the
Argentine cause and will continue to support the
demands for repossession of its territory made by our
brother nation of the River Plate, as we have done
53. We must also make the North-South dialogue a
reality and seek ways to give viable form to the new
international economic order. This scheme has so far
not had the acceptance. the solidarity and particularly
the political will of the industrialized nations. which it
needs if its basic objectives are to be met.
since 1833. when the President of Bolivia at that time
was the first to speak up against the British usurpa­
tion of that era.
61. We can never try hard enough in the Organiza­
tion to put an end to colonialism and all forms of
seizure of territories and the imposition of tutelage
and foreign rule on peoples. On the day we dispose
54. These problems. therefore. should be seen as
part of the struggle for economic. political. social and
Annex 57
278
General AS!lembl,-Tblrty«venth ~
Meetings
of these last vestjges of colonialism mankind will be
able to take pride in having taken an enormous step
towards a world of truly free communities, such as
those for .which the Liberator Bolivar fought. His
bicentenary is to be commemorated next year, and I
am sure that the Organization will wish to participate
in commemorating that anniversary, thereby con­
firming the universal nature of Bolivar's thinking and
deeds.
the production of new and menacing means of destruc­
tion have continued. Unfortunately, each conflict
gives rise to improvements in and new uses for the
means of warfare, as was the case in the recent painful
conflict over the Malvinas.
70. Perhaps what is needed to stop the arms buildup
is in the first place spiritual disarmament: the elimina­
tion of hatred and prejudice; the liquidation of barriers
of ideological animosity; the promotion of fellowship,
bearing in mind that mankind is after all a single entity
and that fraternal understanding is possible.
62. With regard to racial discrimination and ttpart­
heicl, my country•s consistent attitude has been one of
opposition and condemnation of that situation and
system, which are a breach of the elementary prin­
ciples of equality and human rights.
63. Man holds certain rights even before his birth.
If we commit a breach of those rights, we offend
God, who modelled our spirit on His image and in His
71. The period of multiple crises which mankind is
once again experiencing is straining our capacity to
face up to the chaJlenge it presents and our courage.
The Organization is again being put to the test and
we the Members must not evade this tremendous
challenge but meet it head on. The principles of the
Charter and all the resolutions and declarations gener­
ated by the problems of the world form a basic body
of norms accepted by all the world. We must now
show that we can go beyond the spirit and the letter of
those documents and are capable of establishing
peaceful coexistence, with freedom, bread and love
for all the people of our earth.
likeness.
64. I said at the beginning of this statement that
peace was an objective that the world had not yet
achieved. The rer.:ent distressing events in the Middle
East, particularly those in Lebanon, give some idea of
the deplorable situation.
65. I must express here the deep concern of the
Bolivian community and its Government over the now
long-drawn-out crisis in the Middle East, which has
so grievously affected varim.1s peoples in the region.
We must strive to find there an understanding which,
with recognition of the rights of the countries involved,
will bring about a return to peaceful coexistence and
mutual respect.
66. Violence can only give rise to greater violence
and peace is not a free gift; it must be built carefully,
with sacrifice and magnanimity.
67. The mission of the United Nations with regard to
the· problems of the Middle East and of the world in
general is stiJI an arduous one requiring unswerving
commitment. We must all be committed to this task
if we want to show that man is capable of thinking
of the future, using his intelligence to coexist and to
build, to reconcile differing views and not to hate,
thus overcoming a shameful recent past, which
paradoxically encompassed the greatest examples
of barbarity and tragedy as well as the greatest
72. Mr. Y AQUB-KHAN (Pakistan): I should like
first to convey to you, Sir, the warm and sincere
felicitations of the delegation of Pakistan on your
election to the presidency of the thirty-seventh ses­
sion of the General Assembly. Your assumption of this
high office is an acknowledgement by the inter­
national community of your outstanding merit and
qualities as a statesman. It is also a tribute to your
great country. I wish you every success in guiding the
deliberations of the General Assembly on the complex
issues facing it in the year ahead. I should like to
take this opportunity of expressing our esteem and
admiration for your predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who
presided over the thirty-sixth session of the Ceneral
Assembly with great distinction and success. I should
also like to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. Perez
de Cuellar for his dedicated and unremitting efforts in
search of peace during a year which has seen a succes­
sion of crises and continuing turmoil. We commend his
resolve in the bleak international circumstances of
today. to strengthen the role and influence of the
iJnited Nations in the conduct of international
relations.
achievements of the technological era. The answer
to the challenge of the years to come lies within
us; it is the possibility of offering the coming genera­
tions a world of harmony, peace and justice.
68. These difficult problems concerning peaceful
coexistence lead to another major theme of our age.
I am referring to the problem of disarmament. A
Bolivian writer has said:
.. Two of the greatest mistakes made by mankind
were to condemn Socrates and to manufacture
the atomic bomb. The first did violence to I
the
meaning of justice; the second showed man the road
to his own destruction.··
73. fhe report of the Secretary-General on the work
of the Organization [A/37/ /] is an eloquent and candid
comment on the grim reality of the international
situation, which he has succinctly described as ••inter­
national anarchy... In the recent past we have wit­
nessed an alarming intensification of conflicts and
tensions. use of force with impunity. growing mistrust
among nations, increasing confrontation in East-West
relations and a new escalation in the arms race. which
in this nuclear age portends the gravest consequences
for the very survival of mankind. This spiral of
violence is accompanied by a deepening apathy
regarding the principles of the Charter of the United
Nations and an indifference regarding the role of this
institution as the primary multilateral instrument for
the maintenar•ce of international peace and security.
69. Instruments have been adopted by the United
Nations and at the multilateral and bilateral levels
on the need for disarmament and the prohibition of
nuclear weapons including resolutions banning test
explosions in the atmosphere and under water. In
open contradiction with these commitments, however,
74. The gravity of the international scene demands a
the arms buildup, the sophistication of weapons and
rededication to the ideals of the United Nations
Annex 57
16th raeeting-4 October 1982
279
in-:the• same spirit of commitment' as led to the
foundation of this world .forum after the agony and
horror of the Second. World War. The strength of the
peace· in the Middle East. Such peace depends on the
imP'utable condition of Israel's withdrawal from the
Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967
United · Nations, which is indispensable to world
peace, is also a measure of our determination to
achieve ajust and civilized world order and to prevent
a universal holocaust.
arid the restitutiorr,of the·inalienable national rights of
the Paliestinian people, including its right to a sovereign
State in its homeland.
.
·
75,, The Middle East conflict remains the most
serious crisis on the international horizon and a glaring
record of persistent violations of international law and
brazen defiance of the United Nations by an intran­
sigent and implacable aggressor.
81. . In our neighbourhood, the crisis in Afghanistan
resulting from Soviet military intervention in that
country nearly three years ago persists, with no sign of
reprieve in its severity. The Afghan national resist•
ance has proved to be enduring and steadfast, despite
the awesome military superiority and sophisticated
modem equipment deplo¥C:_d against it.
76. The recent massacre of Palestinians in west
Beirut epitomizes the tragedy of the Palestinian natfon.
The shock and indignation felt throughout the world
over this massacre should serve as a reminder of the
82. The presence of 100,000 foreign mtiitary troops
in Afghanistan, with its dangerous portents for the
stability of the entire region, continues to evoke.deep
continuing Israeli crimes against the Palestinian
people, whose homeland has been usurped and who
have been subjected to relentless persecution. Since
its occupation of the Arab and Palestinian territories in
1967, Israel has been pursuing a systematic policy
of annexing those terr.itories by changing their
demographic and historic character, establishing settle­
ments there and driving the Arab and Palestinian
population into exile. In the process Israel is deter­
mined to liquidate the identity and nationhood of
Pa1estinians in their ancient homeland.
concern in the .international community, which has
consistently pronounced itself on the illegality of that
presence and has demanded its termination. The
latest expression of thfa international concern was
embodied in General Assembly resolution 36/34,
adopted last year with the overwhelming support of
116 Member States, which outlined, once again, the
essential elements of a just political solution of the
Afghanistan problem, namely, the immediate with­
drawal of the foreign troops from Afghanistan, the
preservation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity,
political independence and non-aligned character of
Afghanistan, the right of the Afghan people to
determine its own form of government and to choose
its economic, political and social system free from
outside inte.·vention, subversion, coercion or con­
traint • of any kind whatsoever, and the creation of
necessary conditions which would enable the Afghan
refugees to return voluntarily to their homes in safety
and honour.
77. Beyond the occupied territories, Israel desires to
establish its military diktat and hegemony in the
region. It has attacked its neighbours at will and with
impunity. The brutal invasion of Lebanon, the cruel
siege of Beirut and the events which led to the Israeli
advance into the city and the massacre of Palestinians
fully expose Israeli ambitions in the region. The
crisis in Lebanon should make it clear to Israel's
friends and allies that their support and protection
only encourage Israel to sustain its irredentist ambi­
tions on the pretext of strengthening its security.
.
.
83. Despite the repeated calls of the United Nations
and similar demands by the movement of non-aligned
countries and the member States of the Organization
of the Islamic Conference, the end of the crisis in
Afghanistan is not in sight. It is a matter of regret
th!tt the Soviet Union, which had traditionally enjoyed
good relations with countries of the ·area, including
Afghanistan, and which takes pride in its solidarity
78. The valour with which the Palestinian freedom
fighters withstood the ferocious Israeli attacks, and
the sacrifices of the Palestinian people, b;;;ar testimony
to the strength and justice of their cause, which
cannot be trampled by terror and expansionism.
The Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO] has
emerged with renewed vigour as the voice for
with third-world causes, should engage and persist in
Palestinian freedom and has won international acclaim
for its restraint.
an action which has caused immense tragedy to the
people of Afghanistan and which has been firmly
opposed by the international community.
79. The proposals endorsed by the Twelfth Arab
Summit Conference at Fez [see A/37/696] constitute
a major initiative for a durable peace in the Middle
East and demonstrate the sincere desire of the Arab
countries and the PLO to bring to a dignified and
honourable end the cha:,ter of conflict in the Middle
East. Predictably, Israel ha~ ,ejected the Fez plan,
as well as the proposals by Pr,':sident Reagan, which
illustrates Israel's obsession Wi!h holding on to the
occupied Arab and Palestinian territories and its
84. The grave political implications of the Afghan­
istan crisis are compounded by a vast and growing
humanitarian prob!,:m in the exodus of the Afghan
population on a massive scale from their country.
Nearly 3 million Afghan refugees, who represent one
fifth of the total population of Afghanistan, have been
forced to seek shelter on our soil and have placed
on us an enormous responsibility for their upkeep
which we have willingly accepted as our humanitarian
and Islamic duty.
negative response to opportunities fur peace.
80. In the immediate context, it is imperative that
Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon be secured, that
civilian life be fully protected and conditions of peace
and normality be restored in that ravaged country.
The agony of the Palestinian people and the justice
of its cause demand that the international community
take determined action for the achievement of durable
85. As a country grievously affected by the crisis
in its neighbourhood, Pakistan has: a direct and vital
stake in a peaceful solution of the Afghanistan
problem. Consistent with the decisions of the United
Nations, Pakistan has sincerely co-operated with every
international endeavour, including the constructive
efforts of the Secretary-Ge:.eral and his Personal
Annex 57
280
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
Repl"esentative on Afghanistan. The Geneva discus­
sions held iil June under the good offices of the
Secretary-General marked an important step in his
efforts for a political settlement. We participated in
those talks in a positive and constructive spirit and
we look forward to further progress in the process
of consultations initiated by the Secretary-General
and assure him of our continued co-operation.
regional co-operation aimed at the well-being and
progress of their peoples; Joint studies have been
undertaken and action programmes have been worked
out to promote co-operation· in important economic
sectors for mutual benefit. The recently held meeting
of the Foreign Secretaries of South Asian countries
in Islamabad was the third in a series of such meet­
ings establishing an auspicious tradition of co-oper­
ation and understanding among countrie~ of South
Asia which we are committed to strengthen in the
future.
86. It remains our ardent hope that the Afghanistan
crisis will soon be resolved in compliance with the
decisions of the United Nations with the aim of
strengthening peace and security in the region, while
preserving respect for the independence, sovereignty
and territorial integrity of each State.
91. Apart from being a geo-political imperative, good­
neighbourly rrlations between Pakistan and India are
essential to the fulfilment of the aspirations and hopes
of millions of people in the two countries to live in
peace and to ensure for themselves and for succeeding
generations a life of dignity, well-being and prosperity.
87. The ramifications of the crisis in Afghanistan
and the disturbing security climaf·e in our region
have deepened our concern for th:.! defence of our
frontiers. We.~ are seriously endeavouring to tum those
borders into frontiers of permanent peace. But we
have no control over developments in our neighbour­
hood and cannot turn our eyes away from the imper­
ative of maintaining an adequate defence establish­
ment commensurate with the size of the country and
the extent of its international frontiers. which stretch
across more than 5,0fJO kilometres. The strengthening
of Pakistan's defence capability should not be a matter
of concern to any ,,:,ther ccmntry-first~ because any
~mggestion of such concern would have no relation to
reality and. secondly, because those who make it
assume the privilege of passing judgement on vital
matt11:rs falling exclusively within our sovereign
domain. We are tied to no bloc or strategic con­
sensus, e.nd our right to have a minimum rlefence
capability of our own is an expression of out sover­
eign status as a non-aligned country.
In this spirit, Pakistan sincerely desires full normali­
zation of relations with India which can be achieved
with the resolution of the Jam mu and Kashmir dispute,
the only outstanding problem between the two
countries.
92. The Gov'-mment of Pakistan has taken several
initiatives, including the off~rof a non-aggression pact,
to foster an atmosphere of trust and confidence.
We are gratified that last January. the Foreign
Ministers of the two countries agreed that the con­
clusion of such a pact would make a positive con­
tribution to peace and stability in the region. We also
welcomed the suggestion of the Prime Minister of
India for the establishment of a joint commission
between the two countries. Already an exchange of
views on the substance of the proposals has been
initiated which augurs well for the future of Pakistan­
India relations, on which the peace and tranquillity of
the region largely depend.
88. The unfortunate conflict between the Islamic
Republic of Iran aHd Iraq has been a sourcP cf deep
anguish and concern for us. In addition to causing
extensive human and material losses, this was- has
aggravated the cHmate of insecurity in a highly
sensitive reg~~n. and its early termination remains
in the best interests of the peoples of the area. With
this conviction, the President of Pakistan has made
several efforts, singly and collectively, under the
93. Pakistan has consistently maintained a firm
position of principle on issues which concern the sover­
eignty and freedom of nations, whether these pertain
to our region, or regions far beyond it. Accordingly,
Pakistan supports the right of the people of Kampuchea
to shape their own future free from outside inter­
vention and has joined the international call for the
withdrawal of foreign troops from that unfortunate
land. Pakistan welcomes the formation of a coalition
auspiceli of the Islamic Conference, ar.d will continue
to make every er,deavour for the solution of this
tragic conflict.
Government of Democratic Kampuchea, headed by
Prince Sihanouk and hopes that this Government will
facilitate the creation of conditions conducive to the
full implementation of the decisions of the General
Assembly on the Kampuchean question.
89. The convu!sions of our neighbourhood have
made us keenly aware of the perils of great-Power
rivalry and confrontation to which, in an historic
ser'se, the Indian Ocean region has always remained
exposed. Pakistan has consistently supported Sri
Lanka·s proposal for the establishment of the lndian
Ocean as a zone of peace,, which symboHze~ the
shared aspirations of the pt;ople of the region for
progress in conditions of peace and security. In the
regional as well as interna.tional context, we w!II
94. We feel equally concerned over the dangerous
situation in the South Atlantic and hope that a nego­
tiated solution to the problem will be found on the
basis of the resolutions of the United Nations.
co-oi;erate with every initiative aimed at securing the
95. The illegal occupation of Namibia and the
abominable system of upurtheid perpetrated against the
black population of South Africa continue to be an
affront to human morality and values. The hopes which
elimination of any foreign military presence in the
Indian Ocean region and the removal of threats,
whether from within or from outside the area, to the
independence, sove~·eignty and territorial integrity of
the countries of the region.
had been raised for an early independence of Namibia
by the adoption of Security Council resolution 435
(1978) proved short-lived. South Africa, having first
accepted the Unitw Nations plan for free and fair
elections in Namibia under the supervision and con­
trol of the Organization, baulked at its implementation
90. I am happy to note that seven countries of South
Asia have initiated concrete measures to L:,romote
and even questioned the impartiality of the United
Annex 57
16th meeting-4 Odober 1982
281
Nations. The authors of the United Nations plan,
in disarmament could release the colossal resources,
na~ly the members of the Western cmaact group, currently consumed by the insane arms race, for
have a responsibility to ensure the implementation economic development and for combating deprivation
of the plan as the credibility of their commitment to and disease, which afflict vast sections; of humanity.
this plan is at stake.
A common historical cause for a new world order
96. Pakistan joins the international community in its must, therefore, motivate our -efforts for strengthening
demand for the realization of the independence of international security and pursuing effective disarNamibia

without further delay, and reaffirms its mament, and for alJeviating injustices and disparities
total solidarity with the struggle of the Namibian besetting the international economic situation.
people under the leadership of the South West Africa
I03. Over the past few years we have passively
People
1
s Organization [SWAPO} to bring the dark witnessed a rapidly deteriorating crisis in the inter-
chapter of colonialism in their countcy to a close.
national economic system. A galloping cancer of
97. Pakistan shares the dismay and disappointment
stagnation, recession, inflation and mounting external
of the international community at the failure of the debt have plunged the global economy to levels
second special session on disarmament. It is clear that redolent of the Great Depression. This has Jed to the
he!ghtened international tensions prevented any emergence of new attitudes and practices characterized
progress on important disarmament issues, for which by inward looking short-term solutions, elements
a modicum of detente in East-West relations a'nd contrary to the spirit of international economic coimprovement

in the global political situation have operation and the principle of interdependence.
become a prerequisite. However, the failure of the Deflationary policies pursued by some developed
special session should not lead to pessimism; nor countries have rapidly transferred the crisis to the
should it be seen as the defeat of an ideal. The cause developing countries bec~use of the interdependent
of disarmament concerns the very survival of mankind nature of the world economy.
and must be pursued with a deep commitment, a 104. While the contraction of the economies has been
positive outlook and a sense of destiny.
a universal phenomenon, the brunt of the crisis has
98. Pakistan believes in a comprehensive approach
fallen upon the devefoping countries. In 1981, for the
to disarmament and emphasizes the need to pursue
first time since the 1950s, the per capita real income
it at evecy level since these are all organically linked of the developing countries as a whole actually fell iJ!l
to each other. Progress in one dwrection could stimulate absolute terms. The consequent deceleration in tbe
movement in the other. Consequently, we welcome process of development has led to record unemploy.

• • •
h
.
ment in both the developed and the developing
imuative~, at t e bilateral, regional or global lev\!I, countries, with resultant social unrest. and growing
and measures, either interim in character or undertaken

in a long-term perspective.
political insecurity. The rapid deterioration in the
terms of trade of developing countries, rising protec-
99. The prevention of a nuclear war is a primary
challenge of our age and imposes a grave respon­
sibility on all, especially the major nuclear Powers.
We welcome the non-first-U:'A! declaration by the Soviet
Union in the same manner as we had welcomed an
earlier commitment by China to the same effect.
We are also encouraged by the resumption of negotia­
tions between the United States and the Soviet Union
on the reduction of theatre and strategic nuclear forces
and we hope that this dialogue produces meaningful
tionism and reduced financial flows have led to an
enormous increase in their external debts resulting in
drastic reductions in development budgets and growth
rates. At the same time, the debt burden of oil­
importing developing countries increased during 1981
by $50 billion over the 1978 level. This feeds into the
recession by lowering their capacity to import.
l05. The increasing current account deficits and the
absence of properly designed international mechanisms
to finance these deficits in the short run or to correct
results.
the fundamental structural imbalance in international
100. Without prejudice to the usefulness of uni­
laterdl or bilateral initiatives, we are convinced that
the complex issues of disarmament, especially nuclear
disarmament. can best be addressed in a multilateral
context. The threat of nuclear weapons is pervasive
and concerns equally every member of the international
community. The United Nations, therefore, remains
the most appropriate forum in which negotiations on
disarmament could be effectively pursued.
payments in the long run is the central dilemma con­
fronting us today. It should be a matter of concern for
the international community that the burden of this
extraordinary adjustment is being passed on to the
developing countries, the most vulnerable members of
the international community. .
106. We believe that it is possible for the inter­
national community to find solutions to its problems.
The glaring shortcomings in the existing economic
system which are responsible for the present crisis
also present a rare opportunity to rebuild the various
components cf the international economic order on a
IOI. Motivated by its commitment to the obj,~ctive
of general and complete disarmament and to nuclear
non-proliferation. Pakistan had taken initiatives
at the United Nations for the establishment of a
nuclear-weapon-free zone in South Asia and for effec­
tive assurdnces to non-nuclear-weapon States against
the use of nuclear weapons. Measures such as these
could also strengthen the links in an overall
comprehensive programme of disarmament.
just and equitable basis. There is a need for massive
and urgent structura, changes, the parameters for
which are so clearly outlined in the International
Development Strategy for the Third United Nations
Development Decade and resolutions adopted by
the United Nations on the establishment of the new
international economic order. The basic malady is not
·the shortage of liquidity in the international system
but its gross maldistribution.
l02. The demands of security. disarmament and
development are fundamentally interrelated. Progress
Annex 57
General Assembb'..:..Tbirty•seventb
Session-Plenary Meeti~~
------------
107. It is indeed regrettable that global negotiations,
proposed at the thirty-fourth session of the Assembly,
have not yet been launc.hed. The assurances.,sooght
by th~ industrialized, countries are already provided
for in the proposal submitted by the Group of 77 on
the subject. Let us, therefore, abandon suspicions and
apprehensions about each other's intentions and move
forward to the substantive issues. However, what is
alarming is the fact that Jack of progress in the launch­
ing of global negotiations has been accompanied by
a similar situation in sector-wise negotiations.
112. The present economic crisis calls for vision and
imagination on the part of the leaders of the industrial­
ized countries, and we look to the emergence of
a new internationalism .. the awakening of a new spirit
of global co-operation and a recognition of the imper­
atives of interdependence, requiring a more equitable
management of the international economic system.
The world economy can be r@!iuilt only on a sound
and permanent foundation of economic efficiency and
economic justice with the full participation of devel­
oping countries in international decision-making, and
not through their exclusion. This is an imperative
which the world leaders can no longer afford to ignore
in their search for reducing tension and promoting
peace and harmony.
108. Another disturbing development is the alarming
erosion of the spirit of international co-operation at
a time when increasing multilateral economic co-oper­
ation could play a critical role in triggering the process
of international economic recovery. Eight years ago.
when the General Assembly at its sixth special session
113. Sheikh ALHEGELAN (Saudi Arabia} (illler­
prewticm from Arabic): I wish at the outset to convey
adopted resolution 3201 (S-VI), the Declaration on the
Establishment of a New International Economic Order,
it unequivocally emphasized the reality of interdepen­
dence, an interdependence between the developed and
the developing countries. The Assembly also recog­
nized the fact that the political, economic and social
well-being of present and future generations depended
more than ever on co-operation between all the
members of the international community on the basis
of sovereign equality and the removal of the disequilib­
rium that exists between them.
t.> you, Sir, our sincere congratulations on your we!l­
deserved election to the presidency of the thirty­
seventh session of the General Assembly. That elec­
tion was indeed a wise decision and testifies to your
great competence for this post. I cannot fail to pay
a tribute to the outgoing President of the thirty­
sixth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Kittani,
and to express to him my country•s very great
appreciation of his untiring efforts in presiding over the
proceedings of the General Assembly. I also thank
him sincerely for his successful presidency of that
session. It gives me great pleasurey too, to express
on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia our sincere
congratulations to Mr. Perez de CueUar on his election
as Secretary-General. We wish to express to him our
hopes for his success in strengthening the effective­
ness of the Organization so that it can acnieve the
purposes and principles of the Cha11er.
109. Global interdependence demands that the
restoration and growth of the international economy
must be undertaken on the basis of international
co-operation. We can find answers to the present
problems involving financial transfersy protectionist
sentiments and changing attitudes towards policies of
development assistance only through a compact of
mutual help and assistance. What we are looking for is
not short-term financial and trade concessions,
although they are important in themselvesy but long­
term structural changes which would involve creating
a framework for expansion of world trade. provision of
development finance on a long-term basis and the
progressive democratization of the present inter­
national financial system to enable it to function in an
equitable and efficient manner.
110. There is no alternative to a dialogue and mutual
114. The thirty-seventh session has opened in an
atmosphere of tension and anxiety. International con­
flicts and crises are becoming all the more complex
and interlinked. and the factors that divide nations
outweigh those that bring them ·together. The agenda
of the Assembly is replete with complex problems that
involve a genuine danger to •~ternational peace and
security. A careful consideration of the international
situation reveals to us clearly that the gap between
our aspirations to a peaceful world, where relations
between peoples are based on right and justice, and
the actual situation. dominated by criteria of force,
the policies of hegemony and attempts to impose
co-operation to overcome the malaise which has
afflicted the economies of the North and the South
alike. Increased interdependence in the world economy
has ensured that no country or group of countries can
achieve genuine recovery merely through efficient
domestic management of their economies. A con­
sensus on the root of the current problems and a
co-ordination of responses to solve them are indis~
pensable for this purpose.
fairs ttccomplis. still exists and has indeed probably
widened.
115. International relations at present are character­
ized by grave indications of cold war. Polarization
breeds instability in the world and detente, which
marked relations between East and West in the last
decade, has turned into confrontation, with unfore­
seeable consequences.
I i 1. While camng for a global response to the present
crisis, the developing countries are conscious of the
nee4 to promote economic co-operation among them­
selves. This is one area in which positive develop­
ments have taken place. We believe that expanding
economic co-operation among developing countries
hf ·a' :dyn~mic and vital element in any effective
restructuring ofinternational economic relations. How­
ever, co-operation among developing countries can
only complement, c1nd cannot be a substitute for, a
new international economic order based on equity and
justice.
Mr. Tiirknum (Turke,·), Vi<"e-Pre:,idem. wak tire
Cllctir.
.
116. There is an escalation in the arms race. The use
and threat of force and terrorism have become
dominant characteristics in international relations. On
the other hand. the continued stagnation of the North­
South dialogue ancl the resultant widening of the gap
between the industrialized and the developing
countries have resulted in a further deterioration of
Annex 57
. 16th meeting-4 October !982
283
t~e intemational situation, which has dashed the hop., 122. As pointed out by His Majesty King Fahd,
of establishing a more stable world. In short, the
"'Saudi Arabia is one of the Islamic nations and
~orla is ~liding back to the old system based on zones
was created so that the law of God wouid be re-
of. political and ~conomic influence based on
spected and God has honoured it by allowing it to
liegemony, domination and dependence. There is
serve as His house of worship and the sanctuary of
no doubt that this is a source of anxiety and fear.
His Prophet. Thus its responsibility was increased,
Hence we must mnster all our resources to tackle
its policy became set and its duties expanded. It
this grave situation.
performs those duties on the international scene by
117. Is it not ironical that man, who in this age has
respecting God's way of wisdom and morality.
been able to achieve incredible progress in science
Islam is a religion of mercy, of mind and of strength;
and technology, is unable to solve some of the prob-
it fights terrorism and overcomes disorder, weak-
lems that he himself has caused? Is that not enough
ness and humiliation.
0
to make us intensify our efforts to face these chal-
123. The United Nations is the principal body for the
lenges and seek ways of ensuring stability, peace and promotion of freedom, peace, justice, security and
security for the international community and of international co-operation. Therefore we must make
protecting the interests of peoples and nations? It is available to it all that it needs to face the challenges
not enough simply to draw attention to international that confront it. It should become an effective instrucrises

and problems. In order to solve and eliminate ment for promoting world peace and economic and
them it is necessary, aft.ei· taking objective stock of social progress for all. If the Organization is to conthe

international situation, to put forward practical tinue as an effective instrument of peace, the peoples
concepts and positive ideas which will enable the of the world should place their trust in it, and our
international community to face the dangers that commitment to the purposes and principles of the
confront it.
·
Charter should be beyond discussion or doubt.
118. As pointed out by His Majesty King Fahd ibn
Abdul Aziz in hi~ address to the Saudi people last
August, we in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
124. The arms race and the magnitude of the resulting
expenditure has increased tension in the world, and
that has forced many countries, and especially the least
developed, to devote a great portion of their limited
resources to defence, at the expense of their progress
and economic and social development. We hope that
the efforts which the international comrrunity expects
the Organization to exert and the positive role that
it can play in this respect will lead to concrete
progress which will prote~t humanity from the dangers
which threaten it and will spare the developing coun­
tries the conflicts and struggles for influence that have
become a danger to humanity in general.
" ... work on the comprehensive international
scene within the framework of the United Nations,
its agendes and organs. We abide by its Charter,
support its efforts and fight any abnormal action
aimed at weakening it and restricting the force of
international law with a view to replacing it by
the force of arms and the language of terrorism.
Our actions have effectively reflected and will
continue to reflect our sense of commitment to the
international community, as one family, no matter
what the difference in interests, and our belief in the
principles of peace based on right and justice.
We believe that international security and political
stability are linked to economic justice."
125. Secondly, one of the important goals of our
contemporary world and for the future is the establish­
ment of a new and more equitable international
economic order which will meet the aspirations of the
peoples of the world to higher standards of living
and a better life. In order to establish such a system
we must grapple with the many important economic
subjects that demand our attention.
119. Proceeding from that premise, we believe that
the following conditions must be fulfilled in order to
erect a solid edifice of relations between States
through which it will be possible to reduce international
tension and overcome many of the dangers that
threaten international peace and security.
120. First, we join those who insist on the need for
reform of the · present political system and believe
that in this respect the following must be taken into
account.
126. The agenda includes many subjects and issues
of extreme importance as regards international eco­
nomic co-operation for development. Therefore we
deem it important that the laun~hing of a new round of
global negotiations be accelerated in a serious attempt
to improve the economic petformance and increase
the efficiency of international co-operation for devel­
.opment.
121. One ·or the main things that encourages nations
to try to acquire zones of influence and to adopt a
policy of force to solve problems is that they do
not accept the rule of law or respect moral and ethical
prin.;iples. Therefore if such States really want to
maintain peace and stability in the world and ensure
prosperity, progress, wealth aQ.d well-being for the peo­
ples, they must scrupulously observe moral principles
and be guided by them in the labyrinthine complexi­
ties of contemporary international relations. In this
respect, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers its
experience to the international community as its con­
tribution to ensuring stability and peace and eliminat­
ing the problems that jeopardize the very existence
and survival of nations.
127. It is regrettable that the General Assembly's
efforts aimed at the launching of a new round of global
economic negotiations have been hampered by the
existence of differences over certain procedural
questions which we had earnestly hoped would be
solved in the light of the conclusions of the Inter­
national Meeting on Co-operation and Development,
which was held at Canel.in in 1981., -for the. establish•
ment of confidence between developed and developing
countries. We also maintain•that real efforts should be
exerted to achieve the objectives of the International
Development Strategy for the Third United Nations
Development Decade and to support in every way
Annex 57
284
General Assembly-Thlrty-seventb Session-Plenary Meetings
FAO, WFC, the International Fund for Agricultural being waged between two Islamic countries. In this
Development and WFP in their efforts to overcome
regard, we wish to express our hope that the Iranian
world food problems in general and to increase food Government will respond to Iraq's offers and to the
and agricultural aid to Africa.
missions of good offices of the Organization of the
128. I should also like to stress the importance of
economic and technical co-operation among the devel­
oping countries. In Saudi Arabia we consider it to be
complementary to but not a substitute for co-oper­
ation between developed and developing countries.
The international community should pay careful
attention to this.
Islamic Conference, the United Nations and the non•
aligned movement, so that a just settlement may be
achieved, thus ending the bloodshed and destruction,
establishing a good-neighbourly policy. That solution
would be based on the principles of non-interference
in the internal affairs of other States and international
law.
129. Thirdly, world peace, security and stability
are affected by a number of international problems
at present afflicting the international community. If
we really want to maintain international peace and
security and to make progress, well-being and
prosperity available to the countries and peoples of
134. One of the gravest problems threatening inter­
national peace and security, one which is prejudicing
stability and prosperity, not only in the Middle East
but throughout the world, stems from Israers con­
tinuing aggression and its terrible racist settlements
policy. Israel's continuing defiance and its aggres­
the world, we must, intensify international efforts and
sion constitute a most dangerous factor in the Palestin­
work tirelessly to find rapid and equitable solutions for
those problems. These problems increase and worsen
with the passing of time and increasingly threaten
world peace and security.
130. In South Africa, the racist regime continues to
enforce a policy of racial discrimination and apartheid
ian issue. which is an important issue for all those
who believe in the right of every people to self­
determination and the right to expression of free will.
When we speak of Israeli aggression, we do not
describe it merely as aggression against a secure
people settled in its own homeland, or as usurpation
of that people's territory and property, or as disregard
for all human ideals, or as a flagrant violation of and
challeng..: to the resolutions of the Organization.
We, describe it as aggression against the Charter of the
United Nations and all the ethical and humanitarian
principles enshrined therein.
against the vast majority of that country's population.
That violates the most elementary international norms
and humanitarian principles. While we support the
people of South Africa, we call on the international
community to exert the necessary pressure on the
States which support the racist South African regime
in order to put an end to it and to force the regime
to submit to the will of the international community.
South Africa must cease its invidious practices,
immediately ~q,Jt launching attacks on neighbouring
African countries, put an end to its occupation of
Namibia and comply with relevant United Nations
resolutions.
13 I. We further call on the international community
to take a firm stand against the aggressive attitude
manifested in the present co-operation between South
Africa and Israel, especially in the nuclear field, and
in their joint nuclear tests in particular. That poses a
direct threat to the peoples of Africa, to the Arab
nadons and to the rest of the peoples of the world.
135. I do not wish to go into the history of the
Palestinian question, which stretches back over
34 years. We in Saudi Arabia consider this our primary
cause, but it has rightly become the cause of the
whole world. It has absorbed more of the efforts of
the Organization than any other issue. Despite recog­
nition by most of the countries and peoples of the
world of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian peo­
ple, including its right to se)f .. determination and to the
establishment of an independent State on its own
territory, and despite the fact that the international
community has come increasingly to recognize the
PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the
Palest!nian people, Israel persists in its aggressive
policy and its imperialist settlement policy on the land
of Palestine.
132. One of the most serious problems facing the
international community and requiring an effective,
urgent solution, is that of Afghanistan. The continued
foreign military interference in the internal affairs of
Afghanistan constitutes a flagrant violation by a super­
Power of the sovereignty and independence ofa small,
non-aligned country. Today, after almost three years
of Soviet interference in Afghanistan-coupled with
continuous acts of aggression against the Afghan
people, against mosques and peaceful villages,
bombardment with incendiary bombs, the use of
chemical warfare, and violations of the most ele­
mentary principles of human rights-we once again
136. By means of its policy of physically liquidating
the Palestinian people, and its attempts to distort
the history of Palestine and destroy its religious
and cultural institutions, as well as to bring about
changes in the demographic pattern there, Israel is
attempting to put an end to Palestinian identity, with
no respect either for international public opinion or for
the United Nations.
137. If Palestine is our primary cause, the Holy
City of Jerusalem is its essence. In this connection,
Saudi Arabia, on its own behalf and on behalf of the
urge the Soviet Union to withdraw from Afghanistan
Islamic countries which are members of the Organi­
so that the fraternal Afghan people may regain its
freedom .and independence and have the final say in
the choice of its leaders and representatives and so
that it may exercise sovereignty over its own land.
133. The raging war between Iraq and the Islamic
Republic of Iran is another problem which troubles
us. Saudi Arabia is pained by that war, because it is
zation of the Islamic Conference, reaffirms its deter•
mination to preserve the Islamic Arab character
of Jerusalem and to return the Holy City to Arab
sovereignty, under which it was always a meeting
place for all believers in the three revealed religions
and a place of hope, tolerance and coexistence
for the followers of the various religions.
Annex 57
16th meetlng-4 October 1982
215
138. Israel persists in following a policy of force and
to stop that help forthwith so as to put an end to Israers
aggression, and it does not confine its aggression aggressive policy in the Middle East.
against the Palestinian people to occupied Palestine.
143. Israel should not be allowed to continue its
It goes far beyond that territory to commit acts of unlawful acts with impunity. ft is time for the interaggression

against neighbouring Arab countries. The national community to go beyond the stage of conflagrant

and barbaric act of aggression against the fra- demnation and take effective measures to stop such
ternal people of Lebanon, and all the consequent
conduct. Those who blatantly support the Zionist
massacres, which constitute a source of shame for all entity encourage the most hateful and dangerous
of humanity, are a violation of the principles and norms
theories against humanity and its rights and support
of international law and signal a return to the law of the aggression and expansion.
jungle. They are a setback for the principles and ideals
which the international community has observed,
144. The Arab world i& eager to maintain the prin-
enshrined and safeguarded.
ciples of peace, stability, right and justice. We wish
to live in peace on our territory and to have equal and
proper relations in order to achieve those goals, and to
choose our friends and enemies on these noble prin­
ciples. Thus the IsraeJi aggression which seeks to
impose hegemony in the area is met by a genuine
139. Israel's use, in its barbaric aggression against
Lebanon, of the most destructive and deadly weapons
against civilians-women, children and the aged­
does not merely reveal Israel's malicious, aggressive,
terrorist and evil nature; it also lays responsibility
trend in the Arab countries, seeking the consolidation
of stability and peace in the Middle East and the world
as a whole.
at the door of the countries that supply Israel with
weapons. Sophisticated weaponry flows to Israel
under the fallacy, which has been spread throughout
the Western world and Qf which Israel has been able
to convince the highest-level politicians, that it is
needed for Israel to secure its safety. But that is a very
dangerous policy and Israer s arsenal and nuclear
capability have become a direct threat to world peace
and security.
145. The Arab position is based on the principles
adopted at the Arab summit conferences, especially
the Twelfth Conference held in Fez last month, the
resolutions of which have confirmed that the Arabs
seek to achieve right, peace and justice and to exert
every effort to maintain a peace which is just and
comprehensiv~ in the Middle East in compliance with
the resolutions of the United Nations.
140. Israel's theory of security is the most dangerous
and aggressive that has been seen in our era. It is no
less dangerous than the Nazi and Fascist theories which
dragged the world into a destructive war. Today in
the Middle East, the Zionists are trying to apply
the same theories as the Nazis applied in Europe
before the Second World War.
146. The resolutions of the Fez Summit Conference
reaffirmed the Arab will for peace based on justice
because it took into account the true situation in the
area and that involved the principles and bases which
could be an objective starting point for establishing a
just and lasting peace. Among those principles is the
inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-deter­
mination and to the establishment of an independent
State on its own territory and under the leadership of
the PLO, its sole legitimate representative. This is in
accordance with the principles of right and justice and
the resolutions of the United Nations. Thus at a time
when the Arab countries reaffirm by resolut: -ns
adopted at Fez their will to establish peace base-._ on
justice, Israel proves, through its conduct, that it does
not wish peace but rather seeks more expansion and
more occupation of territory. It has become clear that
Israel is not the party that seeks security. Those who
look for security are the Arabs.
141. The barbaric acts committed by Israel in west
Beirut, to which thousands of Palestinian refugees
-women, children and the aged-have fallen victim
in the Shatila and Sabra camps, are but further confir­
mation of Israel"s aggressive nature and criminal
character. These massacres of innocent and defence­
less civilians were not only aimed at the Palestinian
and Lebanese people, but are a shameful stigma for
humanity itself. They have given the lie to Israel's
calumny and its fallacious claims that Israeli troops
entered west Beirut to maintain peace and security.
For it has been proved beyond doubt that this flagrant
act of aggression was aimed at liquidating the Pales­
tinian and Lebanese peoples.
147. Peace will not be achieved as long as the~ is a
peopie suffering oppression, occupation, humiliation,
racism, imperialism and other forms of domination.
History has taught us that the people who have been
deprived of their basic rights have stood resolutely hit
142. We call on the international community to
support Lebanon, to assist it in regaining its sover­
eignty and securing the unconditional withdrawal of
the Israeli invading forces from its territory, and to
lake all necessary measures against Israel so that it
defence of those rights. That resistance has taken
will be unable to pursue the policy of hegemony and
force that it has tried to impose in the Middle East.
The international community should be no less cou­
rageous than the voices heard in Israel itself in de­
nouncing Israers aggressive practices in Lebanon and
different shapes and forms. Genuine peace in the
Middle East will not be established unless there is a
complete recognition of the right of the Palestinian
people to self-determination and the establishment of
i:s own independent State, and the withdrawal of
Israeli forces from all Arab occupied countries, in­
cluding the Holy City of Jerus&~em. There will hot
requesting that they leave. T~e absence of interna­
tional deterrence and the abuse of the veto in the
Security Council encouragi!d Israel to persist in its
arrogance and to depend on forc:e to achieve its expan­
sionist aims and ambitions. We can on all countries,
especially those which support the Zionist ~ntity and
provide it with political, military and economic ~1elp.
be genuine peace in the Middle East so long as Israel
r,ersists in violating the simplest principles of human
rights in the occupied tenitories and in Lebanon.
Peace will not be realized so long as Israel adheres
to its expansionist desigr,s and racist policy.
Annex 57
286
...
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Ses.wn-Plenary Meetings
148: Last, but not least, finding a comprehensive and
just solu'tion .to the Palestinian question will be a
starting point for the sohition of many international
problems which pose a danger to international pea~e
and security. If such ·a··solution is not reached, then
international tension and a deterioration of the situa­
tion in an unpredictable way will be a constant source
of danger.
abili~y of the United Nations to perform its 9~sip1
function.
153. The list of problems before the Assembly at this
session is, as' usual, diverse, complicated and long,.
but we believe that such a list should not lead us to
despair or make us give up endeavours towards· the·
achievement of what we b~lieve is right and fair. We
have no alternative but to continue our efforts and
co-operation towards achieving the objectives that·
we set ourselves, including in• particular the estab­
lishment of peace based on justice.
149. If we want to keep the world away from the edge
of the abyss and from the policies of extremism, force
and aggression, then wisdom and reason should
prevail in all our conduct and we should also observe
all the principles and bases that can lessen interna­
tional tension and overcome many of the dangers to
international peace and security to which I have
referred. We should co-operate to find a solution for
all international problems and conflicts, in order to
e·stablish an international community which enjoys
154. As at previous sessions, the Middle East
problem, whose central issue is the Palestinian ques­
tion, is the most urgent problem before us. We aU
know that the main obstacle to the solution of this
problem is not the lack of efforts exerted within and
outside the United Nations to solve it, but, first and
foremost, the continued Israeli defiance of the will of
stability, progress, peace and security.
150. Mr. AL-ALA WI ABDULLA (Oman) (interpre­
tt1tion from Art1bic): I should like to convey sincere
congratulations to Mr. Hollai on his election to the
presidency of the General Assembly at its thirty­
seventh session and to express our best wishes to him
and to the officers of the Assembly for success in
directing the work of the Assembly towards the
achievement of our goals. I should like to take this
opportunity to express our deep appreciation of the
great efforts made by the former President, Mr. Kit­
the international community; Israel's flouting of the
very principles governing the Organization.
155. This defiance of international public opinion
and flouting of the Charter and resolutions is a serious
matter, and the time has come to deal with it. Other­
wise, the law of the jungle will prevail in international
relations, and the remnant of confidence and hope
of finding a peaceful · solution to this problem, based
on the principles of international law and justice, will
collapse. This will also weaken the Organization's
ability to find peaceful and just solutions to the dis­
putes brought before it, as the Secretary-General
stressed in his report.
tani, during the thirty-sixth session and of the skilful
manner in which he conducted its work and that of the
General Assembly throughout its successive sessions
and meetings this year.
156. The Sultanate of Oman is an advocate of peace,
and the people of our region, who have suffered war
and instability for a long time, look forward to ait era
of security and stability. The peace that we seek is a
peace based on justice and on the principles adopted
151. The election of the new Secretary-General has
been a sourc~ of pleasure to us, considering his out­
standing position and wide experience in the work of
the Organization as well as the respect and apprecia­
tion he ilas enjoyed for the tasks he has performed.
While expressing our congratulations to Mr. Perez de
Cuell~r on his election by acclamation to his post,
we should like to express our conviction that he is
worthy of this universal trust and to wish him success
1n his importapt work and in realizing the hope that he
may achieve the important tasks entrusted to him.
by the Organization. We seek a just and lasting peace
that would put an end to the iragedy of the Palestinian
people and would realize their legitimate rights to
return to their home and to self.determination. That is
why we have supported, and continue to support, an
the efforts aimed at establishing peace in the region.
The Twelfth Arab Summit Conference, in which we
participated, laid the basis and provided the guide­
lines for a peaceful and just solution to the Middle
152. In reviewing the international situation and
events since the previous session1, we must unfortu­
nately conclude that the picture is gloomy. Most of
the problems which we discussed are becoming
increasingly complicated. The views aPtl hopes which
we expressed have to a great extent not been realized.
Many resolutions have been neither respected nor
implemented. Our hopes for ~stablishing good inter­
national relations based on the pri.iciples of the Charter
an,.J international Jaw are .;till far from being achieved,
and the United Nations-as the Secretary-General
indicated in his report on the work of the Organiza­
tion-has not been able to play its effective and decisive
East prob!em. Furthermore, the eight principles
representing the Arab framework for solving this
problem Jo not depart, in general or in details, from
th;;; principles that have already been approved by the
United Nations.
157. The recent initiative of Mr. Reagan, the Presi­
dent of the U11ited States of America, directed to
solving the Middle East problem contains positive
points that might contribute to the efforts being made
to settle this problem.
158. The peace initiative of the Arab States and
'. President Reagan's initiative create together a climate
role as envisaged in the Charter, thus frustrating the
hope that the Organization would be capable of
maintaining peace and security and serving as a forum
for negotiations. We must endeavour to put an end
to this deviation from the Charter. to adhere .to it and
to its principles. and to rev;~,e the concepts con­
tained in it, which requires making a collective effort
towards establishing peace, thereby strengthening the
conducive to finding a permanent and just settlement
to the problem. We should take advantage of it and
develop it, and the negative attitude of Israel should
not be allowed to undermine our efforts. However,
the Israeli persistence in frustrating aU international
efforts and rejecting all proposals pu'i forward for
solving the problem have led States to believe in~the
inevitability of the use of force in solving political
Annex 57
16th meetln~ October
1982
217
pro~iems involving Member States. This i~ a very 164. We weICQmed the declaration by Iraq, ~ithin·
serious matter.
the framework of the League of Arab States, that it
1s9. ; The :I~raeli aggression against the Arab~ sister' ~oul9- ~it~~,A~jff/O!C~~
~tate' of Lebanon·, re·sulting in the occupation ·0 t mtem.at~onal tio:un_aQnes -an~, wa~ r ready to eqt~r 1_nto
Lebanese territories and violation of Lebanon's nego~1at_1on! to ~nd the war. On the. ~m~ pnnc1ple
snveteignty, demonstrates to the whole worJd that and. m the mterest of peace and stabd1ty m the 9ulf
from Iranian Jerritory to:the
Israel'6elieves only in 'the use of force, and not in region, we urge the sister State _of lr~n to stop the
peace: Therefore, the international community must war and fl!<?Ve tow!1rds a peace which wlll take account
once again censure these brutal actions and demand
of the leg1t1mate nghts of all the people.
that Israel withdraw its forces from Lebanon imme-
165. Despite the numerous United Nations resolu-
diately, and, further, that it assist the Lebanese people
tions demanding the withdrawal of Soviet troops from
to realize their hopes of stability and security.
Afghanistan, the reiteration of the same demand by
1,60. On 20 September 1982 the Ministry of Foreign
the Islamic C'?nferenc~ and the Con~erence of Mi~is-
Affairs in Oman issued the following statement about
ter~ for Foreign Affairs of ~on-Ahgne~ ~ountnes,
the events in Lebanon:
which was held ~t New ~lh1, and th! ms1stence on
·
respect for the mdependence, sovereignty and ncn-
"The Sultanate strongly denounces the barbaric aligned status of Afghanistan, Soviet troops continue
m;,ssacres which have been committed and are
to occupy Moslem non-aligned Afghanistan in com-
being committed by Israel against unarmed Pales-
plete disregard of the resolutions of the United Nations
tinian refugees, men, women and children, in the and other international and regional organizations
Sabra and Shatila camps in west Beirut.
concerned with this matter.
"These genocidal massacres are a flagrant viola-
166. We call once again from this rostrum for aces-
tion of international law and the Charter of the sation of the Soviet aggression and the immediate
United Nations~ They are a dangerous development, withdrawal of the Soviet troops so as to enable the
since they have contravened the spirit of peace and
sister State of Afghanistan to regain control over its
escalated tension and instability in the area. They destiny and to choose its own political, economic and
recall the mass slaughter of Palestinians committed
social system without any foreign interference or
at Deir Yassin and Kafr Qasem by the Israeli au-
coercion.
thorities in 1948.
.. Israel's invasion of west Beirut and its mas•
167. In the context of the problem of western Asia
we cannot ignore the deteriorating situation in the
adjacent region of South-East Asia, namely, the
continued occupation of Kampuchea by Vietnamese
troops. In this connection, we hope that at this session
the Assembly will stress the need to respect the
sacre of defenceless Palestinian refugees, old men,
women and children, were part of a po!icy of aggres­
sion .and expansion which the Israeli occupation
authr,rities were implementing, with civilians as
their victims. Their actions have defied all human
values and international mores.
Charter and the principles embodied in it and the need
.. Oman calls on the leaders of the worid and the
to find a speedy and peaceful political solution based
on the principles of non-interference in the internal
affairs of sovereign States and the non-use of fon:e, as
well as the necessity for the immediate withdrawal of
foreign troops, so that the Kampuchean people may
determine their own destiny free from foreign inter­
ference and this region may enjoy peace.
States which were responsible for the evacuation
of the Palestinian fighters from west Beirut, as well
as the international public and international and
humanitarian organizations, to shoulder their
responsibilities fully at this crucial stage so as to stop
the inhuman slaughter of Palestinian refugees."
168. Oman has a historical re1ationshi11 With ·man)F
161. The withdrawal of Israel from the whole of
Lebanon should be carried out immediately in accor­
dance wjth the relevant Security Council resolutions.
We express. our hope that the return of the multina­
tional peace~keeping force to Lebano,n after supei:­
vising the departure of the Palestinian fighters will
help the Lebanese Government exercise sovereignty
over the whole of Lebanon.
of the countries and peoples of the African continent.
We therefore share the aspirations of the peoples of
the continent and their hope for a solution· to the
grave problems in southern Africa, particularly that
of Namibia. We join the Africans in. denouncing
racial discnmination and we call for further efforts
within arid outside the United Nations to ensure that
the aspirations of the African-people to freedom and
stability are fulfilled.
162. The continuance of military conflict between
the two neighbouring States of Iraq and the Islamic
Republic of Iran is a source of concern and instability
for the entire Gulf region and represents a threat to
all the peoples there, and indeed to world peace and
security, since it involves innumerable dangers and
is exhausting the greater part of the natural and human
169. Because of its geographical position the Sul­
tanate of Oman is directly concerned with events in
the Hom of Africa. It regrets the continued attempts
to interfere in the internal affairs of tlie region. It·
condemns the acts of aggression against the Somali
resources of those two States, resources which could
sister State and demands an end to foreign intervention
in the internal affairs of that region lest it should fall
victim to foreign expansionism and·attempts to'Pn§Jm•
be channelled into economic and social development.
163. We cannot but associate ourselves with those
who have called for an immediate end to such human
and economic waste and urge that a peaceful settle­
ment between the two sister States be brought about
as quickly as possible.
gate social systems imported from abroad.· foisting
them upon the people of the· arta with a view to
exploiting their resources.
170. Our concern with events in the Hom of Africa
is closely associated with the security and safety of
Annex 57
288
General Assembly-Thirty-sev~tb ~ry
Meetings
the coastal States of the Indian Ocean. The Sultanate Assembly Sflid. We should be ignoring reality. if we
of Oman, as one of those countries, is concerned for failed to observe that this session is being conv.ened
the ·security of this ~rea and is therefore in favo~r Qf at a turning point of the greatest concern in the field
declaring it a zone of ~ac~. Jt calls for·an end to the ofintemationalrelations. Doubt,conflict,anincreasing
competition between the' super-Powers to establish sense of'insecurity and a tendency to resort to force
spheres of influence in th~ region. As a member of the
still prevail.
Ad Hoe- Committee on the Indian Ocean, Oman is 175. It is imperative that the international comanxious
to
promote
the
efforts
to
arrange
for
the
con-
munity now look seriously into the fabric of relations
vening of the Clinference on the Indian Ocean, which among States in order to restore the role of the prinis
scheduled
to
be
held
in
Colombo
in
1983,
so
that
the

ciples of international law and respect for the Charter
goal of making the Indian Ocean region a demilitarized of the United Nations, for it will be impossible to
zone of peace may be achieved without further delay. achieve progress in the field of disarmament without
171. My delegation would like to express its satis-
the fundamental elements of confidence and respect.
faction at the adoption by the General Assembly at its 176. Like many other countries of the world,. my
thirty-sixth session of the Declaration on the Inadmis- country is aware of the increasing importance of estabsibility
of
Intervention
and
Interference
in
the
Internal

lishing a new international economic order based on
Affairs of States [resolution 36/103, annex]. It hopes a fair balance between the prices of raw materials and
that this Declaration, which emphasizes respect for manufactured products, taking into account the needs
this important principle, will be complied with, thus of developing countries and · the need to accelerate
guaranteeing the right of all peoples to shape their their development. That is why my country continues
own destinies and choose their systems of govern-
to support the decisions taken by the Group of 77 and
ment without any outside intervention, pressure or the efforts made by the Group in this connection
threat.
ever since the beginning of global negotiations on
c. 1 s
)'k h
tn. Oman,
h d
international economic co-operation for develop-
1
e ot er peace,u tates, attac e great ment, endorsed by the General Assembly at its thirty-
hopes and importance to the second special session
devoted to disarmament. We had entertained the fourth session [reso/11tio11 34/138]. We should like
hope that the negotiations and deliberations con-
to emphasize that it is not possible to find any solution
ducted during that session would be successful; but, to such. problems except on the basis of a common,
as we all know, failure to reconcile the different points universally accepted approach to the current global
of view made it impossible to reach consensus on economic problems involving all States, and through
the major items on the agenda of that session, in spite agreed solutions regarded as permanent and fair by all.
of the preparatory meetings. We entertained the hope 177. Since then, to our regret, my delegation has not
that th: second special session would put into effect seen any positive development in the global economic
the Final Act of the Tenth Special Session of the negotiations. On the contrary, it has witnessed a·clear
General Assembly [resolution S-10/2], which was general deterioration in the economic situation in
adopted by consensus in 1978. In paragraph 126 of the many countries of the world, and particularly in the
document the Members of the Organization reaffirmed: developing countries. The obvious decline in the
developing countries• terms of trade, the large increase
in the cost of capital, inadequate demand for those
countries• exports, frequent resort to the policy of
protectionism, eontinued application of stringent
and unfavourable terms for the transfer of technology
to those countries-all this has weighed heavily on
the economies of developing countries, disrupted their
.. their determination to work for general and com.:.
plete disarmament and to make further collective
efforts aimed at strengthening peace and interna­
tional security; eliminating the threat of war, par­
ticularly nuclear war; implementing practical
meas\Jres aimed at halting and reversing the arms
race.; strengthening the procedures for the peaceful
settlement of disputes; and reducing military
expenses and utilizing the resources thus released
in a manner which will help to promote the well­
being of all peoples and to improve the economic
conditions of the developing countries ...
173. The failure of the· negotiations at the second
special session and the subsequent disappointment to
many parties are deplorable and regrettable. Never­
theless, we have to bear in mind that the responsi­
bility of the United Nations in the field of disarma­
ment is a basic one which emanates,. as we indicated
earlier, from its purposes and principles: to establish ,
the bases of peace and to save succeeding generations
from. the scourge of war. The United Nations must
economic growth and led to a sharp increase in their
balance-of-payments deficit and foreign indebtedness.
178. Like any other developing country, the Sul­
tanate of Oman feels the need for such international
economic co-operation and considers it imperative
that the developed countries increase their aid to the
developing countries in order to raise the level of
development in those countries, relieve their foreign
indebtedness, and demonstrate increased flexibility
and seriousness in the negotiations on the subject.
The Sultanate of Oman feels that the international
community is more than ever in duty bound to find a
solution to the present economic crisis by devoting
every effort to achieving the objectives and goals set
forth in the International Development Strategy for
the Third United Nations Development Decade [restJ­
urgently continue to assume this responsibility fully,
wjt.hout .nesitation.or despair. It is also imperative to
mobilize the ,collective will to replace doubt with
confidence, so that we can achieve positive results in
this domain.
lution 35/56, cmnex]. We hope that we shall soon
witness positive results in this direction in response
to the efforts of the Secretary-General.
174. In this connection I should like to reiterate what
179. Oman participated in the adoption of the final
text of the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the President of the second special session of the
the Sea, in New York on 30 April, in spite of the fact
Annex 57
16th meetlng-4 October 1982
that tile final text did not include proposals and views
184. The thirty-seventh session is being held at a very
critical time, since the international situation has
put forward by Oman during the deliberati~ns of the
United: Nations Conference on the Law of the' Sea
doting the past few years. We did so out of our belief
that the Convention, in general, is fair to all and would
de!eri~_!'atc;d s~rjou~IY. J?, th~_p!]int of _gravely th_reat:O
emng the surv1va1 of·a certam number of' peoples.
p1jc an end to the chaotic situation with respect to the
seas-particularly as to exploration and exploitation
of the resources of the sea-bed-in a way that would
serve the interests of humanity at large without preju­
dice to the basic rights of the coastal States.
185. Every year we all come to participate in the
annual session of the General Assembly; a torrent of
speeches is heard, support for the noble principles
of freedom, peace, justice, democracy, soiidarity,
development and co-operation is reaffirmed by every
one of us, but, unfortunately, the application of these
ideas stops for some among us as soon as we leave
the United Nations Headquarters.
180. · We hope that the States which could not, for
one reason or another, vote in favour of the Conven­
tion will reconsider their positions, because that
Convention is the outcome of long and continuous
efforts exerted over the last I O years, and it would be
a waste of these efforts not to adopt it. Otherwise,
186. Repeatedly, and from this very rostrum, we
have expressed our profound concern because of the
progressive deterioration in the international situation
and because of its disastrous consequences for -all of
States will resort to their former practices without
mankind. We cannot, nor should we conceal our
any binding legal restraint defining their rights and
obligations under the law of the sea.
great anguish at seeing the impotence, the resignation
or the abdication of the eQmpetent international bodies
when faced with the proliferation of hotbeds of
tension, which are deliberately and dangerously
kindled by imperialist Powers, and in particular by the
present United States Administration.
181. Finally, I should like, with reference to the
report of the Secretary-General on the work of the
Organization to express niy appreciation of his account
of the situation in the world in general, and at the
United Nations in particular. It merits attention far
beyond that given to previous reports. It clearly and
realisticaHy reflects our feelings, especially with
respect to the developing countries which, more than
all the others, need to see that the United Nations
receives the necessary support to enable it to fulfil the
effective and d~cisive role clearly envisaged for it in the
Charter. We hope this report will receive the attention
it deserves and that at the current session the Assembly
will explore effective means of eliminating the points
of weakness in the work of the Organization, particu­
larly during the last years, so that it may regain the
importance accorded it by the peoples of the world at
its inception.
182. We renew the pledge we made in the Preamble
to the Charter for a serious endeavour to save suc­
ceeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm
our belief in fundamental human rights, in the equality
of the rights of men and women, as well as of nations,
large and small, and we renew our commitment to
the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter
of the United Nations.
187. No one here should ignore the causes and
agents which are responsible for so sombre a picture.
We wonder how long peoples and Governments which
love peace and justice will have to wait for the ade­
quate existing United Nations organs firmly to shoulder
their responsibilities and take really effective measures
-which are available to them-with respect to the
Governments of certain Western Powers, in order to
put an end to: the flagrant violations of the funda­
mental principles of the Charter; continuance of
colonial wars, and the promoting of aggressions of
every kind, directly or indirectly against States which
adopt independent and progressive positions; the
economic plundering of underdeveloped countries
and the persistent prevention of a gradual reduction
in the ever-widening gap between the rich developed
countries, and the poor underdeveloped countries;
the imposition of military bases in every comer of
the world, generally maintained against the will of the
peoples: the insistence on hampering the serious
efforts made by the socialist countries and progres­
sive and democratic forces to achieve detente, general
183. Mr. JORGE (Angola) (i11terprett1tio11 from
and complete disarmament, the global prohibition of
the manufacture and use of weapons of' mass de­
struction, in particular nuclear, biological and chemi­
cal weapons, including the neutron bomb; the ac­
celerated rise of military budgets and expenditures
stimulated by an escalation jn the arms race, so that
these astronomical amounts of money might be judi­
ciously devoted to the economic and social develop­
ment of the underdeveloped countries; and the sys­
French): It is a great pleasure to begin by extending to
the President on behalf of the Government of the
People's Republic of Angola, our most heartfelt con­
gratulations on his election at this thirty-seventh
session of the General Assembly. Allow me to avail
myself of this opportunity to express our great satis­
faction at seeing preside over this august Assembly,
a distinguished representative of a socialist country,
the Peopte·s Republic of Hungary, with which we
maintain excellent relations of friendship, solidarity
and co-operation. We wish him every success in the
tematic manreuvres designed to counter the estab­
lishment of a new international economic order, as
advocated by the movement of non-aligned countries.
exercise of his lofty responsibilities. May I also reaffirm
188. Faced with this alarming situation, which
to Mr. Kittani. our deep appreciation for the dignified
and clear-sighted manner in which he acquitted himself
of his mandate during the thirty-sixth session of the
Assembly. May I further reiterate to the Secretary­
General our most sincere appreciation for his tireless
efforts in seeking the most appropriate solutions to the
grave problems which the international community
obviously endangers the future of peoples, and faced
with the growing tragedy endured by millions -0f
human beings, who are still deprived of their freedom
and the right to choose their own destiny, lacking in
l:te ways and means to tight against servitude, humilia­
tion, tyranny, wretchedness, famine, ignorance and
disease, we feel compelled to repeat, who bears the
faces.
grave responsibility. in the first place, for such a
Annex 57
General Assembly-TbJrty«venth ,8esslon-P'tnary Meetings
deterioration in the international situation? As. we see
it, li; is the presen~ Uriiied States Administration,
an~ ~ertain of its . alUes and agen~, or pref~n:ed.
instruments which ~w; tb.is. respQnsibility: the· racist
and Fascist regimes' of Pretoria and Tel Aviv.
by the end of January. of 1982 of the so-called consti­
tutional principle~ by the concerned and inte1:ested
Pa.rti~s,. ,principles which are, to be included in the
future. constitution. of Namibia; ~econdly, approval
by the end of March by t~ Security Council of the
composition and size of the United Nations troop
contingent, and resolution pf the question of the
United. Nations "impartialityH raised by the Pretoria
regime; thirdly, implementation, starting in April,
of the United Nations plan in accordance with Secu­
rity Council resolution 435 (1978), containing four.
fundamental aspects: a cease-fire; the gradual reduc­
tion of South African troops to 1,500 men; stationing
of United Nations troops in Namibia; and free and
fair elections.
189. We see it this way because of the firm convic­
tion of the Gov.:rnment of the People~ s Republic of
Angola that no country that was socialist, progres­
sive or loved peace and justice has taken or will take
initiatives to promote hotbeds of tension, to unleash
a nuclear war or use other weapons of mass destruc­
tion, because the survival of mankind, international
peace and security, the independence of peoples and
peaceful coexistence are for them a primary principle
and objective.
190. World problems which seriously affect peace,
security, development, freedom and independence
196. Since the first meetings with the contact group
-and quite outside its framework and mission-the
require considerable efforts from the international
community as a whole and a global response that has
due regard for the fact that each people has the right
freely to choose its own political, economic, socia;
and cultural system, without intimidation or pressures;
that it is the right of every people to be in charge of
its own national riches and to exploit them for its own
benefit; that it is the right of every people to reject
any form of subordination to and riependence on any
source, and any interference or pressure, political,
economic or military.
United States delegation has asked for bilateral
contacts with the Angolan authorities and has begun
to try to lir.k the presence of the Cuban internationalist
forces in the People's Republic of Angola to the
negotiating process for the independence of Namibia.
This has always been firmly rejected by the Govern­
ment of Angola, in view of the absurdity of such a
linkage wh~ch, in fact, ill conceals the obsession or
paranoia of the United States Administration about
the stationing of the Cuban internationalist forces in
the People's Republic of Angola.
191. There is no denying that in the present situation
detente, general and complete disarmament, the
nuclear threat and the arms race are the major concerns
of countries that love peace and justice. In this respect,
may we recall that the position of Angola has been
clearly defined once again during the second special
session of the General Assembly devoted to disarma­
ment, so we need not repeat it here.
192. Since the People's Republic of Angola is a
geopolitical component of the African continent, it is
legitimate for the Government of Angola to· give
primary attention to African problems, in particular
to those of southern Africa, in view of the grave impli­
cations for the region and for the world.
# i~
.. .
" .
197. In view of the deadlock in the negotiations on
the first phase, because of the electoral system pro­
posed by the contact group, and since the presence of
Cuban forces in the People's Republic of Angola
has become the subject of a slanderous and hostile
campaign by the United States Administration which
is shamelessly seeking at all costs to link that presence
to the process of the independence of Namibia-di­
rectly, or through the racist South African regime,
which has become its sounding board-as an additional
means of preventing the implementation of the reso­
lutions which the_United Nations has already adopted,
the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the People's
Republic of Angola and of the Republic of Cuba, on
behalf of their respective Governments, prepared
and signed a joint declaration on 4 February 1982,
with which all the Members of this international body
are fulJy familiar.
191. . For some 20 years many relevant resolutions
have been adopied by the United Nations, the OAU
and the non-aligned movement, recognizing, on the
one hand, the right of the Namibian people to self­
determination and independence and, on the other
hand, denouncing or firmly condemning the illegal
occup;idon·of Namibia by the criminal· South African
regime •.
198. It is therefore fitting to recalJ that, at the end
of the month of August 1981, at a lunch offered to the
foreign press accredited in South Africa, and at the
very moment when a large-scale aggression was being
perpetrated against the People's Republic of Angola,
the South African Prime Minister declared that the
Cubans represent no threat to South Africa and that
South Africa does not regard the withdrawal of the
Cubans from Angola as a prior condition to the peace­
ful solution of the Namibian question.
194. Directly confronted with threats, aggression
and armed invasion by the racist and terrorist Pretoria
regime since 1975, the People's Republic of Angola
expects from the international community a decisive
commitment in line with the requirements of our time, ,
so that the problem of Namibia may be finally settled.
and so that the people of Angola may, for its part,
be able to expel the racist invaders, to respond to
futur.e0
aggression · and to ensure the defence of its
natfon;il sovereignty and tetritorial integrity.
19.S:
~ What is the situation today? As we fill know,
199. Nevertheless, it is surprising but significant
that a certain number of those who express their
concern about the presence of the Cuban interna­
tionalist forces in the People's Republic of Angola
show no such concern in respect of the illegal occupa­
tion for more than a year of a part of the territory of
the contact group. submitted to SW APO, the front­
line States and to Nig~ria in October 1981 a plan of
action that includes three phases; first, the adoption
Angola by the racist and Fascist South African trbops.
What moral can be drawn from that?
Annex 57
16th meetlng-4 October 1982
291
200. And yet, in the course of these last nine months,
the South African army has carried out S80 recon­
naissance flights, 18 air bombardments, 96 landings
of troops from helicopters and several saboJage and
reprisal actions against the civilian population. The
Angolan armed forces have suffered 31 dead,
65 wounded and 38 missing, while the enemy forces
have suffered 39 dead. Seven South African aircraft
and three helicopters have been shot down.
or applied. It is ill-intentioned in that the American
Administration has started a manceuvre to attribute
to the People• s Republic of Angola responsibility for
the delay of, or even for preventing, a swift and ade­
quate solution of the process of independence for
Namibia owing to the position of tile Government of
Angola regarding linkage and the withdrawal of the
Cuban internationalist forces. In point of fact, this
manceuvre constitutes an escape hatch for those who
are or will be the ones really responsible for such a
situation.
201. Thus we believe that the following positions of
principle must be borne in mind.
206. Thus, since the position of the Government
of Angola is a legitimate one the heads of State and
Government of the front-line States meeting at Lusaka
on 4 September 1982:
202. First, the joint Angolan-Cuban declaration
states solemnly and unambiguously that the intention
is gradually to withdraw the Cuban internationalist
forces stationed on Angolan territory.
•' ... noted with indignation that a new element
203. Secondly, on 23 April 1976, a month after
expelling the South African troops, the Angolan and
Cuban Governments agreed on a programme progres­
sively to reduce those forces and, in less than a year,
the Cuban military contingent was reduced by more
than one third. Towards.the middle of 1979 the two
Governments once again decided to implement
another programme for the gradual reduction of the
Cuban forces. Nevertheless, those two programmes
had to be suspended at a certain point because of the
growing number and scope of South African armed
aggression against the provinces of Cunene and Huila.
It should be emphasized that the Angolan and Cuban
Governments spontaneously took the initiative to
implement those programmes. ~Jo Government
-including that of the United States of America­
and no international organization dared to propose or
demand that we do so. How is one then to understand
the sickly insistence of the United States Administra­
tion on this subject and its inability to realize that
such an attitude is a gross and inadmissible inter­
ference in the internal affairs of an independent and
sovereign country?
has been introduced by the United States of America
in seeking to link the negotiations for the indepen­
dence of Namibia to the withdrawal of Cuban forces
from Angola. In this respect, the Summit emphasized
without any ambiguity the importance of separating
the decolonization process of Namibia from the
stationing of Cuban forces in Angola. The insistence
on maintaining this linkage is contrary to the spirit
and the letter of [Security Council] resolution 435
(1978) and can only hamper the negotiating process.
Furthermore, this insistence constitutes interference
in Angola's internal affairs. In this context, they
expressed their complete support for the Angolan
position on the question, which is clearly defined in
the joint declaration of the Governments of the
People's Republic of Angola and of the Republic
of Cuba, of 4 February 1982. Accordingly, they
rejected any attempt to make the People's Republic
of Angola responsible for any delay in the prompt
conclusion of the negotiations on the indepen­
dence of Namibia. They strongly condemned the
aggression and invasion of Angola by South African
forces and demanded that the Pretoria regime
cease all acts of aggression and withdraw its troops
from Angola.''
204. Thirdly, in that same joint declaration we
stated that when the Governments of Angola and
Cuba: so decide, the withdrawal of Cuban forces
stationed on Angolan territory will be carried out by
a sovereign decision of the Government of the People's
Republic of Angola when there is no further pos­
207. A similar position was taken dunng the Third
Conference of Heads of State of the People's Republic
of Angola, the Republic of Cape Verde, the Republic
of Guinea-Bissau, the People's Republic of Mozam­
bique and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and
Prin.cipe, which was held in the capital of Cape Verde
on 21 and 22 September 1982.
sibility of aggression or armed invasion and, in that
connection, the Government of Cuba reiterated that
it will unreservedly respect any decision taken by the
sovereign Government of the People's Republic of
Angola concerning the withdrawal of those forces.
Once again we solemnly reaffirm before the Assembly
what our intentions are.
208. May I be allowed to remind the Assembly of
the enormous sacrifices which the heroic people of
Angola has already made and the extremely high price
it is paying in thousands of lost human lives and ma­
terial damage amounting to more than $7.5 billion.
205. Furthermore, in the course of these last three
months, American representatives in the contact
group have been making a verf special effort to spread
optimism about the results already achieved in the
negotiations that have been going on in New York
Mr. _Traore (Mali), Vice-President, took the Cht1ir.
209. I should like once again to remind the Assem­
bly of the proposal made at the thirty-first session
since the month of June. In fact that is a false and ill­
[84th meeting] by the Angolan Government for con­
intentioned optimism. It is false, because the electoral
system has not yet ~en defined, tk.J final composition
of the United Nations forces has not yet been decided,
and the cease-fire between SW APO and the Pretoria
regime, which will constitute the essential point of
departure for the implementation of the United Nations
plan, in accordance with Security Council resolution
435 (1978), seem to us to be far from being anticipated
sideration by the General Assembly, that an inter­
national fund for the national reconstruction of Angola
be established, amounting to approximately $300 mil­
lion. It is sad to note that so just a proposal has not
received the least attention from this world body,
despite the fact that in its resolution 475 (1980} the
Security Council requested ''Member States urgently
to extend all necessary assistance to the People's
Annex 57
292
General ASRmbly-Thirty-seventn Session-Plenary Meetings
Republic of Angola and the other front-line States,"
and called for
40
the payment by South Africa of full
and adequate compensation to the People's Re-public
of Angola for the damage to life ard property resulting
from these acts of aggression." May we renew our
hopes that this bitter cry will be heard?
days, won the respect and admiration of all those
who stand with the peoples struggling for their inde­
pendence. We reaffirm our unswerving solidarity with
the Palestinian people and the PLO as they carry on
their struggle to recover their usurped homeland and
to establish an independent State there.
210. Everyone knows that in South Africa the .internal
situation is progressively deteriorating as the conflicts
within the hideous apartheid regime and the ruling
party grow worse, and the valiant fighters of \be
African National Congress [ANC] steadfastly and
heroically carry out political and military al _ons;
their efforts are recognized even by the Pretoria
regime, and this has led to an escalation of threats
and aggression, as weU as an increasing use of mer­
c:enary forc~s and bandit groups-trained, finance:d,
organized and commanded by South Africa-against
the People's Republ:~ of Mozambique. !t has also
led to acts of aggression perp~trated against the Re­
publics of Zimbabwe and Zambia ~nd the Kingdom of
Lesotho. All States M,embers of the United Nations
should firmly condentn these actions and should stand
in active solidarity with the ANC and the front-line
States.
215. After seven years of Indonesian military occu­
pation, the people of East Timor, under the leadership
of its vanguard organization and legitimate repre­
sentative, the Frente Revolucionaria de Timor Leste
lndependente [FRET/LIN], continues its heroic
resistance, in spite of the lack of solidarity on the
part of some countries of the non-aligned movement.
Those countries should identify themselves with the
struggle of the people of East Timor, out of respect
for the fundamental principles of non-alignment.
216. The inability of the Indonesian army to stamp
oui the armed liberation struggle of the people of
Eas.t Timor clearly shows that people• s rejection of
inte,grat;'l.)a into or annexation by Indonesia of its
homeland. The 35,000 Indonesian soldiers present
thire, recourse to helicopter-borne forces to try to
destroy the fighting forces of FRETILIN, which
control 70 per cent of the national territory, the terror
and famine imposed on the people of East Timor
21 i • With reg~rd to Western Sahara, we reiterate
our unflinching soHdarity with the heroic Sahraoui
~ople, which, under the leadership of its sole au­
~hentic representative~ the POLISARIO Front, is vic­
toriously pursuing its armed struggle against Moroccan
occupation to recover full independenc~ and terri­
toriaJ integrity. We welcome the admission of the
Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic to the OAU, and
we reiterate our conviction that there mr.st be direct
negotiations between the two conflicting parties in
the search for a political solution.
-will all fail to thwart the nationalist feelings of that
people or its resolve to fight. Yet more than 200,000
persons have been massacred by the troops of a self­
styled non-aligned country which never fought against
the former administering Power, Portugal, during the
colonial period.
217. The Indonesian troops, and thus the !ndonesian·
Government, are today carrying out an appalling
genocide, through physical li'luidation, cultural
repression, deportation, and repopulation with
2l2. With regard to the temporary difficulties now
being experienced by the OAU, we consider that any
problems that might affect us should be discussed
by us alone, within our continental organization, and
without any interference from outside Africa, as has
been noted. The fact that the thirty-eighth ordinary
:::ession of the Councii of Ministers of the OAU, held
at Addis Ababa in February 1982, and the nineteenth
session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Gov­
ernment of the, OAU, at Tripoli, held in August 1982,
were obstructed is a part of the strategy of American
imperia!ism and some of its allies aimed at subjugating
or paraiysing international bodies which play an active
role in toe stmggle for the political and economic
independence of peoples. We are absolutely l--:onvinced
that this r10mentary crisis \''ill soon be overcome.
thousands of Javanese citizens. But there are the
beginnings of resistance in the Indonesian army
against participating in operations aimed at eliminating
the patriots of East Timor. This is proved by the
recent refusal to act of two battalions, which are
today isolate.d on one of the islands of the country.
218. It only needed Portugal to shirk its responsi­
bilities towards the people of East Timor by not pro­
ceeding to the transfer of power to the FRETILIN
leaders for Indonesia to invade and militarily occupy
part of East Timor and the outskirts of the capital,
where its military contingent& had established
themselves.
219. Ever since the thirtieth session of the General
Assembly the Organization has been expressing deep
concern over the situation obtaining in East Timor as
a result of the intervention of Indonesian armed forces
and has been requesting the Indonesian Government
to withdraw without delay its forces from the Terri­
tory in order to enable the people of East Timor freely
to exercise their right to self-determination and inde­
213. W~ are deeply moved by the bloody events in
Lebanr,n. The bmtal armed invasion carried out by
the racist and Fascist Tel Aviv regime, with the full
and shameful ct,nnivance of the United States Admin­
istration and tl':u:: inadmissible passivity of certai~
Arab States; the genocM~ iif Palestinians am
1
Lebanese
in west Beirut; and the massacre, the carnage, at
Sabra and Sbatila: these can never be forgotten. mtd
call for our stron~es't condemnation and an appropriate
response in di.!~ course.
pendence, as provided in General Assembly reso­
214. We are firml}t convinced that the Palestinian
people and its sole legitimate representa.tive, the
lution 3485 (XXX,. Security Council resolutions 384
(1975) and 389 (19io) once again call on the Indonesian
Government to withdraw its forces from the Territory
forthwith. Resolution· 36/50, adopted at the thirty­
sixth session of the General Assembly, reaffirms the
same principles and makes th~ same requests. The
Indonesian Government, however, shows no sign of
willingness to respect United Nations decisions. It
PLO, wm resume the fight after having, by their heroic
resistance duririg the fierce battles of those 75 historic
Annex 57
16th meeting-4 October 1982
293
is therefore imperative that States Members of the
United Nations, in particular those which are mem­
bers of the non-aligned movement, do not endorse the
brutal annexation of East Timor to Indonesia, a
country which does not even respect our resolutions.
lution 35/48, will fulfil its mandate and that such a
convention will finally be adopted.
225. Next month the Angolan people will celebrate
the seventh anniversary of th~ proclamation of the
People's Republic of Angola, under the dynamic and
visknaxy leadership of Comrade Jose Eduardo dos
Santos, President of the MPLA-Labour Party and
President of the Republic. Important results have
already been achieved in consolidating the Angolan
revolutionary process, in setting up the structures of
the party, in strengthening national unity and defence
and in laying the foundations for a socialist society
in the People's Republ.ic of Angola.
220. Bearing in mind that the Government of Por­
tugal seems to wish to resume its responsibilities as
the former administering Power in order to bring the
tragedy of the people of East Timor to the atteniion
of the international community, we wish to express
encouragement for the rtquest of the Government
of Portugal aimed at satisfying the legitimate aspira­
tions of the people of the Democratic Republic of East
Timor.
226. Unfortu11ately, however, the Angolan Govern­
ment has had to devote most of its human and ma­
terial resources to the defence of its national sover­
eignty and territorial integrity, because of the· con­
221. With regard to developments in the situation in
the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, in the
People's Republic of Kampuchea, in the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea and in the Republic of
Cyprus, we reaffirm our active solidarity with those
peoples in their respective causes and our support
for the positions of their Governments in the quest for
just and appropriate solutions.
tinuous acts of aggression by the racist and Fascist
regime of Pretoria. This has seriously affected the
economic and social development we had planned,
bat if we are to attain that paramount goal the un­
declared war against us must be brought to an end.
We need peace, and we dare to hope that that peace
so fervently desired by the Angolan people will be
222. With regard to Latin America, we reaffirm our
militant solidarity with the Salvadorian people and
with its legitimate repr~sentatives, the Revolutionary
Democratic Front and ihe Farabundo Marti National
Liberation Front in their just struggles against the
present regime in El Salvador, and we heartily wel­
come the victories they have already won.
223. We wish to reaffirm our sclidarity with the
Cuban pec
1
ple in their revolution. We support their
attained in the coming year.
227. The struggle continues. Victory is certain.
228. Mr. FARAH (Djibouti) (interpretation from
French): I take great pleasure in congratulating, on
behalf of my delegation, the President on his election
to preside over this thirty-seventh session of the
General Assei:nbly. Wear~ convinced that his qualities
as an experienced diplomat and his deep faith in the
principles and purposes of ~he Charter will enable
him to direct the work of the Assembly successfully.
I should also like to pay tribute to the President's
predecessor, Mr. Kittani, of the fraternal country of
Iraq, for the outstanding way in which he led the work
of the last regular session as well as of the special
sessions. I also take great pleasure in pay:ng a par­
ticular tribute to the Secretary-General for his constant
efforts to promote international peace and security.
My delegation is pleased to express to him its appre­
ciation of his struggle to preserve the principles of
efforts to overcome the consequences of the criminal
economic boycott imposed by American imperialism~
in flagrant violation of human rights, and we denounce
the aggression and the threats against the Cuban
people. We welcome also the revolutionary process
of the peoples of Nicaragua and Grenada and their
determination to face the serious threats that hang
over them. We also reaffirm our acHve solidarity with
the Puerto Rican people and denounce the imperialist
manreuvres which, by means of despicable political
and economic pressures, have prevented the inclusion
of the question of Puerto Rico in the agenda.
the Charter and to strengthen international solidarity
for the progress and development of mankind.
224. No one is unaware of the fact that the Security
Council and General Assembly as well as the OAU
have already adopted several resolutions on mer­
cenarism. condemning the activities of mercenaries,
their recruitment and their use for the purpose of
destabilizing actions in underdeveloped countries,
particularly on the African continent. While it is
true that a Convention for the Elimination of Mer­
cenarism in Africa has already been adopted by the
OAU-anrl the People's Republic of Angola, which
has suffered and continues to suffer the misdeeds of
mercen~ries. is proud of the important contribution
it made to that Convention-it is imperative. none
the less, for the General Assembly to adopt as soon
as possible an international convention prohibiting
the recruicment, use. financing and training of mer­
cenaries and the provision of transit facilities to them.
Indeed. we hope that the Ad Hoe Ccmmittee on the
Drafting of an International Convention against the
Recruitment. Use. Financing and Training of Mer­
229. The thirty-seventh session of the General
Assembly is being held at a time when the international
situation is steadily deteriorating. The harmful world
conditions that we ar~ experiencing encourage the
super-Powers to acquire zones of influence and make
their rivalries ever sharper~ The super-Powers are
using their economic, scientific and technological
advances to achieve their objectives and designs.
230. In this atmosphere of constant tension we
remain concerned and alarmed at the escalation of
tension which is creating several flashpoints in many
parts of the world, especial1y in the third world.
231. In spite of the constant efforts of the interna­
tional community in the quest for peace, we are every
day confronted with increasingly soph;sticated wars,
wars of attrition and of ·the annihilation of nations.
Never before in history have there been so many·
wars in third world countries, with such great human,
cenaries, established under General Assembly reso-
financial and material losses. It is as if by some master
Annex 57
294
Generd As.wrably-T,blrty-seventll Session-Plenary Meetings
plan they are intended to exchange the natural re­
sources of developing countries and prevent them
achieving their economic take-off.
circumstances to foster tolerance, understanding and
confidence among the peoples of the region.
239. We attach great importance to regional and
interregional economic co-operation, and we are
prepared to take an effective part in those efforts,
in accordance with the Lagos Plan of Action for the
lmplementatfon of the Monrovia Strategy for the De­
velopment of Africa
232. It is an act of treason towards that part of man­
kind living in wretched circumstances to tolerate the
useless waste of incredible quantities of financial,
scientific, technological and human resources, when
two thirds of the world's population are doomed to
live in dire poverty, suffering grave economic diffi­
culties and social imbalance. Moreover, there are a
large number of refugees on all the continents, half
of them in Africa. Those refugees often come to an
environment where they still have to struggle to satisfy
their most basic needs-food, medical care and shelter.
I
and the Charter of National Eco­
nomic Action, adopted at Amman.
240. In spite of its economic difficulties and its
meagre resources, the Rep!lblic of Djibouti takes in a
considerable number of refugees. The situation has
worsened because of the devastating consequences
of a prolonged drought, which has displaced a third
of our population who have lost aH means of sub­
sistence.
233. What human wisdom can aUow for such waste,
whose only purpose is the destruction of all the best
that world civilization has been producing for the
241. The Republic of Djibouti has embarked on
good of mankind? We cannot se~c1rate acts leading to
the waste of such immense human and material wealth
from those which are delaying tli,e establishment of
a new international economic order.
comprehensive programmes of revitalization and
modernizatfon of existing s4..ctors of the service
economy as well as on the creation of a sound basis
for a productive, diversified economy through the
development of new sectors in industry, agriculture,
animal husbandry and fisheries.
234. International economic relations are expe­
riencing in our time a grave crisis, which is becoming
an obstacle in negotiations between the rich and poor
countries, a number of which-the least developed
countries-are living in precarious conditions. It is
up to us to exchange new ideas and co-ordinate our
efforts with a view to striving together towards a
better life.
242. My Government, which has decided to use
every means available to extricate itself from its socio­
economic difficulties, appreciates the assistance
and aid of friendly countries to help in achieving
those objectives.
243. After 34 yea.:s of bloody wars, 34 years of
sacrifices, 34 years of tireless and uninterrupted
~fforts, the international community has just reaffirmed
its support for the Palestinian cause. by declaring
that no just and lasting solution can be achieved with­
out recognition of the legitimate, inalienable rights
of the Palestinian people. It is with that in view that
concrete proposals for an overall peaceful solution
have been formulated.
235. After eight years of hard work the Third United
Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea achieved
its objective. The adoption of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea constitutes a land­
mark in the history of mankind. The success of the
Conference has enhanced the prestige and credibility
of the United Nations, which can be an effective
framework for dealing with all questions of vital
importance to all States and the international com­
munity.
236. The political climate and security in the Indian
Ocean area has gravely deteriorated recently. The
littoral and hinterland States are worried about the
increase in tension in the area, as a result of the rivalries
244. Unfortunately these peace efforts are still
pitted against the political ambitions of the Zionists,
who wish to relegate the Palestinian cause to historical
oblivion so as to promote their expansionist policy.
The Zionists do not wish to accept or toJP.rate any
talk of national rights for Palestinians; they wished to
bury the natural aspirations of an entire people under
of the great Powers. There is an extremely urgent
need to implement the Declaration of the Indian Ocean
as a Zone of Peace, pursuant to resolution 2832 (XXVI)
of 12 December 1971. The situation of insecurity and
instability prevailing in the Indian Ocean requires the
speedy holding of the relevant conference in Colombo.
the ruir,s of Beirut. In order to do that the Zionist
war-lorJs unleashed the most devastating and the
most bloody aggression against Lebanon. using the
most sophisticated weaponry, With the avowed inten­
tion of annihilating the Palestinian people, ofliquidating
the PLO and destroying its organizational structure.
237. Since its independen,-:e the Republic of Djibouti
has expressed its devotion to international peace and
security. The objectives that ,:t has set itself are national
unity, equality and peace.
245. For more than two months Lebanon has been
subjected to the most merciless destruction. lieimt,
besieged, deprived of water, food, electricity and
medicines, constantly bombarded from land, air and
sea, has undergone an ordea! whi<..~h no city has expe­
rienced since the Second World War.
238. In accordance with our fore!,g11 policy, based on
dialogue and co-operation, we have chosen to live in
pea~e with our neighbours, with absolutely no inter­
ference or intervention. Our neutrality is reflected by
a-rolicy of non-alignment, good-neighbourliness and
peaceful coexistence. We urge our r1eighbours to settle
246. During the first half of this century the Nazis.
in their wanton campaign for racial superiority,
arrogated to themselves the right to determine who
should live ancl who should be deprived of life. They
institutionalized terror and mc1ss killing as means of
achieving that goal.
m1y disputes peacefully, for we remain convinced that
peace and stability alone can guarantee the emancipa­
tion of peoples. Moreover, we urge all leaders in the
Hom of Africa to struggle for the creation of the right
247. In the second half of this century the Zionist
neo-Nazis have espoused a similar concept, although
Annex 57
'16th meetihg--4 October 1982
295
more limited in scope. They wish to eliminate. the
Palestinian people from · the· land where they have
always lived. For the Zionists, Palestine \\l'.M a land
without any people awaiting the arrival of . Jewish
settlers to colonize it. History has been falsified; the
physical characteristics, the demographic composi­
tion and the institutional structures of the occupied
territories are being altered so as finally to leave no
trace of the Palestinian heritage.
255. We hail the positive initiative taken by'the Iraqi
Government in withdrawing its forces to the interna­
tionally recognized borders as a sign of a ·desire· for
peace and we appeal to these two countries to settle
their dispute peacefully.
· · · ;,.
·
248. In spite of that and in defiance of the aims of
the Zionist pfan, the Palestinian reality asserts itself
more each day, because the Palestinian people,
under the aegis of the PLO, its sole, legitimate repre­
sentative, has shown its unshakable determination to
struggle for the life of its cause.
249. Strengthened by that determination, Arab
256. The situation in South Africa and in Namibia
remains of concern. Tensions and confrontations will
not be eliminated nor will peace be established in that
region so long as apartheid is not dismantled and the
black majority in South Africa is not liberated. Apart­
heid must be condemned without hesitation, and aJl
political, diplomatic, moral and material means must
be provided to the liberation fronts. The peoples of
South Africa and of Namibia are entitled to use all
means-including armed struggle-against the prac­
tices of segregation, racism and racial discrimination,
genocide and exploitation.
Kings, Sovereigns and heads of State WF'fe at one in
making it crystal clear to the world that just and lasting
peace has always been their objective, an objective
that Israel has rejected and continues to reject, wishing
to deprive an entire. people of its existence and of its
identity.
257. We strongly denounce the pnlicy of baniustari­
ization being carried out by the Pret..:.!ia regime. We
condemn also the criminal acts of terro.ism and the
acts of armed aggression against indepencient neigh­
'boliring countries. We state that the front-line coun­
tri1;s have the legitimate right to protection against
the repeated acts of intimidation and aggression
perpetrated by the South African regime, whose sole
purpose is to destabilize those States so as to weaken
their moral and material efforts to assist the peoples
of South Africa and Namibia and their national libera­
tion movements.
250. In Fez, the Arab leaders agreed on concrete
and realistic proposals aimed at restoring a just and
lasting peace in the region. These proposals, contained
in what is now called the "Fez Charter,., have created
a legal framework which, without the slightest doubt,
has aroused hope~ in the international community,
which is determined to find a solution to this painful
problem.
258. The Pretoria regime has clearly rlemonstrated
!ts belligerence by accumulating a",.... ... a1ents and other
means of oppresskm, by acquiring a nuclear capability
and by continuing i~s political, miE,ary, l!conomic and
cultural collaboration with Israel.
251. As us~al, Begin's response was to order the~
massacre of children, women and old people. Once
ag&in, in defiance of international public opinion,
Israel has revealed its true face. Once again Begin
dashed the hopes of all peace-loving countries and
peoples by organizing the genocide at ShatiJa and
Sabra. These Zionists have unfortunately made us
relive a tragedy which history wished to bury at
N uremburg and which we thought had been removed
from our memories for ever.
259. It is regrettable that S"uth Africa, despite
repeated apr,e~:s by the international community,
continues m practise apartheid in defiance and flagrant
violation of the Charter and of the Universal Decla­
ration of Human Rights.
260. The question of Namibia remains ummlved
because of the illegal occupation by the South African
regime, whkh is denying the Namibian people the
exercise cf its inalienable rights to self-determination
and independence, in spite of United Nations reso­
252. In the face of this ·situation which threatens
international peace and security, in the face of this
genocide which defini~.,iy could not have been carried
out wahout the i:·. nsent and support of a great
Power, in the fac~ of this holocaust of which the
Palesth1ian and Lebanese ireoples are th~ victims, we
reaffirm that a just peace c~nnot be established with­
out the recognition of the legitimate m~<l inalienable
rights of the Pa;estinian people, without the with­
drawal of Israeli forces from the borders of Lebanon
as weJJ as from the oc~'!upied Arab territories, including
the Holy City of Jemsalem.
lutions. This gravely thr~atens international peace and
security.
261. Through its political, economic and military
activitie~ the racist Pretoria regime is trying to delay
Namibia's accession to independence. The policy of
collaboration with the apartheid regime of South
Africa can only harm and betray the legitimate struggle
of the Namibian people to obtain its freedom.
253. Lebanon, whose only crime was to grant as}'ium
to the Palestinians who, because of Zionist terrorism,
had had to fler; from their national land, must never
262. It is up to the United Nations to ensure that its
decisions are respected by South Africa. The United
Nations must alert the international community to
South African manreuvres designed to upset the
again be the scene of these wars and massacres. The
peaceful initiatives under way for Namibian inde­
international community must help Lebanon to regain
its sovereignty and its territorial integrity and in its
reconstruction.
254. We note with deep concern the continuation of
the Iraq-Iran war, in spite of the efforts made by the
Organization of the Islamic Conference, by the non­
aligned movement and by the United Nations.
pendence.
263. We applaud the initiatives taken by SWA'PO,
the sole representative of the Namibian people,· to
facilitate the negotiations under way, as weU as its
constant readiness to take part in free and· fair elec­
tions in Namibia in accordance with the relevant
resolutions of the United Nations.
Annex 57
General Assembly-.-Tbiriy-seven~ Sessloa-ffmuy Meetings
764. The Republic of Djibouti )?elieves Security
Council resolution 43S (1978) to be the only acceptable
basis, for' negotiations on Namibia ·s peaceful transition
to freedom and independence. Wp, sincerely hope
that all the parties concerned. wiil inake a concerted;;
co-operative effort to ensure implementation of that
resolution.
peninsula, which might finally lead to a solution
ac<;eptable to the Korean people.
272. we· are convinced that the United Nations
remains the ·most appropriate· forum for voicin-g our
ideas, because an of us here share the same cont:etn
and undertake the same efforts to preserve the noble
ideals of the Charter. Indee<l. to defend the Charter
of the United Nations is to defend the cause for which
millions of people have perished; it is to defend the
cultural and political expression of human dignity.
265. As regards the issue of Westem Sahara, my
Govemment supports the efforts of the OAU to pro­
mote a just and lasting solution and also welcomes the
measures taken to organize a referendum to enable
the popuJation of Western Sahara to express itself
freely ~nd democratically in the exercise ,of its right to
self-determination.
273. Unfortunately, at the present time the world
is beset by grave crises which, if not solved, could
thmaten peace and security. The crises are ~specially
dangerous because they seriously diminish the United
Nations system's ability to act; moreover, they chal­
lenge the ideals on which the Charter was based.
266. Although we support the principle of self­
determination for the Sahraoui people, we assert that
the decision of the heads of State and Government of
the OAU taken in Nairobi
274. We have in mind here the Shatila and Sabra
2
is the only authentic one.
massacres; 11p,11·theid, which has been made into a
7.67. Without •.mity ~
Africa-beset as it is by eco­
nomic difficulties and social instability-will remain a
prey to foreign influences, political blackmail and
economic exploitation. Lack of un=-,y will lessen tne
ability of the independent countries of Africa to assist
those which are stm under tlt:e sway of colonization.
political alternative; and the occupation of countries
by force. Is not threatening and shooting innocent
people in camps and treating people as subhuman
the sort of thing that prompted the creation of the
Organization on the morrow of the last world war?
268. For a iong time now Chad has continued to be
the scene of fratricidal wars that have destroyed its
human and material resourcei:; and enc.angered its
unity, sovereignty :.md territorial integrity. We there­
fore ur,ge all the forces ~. Jr
1
27S. In conclusion, I wish the Assembly every
success at the thirty-seventh session. Members may
be assured of my delegation's positive contribution.
For my part, I remain convinced that all the nations
represented here will fulfil their responsibility by
responding to the hopes of the millions of people who
are looking to us.
cerned to enter into a con­
structive dialogue and to make a common endeavour.
We believe that to be the only way that hostilities can
276. The PRESIDENT (i11terpretatio11 from French):
be halted and order, peace and security restored. We
hope that the United Nations and the OAU will work
together to achieve that goal and will help in the recon­
struction of Chad.
I now call on the representative of Guyana, who
wishes to speak in exercise of the right of reply.
277. Mr. SINCLAIR(Guyana): The Foreign Minister
of Venezuela, in his address last Monday [5th meeting],
269. As regards Afghanistan, my Government
expresses its great concern over the military occupa­
tion of that country despite the repeated appeals of
the · international community for an immediate and
unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces. We
reiterate our appeal for an immediate and total with­
drawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan so as
tried at length to justify the claim which his country
mai'ltains against four fifths of Guyana·s territory.
I have asked to speak tonight to e'-'ercise my right of
reply because that statement was replete with mis­
representation, inaccuracies and distortions.
278. My delegation has noted the Foreign Minister's
indication of Venezuela's commitment to a peaceful
solution to the controversy and the desire "to maintain
io enable its people to exercise its right to elect a
government of its choice. We advocate an overall
political solution based on full respect for the inde­
pendence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non­
aligned status of Afghanist~n.
and develop with the Guyanese people the close;.,t
relations of friendship, co-operation and solidarity ..
[ibid .• pam. 104]. We have also noted his proud
assertion that in its 172 years of ind,:pendence Vene­
zuela "has never had a single war, m:,t even an armed
encounter, with any of its nei:ghbours.. [ibid.,
270. The situation in Kampuchea is a problem of
concern to my Government, which is firmly opposed
to foreign armed intervention and to the presence of
foreign forces in Kampuchea. The presence of foreign
troops . makes it impossible for the Kampuchean
people to express its will through free elections. We
therefore reaffirm the imperative need for the with­
drawal of all foreign forces from Kampuchea.
para. 102].
279. We in Guyana do not judge Ven~zuela's peace­
ful intention by what Venezuelans say; we judge it by
what they do. Even as I speak now, Venezuela is in
military occupation of territory belonging to Guyana.
That territory was seized by force of arms in 1966.
271. With reference to the question of Korea, my
That act of aggression took place, moreover. a mere
Government firmly believes that inter-Korean nego­
tiations constitute the only political means of solving
all the problems that have arisen out of the political
division of that country. The earliest possible resump­
tion of the dialogue is essential to deal with the urgent
need to reduce the climate of tension, renew mutual
conr:idence and establish lasting peace in the Korean
few months after the conclusion of the Geneva Agree­
ment, which committed the parties, Venezuela in­
cluded, to the search for a peaceful settlement. What
is particularly significatrt is that that aggression did
not take place while the British were still in the colony;
the Venezuelans waited until after the BritishJeft in
order to occupy part of c:ur territory.
Annex 57
16th meeting-:.4 October 1982
297
280. The Venezuela we know· is the Venezuela
whose armed units repeatedly violate Guyana's
s,;.,vereignty and territorial integrity-already this year
y.,e have had cause on two occasions to bring such
vfoJations to the attention of the Secretary-Generat
The Venezuela we know !s the Venezuela that has
written the World Bank objecting to construction of
and investment in a major development activity in
Guyana-our hydrma.lectric project. All this is done as
a means of pressuring us into giving in to their terri­
torial demands.
284. At any rate, is it not significant that the V ene­
zuelans should come to the General Assemb\y a~~
try' to assert that the award of 1899 is a legal farce,
while at the same time refusing our proposal, which
we made under the Geneva · Agreement, to seek a
peaceful settlement through the International Court
of Justice? In fact the entire controversy arose the
moment Venezuela advanced the contention that
the award was without legal effect. Yet Venezuela does
not want to go to the Court. It requires little effort of
the imagination to see why.
281. Those are merely a few of the numerous in­
stances of military, political and economic pressures
we face from Venezuela. How do we reconcile the
Minister's pronouncements of peaceful intent and
friendly relations with these acts of aggression? Yet
the Minister accuses Guyana of creating an image of
285. Venezuela has called into question the good
faith of Guyana to seek a negotiated, peaceful solu­
tion. The Minister stated:
• •The obligation for Venezuela and Guyana to
negotiate their differences is not only a moral irtJpera­
tive, not only a duty under international law, but,
in this specific case, a commitment freely entered
Venezuela as an aggressor country indifferent to laws,
to justice and to the solidarity which should exist
between countries which are struggling to develop.
We do not need to create such an image when Vene­
zuela itself is c!oing it so well. By its behaviour since
into in the Agreement signed at Geneva on 17 Feb­
ruary 1966." [Ibid •• para. /05.]
1966 Venezuela has created not only an image but
the reality of an aggressor country. Venezuela's
covetousness and it£ territorial ambitions towards
Guyana are no secret. They are common knowledge.
Only last week they attracted the attention of The
286. It is a matter of historical record lhat Guyana
has always been willing to engage in dialogue with
Venezuela on afl matters relating to the promotion
of understanding, co-operation anti peace between our
two neighbouring countries. It was in that spirit that
the President of my country accepted an invitation
last year to visit Venezuela. But any such diplomatic
discussions must be a separate and distinct matter from
that of selecting one of the means of peaceful settlement
as required by the Geneva Agreement which our two
countries signed in 1966.
New York Times on iwo successive days.
282. We were told that Venezuela"s land borders
with Colombia and Brazil were established by peaceful
means. Venezuela"s borders with Guyana were also
established by peaceful means. Venezuela freely
entered into an agreement in 18~7 with the United
Kingdom to submit their territorial controversy to
international arbitration a,1d agreed, by the terms of
that agreement, to accept the arbitral award as a .. full,
final and perfect settlement··. That award was handed
down by unanimous agreement in 1899. On the basis
thereof, Venezuelan and British commissioners
co-operated between 1901 and 1905 to ensure that
the boundary on the ground corresponded in every
relevant detail with the terms of the 1899 award. It is
that boundary that has given Guyana its present
geographic form. It is that boundary that Venezuela
acceptad for more than half a century until the reasser­
tion of its claim in, the 1960s. By sending its troops
across that border in 1966. the Venezuelans signalled
an intention to pressure Guyana by military means
into redrawing that boundary.
283. The Venezuelan Minister persists in describing
the arbitration process of 1899 as ··an unprecedented
legal farce... and repeats his argument about the
absence of Venezuelan judges or lawyers. Venezuela's
representative at the hearings of the tribunal was
chosen by the Venezuelan President. He had an
opportunity to select a Venezuelan judge or lawyer
but he cons§d~red that Venezuei"'s interests would
best be represented by the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of the United States. No Venezuelan at the time
287. Venezuela proposed negotiations, as was its
sovereign right under the Agreement. Guyana, after
the most careful consideration, proposed judicial
settlement in accordance with its equally sovereign
right. The Geneva Agreement gives no primacy what­
soever to negotiation. The choice of means has to be
agreeable to both parties; it is not the unilateral deci­
sion of one or the other. Guyana therefore rejects any
insinuations of a reluctance to negotiate.
288. I reiterate Guyana•s commitment to a peaceful
settlement with Venezuela and to a regime of peaceful,
harmonious, good-neighbourly relations with Venei,,
zuela. We are a small, poor, militarily weak country.
But we wiU not be bullied by Venezuela. We demand
respect for our independence, our sovereignty and our
territorial integrity.
289. The PRESIDENT fi11terprett1tio11 fr<>m Fr,mch):
I call upon the representative of Venezuela.
290. Mr. PEREZ GUERRERO (Venezuela) (i11ter­
prett1tim1 fmm Sp,mi.vllJ: We have listened to the
statement made by the representative of Guyana in
exercise of his right of reply. We wish to reserve· the
right lo speak in exercise of our right of reply at a
later date.
The meeting rose ttt 7.10 p.m.
complained about this arrangement. So that when the
Venezuelan Minister · tells us that there were no
Venezuelan judges or lawyers present at the tribunal.
he is making a comment on nothing but the sovereign
decision of his President at the time.
NOTES
1
A/S-11/14. annex I.
:i See A/36/534. annex II.
Annex 58
U.N. General Assembly, 37th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/37/PV.26 (11 Oct. 1982)
Annex 58
United Nations
2&1h
·GENERAL
ASSEIViBLY
THIRTY-Sf!,VENTH SESSION
•
fi.ENARY MEETING
Monday, II October 1982,
at 3.20 p.m.
Ojfkial R~eonls
NEW YORK
President: Mr. Imre HOLLAI (Hungary).
critical situation prevailing in all parts of the world.
There is an atmosphere of insecurity and latent
warfare, which seems likely to lead to a ho!ocaust.
AGENDA ITEM 9
General debate (continued)
1. Mr. CHISSANO (Mozambique):* Sir, it is with
S. As if the already existing hotbeds of tension were
not· enough, we are witnessing the outbreak of new
hotbeds and the emboldening of localized conflicts.
This situation forces peoples to divert their human
and material resources from the sc,iution of problems
inherent in underdevelopment, such as hunger,
homelessness, illiteracy and disease, in order to con­
centrate ,on the defence of their sovereignty and on
the fight to achieve and preserve their ful! freedom.
To the obstinate refusal ,o acknowledge the right of
peoples to self-determination, the peoples respond
with the resolution to die rather than live in slavery.
great satfsfaction that we see the post of President
of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly
occupied by the representative of a friendly people
with great historical traditions of struggle for freedom,
peace and progress. The Hungarian people succeeded
in i,reserving their dignity and persona!ity for all time
by heroically resisting Hitler's fascism and buildin~ a
socialist fatherland free from foreign domination.
Strong ties of friendship and solidarity forged during
our armed struggle for national liberation from colo­
nialism bind our two countries. After the proclamation
of our independence, these ties took on a new dimen­
sion and scope, extending to multidisciplinary
co-operation, the basis of which is the defence and
pursuit of the fundamental interests of our peoples and
Governments and building and defending socialism.
In expressing our firm guarantee of close co-operatioi:t
in the fulfilment of the weighty responsibilities that
have been entrusted to you, my delegation joins
previous speakers in warmly welcoming you and con­
gratulating you on your unanimous election.
6. Harmonious relations and co-operation among
nations require the creation of a climate of peace and
security in the world and absolute respect for the
fundamental right of peoples to self-deteni1ination and
independence.
7. It was the ideals of peace, justice and liberty
that inspired the people of Mozambique. When we
took up arms against colonialism in Mozambique we
fought to eliminate the causes of war in our coumry;
we were moved by the noble aspiration to establish,
with all the peoples of the world good and just
relations founded on sovereign equality and mutual
respect. This is a just aspiration for which all the
2. We wish also to express our appreciation to
your predecessor, Mr. Kittani, for the skilful and
intelJigent manner in which he conducted the work of
the last regular session of the General Assembly.
This was no easy task considering the grave crisis
existing at the time in international relations, in which
dialogue and mutual trust among nations gave way to
cold-war language, threats, aggression and intimi­
peoples of the world, in which inequities and imbal­
ance;s are increasingly felt, are prepared to fight.
8. With the achievement of our national inde­
pendence we established the conditions for the expres­
sion and development of our culture and our per­
sonality, which had been trampled upon and inhibited
during the centuries of exploitation and domination.
But the scope of our ideals was not circumscribed
dation.
'3. We extend our greetings to the Secretory-Geneml,
whose action in defence of the Charter of the Uniterl
Nations and in the endeavour to find peac,~ful solvt­
tions to world problems at the most criticaa times is
deserving of the respect and confidence that the inter­
national community extended to him when it elected
him one year ago.
4. The disdain in which the United Nations is
held as a privileged forum for discussion and for the
search for peaceful solutions to international con­
flicts is expressed in the constant violation of the
purposes and principles set forth in the Charter.
by the liberation of our territory alone. We were
forced, shortly after independence, to wage another
war, imposed upt,n us by Smith's racist regime.
9. In expressing solidarity with the people of Zim­
babwe in their just struggle, Mozambique was con­
trituting to the elimination of one of the causes of
war and instability in our area. The independence of
Zimbabwe made it possible for a climate c,f relative
pea:;:e to be restored, which enabled broad perspec­
tives to be opeP.ed up for our economic development
and stimulated co-operation among the countries of
southern Africa. Since then it has become possible for
us to concentrate our attention on the seafl!b for
The overwhelming majority of the speakers at this
solutions to the numerous problems facing our people.
session have denounced the aggravation of the already
• Mr. Chissano spoke in Portuguese. The English text of his state•
ment was supplied by the delegati-;m.
Our objective is to promote the material and social
we11-being of al\ the people in Mozambique, who were
denied this throughout the entire period of the domina­
tion of their country.
4',.3
A/37/PV.26
Annex 58
474
General Allaembly-Thlrty-seventb Session-Plenary Meetings
10. The relative peace that we achieved was of short
sake, and drugs. The nature of their acts and their
duration.
criminal motivation characterize them as bandits.
11. In defining and using an illegal minority racist,
17. The armed banditry taking place in our region
ap,,,·theid regime as their principal ally in the area,
today is a new phenomenon, a new form of mer••
the imperialist forces- consciously, wilfully and cenarism. In organizing and utilizing armed bandits,
impudently gave Pretoria the moral strength which,
imperialism and the apartheid regime 1M~ aiming at
more than any techr.~cal or technological means,
implanting among the world public the false idea that
allows it to provoke war and as' EtJi and occupy parts
ooposition and a climate of inse1;urity exist in Mozam-
of the territory of Angola, a soverdgn State, spread3ng
bique. Concurrently with the acts of armed aggression,
death and destruction to all the front-line States. This
the enemy is infiltrating spits into our country anrl
is a deliberate action which is typical of [heir re- promoting economic sabotage.
doubled aggressiveness, the basis of whic'il is the
refusal of the imperialisb to recognize the right of
peoples to independence, l"eec!om and pea1;efill anci
harmonious development.
18. In promoting a vigorous campaign of slander and
misinformation on the international scene, the enemy
endeavours to project to the \"Jorld the impression
that there exists in Mozambique a perma.:.1tilt state
of terror ana panic. It prcmllt~s an ei:onomic blockadei
thus hampering sound and fruitful ea-operation with
other pe<~ples olthe worid. It endea
12. !·· the face of the qualitative ;;,.dvance~ :lchieved
by our people in the reconstruction of our country,
the imperialist forces have intensified their activities
against th-: People's Republic of Mczambique. They
11
1ours t-> rtampe·r t~e
c~_.msoiidation of our independence al~'J einfor~em~:i1t
are trying by all possible means to prevent the
establishment of a civifr~ation without discrimination,
which the building in Mozambique of a socialist
society, free from man's exploitation by man, rep­
resents in our part of the world.
of our ec011c;m3r during t.1i~ phase of ov:r devefopme~!t
procesf, .}.lnd tries to discredit socia.Hsm, a ~ystem
freely elcc•:etl by the peoriie of MozarnNque.
19. In this r.;tru~e, in wMch tim enemy is using
the most subtl~ methods Qt' aggr~·snion, our ~e1Jple
has demonstrated the highest ,fogree of ?.>:
13. No longer able to rely on e. political and admin­
istrative structure in Mozambiqm~, somethfrjg they
were able to do until recentl:,, imperialist fore{ s
are today resorting to other more insidious and brutal
means of attacking us. Using as a spearhead the racist
minority regime in South Afdca, imperialism !s waging
a true undeclared war agaiu
1
~tical
conscimisness a~-:d has become a w2.1l that caM1ot be
penetrateci by the de5igr:s of 2mpe:-ia,lfnm i,nd i1:s
agents.
20. We wfah tc exprass our jratitillde t.; aH i.!,,a,s~
1
.t us, committing direct
members of the internatio::e\ commu~iit.?, th1.t ha·,e in
various wa.y.s extended ~up~ri to us and thu~ Ct.'n­
armed acts of aggression agamst our country through
the use of regular South African troops and special
detachments of armed banditsK
tiibuted t•:t th-1 progress of our country s~1 the ~tr:ngth­
ening of fair ~mi equitable co-operaii;1e re!atiot1s.
14. The Pretoria regime recruits and trains, finances
and' equips, arms and outfits, transports and supplies,
evacuates and commands armed bands in Mozam­
bique in order to commit crimes against our people,
spread unrest and terror and destabilize our country.
21. We reiterate our dppe.al to the intem.ational
comm.unity to maximiz~ its asdstam:e to the Pe:ople' s
Republic of Mozambique so as to enable us to rein­
force our defensive capabiHty and !Successfully to
carry out lhe struggl~ Pi;~ins~. und\ , ~t ..;lopment.
22. The existence of co!onialism, racism and apart­
heid is the fundamental cause of the tension through
which we are living in southern Africa and our
permanent confrontation with the South African
regime, which obstinately refuses to accept the course
of history.
15. · The target of these bandits is the helpless civilian
population, intimidating them and committing all
kinds of atrocities. They savagely torture, mutilate
and assassinate children, women and the elderly. They
rob peasants and loot their property. These armed
bandits also perpetrate kidnappings and assassinations
against foreign nationals who contribute with their
labour to the pro~ress of the People's Republic of
Mozambique.
23. South Africa continues to intensify its criminal
actions against the South African ~ople, whose strug­
gle for national liberation is growing in scope and depth
antl spreading to practicaUy all sectors of the economic
and social life of the Pretoria regime. To the -.~,ave
of assassinations, detentions, the torture of those who
oppose apartheid, and the repression of trade unions, in
which many whites are now also militantly involved,
the people of South Africa respond with positive
actions of reRistance, causing the erosion of the very
establishmer.t of the Pretori4 regime. The people is
fighting heroically against oppression, discrimination,
repression and humiliation.
16. These armed bandits are recruited by South
Africa from among those former members of the
political police force of the colonial regime who did
not have the courage to join in the process of
national reconstruction and thus to wipe from
their hands the blood resulting fro:.I their crimes.
They are recruited from among those elements of
the colonial army such as commandos and special
units which, like the former, rushed cheaply to s°'ll
themselves to n~w bosses instead of waiting for the
24. Large sections of the white population are rising
against the res!riction of1iberty, repulsed by the brutal
nature of apartheid, whose criminal action is beginning
to be felt in their own homes.
clemency of the people. They are recruited from
~mong t~itors to the fatherland, m~rginal el"ments and
foreign mercenaries. The common denominator of
these bandits is their anti-social character, para­
sitism, characteristics of the decadence of the so­
called · free world. They do not pursue any political
objectives. Their motivation is crime for its own
25. Thus contradictions dee3>en in the very heart of
Botha's racist minority regime in the face -·of its
manifest inability to contain lby force the liberation
Annex 58
26th meetlog-11 Ocfooer 1982
475
struggle of the South African people under the leader-
on South Africa to fight to achieve its indeper,dence.
ship of the African National Congress [ANC].
The forces that will overthrow the apartheid regime
26. Confronted by a wave of popular uprisings, and
unable to fird a solution to its internal strife, Pretoria
chooses to generalize the conflict fn the area. South
Africa attacks and occupies part ·of the, territory of
the People's Republic of Angola, at the same time
supporting and promoting puppet gr.oops such as
will not come -,.om outside South Africa. It is the
children of the people of South Africa who will over­
throw that hideous regime from within.
31. If it were a matte- of involving foreign forces
in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa, they
could have used the territory of Zimbabwe for morie
than two yeart-s now and the territor/ of MozambiC1ue
for more than seven years; and the territory
the Uniao Nacional para a Independencia Total de
Angola [UNITA]. It continuously and systematically
commits acts of armed aggression against Lesotho,
Botawana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, violating the
t,~rritorial integrity of those sovereign countries and
showing no respect wbateVl?r for the ethical ccnduc;t
1
i:if other
independent countries bordering on South Africa could
have been used even earlier.
32. The sovereignty of the ~ople of Angola cannot
be used as cnrrency in exchange for the liberation
of Namibia. The liberation of Namibia is an integral
governing relations among Stat~s signatories of the
Cr~i1er of the United N1dions.
part -of the universal emancipation movement of
27. The objectives pursued to brfag about permanent
destabi;:zatior.i are in the Jast an~ysis intended to
divert ns from the struggle for economic independence
under ~'le Sout!1em Africa Deve!opment Co-or!!inetion
Conference. Tbat C .. :mference is the weapor,.'. of the
peop!~s. The People's Republic of Moza:nbique
reaffirms once again its. unconditional suppo.rt for
the rtrnggle of the people of NatrJbia undf:r the
n,ne countr~es c:f the region for independent develop­
me:nt and lh.1; gradual elimination ,of dependence t1n
leader~hip t'f the South West Africa People's Organi•
zati.cn [SWAPOJ, its only legitimate representative.
As far as we are concerned, Security Councii resolu­
tion 435 (1978) remains the political and juridicill
framework for the fair solution of this problem.
Soui~ Africa ar d b:i'!.,eriaiism i·, general. South Afdcu
as taking action ngair. t it air .ted at its disintegration
in the face 01 t1
ie CQ•loid,.,ahle progress a~rueved in
•'he various sccturs of ~o-cpel atio1;, particularly in the
area of transpmt~tfon and c011munication.
]'.._to pretext designed to impede the implerL,;mt..q,tion
of that resolution can stand up to a correct anaiys!s
o'i the reality. 'The remaining problems could easily be
soived if there were the essential political will on the
part of South Africa and its allies. We are of the
opinion that even during this session of the General
Assembly it shouid be possible to define an electoral
system for the election of a constituent. assembly.
28. We con~h"me to be preoccupied with the question
of 1'famibia. Am>t!,ant a,nd irresponsible, South Africa
t.:ontinu~s to us,,e dilatory manreuvres to delay the
self-determination and tndependence of the people of
Namibia, which, iike every other people, has the right
to freedom ~md independence.
It should be possible during the current session to
establish the forces of UNT AG and a date and the
conditions for a cease-fire in Namibia.
29. In Namibia, it is the people that is fighting for
independence. That is the reality which is being
obliterated. That is the reality which is being con­
jured away. That is why any attempt at connecting
the independence of Namibia, either directly or imii•
rectly, with the withdrawal of internationalist Cuban
forces from Angola is not only intolerable inter­
ference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic
of Angola but also a crime against the people of
Namibia, because by this subterfuge an effort is being
made to prolong war and massacres. The inter­
nationalist Cuba·,1 forces are in Angola because the
racist regime in South Africa violated the sovereignty
of that territory. Therefore we must demand, in the
first place, the unconditional withdrawal of the
invading South African troops from Angolan territory
and an absolute gum antee that such aggression will not
be repeated.
33. This is the International Year for the Mobilization
of Sanctions against South Africa; nevertheless, the
indices of economic growth of the apartheid regime
show an ever-increasing connivance by Western coun­
tries in maintaining and reinforcing that abominable
and hideous regime. While it is said that to apply
sanctions against South Africa is a useless exercise,
sanctions are being applied against other countries.
Where, then, is equity, justice and integrity?
34. Today we are observing the international Day
of Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners.
On this day, dedicated to the struggle, we salute
the detern:inatio~ and the courage of the peoples of
South Africa. We demand that the freedom fighters be
30. In fact, all the independent countries of the area
which are being threatened and invaded by the forces
of the apartheid regime are demanding guarantees of
security. The foreign forces which are attacking,
assaulting and occupying independent States in
southern Africa in violation of the sovereignty and
released from South African prisons.
35. The action of imperialist forces is not confined
to southern Africa: its f;COpe spreads throughout the
African continent. At the present time those forces
are endeavouring to implement their strategy aimed
at the manipulation, paralysis or even disintegration
of the Organization of African Unity [DAU], an
important anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist instru­
ment. We are certain that the African countries will
know enougb to turn down the blackmail, intimidation
territorial integrity of those States are not Cuban.
The only invading forces which, as the entire world
knows, attack and occupy the territories of th-.· inde­
pendent States of southern Africa are the forces of
South Africa. It is absurd to set the security of South
Africa as a pre-condition for the independence of
Namibia. Namibia is not the first country bor-Jering
and bribery and reject the divisive tactics, and to work
towards the consolidation of the OAU.
36. We repeat our support for the admission of the
Sahraoui Arab Democrati~ Republic to the OAU and
reject the idea that that may be a cause for division
within our continental organization, since it is based
Annex 58
476
General Aaembly-Tblrty-neventh Session-Plenary Meetbgs
on the principles embodied in the OAU\~ charter and
in the Charter of the United Nations. We reaffirm
shiD of F'rente Revciucionaria de Tlmor- Leste Inde­
pendcnte [FRET/LIN], their legitimate n,presentative,
reject the annexation, resist Indonesian occupation and
fight for the affirmation of their national rights. They
have our admirati0i1 and our solidarity. We are certain
that in Dili the banner of liberty of the Ma~bere
people will be raised.
o,rr active soliduity with the j1.,st struggle of the
pecpJe of the Si:hraoui Arab Democratic Republic.
It is a struggle that couid rmd its resolution through
negotiation, which unfortunately is hampered by
the intransigence of the Moroc.:o regime. This intran­
sigenc~ is the reason for the protractt:d state of war,
which threatens to spread and even involve other
countries, because of the involvement of alien forces
on the Moroccan side. That danger must be averted
by countries which cherish freedom and the inde­
pendence of peoples.
37. The image of the massacres in Beirut is a blown­
up picture of a Dantesque world transferred to the
latter part of the twentieth century. Beirut invaded,
Beirut bombed, Beirut besieged, deprived of water,
41. In Korea, the presence of United States troops
in the southern part of the territory contributes to
the creation of tension, hampering the reunification
process of the Korean nation-a dismembered country,
split in two by an imaginary line drawn in conformity
with geo-political concepts, to the detriment of national
reality. We support the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea in its efforts to ensure the peaceful reunifi­
cation of its nation. Its proposals for direct negotia­
tions between North and South Korea with a view to
food and medicines, will remain forever engraved in
the history of the resistance struggle of peaples.
the creation of a confederated republic constitute a
It was a gratuitous demonstration of Zionist murderous
fury, the purpose of which was the total elimination
of the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO].
Despite the powerful weaponry unleashed by the
Zionist regime, the PLO and the progressive Lebanese
forces resisted the slaughter and inflicted heavy losses
on the enemy. We hail their heroism. The People's
Republic of Mozambique supports the struggle of the
Palestinian people, with the certainty that it will end
with the creation of a Palestinian State, autonomous
and sovereign, and the withdrawal of Israel from all
occupied Arab territories, which is the only acceptable
solution to the conflict in the Middle East.
38. The illegal occupation of East Timor continues.
The expansionist Indonesian regime insists on the
criminal occupation of that Territory, denying the
Maubere people its inalie111:1ble right to self-determina­
tion and independence. :tlow many times must the
events in Beirut be repeated in Dili before we can
say
0
enough" and finally acknowledge the right
of the Maubere people to exist and build its inde­
pendent and sovereign State?
positive contribution to the unification process.
42. In Latin America, Cuba, Nicaragua and Grenada
are the targets of constant threats of aggression. The
imperialist ag~ressiveness ranges from economic
blockade to imminent invasion and occupation. The
peace and stability of the area must necessarily be
contingent on the cessation of the use or threat of
force or of any type of coercion against Cuba, Nica­
ragua and Grenada, free countries which have the right
to choose in full sovereignty their own way of achieving
socio-economic development.
43. In Chile, El Salvador and Guatemala popular
uprisings are developing and apologists of Western
civilization are endeavouring !o intensify their militar/
and financial support of the dictatorships in the area.
No bayonets can silence the people's cries for freedom.
Fairness and moral considerations dictate that we
support the peoples of those countries in their struggle
to gain their freedom and tum their countries into
lands free from terror and repression, where no one
need any longer live . with the fear of never again
being reunited with his loved ones.
44. The People's Republic of Mozambique reatlirms
the principles of solidarity with all peoples who fight
for their political and economic emancipation and for
peace.
39. Independence is not a privilege of those who
are richer or more powerful. It is not an attribute
of Moslems or Catholics. Independence is an inherent
right of all peoples, regardless of geo-strategic,
religious or other considerations. Every people has its
history, its culture, its personality. By preserving them,
the people can face any obstacle and accept any
sacrifice from the best of its children. It is because
they are making such sacrifices and because their
struggle is a just one that the Maubere people deserve
our support. The curtain of silence drawn around the
massacres and the famine to which the Maubere
people are being subjected can no longer muffle the
cries of the hundreds of thousands of people of Timor
who are resisting the brutal Indonesian occupation.
Both Republican and Democratic United States,
Senators have recently called attention to the gravity .
of the situation. The situation in East Timor was ·
compared by them to that of Biafra at the time of
the secessionist war and that of Kampuchea during
the Pol Pot era. They clearly admitted that the Maubere
people had not exercised their right to self-deter­
mination.
45. We meet again in an international debate in an
atmosphere tense and heavy with threats. The crisis
expands and worsens and is being felt most acutely
in developing countries. The dramatic effects of this
crisis on our countries are well known: the imported
inflation, the growing deficit in the balance of pay­
ments, the deterioration in the terms of trade, the
food shortages, and so on. Developing countries are
faced with all the symptoms of underdevelopment,
where hunger is the overpowering scourge of the
people.
46. Specific short-term and long-term measures must
be taken with a view to the eradication of the hunger
and malnutrition that ravage Africa. Our continent is
becoming ever more dependent on imports of food
because of the lowered production and the natural
catastrophes that have periodically devastated our
region.
40. We cannot watch these atrocities in silenc,e. In
East Timor there are people who, under the leader-
47. The adoption of coercive economic mc:.sures
aimed at the attainment of specific political objectives
Annex 58
26th meetlng-11 October 1982
411
is so common today that it is as though an attempt
were being made to replace the norms in the juridical
instruments governing the Organization by !hat
practice. It is thus that the countries that freely
chose paths to development which led them to real
independence have fallen victim to blackmail and
pressures.
survival. It is essential for the sake of all mankind
to prevent a. nuclear conflict, and this must be a
matter of fundamental concern in the policy of every
Government.
55. A threat to peace continues in the Indian Ocean
region, where we see the consolidation, expansion and
nuclearization of imperialist naval and military bases.
Some Western countries persist in their firm opposition
to the convening of the world Conference to adopt
measures to give effect to the Declaration of the
Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace [resolution 2832
48. Taking into account the present international
economic situation, we are concern_ed by the insistence
of some developed market economy countries on
taking unilateral and arbitrary decisions and refusing
to engage in meaningful negotiations. The initiation of
global negotiations on international co•operation
for development is of primary importance. The Pea.
pie~ s Republic of Mozambique calls for the exertion
of aU PQssible efforts during the current session of the
(XXVI)] free from nuclear weapons. We hope that
those countries will change their position in order
to make possible the implementation of General
Assembly resolution 36/90, which provides for the
Conference to be held during the first half of 198~.
General Assembly to ensure the initiation of global
negotiations.
·
49. We wish to assure the Assembly that our country
will sign the recently adopted United Nations Con•
vention on the Law of the Sea;
1
which establishes a
56. The struggle for the implementation of peace
and co-operation is one of our greatest priorities. Peace
is necessary in the struggle against underdevelopment.
Co-operation among the people of the world emerges
as a necessity in the history of humanity and as
an instrument in the struggle against underdevelop.
ment, in particular through the creation of a just
international order.
new juridical order for the utilization of the ocean
space as an instrument of justice, peace, development
and international co-operation among States.
50. True co-operation among States based on a com•
mon examination of international economic problems
and on common action is absolutely necessary. Only
then will it be possible for us to respond to the
yearnings of all peoples for equitable and rational
development in all parts of the world. It is important
to ensure the appropriate conditions without delay,
establish normal economic relations among all States,
regardless of their socio-economic systems and to
reinforce international co-operation as a means of
stabilizing peace.
57. The People~s Republic of Mozambique reiterates
its commitment to contribute, together with the other
members of the international community, to the search
for a just and equitable solution to the problems that
beset all of humanity.
58. Despite the systematic and deliberate violation
of international legal instruments by certain Member
States, we reaffirm our adherence to the principles
and purposes of the Charter. The People's Republic of
Mozambique express'!s its full confid~tlCe in the
Organization and in its everlasting dedication to the
struggle for the achievement am! preservation of
international peace and security. The struggle con~
tinues.
51. The exploitation of the weak can no longer be
regarded as the right of the rich, nor can poverty,
hunger, ignorance and · disease continue to be the
lot of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
52. The struggle for peace is the greatest preoc•
cupation of our time and most of mankind is involved
in it. The struggle for peace means the reduction,
destruction and final elimination of the causes of
the conflicts that rage around the world: imperial•
ism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, apartheid,
59. Mr. TULL (Barbado~): Mr. President, I wish to
add my congratulations to those which have already
been expressed on your election to the presidency
of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly.
I also wish to express my appreciation to the out­
going President, Mr. Kittani. It fell to him to preside
over the Assembly at a time when it had to grapple
with critical issues that threatened and indeed seriously
ruptured international peace and security. Those ses­
sions were unquestionably taxing, but as an accom•
plished and experienced diplomat he always rose to
the occasion. We must take this opportunity to pay a
tribute to the Secretary-General. This is the first regular
session of the General Assembly that commences ~ith
Mr. Perez de Cuellar at the head of the Organization,.
His first year of office has been a most distressing
one in international relations and yet he has been
able to rise above last year's crises and to focus in
his report on the work of the Organization [A/37/ /] on
the fundamental issues that must be addressed by this
world body.
zionism.
53. It means, in audition, that we must apply all our
efforts to achieving general and complete disarmament.
That is why the failure of the second special session
of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament,
particularly nuclear disarmament, is of great concern
to the People's Republic of Mozambique.
54. The wanton a..rmaments race and the use of the
ocean space and the stratosphere for purposes of
warfare are serious obstacles to development and to
co-operation among States. Development for the
peoples, and the promotion of worth-while social
and material well-being cannot be achieved unless all
available human and material resources are used for
peaceful purposes. In the tealm of the struggle for
peace, the People's Republic of Mozambique con­
siders that nuclear disarmarnent has the highest
possible priority, since the devastating effects of this
type of weapon represent a serious threat to our very
60. In his report he quite rightly identifies the central
problem facing the Organization as its capacity to keep
t~e peace and serve as a forum for negotiations. He
pleaded for a conscious recommitment by Govern­
ments to the Charter. My country concurs with the
Secretary•General's views. I wish to express the hope
Annex 58
478
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
that we can, in our deliberations over the next three
months, find effective solutions to the difficulties
that he has identified. We wish him well as he guides
this Organization.
66. A month ago the Prime Minister of Barbados
addressed the joint annual meeting of the Inter­
national Monetary Fund [/MF] and the World Bank in
Toronto. Speaking on behalf of the member Govern­
ments of the Caribbean Community, he pointed to the
fact that the relative deficiency in resources and
61. In my address to the Assembly at the thirty­
sixth session [/ / th meeting] I stated that the decade
of the 1980s was probably the most dangerous,
certainly the most critical, since the Second World
War. I noted then that the world economy was in
capability implicit in small size imposes greater
difficulties on those States in achieving greater self­
reliance. He stated that the need for concessional
resources in so-called middle-income countries cannot
be determined by per capita gross national product
alone without giving consideration to the resource
endowments and the institutional capabilities within
those countries.
crisis and that inflation in all countries, rich and
poor alike, was out of control. I regret to say that
the situation has not improved. Indeed the current
international economic recession is deep and per­
vasive. All countries, industrialized and developing,
oil-producing and non-oil-producing, are currently in
a state of economic decline, with not a few on the
brink of collapse.
67. He also expressed concern about the threatened
application of principles based on the new concept of
maturation or graduation. That concept would imply
the creation of a permanent class of middle-developed
countries which would never realize their full potential
62. The economic backdrop against which inter­
national relations are being conducted continues to be
characterized by recession, restrictive trade policies
and high interest rates in the industrialized countries.
Weakening demand for their primary products and low
commodity prices have depressed the export earnings
of developing countries. Increasing debt burdens have
contributed to their economic difficulties. The policies
so far applied have not been able to avert high levels
of unemployment, widespread starvation and per­
sistent poverty in much of the developing world. I
by achieving developed status.
68. It is a matter of deep concern that the problems
facing the economies of very small States are appar­
ently stm not well understood by those who provide
bilateral and multilateral assistance.
share the view of those who are persuaded that
recovery of the international economy is unlikely to
69. In this connection, we should like to draw the
Assembly's attention to eminent thinkers in this field.
On 8 July this year, Mr. Willian Demas, President
of the Caribbean Development Bank, addressed the
Economic and Social Council in his capacity as Chair­
man of the Committee for Development Planning.
He pointed out a number of steps necessary for the
recovery of the world economy and recommended,
be accomplished or to be lasting unless the devel­
oping countries as a group can return to a period of
positive growth and prosperity.
inter a/ia, a more imaginative use of multilateral
financiai institutions.
63. Increasingly, it is being emphasized that there is
a parallel between the pres~nt world economic situa­
tion and the recession of the 1930s, but I believe
that there is a fundamental difference: there is today
a greater understanding of the workings of the inter­
national economic system and of th~ need for eco­
nomic co-operation. In short, narrow national interests
may be attractive, but there is au overwhelming
need for all of us to co-operate in order to save
the world economy from further deterioration. What is
needed now is international agreement on ways to stem
the tide of growing protectionism. While protectionist
70. Specifically, he calleJ for the following: first,
the immediate restoration of the resources of the
International Development Association to previously
agreed levels and their subsequent enlargement,
accompanied by a substantial increase in the resources
of multilateral development institutions, particularly
the World Bank, as well as the creation of an energy
facility with a voluntarily subscribed equity base;
secondly, the immediate resumption of Special
Drawing Rights creation and the enlargement of
the resources available to IMF. In addition, IMP
tendencies are predictable in today's harsh economic
climate, we all kno~ from the lessof:\s of history and
the reality of economic interdependence that, if un­
checked, protectionism is at best self-defeating and at
worst could precipitate the very international col­
lapse we all seek to avoid.
should make a greater proportion of its resources
available to the developing countries on easier terms
and should consult and listen to member States when
setting the terms of loans; thirdly, a significant increase
in concessional development assistance, including food
aid.
64. There is also a need for international agreement
on the rate of creation of new debt and on the role
of private institutions, financial and otherwise, in
the· recovery effort. We now know that the world
can never again revert to economic self-manage­
ment, to protectionism and to stalemate in multilateral '
efforts· at financial and development co•operation ·
without giving rise to the danger of international
71. Barbados supports those recommendations and is
convinced that they must feature in ~ny attempt to
deal realistically with the economic problems facing
the developing countries. We are also convinced that
the United Nations has a vital role to play in the
realization of the . goals of development. That 1·ole
may sometimes be limited merely to sensitizing public
opini~n, but it is important.
economic co11apse.
65. Thougn if is recognized that the problems with
which we are grappling are commo:i to many devel­
oping countries, I should like here to draw special
attention to the particular problems which confront
very small States such as those of my sub-region.
72. I come now to the proposed global negotiations
on international econoq1.ic co-operation for develop­
ment. Barbados is keenly concerned about progress
towards a new international economic order. It is that
concern which leads us to feel a deep sense of 4isap­
pointment over the failure of efforts to open global
Annex 58
. ffl
negotiations, for which the 1981 International Meeting
on Co-operation and Development at Cancun held
out so much promise. We in Barbados think it is
deplorable that the search for a solution to the fun­
maritime Powers to ensure that· the most promising
aspects of the Convention are stymied by the con­
certed action of the technologically advam:ed. It would
damental· economic problems of this world should be
hampered by lack of action on the part of the industrial­
ized countries. It is even sadder when one realizes
be worse than folly to re~a.t the mistakes of the last
century, when colonizing Powers carved up vast
continental tracts of land. We live today with the
legacy of those nineteenth century errors. To a!low
the vast expanse of the oceans and their resources
to be disposed of only among the mighty-however
bland the contemporary approach-would be to fail
succeeding generations.
that in obstructing global negotiations, those countries
are frustrating endeavours to combat hunger and
poverty-two problems that are endemic to most of
the third world and are the natural consequences
of the old, unjust order.
73. I believe that the serious obstacles to the efficint
utilization of human and material resources for
development are a result of the current state of inter­
national economic relations. The · present economic
mder must be replaced by one based on equity,
sovereign equality, common interests and cp-oper­
ation. Developing countries, and even some developed
ones, have expressed a desire to see the present
system replaced. My country would like to see the
entire international comm.unity summon the necessary
political will to cure the economic ills which plague
all our countries.
78. Barbados will therefore co-operate with like­
minded nations in the establishment of an effective
and efficient International Sea-bed Authority. Such
an Authority has the potential of being a vital agency
for the management of and equitable participation
in the wealth of the oceans. It therefore deserves the
active support of all those who recognize the right
of technologically disadvantaged countries to have
a fair share of the resources of our planet.
79. We also welcome the decision of the Third
United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea
to have the Final Act and Convention signed in Jamaica
74. I believe that I am on safe ground when I assert
thar Barbados is not alone among developing coun­
tries in regarding the activities of the Organization
in the sphere of technical assistance as one of the
more satisfactory aspects of its work. UNDP has,
without a doubt, established itself over the yeru·s as
one of the most effective means for delivering technical
assistance throughout the developing world. And yet,
at the meeting of the Governing Council in June of this
year, the Administrator of the Programme produced
statistical information showing that the Programme
is in grave danger as. a result of the declining level
of its-real resources.
later this year. This is most fitting, for although the
political centre of gravity has shifted to other areas,
the Caribbean is an area of historical importance,
having been a trading centre in former centuries.
so·. The signing of that multifaceted Convention will
have particular significance. On that day we shall
--eaffirm and strengther:; our commitment to a more
equitable sharing of the riches of the oceans. We shall
also be pledging ourselves to preserve and develop
their living and non-living resources as part of the
patrimony of all peoples.
·
81. Just as the international community has failed to
deal successfully with the inequities of the world
economy, it has also been unsuccessful with the
75. The record will show that my country, upon which
the hardships of the world-wide economic recession
press no less onerously than upon any other country,
has not faltered in its rmancial support for the
Programme. The reason for this continued suppo!t is
that Barbados views the state of underdevelopment as
one from which all countries of the world must
emerge. If countries mean what they say when they
question of disarmament. We are all aware that the
failure of the Assembly at the recent special session
to agree on a comprehensive programme for disarm~
ament has caused grave disappointment. The discus­
sions were important in so far as they provided an
opportunity for all countries to focus collectively on·
lament the colossal waste resulting from ever­
increasing expenditure on weapons of destruction,
let them without delay look to those remedies which
lie nearest to hand. UNDP is one such remedy, and
it deserves the support of countries seeking to achieve
the kind of world which we all desire.
the general disarmament process and its objectives.
I do not wish to reiterate here the horrifying statistics
of world expenditure on arms, for, in the words of the.
report of the Independent Commission on Disarma­
ment and Security Issues, under the chairmanship of
Olof Palme, now Sweden's· head of Government,
"they have assumed a sort of deadening familiarity."~"-
-76. That leads me to express my country's disap­
pointment at further evidence of the lack of concern
by some countries for development initiatives. I refer
to the failure of those countries to support the Con­
vention on the Law of the Sea. Barbados participated
82. Effective resolution of the disarmament i'ssue
depends primarily on East-West negotiations and on
the political action of the super-Powers. However, all
countries, large and small, must lend their voi~es in
support of early action. It is in the common interest
of all of us to avoid war. Barbados is convinced
in the !oqg and tortuous negotiations directed towards
solving the problem of the management of the resources
of the sea. We expected that the principle of the
common heritage of mankind would be accepted and
applied.
th· .l the level of armaments will not be reduced unless
hard negotiations are concluded between the super­
77. Consequently, we are saddened by the grudging
reluctance with which many of the developed States
have recognized the . Convention. We are also
distressed by the apparently firm intention of stronger
Powers and agreement reached on S\ mutual and
balanced force reduction. We hope that universal
awareness of the potentially devastating consequences ·
of the arms race will encourage efforts to brlng about
effective and conclush~· :"egotiations on this issue.
Annex 58
4&D
General Assembly-Tblrty.seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
&3. Barbados will continue to share the related con-
the area where the camps were situated. This tragedy
cems of the international community on matters of emphasizes the urgent need for more eam~st efforts
security and development.
to be made towards a general and lasting peace in
·84. If the resou-es released from a cutback in the that region. In the meantime, the Government of Bar-
iu..
bados wishes to endorse calls made by the inter-
arms industry were used for social and economic national community for an investigation into the
development, then widespread unemployment, hunger barbarities in Beirut.
and poverty could be Qbated. But this can be achieved
only if nations are convinced that they are serving a 90. Barbados reccignizes the inalienable right of th~
greater good than their own narrow interests. Bar-
Palestinian peop~~ to self-determination; and their
bados therefore again calls on all nations to respect
latest sufferings underline the poignant need for them to
the institutions they have built and to honour the under- have their own homeland.
takings they have made. Barbados speaks out again, 91. We also recognize and support the right of Israel
firm in the conviction that the United Nations and the
to exist as a sovereign and independent State
Charter are the guardians of international morality within agreed and recognized boundaries. But Barand

the rule of law.
bados has always been opposed to the use of force to
85. Since the last regular session of the General
settle international disputes. We beHeve that acts of
Assembly, recourse has too often been made to the aggression in the Middle East will not enhance the
use of arms to resolve conflicts between States. This chances for a lasting peace in that region.
trend must be condemned. My delegation once more 92. A number of elements now exist in the form of
would like to call on all nations to utilize the peaceful the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty, the plan of the
means for the settlement of disputes which are spelled Twelfth Arab Summit Conference and the proposals
out in Article 33 of the Charter.
of th~ United States Administration, along with
86. This leads me to the question of the Security Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973),
Council. The Charter intended that that Council should which could be used to build a permanent and lasting
have primary responsibility for international peace peace in the Middle East.
and security. However, far too often, as the Secretary-
93. Included in the perennial litany of woe is the yet
General warns in his report, nations have avoided unresolYed question of Namibia. The freedom that has
bringing critical problems to the attention of the come to Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe will,
Council, or on occasion have submitted them too
it is hoped, soon come to Namibia. The writing has
late for that body to .exercise any serious influence Jong been on the wall for the racist regime in Pretoria,
on their development and outcome. All members but its obduracy persists. In desperation it continues
of the Council, both permanent and non-permanent,
to procrastinate by ~ttempting to make Cuban dis-
have a duty to examine dispassionately and to search engagement from Angola a condition of Namibian
diligently for solutions to issues that are brought independence. South Africa has no right whatsoever
before the Council.
in Namibia, and should leave forthwith.
87 •. It is.regrettable that the decisions of the Council 94. A word about apartheid and sports-an fasue
are far too frequently ignored. I believe that the legal which, because of the prowess of Caribbean nations
obligation of States to adhere to resolutions and in many sporting activities, principally the game of
decisions of the Council would be reinforced by the cricket, is cf more than passing interest to my country.
moral authority of a Council that is seen to be
impartial. It is only when the States Members of
the United Nations carry 0
1
1t the decisions of the
95. The proponents of apartheid have no shame.
They do, however, have -an abundance of material
resources. By assuming that each man has his price,
they have been seeking by wealth and stealth to lure
Security Council that that body will fulfil the role for
which it was conceived.
.88. My Government is mindful of the efforts that
the Security Council has made over the years to bring
peace to the Middle East. Yet today more than ever
before the continuing unstable situation there, vividly
dramatized by the events in Lebanon during the past
two months, threatens global peace and security. My
our black sportsmen to parade their skills in South
Africa. The South African authorities hope thereby to
strangle our sport internationally and to reduce our
positions of principle on apartheid to emrty shib­
boleths. For countries such as the one I have the
honour to represent, countries which flinch at tam­
pering with personal freedoms, persuasion in matters
of personal conduct and conscience is preferable to
coercion. None the less, our cricketers must know that
playing in South Africa will disqualify them for selec­
tion for our national team.
Government believes that the withdrawal of all foreign.
troops from Lebanon is a necessary condition for the
restoration of peace in that country. The people of
Lebanon must be given a chance to seek for them­
selves a genuine and lasting solution to their probh,ms.
96. Today I j~in with those solemnizing the Day of
Solidarity with South African Political Prisoners in
pressing for the release of Nelson Mandela and other
political prisoners in South Africa. We hope that
representatives here will continue to use every method
at their command to isolate South Africa politically,
socially and economically.
89. Barbados is horrified by the recent massacre of~
Palestinian refugees in Beirut. We condemn in the most
unequivocal terms the perpetrators of that dastardly
slaughter of innocent men, women and children in
refugee camps. It is indeed an irony of history that
the tragedy of Sabra and Shatila might have been
prevented by those who were themselves victims of
past atrocities. We note that that barbamus act has
significantly alienated support from Israel, whose
soldiers were in effective control and occupation of
97. That smaU States are vulnerable is a truism
for which ample evidence can be found in recent
events, both in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and
Annex 58
26th ritleetfng-11 October 1982
411
in the Caribbean Sea. It is to the credit of organiza­
tions such as this that many more small island States
have not fallen prey to the desires of some arrogant,
rapacious and stronger neighbouring State. We must
none the less be constantly vigilant. Today, many
small island States face the threat of attack, not by
neighbouring nations but by mercenaries-soldiers of
fortune, motivated by personal greed, spurred by
racial intolerance, or prompted by some nation State
which would fain do its own dirty work, but dare not.
We contend that the activities of mercenaries violate
international law and constitute interference in the
internal affairs of other States. The activities of
mercenaries result in breaches of territorial in!egrity,
national sovereignty and independence and violate the
self-determination of peoples. Such activities pose a
serious danger to international peace and security.
experience, knowledge and personal wisdom will guide
our deliberations to a constructive conclusion. May
I also express our deep appreciation and thanks to
your predecessor, Mr. Kittani, for his excellent per­
formanpe in discharging the dudes of his office. I should
also like to extend my delegation's sincere greetings
to the Secretary-General, with the renewed assurances
of my Governmenf s support for his dedicated efforts
in uphol<Jing the objectives of the Organization.
101. We are meeting at a time of increasing tension
and anxiety. We are in a situation which demands
that serious and urgent steps be taken to prevent
any further deterioration in the international climate
and to align the norms of international behaviour with
the proper human values prescribed in the Charter.
The need to strengthen the rote -0f the United Nations
Barbados is, and will continue to be, in the vanguard
of those States which press for the adoptaon of reso•
lotions and conventions to stamp out the recruitment,
use, financing and training of mercenaries. I wish,
therefore, to appeal to Member States for whom the
elaboration of such a c-onvention would appear to
create problems to present their case in a constrJctive
manner so that solu!ions may be attempted.
in maintaining world peace and security is felt at the
present stage more strongly than ever before. We
should not allow the opportunity of this meeting to
pass without effectively renewing our commitments
to the objectives of the Organization, and fulfilling
the aspirations of our peoples.
102. In his remarkable report to the Assembly, the
Secretary-General has very ably diagnosed :he world
situation, and my delegation fully agrees with him
that our prime objective at this crucial moment should
be to renew t3e concept of collective action for peace
and security, and to r~nder the United Nations more
capable of carrying out its primary function.
98. Finally, let me assure the Assembly that Barbados
holds the view that the Organization presents the best
means for harmonizing the actions of nations in the
attainment of common ends. It already has many
impressive achievements to its credit. However, it
must now address other pressing needs that clamour
for solution. We fully realize that the transformation
of resolutions, decisions and treaties into practical
action cannot be achieved except by commitment and
dedicated effort by all our countries.
103. The United Nations was created fer the purpose
of harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment
of common ends and it should effectively remain so
with the maximum capacity to safeguard peace and to
99. .Intellectual and moral thinking in the twentieth
century has taken a huge humanitarian leap. We have
come to accept that pea~e in our time means more
than the mere cessation of war. It connotes the creation
and maintenance of conditions conducive to the full
be a forum for responsible discussions and negotia­
tions between n~-~ions. We feel also that the respon­
sibility as well as l~te authority of the Security Council
in its function as the primary instrument for main­
taining international peace and security should be
reconfirmed and further strengthened by all possible
means. In this context, my delegation wishes to stress
the important commitment of the permanent mem­
bers of the Council and their responsibilities to world
peace.
development of man's physical, intellectual and
spiritual attributes. These conditions cannot exist if the
leading military Powers continue in their race to out­
do each other in the stockpiling and trading of arms
of frighteningly destructive power. Nor can the condi­
tions indispensable to true peace exist where the
battlefield is the ready recourse for disputing nations.
Nor will the conditions of true peace exist while the
millions of the North are blessed with plenty, while
dehumanizing poverty and crippling underdevelop­
ment plague the millions of the South. Nor will the
conditions of true peace ever exist until the miasma of
104. It is frightenin,g to imagine a world with no
power at all to deal with situations that endanger
international peace. The recent military adventcres
in Lebanon and the earlier foreign int~rventions
in Afghanistan, Kampuchea and some other countries
in Africa and Latin America have indeed alarmed the
world community regarding the dangers of a new inter­
national anarchy. Therefore it is of the utmost
importance that we seriously and sincerely embaJt...on
a process that will free mankind of these fears and
anxieties.
apartheid is eradicated from southern Africa. These
conditions will not exist and be secure until, in word
as well as in deed, we begin to live out the true meaning
of the resonant exordium of the Charter of this great
Organization. There it reaffirms the faith of the
founding nations and indeed of all mankind
0
in fun­
105. My delegation feels that we should accelerate
our efforts to achieve world disarmament. While we
damental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the
person, in the equal rights of men and women and of
concentra!e on removing the qanger of a nuclear war,
we should continue with renewed determim1tion our
nations large ar.d small ...
100. Mr. JAMEEL (Maldives): Mr. President,
efforts to limit the arms race and the production and
stockpiling of nuclear weapons as well as of other
J should like to begin my speech by congratulating
you on behalf of my delegation on your election to
the presidency of the thirty-sev1enth session of the
General Assembly. We are confident that your vast
destructive u,conventional'' W<~apons. My delegation
will continue: to suppo1'1 the efforts of the world
community :in the direction ,of total disarmament,
including the: safeguarding of outer space, prohibition
Annex 58
482
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
of n,,Jclear .. weapon tests and establishment of nuclear­
weapon-free zones.
Africa of its occupation of Namibia, despite the
vigorous efforts of the United Nations to grant inde­
pendence to that deprived nation, constitutes a flagrant
violation of international law and endangers worl6
peace and the stability of the African region. It is our
duty to continue political and economic pressure on
South Africa in our efforts to force it to concede
to the logic of human realities and to continue our
support to the people of Namibia under the leadership
of SW APO. While condemnii\g the occupation of
Namibia by South Africa, my Government reiterates
its support to the oppressed people in South Africa
itself under its inhuman policy of apartheid in their
struggle for equality, justice and dignity.
106. The situation in the Middle East remains the
most pressing issue on the international scene. The
tragic events in Lebanon have added new dimensions
to the gravity of the problem to which the Organiza­
tion has to address itself. And yet the question of
Palestine-the legitimate rights of the Palestinian
people to self-determination and freedom-remains at
the heart of the issue. The key to any lasting solution
and to peace in that cn,cial area is, as is evident
from the sequence of recent events, the reaHzation of
the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,
including the right to have their own independent
homeland.
111. Another question of concern to us is the situa­
tion in Cyprus. We are disappointed by the slow
107. The world has witnessed with anger and dismay
the Israeli invasion of Lebanon while it continued its
illegal occupation of other territories, perpetuating
its policy of expansion through the establishment of
progress in negotiations between the parties concerned
with the aim of reaching an honourable solution to
the prolonged internal dispute that will at the same time
ensure the rights of the communities and preserve the
national and territorial integrity of the country.
ill~gal settlements, ignoring and rejecting United
Nations resolutions and violating all norms of inter­
national behaviour. My Government has joined the
world community in its repeated condemnation of the
Israeli aggression against Arab territories and atroci­
ties in the occupied territories.
112. My country is concerned also about the stale­
mate in the dialogue between the peoples of North
and South Korea for the purpose of their peaceful
reunification. We believe that the international com­
munity should continue its support to the Korean
people and encourage ..:hem to continue that process
within the· framework of their own aspirations, free
from outside influence and pressure. In this respect
we should welcome all initiatives calling for the
resumption of talks between the two sides.
108. The invasion of Lebanon under the cruel pre­
text of liquidating the PLO, which symbolizes the
legitimate will of the· Palestinian people, has clearly
revealed the nature oflsraeli policies in the area. Israel
is not only a radical entity that aims to expand at the
expense of other ~~:,les and of their rights, but is
also a force that will not hesitate to interfere in the
internal affairs of sovereign States through occupation,
terrorism and even assassination in order to achieve
uqjustitiable objectives. The world community, in­
cluding States which continue to sympathize with
Is~ael, should now, in particular after seeing the
horrible consequences of its invasion of Lebanon, act
firmly to stop the arrogance and expansionism of
Israel.
113. We are deeply concerned that the war between
Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran continues . to
rage despite the repeated appeals by the world com­
munity for a cease-fire and for the solution of the
dispute between those two neighbouring countries by
peaceful means.
114. Maldives continues to be guided by a policy
of non-alignment and has always endeavoured humbly
to contribute its modest share in order to strengthen
the unity and the charter of the non-aligned movement,
in a·~ sincerity for peace, friendship and international
co-operation.
109. Among the central issues of international con­
cern remain the questions of Afghanistan and Kampu­
chea, two small countries which were subjected to
foreign invasion. My delegation reiterates its policy
of endorsing the United Nations resolutions which
condemn foreign intervention and call for the with­
drawal of foreign forces from those two countries,
allowing the pr,oples of Afghanistan and Kampuchea
the opportunity to exercise their own rights without
outside influence or pressure, including the right of
refugees to return to their homes in safety and honour.
We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General in
115. Turning to our region and to a question of imme­
diate concern to my country, I wish to confirm our
fuJI endorsement of and support for the proposal to
transform the Indian Ocean into a zone of peace, 1-:ot
oniy because of our strong opposition to the presence of
foreign military bases and facilities in the Indian Ocean
but also because of the awareness of increasing ten­
sion in the region and of the strong possibility of
their involvemer.t in provoking and escalating con­
flicts in the area.
initi~ting talks with the parties concerned aimed at
finding a political solution to the problems involved.
In the same context and within the framework of the
same principles involved, we look at the events in
Africa and Latin America in which intervention in
the internal affairs of countries took place under dif.,
116. The rivalry among the big Powers and their
military presence in our own neighbourhood divert
9ur attention to potential dangers and compel us to
exhaust our resources on otherwise unnecessary
security measures, while <1ur limited resources are
ferent pretexts in the past few years. My country is
deeply concerned over this trend of military inter­
vention, which und~rmines the orderly and peaceful
existence of nations.
most vitally needed for the promotion of the welfare
of our peoples and the development of our economies.
The efforts to implement the Declaration of the Indhnn
Ocean as a Zone of Peace must therefore be renewed
and continued within the framework of the fund:a­
mental elements of the Declaration. We feel that tf1e
Coiombo Conference should be held on as early a
110. Among issues of grave concern to the Organi­
zation and to the world as a whole is the question
of South West Africa. The continuation Toy South
Annex 58
date as possible. It may be true that the convening
of the Conference will not be enough to resolve all
the problems pertaining to the security of our region.
However, we are convinced that the meeting will
contribute to the favourable development of the con­
cept and improve the climate in the region.
instrument with the most potential for maintaining
peace and security in the world and fulfilling the
aspirations of mankind to justice and prosperity.
122. Undenuably, we are bound by serious con•
strairits and difficulties. We are more often faced
with frustrating situaiions such as that through which
we are passing today. However, our faith and trust
in the noble principles enshrined in the Charter of
the United Nations demand of us that we renew our
commitments and continue our efforts in sti-engtht,n
the role of the Organization in fulfiUiIAg the lofty objec­
tivtts of the ~barter.
117. My country is indeed glad to note the success­
ful conclusion of the negotiations at the Third United
Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea with the
adoption of a comprehensive Convention on the Law
of the Sea which reflects the expectations of the world
community. It is our hope that the acceptance of the
Convention by all the States Members of tile United
Nations will become a reality as soon as possible.
My delegation believes that the Convention will be
an extremely important instrument fc,r the promotion of
123. Mr. CASTILLO-ARRIOLA (Guatemala) (inter•
preta!ion from Spanish): On behalf of the Guate­
malan delegation, over which I have the honour. to
preside, I wish to express to you, Mr. Hollai, con­
a peaceful and orderly discipline in ocean aff'aj1-s as
well as for the exploitation of the immense resou1~es
of the sea and the sea-bed in a better and more
dignified manner, which would ce benetici~ for
mankind as a whole.
gratulations on your unanimous election as Presi­
dent of tbe General Assembly. Such a high distinc­
tion is well-deserved recognition of your human and
professional qualities and your profound knowledge
of the problems being discussed in the Organization.
I am convinced that under your able leadership our
tasks will attain the very best results. Please rest
assured that you may count on the whole-hearted
co-operation of the Guatemalan delegation. I also
wish to express my delegation's recognition of the
work accomplished under the din-.ction of Mr. Kit­
tani as President of the previous session. My deJe ...
gation _greets with special satisfaction the Secretary­
G~neral,, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, that illustrious
Latin American diplomat, who is indefatigible in
his efforts in search of a more effective role for the
United Nations in its endeavours to attain inter­
national peace, understanding and harmony.
118. While we focus our ·attention on the critical
developments on the intematics.~-d political scene,
we fiI.td that further deterioration and serious erosion
is taking place in multilateral economic relations
mainly due to the failure of some of the developed
countries to understand the inevitability of inter­
dependence. My delegation feels that the concept of
global negotiation should be further pursued and that
new initiatives should be undertaken to accel~rate our
effort to establish a new international economic order.
Meanwhile we should continue our multilateral
negotiations at the sectoral levels within and outside
the specialized world bodies. The process should not
be allowed to slow down under the pressure of the
still existing obsessions <lf protectionism and adverse
national policies. We should sincerely and collectiveiy
address ourselves to all the stres~s and strains of the
entire economic system of the world, which extend
beyond the relationship between North and South.
Mr. Abulhassan (Kuwait), Vice-President, took
the Chair.
119. Meanwhile we are convinced tdat the promotion
of measures for collective self-reliance among the
developing countries is now more indispensable
than ever. In this regard we endorse the outcome
of the meeting of the Intergoyemmental Follow­
124. As regards the national policy of my coitntry,
I wish to declare that the present Government of
the Republic of Guatemala, which assumed power
on 23 March of this year to put an end to a prac­
tically untenable situation stemming from corrup.;.
tion and lack of respect for the will of the people
as expressed at the polls, received the immediate
assent and approval of tl)e entire Guatemalan peo­
ple and met with expressions of international accep­
tance and satisfaction ..
Up and Co-ordination Committee on economic co­
operation among developing countries held in August
in Manila.
·
125. The goals of the Government of Guatemala
are basically to bring peace to the country, which
is now in such a serious stat~ of upheaval, espe­
120. As one of the least developed countries of
the third world, Maldives was happy to note the
positive responses from many of the developing
countries to the recommendations of last year's
Paris Conference.
cially in some areas, as a result of actions by sub­
versive grou.:as which have sown terror among the
population and caused incalculable personal arid
3
For our part, we shall try to
demonstrate to the donor countries and to our friends
all over the world that we are sincere and serious
in our efforts to develop nur country and to emerge
from the bracket of underdevelopment to an appro­
priate stage of steady national growth. We sincerely
material damage to inhabitants, forcing them to
abandon their places of origin, disintegrating f81Pi­
lies, causing suffering, desolation and death. My
Government is trying to bring into active produc­
tivity and the benefits of progress through _policies,
projec!s and development programmes, a great
hope that the recommendations of the Paris Con­
ference will be followed up effectively, and we look
forward to the round-table meetings scheduled to
take place in the near future in the earnest hope that
they will produce positive results.
mass of the native population which has lived a
forsaken and marginal existence and thus to elimi­
nate as much as pos~ible the enol'mous social dif­
ferences that now prevail. It is trying also to reduce
the causes of dissatisfaction and frusL--ation in various
sectors of · the population, to bring about respect
121. In conclusion I should like to reaffmn my
country's faith and trust in the Organization as the
for universally recognized human rights, and obser ..
Annex 58
vance and full exercise thereof, to accelerate the
process of integrated and harmonious development
for the entire country, to reactivate the country's
economy and to create everywhere the conditions
necessary for tbe country, to move toward, a polit­
ical event in which citizens may freely choose their
new authorities and thereby return to constitutional
normalcy.
subversive violence. At the political level, a Coun­
cil of State bas been created, with members rep­
resenting all the sectors of the country and consti­
tuting an advisory body of the Government of the
Republic and a balancing factor within it. It shoutd
be emphasized that this is a body which, for the first
time in the history of the country, comprises the
various ethnic elements which make u_p the nation,
so that they now have a forum in which to put for­
126. On coming to power the new Government
of Guatemala, which is presided over by General
Jose Efrain Rios Montt, outlined 14 points con­
taining its aspirations and the guidelines to be fol­
lowed in order to achieve full well-being for the
people of Guatemala.
ward their problems, needs and desires and the aspir­
ations of their respective communities. In the future
they will participate with ali the other sectors of
the nation in the decision-making process, so that
we are better able to define the destiny of the Re­
public.
127. Those points are as follows: first, to make
the people aware that the authorities are there to
129. The President of the Republic, in his address
at the inauguration of the Council of State, said:
serve tht.,m and not the people to serve the author­
ities; second, to bring about the reconciliation of
the entire Guatemalan family for the benefit of peace
and national concord; third, to ensure the security
ood tranquillity of the individual, through absolute
respect for human rights; fourth, to restore indi­
vidual and national dignity; id'th, to develop a nation­
alistic spirit and to creete the foundation for th1'
participation and integration of the various ethnic
groups that make up our nation; sixth, to bring about
"The political concept which at present we
define as Guatemalan reformism or reform will
be valid only when the various objectives mate­
rialize and become legal fact. These objectives,
reached over the short, intermediate or long term,
will be the framework upon which the roof of our
nationality will rest."
130. Among other general objectives, since the
detailed objectives will be established by mutual
agreement and de1)ending upon the encouragement
provided by the participation of those sectors con­
cerned in the development of our nation, we point
out the following.
t1te economic recover/ "f the nation in keeping with
the free enterprise system, through the controls
required by the present state of the nation; seventh,
to restructure the judie.ial power, with the partici­
pation of the Bar Association, in order to adapt it
to present circumstances and ensure that it func­
tions in accordance with ethical, moral and jurid­
ical norms; eighth, to eradicate administrative
corruption and promote among civil servants a
genuine spirit of public service, which constitutes
the foundation of a national Government; ninth,
to encourag,: among the various pressure groups
which represent national acttvuy a new develop­
ment-orientedt" reformist and nationalistic spirit;
tenth, to strengthen national integration, efficiently
utilizing the co-operatio;, of other State:l and inter­
national organizations, at the same time pointing
out certain problems of the State in its foreign rela­
tions; eleventh, to improve the standard of living
of the people in order to reduce existing differences;
131. First, the Council of State shall legislate on
the privileges and exemptions of Guatemlrlans,
enhancing and reinforcing in this legal body all tliat
pertains to liuman rights. These rights must be exam­
ined, publicized, taught and practised and their prin­
ciples should serve as the basis for all types of legisla­
tion. The present Government is committed to the
inclusion in the fundamental laws of Guatemala of
everything that pertains to human rights.
132. Secondly, the Council of State shall propose
the legal procedures through which political dev­
elopment may be guaranteed with the utmost secu­
rity and respect for social stability. To this end,
basic agreements must be reached to ensure the
democratization of the country, thus establishing
its own system, efficient and reliable, _just and flexi­
twelfth, to restr,icture the electoral system so that
as a true democratic institution it represents the
political participation of the people anct so that their
wishes are not frustrated; thirteenth, to reorganize
the public administration so that government pro­
grammes are carried · out in a dynamic way and to
ensure its efficiency and control its regular func­
tioning, thereby avoiding administrative anarchy;
fourteenth, to restare a constitutional form of gov­
ernment for the country within a fixed period of
time, so that Guatemalans will know and demanci
their rights and know their duties and obligations
within free democratic institutions.
ble, capable of meeting the problems inherent in
our national identity, and a strong State which will
be representative, consolidated aPd dynamic.
133. Thirdly, the Council of State shall, further­
more, draft a provisory law for the purpose of electing
a Constituent Assembly which will broaden polit•
ical life by the authentic representation of all Gua­
temalans, promoting participation by the people
128. To attain those objectives the Government
and consolidation uf the State by encouraging the
expression of public opinion and organizing large
numbers of people and social groups in order to
establish a more united society which will empha­
size our common interests and ensure the enjoy­
ment of harmony with freedom among its plural­
istic constituents.
of the Republic of Guatemala has since coming to
power taken steps to cleanse the public adminis­
tration, reduce public expendit..;1-e through a policy
of austerity, promote investmt!r,s, increase exports
of traditional and non-traditional products and to
provide immediate help to the villages affected by
134. In view of the frustrations suffered by the
Guatemalans, the repeated and successive contra­
dictions inherited from previous Governments, the
Annex 58
lack of an overall strategy on the part of the poJit ..
under a new and safe electoral system will for the
ical authorities to deal with subversion; the lack
of solutions to our basic problems; the total lack
of any ethic:al or moral example set by those leading
-or claiming to lead-the nation; ana fn, view of the
obvious irresponsibility in the management of the
national economy and the widespread corruption,
"the Guatemalan army commits itself to lead the
countryn, the President i,as asked me to state before
the Guatemalan people, "with fmnness and a voca­
tion to serve, towards a democratization process
which will create the conditions and legal machinery
required for the establishment of a Government
that will represent legitimacy and put an end to cor­
ruption. The Guatemalan al'IPy fmnly rejected the
disruptive activities of individn&Js or institutions,
first time freely exercise their right of universal suf­
frage, thus ensuring the self-determination of the
people of Guatemala and ruling out the electoral
fraud which in the past has been the means of di­
verting our democracy from its true course; to return
to a state of law and to install a democratic Govern­
ment representative of all the people, a process
whose gradual development will be completed by
the beginning of 198S. We are convinced that all
sectors of the country will patriotically co-oper­
ate in this enterprise to implement a true democracy
involving the representation and participation of
the people of Guatemala. That is our commitment,
and those are the firm steps we shall take towards
the future of Guatemala in the search for a better
as well as the corrupting effects of any demagogy
on the part of those who ta";e upon themselves rights
which are only the result of their own frustration,
irrespomiibiJity or ignorance
national and international destiny.
O
•
13S. Corruption in former regimes led Guatemala
to a process of decay, not •only politically but also
socially, spiritually and morally, and to the loss of
the ethical values that are essential to ~opte•s lives.
140. From this rapid glance at the transformation
which has taken place in my country, it can be in­
ferred that its international policy will also be dif ..
ferent fron1 now on. Without underestimating the
sacred ooncepts of the sovereignty and indepen­
dence of nations, the Government I represent is
aware of the interdependence of nations in the eco­
nomic, political and cultural fields and it recognizes
the need that our problems a.td our diffeNnces be
136. For this reason, the Government of the Repub­
lic has encouraged a dialogue between the people
and the authoritias; and it is hoped that by exam­
ple, new attitudes and the implementation of a new
philosophy of Government, these intrinsic values
of our people will be gradually restored, so that to­
·getber with material development can also be a change
in the ethical and spiritual standards, which will
unquestionably enable Guatemala to see its future
more clearly, recover its identity as a nation, and
shape its own destiny.
reS!>lved in the concert of nations, in open discus•
sion, in the best way, on the basis of respect and
trust.
141. · In addition to the circumstances just described,
we have also had to deal with a national disaster
in the southern part of the country, brought about
by an atmospheric depression, ~using loss of human
life, crops and property. All this has brought a shadow
of mourning over Guatemala. I wish to take this
opportunity publicly to express, on behalf of the
Government of Guatemala, our appreciation for the
prompt and effective help we have received from
friendly Governments and international organizations.
137. Our national problems are difficuit, we shall
need sacrifice, effort, work and good will on the
part of all Guatemalans to see our country through.
It is to these noble tasks that we are presently de­
voted, tasks that will undoubtedly also require inter­
national understanding and co-operation.
142. As regards the foreign policy of my country,
the Government of Guatemala has since the day it
assumed power on 23 March this year, seen the
necessity of revitalizing our democratic institutions
and restoring the fundamental values of the people
138. The stage which Guatemala is presently going
through is critical because the structures, resources,
values and principles that held good are now being
and the dignity of the nation, and it has declared
judged and analysed so that we can apply them in
future and gain a clear and revised image of our situa­
tion. We are in fact a country where there is a great
deal to be done. And so it must be when a people
decides to face the responsibility of building its own
history. From experience we have learned that if we
do not take the making of our own history into our
own hands, others will do it for us in their own way,
which implies an ominous fate for a people which
respects itself: intervention.
its intention of abiding by and complying with the
international commitments acquired by Guatemala
and maintaining full respect for the legal rules gov­
erning relations between States, as well as co-oper­
ating closely with the organizations that concern
themselves at the international level with human
rights and guard and protect their exercise.
143. The Government of Guatemala intends to­
strengthen its bonds of friendly relations and co­
operation with all countries with which such n~la­
tions already exist and to extend them to all coun­
tries which love peace and democracy and which
desire such relations, in order to achieve the prin­
139. The historic commitment of the present Gov­
ernment of Guatemala is to consolidate the peace
and security of the nation; to solve the serious eco­
nomic crisis which is affecting Guatemala, as indeed
ciples of progress within the international community.
it is affecting the entire world, because of an eco­
nomic recession which in Central America has be­
come aggravated by internal causes; to restructure
and incorporate large sectors that are representative
of the country and which have been unjustly left out
in the past and have not participated in the demo­
cratic decision-making of the nation, but which
144. Guatemala also wishes to confirm its trust in
international organizations and its decision to comply
with commitments undertaken in terms of the prin­
ciples and the Charter of the United Nations and
thosf; of the charter of the Organization of American
States [OAS] and to reaffirm my Government9s sup-
Annex 58
-
port for die United Nations as the principal instru­
ment for maintaining peace and strengthening inter­
national security.
nomic and cultural human rights. The Government
of the Republic respects those rights within the
country and internationally it is co-operating with
the organizations creatt.d to ensure their observance.
145. As regards our Central American policy, Gua­
temala pursues a policy of fraternity with the coun­
tries of the region, as we have the same origin, we
acceded to independent life at the same time, we
make up a geographic unit, we share the same his­
tory, we; speak the same language, we have the same
traditions and customs an~ we face similar problems.
146. Maintaining utmost respect for the principle
of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other
countries, Guatemala seeks a rapprochement with
the sister nations of Central America. The terms
of this rapprochement can best be summarized as
respect for the highest values of humanity, namely
peace, justice and freedom, and the building of eco­
nomic, legal and political mechanisms for the de­
velopment of the Isthmus, to promote co-operation
among our nations, to strength~n the bonds among
oQr peoples and to engage in a joint search for a
more promising future for the area, which of late
has seen ao many upheavals.
147. At the Latin American level, Guatemalan
policy is aimed at reaffirming its faith in the inter­
American system, the objectives of which are out­
lined Jn the charter of the OAS; our international
policy at the regional levei is one of interrelation,
solidarity and co-operation with the colmtries of the
region. We believe tl1at Latin America must play
152. In line with this policy, the Government of
the Republic extended a cordial invitation to the
whole Inter-American Commission on Human
Rights to visit Guatemala to ascertain that those
rights were being observed, within the context of the
national situation. This invitation was accepted with
pleasure and the visit took pla:e during the week of
20 to 26 September this year. The Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights publicly recognized
that its members enjoyed full co-operation and broad
ireedom during their stay in Guatemala while
carrying out an in-depth investigation of human
rights in my country. They met with officials from
the Government, institutions, associations, rep­
resentative groups and political parties, as well as
with individuals and legal entities who wished to file
complaints. They travelled to the interior of the
country, visiting the villages of their choice, to inter­
view the inhabitastts and exchange impressions with
them and to view on the spot their problems and
their living conditions from a human rights stand­
point. The report of the Inter-American Commis­
sion on Human Rights, once the procedural require­
ments laid. down in its rules and regulations have
been met, will be made pubJic by the Commission
itself and may be read by the entire international
community. At the end of their visit the members
of the Commission made recommendations to the
Government of Guatemala, which are at present
under consideration for appropriate implementation.
its proper role, within the world community, for it
is a continent that bas struggled for the principles
of freedom, social justice and dignity and a region
that has a geo-political influence of undeniable import­
ance within the world coqimunity.
153. Within the jurisdiction of the United Natimis,
the Commission on Human Rights decided to appoint
a special rapporteur to investigate the human rights
situation in Guatemala. The Government asked
the Secretary-General to propose the name of a can­
didate for that post. The person proposed has al­
ready been appointed and has been accepted by
my Government, and he will be given full co-oper­
ation and freedom for the fulfilment of his mission.
148. Guatemala has faith in the histori,:: destiny of
our America and believes that by strengthening
relations in the hemisphere within the framework
of the QAS, Latin AmericP will be in a position to
promote gradual, independent and sovereign de­
velopment for its peoples and to secure for them
the conditions necessary to derive maximum benefit
from their natural resources and to utilizE' the ad­
vances of science and technology.
,
154. There have also been interviews and conver­
149. As far as world policy is concerned, Guate­
mala supports those democracies which respect the
dignity of the human being.
sations with the Working Group to examine ques­
tions relevant .to involuntary or enforced disap­
pearances of persons, established by the Commis­
sion on Human Right~, and the information requested
concerning cases under consideration by it has been
submitted. It has been offered our full co-operation
for the fulfilment of its mandate.
150. In the economic field, Guatemala, as a devel­
oping nation, shares the just aspirations of the third­
world countries and, as a member of the Group of
·17, we share the concern of poor nations with regard
to the obvious international injustice-evident at
many levels but fundamentally in the areas of inter­
nat{onal trade and economics.
155. This attitude by the Government of Guate­
mala reflects its sincere mtention to improve the
human rights situation in the country and to request
the assistance of the relevant international organi­
zations in order to make human rights in Guate­
mala more effective every day.
151. As regards human rights, the Fundamental
Statute of Government, which constitues the high­
est legal instrument regulating the actions of the
156. I tum now to the problem of the Malvinas
Government of the Republic of Guatemala, provides
that respect for human rights is one of the basic prin­
ciples of its internal organization and of its inter­
national relations. The same Fundamental Statute of
Government defines human rights and elaborates
on them in its articles, covering basic human rights,
civil and political human rights and social, eco-
Islands. Following the decision of the Republic of
Argentina to reincorporate the Malvinas Islands
within its sovereignty, Guatemala confirmed its
position in support of that sister nation's legitimate
right1 over those islands and endorsed its determi­
nation to claim sovereignty over them. My country,
in public declarations and in statements both in the
Annex 58
26th meetfng-11 October 1982
487
Security Council and at the twentieth consultative peninsula, my country is of the opinion that resumpmeeting
of

Foreign Ministers convened by the OAS tion of the dialogue between North and South Koin

accordance with the Inter-American Reciprocal rea is urgent, so that, through direct negotiations
Assistance Treaty, expressed its views in connec- and without outside pressure or interference, they
tion with the Malvinas Islands, reaffirming its soli- may find a solution to their differences. To that
darity with the Republic of Argentina and recog- end, it is essential that North Korea make the politnizing
the
latter's

full rights to territorial integrity.
ical decision to return to the conference table as
157. In the Security Council itself, Guatemala soon as possible.
·
stated, inter alia:
163. Guatemala believes that, irrespective of the
"It is inconceivable that the colonialist system, main objective that total reunification of the Korean
which is fortunately in its death throes through- peninsula be achieved, both South Korea and North
out the world, including our continent, should Korea, as a means of relieving the existing tenhave

sprung to life, allowing a colonialist empire sion and creating conditions favourable to the stato

impose its !nterests upon our America to the bility of the area, could be admitted as Members
detriment of a Latin American country, whose of the United Natklns, pursuant to the principle
right to sovereignty over the full ektent of its ter-
of universality provided for in the Charter•
ritory has b~en internationally recognized.
164. In regard to disarmament, with which the
"We believe that this matter should be dealt United Nations has concerned itself since its crea-
with through negotiations so that the vast major-
tion my delegation would like to quote the st&te-
ity of the States that make up this interna~ional ment by the President of Guatemala sent as a concommunity

may mainta!~ their faith and belief tribution by my country to the 1we!fth special session
that international justice lives and prevails, even of the General Assembly, the se,;ond special seswhen

what is at stake ve the interests of great sion devoted to disarmament:
Powers which seek to im~ose their wP~ by means
''Gu~temala, whose people and Government
· of their military might.
are deepiy committed to peace, deems it appro­
"If this does not come about, Latin America
priate to express its ideas to this forum convened
to discuss al! aspects of disarmament.
will consider this action against Argentina as a
serious threat to all of Latin America too and very
disturbing for the rest of the world, which might
suffer similar treatment if an attempt were made
to subject them to similar circumstances. t•
uouatemala considers that the arms-reduc­
4
tion campaign is vital for the peace of the world~·
the development of States and ilie prosperity of
peoples.
158. We have witnessed the anguish of a Latin
American republic being attacked by an extracon­
tinental Power in violation of international law, and
we have also been grieved at the fact that Argen­
tina did not receive the response of solidarity which
it should have in this case and provided for in trea­
ties which up to now have been in full force and fully
complied with.
"It is necessatJl to express openly th.:-dangers
inherent in the cont!nuation of the arms race &nd
to dispel the hope that peace and security can
coexist with the ac~umulation of vast quaritf ties
of means of destruction.
·
"General and complete prohibition of the use
of nuclear weapons 'is of parampunt importance,
since it helps to reduce the risk· of nuclear war
which would mean a holocaust for mankind.
159. As the Foreign Minister of the Republic of
Guatemala, I had the honour to sign together with
the Foreign Ministers of other Latin American ::oun­
tries, a request for the inclusion of an item on the
Malvinas Islands in the agenda of the present ses­
sion of the. General Assembly, to be discussed in
plenary meeting.
"My country believes that both atomic and
nuclear energy should be used only for peaceful
purposes and for the benefit of the human race.
''Guatemala considers that a lasting pea~.J can:
be secured only through general and complete
disarmament under effective and strict intenia ..
tional control and not through a balance of arma­
ments between the great Powers.
160. None the less, I now urge the countries in­
volved in the controversy to resume as soon as pos­
sible the required negotiations under the auspices
of the United Nations for the purpose of resolving
that dispute. The peaceful settlement of disputes is
and must continue to be, within the United Nations,
perhaps the most powerful instrument for achieving
peace and security.
'' Disarmament is one of the objectives pro­
claimed by the United Nations for over three de-.­
cades, but despite the numerous initiatives adopted.
by the Organization, the world is witnessing a·
frenzied arms ra~e.
161. The General Assembly bar not discussed
the question of Korea in the pa:;'-.;ix years. Guate­
mala feels that it should be for the Koreans them­
0
Although the great Powers should be primarily
responsible for disarmament, Guatemala believes
that it would also be desirable to ban sophisti­
selves to find a peac,.:ful solution to the problem of
Korea and that the Organization can help to create
a favourable climate in which to resume inter-Ko­
rean talks rather than engage in an unproductive
debate on the question.
cated weapons in Latin America as a way of con­
tributing to universal disarmament and of increasing
the resources allocated to economic and social
development.
"The Treaty of Tlatelolco, to which Guatemala
162. Nevertheless, in view of the tense and un­
stable situation prevailing at present in the Korean
is a party, is a very useful instrument for pre-.
venting Latin America from being converted
Annex 58
..
into a depository of nuclear arms or a test site
for atomic weapons.
"I feel it is apl)'topriate to underscore the great
importance of the highly industrialized countries
understanding that if, instead of devoting large
sums of money to the production of weapons of
mass destruction, they were to channel those re­
sources to poor countries to help them in their
efforts to achieve integral and harmonious devel­
opment, the major scourges of hunger, unemploy­
ment, malnutrition, illiteracy and precarious Jiving
conditions which prevail in the third world would
mate rights to that Territory, which was the subject
of dispute under an international legal contro­
versy, in accordance with the peaceful procedures
of the Charter of the United Nations. That dispute
remains unresolved because of that unilateral and
illegal act by the United Kingdom which has created
a permanent situation of insecurity in the area. We
feel it indispensable to resolve this controversy
through negotiations and by means of a peaceful
solution that is equitable to all parties, including
basically the rights o~ Guatemala, which are founded
on solid historical, geographical, legal, political
and moral arguments.
be considerably reduced.
"Peace and social justice, which are the great­
est aspirations of mankind, can be achieved with
the active participation of all nations with a view
to establishing a new international order and
creating for present and future generations a more
human and balanced world based on solid foundations
or
equality

and dignity.
05
•
170. Guatemala, confronted by this unaccept­
able action, considers that the way in which inde­
pendence was granted to Belize was in violation
of interna~ional nnrms; t~erefore, it does not recog­
mze that mdependence, 1t does not rec:ognize Belize
~s a State, nor. does it reco~ni~e its sovereignty or
its ~rders, or •!s mem~rsh1p m the community of
nations. That will contmue as long as a fair, equi­
t~ble solution pres~rving Guatemala's legitimate
11ghts over the Temtory and the interests of the
population of Belize is not found.
165. Guatemala believes that all the problems of
disarmament should not continue to be viewed in
the traditional way, but that it is necessary to
extend the field of knowledge as to the attitude of
certain Powers and countries which uncondition­
ally serve their hegemonistic interests by providing
subversive movements with arms, munitions, mili­
tary training, logistical support, money and inter­
national patronage.
171. Guatemala has asked the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern In:Jand not to dis­
regard its historical responsibility in this matter
and to continue direct negotiations so that a peace­
ful and at the same time equitable and honourable
solution may be found for this age-old controversy.
166. If a global analysis of mf.ltters r.:lated to disarm­
ament is not carried out,, various initiatives to
reduce military expenditures and calls to Powers
to halt their arms race deal with only one aspect of
!he problem but overlook the other aspect, which
172. The noble purposes ~f the United Nations
will not truly be achieved unl~ss the large majority
~f mankind . c~ases to suffer from poverty, hunger,
ignorance, dbteracy, unemployment, malnutrition,
precarious living conditions, lack of housing and
ll}any other h~ships. If _all human beings have a
nght to happiness, matenal progress and intellec­
tual, moral and spiritual advancement, the main
tasks of the United Nations must be to streng­
then international co-operation and to create the
conditions necessary to exercise those fundamental
rights.
1s the supplying of arms to subversive factions so
that they may continue to use terrorism and armed
struggle as means to win power, at the resulting
cost '?f. ~uman Jive~ and suffering and hardship for
the civilian population, as well as the unavoidable
use of resources to fight subversion, which could
otherwise be used for works of public benefit and
major social interet1t.
167. Guatemala notes with satisfaction that the
Third United Nations Conference en the Law of
the Sea, after holding several sessions, has suc­
~eded in producing the text of a Convention on
the Law of the Sea. My country, like others, sin­
cerely regrets that a text which has the subject of
protracted negotiation has not been adopted by
consensus because some States have reservations
concerning some of the provisions of the instru­
ment, basically those concerning the exploitation
of sea resources beyond national jurisdiction.
173. My delr.gation believes it essential to initiate
global_ negotiations .. on co~peration for develop­
ment m the economic field, smce everybody is aware
that it has not been possible to reduce the gap be­
tween developed countries and developing nations.
On the contrary, the economic and monetary crisis
has of late merely worsened those adverse effects
on the sensitive economies of developing nations.
No effective solution has been foand for the prob­
lems of commodities, international debts, balance
of payment_s, protecti~n of the purchasing power
of developmg countnes, trade and transactions,
transfer of technology, increase of actual available
, resources, and access to capital markets.
168. Guatemala urges these nations to show their
goodwill by making concer,sions in their political
attitudes, so that the Convention on the Law of the
Se~ may be strengthened through its implemen­
tation by all the States Members of the Organiza­
tion. Guatemala voted in favour of the Convention
and will sign it when it is open for signature by States.
169. As regards Belize, Guatemala reiterates and
maintains in this Assembly its reservations regarding
the unilateral granting of independence to Belize
by the United Kingdom, ignoring Guatemala's legiti-
· 114. Although Guatemala believes that the United
Natio!1s is the n_iost appropriate forum for resolving
questions affectmg the future of all the countries
of the world, we admit that the Organization has
not always acted with the promptness and effec­
tiveness needed to solve the crises threatening
world peace. This situation occurs because it is
difficult to strike an accurate and practical balance
between human rights, the interests of States and
Annex 58
the principles and purposes of the Charter. We have
thus noted that the Security Council and the General
Assembly have not always made the same assess­
ment of situations that threatened international
peace and security. The Security Council itself has
to some extent distorted its role by using proce­
dures of informal consultations among its mem­
bers, instead of concerning itself, as it ought to,
with handling matters falling directly within its juris ...
diction and finding adequate solutions for them.
of them with devastating effect. Turbulence is per­
vasive. No region, indeed no country, has escaped
unscathed. More than ever before States need in
their bilateral relations to be conscious of the impact
of their national policies on others and to take the
appropriate and necessary steps to avoid conflict,
preserve pluralism and promote security and the
economic and social development of peoples through­
out the world.
175. My country saw a good example of that when
we submit!ed to that body our petition opposing the
admission of Belize to the United Nations. The
Security Council, in open violation of the princi­
ples of the Charter, refused to be seized of the mat­
179. Underlying current global tensions is the
heightening of the contestation between sooial sys­
tems. Nowhere is that more clearly reflected than
in the increase in expenditure on, and the sophis­
tication of, annaments and weapons systems, fuel­
ling the movement towards conflict and global con­
ter. It did so without any reason, forgetting that
flagration. The language of co-operation has been
there had been an open controversy to be resolved
within the principles of the Charter.
superseded by that of confrontation and the rela­
tions among tlte great Powers are now da.1Jge1 :>usly
adversarial. Thus military and political rivalrif:s
have reached a new level, creating in their wake
deep fissures in international relations and the frus­
tration of the process of democratization of tb1Jse
relations.
176. It is necessary to establish a solid basis of
equity and justice for the development of in~erna­
tional relations. My delegation believes that we
must return to the sources· that gave birth to this
Organization. The light which then shone at San
Francisco, when the Organization was created,
should become a beacon for present and future gen­
erations; one which will light our way and enable
us to build a better and more balanced world, one
founded on the pillars of fraternity and solidarity,
where peace, social justice, freedom und dignity
to which all human beings without exception are
entitled will prevail.
180. Our global political preoccupations are matched
by economic preoccupations; equitable interna­
tional economic relations are necessary prerequi­
aites to political stability. The present international
economic system is cndoubtedly in disarray and
its debilitating effect on all States, especially on
the small and the weak, is manifest.
181. The solution to that state of affairs demands
collective, reasoned efforts,. But the global com­
munity has not responded in that manner often
enough. Instead of a greater surge towards multi­
lateralism in international economic relatioi,-~, the.~,.
177. Mr. JACKSON (Guyana): My first and pleas­
ant duty is to extend warm felicitations and con­
gratulations to the President, a distinguished son
of Hungary, upon his unanimous election. I and
the other members of my delegation pledge our full
co-operation with him in his efforts to make this
session of the Assembly a successful one. May I at
the same time pay a tribute to Mr. Kittani of Iraq
who, with patience, tact and wisdom, guided the
Assembly through the various and bewildering
demands of the last year. We owe him a debt of gra­
titude. May I also reiterate my congratulations to
the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar
of Peru, on his election to this most important office
at this most critical period. I have personally had
the pleasure and good fortune of working with him
in earlier years when he gave dedicated and un­
stinting-.service to his country and to the Organi­
zation. The seriousness and forthrightness which
characterize the approach of the Secretary-Gen­
eral to the challenges facing the Organization and
its Member States have won praise and well-de­
served recognition within the Organization as well
as outside it. We wish him every success.
is today a retreat from it, resulting in frustration
and impasse. Meanwhile, efforts ,to fashion solu­
tions upon partisan, bilateral criteria are being re­
newed. Indeed, the retreat from multilateralism
that threatens economic relations among States
has been finding expression in a reassertion of the
dominance of sing!e-minded ideological approaches
to economic development, in essence a return to
economic determinism. In the retreat from multi­
lateralism, in this return to econo111ie determinism,
we are faced today with a dual ,trategy. There is
a steadfast refusal to remodel existing international
institutions in a way that would render them more
responsive to th~ serious problems which imperil
us all and, more particularly, the developing coun­
tries. Simultaneously, we witness a tendency to
deny those multilateral institutions the resources
required for their normal operations. In that regm:d1o
the position of UNDP demands our special atten""
tion and we must urge a genuine commitment to
meaningful resource allocation to allow that agency
to continue its useful work in an effective manner.
178. The Secretary-General aptly observed in his
frank and perceptive report on the work of the
Organization "we are perilously near to a new inter­
national anarchy" [A/37/ I, p. /]. Guyana shares
that assessment. The world economic crisis deepens
even as political relations are beset by tension and
turbulence. Within recent years there has been an
intensification of global crises, political and eco­
nomic, and a manifest trend towards the exacer­
bation of existing situations and the creation of new
ones, of so-called local and regional conflicts, some
182. The disturbing trend towards a bilateral reso­
lution of global economic woes is demonstrated in
other ways. We cannot ignore the evidence of three
years of continued stalemate in the effort to launch
the global round of negotiations. There have been
periodic signs during the process which indicated
movement but, just as rapidly, there has been an­
other impasse. The failure to agree on that la~nching
has seriously weakened the much-needed resdlve
Annex 58
-
to undertake collective solutions. The conse­
quence is a growing indication that the global mani ..
festation of the economic woes can be set aside
until the national endeavours at a solution have
been pursued. Thus the absence of global negotia­
tions to help to resolve global problems of a struc­
tural nature has resulted in almost a total dearth
of measures to address the immediate issues which
beset the global community. The individual, par­
tisan adjustment measures are being forged with
an increasing incidence of the attendant burdens,
costs and pains of that adjustment being borne by
the dev~Joping countries.
ter for regret that a few developed States have more­
over chosen instead to conclude between them a
mini-multilateral treaty in defiance of the wishes of
the overwhelming majority of the w~rld's States.
183. The problems of depressed prices for com­
modities, the prevalence of inflation and high interest
rates, the barriers to trade expansion and the chaos
that characterizes the international financial system
187. If I now tum to international political rela­
tions, it is to say that these have deteriorated mark­
edly over the past few years. The diagnoses of the
malai~~ afflicting international relations are many
and ~'?:.ied. They range from the crisis in the multi­
lateral approach in international affairs to the pro­
liferation of armaments wiih the concomitant
incentive and urge to utilize them; the collapse of
co-operative endeavours evolved in the aftermath
of the Second World War-so called; an increasing
disregafd for the fundwnental norms and princirles
of international law; and a widespread tendency
-too widespread-to resort to lawless conduct
based on confrontation, threats and violence and,
unhappUy, intervention.
have been repeatedly assessed, examined and ana­
lysed Crom this rostrum over the last few days. Those
analyses notwithstanding, we in the developing
countries are acutely aware of the limits to growth
we now face as a result of those problems. No­
where are those limits more manifest than in our
efforts at <icbt management. The problems posed
188. These negative manifestations have both
encouraged and facilitated behaviour antagonistic
to full respect for the sovereignty and independence
of State!--small States in particular.
by our spiralling debt burdens present us with tre­
mendous difficulty. Efforts at adjustment to infla­
tion i{l the developed world have had a very grave
effect on its economies. AU of these problems
-high rates of interest, mounting debt burdens
and the very nature of the international financial
system-demand that we seek collective redress.
It is our most compelling concern and one that neces­
sitates urgent and immediate consideration.
189. Interventionist behaviour is undoubtedly
on the increase. It is at once cause and effect of the
crisis in international relations, a distinguishing
feature of many conflicts. The extant cases are
numerous-in the Middle East, in Europe, in Africa
and in Latin America.
184. For our part, we in the developing world have
been willing to seek ways and meMs to contribute
collectively to the solution of the global problems.
as evidenced in the Canicas Programme of Action
6
on economic co-operation among developing coun­
190. Non-intervention in the affairs of other States
has served as one of the main pillars and guiding
principles of a system of stable international rela­
tions. The proscribing of intervention is at the core
of several international instruments adopted by this
world body over the years. The most recent of these
is the Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Inter•
vention and Interference in the Internal Affairs of
States, adopted at the thirty-sixth session [resolu­
tries. Our attempts to pool our individual strengths
and resource bases and thus promote our collec­
tive self-reliance are noteworthy and offer promise
for the future. But, as has been noted on repeated
occasions, economic co-operation among devel­
tion 36/103, annex]. This Declaration represents
a comprehensive instrument codifying the rights
and duties of States that inhere in the principle of
non-intervention.
oping countries, South-South co-operation, is but
one part of the whole. It is not a substitute for genu­
191. Yet, despite its existence as a well-established
ine progress in North-South r~lations. The quest
and fundamental principle of international relations,
for solutions based, on multilateral and collective
methods should be pursued unceasingly.
non-intervention has increasingly been respected
more in the breach. The whole gamut of inter­
ventionist techniques, ranging from overt military
action to the more inridious and r.:ubtle forms of
indirect pressures ano destabilization tactics, has
been brought into play in recent years.
185. Guyana notes with satisfaction the successful
conclusion of the negotiating sessions of the Third
United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea
and the emergence of a final text which truly reflects
the concerns of many who have laboured Jong and
liard to establish an international legal regime for
192. The motivation for intervention varies from
case to case. Yet certain broad patterns are clearly
discernible. Some manipulate local situations of
controversy and exploit intematio1,al conflicts to
,serve perceived broader geo•strategic interests.
.Further, intervention is oftimes designed to. frustrate

national liberation and the struggle ·against
colonialism. No less problematic is interventionist
behaviour undertaken in pursuit of expansionist
ambitions-territorial, id:ological and economic.
the ocean space. It is Guyana's hope that when we
meet in Jamaica to sign the Final Act and Conven­
tion, the number €f signatories to the Convention
will be a source of great satisfaction to those whose
primary motivation over the past several years has
been the promulgation of just and equitable arrange­
ments for the most effective use of the sea and the
utilization of its resources for the benefit of all man­
kind, without discrimination.
186. It is, · not unnaturally, a source of profound
concern that some States should have seen fit to
stand aside from this historic effort. It is also a mat-
193. Some of our countries possess enough human
and material resources to ensure for their people an
adequate and satisfying standard of living. Yet some
of these very countries, in what can only be seen as
Annex 58
26th meetlq-11 October 1'82
4'1
a fit of greed, seek to covet the territory and resources made by the President of Cyprus before the Assembly
of their neighbours. In pursuit of their expansionist [21st meeting].
claims, such countries disregard hallowed prin- 200. Likewise the people of Korea deserve our
ciples and norms of an intematjonal legal edifice support for the peaceful reunification of their terpainstakingly
constructed
over

the years.
ritory without outside interference. Guyana con-
194. But even as we resolve to banish intervention tinues to urge the implementation of the ·provisions
as an instrument of policy in relations among States, of the 4 July 1972 joint ·communique
7
and the more
it becomes imperative to strengthen and advilnce recent constmctive proposals advanced by the
the process of collective security and disarmament. Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The Sf!COnd special session devoted to disarmament, 201. We are particularly concerned about the conheld

here last June, ~id not realize the high hopes tinuil1g war between ll'rul and tbe Islamic Republic of
of our peoples for a world free from the spectre of Iran. We call fQr strict implementation of the relevant
the catastrophic uses of the destructive weapons at resolutions of the Security Council relating to this
man's disposal. This happens at a time in which we matter, in particular resolutions 514 (1982) and 522
witness the proliferatiofl and perfection of a plethora (1982).
of weapons systems possessing mass destructive
capability.
195. It is indeed a sad commentary on the posi­
tion of some major Powers that in the face of a clear
demonstration of the public throughout tite world
in favour of disarmament, , these Powers have not
exercised the necessary political judgement to facil­
itate agreement "ln the various disarmament issues
and th~ preparation of a comprehensive programme
on disarmament.
202. . Central America and the Caribbean--inrleed,
Latin America-is i» a state of ferment. Already
thifl state has culminated in a full-:iedged war (hat
took a heavy toll of young lives and cofltinues to
do so. Threats of destabilizati!:ln an!I armed inter­
vention are mad~ in relation to Central America
and the Caribbea."l. Indigenous impulses for change
are being violently confronted by a tandem force of
local interests and their external supporters. Deliber­
ate policies of pressure and i&timidetion are imple­
mented, policies aiming at ideological conformity.
Guyana firmly believes that a system ctf peaceful
and stable relations in the Latin Amc~rican and
t:aribbean region must of nece2;sity be premi~d
on an end to all types of economic pressures and
political interference and on respect for ideological
pluralism. The Caribbean must be made a zone of
peace.
196. The recen~ horrors which accompanied the
ruthless Israeli invasion of Lebanon and senseless
slaughter of innocent men, women and children
in west Beirut heighten the necessity for a com­
prehensive, just and tasting solution to the Middle
East situation and the Palestinian question. There
has undeniably been a quickening of the conscience
of peoples to the urgent need to terminate the Pales­
tinian diaspora and to bring about the creation of a
homeland for the Palestinians in Palestine, as envis­
aged by early resolutions of the Assembly.
203. In his statement to the Assembly at the
5th meeting, the Foreign Minister of Venezuela
adverted at length to the relations bt.tween our two
countries. Unfortunately that presentation con­
tained egregious distortions; it was contumasious,
and it bordered on calumny. It was tendentious
and selective in its account of history.
197. Let me repeat the position of Guyana: the
acquisition of teriitory by force cannot be condoned;
the Palestinian people, led by their authentic rep­
resentative, the PLO, must have their national rights
restored; and all States in the region should be ~n­
abled to live in peace ~d security.
204. Last year, in addressing the Assembly my
Prime Minister, Mr. Ptolemy A. Reid, laid bare the
history of our relations with Venezuela. The nature
198. We must be equally firm in deaHng with the
of those relations has been profoundly affected by
a Venezu.alan desire to redraw the boundary be­
tween our two countries, a boundary which was
settled by Treaty in 1899 and demarcated on the
ground between 1901 and 1905.
racist entity in Pretoria. The independence of Nami­
bia must be achieved in conformity with Security
Council resolution 43S (1978) and there must be
no question of further conditionalities. South Africa
must be made to vacate Namibia and to do so quickly.
At the same time, South Africa mul>t show full respect
for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neigh­
bouring independent African States. Within South
Africa itself, the systems of apartheid and bantus­
tanization must be condemned. The members of
the international community individually and col­
lectively must desist from giving the racists in South
Africa succour to maintain their oppressive policies.
205. The Foreign Minister of Venezuela stated
that Venezuela's claim is based neither on terri­
torial ambition nor on covetousness of the wealth
of others but on the need to correct an historical
wrong perpetrated against it. And this Venezuela
asserts as the successor to Spanish colonial impe­
rialism. He also asserted that Guyana refuses to
understand the need for this corrertion because it
wishes to enjoy the fruits of British colonial impe­
199. Unhappily, the tragedy of a divided Cyprus
remains, despite the fact that the Assembly in its
resolution 3212 (XXIX) ~et an adequate framework
for the withdrawal of foreign troops and the recon­
ciliation of th~ communities in the territory. Guyana
gives every encouragement to the Secretary­
General to continue unceasingly in his search for
an urgent solution. We also support the proposals
rialism.
206. Guyana hardly needs to reject these pejorative
Venezuelan asseverations. Moreover, our reputa­
tion as an anti-imperialist nation is well known.
The anti-imperialist policies my country pursues
are in accordance with the tenets of the non-aligned
movement, of which it is a full member.
Annex 58
492
General Aaembly-Thlrty-seventh Sesuon-Plenary Meetings
207. The Foreign Minister of Venezuela, in dis- 212. Under the A..r,..eement Guyana and Venezuela
avowing any m"tive of covetousness and expan- were required to choose one of the means provided
sionism, and in persisting in his country's territorial
in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations
claim, asserts that no exploitable mineral resources
for the settlement of the controversy. Venezuela
have been discovered in the Essequibo region, which proposed negotiation; we proposed judicial settleVenezuela

claims. On the contrary, to give but a ment, and recommended the International Court of
few examples, oil has recently been discovered
Justice. Unfortunateiy, Venezuela not only chal-
there; our long-established gold and diamond mines lenged our competence to suggest the International
~re developing as centres of economic activity; and Court of Justice but persistently refused to con,t.~re

has been an intensification in the evaluation sider our proposal for a judicial settlement. As a
of our uranium potential. And Venezue!a knows this. consequence our two countries are now, in strict
accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Agree­
ment, required to consider the selection of an appro­
priate international organ to choose the means of
settlement.
208. With these activities and the potential which
exists, can we accept Venezuela's portrayal of the
Essequibo as a land without exploitable mineral
resources? And are we to understand that its claim
to this land, whose people are moreover of a dif­
ferent culture, is motivated simply by a desire to
redress an historical wrong? We are convinced that
the Venezuelan territorb.1 claim is an unjustified
attempt to satiate a thirst for the land and resources
of c:!,ers.
213. From the inception of the Geneva Agree­
ment in 1966 there have been repeated violations
of it by Venezuela. I have already alluded to some
of them. Notwithstanding those provocations,
Guyana remains willing, in keeping with its policy
of respect for legally binding treaties and peace and
good-neighbourliness, to continue to honour the
Geneva Agreement and to fulfil its obligations under
it. On Friday last Guyana proposed to Venezuela
that ou• two countries, in fulfilment of that Agree­
ment, seek to agree on an appropriate international
organ to choose a means of pacific settlement.
209" The V cnezuelan Foreign Minister also asserted
that there has been no aggression by Venezuela
against Guyana. I cannot permit that statement to
go um;hallenged. Indeed it must be categorically
rejected. Let ,he record speak.
210. Can Veneiuela deny that its troops are still
in occupation of Guyanese territory that it violently
seized in 1966? Can Venezuela honestly-and I stress
the word
0
honestlyH-deny that there have been
214. There are a nuP\ber of organs of a regional
nature, some of which may not be acceptable to
Venezuela and others which may not be acceptable
to us. However, there are three organs of such a
wide int"mational character that in our opil'iion any
of them should be acceptable to both parties. These
organs are: the International Court of Justice. the
Security Council and the General Assembly of the
United Nations.
numerous violations of our air and land space by
Venezuelan aircraft and armed forces? And what
of Venezuela's actions against us in the economic
field? Ca.rt Venezuela deny that it has been endeav­
ouring to dissuade Governments and ot~anizations
both in the developed and in the developing world
from partii::ipating in Guyana's economic develop­
ment, especially in that part of our territory that it
claims? Does Venezuela deny that in June last year,
215. We are therefore 11~w suggesting for the con­
sideration of the Government of Venezuela recourse
to one of those organs. It is Guyana's belief that
their international ~haracter recommends them as
suitable. We put our confidence in them. We trust
that Venezuela would be prepared to do likewise.
as we were prepar· ng for a global conference on
new and renewable sources of energy, its Foreign
Minister wrote to the President of the World Bank
opposing the construction of a hydroelectric facility
216. Let me repeat what my Prime Minister said
in the Upper Mazuruni region of Guyana on the
political ground that the proposed dam was to be
located in the area claimed by Venezuela and that
it was not economically important to Guyana? And
can it deny that such action was lw1(efi af!~r the World
Bank had itself assessed the project as being eco­
nomically and technically feasible? Is that not eco­
nomic aggression?
at the thirty-sixth session of the Assembly:
"We have no other wish than that of establishing
a regime of peace, harmony and friendship with
the people of Venezuela, with whom we share
aspirations for a just and satisfying life and with
whom we can together make a contribution to
our development and that of our region and our
conti~ent". [12th meeting, para. 64.]
211. There are s~veral international treaties and
legal instruments that relate to the border between
Guyana and Venezu,:,la. The most important one is
the Arbitral Award of 1899, which all parties, in-~
eluding Venezuefa, had by an earlier treaty agreed
to accept as a "full, final and perfect settlement".
Pursuant to that Award, as I s,ated earlier, the bound­
To that goal Guyana remains committed.
217. In the complexities which beset the interna­
tional community the non-aligned movement con­
tinues to play an influential and beneficial role. As
we speak out against intervention and interference,
the non-aligned are aware that external efforts to
divide and subvert us will continue. But we must
stick resolutely and uncompromisingly to our prin­
ciples and our policies.
ary was demarcated on the ground and re&:stered
in a separate Agreement in 1905. There is also the
Geneva Agreement of 1966,
8
which has as its pur­
pose the solution of the controversy which "has
arisen af a result of the Venezuelan contention that
the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void".
218. Despite its imperfections, the United Nations
system still offers mankind the best hope for a regime
of international relations based on the rule of law.
Annex 58
493
219. In his courageous report on the work of the
Organization the Secretary-General not only bas
analysed the weaknesses of that system but has also
made constructive proposals for the improvement
of its vitality and the enhancement of its effective­
ness. The decline in its authority and the. credibility
dilemma facing the United Nations are as much func­
tions and consequences of certain deficiencies of
the system as of the growing propensity of an in­
creasing number of nations to marginalize the Organi­
zation or to ignore its decisions.
municated to the Secretary-General through the
normal channels soon after his election and also
during the recent special session of the General
Assembly devoted to disarmament. The Govern­
ment of the Republic of Zimbabwe is particularly
satisfied at his election for several reascns, the most
important of which are bis outstanding qualities
both as a ,;,erson and as a diplomat, which are well
known to ul in this Assembly, and, equally important,
the great honour which his election represents to
his country f
Peru, to the non-aligned movement and
to the third world.
220. We owe it to ourselves and to the Secretary­
General to ponder seriously his assessment of the
international situation, his views on the crisis of
.confidence facing the United Nations and the various
ideas he has submitted for reinvigorating the process
of multilateral diplomacy. We believe that the oppor­
226. There can be no denying the fact that the thirty­
seventh session of the General Assembly is taking
place against the background of a critically deterio­
i:a,ting international situation. I wish to refer to. some
tunity to do so which this session provides should
be fully utilized. Guyana supports his proposals.
We are particularly interested in his argument for
a role for the Security Council which emphasizes a
preventive, rather than a reactive, orientation.
of the things which contribute to this atmosphere of
fear, tension and insecurity in our world. In so doing
it is my sincere hope that when we conclude this
session we shall all, as individuals and nations, re­
dedicate and recommit ourselves to .:he high prin­
ciples of the Charter and to world peace.
221. As my President said in a statement on S October
1982 in Brasilia:
"I believe the time is ripe for us to examine
once again the possibility of establishing a United
Nations security force with sufficient authority
and strength to forestall aggression and prevent
disputes from degenerating into armed conflicts."
227. The current vicious arms race, especially
the nuclear arms race, if it is not quickly and effec­
tively checked, could lead only to a nuclear con­
flict, resulting in the complete destruction of this
planet; and, as the SecretaryyGeneral has already
warned in his report on the work of the Organiza­
tion, nothipg worth-while will survive a nuclear
holocaust if one comes. Let us remind ourselves,
therefore, that what is at stake here is the survival
of the human race. If so far, however, we have been
spared this 'no-victor, no-vanquished' war, it is
perhaps because the world has not yet been so un­
fortunate as to produce persons sufficiently crazy
and foolish to wish to inscribe their own names on
the pages of history which no one will ever survive
to recount.
222. Man's impulse is to survive and to live in
peace with his fellow man. Our task as represen­
tatives of Governments is to give effect to this impulse.
The pursuit of this task requires us to undertak~
serious dialogue, to act in concert, to adhere to the
norms of international law and to make a reality
of peaceful coexistence. History, I suggest, would
indeed be unkind to us if we did not seek to build a
world that is safer and in which justice prevails.
223. Mr. MASHINGAIDZE (Zimbabwe): It is
my privilege to deliver the statement of the Republic
of Zimbabwe to the Assembly on behalf of my Min­
ister for Foreign· Affairs, who has had to go home
on urgent business. The following is his statement.
228. It has already been observed by speakers
before me that another serious threat to world peace
and security is the production and stockpiling of
more sophisticated conventional weapons. Although
they know full well the destructive capacities of
such inhuman weapons, some of the nations pos­
sessing them seem most eager to employ them in
224. The Government and people of the Republic
of Zimbabwe warmly greet the Secretary-General
and all delegations and wish the session success.
I should like to take this opportunity to congra­
tulate Mr. Hollai on his election to the presidency
of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assem­
bly. He has my best wishes and those of my dele­
gation in the very important responsibility which
the Assembly has placed on his ghoulders. He can
certainly count on my delegation's co-operation
with him in his work. May I also join other speakers
who have paid a thoroughly deserved tribute to
Mr. Kittani of Iraq, for the way in which he presided
over the thirty-sixth session of the General Assem­
bly,. as well as the special sessions.
the pursuit of so-called national interests and objec­
tives, the achievement of which does not seem beyond
means that are more acceptable under civilized
international law. In fact, those who possess these
dangerous weapons of death and destruction often
assume post'Jres and positions which render inef­
fectual- the mediatory and peace-keeping efforts
of the United Nations and other international bodies
concerned with seeking peaceful solutions to con­
flicts. Such has been the common frustration of
the Security Council, the OAU, the non-aligned
movement and other international and regional
organizations. In most conflicts threatening regional
or international stability, peace and security, such
as, for instance, those in the Middle East, the Per­
sian Gulf, the South Atlantic recently, Afghanistan,
South-East Asia or southern Africa-to mention
some of the current areas of tension and conflict­
resolutions and decisions of those organizations
are met more with defiance and violation than with
compliance.
225. As this is the first opportunity for me to offer
my personal congratulations to Mr. Perez de Cuellar,.
on his election to the highest office in the Organi­
zation, I wish to do so now. This :s, of course, in
addition to the messages of felicitation and good
wishes which the Government of Zimbabwe com-
Annex 58
494
General Assembly-Tbirty-seveath Seulon-Plenary Meetings
229. We in Zimbabwe had-as, indeed, has all
peace-loving peoples of the world-high hopes and
expectations of the second special session of the
General Assembly on disarmament. We are just as
deeply disappointed that the session did not produce
any tangible result. However, in spite of the failure.
of the special session, we remain even more firmly
convinced that there can be no other course for the
international community than to continue its efforts
to achieve arms control leading ultimately to total
disarmament. This will not only ensure peace for
us as individuals and nations, but will certainly lead
to a fresh and more balanced review of our already
critically deranged sense of priorities in the alloca­
tion and distribution of the scarce resources of our
planet. For example, we are convinced that the
$US 500 billion now annually squandered on arms of
death and destruction will be diverted towards na­
tional, regional and interregional developmental
projects designed to benefit people rather than to
destroy them.
that South Africa had certain concerns which mt
1
"lt
be dispelled before the implementation of the United
Nations plan for Namibian independence. We were
further persuaded that once these so-called con­
cerns had been dispelled South Africa worJld co­
operate in the implementation of resolution 435 (1978).
234. We can say without hesitation that all the
participants in the recent consultations, including
South Africa itself, were agreed at the end of the
exercise that South Africa's concerns regarding
resolution 435 (1978) had all been completely allayed;
that is, all matters and questions relating to resolu­
tion 435 (1978) and to the implementation of the
United Nations plan had been discussed and fully
clarified to the satisfaction of all concerned, including
South Africa. I should mention in passing, how­
ever, that South Africa still has to specify which
of the two electoral methods will be employed in
Namibia, that of single-member constituencies or
that of proportional representation.
·
235. It must be emphasized here that SW APO
has time and again reiterated its readiness to sign
a cease-fire agreement and to take part in free and
fair elections under United Nations supervision,
as provided for in the United Nations plan. As rep­
resentatives here will recall, this has been SWAPO's
position since the abortive Geneva Conference of
230. It is not being suggested or implied here that
success in arms control or disarmament will create
a world free of tension and even i;onflict. These
will always be there. What is being suggested, how­
ever, is that the temptation to resort lightly to the
use or threat of force in resolving political disputes
between nations is likely to be reduced markedly.
1981.
231. A cursory review on a regional basis of our
world, and especially of the political scene, will
very quickly reveal how far we have wandered from
the path, the ideals and the goals which inspired
the authors of the Charter of this great Organiza­
tion, of which we are all proud to be members. I wish
to start this review with the southern African region.
There the apartheid and racist Pretoria regime con­
tinues its oppressive and repressive policies against
the black majority in South Africa. The same racist
regime continues its illegal occupation of Namibia
in defiance of the reso1
utions, decisions and decla
236. What, then, the General Assembly must be
asking itself, is blocking progress towards the imple­
mentation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978)?
The front-line States, Nigeria and SW APO are and
have long been ready to proceed to the next point
at any' time, as soon as the electoral method is known.
SWAPO needs to know this in order to make the
necessary preparations for the elections.
rations of this Organization, the OAU and the non­
aligned movement and the wishes and demands of
the people of Namibia.
0
237. What I have said so far indicates tremendous
progress towards a peaceful settlement of the Nami­
bian question. Let me also say that this progress
is greatly attributable to SW APO's co-operation
and to the air of optimism and momentum generated
in the capitals of the Western contact group before
and during the six weeks of consultations. Yet all
this momentum and good will may soon be lost if
232. When in 1978 the five Western countries now
known as the Western contact group successfully
persuaded the Security Council to adopt the now
South Africa and some members of the Western
contact group continue to manufacture pretexts for
delaying the implementation of Security Council
resolution 435 (1978).
well-known resolution 435 (1978), they argued that
this proposal offered prospects of an immediate
peaceful ending of racist South Africa's illegal colo­
nization of Namibia. Inc:eed, resolution 435 (1978)
has since been universally accepted as the only fair,
practical and realistic basis for the peaceful settle­
ment of the Namibian independence question. Efforts
have since been made to implement the plan, which
the illegal regime also accepted. Yet Namibia still
remains occupied.
238. In this regard, let me make Zimbabwe"s posi­
tion very clear. I am referring here to the politics
of linkage and parallelism which have been formu­
lated to make the departure of Cuban troops from
the People's Republic of Angola a pre-condition
of the independence of Namibia. This strategy,
which is not related in any way to Security Council
'resolution 435 (1978), and which is the creation of
· certain members of the contact group and apartheid
233. I wish to refer briefly to the most recent efforts
involving the front-line States, Nigeria and SW APO
on the one hand and the Western contact group and
South Africa on the other. The front-line States,
Nigeria and SW APO co-operated in these efforts,
genuinely hoping that they would facilitate the
implementation of the United Nations plan outlined
in Security Council resolution 435 (1978). During
and after the abortive Geneva Conference in 1981,
the Western contact group informed all concerned
South Africa in order to promote and serve their
own bilateral interests, is totaUy unacceptable to
Zimbabwe. Dragging · the issue of the Cuban pres­
ence in Angola into the Namibian question is an
unwarranted and unacceptable interference in bilat­
eral affairs and relations between the sovereign
States of. Angola and Cuba, which are Members
of the Organization and of the non-aligned movement.
Annex 58
26th meetinl-11 October 1982
495
Moreover, those who subscribe to this ridiculous
and absurd view should be reminded that, while
racist and colonialist South Africa continually com­
mits acts of aggression against the People's Republic
of Angola, Cuban troops have never set foot on South
African soil.
243. Zimbabwe's position on the question of the
destabilization of neighbouring States by apartheid
South Africa is that this will not deter us from our
declared policy of offering moral support and· what­
ever. material support we can to the liberation strug­
gle in that land. Zimbabwe demands that the Pretoria
regime should stop forthwith its destabilizing cam­
paigns against our countries. It should withdraw its
forces from Angola forthwith and unconditionally.
The white minority Government of apartheid South
Africa must be warned that no country has any right
whatsoever to violate international law with impunity.
239. With regard to the obnoxious apartheid system
in South Africa itself, Zimbabwe .. s position is well
known. We have always said that we should like
to see the total dismantling of apartheid and racist
minority rule in that part of our region. We demand
instead a democratic system of government which
sees all the people of that country, regardless of
race, religion, language and sex, as equal citizens of
their land. We call upon the leaders of the apart­
heid regime in Pretoria to negotiate with the legitimate
leadership of the oppressed and exploited black
majority with a view to wo
244. I should now like, before leaving the African
region, to tum to the question of Western Sahara.
As the Assembly knows, this question has for .a
long time been on the agenda of the OAU and of
the United Nations. The people of the Sabraoui
1
iking out ways and means
of establishing a system of government guaranteeing
Arab Democratic Republic deserve more support in
their just struggle for self-determination in accor­
dance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV).
every South African freedom and social justice.
The recently proposed so-called Presidential Coun­
cil giving limited representation to South Africans
of mixed race and Asians in that country is totally
unacceptable to the people of South Africa, who
are now solidly behind the armed struggle prose­
cuted by their liberation forces.
Because the Government of the Republic of Zim­
babwe is totally convinced of the justness of the
Sahraoui people~s cause, Zimbabwe has recognized
the Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic as an inde­
pendent and sovereign State. We believe that the
resolution adopted by the OAU Assembly of Heads
of State and Government at its eighteenth session,
held at Nairobi in 1981, providing for the signing
of a cease-fire between Morocco and the POLISARIO
a:nd for the holding of a referendum to be admin­
istered by a neutral force offers the best prospects
for settling the question of Western Sahara.
240. The Government and the people of Zimbabwe
support the struggle for liberation, equality and socfal
justice being waged by the liberation movements
in South Africa. We strongly condemn the con­
tinued incarceration of Comrade Nelson Mandela
and other legitimate leaders vf the people of South
Africa by the racist Pretoria regime. This and the
numerous political murders committed by the racist
rulers against the opponents of the iniquitous system
are also violations of human rights. We appeal to
the international community to continue and even
to intensify its material, moral, diplomatic and poli­
tical support to the struggling people of South Africa
in their commendable efforts to free themselves from
the apartheid yoke.
245. Zimbabwe views with deep concern efforts by
certain members of the OAU, apparently with outside
encouragement, to polarize and therefore paralyse
theOAU.
246. The past few months have witnessed a tragic
deterioration in the situation in the Middle East
region, as has been horribly exemplified by Zionist
Israers invasion and occupation of Lebanon and the
massacring of thousands of innocent Palestinian
refugees in the Sabra and Shatila camps on 16 and
17 September. The civilized international com­
munity was deeply outraged, shocked and revolted
241. In its desperate efforts to frustrate the lioor­
ation process in Namibia and the dismantling of
the apartheid system within its borders, the oppres­
sive regime is busy waging destabilizing campaigns
against the neighbouring independent and sovereign
States of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique,
Zambia and Zimbabwe. Economic blackmail, bullying
and sabotage, political propaganda and subversion,
and open military aggression and mercenarism are
the coromon tactics employed by apartheid in its
campaign of regional destabilization. As the Assem­
bly is well aware, the regime's forces have been
occupying part of Angola's territory for a year now
and there is sufficient evidence that more incur­
sions are being planned.
by this genocidal act and crime against humanity,
whose sadism can only be compared to the crimes
committed by the Nazis, ironically enough against
Jewish people, during the Second World War. Surely
the world cannot behave as if the thousands of de­
fenceless men, women and children in th~ two camps
were killed by a natural disaster. The barbaric
slaughter was planned and carried out by the Zionist
Government. That Government and its sup,orters
who, if they had wanted to do so, could have pre­
vented the massacres, should be held responsible for
this crime against humanity and appropriately pun:..
ished by the international community.
247. We have time and again emphasized that no
solution of the Middle East question will be accept­
able unless it recognizes the inalienable right of the
Palestinian people to national self-determinatic~, ..
and to the establishment of a Palestinian State under
the leadership of the PLO.
242. The abortive coup d• etat against the legitimate
Government of the Republic of Seychelles earlier this
year by Pretoria:s mercenaries and criminals is also
part of this campai_gn of destabilization. So also is
the recruiting, training, equipping and supporting
of dissident groups in some of the neighbouring
independent States for the purpose of resisting legi­
limate Governments there.
248. It is our view that the Palestinians and their
Lebanese brothers and sisters richly deserve to,,be
Annex 58
4'6
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
commended for their courage, resilience and deter- unabated and !J()ses a grave threat to international
mination in the face of naked aggression and intimida- peace and security. The enemies of Korean unity
tion by Zionist Israel. Zimbabwe salutes them, and the supporters of the two-Koreas myth have also
especially the gallant PLO forces who for several been trying to confuse the international community
weeks courag,eously defended their people against by their deceitful talk of the possibility of free and
Zionist butchers.
fair elections in the South. This cheap propaganda
249. While still in the Middle East, we should like cannot deceive anybody, as we all know that thel'e
to express our deep concern about the continuing can be no free and fair elections in a territory under
conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and military occupation.
Iraq. It is our sincere hope that peace may come to 256. While my Government will support negotiations
:his area wher,~ regional stability and securiN are between North and South Korea, we believe that no
seriously threatened.
·
meaningful negotiations are possible under the
250. Afghanistan is another area of concern to the prevailing conditions. We would therefore like to
Organization and we feel obliged to reiterate our see the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces from
position with regard to it. We feel that a political the South, so as to create an atmosphere condu-
settlement is urgent and that this is only possible on cive to mutual trust between the artificially divided
the basis of the withdrawal of foreign forces and people of the peninsula. It is our strong view that
the cessation of all outside influences and pressures. President Kim II Sung
9
s proposal for a confederate
Accordingly we call upon all concerned to respect system offers realistic prospects for a settlement in
that country's independence, sovereignty and non-
the troubled area. If adoptedp it has every chance of
putting the Korean people on the road leading to the
ultimate goal of complete Korean reunification.
251. With regard to Cyprus, Zimbabv:e would again
want to see the end to all forms of foreign inter- 257 • The recent crisis over the Falkland or Malvention

and interference, so that the people of that vinas Islands in the South Atlantic merits comment.
republic may be able to determine their own future In that regard, we believe that the tragic events in
freely. The Government of Zimbabwe strongly sup-
aligned status.
that region could have been avoided if the parties
ports the independence, sovereignty, territorial
to the conflict had ob:;erved the principles of the
integrity and non-aligned status of Cyprus, as one Charter of the United Nations. As Zimbabwe is
united country. We share the concern expressed by opposed to the use of force in the settlement of
many speakers before• us that the intercommunal disputes between States, we wish to urge the two
dialogue initiated under the auspices of the Secretary-
parties to seek a peaceful, just and lasting settlement
General's Special Representative has not yet pro- through negotiations.
duced any tangible results.
258. I wish to comment briefly on the international
252. Poland is another area of international con­
cern. Our owe view is that it is only the people
of that country-free of external pressure, inter­
vention and interference-who can resolve their
internal problems. We believe very strongly that
any solution imposed from outside and against the
will of the Polish people is totally unacceptable.
economic situation. It will be recalled that it was at
the Fourth Conference of Heads of State or Gov­
ernment of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Algiers in
253. Zimbabwe's position with regard to the situa­
tion in South-East Asia remains unchanged. We
belive very strongly in a peaceful political solution
to the Kampuchean problem in accorda,1ce with
1973, that the idea of a new international economic
order was introduced. That concept, which has since
been debated at many meetings and conferences, is
attractive to the developing countries, as it seeks to
halt the perpetuation of a maldistribution of our
world's wealth. Last year, in this very Hall my dele­
gation and many others referred to and warned
against the dangerous deterioration in the world
economic situation. That same warning is still very
the principles of the United Nations and the non­
aligned movement. Thus, we would like to see the
withdrawal of all foreign troops from Kampuchean
soil so that the various factions contending for the
mastery of that country might meet to discuss and
relevant today, especially since that deterioration in
the world economic situation may adversely affect
world stability, peace and security.
resolve their differences for the benefit of the suffering
masses cf that country.
259. Zimbabwe and all developing countries have
been hoping, almost in vain, that a conciliatory spirit
would intervene to facilitate the concluding of global
negotiations for a new international economic order.
Unfortunately, however, up to now no progress has
been achieved, as several opportunities have been
lost.
254. Zimbabwe believes in the principle of self­
determination and the termination of all forms and
manifestations of colonialism. For that reason we
find unacceptable Indonesia's military intervention
in East Timor. It is our belief, therefore, that the
struggle waged by the East Timorese under the leader­
ship of FRETILIN is a just one, iieserving interna­
tional support. We call upon Indonesia to withdraw
its forces from East Timor.
255. I should like to turn to the question of the
'260. While the industrialized countries continue
· to be unco-operative on this vital matter, their own
economies have not been able to escape the ravages
of one of the worst world economic situations. It
must be observed, however, that developing econ­
omies are the hardest hit. The industrialized coun­
tries are experiencing inflationary spirals, m&.ssive
unemployment, currency weaknesses and high
Korean peninsula, another area of major international
concern. We note with great regret that the massive
foreign military build-up in the South continues
interest rates. Slow growth rates are becoming a
common feature of their economies, too. Regret-
Annex 58
26th meetlng-11 October 1982
WI
tably, these recessionary conditions are now being
used as excuses for inward-looking policies and for
protectionism against export commodities from
developing countries. We call for the immediate
liberalization of trade relations in favour of devel­
oping countries.
to my delegation and a challenge at a time when Zim•
babwe is looking forward with humility to serving on
the Security Council. The report has certainly re­
focused our attention on the noble purposes and prin­
ciples of the Charter, to which Zimbabwe is recom­
mitting and rededicating itself.
261. The balance-of-payment problems of the devel­
oping countries continue to grow. The deficits of the
latter countries, especially the non-oil-producing
countries, have reached astronomical figures, re­
flecting the multiple crises afflicting the international
economy. Clearly, the international monetary system
needs restructuring to reflect contemporary economic
realities. The core of such a system should be the
participation of the developing countries in the
266. The PRESIDENT: Several representatives
wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. Before
calling on them, I would remind them that, in accord­
ance with General Assembly decision 34/401, state­
ments in exercise of the right of reply should be
limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delega­
tions from their seats.
267. Mr. L6PEZ DEL AMO (Cuba) (interpretation
from Spanish): The reply of the- United State$ rep­
decision-making process and the enhancement of
their ability to have a significant impact on the democ­
ratization of the international monetary system.
resentative last Friday [24th meeting], which did not
respond to what was said here by the Cuban Minister
for Foreign Affairs, calls for some clarification that
will serve to improve bis knowledge of my country.
262. The problem of energy is closely linked to
that of our economic development. Our countries
have serious difficulties in meeting their oil require­
ments, and the oil bills of non-oil-exporting de­
veloping countries have reached unprecedented
proportions. This is, however, an area where t!te
developed countries and the oil-exporting, newly
industrializing countries can play a crucial role in
alleviating the general paralysis now crippling oil­
importing developing countries. We do appreciate
the efforts made by some members of the Organiza­
tion of Petroleum Exporting Countries to try to resolve
this acute problem. What we would appreciate even
more is greater co-operation in the exploration of
energy resources, especially in the area of new and
renewable sources of energy.
268. Cuba is one of the 25 founding members of the
non-aligned movement and bas taken part actively in
its work in the 21 years of its existence. Cuba has
held the chairmanship of the movement for the last
three years by unanimous decision of the members.
As to what Cuba has done in that capacity, the Min­
isterial Meeting of the Co-ordinating Bureau of Non­
Aligned Countries, held four months ago in Havana,
said the following:
uThe Bureau expressed its appreciation for the
dedication, efficacy and strict adherence to the prin­
ciples of non-alignment with which Cuba, in its
capacity as Chairman of the Sixth Conference of
Heads of State or Government, held in Havana in
September 1979, has been co-ordinating the work
of the Bureau and the Movement." [See A/37/333,
263. Another area of concern to us is that of global
food supplies. The eradication of hunger and mal­
nutrition is, and should be, a collective international
effort. The establishment of a world food security
system and an internationally co~ordinated system
of nationally held food reserves would go a long way
towards ameliorating current world food shortages
and would also guarantee surpluses for our expanding
populations.
annex, para. 9.]
264. It is quite obvious that most countries cannot
269. Further, we stress that the imperialist Govern­
ment of the United States has no right to decide which
State is or is not non-aligned. The representative of
the United States, a country which achieved inde­
pendence with the decisive assistance of French troops
led by Lafayette, described as mercenaries the inter­
nationalist Cuban combatants in Angola. The Fifth
Conference of Heads of State or Government, in
escape the malignant consequences of the world eco­
nomic crisis. Indeed, some countries are faced with
stagnation and outright zero growth rates. There is
therefore the need to intensify economic co-opera­
tion and collective self-reliance among States, par­
ticularly among the developing countries. The new
international economic order will, however, remain
illusory unless the developing countries prove that
they are willing to be assertive and determined to
play an effective role in international economic rela­
tions.
Colombo, Sri Lanka, said the following about Cuban
military assistance to the people of Angola:
''The Conference congratulated the Government
and people of Angola on their heroic and victorious
struggle against the South African racist invaders
and their allies, and commended the Republic of
Cuba and the other States which assisted the peo­
ple of Angola in frustrating the expansionist and
colonialist strategy of the racist regime of South
Africa and its allies. n
9
265. Finally, may I congratulate and thank the
Secretary-General for his frank, objective and honest
report on the work of the United Nations, to which
I have already had occasion to refer in my statement.
The delegation of Zimbabwe agrees entirely with
every aspect of the report and strongly endorses the
references to the need to examine more critically the
peace-keeping and peace-making roles of the United
Nations, especially the Security Corneil. The Sec­
retary-General's report is both a welcome inspiration
270. What really bothers the imperialist Government
of the United States is that the front-line States, in
rejecting the Washington-Pretoria blackmail linking
the independence of Namibia to the presence of Cuban
fighters in Angola, a matter which can be the sover­
eign decision of the Governments of Angola and Cuba
alone.
271. The Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs
and Heads of Delegations of Non-Aligned Countries.,
Annex 58
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session-Plenary Meetings
which was held in New York from 4 to 9 October,
stated the following:
"The attempts to link the independence of Nami­
bia with the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola
are incompatible with [Security Council] resolution
435 (1978) and, are therefore unacceptable." [See
A/37/540, annex I, para. 25.]
272. Certainly we are afloat on a sea of difficulties,
as the United States representative said. All the de­
veloping countries, and even some developed ones,
are on that same "sea". There is a deep crisis in the
world economy, brought about by the obsolete impe­
rialist economic order, which persists in trying to
steer mankind through an arms race to a nuclear holo­
caust and rejects responsible dialogue that would
277. Creators of McCarthyism and the Ku Klux
Klan, they discriminate against their black and Latin
population, against the remaining few of the indigenous
population that survived the plunder of their lands
and indiscriminate killing. The United States, whose
trade union freedom is so exemplary that all the mem­
bers of the air controllers union who went on strike
for an increase in salary were fired; the United States,
with such an exemplary democracy that in the last
presidential elections barely half the electorate went
to the polls to vote for candidates imposed by big
business, where the real power lies in this country;
the United States, with its high crime and drug-abuse
rates, eloquent proof of the corruption and decline in
current United States society, has no moral authority
to judge anyone. By its example, the United States
degrades this hemisphere and the contemporary
lead to a new ,just and equitable international economic
order, to co-operation among peoples, in a world of
peace and development.
world.
:78. It is no secret to anyone that Cuba is a socialist
country based on and guided by the noble ideas of
Marxism-Leninism or that we aspire one day to
achieving a communist society. We are proud of it.
273. In addition, for the last 23 years the United
States, in violation of the principles of the Charter,
has been applying a total economic embargo against
my country and seeking by every means possible to
hamper our foreign trade. Despite that brutal aggres­
sion and military and other attacks by the United
States on our people, Cuba has overcome the difficul­
ties and has successfully undertaken its development.
In Cuba there are no unemployed; no one goes hungry;
education and health services are free to all; every­
one bas an insured old age; everyone is cared for. We
do not have luxuries, nor do we need them; but we
do have dignity for every Cuban.
It is for that that we work, struggle and live, in order
to put an end to a class society, divided into haves
and have-nots, rich ar.d poor, and in order to end the
pre-history of humanity.
279. We also believe in the international working
class movement. Hence more than 30,000 doctors,
teachers, engineers and technicians from Cuba lend
their assistance to more than 30 non-aligned coun­
tries, and 16,000 young people from those countries
study in Cuba. For that reason, we also help other
developing countries with their defence. We exploit
no one; we do not grow rich from the fruit of the labour
of other peoples. But we are indeed capable of sharing
our modest resources with tdose who need them. We
are not, Mr. Representative of the United States, the
self-seeking, rapacious empire that you depict, but a
small country that has known how to stand erect in
defence of its freedom, independence and dignity,
paying whatever the price may be.
274. The economy of the United States, despite the
fact that it is based on the plundering of the wealth
of other peoples, is in a state of1'ecession and inflation.
Under the Administration of the new occupant of the
White House, who is almost always on holiday and,
according to him, near heaven, the people of the
United States are getting nearer to hell. Unemploy­
ment is over 10 ~r cent; welfare benefits are being
cut; taxes are on the increase; and the people are
bearing the overwhelming burden of the heaviest
military budget in the history of the United States.
In this country there are 25 million illiterates, and in
New York City alone there are at least 35,000 people
homeless, sleeping in the streets, abandoned to their
fate amidst the wealth of the few. Here the rich get
richer and the poor get poorer, and the Government
offers no other way out of their difficulties than war.
275. It is incredible to hear human rights discussed
by those who most frequently violate them. We must
remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Hundreds of
thousands of men, women and children were burned
to death in a war whose outcome had already been
decided, with atomic bombs used solely in a show of
power in a world monopolized by these same human­
rights violators. Against the people of Viet Nam, they
used the same amount of explosives as were used
during the entire Second World War.
280. Mr. BABBA (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (inter­
pretation from Arabic): l wish to speak in exercise
of my delegation's right of reply to the statement
made by the representative of the United States on
the f.!Vening of 7 October 1982 [22nd meeting]. He
objected to the facts set out in my country's state­
ment in the General Assembly on 6 October [19th meet­
ing], during the general debate. He described it as
propaganda against the United States--but he did not
adduce any proof. We would have preferred not to
speak, but we consider it essential to reveal the fol­
lowing facts in order to refute the United States allega­
tions and to confirm the truth of the facts in our state­
ment. The whole world is well aware of the policy of
'the United States, particularly under the present
· Administration, which is a confrontational policy.
The aim is to place armed bases everywhere and to
send United States fleets to seas and countries thou­
276. The United States supports the racist apartheid
regime, is the strategic ally of the Zionist regime, denies
the people of Palestine their inalienable rights, has
brought to and kept in power the worst tyrannies
on the American continent, and is the main stanchion
of international mercenarism and aggression.
sands of miles away in order to impose United States
domination over the peoples of the world and to
engage in economic pressure and blockades against
those peoples-including the Libyan people-that
refuse to follow its lead. In this context we should
like to set out the following facts, only as examples.
Annex 58
26th meeting-11 October 1982
499
281. First, American aircraft have violated Libyan
airspace on several occasions. We have provided a
detailed list to the Security Council, including the
dates and places of these violations, and this infr.mila­
tion has been published as a document of the Council.
lowing in his column in The New York Times on 22 Sep­
tember: "Almost one-quarter of all U.S. foreign aid
goes to Israel every year. It amounts to $2.7 billion!
or between $3,500 and $4,000 for every family of five
in Israel-more than the unemployed get in Detroit
0
•
282. Secondly, on 19 August 1981 American air-•
craft of the Sixth Fleet attacked Libyan aircraft in
Libyan airspace.
283. Thirdly, on 21 January American aircraft of
the Sixth Fleet intercepted a Libyan commercial
civilian aircraft on its way from Tripoli to Athens
with the aim of endangering the movement of Libyan
civilian aircraft and producing commercial losses.
As usual, the United States at first denied this inter­
ception, and then it admitted it. attempting to justify
it with the allegation that the Libyan aircraft had
286. The entire world knows that the Zionist entity
could not have defied the international community
and violated United Nations resolutions and interna­
tional law by killing thousands of children and women
and dispersing an entire people-while continuing its
expansionist policy, expelling people and usurping
their property-had it not been for the enormous
military assistance poured into it by the United States,
unconditionally, in the form of cluster and phospho­
rous bombs, aircraft, tanks and other sophisticated
and destructive weapons which even the member
States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization do
entered the field of operations of the United States
air carrier John Kennedy and American aircraft
therefore had to make sure of its identity. The Gov­
ernment of Greece also expressed objections to the
United States in this regard. in fact, the United States
Sixth Fleet is constantly present on Libyan shores,
carrying out manamvres, engaging in regular provoca­
tion against my country and sending spy planes over
Libyan shores. The latest example is an American
pilotless spy plane that was in Libyan airspace, over
the Benghazi region, and was brought down by Libya's
defence forces on 2 September last. A few days ago,
Libyan television showed pictures of the destroyed
plane and these were shown on television stations in
Europe also.
not have.
287. If the UnitetJ States representative does not
wish to believe what was contained in the Libyan
Arab Jamahiriya statement regarding his country's
responsibility for the brutal massacres carried out by
Israel in Lebanon, and in particular in Beirut, he
should at least not give the lie to former President
Carter, who a few days ago said that it was the cur­
rent United States Administration that had en~our­
aged the ruling circles in Tel Aviv to invade Lebanon.
288. United States assistance to the new Nazis and
the Zionist shedders of blood is not limited to the
economic and military fields; it has overlapped into
the political field as well. The United States position
in the United Nations, particularly the Security Coun­
cil and the General Assembly, regarding support for
Israel is well known and needs no elaboration. I would
only point out that the heads of delegation who have
spoken in the general debate, pave stated that this
position has prevented the Security Council from
being effective in solving dangerous international
problems and has paralysed the United Nations.
Some responsible American authorities have also
admitted this. I have before me an article by Mr. David
Newsom, former Under Secretary of State for Polit­
ical Affairs in the State Department, published by
284. Fourthly, in the economic field, we need only
refer to the American decision, announced by the
State Department on 10 March 1982, to impose an
embargo on the importation of Libyan oil to the United
States, to forbid the sale of technical material to
Libya, to ask American technicians and experts to
leave Libya, to prevent travel to Libya and to forbid
the sale to it of civilian aircraft and agricultural equip­
ment. The objective of all that is to destroy the Libyan
economy and impede development progress in Libya,
to prevent Libya from following a non-aligned policy
and to silence its voice in opposition to unjust United
States policy in Africa, the Middle East and other
The Christian Science Monitor on 29 September 1982
areas of the world.
under the title "The UN: another Beirut casualty".
285. The statement of the head of the Libyan dele­
gation contained several facts regarding the inimical
United States attitude towards the Arabs and United
States support for Zionist aggression, which encour­
ages the Zionist entity to pursue its expansionist
policy by attacking the Palestinian people in Pales­
tine, annexing Jerusalem and the Golan Heights,
implanting settlements in the occupied areas, attacking
the Iraqi nuclear reactor, invading Lebanon and per­
petrating genocid~ against thousands of Lebanese
and Palestinian civilians there. United States assis­
tance to the Zionist entity in the period from June
1967 to June 1980 amounted to $19 billion, as stated
in the January 1982 issue of the Reader's Digest. An
Referring to the United States attitude, the article
states:
"The resistance by Israel to any United Nations
role ... and the apparent acquiescence of the United
States in that position have added further to the
global erosion of confidence in the international
Organization."*
The author goes on to say that the attitude of the United
States towards United Nations resolutions on Lebanon
and the Middle East:
" ... will further weaken the international Organi­
zation and its usefulness in tke peace process. Such
weakening would have implications not only for
article in the 28 March 1982 issue of T!-2 New York
the region but for the world as well."
Times stated that the allocation for Israel in the 1983
budget amounted to $2.S billion. In its issue of 2 July
1982 The Christian Science Monitor said that United
States assistance to Israel over a period of years had
cost $1,000 annually to every man, woman and child.
James Reston, the well-known writer, wrote the fol-
289. Mr. ROGERS (Belize): The delegation of Belize
whoJly rejects and deplores the statement of the rep­
resentative of Guatemala who refused to recognize
* Quoted in English by the speaker.
Annex 58
SOO
General Ataembly-Thfrty-seventb Sallon-Plenary Meetings
the reality of an independent Belize within long-estab- categorically rejects the opinions expressed by the
lished borders. Such a refusal t.o recognize reality in delegation of Mozambique which, in its d~sire to
the region is an affront to the United Nations, of make propaganda, sees the mote in the eye of its
which we are a Member and which fully recognizes brother and does not see the beam in its own.
Belize. We reject the statement also as an attempt to 295. Mr. PADILLA {United States of America)
perpetuate colonialism by calling for direct negotia- (interpretation from Spanish): Our delegation does not
tion between Guatemala and the United Kingdom wish to continue wasting the time of the General
over Belize. The only legitimate voice for the people Assembly on this sterile exchange. Nevertheless we
of Belize is the duly elected democratic Government must reject, and voice our protest against, the lengthy
of an independent Belize. We reserve our right to demagogic and unnecessary statements by Cuba and
speak at a later stage in the exercise of our right of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
reply.
296. Continually year after year they repeat accusa290·

Mrs. JACOME (Venezuela)(interpretationfrom
tions that are false and substitute expressions of
Spanish): In view of the preposterous statements purely ideological propaganda for facts. This permade
by

the Foreign Minister of Guyana, we shall sistent propaganda campaign affects the very fibre of
exercise our right of reply at a later date.
this venerable institution. The repeated onslaught
291. Mr. CASTRO-ARAUZO (El Salvador) (inter- does not make for truth nor is it borne out by the
pretation from Spanish): The representative of Mo- facts. This annual repetition of accusations that are
zambique referred in confused and inappropriate without foundation or substantive proof cannot deflect
terms to situations which his radical ideology pre- us from our responsibility to look at the facts and to
vents him from rec~gnizi(!g and understanding. My see what the truth and reality are. We do not need
country is engaged in working out a process that will demagoguery for this, but Cuban rhetoric has been
enable us to establish a true democracy in the eco- based solely on the constant distraction of attention
nomic, social and political fields-in other words, a from Cuba's own internal difficulties and lack of free­
complete democracy where social justice, the safe- doms by projecting them on to the United States.
guarding of human rights and the fulfilment of the
individual are the rule, enabling us to overcome our
present difficulties.
The meeting rose at 7.30 p.m.
292. The dictatorship in Mozambique which, with
foreign military assismnce, exercises brutal oppression
over its own people <>n the pretext of responding to a
foreign threat is totally devoid of any credibility.
NOTES
293. My delegation does not wish to give detailed
explanations to countries which, without any moral
authority, seek maliciously to criticize others. Con­
fronted by these attacks we must point out that the
highest degree of self-determination of a people has
been shown overwhelmingly by the people of El Sal­
vador, in its march towards democracy, through its
elections held on 28 March this year, and this is an
absolutely incontrovertible fact.
1
Official Records of the Third United Nations Conference on the
Law of the Sea, vol. XVII, document A/CONF.62/122.
2
.. Common Security: a programme for disannament... Sec
A/CN.10/38, p. 71. Sec aJso A/CN.10/51.
3
Report of the United Nations Conference on the Least De,•el­
oped Countries, Paris, 1-14 September 1981 (United Nations publica­
tion, Sales No. E.82.1.8).
4
See Official Records of the Security Council, Thirty-se,•enth
Year, 2362nd meeting.
s See A/S-12/AC.l/61.
294. My delegation expresses the wish that all
peoples under a dictatorship, such as that in Mozam­
bique, may one day hold free elections which would
allow them to determine their own future and to accede
to true democracy. Consequently my delegation
6
Adopted by the High-Level Conference on Economic Co­
operation among Developing Countries. See A/36/333 and Corr.I.
1
Official Records of the General Assembly, 1~•~nty•seventh
Session, Supplement No. 27, annex I.
1
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 561, No. 8192, p. 323.
9
A/311197, annex I, para 44.
Annex 59
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela to the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (15 Oct. 1982)
Annex 59
J
'
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION (GUYANA)
Embassy of Venezuela
l-2/0/765
Caracas, 15th Octob er, 1982.
His Excellency
Rashleigh Jackson
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Co-operative
Republic of Guyana
GEORGETOWN
.
Mr. Minister,
I have the honour to refer to Your
Excellency's
note of C
1
ctober 8th, 1982 as we!}.
as to _ the proposals which you outlined
in yo~
address to the General Assembly of th~ Univ.d
Nations on October 11th, 1982 and which were not
communicated to us through normal diplomatic
channels.
The Government of VenezueJ.a, througa"•
this note, wishes to reiterate
its desire to keep
open the channels of communication between the two
parties
for dealing with this issue at a bilateral
level.
As I indicated
to Your Excellency
in
my note of September 19, 1982, the Government of
Venezuela is convicted that in order to comply with
the provisions
of Article IV (2) of the Geneva
Agreeme~t, the most appropriate
international
organ
is the ~ecretary General of the United Nations •
••• /2
Annex 59
-2-
The Government of Venezuela has _ taken
n-0te of the position of the Government of Guyana aa
expressed bot h in the latter's
communication of
October 8th, 1982 and in the proposals outlined
in
your address to the General Asserr~ly.
Your Excellency has proposed three
possibilities
for the choice of an appropriate
international
organ which would select one of the
meane of peaceful settlement
of controversies
in
conformity with Article IV (2) of _the Geneva Agree­
ment. According to your proposal,
these are the
International
Court of Justice,
the General Assembly
or the Security Council of the United Nations.
After careful consideration
of these
alternatives,
the Government of Venezuela wishes
to reaffirm
its conviction
that
it would be most
practical
and appropriate
to entrust the task of
choosing the means of settlement directly
to the
Secretary General of the United Nations.
Since it is evident that no agreement
exists between the parties
in respect of the choice
of an international
organ to fulfil the functions
provided
for it in Article
IV (2), it is obvious
~hat t~is function now becomes the responsibility
of the _Secretary
General
of the United Nations.
I avail myself of this opportunity
to ,
renew to your Excellency the assurance
of, my highest
consideration.
(Signed)
Jose Alberto Zambrano Velasco,
Mini .ster of Foreign
Affairs
of Venezuela.
Annex 60
U.N. General Assembly, Sixth Committee, 37th Session, Manila Declaration on the Peaceful
Settlement of International Disputes, U.N. Doc A/RES/37/10 (15 Nov. 1982)
Annex 60
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session
IX. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE SIXTH COMMITTEE'
CONTENTS
llno/ldiolt
Date of
No.
Till<'
/t;,m
odoption
PaK~
37110
Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes
(A/371590) ....
122
15 November 1982
261
37111
United Nations Conference on Succession of States in respect of State Property.
Archives and Debts (A/37/593) ....
124
15 November 1982
263
37/102
Draft Code of Offences against the Peace and Security of Mankind ( A/371714)
115
16 December 1982
264
37/103
Progressive development of the principles and norms of international law
relating to the new international economic order (A/371720)
116
16 December 1982
265
37/104
Observer status of national liberation movements recognized by the Organization

of African Unity and/or by the League of Arab States (A/371750)
117 (al
16 December 1982
265
37/105
Report of the Special Committee on Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Principle

of Non-Use of Force in International Relations (A/371721)
118
16 December 1982
266
37/106
Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (A/37/
620)
119
16 December 1982
266
37/107
Provisions for a unit of account and adjustment of limitations of liability
adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
(A/37/620)
119
16 December 1982
268
37/108
Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and
safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives (A/371699)
120
16 De1-"ember 1982
268
37/109
Drafting of an international convention against the recruitment, use, financing
and training of mercenaries (N37/648)
121
16 December 1982
269
37/110
Review of the multilateral treaty-making process (AIJ7!75 l) .
123
16 December 1982
269
37/111
Report of the International Law Commission (A/37/700)
125
16 December 1982
270
37/112
Convention on the Law of Treaties between States and International Organizations

or between International Organizations (A/37/700)
125
16 December 1982
271
371113
Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country (A/371752)
126
16 December 1982
271
37/114
Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nation~ and on
the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization /A/37/722)
127
16 December 1982
272
37/115
Draft Declaration on Social and Legal Principles relating to the Protection and
Welfare of Children, with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoplion

Nationally and Internationally (A/371710)
128
16 December 1982
273
371116
State of signatures and ratifications of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva
Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of international
armed conflicts (Protocol I) and the protection of victims of non-international
armed conflicts (Protocol II) (A/37/641) ...
132
16 December 1982
273
37/10. Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement
of International Disputes
2
by peaceful means and to avoid any military action and
hostilities, which can only make more difficult the solution
of those conflicts and disputes,
The General Assembly,
Having examined the item entitled "Peaceful settlement
of disputes between States'' ,
Considering that the question of the peaceful settlement
Recalling its resolutions 34/ l 02 of 14 December 1979,
of disputes should represent one of the central concerns for
States and for the United Nations and that the efforts to
strengthen the process of the peaceful settlement of disputes
should be continued,
351160 of 15 December 1980 and 36/110 of to December
1981.
Convinced that the adoption of the Manila Declaration
Reaffirming the need to exert utmost efforts in order to
on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes should
settle any conflicts and disputes between States exclusively
1
For the decisions adopted on the reports of the Sixth Committee, see
sect. X.8.8.
2
See also sect. X.8.8, decision 37/407.
enhance the observance of the principle of peaceful settle­
ment of disputes in relations between States and contribute
to the elimination of the danger of recourse to force or to
the threat of force, to the relaxation of international tensions,
to the promotion of a policy of co-operation and peace and
261
Annex 60
262
General Assembly-Thirty-seventh Session
of respect for the independence and sovereignty of all States,
to the enhancing of the role of the United Nations in pre­
venting conflicts and settling them peacefully and, conse­
quently, to the strengthening of international peace and
security,
Mindful of existing international instruments as well as respective prin­
ciples and rules concerning the peaceful settlement of international dis­
putes, including the exhaustion of local remedies whenever applicable,
Determined to promote international co-operation in the political field
Considering the need to ensure a wide dissemination of
and to encourage the progressive development of international law and its
codification, particularly in relation to the peaceful settlement of interna­
tional disputes,
the text of the Declaration,
1. Approves the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful
Settlement of International Disputes, the text of which is
annexed to the present resolution;
2. Expresses its appreciation to the Special Committee
on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strength­
ening of the Role of the Organization for its important con­
tribution to the elaboration of the text of the Declaration;
3. Requests the Secretary-General to inform the Gov­
ernments of the States Members of the United Nations or
Solemnly declares that:
l . All States shall act in good faith and in conformity with the
purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations
with a view to avoiding disputes among themselves likely to affect
friendly relations among States, thus contributing to the maintenance of
international peace and security. They shall live together in peace with
one another as good neighbours and strive for the adoption of meaningful
measures for strengthening international peace and security.
2. Every State shall settle its international disputes exclusively by
peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security,
members of specialized agencies, the Security Council and
the International Court of Justice of the adoption of the
Declaration;
4. Urges that all efforts be made so that the Declaration
becomes generally known and fully observed and
implemented.
and justice, are not endangered.
3. International disputes shall be settled on the basis of the sovereign
equality of States and in accordance with the principle of free choice of
means in conformity with obligations under the Charter of the United
Nations and with the principles of justice and international law. Recourse
to, or acceptance of, a settlement procedure freely agreed to by States
68th plenary meeting
15 November 1982
ANNEX
Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement
of International Disputes
The General Assembly,
Reaffirming the principle of the Charter of the United Nations that all
States shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a
manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered,
Conscious that the Charter of the United Nations embodies the means
and an essential framework for the peaceful settlement of international
disputes, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance
of international peace and security,
Recognizing the important role of the United Nations and the need to
enhance its effectiveness in the peaceful settlement of international disputes
and the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance
with the principles of justice and international law, in conformity with the
Charter of the United Nations,
Reajjirming the principle of the Charter of the United Nations that all
States shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of
force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State,
or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations,
Reiterating that no State or group of States has the right to intervene,
with regard to existing or future disputes to which they are parties shall
not be regarded as incompatible with the sovereign equality of States.
4. States parties to a dispute shall continue to observe in their mutual
relations their obligations under the fundamental principles of interna­
tional law concerning the sovereignty, independence and territorial in­
tegrity of States, as well as other generally recognized principles and
rules of contemporary international law.
5. States shall seek in good faith and in a spirit of co-operation an
early and equitable settlement of their international disputes by any of
the following means: negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, ar­
bitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional arrangements or agencies
or other peaceful means of their own choice, including good offices. In
seeking such a settlement, the parties shall agree on such peaceful means
as may be appropriate to the circumstances and the nature of their dispute.
6. States parties to regional arrangements or agencies shall make
every effort to achieve pacific settlement of their local disputes through
such regional arrangements or agencies before referring them to the
Security Council. This does not preclude States from bringing any dis­
pute to the attention of the Security Council or of the General Assembly
in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
7. In the event of failure of the parties to a dispute to reach an early
solution by any of the above means of settlement, they shall continue
to seek a peaceful solution and shall consult forthwith on mutually agreed
means to settle the dispute peacefully. Should the parties fail to settle
by any of the above means a dispute the continuance of which is likely
to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, they
shall refer it to the Security Council in accordance with the Charter of
the United Nations and without prejudice to the functions and powers
directly or indirectly, for any reason whatsoever, in the internal or external
affairs of any other State,
Reaffirming the Declaration on Principles of International Law con­
cerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations,'
Bearing in mind the importance of maintaining and strengthening in­
ternational peace and security and the development of friendly relations
among States, irrespective of their political, economic and social systems
or levels of economic development,
Reaffirming the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peo­
ples as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and referred to in
the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly
Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter
of the United Nations and in other relevant resolutions of the General
Assembly,
Stressing the need for all States to desist from any forcible action which
of the Council set forth in the relevant provisions of Chapter VI of the
Charter.
8. States parties to an international dispute, as well as other States,
shall refrain from any action whatsoever which may aggravate the sit­
uation so as to endanger the maintenance of international peace and
security and make more difficult or impede the peaceful settlement of
the dispute, and shall act in this respect in accordance with the purposes
and principles of the United Nations.
9. States should consider concluding agreements for the peaceful
settlement of disputes among them. They should also include in bilateral
agreements and multilateral conventions to be concluded, as appropriate,
effective provisions for the peaceful settlement of disputes arising from
the interpretation or application thereof.
10. States should, without prejudice to the right of free choice of
means, bear in mind that direct negotiations are a flexible and effective
means of peaceful settlement of their disputes. When they choose to
deprives peoples, particularly peoples under colonial and racist regimes or
other forms of alien domination, of their inalienable right to self-deter­
resort to direct negotiations, States should negotiate meaningfully, in
mination, freedom and independence, as referred to in the Declaration on
Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co­
operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,
3
Resolution 2625 (XXV), annex.
order to arrive at an early settlement acceptable to the parties. States
should be equally prepared to seek the settlement of their disputes by
the other means mentioned in the present Declaration.
11. States shall in accordance with international law implement in
good faith all the provisions of agreements concluded by them for the
settlement of their disputes.
Annex 60
IX. Resolutions adopted on the reports of the Sixth Committee
263
12. In order to facilitate the exercise by the peoples concerned of
the right to self-determination as referred to in the Declaration on Prin­
ciples of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-op­
eration among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,
the panics to a dispute may have the possibility, if they agree to do so
Court of Justice for the settlement of legal disputes, especially since the
revision of the Rules of the Court.
States may entrust the solution of their differences to other tribunals
by virtue of agreements already in existence or which may be concluded
in the future.
States should bear in mind:
(a) That legal disputes should as a general rule be referred by the
and as appropriate, to have recourse to the relevant procedures mentioned
in the present Declaration. for the peaceful settlement of the dispute.
13. Neither the existence of a dispute nor the failure of a procedure
of peaceful settlement of disputes shall permit the use of force or threat
of force by any of the States parties to the dispute.
parties to the International Court of Justice. in accordance with the
provisions of the Statute of the Court;
(b) That it is desirable that they:
II
(i) Consider the possibility of inserting in treaties, whenever ap­
I . Member States should make full use of the provisions of the
propriate, clauses providing for the submission to the Interna­
tional Court of Justice of disputes which may arise from the
interpretation or application of such treaties;
(ii) Study the possibility of choosing, in the free exercise of their
sovereignty. to recognize as compulsory the jurisdiction of the
Charter of the United Nations, including the procedures and means
provided for therein, particularly Chapter VI, concerning the peaceful
settlement of disputes.
2. Member States shall fulfil in good faith the obligations assumed
by them in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. They
should, in accordance with the Charter, as appropriate, duly take into
International Court of Justice in accordance with Anicle 36 of
its Statute;
account the recommendations of the Security Council relating to the
(iii) Review the possibility of identifying cases in which use may
peaceful settlement of disputes. They should also, in accordance with
the Charter, as appropriate, duly take into account the recommendations
adopted by the General Assembly, subject lo Articles 11 and 12 of the
Charter, in the field of peaceful settlement of disputes.
3. Member States reaffirm the important role conferred on the Gen­
eral Assembly by the Charter of the United Nations in the field of
peaceful settlement of disputes and stress the need for it to discharge
effectively its responsibilities. Accordingly, they should:
(a) Bear in mind that the General Assembly may discuss any situ­
ation, regardless of origin, which it deems likely to impair the general
welfare or friendly relations among nations and, subject to Article 12
of the Charter, recommend measures for its peaceful adjustment;
(b) Consider making use, when they deem it appropriate, of the
possibility of bringing to the attention of the General Assembly any
dispute or any situation which might lead to international friction or give
rise to a dispute;
(c) Consider utilizing, for the peaceful settlement of their disputes,
the subsidiary organs established by the General Assembly in the per­
formance of its functions under the Charter;
be made of the International Court of Justice.
The organs of the United Nations and the specialized agencies should
study the advisability of making use of the possibility of requesting
advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice on legal questions
arising within the scope of their activities, provided that they are duly
authorized to do so.
Recourse to judicial settlement of legal disputes, panicularly referral
to the International Court of Justice, should not be considered an un­
friendly act between States.
6. The Secretary-General should make full use of the provisions of
the Charter of the United Nations concerning the responsibilities en­
trusted to him. The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the
Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the
maintenance of international peace and security. He shall perform such
other functions as are entrusted to him by the Security Council or by
the General Assembly. Reports in this connection shall be made when­
ever requested to the Security Council or the General Assembly.
Urges all States to observe and promote in good faith the provisions of
(d) Consider, when they are parties to a dispute brought to the
the present Declaration in the peaceful settlement of their international
disputes;
attention of the General Assembly, making use of consultations within
the framework of the Assembly, with a view to facilitating an early
settlement of their dispute.
4. Member States should strengthen the primary role of the Security
Council so that it may fully and effectively discharge its responsibilities,
in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, in the area of the
settlement of disputes or of any situation the continuance of which is
likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security.
To this end they should:
(a) Be fully aware of their obligation to refer to the Security Council
such a dispute to which they are parties if they fail to settle it by the
Declares that nothing in the present Declaration shall be construed as
prejudicing in any manner the relevant provisions of the Charter or the
rights and duties of States, or the scope of the functions and powers of
the United Nations organs under the Charter, in particular those relating
to the peaceful settlement of disputes;
Declares that nothing in the present Declaration could in any way prej­
udice the right to self-determination, freedom and independence, as derived
from the Charter, of peoples forcibly deprived of that right and referred
to in the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly
Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter
of the United Nations, particularly peoples under colonial and racist re­
means indicated in Article 33 of the Charter;
gimes or other forms of alien domination; nor the right of these peoples
(b) Make greater use of the possibility of bringing to the attention
to struggle to that end and to seek and receive suppon, in accordance with
the principles of the Charter and in conformity with the above-mentioned
Declaration;
of the Security Council any dispute or any situation which might lead
to international friction or give rise to a dispute;
(c) Encourage the Security Council to make wider use of the op­
portunities provided for by the Charter in order to review disputes or
situations the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance
of international peace and security;
Stresses the need, in accordance with the Charter, to continue effons
to strengthen the process of the peaceful settlement of disputes through
progressive development and codification of international law, as appro­
priate, and through enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations in
this field.
(d) Consider making greater use of the fact-finding capacity of the
Security Council in accordance with the Charter:
(e) Encourage the Security Council to make wider use, as a means
to promote peaceful settlement of disputes, of the subsidiary organs
established by it in the performance of its functions under the Charter;
(/) Bear in mind that the Security Council may, at any stage of a
dispute of the nature referred to in Article 33 of the Charter or of a
situation oflike nature, recommmend appropriate procedures or methods
of adjustment;
37/11. United Nations Conference on Succession of
States in respect of State Property, Archives and
Debts
(g) Encourage the Security Council to act without delay. in accord­
ance with its functions and powers, particularly in cases where inter­
national disputes develop into armed conflicts.
5. States should be fully aware of the role of the International Coun
The General Assembly,
Recalling that, by its resolution 36/ 113 of 10 December
1981, it decided to convene a conference of plenipotentiaries
in 1983 to consider the draft articles on succession of States
in respect of State property, archives and debts, adopted by
of Justice, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Their attention is drawn to the facilities offered by the International
Annex 61
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela (28 Mar. 1983)
Annex 61
Your Excellency,
I hnve the honour to nc~..nowledge receipt, of your letter
of October 15,
1982, in "hich, alluding to certnin proposnls put, fornnrd by me in my nddress
to the Genernl Assembly ' of the United Nntions on Mondl\Y, Octobel' 11, 1982,
you stnted that, nfter cnreful considerntion
of them, the Government of Venez­
ueln wished "to renffirm
its convi ct :i.cn", !LS pl'<aviouGl y i :c.t;i.m:,.tP.d in your let­
ter to me of Septemb e r 19, 1982, ,:th <.t i t, ,vo•j1 d b ~ t1ost p :-:ri.c-tir:rJ . ri.r1d nppr o
­
prin.te to entrust the tnsk of cho osi ng t.he nma. .. '!s of .uet t.l eP1a 1:!.t c1i ..:·,1..::-t.l :7 to
the Secretnry--Genernl
of the United Nntio ns " .
The Government of the Co-operntive Republic of Guyruir, not es with
regret this sWil!lnry dismissnl of Ill)' propos nl s by the Govel'lll!!ent of the Repul>­
lic of Venezueln nnd the lntter' s conclusion thnt "no ngreement exists bet1reen
the pnrties" in respect of the cho i ce of nn npproprinte internntionnl
orgnn,
D)Ore pnrticulnrl
y in the li ght of the totnl fnilure of the Government of the
Republic of Venezueln to propose n single inteI'llj\tionnl orgnn nnd of the po ►
sib i lity thnt the Government of the Co-operntive lepublic of Guynnn might for
its pnrt, hnve hnd other proposnls in this nre11 to ndvnnce.
In these respects the Government of the Republic of Venezueln hn8
not shifted mnterinll y from the wholly unt ennble position tnken by it in your
letter to me of Septe mber 19, 1982, in which i t prem nt arsl y declnred its in­
•
tention to refer to t h,1 s '=~ l" .9t r~ry-G ·en ertd of t he Unit ed Nc1.ticn 3 the d1:?cision
ns to the means of se tt l mmmt even t b.,,ur,h nt thnt stag e , ns po.ir .t,ed oat in
my letter to you of Octo ber 8, 1982, it hnd not ns ye t m,de nny efi ,irt , ns
required by Arti cl e IV (2 ) of the Genevn /igreem ant, to rench ng,:3,ament on nn
npproprinte internntionnl
orgnn by which such n dec is ion could be mr,cle.
The Government of the Co-operntive Republic of Guynnn is ineluctnbly
constrnined to the vie1r thnt, in the circumstnnces,
the Government of the
Republic of Venezueln never intended in good fnith to endenvour to rench ngree­
ment with the Government of the Co-operntive Republic of Guynnn on !Ill inter­
nntionnl orgnn before the mntter is referred to the Secretnry--Genernl
of the
United Nntions, ns is required by Article IV (2) of the Genevn Agreement, nnd
hns utterly fniled to dischnrge · its solemn trenty obligntions
in these respects.
Notrithstn.nding
these pnlpnble breaches of the Genevn /.gr.0c,merrt by
the Government of the Republic of Venezueln, the Government of th 'l Co••·"r,e::-n­
tive Republic of Guyl\lll\, for its pnrt, 1rishes to demcnstrnte yet once ngnin
its consistently
held int enti on to .s ee k n solution 1>6 the co!l°1',·0ve.r ,;y wi •·l:).n
the frnmework of the _Jlr,ree ment.
'.:~/ . •· ..
Annex 61
- 2
Consequently, ,rhile firmly reserving its position on the f or e.•
going nnd other brenches, the Government of the Co-operative Republi c of
Guynnn, proceeding regretfully on the bnsis thnt the Government of the
Republic of Venezueln is umvilling to seriously emenvour to ranch ngr ee­
ment on llllY npproprinte internntionnl orgnn whntsoever t o choose t he menns
of settlement, hereby ngrees to proceed to the n~x~ stnge nnd, nccor dingly,
ns to the rnenns of settlem« r . •· +,o Secretnry-Genernl
to refer the decision
of the United Nnti ons.
I nvnil myself of this opportunity to rene,r to Your Excellency
the nssurnnces of my highest consideration.
Rnshleigh E. Jackson
Minister of Foreign Mfnirs
1983-03-28
Annex 62
Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Press Release (30 Mar. 1983)
Annex 62
PRESS RELEASE
The Government of Guyana haa agreed to refer the decision as to
the means of settlement of the controversy with Venezuela to the Sec retary
­
General of the United Nations .
On Monday, March 28, 1983 , Venezuela ' s Ambassador to Guyana received~
a letter from Foreign Mini ster Rashleigh Jackson to the Minister of Forei gn
Affairs of Venezue la, Dr . Jo se Alberto Zambrano Velasco, convey i ng Guyana's
position,
L
The task of the Secretary - General, as envisaged in the Geneva
Agreement , is to select a means of peaceful settlement and not to pronounce on
the substance of the issue , His involvement represents a recourse to the
final of the three stages detailed in the Geneva Agreement for such se l ection ,
According to Article
I V (2) , the Governments of Guyana and
Venezuela were first required to seek agreement between themselves on the
choice of a means of settlement withi n a three month period , This proved
impossi ble. Venez uela proposed negotiation as her choice , while Guyana opted
for judicial settlement
, The second stage required both Governments to agree
on an appropriate international
organ to make the selection
. Guyana proposed
three alternative
bodies - The International
Court of Justice
, the Genera l
Assembly of the United Nations or the Security Council , Venezue la , for her
part sought to bypass this second stage . On September 19, 1982 , Foreign
Minister Zambrano stated his Government ' s preference for the immediate
involve ment of the Secretary - General of the U.N. , and on October 15, 1982 she
repea ted her pre f erence after a summary dismissa l of the prop osa l s which
Guyana made at the United Nations on October 11, 1982 .
• .. . .. . . /2
Annex 62
- 2 -
The letter of March 28 to Foreign Minist<lr Zamln•c.no di·owo attention
to this Venezuelan action which is a breach of the Geneva Agreement . llowever ,
i t expresses , once aga i n , Guyana ' s commitment to the sea r ch for a s olution of
the controversy within the framewor k of the Geneva Agreement . Minister
Jackson
1
1:! letter expla i ned that "o n the basis that the Government of the
Republ ic of Venezuela is unwilling seriously to endeavour to reach agree ment
on any app ro pri ate international
organ whatsoever to choose the mear.o of
settlement ," The Government of Guyana agreed to proceed to the next stage
which i s to refer the issue to the U. N. Secretary - General ,
On th i s matter of gr ave national concern , Guyana ' s decision was
taken afte r extensive deliber a tions . There were widespread consultations
in
which the Parliamentary Committee on the Territorial
I nte erity of Guyana was
involved , This Committee was esta blished last year to monitor developments
in the controversy, and is composed of members of each political party
represented in the National Assembly .
Guyana has every confidence in the impartiality
and i nte grity of
the Secretary -General of the U.N. and will cooperate fully with him in the
execution of his task as envisa ged in the Geneva Agreement .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - INFORMATION DIVI SION
March 30 , 1983 .
Annex 63
Letter from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Cooperative Republic of Guyana (31 Mar. 1983)
Annex 63
..
~ , · .... :~ ✓.,--:. ;
... ~~:..- .).
YOUR ElCCELLENCY,
I HAVE THE HONOlR TO ACKNOWLEOOE A COPY OF YOUR LETTER DATED 29 .MN«ll1
1983 ADIRESSED TO THE MINISTER FOR ElCl'IillNAL RELATIONS OF VEN?.lUELA, WHICH 'KAS
FORll'J.RDED TO ME BY THE PERMANENr MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA. I HAVE
:OOTED T!U.T, DY THAT LEI'T.m, THE GO\TmNl,ENT OF THE CO-OPERATIVE REruDLIC OP
GUYANA JGREES, WITH REFERENCE TO AfiTICLE IV(2) OP THE Gl,l<E\Tf, J.r.REEMENI' OP 17
FEJRUl>RY, 1966, TO PROCEED TO REF.m THE DECISION Afl TO THE MEi.NS OF SfflLDIENT
TO THE SECREl'.ARY-GENffi,\L OF TIIE UNITED NATIONS,
IN YOUR LEI'TER, R.EFER.mCE IS MADE TO THE STATEMENI' DY 'mE MINISTER
FOR ~ERNAL RELATIONS OP VENZZUELA, IN HIS NOTE ADDRESSED TO YOUR ElCCELLENCY
ON 15 QC'l'OBER, 1982, TIIAT HIS GOvmNMENT WISHEJI ''TO REAFFIRM ITS CONVICTION .•
THAT IT WOULD DE MOST PRACTICAL il!ID hPPROPRIATE TO ENI'RUST T'!E T,ISK OF CHOO~
llil;, THE MEANS OP SETTLEMENT DillECTLY TO THE $ECRET.l'RY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED
NJ.TIONS" •
. BEIN, NOW ASSURED TIIJ.T IT IS THE ll'ISH OF THE GOVERNMEN!'S OP DOTH
GUY.AIU. AND VENEZUELA TH.o\T I UNDERI'.AICE THE RESR>NSIDILITY CONFalJl.ED ON ME IN
liRTICLE IV( 2) OF THE GENEVA AGREr.,MENT, I SHALL, AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, CX>Ma
MUNICATE TO YOU AND TO THE GOVERNMmr OF VENEZUELA THE CONCLUSION I HAVE REACR­
Ell IN 'IHE DISCfURGE OF THAT RESFONSIDILITY.
J} ,VIER PEREZ DE CUELWR
Annex 64
Telegram from the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (31 Aug. 1983)
Annex 64
;
/
The Secretnry Genernl of the United Nntions in his letter
to the Cde. Minister of Foreign Affnir s dnted 311 A!nrch 1983 , under
­
took the responsibilit
y of selecting the menns of pence ful settlement
to be employed by Guynnn nnd Venezue ln to re solv e their outstnnd ing
contr overs y .
Pursunnt to the di schnrge of thnt r espo ns ibili ~y , the Sccr etnry
Genernl s ent n de le gnti on compri sing Mr. Diego Cord ovez mrl n pnrty of
three t o visit Guynnn fr om 24 - 26 August to hold di scussio ns on the
contr over sy with trui rol evnnt Guynnese nutho riti es . The United Nntions
tenm nrriv ed in Guynnn directly nfter n similnr visit to Vcnezueln .
On August Jl , 1981 1 n stnt ement wns is sued by the Secret nry
Genernl concerning the Guynnn/Venezueln controversy in the li ght of
the re port mnde t o him by Mr. Cordovez on the ln tter's vi sit to the
two c npito.l s ,
The i'u.11 text of the Secretnr y Genernl's coumuni cnti on is
nttnched,
1
Annex 64
COPY OF TELEGRAM RECEIVED TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 31 AUGUST 198 3
ETAT PRIORITE
HIS EXCELLENCY RASHLEIGH JACKSON
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
GEORGETOWN
EXCELLENCY,
MR CORDOVEZ HAS INFORMED ME OF HIS DI SCUSSION IN
CARACAS AND GEORGETOWN AND I SHOULD LIKE TO EXPPfSS ~Q Y0UR
GOVERNMENT MY DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE ASSI STANf~ FP J ~IDED
IN THE CONTEXT OF MY FUNCTIONS UNDER THE GENEVA AG~~EMENT.
AS AGREED I HAVE TODAY ISSUED THE FOLLOWI NG STATEMENT :
QUOTE
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNIN~ TH[ C,JYA~~!~ F\:;;\,.A
CONTROVERSY:
IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE DISCHARGE OF ~ IS ~F~~o~ s
­
IBILITY UNDER THE TERMS OF ARTICLE IV (2) OF T~E AGRE~Mr~T SJGN~D
AT GENEVA ON 17 FEBRUARY 1966 CONCERNING THE CCNTRCV~PSY ~~~l=E~N
GUYANA AND VENEZUELA, THE SECRETARY-GENERAL REQ!JESTED DI~CO
CORDOVEZ, UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR SPECIAL POLITI CAL A~FAI~S,
TO VISIT CARACAS AND GEORGETOWN FOR THE PURPOSE OF A~C:RTAINiNG
THE POSITION WHICH THE PARTIES MIGHT WISH TO PROVI DE ~ELcVANT
TO A CHOICE OF MEANS FOR A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT.
• • I ••
2
Annex 64
-r
...
2.
MR CORDOVEZ HAS REPORTED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON
HIS DISCUSSIONS HELD IN THE TWO CAPITALS FROM 21 TO 26 AUGUST,
ANO HAS CONVEYED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL THE ASSURANCES OF THE
GOVERNMENTS OF GUYANA AND VENEZUELA THAT THEY ARE DETERMINED TO
EXERT THE UTMOST EFFORTS TO SETTLE THEIR CONTROVERSY I N AN
ENTIRELY PEACEFUL AND AMICABLE MANNER. ACCORDINGLY, THEY HAVE
REAFFIRMED THEIR READINESS TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE SECRETARY­
GENERAL IN THE DISCHARGE OF HIS RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THE GENEVA
AGREEMENT.
TO THAT END, CONSISTENT WITH THE GfN~RALLY R~COGN!ZED
PRINCIPLES FOR THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF I NTE"'J·•-:-:;•!·;,'\~ ,.,·,•t.:£:S,
THE GOVERNMENTS OF GUYANA AND VENEZUELA HAVE ·Y~['c-!=(TM,::~, re /,1).JPT
ALL THE MEASURES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY IN ORD!::.~ TO FC:; i':"f\ AND
MAINTAIN THE MOST FAVOURABLE CLIMATE FOR THE EFFECTIVE J' :->·~ue.t1 -
TION OF
THE GENEVA AGREEMENT, AND CONSEQUENTLY THEY WILL ~~F~AIN
FROM ANY ACTION WHATSOEVER WHICH MIGHT MAKE 1-iOR~ DIFFI C..ULT OR
IMPEDE THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF THE CONTROVERSY.
IT I S UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FOREGOING I S \IP TH~UT PRE
­
JUDICE TO THE RIGHTS, CLAIMS OR POSITION OF Tti2 p,o.,n1~s.
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES HIS APPRfC I~Tf~N TO
THE GOVERNMENTS OF GUYANA AND VENEZUELA FOR Tt':: AS'iJs·:·,,,,.,: T:-·:::
HAVE GIVEN IN PROVIDING A \I/IDE RANGE OF REL::V.:.t'T IN'"0~~ .. ,;.~:•·
1
,
THAT WILL BE MOST CAREFULLY STUDIED WITH A VID/ or- r:;,:St'.·'.!,'!' ~ :~Y~
THE CHOICE OF THE MEANS OF SETTLEMENT I-JILL FAC!LIT/.Tc:: A i;l-:-i,1,T,''f
AND DURABLE RESOLUTION OF THE CONTROVERSY.
UNQUOTE
.. / ..
3
Annex 64
/ ,
The Sec retnry Gene rnl of the United Nntions in his letter
to the Cde . Minister
of For eign Affnirs dnte,l )1 , Llnrch 1983, under­
took the r esponsibility
of se l ecting the menns of pcnceful settlement
to be employed lJy Guynnn nnd Venezueln to res olve their outstnnding
cont r oversy,
Purs unnt to the dischnrge of thnt re spo nsibi li ~y , the Socrotnry
Genernl s ent n clol ogntion compri sing Mr. Dioao Cordovez nr.-1 n pnrty of
throe to vi si t GuyM n fr om 24 - 26 August to hc,lcl discussions
on the
c ontroversy
,.-i th the r clevnnt Guynnose nuth ori ties.
'l'he United Nnt ions
tcnm nrr iv ed in Guynnn dir ectly nfte r n similnr visit to Vcnezueln .
On Augus t Jl, 1981 , n stntement wns i ss ued by the Secretnry
Genernl concerning the Guynnn/Ve ne zue ln cont r ove r sy in the li ght of
the ro rort mndo t o him by Mr, Cord ovez on the ln tter' s visit to the
two c npi to.ls,
n,e full t11xt of th e SC'cretnry &..inernl 's comnunicntion
is
nttnched ,
4
Annex 64
3.
ASJ I PROCEED TO STUDY THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE
RECEIVED I SHALL REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH YOU FOR ANY FURTt'c :{
CLARIFICATION OR ASSI STANCE THAT I MIGHT REQUI RE FCR 1H: FULFIL­
MENT OF MY RESPONSIBILITY,
HIGHEST CONSIDERATION,
JAVIER PEREZ DE CUELLAR, UN!TED NATIONS
5
Annex 64
/
COPY OF TELEGRAM RECEIVED TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 3 1 AUGUST 1983
ETAT PRI ORITE
HIS EXCELLENCY RASHLEIGH JACKSON
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF FOREI GN AFFAIRS
GEORGETOWN
EXCELLENCY,
MR CORDOVEZ HAS INFORMED ME OF HI S DISCUSSION IN
CARACAS AND GEORGETOWN AND I SHOULD LIKE TO EXP~~~S TO Y0uR
GOVERNMENT MY DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE ASSI SlA ~~~ I P J ✓ l ~EO
IN THE CONTEXT OF MY FUNCTIONS UNDER THE GCNEVA AG~tEKtk¥ .
AS AGREED I HAVE TODAY ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEME~T:
QUOTE
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNi~•': -,; . ,~,;'f 11 :✓ :
,.,. ,: · ..... ·.,,
CONTROVERSY:
IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE DIS CHAP..r,:-: or t'IS P f--':",--.J•:~.­
I BILITY UNDER THE TERMS OF ARTICLE IV (2) OF T!-' ,: A~RF :. ;,;;-' 11 -,, ,~, ·:·Q
AT GENEVA ON 17 FEBRUARY 1966 CONCERNING THE CCNlR(.'Vf::PSY ~.:':
1
,::::"i
GUYANA AND VENEZUELA, THE SECRETARY-GENERAL Rt:·~• 1[•, • ED D l ::.::.o
CORDOVEZ, UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR SPEC!AL POl iT I Ct L " i~ AI~S ,
TO VIS IT CARACAS AND GEORGETOWN FOR THE PURPO~E OF ASt:~¥A lt ' ; N;
THE POS IT ION WHICH THE PARTIES MIGHT WISH TO P~OVI DE qtLEVANT
TO A CHOICE OF MEANS FOR A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT.
../ ..
6
Annex 64
'
2.
MR CORDOVEZ HAS REPORTED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON
HIS DIS CVSSIONS HELD IN THE TWO CAPI TALS FROM 21 TO 26 AUGUST,
AND HAS CONVEYED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL THE ASSURANCES OF THE
GOVERNMENTS OF GUYANA AND VENEZUELA THAT THEY ARE DETERMINED TO
EXERT THE UTMOST EFFORTS TO SETTLE THEIR CONTROVERSY IN AN
ENTIRELY PEACEFUL AND AMICABLE f-1ANNER. ACCORDINGLY, THEY HAVE
REAFFIRMED THEIR READINESS TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE SECRETARY
­
GENERAL IN THE DISCHARGE OF HIS RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THE GCNEVA
AGREEMENT.
TO THAT END, COHSI STENT WITH THE GE~~R~LLY ?~COGN!ZED
PRINCIPLES FOR THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF IN Tf
'; -;-.," :.', •. ,.' , - l :f: S,
THE GOVERNMENTS OF GUYANA ,,No VENEZUELA HAVE •J'~• r-~ IM:":\· 1•~ /•CvPT
ALL THE MEASURES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY IN ORD~--~ TO F,,:; r:-1-<. ,;•m
MAINTAIN THE MOST FAVOURABLE CLIMATE FOR THE EFFF.Cr! VE f-"~I I C/-1TI
ON OF THE GENEVA AGREEMENT, AND CONSEQUENTLY THEY ~JILL f":c.FRAIN
FROM ANY ACTION WHATSOEVER WHICH MIGHT MAKE t-iOP.~ DIFFIC ULT OR
IMPEDE THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF THE CONTROVERSY.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FOREGOING I S W' TH~UT PFE
­
JUDI CE TO THE RIGHTS, CLAIMS OR POSITION OF n1 ;: r .A•Hl cS.
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES HIS APPRECl~TJ~~ ! C
THE GOVERNMENTS OF GUYANA AND VENEZUELA FOR Tt
1
!:.' AS'; Is·:·.-,, .. - " ; '!
HAVE GIVEN IN PROVIDING A ~/IDE RANGE OF REL!;"'t' T :~J:-'O':t•.,·.,:•.'-;
THAT WILL BE MOST CAREFULLY STUDIED WITH A Vil, / or- r;:~:-•\.-':J:,,: ~;~•.-~
THE CHOICE OF THE MEANS OF SETTLEMENT I-II LL FAr:!LJT.".TE ,, f;i..-l:l,TI'.'E
AND DURABLE RESOLUTION OF THE CONTROVERSY.
UNQUOTE
. . I . •
7
Annex 64
J.
AS/ I PROCEED TO STUDY THE INFORMATION THAT I HAI/E
RECEIVED I SHALL REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH YOU FOR ANY FUR,t' C::~
CLARIFICATION OR ASSISTANCE THAT I MIGHT REQUIRE FCR 1~: FULFIL­
MENT OF MY RESPONSIBILITY.
HIGHEST CONSIDERATION.
JAVIER PEREZ DE CUELLAR, UN!TED NATIONS
8
Annex 65
U.N. General Assembly, 38th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/38/PV.20 (5 Oct. 1983)
Annex 65
United Nations
GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
THIRTY-EIGH rn SESSION
Official Records
•
20th
PLENARY MEETING
Wednesday, 5 October 1983,
at 3.25 p.m.
NEW YORK
President: Mr. Jorge E. ILLUECA (Panama).
AGENDA ITEM 9
Geeeral debate (continued)
1. Mr .. BIRD (Antigua and Barbuda): Mr. President,
may I first of all congratulate you on your election to
the presidency of the thirty-eighth session of the General
Assembly. My delegation finds particular pleasure in your
election since it testifies to the abundance of talent to he
found in our region, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Yo~r vast e~~rien~ of multilateral diplomacy within the
Uruted Nations will be much needed during a session
which already promises to be of vital importance to the
future of mankind as a whole. Beyond the poli.::y state­
ments which we have already heard from such a large
number of heads of State is the crucial work which must
take place behind the scenes to reconcile divergent views
and turn dissension into discussion. Your well-known
negotiating abilities will help to carry this session to a
sensible resolution of the issues which lie befor~ us.
2. I also wish to take this opportunity to welcome the
newest Member of the United Nations, Saint Christo11her
and Nevis. This is a small island State, a neighbour of
!11~ own CO!,ln~ry, which has demonstrated that although
1t 1s small 1t 1s prepared to play a role in international
affairs.
3. Apart from Saint Christopher and Nevis, my coun­
try, Antigua and Barbuda, was the most recent State to
suspect the majority of the peoples of the world hold a
similar position. We are dissatisfied with the tyranny of
the minority. We are frustrated with being discarded by
a handful of countries. We deeply resent the arrogance
which leads some States to believe that they have a God­
given right to make decisions for the rest of us without
dialogue and without discussion. Unless this wanton and
wilful disregard for the majority of the world's peoples
is corrected, global peace will always elude us and global
stability will remain a meaningless dream.
7. Of necessity, the principal char;3.cters in disarmament
and arms llmitation talks must be those who have so
~e~elo~ _and stockpiled those weapons that their par­
t~~p~t1on 1s mandatory. But the Assembly cannot aban­
don the task to them alone, for we are now all involved·
we are now all consumed by the folly which threatens th;
extinction of the human race. We have an obligation to
our own pc,Jples and to humanity as a whole to bring
an end to the madness of militarization.
8. In this context, Antigua and Barbuda calls for the
fullest internationalization of the dif~ussions on arms
limitation and disarmament. At the ve • ., least the United
Nations should have a presence at the Geneva talks. But
this body should also establish practical mechanisms to
sensitize the peoples of the world to the dangers of arms
escalation and to alert them to the frightening mili­
tary technology which now surrounds us. For it is only
through such methods, it is only by educating world
opinion, including the opinion of the people whose Gov­
ernments are the principal participants in the arms race,
that we can hope to recall this planet from the precipice
of mass destruction.
9. My delegation supports the proposal of Canada that
a working group on arms control and outer space be
become a Member of the United Nations. We are a small
island State, a member of that group of States that is
militarily weak and economically vulnerable. In the wide
scheme of great-Power politics, we are ignored because
we do not point a missile at some other country's capitai·
we are marginalized because we threaten none with wea:
established by the Committee on Disarmament. In our
view, the Prime Minister of Canada is fundamentally
correct that we can wait no longer if we are to foreclose
the prospects ?f wars from space. Already it appears that
facelesi. men, m anonymous offices in a few of the world's
pons of.mass destruction; we are disregarded because we
have neither the economic strength nor the inclination to
intimidate other nations in the world community.
cap~tals, are determined to make a reality of science
fiction-to play space roulette with the lives of people
as the stake and ultimate destruction as the purse.
10. My country resents the fact that we are simply a
pawn in a series of global war games. We call upon this
4_. In other words, !n a world that has become progres­
sively !Dore susceptible to the threat of power, snwill
coufitnes such as mine are discovering with increasing
frequency that the principles of justice, equality, universal
peace an_d development for which this body was created
are nothmg short of illusions-illusions which now only
s~t~y conceal ~he reality of naked power currently
d1ctatmg the destmy of humanity as a whole.
body, we urge all nations, large and small, and we sum­
mon all peoples, white and black, to resist the tyranny
of the minority and to call to account those Governnients
whose philosophy of militarism threatens the survival of
all.
11. The South Korean airline tragedy in which an air­
craft carrying 269 civilians was shot down by the Soviet
Uruon brought the human face of cold-war politics bru­
tally and vividly to the world's attention. We looked at
5. Thus, in the drama of negotiation which is being
enacted at Geneva on disarmament and arms limitation
the starring roles-indeed the only roles- are being
played by the two countries whose arsenals have the
th~t face and it was ugly. We saw J:?10thers weeping for
capacity for total human obliteration. The rest of us­
even t~ough we represent the majority of mankind-have
n_o vo1ce,. no say, not a single utterance in those discus­
sions which may well decide whether we live or die.
6. My people find it difficult to place their fate in the
hands of any whom they cannot bring to account. I
chddrer they would never see agam and wives fatally
wrenched from husbands. We looked upon that ugly
human face that could so callously cause innocent life
to be slaughtered, and anger raged within us. There, but
for fortune, C"'uld have been your wife, my children, your
mother. The ~
.. ·.;;has come for the Assembly to demand
325
A/38/PV.20
Annex 65
326
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
a halt to the madness which produces such tragedy. The
time has come for sanity to be recalled to international
relation~ and to be given pride of place.
for any State which genuinely opposes the vileness of
12. It is not as if these Governments are incapable of
negotiation; it is not as if they are unable to reach agree­
ment. During this debate and in a meeting of the Ger .eral
Committee preceding it we heard several countries which
are normally antagonists tell us how they are able to
co-operate in their mutual interest. Two very large Powers
told us in a meeting of the General Committee that in
Antarctica they co-operate one with the other; they
exchange information and conclude conventions on ex­
ploitation of marine resources. We were delighted to learn
of this co-operation. We recognize that we had not heard
about their co-operation before because for 22 years all
the meetings of the Consultative Parties to the Antarctic
Treaty
I
have been secret, held behind closed doors. Not
only the rest of the world but their own people were
denied any knowledge of the decisions reached or plans
made by that small group of States.
13. It took an initiative before this body by my small
cour.try, Antigua and Barbuda, together with another
sm~ ;ountry, Malaysia, for the world publicly to lea:rn
that two super-Powers co-operate in Antarctica in a way
they failed to do through the cold war, the Cuban missile
crisis and the invr"'TIOn of Afghanistan. Further, it took
that same initiative for the world to learn from the
mouths · of the representatives of two other countries
which last year were at war with each other that they,
too, are able to co-operate with each other peacefully and
constructively in Antarctica.
14. My country welcomes the news of such magnificent
co-opei'ation among the Contracting Parties, and we call
upon each of th":!'1 individually and all of them collec­
tively to extf;nd ~his capacity for co-operation from
Antarctica to ~h ,other areas in which they are involved,
including arm~, '.imitation, disarmam~nt and territorial
disputes. Were they able to do so, the world would
become a safer place for this generation to inhabit and
for succeeding generations to inherit. The quality of all
our lives would improve and the prospects for sustained
betterment wculct be assured.
·
15. My delegation joined t 1e delegation of Malaysia in
proposing the inscription oi · the question of Antarctica
in the agenda of this thirty-eighth session [see A/38/ 193).
We are grateful that the General Committee saw merit
in endorsing the inscriptior.,.
16. Antarctica covers Oiie tenth of the Earth's surface.
It is larger than Australia, larger than Eurnpe, larger than
the United States and Mexico combine<i ~ad larger than
India and China together. It is half as big again as the
United States. It seems likely that Antarctica's cor.tinental
shelves harbour vast reserves of oil and gas. It is known
to have other minerals, and its marine life is abundant.
17. Since 1959 a handful of countries have arrogated
to themselves the right to manage Antarctica under the
Antarctic Treaty. They have thus far concluded a con­
vention on marine resources and established a secretariat
to service their activities under the convention. They are
now in the process of negotiating a regime on minerals
exploitation.
apartheid to sit in the council of the decision-making
commission of the Antarctic Treaty.
19. Antarctica is not so unique as to render a universal
leper any less leprous.
20. We have asked for a study of Antarctica in an effort
to take into account all the concerns about the area. Not
least among these concerns is the environment and the
damage that could be done to it, with untold harm for
all the nations of the world.
21. These are not decisions which should be confined
to a handful of Governments meeting in secret sessions.
The world as a whole, including the people in those States
whose Governments are now Contracting Parties, should
be given the democratic right to hold known officials
accountable for activities undertaken in Antarctica.
22. My delegation does not discard the Antarctic Treaty,
nor do we devalue the 24 years of experience gained by
the Contracting Parties in Antarctica. That experience
and the Treaty itself could well form the basis for a
consensual approach to Antarctica satisfactory to every­
one. It is my delegation's hope that the Contracting
Parties will support our call for a study and will wed the
wisdom of their experience to the freshness of new per­
ceptions which other countries can bring to Antarctica.
23. The President of the United States made an eloquent
plea in the Assembly last week [5th meeting] for all
nations to uphold the original ideals of the United Na­
tions. My delegation supports President Reagan in that
call. Indeed, when my country was admitted to this body
two years ago, I had the honour to state that in the
Charter of the United Nations the peoples of the world
had a sacred bond. I affirmed then and reaffirm nGw that
my country places the greatest value and the highest
importance on that bond, for, had we not, we would have
chosen to remain outside this body.
24. Some States draw attention to the high level of their
financial contributions to the Organization, as if an
undesirable and heavy burden had been imposed upon
them. We should all make it clear that we appreciate the
contribution made by those States which pay the most.
In this regard, the Assembly would be wanting if we did
not take particular note of the very substantial contribu­
tion of the United States of America. But the financial
contribution which my own small country makes to the
Org~ization places an equally great burden, in compar­
ative terms, upon us. We have no great industrial wealth,
no massive population; we have no transnationals that
bring home money from abroad; our resources are mea­
gre and our revenues minsicule. Yet, despite great hard­
ship, we make our financial contribution to the United
Nations and do so gladly, for we agree with President
Reagan's observation that the United Nations and its
affiliates have made more important contributions tc the
life of this planet.
25. In our view, the Unitc:d Nations should be accorded
the role for which it wa~ intended, to promote social
progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.
In this context, it is a matter of grave concern to my
country that yet another year has passed with Namibia
still not independent. Indeed, social progress in Namibia
has been further retarded and freedom hijacked by the
heinous regime in South Africa.
26. South Africa's pre-condition that Cuban troops
should be withdrawn from Angola before Namibia gains
its independence challenges the very efficacy of the Or­
ganization. The tacit support given South Africa by some
who sit in this chamber serves only to weaken the Organ­
ization which so many profess to value. And we should
18. But there has been no consultat:on with other States;
there has been no discussion with other countries. Of
course, their response to this charge of lack of consulta­
tion will be that the Treaty is open for signature to all,
but this ignores the reality that signature does not accord
membership in the decision-making commission, nor does
it take account of the fact that the presence of South
Africa among the Contracting Parties makes it impossible
Annex 65
20th meeting-5 October 1983
327
not be deluded by South Africa's assertions that it is
under siege from international communism and is the
protector of Western influence. No Western interests can
conceivably be served by the oppression of South Africa's
people under apartheid or by the continued illegal occu­
pation of Namibia.
33. I began this address by drawing attention to the fact
27. The truth is that South Africa is not seeking to
protect itself from the bogy of a communist threat, for
a far more powerful spirit haunts it: the spirit, among
South Africa's oppressed majnrity, which cries out for
human freedom and dignity.
23. Violent abrogation of freedom and human dignity
is not limited to Namibia. In Afghanistan, the Soviet
Union continues to use military force to suppress the
Afghan people. Resolutions by this body urging the
Soviet Union to get out of Afghanistan have fallen upon
that naked power now dictates the destiny of mankind.
Dialogue and discussion, consultation and communica­
tion are words without meaning, illusions without sub­
stance. Small countries protest this domination and
inequality, but we know we protest in vain. We have
witnessed the failure of too many efforts to convene
meanjngful convocations on the international economic
condition to place any hope in the possibility that the rich
countries will accord importance to our survival unless
it coincides with their own national interest.
34. Fortunately for the poor, the economic condition
of the world has reached the point where, in the words
of India's Pdme Minister, Indira Gandhi, "Each country,
however powerful, has more to gain by accommodation
and co-operation than. by withdrawal into individual
isolation or adoption of policies to maintain the solidarity
deaf ears. My delegation deplores this continued occu­
of the strong". [9th meeting, para. 14.) In other words,
pation of Afghanistan~ just as we condemn the Turkish
Government for its occupation of Cyprus and its refusal
to respond to the pleas of grieving families for informa­
tion about their relatives missing from the Turkish­
occupied sector of Cyprus since 1974.
29. The world would be in a sufficiently troubled state
if the areas of military aggression were confined to those
I have just mentioned. But in addition Kampuchea is still
occupied by Vietnamese invaders. We welcome the efforts
by the countries of the Association of South-East Asian
Nations [ASEAN) to seek a political settlement in Kam­
puchea, and we urge Viet Nam to join the search for a
process which would leave Kampuchea in the hands of
its own people.
30. The prospect of partition in Lebanon now looms
large in the future of that agonized and war-torn land,
where children are born into carnage with little hope of
living a normal life. Last year, as the session began, the
world mourned the massacre at Pafostinian camps in
Lebanon. This year, Lebanon's agony has known no
surcease, its people no respite from the ravages of war.
This country needs to solve its internal problems, but it
will not do so while it is at the mercy of foreign troops.
Lebanon would be well served by the international com­
munity if we collectively secured the withdrawal of all
foreign troops from the territory and provided an oppor­
tunity for it to reassert its independence and sovemgnty.
31. This body has been concerned for some time with
the global economy has now reached the point where for
the strong to ignore the predicament of the weak would
serve to court catastrophe for the strong themselves. Quite
frankly, it is the reality that the rich are severely affected
by the world's financial and trading system that provides
my country with some glimmer of hope that at last we
may be able to begin a series of discussions, however
limited, leading to a change, however moderate, in the
international economic order.
35. My delegation is impressed with a study recently
undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat entitled
"Towards a New Bretton Woods". Free of radical rhe­
toric and moralistic diatribe, it is a practical discussion
of the means of creating greater multilateral co-operation
within the framework of the existing institutions. This
study is a positive contribution to solving the global
economic crisis, for in our view only multilateral co­
operation will extract the world from the economic
morass in which it now languishes. It is now widely
accepted that economic recovery in one or two countries,
however strong they are, cannot provide the engine to
pull the rest of the world to economic health.
36. Equally, it is time we dismissed the prescriptions of
the medical economists in the North that the answer to
the economic illnesses of the South lies in individual
national efforts. Vulnerable to market forces amongst
our major trading partners, dependent on the economic
strength of the tourism market place, victims of high
interest rates in the banking systems of the North,
countries such as mine are at the mercy of the inter­
the question of Korea. Peaceful reunification of this land
best lies in direct negotiation between the two sides. The
Republic of Korea has made definitive and reasonable
proposals on this issue. If the North Koreans are genu­
inely interested in peaceful reunification, we urge them
to respond positively to the proposals of the South.
national system.
37. When we produce real growth, however small, in
such adverse economic conditions, as we have managed
to do in Antigua and Barbuda, it is a tribute to the
resilience of our people. But as the Venezuelan Foreign
Minister told the Assembly just a week ago, national
efforts "cannot replace a global approach, with full
and responsible participation by both developing and
developed countries" [5th meeting~ para. 171).
32. Closer to my own home, foreign military interven­
tion in Central America is helpful only in prolonging
conflict. The cause of peace and stability in the region
is retarded by those who seek military solutions to deep­
seated social and economic ills. It is equally adversely
affected by those who seek to exploit the difficult eco­
nomic circumstances in order to impose an ideology,
without the exercise of a free choice in a democratic
process. My delegation welcomes the United States effort
38. My country calls on the Assembly to take special
note of the need for special measures of assistance to
countries whose small size and isolation place them at a
peculiar disadvantage which constrains their prospects for
economic growth. Those who control IMP and the World
to look for other means of addressing the difficulties of
Bank group should be particularly mindful of the need
Central America, through the work of a commission
headed by former United States Secretary of State Henry
Kissinger. We are not prepared to prejudge the commis­
sion; we shall give it a chance and hope it produces widely
acceptable recommendations. Meanwhile, we support and
endorse the efforts of the Contadora Group to bring
to modify the policies of these institutions towards small
States.
39. What is obvious in the world today is that we are
in an age of intolerance, an age of confrontation, acquis­
itiveness and narrow-mindedness. These are the symp­
toms of a world divided against itself, with'nations more
peace to the area.
concerned to grab their own narrow benefits today than
Annex 65
328
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
to guard against global suffering tomorrow from which
none, including the rich, can escape. That is a terrifying
world-terrifying in the scope of the destruction it can
bring itself and terrifying in the obstinacy which propels
it towards such destruction.
40. Despite the fact that my country is small and ex­
cluded, disadvantaged and disregarded, isolated and
ignored, we are determined to play a part in recalling the
w01 Id from such a frightening fate and in rebuilding a
vision of prosperity and peace for all mankind. We stand
ready to work with any committed to such a task.
41. Mr. SIPRASEUTH (Lao People's Democratic
Republic) (interpretation from French):* I should like
first to extend to you, Sir, on behalf of the delegation
of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, sincere con­
gratulations on your brilliant election to the presidency
of the thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly. In
electing you to this important post, the General Assembly
49. The Lao People\, Democratic Republic strongly
condemns these acts and reaffirms its unswerving support
for the Palestinian people, struggling under the leadership
of the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO] for its
fundamental rights, including its right to create an inde­
pendent Palestinian State in its homeland, and it demands
that Israel withdraw its troops from Lebanon and from
the Arab territories, including the city of Jerusalem,
which it has illegally occupied since 1967.
50. An equally unjustified and dangerous action is the
American support for the South African racists in pro­
longing their occupation of Namibia and their continued
acts of provocation and sabotage against the African
front-line States, particularly Angola and Mozambique.
The United States is also engaged in acts of provocation
against Libya and shameless interference in the internal
affairs of Chad.
has demonstrated its confidence in and respect for you
and your country, Panama, which has constantly opted
for a policy of independence and the peaceful settlement
of disputes in Central America. I am convinced that under
your wise leadership the work of this session will be
crowned with success.
-
51. In Latin America it has imposed a blockade and
threatened aggression against Cuba and is seriously inter­
fering jn the internal affairs of El Salvador. It is involved
in acts of armed provocation and threats of aggression
against Nicaragua, Grenada and Suriname, threatening
their independence and thus creating a situation which
could erupt at any moment.
52. The Lao People's Democratic Republic fully sup­
ports the efforts of national defence aod socialist con­
struction of the fraternal Cuban people and demands
most energetically that the United States aban.don its
policy of blockade, interference and threats of af,gression
against the Republic of Cuba, unconditionally returning
Guanta.namo to it and respecting its independen~e, sov­
ereignty and territorial integrity.
53. We wholeheartedly support the heroic struggle of
the governments and peoples of Nicaragua, Grenada and
Suriname to protect the fruits of their revolution. We wish
to express our great appreciation for the six-point peace
proposals made by the Sandinist Government.
54. The collusion between the United States and leading
Chinese circles in the pursuit of an undeclared war and
their sabotage of the tranquility and development of the
Democratic Republic of Afghanistan have constantly
·maintained tension in the region of southern Asia.
42. I should like also to extend my sincere congratula­
tions t0 Mr. Imre Hollai, who successfully discharged his
functiions as President of the thiity-seventh session in spite
of many difficulties.
43. It is a particular pleasure for me to congratulate the
Secretary-General on his relentless, tireless efforts for
peace and international detente.
44. Since the last session of the General Assembly the
international climate of detente, peace, security and co­
operation has in no way improved; on the contrary the
situation has become even more tense.
45. The Government of the United States has striven
to increase its military budget and to step up the manu­
facture of nuclear and conventional·weapons of mass
destruction. Furthermore, it brought to bear its most
eloquent rhetoric in the cause of pushing humanity closer
to a nuclear catastrophe. To justify this new escalation
in the arms race, it has not shrunk from intensifying the
cold war and seeking in every way to sabotage the Soviet­
American negotiations at Geneva.
46. The recent case of the South Korean aircraft, which
caused such distress because of the loss of lives of its
55. In the Far East, the United States maintains its
troops in South Korea and is encouraging a revival of
Japanese militarism and the creation of an American­
Japanese-Korean alliance which would constitute a seri­
passengers, clearly showed that the United States was
ous threat to the countries of Asia and the Pacific.
knowingly implicated and took advantage of this pretext
to pursue its policy of out and out warmongering and
diverting opinion from the massive support that had been
won by the peace initiatives of the Soviet Union.
47. To attain its objectives it has striven to develop its
rapid deployment forces and to build and expand its
military bases, particularly in the Persian Gulf and the
Indian Ocean, to defend what it describes as its vital
interests, to set uo regional command centres and to
engage in many kfr..ds of military manoeuvres throughout
the world, pursuing its policy of confrontation, threats,
interference and aggression in Africa, Asia and Latin
America.
48. The aggression against Lebanon and its occupation
56. In the economic field the developed capitalist coun­
tries are seeking by every possible means to inflict upon
the developing countries the fall-out of the economic crisis
and are pursuing a policy of protectionism and discrim­
ination in their relations with the poor countries, thus
imposing upon them ever-growing difficulties. Global
negotiations for international economic co-operation, so
long awaited, are not taking place, and the sixth session
of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Develop­
ment, which met last June at Belgrade, yielded very scanty
results because of the intransigent attitude of certain
developed capitalist countries.
57. The situation I have described demonstrates that this
session of the General Assembly is faced with very impor­
tant and urgent problems on which rests the fate of the
by the Israeli Zionists and the brutal crimes they have
committed against the Palestinian Arab and Lebanese
people were carried out with the avowed co-operation of
American imperialism. Under the cover of the so-called
multinational peace-keeping forces it has used its air and
naval forces to interfere directly in Lebanon.
*Mr. Sipraseuth spoke in Lao. The ,French version of his statement
was supplied by the delegation.
whole of mankind.
58. They are the problems of safeguarding international
peace and security, the struggle against the arms race and
the danger of a devastating nuclear war and, first and
foremost, against the deployment by the United States
of medium-range missiles in certain European countries
by the end of this year.
Annex 65
20th meeting-5 October 1983
329
59. They are also the problems of protecting the inde­
pendence and sovereignty of peoples against imperialism,
colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, apartheid, zionism,
expansionism and hegemonism.
60. They are also the problems of the development of
international economic co-operation and the establish­
ment of a new, just and reasonable international eco­
nomic order based upon respect for the independence and
sovereignty of peoples.
Africa to link the granting of independence to Namibia
with the withdrawal of Cuban volunteers from Angola.
68. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the peoples of
Angola, Mozambique and the other front-line countries
which are fighting against the acts of provocation and
armed aggression of the Pretoria racists.
69. The armed provocation against Libya and the vio­
lations of its sovereignty by the United States and its
tributary forces are energetically condemned by the
delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic,
which demands, furthermore, that they cease their inter­
ference in the internal affairs of Chad and 'leave the
people of that country to resolve their own internal
problems.
70. The Lao delegation supports the struggle of tne S2J1a­
ran Arab people, under the leadership of POLISARI0,
61. In this spirit the delegation of the Lao People's
Democratic Republic is happy to note that in the past few
years the movement of the struggle of the peoples for
international peace and security, for the recovery and
safeguarding of national independence and economic
development has experienced a dynamic upsurge and has
become a powerful force capable of averting war and
thwarting the unjust policies of the warmongering impe­
rialists and international reactionaries.
2
for the exercise of its right to self-determination.
62. The just struggle of the peoples of Asia, Africa and
Latin America against imperialism, colonialism, neo­
colonialism, racism and apartheid, for freedom and social
progress, has received full support from the Lao People's
Democratic Republic.
63. We very much appreciate the proposals of the
meeting of the Political Consultative Committee of the
States Parties to the Warsaw Treaty held in January 1983
at Prague [see A/38/67 and Corr.I], reaffirmed by the
meeting of the leaders of those countries last June in Mos­
cow [see A/38/292), and the new proposals of Mr. Yuri
Andropov, the General Secretary of the Communist Party
of the Soviet Union and President of the Presidium.of
the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union, on the banning
of the use of force in outer space and from space against
the Earth. These proposals, which demonstrate the high
sense of responsibility of the Soviet Union and the other
socialist countries regarding international peace and
security, have been widely welcomed and supported by
peoples throughout the world that cherish peace and
justice. In the interest of the whole of mankind, American
imperialism and the warmongering forces of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization [NA TO) should examine
these proposals in their entirety.
64. The Lao People's Democratic Republic warmly
welcomed the success of the Seventh Conference of Heads
of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, held
last March at New Delhi, the final declarations of which
71. The struggle of the people of the Democratic Repub­
lic of Afghanistan to protect the gains of the April revo­
lution and to follow the path of national construction it
has chosen enjoys our whole-hearted support.
72. The Lao People's Democratic Republic's approval
of the proposal to turn the Indian Ocean into a zone of
peace goes without saying. We demand that the United
States cease to create obstacles to the holding of the
international conference on this problem. We support the
sovereignty of Mauritius over the island of Diego Garcia
and call explicitly upon the United States to dismantle
its base there.
73. We strongly support the proposals of the Mongolian
People's Republic concerning the conclusion of an inter­
national convention on non-aggression and on the non­
use of force in international relations among the countries
of Asia and the Pacific.
74. We whole-heartedly support the struggle of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the peaceful
reunification and independence of that country. The
United States must withdraw all its troops from the
southern part of Korea.
75. South-East Asia, which I would like to dwell on in
particular, is by virtue of its geopolitical and strategic
situation a part of the world which unfortunately has
become the object of the greed of the imperialists and
the Chinese expansionists. In spite of the failure of their
policy of interference and aggression, the latter have not
given up their machinations aimed at absorbing the three
Inda-Chinese countries as part of their expansionist
[see A/381132 and Corrs.1 and 2) stressed once again the
important role uf our Movement. At the same time, we
wish to express our great appreciation of the role played
by India, which under the leadership of its Prime Minis­
ter, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the new Chairman of the Move­
ment of Non-Aligned Countries, works constantly in the
common interest of the countries of the Movement.
65. We whole-heartedly support the peoples of EI Sal­
vador, Puerto Rico, Chile and Guatemala in their valiant
struggle against the interference of the United States and
military dictatorships and for true independence and
freedom.
66. As to the question of the sovereignty of Argentina
over the Malvinas Islands, that country continues to-enjoy
designs concerning the whole of South-East Asia. They
strive constantly to maintain a constant state of tension
along the Chinese-Lao and Chinese-Viet Nam frontiers,
where their troops are stepping up their acts of armed
provocation and'sabotage of all kinds, and ~so along the
Thai-Kampuchean frontier, where, in collusion with the
American imperialists and Thai reactionary forces, they
are using Thai territory as a base for feeding, arming and
training the rump of the Pol Pot troops and a handful
of Khmer reactionaries to undermine the process of the
revival of the Kampuchean people. It thus becomes un­
mistakably clear that China is behind the deterioration
of peace and security in South-East Asia and the hostility
between the members of ASEAN and the countries of
the sympathy of our people.
Indo-China.
67. We energetically support the Namibian peopie,
under the leadership of the South West Africa People's
Organization [SW APO), and the people of South Africa,
under the leadership of the African National Congre.ss
76. After having won victories in the national liberation
struggle against the imperialists, and having thwarted the
policy of interference, aggression and annexation of
Chinese leading circles, the three Inda-Chinese countries
have no other aspiration than to live in peace so as to
staunch the wounds of war,· reconstruct their countries,
build a new life and establish relations off riendship with
[ANq, in their heroic struggle against the racists of South
Africa fot true independence and freedom. We condemn
the attempts of the imperialists and racists of South
Annex 65
330
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
all their neighbours, including the People's Republic of
China. The people of Laos, like the people of Viet Nam
and Kampuchea, have always cultivated an age-old friend­
ship with the Chinese people and have spared no effort
to promote such friendship. The three countries of Indo­
China have repeatedly expressed their wish to sign treaties
of peaceful coexistence with China and to normalize
relations with that country.
77. As far as the ASEAN countries are concerned, the
Lao delegation is happy to note a certain willingness to
begin a dialogue. It is highly desirable that this willingness
take concrete form. As for the three countries of Indo­
China, they have spared no effort to promote such dia­
logue with a view to making South-East Asia a zone of
peace, stability, friendship and co-operation. Accord­
ingly, at their first summit conference, held in February
of this year at Vientiane, high-level representatives of
Laos, Kampuchea and Viet Nam reaffirmed that:
83. As for the seat of Kampuchea in the United Nations,
we regret that the Organization continues to allow it to
be occupied by the architects of genocide, Pol Pot and
Ieng Sary, under the label of the so-called ''Government
of Coalition of Democratic Kampuchea". On the other
hand we wish to salute the good will shown by the Peo­
ple's Republic of Kampuchea, the sole legitimate repre­
sentative of the Kampuchean people, which has already
stated that it does not intend immediately to occupy the
seat when "Democratic Kampuchea" is expelled from the
United Nations.
84. In consideration of the good will thus manifested
by the countries of lndo-China, we hope that the United
Nations will reconsider its position on the Kampuchean
problem so that it can justify the confidence placed in
it as the guardian of peace under the Charter and that
it will give a positive impetus to dialogue on the problem.
85. The Lao people, a small people which loves peace,
"relations of friendship and co-operation among the
countries of Indo-China and the ASEAN countries are
an important factor for preserving peace and stability
in South-East Asia. They should settle all differences
through negotiation in a spirit of good neighbourhood,
coexist in peace . . . They should not let outside coun­
tries interfere and divide them or use the territory of
one against another." [See A/38/98.]
As in the past, Laos, Kampuchea an Viet Nam remain
and will remain resolutely faithful to this course.
78. Thus, the withdrawal of volunteers of the Vietnam­
ese army from Kampuchea, which has already taken place
on two occasions, is a token of thr seriousness of our
intent and demonstrates the consistent position of Viet
Nam in respect of the independence and sovereignty of
that country.
79. In the course of their seventh conference held last
July at Phnom Penh, the Foreign Ministers of Laos,
Kampuchea and Viet Nam once again repeated their
proposals for the restoration of peace and co-operation
in South-East Asia and invited the ASEAN countries and
China to embark without delay on the process of dialogue
and negotiation [see A/38/316], in accordance ,with the
spirit and letter of the statement on South-East Asia of
the seventh conference of the non-aligned countries, held
last March at New Delhi. The three countries of Indo­
China are ready, on the basis of this statement, to proceed
with discussions with their neighbour.s without precon­
independence and liberty and whose wish is to live in
peace and good-neighbourliness with all neighbouring
countries so that it may devote itself entirely to the devel­
opment of its country, does not constitute a threat to any
one. It is, however, highly regrettable that certain neigh­
bouring countries still consider my country as a target
to be destroyed, so that our relations are affected and
have deteriorated without any prospects of improvement.
On the Chinese-Lao frontier, Chinese troops have massed
and have undertaken military exercises, made arrests and
executed our frontier guards, have sent spies into Laotian
territory and have engaged in propaganda hostile to the
policy of the Lao Government and in divisive manoeuvres
among the population, and so forth. What is even more
dangerous, the Peking leaders are currently maintaining,
in Yunan Province in southern China, a certain number
of military training centres for Lao refugees, in particular
the Hmong reactionaries, in order to send them into Lao
territory to carry out acts of sabotage and disrupt public
order.
86. These actions form part of the implementation of
the expansionist and hegemonist policy of the Peking
leaders with regard to Indo-China and South-East Asia
as a whole.
87. In its relations with the Kingdom of Thailand, the
Lao People's Democratic Republic signed the joint Lao­
Thailand communique in 1979 to strengthen bilateral
relations on the basis of the principles of peaceful coex­
istence and to transform the Mekong, in the section that
ditions. To demonstrate their good will, they have even
accepted the fommla of the ASEAN countries for a zone
of peace, freedom and neutrality, as a basis for dialogue.
80. As to the problem of the participation of these two
groups of countries-Indo-China and ASEAN-in dia­
logue, as well as the agenda of the meeting, they should
be the subject of an agreement between the two parties.
In this regard, the People's Republic of Kampuchea made
it explicitly known that it has no intention of making its
participation a precondition or obstacle to the opening
of the dialogue. The Lao delegation believes that this is
an important new and very constructive factor which
should give an impetus to dialogue between the two
groups of countries.
forms the frontier between the two countries, into a river
81. Another new element is the statement on the prob­
of friendship, peace and co-operation. Over the last few
years, not only has the Thai administration failed to abide
by its commitments in good faith, but some of its leaders
who support the American imperialists and the Chinese
expansionists have been using Thai territory as a sanctu­
ary to train Lao reactionaries in their work of sabotage.
against the development of Laos, thus impairing the
traditional relations of friendship between the two peoples
of Thailand and-Laos and working against the interests
of the two countries. In the interests of the Thai people
and in the ii'lierests of friendship between the people of
Thailand and Laos, those holding power in Thailand
should scrupulously implement the joint communique
issued by the two countries and seek a settlement of their
lems of South-East Asia adopted by consensus at the
conference of the non-aligned countries, including the
problem of Kampuchea and its vacant seat.
82. The Lao People's Democratic Republic considers
that the two resolutions constitute a good basis for mak­
ing progress towards the settlement of the problems
between the two groups of .countries and for making
South-East Asia a zone of peace and stability.
differences with Laos by means of negotiation.
88. As regards the United States, it continues, always
in collusion with the Chinese expansionists and other
reactionary forces, to aid and abet the Lao reactionaries
in exile in Thailand, to carry out acts of provocation, to
interfer,e1in the internal affairs of Laos and to utter
slanderous accusations against its Government about the
use of chemical weapons against these bandits, charges
Annex 65
20th mee!ing-5 October 1983
331
which are renewed each year in the General Assembly.
Nevertheless, the Lao Government, anxious to respect
friendly relations with the American people and with the
worthy aim of normalizing Lao-American relations, has
during the year authorized a certain number of American
official missions to visit Laos, but to our regret these have
led to no concrete results.
89. Faced with the situation I have described, we believe
that the international community should do everything
in its power to help make-South-East Asia a zone of
peace, stability and co-operation.
90. The Lao delegation wishes to take this opportunity
to express from this rostrum the profound gratitude of
the Government and people of Laos for the sympathy
and support which friendly countries and international
organizations in the world have given to the defence and
construction of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
100. We welcome the admission to the United Nations
of another Latin American and Caribbean State, Saint
Christopher and Nevis.
101. In a review of the long list of very important
matters to be discussed at this session and which com­
mand our attention, the imperative necessity of avoiding
the eruption of a confrontation that could bring to an
end the very existence of mankind must be given the
highest priority.
102. Never since the end of the Second World War has
the international situation shown signs of such extreme
peril, nor has mankind been so close to nuclear apoca­
lypse. For this reason, I believe we all agree that once
again, but with greater courage and dedication, we must
endeavour to ensure that our deliberations and subse­
quent decisions lead to progress in the complicated and
difficult process of disarmament and to the strengthening
of the peace and security which our peoples demand in
91. The thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly
has opened in a climate of international tension, a matter
of some concern to progressive mankind.
92. Never has the fight to halt the arms race and pro­
mote disarmament, to fight the danger of nuclear war
and to promote detente and peace, been such a categorical
imperative as it is at present.
93. Never has the fight to overcome imperialism, colo­
nialism, neo-colonialism, domination and exploitation,
and to promote independence, freedom and national
sovereignty been waged so fiercely and energetically as
now.
94. Never have the tasks of economic development and
the struggle to establish a new international economic
order, more just and equitable, become such urgent and
important topics in international life as they are now.
order to devote themselves to the noble effort of eco­
nomic and social development.
103. Imperialist intransigence and the Reagan Admin­
istration's zest for supremacy and power, which is ex­
pressed on a daily basis in its obsolete cold-war rhetoric
and gunboat policies, constitute the major obstacle faced
95. Never have the struggles for peace, independence
and economic development been so intimately linked, so
much the main concerns of the international community,
as now. It is quite clear that the deepest aspirations of
mankind today centre on peace, national independence,
social progress, prosperity, friendship and international
co-operation.
96. I with to issue an appeal from this rostrum to all
Members of the Organization, to the President of the
General Assembly and to the Secretary-General to spare
no effort to ensure that this s,ession lives up to the pro­
found hopes of the peoples of the world for international
by the international community in eliminating the dan­
gerous climate in which we currently live.
104. For our part, we are fully aware of the fact that,
notwithstanding the decisive role played by the interna­
tional community and the peace movement throughout
the world, the greatest responsibility for adopting disar­
mament measures ultimately rests with the nuclear Pow­
ers. Essentially, however, the main responsibility rests
with the two mightiest Powers-and we all know exactly
who complicates the dangerous present situation and
prevents its being overcome.
105. The Government of the United States, dragging
along its allies in NATO, considerably increases its war
budget, extending the arms race to new horizons. It
unilaterally interrupts important negotiations on specific
questions, while blocking others it cannot stop because
of the high political price attached to them; and at the
same time it does everything possible to stifle the work
of the international organ of negotiation, the Committee
on Disarmament.
106. We must add that besides dashing the hopes em­
bodied in the SALT II agreements, an attempt is now
peace and security.
being made to destroy the limited legal order thus far
97. For its part, the Lao People's Democratic Republic
will do everything in its power, together with other Mem­
ber States, to co-operate in that endeavour.
98. Mr. MALMIERCA PEOLI (Cuba) (interpretation
from Spanish): Mr. President, you have been entrusted
with the enormous responsibility of directing the proceed­
ings of this thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly,
which is taking place under exceptionally complex con­
ditions. The fact that we know you and that you come
from the beloved sister land of Panama, whose long
tradition of struggle for the salvation of national sover­
eignty, along with its contribution to the search for peace
and negotiating formulas for the long-suffering Central
American region, are very well known, allows my dele­
gation, after extending our warmest greetings to you, to
achieved on the question of disarmament by alleging false
violations or breaches of promise or the fallacious inten­
tion of strengthening them with new provisions regarding
verification.
107. It is not enough for Mr. Reagan and his advisers
to enjoy the destructive potential of the United States with
all its weapons-nuclear or other-nor is it enough for
them to extend the threatening language of weapons to
other areas of our natural habitat. They are not at all
interested in considering the wishes of other peoples when
they station nuclear weapons and delivery systems in their
territories to launch attacks on neighbouring borders,
thus exposing them to a devastating riposte.
108. The United States Government refuses to commit
itself not to be the first to use nuclear weapons; it does
express our full confidence in the success of your mission
and, at the same time, to assure you that you will always
be able to count on the assistance of the Cuban delegation
for the success of this session.
99. We ~so extend greetings to our friend Mr. Imre
Hollai, President of the General Assembly during its
thirty-seventh session.
not accept the offer of a mutual freeze of existing nuclear
arsenals, nor of their qualitative and quantiative devel­
opment; it turns a deaf ear t~ the establishment of a
moratorium on nuclear-weapon tests; it develops and
produces lethal binary chemical weapons; it develops the
neutron bomb; it reinforces old silos to deploy the aggres­
sive strategic MX missiles-all of which is done without
Annex 65
332
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
abandoning the continuous buildup of its submarines,
ships, aircraft, tanks, guns and other instruments of
aggression and destruction.
and his Administration as a means of fanning interna­
tional hatred and enmity and justifying the arms race and
their aggressive war-mongering policies.
109. NATO'S United States-inspired plans to install
572 medium-range missiles in Europe are particularly
serious. This decision constitutes an extremely dangerous,
aclventurist and grave step which threatens to bring the
world to the brink of war.
119. Those who are against solving the problems of
Central America through negotiated non-military solu­
tions and whose brutal international policy supports the
Salvadorian regime which has caused tens of thousands
of deaths among the civilian population of El Salvador
in recent years; those who see fit to disrupt the process
of social change in Nicaragua, even if to do this they must
carry out direct or indirect military intervention against
that country; those who trained, instigated and supported
the individuals who then committed a barbarous act of
sabotage against a Cuban civilian aircraft over Barbados;
those who stood by in silent complicity when, in Febru­
ary 1973, Israel shot down a Libyan passenger aircraft,
causing 108 deaths, over Egyptian territory occupied by
force; those who encouraged the Israeli invasion of
110. Those of us who follow attentively and anxiously
the development of negotiations being conducted on that
subject at Geneva clearly assess the delaying tactics on
the part of the United States, which, juggling deceitful
options for propaganda purposes, vainly pursues unilat­
eral concessions which would enable it to obtain advan­
tages and establish its military superiority, thus upsetting
the present balance. The international community repre­
sented at the United Nations must, as a matter of urgency,
demand seriously and responsibly the results it expects
from Geneva and save the old continent of Europe from
the serious threat that hovers over it.
111. The ground on which we stand and the seas that
surround us are no longer enough for the United States.
It is now dangerously aiming at outer space, sending up
space weaponry with which it dreams of imposing its
supremacy, power and law on the whole world.
112. We must pool our efforts to defend the first right
of mankind: the right to live.
113. It is necessary to strive to ease the present climate
of tension and not to despair in the search for ways and
means leading to agreements which, on the basis of parity
and equal security, would contribute to the limitation and
subsequent reduction of the levels of weapons. particu­
larly nuclear weapons.
Lebanon and must share responsibility for the genocidal
acts which, a little over a year ago, left thousands dead
ir the Palestinian camps of Sabra and Shatila; those who
support the South African racists in their illegal occupa­
tion of Namibia and their aggression against Angola and
the front-Un~ States, which have cost tens of thousands
of lives; those whose spy-planes have been flying over
Cuban territory for many years, shamelessly and openly
violating our airspace, using first the U-2 aircraft and now
the more sophisticated SR-71, flying provocatively over
the whole island and trying in vain to frighten our people;
those who do not even reply to the notes of protest sent
by our . Government, the most recent of which was in
September this year-those it. is who now hypocritically
rend their garments and accuse the Soviet Union of an
act whose roots lie in the international tension which they
themselves create and in an act of provocation in which
a com.mercial aircraft was used without any qualms and
innocent people were sacrificed.
114. The States members of the Movement of Non­
Aligned Countries, meeting recently at New Delhi at the
Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government,
firmly reiterated the demand of the entire international
community that the arms race be halted and that disar­
mament agreements aimed at establishing a climate of
peace embracing all regions and benefiting all p,eoples be
adopted.
120. We believe that collective international measures
should be taken to prevent tragedies such as this. We are
all duty-bound to adopt codes of conduct forbidding the
employment of civil aircraft in espionage activities. The
use of incidents of this kind further to foment interna­
tional hatred, justify armament and aggression and create
a climate conducive to war rather than peace is wholly
unacceptable.
115. The will for peace of the socialist countries is an
unquestionable fact, made evident by various initiatives
and at times by unilateral arms limitation measures,
which, -as everyone knows, are only rejected by the United
121. The latest in the long list of provocative actions
States, when they are not simply ignored.
undertaken by the United States Government against the
116. While the world yearns for peace, the United States
is moving towards war. The tragic incident of the South
Korean aircraft which was sent off .without any qualms
to commit an act of indescribable provocation falls within
the framework of the attempts to exacerbate tensions.
Soviet Union, using the South Korean aircraft incident
as a pretext, is the preventing of the Foreign Minister of
the Soviet Union from participating in this session of the
General Assembly. To this act of provocation against the
respected representative of one of the permanent mem­
bers of the Security Council they have added proof of
their disregard of their obligations as the United Nations
host country.
117. The international community is faced with the
tragic case of an aircraft which violated Soviet airspace
and remained for a long time over Soviet territory, ignor­
ing the warnings issued in accordance with international
guidelines, and for that reason was brought down, with
the regrettable loss of 269 lives. It became known later
that this was a civilian aircraft which had strayed from
its normal course. We are certain that Soviet military
aviation would never have fired on that aircraft, even if
122. If peaceful existence on our planet is to be achieved
it is of paramount importance that the international
situation be improved by eliminating current insecurities
and restoring a climate of trust and detente in interna­
tional relations.
123. The peoples demand an end to the arms race and
the abandonment of the philosophy of military suprem­
acy and the endless accumulation of weapons, which can
lead only to the peace of the graveyard.
it was on an espionage mission, had they realized that
it was a civilian aeroplane carrying passengers. There is
no doubt that it was mistaken for one of those spy-planes
which are constantly probing the borders of the Soviet
Union in that zone.
118. This tragedy, about which no one can think with­
out grief and sorrow, has been used by President Reagan
124. Today, perhaps more than ever before, man­
kind demands that decisions be made and agreements
adopted which will pave the way to security, peace and
development.
Annex 65
20th meetlng-5 October 1983
333
125. As part of these efforts we include support for the
United Nations and for the activities of the Secretary­
General. It is well known that those who work against
peace do not conceal their contempt for the Organization.
We believe that the highest priority should be given to
continuing action to attain the principles and objectives
of the Charter and to strengthen the broadest interna­
tional co-operation within the framework of the United
Nations.
126. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries is striv­
ing for peace and development and for the elimination
of colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism, zionism,
racism, apartheid·and every form of exploitation and
domination. Its successful seventh summit conference was
a new step forward in terms of unity and cohesion and
made a contribution through its decisions to the achieve­
ment of those goals.
127. On the other hand, the economic crisis which in
recent years has severely affected the economies of the
capitalist world continues to make its effects felt increas­
ingly in the countries of the so-called third world. The
reduction in real terms of the transfer of resources for
development; the unprecedented and increasing foreign
debt, for which there seems to be no likelihood of a
reasonable short-term remedy; the even greater deterio­
ration in the terms of trade; monetary instability; the
transnational corporations' activities and plundering; and
the growing difficulties faced by underdeveloped coun­
tries in gaining access to sources of funds, food and
technology continue to characterize the present state of
international economic relations. Only the genuine re­
structuring of these relations, without unnecessary delay
and through a comprehensive process of co-operation,
can provide a true long-term solution of these serious and
potentially dangerous problems facing the world today.
128. The proceedings and results of the important inter­
national meetings held this year have shown the deter­
mination of the underdeveloped countries to find
solutions likely to reactivate the international process of
economic co-operation. Regrettably, the reactions of the
industrialized capitalist countries to their proposals have
not permitted the resumption of a truly significant process
of international economic negotiations aimed at restruc­
turing international economic relations to provide for the
effective establishment of a new international economic
order, or, in the shorter term, taking measures imme­
diately for the solution of the most urgent economic
problems of the so-called third world. In short, we are
never lacked our word of encouragement. Those who face
oppression, discrimination and exploitation have never
lacked our most active solidarity. Those who uphold the
highest ideals of their peoples have never lacked the ready
warmth of the Cuban revolution. Our word of encour­
agement, our friendly hand, our active solidarity, our
fraternal warmth will never be lacking for all those,
whether in Government or in opposition, whether in
power or in the struggle against oppression, who confront
the joint forces of reaction, colonialism, neo-colonialism,
racism-including zionism-apartheid and imperialism.
131. From this forum of nations the Cuban people
salute the Sandinist soldiers who defend with honour the
sacred soil of their land; the Salvadoran fighters who with
exemplary courage confront imperialist Power, displaying
an extraordinary fighting capacity; the Guatemalan pa­
triots struggling for more than 20 years against the geno­
cidal regime imposed by the United States since 1954; the
heroic and brave people of Grenada who face with deter­
mination all imperialist attempts to subvert their internal
order and halt the powerful development of their revo­
lutio.aary process. We also ratify our solidarity with
Suriname, which is still being subjected to many desta­
bilizing acts of aggression by the United States to frustrate
the process of social change and national liberation that
has begun in that country.
132. The Cuban delegation reiterates its unflagging
support for the inalienable right of the fraternal people
of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence.
On some not-too-distant day, Puerto Rico, freed from
colonial ties, will join the group of independent and
sovereign countries and, as such, will occupy its proper
seat in this world Organization.
133. We also support the aspirations of the Government
and people of Panama in their struggle for the fulfilment
of the Canal treaties. We support the historic and just
demand of Bolivia to regain access to the sea. We support
the independence, territorial integrity and non-alignment
of Belize. In accordance with its position of support for
a negotiated solution of conflicts, and within that frame­
work, Cuba is in favour of a peaceful solution of the
border disputes between Guyana and Venezuela. Simi­
larly, we hope that, in conformity with the General As­
sembly's resolutions, negotiations can be started
immediate1y between the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland and the Argentine Republic
to restore the Malvinas, South Georgia and South
Sandwich Islands to Argentina. We also express our deep
witnessing the lowest point in international co-oper­
ation: economic co-operation is deteriorating daily, as are
the prices of the main exports of our underdeveloped
countries. For this reason, just as we must devote our­
selves to the search for solutions to the world economic
crisis, we must also devote all of our efforts towards
rapidly overcoming the crisis in international economic
co-operation.
129. The global negotiations continue to be the most
important question before the General Assembly in the
sphere of international economic negotiations. Conse­
quently, the talks designed to lead to their speedy imple­
mentation must be given momentum and direction so that
they can begin in 1984 in a comprehensive, interrelated
and coherent manner, in keeping with the proposals of
th~ Seventh Conference of Heads of State or Government
of Non-Aligned Countries.
·
130. Cuba's positions of principle on the most urgent,
serious and important problems of international relations
are known. On every occasion the voice of our people
has been clear in one way or another. Fighters for free­
dom and independence in any part of the world have
concern over the British Government's decision to build
a military base in the Malvinas, which not only hinders
negotiations on the decolonization of the islands but also
adds unnecessary tension~ to the region. We salute the
valiant Chilean people who are today unanimously rising
up against fascist tyranny. We also salute all the peoples
of the southern part of the Americas who are struggling
for democratic freedom and for an end to repression and
oppression in their countries.
134. We salute the efforts to guarantee p~ce and sta­
bility in South-East Asia, and we urge continued efforts
to achieve that important goal. A spirit of mutual under­
standing and respect conducive to a climate of security
must prevail in the region of South-West Asia also, and
efforts to pursue a constructive dialogue between the
parties in conflict must also be continued.
135. The Cuban delegation renews its support for the
just cause of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea
in its search for the peaceful reunification of that country
and calls for an end to interference in its internal affairs
and the withdrawal of the interventionist United States
forces from the south of the Korean peninsula.
Annex 65
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Genenl Assembly-Thirty-eighth Seasion-Plenary Meetings
136. We support the aspiration of the Comoros to
recover its sovereignty over Mayotte. We support the
restitution to Madagascar of its rights over the Malagasy
Islands of Glorieuses, Juan de Nova, Europa and Bassas
da India, and the just demand of Mauritius to recover
the island of Diego Garcia. We support the sustained
efforts of the people of Cyprus to preserve its indepen­
dence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in a united and
non-aligned republic.
movement and safeguard its full imperialist domination
in the region. Under the pretext of joint military manoeu­
vres with other countries of the area, the duration of
which has no parallel in history, the United States Gov­
ernment is attempting to create an intimidatiag situation
which constitutes a real and dangerous intervention in the
area and irrefutable proof of its aggressive militarist
policy. Such an interventionist step taken by the United
States under the pretext of military manoeuvres reminds
us of the criminal actions of the military forces of that
Power in the Lebanese conflict.
137. Cuba wishes to repeat once again its appeal to the
Governments of Iraq and Iran to end the war that for
more than three years has been inflicting enormous loss
of life and of all kinds of resources on their peoples
and that constitutes a threat to international peace and
security.
138. We salute all peoples who, in other continents, are
also struggling for their independence against imperialism
145. Nicaragua finds itself virtually blockaded, sur­
rounded by military bases, troops, ships-including
aircraft carriers from the Mediterranean-and fighter
planes.
146. At this moment an unabashed and virulent aggreR.
sion is being launched against Nf.caragua from bases ~n
and reaction. We salute the brave Saharan fighters for
Honduran territory. Thousands: of former Somozist
their legitimate right to live in peace and to occupy their
rightful place among the independent States. We salute
our dear Palestinian friends who, rallying around the
PLO, their sole and legitimate representative, firmly hold
high the banner of their just struggle. We salute the brave
patriots of Namibia under the leadership of SW APO,
their sole and legitimate representative. We salute the
stoic and dauntless fighters of South Africa led by the
ANC. We salute all the front-line States, which are resist­
ing with determination the pressures, threats and attacks
of the racists and imperialists. We salute the Arab States,
permanent victims of imperialist and Zionist aggression.
We salute the determined people of Libya, who face the
threats and p:,ovocations of imperialism with serenity and
resolve.
139. The current state of affairs in Central America has
mobilized broad sectors of world public opinion. The
ever-increasing concern over an irreversible escalation on
the part of the United States is fully grounded.
140. The countri ;;,;,f the Contador~ Group have made
enormous efforts in the quest for a negotiated settlement
of the explosive situation in that region. At its summit
meeting at Cancun last July, !he Contadora Group­
made up of Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Panama­
appealed to the Central American countries,' as well as
to the United States and Cuba, for co-operation and
support in the quest for a political solution.
141. Nicaragua immediately responded to that appeal
with a ~ix-point programme, which includes its readiness
to initiate multilateral negotiations in the presence of the
guards, drilled, trained and advised by American officers,
are harassing the sacred soil of Sandino's land, cruelly
assassinating the civilian population. Time and again they
penetrate Nicaraguan territory and are repeatedly beaten
back by the armed forces arid Sandinist militias, fleeing
terrified to the sanctuary provided by the immunity of
the Honduran border. The Sandinist combatants have not
allowed themselves to be dragged into a provocation and
have respected the borders of their neighbours with the
conscientiousness and zeal with which they would want
their own respected.
147. Honduras finds itself under virtual United States
military occupation, illustrated by the adoption of deci­
sions on the entry and presence of United States troops
in.that country, without the so-called Honduran President
or Congress being informed. The Green Berets are run­
ning a Honduran army infantry centre under construction
in the Pacific port of San Lorenzo. In addition, 600 mem­
bers of the Corps of Engineers and Marines are engaged
in the construction of new facilities, including a land­
ing strip near the Nicaraguan border. In mid-September
1,000 new Salvadorian soldiers reached Tegucigalpa en
route to the United States base at Puerto Castilla on the
· Honduran Atlantic coast. Previously 1,200 were trained
at the Regional Military Training and Security Centre.
Furthermore, the United States has more than a thousand
experts in Honduras, of whom 950 form the logistical
support contingent of Palmerola Air Base at Comayagua,
in the centre of the count~y.
Contadora Group and to sign a non-aggression pact with
Honduras, and its willingness to reach an agreement
regarding El Salvador that would include the cessation
of all arms supplies to both sides.
148. In the same way, Guatemala is becominr a possible
springboard for Yankee military intervention in the area.
United States and Israeli military aid to Guatemala is
destined to strengthen the army in its effort to annihilate
the Guatemalan revolutionary movement and to pre­
pare it for i.he eventual intervention in El Salvador and
Nicaragua.
142. The Farabundo Marti Front for National Libera­
tion-Revolutionary Democratic Front [FMLN-FDR]
reiterated its readiness to seek, through dialogue, channels
of negotiation which would lead to peace in El Salvador.
At the beginning of September it proposed the installation
of a new Government, representative of all forces, which
would be responsible for bringing about the conditions
required to advance a comprehensive process of political
solutions to the Salvadorian conflict.
149. American Government circles are obsessed with the
idea that the imposition of a military solution to the
conflict in Central America is possible and advisable.
Under the feeble pretext of preserving the "third border",
they are sliding down a slope that will plunge them into
a quagmire, but what else can be expected of those who
still think in terms of "spheres of influence" and endorse
143. Cuba also promptly and clearly responded to the
the feasibility of a "limited nuclear war"? Obsessed with
summons by the presidents of the Contadora Group and
let it be known that it unhesitatingly supports the efforts
to bring about a just and negotiated settlement of the
problems in Central America.
144. The United States, for its part, continued its brutal
escalation clearly designed to destroy the Nicaraguan
revolution, dismember the Salvadorian tevolutionary
creating a climate of terror and insecurity in Nicaragua
in order to destroy the revolution and attack the national
liberation movement in the area, the Reagan Administra­
tion may reproduce a new Viet Nam in America itself.
150. Peace-loving governments, the peoples of the
world and those forces that struggle for international
security and peaceful coexistence are called upon to make
Annex 65
20th meetlog-5 October 1983
335
every effort to prevent the intensification and spread of
this conflagration.
151. A war of larger dimensions in Central America
would only add pain to pain and misery to poverty, but
it will never mean victory for the imperialists. We there­
fore support the request that the General Assembly at its
thirty-eighth session devote special attention to ''the
question of Central America-threats to peace, sover­
eignty and the exercise by the Central American peoples
of the right to self-determination and peace initiatives",
as stated by the Co-ordinator of the Junta of the Gov­
ernment of National Reconstruction, commander of the
revolution Daniel Ortega Saavedra, in his address to the
Assembly [7th meeting, para. 134).
war in Nicaragua, but external aggression aimed at desta­
bilizing the process of national reconstruction and pre­
venting the consolidation of the Sandinist revolution.
159. Cuba, I repeat, supports the Contadora Group's
efforts and is prepared to co-operate in every way it can
in the quest for an equitable and proper political solution.
160. With that in mind, I should like to quote the
following words of Fidel Castro from an informal talk
with a group of American journalists:
"I agree with Contadora's proposal to seek a politi­
cal solution based on respect for the sovereignty. of
States and on non-intervention in the internal affairs
of States_,'
He added:
"It is not precisely a question of concessions; it is
a question of seeking an agreement involving commit­
152. History shows us that in the long run force has
never been able to prevent the triumph of freedom, social
justice and sovereignty of the peoples. Our President,
Fidel Castro, was unquestionably right when he recently
ments by all parties, and in that sense we are sincerely
said that "A truly revolutionary and patriotic people may
be physically wiped from the face of the earth, but it can
never be conquered".
153. History has also shown that fire will be met with
fire, violence with violence, and that nothing and no one
will be able to retard the progress of peoples towards their
legitimate and true independence. Nevertheless, this is not
the only road that our people are obliged to travel, nor
is this always the price that they must necessarily pay for
their freedom.
154. I wish to avail myself of the opportunity offered
by my presence at this important international forum to
reiterate on behalf of our Government and people Cuba's
positions with respect to the Central American situation.
Cuba advocates a proper and honourable solution based
on mutual commitments. Neither intimidation, force of
arms, blackmail, pressure, nor a vain hope of surrender
and concessions will pave the way to a lasting and stable
solution. A solution based on the bludgeon and on con­
tempt for the most fundamental principles cannot be
imposed on Nicaragua, nor can an unfavourable outcome
of the conflict be imposed on the Salvadorian revolution­
aries. Method!i which ignore, evade or damage the pri­
mary interests of the Salvadorian revolutionary move­
ment cannot be applied, nor can Nicaraguan interests be
ignored.
155. Peace cannot be achieved or coexistence and secu­
rity in the region activated on the basis of forcing one
of the parties to suffer humiliation.
prepared to assume such commitments. We cannot
dictate a formula. I think that those who are directly
involved in the conflicts are the ones that have to define
a formula to reach an agreement. We would then
support such a formula."
161. That is Cuba's position. The path to a peaceful
solution of the Central American conflict is still open.
162. Negotiation based on mutual commitments is still
possible. The search for a formula that would involve
neither capitulation nor unilateral concessions is still
feasible. Cuba is quite willing to contribute to progress
along that path, to undertake such commitments and
to support a formula for solution whereby the parties
directly involved in the conflicts may reach an agreement.
163. In its dangerous attempt to reverse the course of
history, Ronald Reagan's Administration stubbornly
maintains a policy aimed at destabilizing the Cuban
revolution.
164. This United States policy against Cuba combines
diplomatic, economic and military measures which violate
both the spirit and the letter of the Charter of the United
Nations as well as the most elementary internationally
recognized and accepted norms of coexistence between
States.
165. The continuous militarization process that the
United States carries out in the area of Central America
and the Caribbean is also aimed at military encirclement
of our country. This process includes moving additional
military units towards the southern coast of the United
States and strengthening those already there to unprece­
156. We support the spirit and proposals of the Conta­
dora Group to find a political solution based on respect
for the sovereignty of peoples and on non-intervention
in the internal affairs of States. Indeed, we wish to draw
attention to the fact that a political soiution in Central
America cannot be achieved unless a peaceful solution
is found to the existing situation in El Salvador.
157. The problem in El Salvador today constitutes the
crux of the regional conflict. The present state of insur­
gency in El Salvador is rooted in the centuries-old exploi­
tation by colonialism, neo-colonialism and imperialism.
Under the able leadership of their legitimate representa­
tive, the FMLN-FDR, the people are waging a tenacious
fight against the genocidal regime already marked by
infamy and ignominy.
·
158. The situation in El Salvador cannot be even re­
motely compared with that in Nicaragua, which from
~and, sea and air is being subjected to various forms of
Joint aggression by Yankee imperialism and its lackeys.
A dirty "secret war" is being waged against Nicaragua
which, although becoming dirtier every day, is each day
becoming less secret. There is no internal conflict or civil
dented levels, in addition to the increase in United States
permanent military personnel in the area, the forced
militarization of the countries of the region and threat­
ening and provocative military manoeuvres and exercises.
166. On the other hand, the self-styled defenders of air
navigation safety systematically violate Cuba's airspace
with flights by ~heir SR-71 spy planes.
167. Tbe United States also illegally occupies part of
the territory of the Republic of Cuba, where against the
sovereign will of our people it maintains the Guantanamo
naval base.
168. The strengthening of the criminal economic and
trade blockade of our country, the efforts and pressures
of all kinds exerted on third countries to make them end
their trade and financial relations with Cuba constitute
not only a form of aggression against our people but also
an insult to the sovereignty and national dignity of those
countries.
169. The United States has adopted as an unchanging
official policy systematic attempts to obstruct and block
Cuba's participation in international organizations and
Annex 65
336
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
forums and unceasingly carries out covert and overt
campaigns to harm the diplomatic relations of our coun­
try with other sovereign States.
the hopes that many had placed in the efforts of the
so-called Western contact group.
170. In this obstinate determination to defeat the Cuban
revolution, Reagan has worked hard to set up a radio
broadcasting station with the aim of destabilizing our
country through slander and the dissemination of false
news to the Cuban people on facts about their own
country. For this purpose he has used the illustrious name
of Jose Marti-an affront to our apostle, who was the
first Latin American to discover that the country which
in 1776 the fathers of United States independence wanted
to be an example of freedom had become an imperialist
monster whose decaying entrails he denounced and
fought. This effort is laughable but offensive. Neither the
defects nor the difficulties of building socialism are ever
concealed from the Cuban people, who face them with
determination and enthusiasm. But that does not make
Reagan's interventionism ::...1y less reprehensible nor does
it diminish our resolve to reject it.
171. During the Reagan Administration the plans for
blatant armed aggression against Cuba have been publicly
discussed in an unprecedented manner.
178. For more than two years South African troops
have been illegally occupying parts of the territory of the
People's Republic of Angola, a sovereign Member State
of this Organization. The international community has
demanded on numerous occasions the withdrawal of the
ir..vading South African forces from Angolan territory.
The international community has also repeatedly de­
manded that the illegal occupation of Namibia be ended.
But the response from Washington and Pretoria has been
the so-called theory of linkage between the independence
of Namibia and the withdrawal of the Cuban internation­
alist forces from Angola. There is no record in history
of such arrogance, cynicism or total disregard of the
decisions of the Organization, which has unequivocally
rejected this manoeuvre intended to. perpetuate and ex­
tend the racist regime in the African continent. Cuba's
position on the withdrawal of its internationalist forces
from Angola is widely known and shared. The rejection
of such a linkage has been reiterated by the front-line
States, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the
Movement of Non-Aligned· Countries and the United
Nations.
172. These and other threats and measures of imperial­
ism aimed at deviating us from our course, diverting our
path and hindering our development will culminate in the
most absolute and shameful defeat.
173. Our people are firm in their decision to fight off
any attempt and any imperialist aggression, and nothing
nor anyone will be able to prevent the impetuous progress
of our socialist revolution.
179. In these circumstances there is only one valid
alternative: to increase our support for SW APO as the
sole legitimate representative of the Namibian people; to
demand with increasing force the unconditional with­
drawal of the racist forces from Angolan territory and
the unrestricted implementation of Security Council res­
olution 435 (1978); to demand the cessation of all terrorist
acts against the front-line countries, all acts of aggression
against Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia and
other independent African countries, which have resisted
174. The situation in southern Africa continues to
deteriorate owing to the actions of the South African
racist regime, which persists in its policy of subjecting
the black South African people to the most ferocious
oppression, exploitation and racial discrimination that
history has ever known.
in an exemplary manner aggression of all kinds, in ex­
tremely difficult circumstances, in order to prevent the
expansion of the racist dominion on the African continent.
180. Time and again the United States has impeded with
its veto in the Security Council the imposition against the
South African regime of the sanctions provided for in
Chapter VII of the Charter. That is why now we must
demand more strongly than ever that the United States
Government end its policy of blackmail and deceit regard­
ing the African peoples and fulfil the commitments it has
made.
175. The contemptible regime of apartheid increases
repression and terror as the patriotic and democratic
movement becomes stronger and the opposition to that
unjust system and the struggle for its eradication grow.
The incarceration for more than 21 years of Nelson Man­
dela, a combatant of the ANC who has become a symbol
of the struggle against racial discrimination on a world
scale, is outrageous. The shameless disregard of the South
Afric~ racists for General Assembly and Security Coun­
181. The Arab peoples of the Middle East are living in
cil resolutions is outrageous. They continue the tortures,
massacres, executions and false suicides in South African
gaols. But even more outrageous is the fact that, despite
repeated resolutions of the General Assembly opposing
aid to the racists of Pretoria, the IMF continues to grant
astronomical loans, while denying them or attempting to
impose in exchange for those funds conditions detrimen­
tal to the sovereignty of Governments which struggle for
a better life for their citizens. No one can deny that
responsibility for this rests mai11ly with the Government
of the United States.
a very critical situation. Israel, thanks to the support it
receives from the United States, has become a military
Power and has unleashed a bestial policy of expansion
and domination against all Arab peoples in general and
of annihilation of the Palestinian people in particular.
182. Today the danger posed by lack of a solution to
the complex situation prevailing in the Middle East has
increased, owing to the fact that the American forces
stationed on Lebanese soil under the cover provjded by
the so-called multinational forces have taken an active
part in the fighting in Lebanon, thus making a reality of
the old dream of American imperialists of penetrating and
dominating the Middle East.
176. The Government of Ronald Reagan has proclaimed
the legitimacy of its strategic alliance with the racists of
Pretoria, and that is the fundamental reason for the
perilous situation which persists in southern Africa. We
are all aware that only that alliance, accompanied by
sordid delaying tactics and brutal pressures, has pre­
vented the peaceful negotiated settlement of the Namibian
problem.
183. Lebanon, which was the target of aggression by
the Israeli hordes that are still present in its territory, is
now also the target of direct aggression by the United
States. The combined forces of zionism and Yankee
imperialism will not be able to crush the independent
spirit of the Lebanese patriots who are now defending
their soil from external aggression. Some day, sooner
rather,. than later, Lebanon will be able to exercise its full
177. That is why it has not yet been possible to imple­
ment Security Council resolution 435 (1978). The United
States Government is primarily responsible for dashing
rights as a free and sovereign nation.
Annex 65
20th meetiog-S October 1983
337
184. We du not doubt that the Assembly will try to set
in motion the machinery necessary for reaching a just and
lasting solution of the Middle East problem. This cannot
happen, of course, until the Palestinian people are fully
able to exercise their inalienable rights to self-determi­
nation and independence and to create their own·sover­
eign State in Palestine, under the leadership of the PLO,
their sole legitimate representative.
185. This is indeed a suitable occasion on which to
support the right of the PLO to occupy a seat in this great
assembly of the United Nations.
186. It is not possible to conclude our statement in the
Assembly without directing our thoughts and recollec­
tions to the immortal figure of Sim6n Bolivar on the
bicentenary of his birth. His revolutionary action, his
efforts on behalf of independence, his dreams of unity
for the peoples of America are neither forgotten nor
consigned to history; they live in the life blood and the
191. The perceptiv~ analyses in the Secretary-General's
reports last year and this year have highlighted the need
for new operational arrangements and modalities which
will free the institution from the constraints imposed by
an earlier bipolar world and make it more responsive to
today's realities. The Secretary-General's overriding
concern is to make the Organization function properly
as an instrument of peace and development.
192. In the face of the deteriorating world situation,-the
Secretary-General has called for a recommitmen• of all
States to the principles of the Charter and has sought to
enhance the Organization's ability to discharge its respon­
sibility for the maintenance of peace and security and for
the strength~ning of international co-operation. His
expressions of concern are so timely and telling that
support for them should require no prompting, for they
deal in essence with the survival of humanity. Regrettably,
however, the collective response to the Secretary-Gen­
eral' s observations has not matche<i the gravity of the
situation which his concern reflects. We owe it to him
daily struggle of our peoples for a future of peace and
development.
187. Mr. JACKSON (Guyana): Mr. President, the
Assembly convenes at a time when international relations
are incr~:asingly characterized by tensions and turmoils,
fear of nuclear disaster and widespread concern about
troubled economies. In view of this grave situation, it is
not inappropriate for me to recall the circumstances which
led to the creation of the United Nations and t~e expec­
tations which this engendered.
188. The outcome of the 1939-1945 war reinforced the
convictions of peoples of the victor nations and others
that military conquests, colonial exploitation and eco­
nomic deprivation were irreversibly in retreat and would
be ended for all time. People therefore looked upon this
Organization as a repository of their hopes and their
aspirations to live in peace as free peoples, able to deter­
mine their own political, economic and social goals, free
from external interference and intervention. They also
expected that, so that the Organization could be fully
effective, those States which violated the purposes and
principle.s of the Charter wuJd be subject. to the full force
of its provisions.
189. In fashioning that framework for harmonious
relations among States, the States of our region, Latin
America and the Caribbean, made a most significant
contribution. Our States played a vanguard role in the
elaboration of the Charter of the United Nations and in
the promotion of peace based upon the rule of law and
and to ourselves to give greater attention to his proposals
during this session. The Secretary-General knows that he
can rely on Guyana's support.
193. There have bei::'1 vast and fundamental changes in
the international system since the creation of the Organ­
ization. The quantitative expansion of its membership has
given rise to qualitative changes and hclS rendered more
complex the harmonization of relations between States
and between regions, complexities also manifested in the
relations between competing social systems. Despite these
changes-or perhaps because of them-after 38 years the
dreams, hopes and aspirations of people have remained
essentially unchru!ged.
194. Yet crises in international relations proliferate; in
fact, there is an air that can be described as crisis-mon­
gering. While new flash-points erupt, old situations con­
tinue to defy solutions.
195. Too often, countries which espouse non-interven­
tion practise intervention in one form or another. Too
often, countries which proclaim adherence to the principle
of territorial integrity ar~ themselves in breach of that
very principle. Too often, countries which profess com­
mitment to development are acting to the detriment of
the poor. Too often, countries which portray themselves
as advocates of disarmament are escalating the arms race,
thereby raising the threshold of fear. Too often, countries
while preaching peace are stoking the fires of war, and
the principles of equity. That is why, Sir, it is matter of
especial pride for Guyana that you, Jorge Illueca, an
eminent son of our region, a distinguished scholar and
diplomat of Panama, are presideing over the deliberations
of this session. May I, with your permission, on a more
personal note advert to the deep and abiding friendship
which you and I have developed over the years as we have
worked together, here and elsewhere, in the cause of
freedom and independence. I pledge to you Guyana's full
and unstinted co-operation, particularly in our capacity
as one of your Vice-Presidents. You succeed Mr. Imre
Hollai of Hungary, who guided the affairs of the ttiirty­
seventh session with calm, skill and efficiency. 'Ne wish
you every success.
190. lt is a fortunate circumstance that at this time the
the language of reasoned discourse becomes consumed
in the process.
196. In sum, there is a widening and alarming gap
between rhetoric and action. The result is that the fabric
of peace is imperilled.
197. Nothing so dram~tically symbolizes the fragile
nature of peace as the parlous nature of the international
economic situation. But this need not be so. A few years
ago the prospects for international economic co-operation
seemed brighter, and this was contemporaneous with the
growing realization of the interdependence of economies
-in trade, money and finance, and commodities. Today,
unfortt.mately, there is a marked tendency for some major
Powers t,, eschew the imperatives of multilateral co­
Secretary-General also hails from our region. Since his
operatio!l. Instead, there are increasing attempts to place
assumption of office Mr. Perez de Cuellar has dem,on­
strated qualities of fair play and diplomatic finesse which
I have already experienced. His commitment to peace and
his rigorous employ of the patient ways of diolomacy are
attributes which command universal admiration. Indeed,
multilateral institutions at the service of narrower national
interests and to frus4inte their role. Some may ask if these
attempts do not subvert the very objectives of those
institutions.
198. The developing countries, whc:ther acting individ­
ually or in concert, have been staunch advocates of
equitable and mutually beneficial economic relations.
this commitment to peace has found expression in his pro­
found concern for the effectiveness of the Organization.
Annex 65
338
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
We demonstrated both at the recent Conference of Heads
of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries, at
New Delhi, and in the Buenos Aires Platform adopted
at the Fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77
3
our
of the Pretoria regime? How much longer can the op­
pressed people of Namibia and South Africa place their
faith in words of support uttered by some Members of
this Organization when their very deeds buttress their
oppressors?
willingness to advance new strategies for enhancing inter­
national co-operation. Serious attention was given to the
problems which beset the international economy, more
particularly the burgeoning debt problems, the burning
question of money and finance and the protectionist
measures against the exports of developing countries.
Regrettably, these reasonable positions did not stimulate
appropriate responses on the part of the industrialized
countries.
206. Even as we bring to bear our collective strength
to tackle those old problems, we are confronted by new
situations of turbulence, situations the causes of which
can lead, if not properly understood, to new tensions
creating instability beyond the narrow focus of their
origins. Central America is a most poignant case.
199. The sixth session of the United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development, which focused on some of
these issues, was noteworthy for the lack of convergence
of views. It therefore stands as a sad testimony to the
constraints imposed upon international economic co­
operation.
207. When they met at Port of Spain in July this year,
tht: heads of Government of the Caribbean Commu­
nity expressed deep concern over the situatio.1 in Cen­
tral America. They observed that ''the crisis faced by
the peoples of this region was rooted not in East-West
ideological rivalry but in deep-seated social and eco­
nomic ills". They "appealed to the contending parties
to engage in direct dialogue and expressed support for
the efforts of the Contadora Group to bring peace to
the area". That position should, I suggest, be endorsed
by this Organization.
200. The capacity of the developing countries to pro­
mote their development is thus considerably restricted.
The continuation of this condition could accentuate social
pressures. It could also g:ve rise to upheavals to an e~ent
that adversely affects domestic and regional peace and
renders more difficult the recovery of the economies of
the industrialized countries themselves.
208. The independence and territorial integrity of Belize
are still threatened by neighbouring Guatemala. Guyana
reaffirms its solidarity with and total support for the
people of Belize and for the preservation of their national
patrimony and their right to build their society within
existing frontiers.
201. Those considerations apart, it is difficult to recon­
cile human need with human waste and foolhardiness.
How do we justify expenditures in excess of 600 billion
dollars i:~lch year on instruments of death and destruction
while there is incessant argument every year over the
allocation of a few billion for multilateral financing for
development? Is that not more than enough for legitimate
defence needs?
209. Elsewhere new regional conflicts, some internal in
origin and others arising from rivalries between outside
States, are proving intractable. Guyana adds its voice to
the call for an early end to the costly war between Iraq
and Iran, and we urge all States, large and small, never
to abandon the methods of the peaceful settlement of
disputes and controversies.
202. The utilization of vast resources for the acquisition
of massive amounts of armaments has direct and far­
reaching consequences for the development of the devel­
oping countries. Continued global and regional tensions
have led States to divert resources from urgent develop­
mental activity to military expenditure. It is thus imper­
ative that collectively we seek to reduce such tensions and,
more specifically, to work resolutely for the achievement
of disarmament.
203. There are other situations in respect of ":thich the
Organization's efforts have not yet led to durable solu­
tions.. The Middle East situation festers dangerously.
Instability and tension in the region have grown worse
since Israel's invasion of Lebanon last year. The Pales­
tinian people, led by the PLO, still suffer the nightmare
of being a nation without a State, with the restoration
of their national rights unfulfilled.
210. In assessing the state of international relations
tociay and the prospects for the future, a tribute must be
paid to the contribution of the Movement of Non-Aligned
Countries. From its inception the Movement has placed
in the forefront of its activities the pursuit of policies
which could mitigate conflicts, promote independence
and facilitate the building of a lasting infrastructure for
peace. The Movement has since attracted more States to
its principles and policies. It has been an influential factor
in international relations. The important role of the
Movement is now so widely acknowledged that States
which for one reason or another can.'!ot be direct partic­
ipants in its activities assiduously seek t:J influence the
outcome of its deliberations, sometimes malevolently.
204. The tragedy of some divided countries remains. In
Cyprus foreign occupation continues despite initiatives
by the Secretary-General undertaken on the basis of the
decisions of the Organization. We should persevere with
our efforts to restore the unity and territorial integrity
of Cyprus. Likewise, the people of Korea remain divided
notwithstanding the communique of 4 July 1972
4
and
the constructive proposals of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea.
211. Our Movement has always assigned a central role
to the United Nations as a harmonizer of competing
interests and has consistently maintained that there is a
viable alternative to a system of international relations
based on bloc politics, on hegemony and on spheres of
influence. The political and economic programmes of
action which the Movement articulated at its conference
at New Delhi [see A/33/132 and Corr.I and 2) provide
a coherent and internally consistent strategy for making
the peaceful coexistence of States and social systems a
real possibility.
205. No one can deny the Organization's most helpful
role in its support for peoples that have struggled against
212. I suggest that, equally, in charting the way fmward
colonialism and apartheid. Our achievements have been
remarkable; we should be proud of that record. We must
now therefore intensify the struggle against the racists of
South Africa. How much longer, I ask, must the people
of Namibia, led by SW APO,· and those in the inter­
national community who support their valiant struggle
be subjected to the prevarications and machinations
we should take cognizance of the role of regional and
subregional organizations. Such organizations are to be
found everywhere, and the dynamism which the people
of their member States ascribe to them attests to the
constructive role which multilateralism can play in inter­
national relations. That is why we can only regret the
studied efforts of some major Powers to bypass these
Annex 65
20th meellng 5 October 1983
339
organizations by advancing so-called theological posi­
tions. At the same time we need to recognize that regional
efforts can be maximized when they are supportive of ~ur
Organization, for the Organization is based on the pnn­
ciple of universality, not of exclusivity. Let me therefore
here and now whole-heartedly welcome Saint Christopher
and Nevis as our newest Member State.
and when I did so at the last session [26th meeting], the
facts of this issue were adequately presented. Those facts
remain a matter of historical and public reu;rd, and they
cannot be altered by wishful thinking. Realities are not
created by whims and fancies.
221. Last year I made certain propos~s before the
Assembly proposals fully in accordance with the Geneva
Agreemer:t of 1966,
213. Let me also express the hope that those regional
organizations and arrangements which still maintai!l
exclusionary provisions in their charters and in their
operations will make the necessary accommodations. One
example which springs to.mind relates to the Treaty_for
the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin Amenca,
the Treaty of Tlatelolco.
6
for the involvement of the Interna­
5
The States parties to that
Treaty gave an underta~ing to. th: As~e!llbly ~o r~mo':e
impediments. Guyar1a still awaits :i•Jfirutive action m this
regard.
tional Court of Justice, the Security Council or the As­
sembly in the search for a peaceful settlement of the
controversy. The Foreign Minister of Venezuela rejected
my proposals summarily. I am glad to say, however, that
another stage of the Geneva Agreement has been reached.
In accordance with article IV of that Agreement, the
Secretary-General has been requested to choose a means
of peaceful settlement from among the various proce­
dures set out under Article 33 of the Charter of the
United Nations.
214. Another development for peace has been the move­
ment among countries of the South to develop co-oper­
ation among themselves. This is a development which
should be encouraged by the international community.
215. Critical to vur quest for peace is the overwhelming
need for the removal of ideological concerns from the
international economic agenda, for such concerns serve
to spread the tensions of super-Power rivalry to the areas
of development and international economic co-operation.
We must all-all of us-respect chosen developmental
paths and refrain fro~ waging ideological warf~e i!l
economic terms. Pluralism of development strategies 1s
and must be respected as a concomitant of ideological
pluralism.
222. To facilitate the more effective discharge of his
duties and responsibilities under the Geneva Agreement,
the Secretary-General has sought certain assurances from
Venezuela and from Guyana. These were the subject of
a communique which the Secretary-General issued fol­
lowing a visit of his emissary to the two countries in
August last. The communique recorded, inter alia, the
assurance that both parties would adopt all measures that
might be necessary in order to foster and maintain the
most favourable climate for the effective applkation of
the Geneva Agreement. Significant also was the assurance
that both parties would refrain from any action whatso­
ever which might make more difficult or impede the
peaceful settlement of the controversy.
216. The intrusion of ideological concerns into inter­
national economic co-operation is made more unpalatable
by increasing re~ort to discriminat(!ry me3;5ur~. :r"he
incidence of vetomg funds from multilateral mstltutions
must be discouraged and deplored.
223. While the Secretary-General pursues his initiatives, i
1
217. I have sought to construct my statement on what
I perceive to be a universal search for truth, understand­
ing and peace. I have eschewed detailed ref~rences to
some situations of conflict, actual and potential. How­
ever, certain unfortunate distortions of substance and of
interpretation concerning my country and the historical
course of relations between Guyana and Venezuela made
by the Foreign Minister of Venezuela in his statement at
the 5th meeting oblige me to respond and to set the record
straight.
Guyana believeg that these assurances, if fully honoured,
can themselves also contribute to the creation of a regime
of reaceful relations between Guyana and Venezuela.
224. In the past, Guyana has always been unswerving
in its commitment to achieving the goal of a peaceful
settlement of the controversy and has honoured every
agreement relating to our border with Venezuela. I wish
to assure the Assembly that Guyana intends to continue
so doing. Regrettably, we have had cause, time and again,
to draw the attention of the Assembly and the Security
Council to violations by Venezuela of the letter and spirit
of agreements solemnly subscribed to by both our coun­
tries. We sincerely hope that Venezuela will respect the
undertaking it gave to the Secretary-General last August.
218. The struggle to preserve Guy~a's territorial in~eg­
225. It is my hope that in this year, when the bicentenary
of the birth of Sim6n Bolivar is ~ing celebrated, we will
rity never ceases to engage the energies and the attention
of its Government and people because of the untenable
claim to over two thirds of the country which Venezuela
has been actively pursuing. We desire most ardently to
free ourselves of this burden which we bore even before
our independence and to remove this canker from rela­
tions between ourselves and our wester .. , neighbour. We
wish to rid ourselves and our region of the potential for
conflict which is inherent in this Venezuelan claim and
the manner in which it has often been pursued.
all be guided by Bolivar's esse~~ial political credo on
international relations and act in the belief that interna­
tional problems must fmd their solution in a "league of
free peoples which will resist aggression with armed might
and settle controversies between its members through a
court of equity".
226. As I said at the outset, the desire for peace has not
altered over the years. In retrospect, the peace which the
Organization was created to safeguard and maintain was
narrow in scope. Today, the constituent elements, which
together can secure peace, are generally recognized as
being more manifold. They embrace much more than the
avoidance of armed conflict. But we cannot widen the
219. Contrary to what the Foreign :Minister of Vene­
zuela sought to imply in his address to the Assembly,
Guyana, which has made no claims to Venezuelan terri­
tory, continues the search for a solution which would
bring to an end the controversy that has arisen as a result
of Venezuela's unilateral and inexplicable decision to
declare null and void an internationally binding agree­
basis for lasting peace unless we free ourselve:; of the
constraints. We must not merely pay lip service to peace­
ful coexistence; we must demonstrate our belief in it. Nor
should we allow ourselves-no one of us-to be entrap­
ment. This agreement is the Arbitral Award of 1899, on
the basis of which our boundary with Venezuela was
settled.
220. When the Prime Minister of my country addressed
the Assembly during the thirty-sixth session [12th meeting)
ped within a perimeter in which ideas and thoughts
remain untouched by the developments which have take_n
place since the creatio~ of the Organization. Wha~ 1s
needed, if today's reqwrements are to be fulfilled, 1s a
Annex 65
340
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
new design for peace, one which is pervasive and which
encompasses the interests of all mankind.
will of the people for peace, prosperity and stability is
being subverted and steadily undermined through the
threat and use of (orce. The territorial integrity and
sovereignty of States, all of which are entitled to the
protection of the United Nations, are being daily under­
mined in Chad, Nicaragua, Lebanon, Kampuchea and
Afghanistan under one pretext or another and in defence
of highly questionable and dubious principles and values.
The most sophisticated weapons are being rapidly de­
ployed in what is clearly an unbridled and disconcerting
arrogation of power. Direct and indirect interference by
the super-Powers in the internal and external affairs of
small and weak States are now in the ascendancy in every
region of the world.
227. This Organization is well placed to facilitate the
realization of that peace. It remains for us Member States
to utilize ji, accordingly.
228. Mr. BELLO (Nigeria): Mr. President, I should
~ke, first of all, to joio the preceding speakers in extend­
mg to you, on behalf of the Government and people of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my warmest congratu­
lations on your well-deserved election to the presidency
of the thirty-eighth session of the General Assembly. You
have assumed the presidency of this august Assembly at
a particularly difficult time when the international situ­
ation is under considerable strain, with the eruption of
conflicts and tensions in virtually all regions of the world
and the apparent collapse of detente between the two
s~per-Power~. Your ~utstanding diplomatic skills, pa­
tience and w1sdom will be severely tested in the months
234. Nigeria is deeply concerned about these trends,
which are clearly detrimental to peaceful coexistence
among all States. The situation calls urgently for con­
certed global action to ensure the security of weak and
ahead. But we are confident that under your able leader­
ship and wise guidance, the General Assembly will make
substantial ;,rogress towards the attainment of an endur­
ing global peace and security.
small States, as well as their freedom from external
interference in their internal affairs. The relaxation of
tensions bas become the urgent priority of the interna­
tional community, but this essential goal cannot be at­
tained through such negative concepts as the balance of
terror, spheres of influence, deterrence and alien domi­
nation. Small and weak States have as much right as the
big Powers to develop along their own freely chosen paths
without any external interference or pressure. Efforts
should be intensified at the international level actively to
promote the principles of peaceful coexistence and self­
determination through the conclusion of the process of
decolonization.
21·,9. I should also like to avail myself of this opportu­
nity to extend to your predecessor, Mr. Imre Hollaf of
Hungary, our deep appreciation and gratitude for the able
and effective manner in which he guided the General
Assembly in its delibernt~ons in the past year. We were
deeply impressed by his exertions in promoting the cause
of peace throughout the world. He proved extremely
adroit in his handling of very delicate and sensitive issues.
The failures of this Assembly, however, particularly in
reaching agreement on several critical issues, such as the
launching of the global economic negotiations, cannot
be blamed on him. Collectively, we bear responsibility
for those failures.
230. I should also like, on behalf of my Government
and the people of Nigeria, to welcome Saint Christopher
and Nevis to membership in the United Nations and to
express our conviction that it will make a positive con­
tribution to the search for global peace and security.
231. Since the last sessiqn of this body there has been
a steady and disturbing deterioration of the international
situation. It has reached such crisis proportions that there
i~ now universal concern that the world is now tottering
on the brink of war.
232. The global eruption of crises, conflicts and tensions
235. Let me now refer particularly to the situation in
southern Africa, which also continues to be a matter of
utmost concern to my Government. For nearly four
decades now, the racist policies of the South African
white minority regime have been roundly condemned in
this Hall as well as in the Security Council. Our concern
is not merely that racial discrimination exists in South
Africa, but that it has been institutionalized, enshrined
in law and made all-pervasive. All attempts at a peaceful
change through necessary reforms have failed. Frustra,
tion

among the blacks has made them resort to armed
struggle to eradicate the apartheid system. Unless there
is a fundamental change in South Africa through recog­
nition of the inherent right of the 20 million blacks to
participate fully and equally with the whites in South
Africa's political and economic processes, there is a grave
has be-en further aggravated by the massive buildup of
danger of a catastrophic racial conflict that will have
arms, especially nuclear weapons, which now represent
the gravest danger to international peace and security and
to the very survival of mankind itself. Ignoring mankind's
pleas and appeals for sanity, the super-Powers in partic­
ular have embarked not only upon a massive accumula­
tion of weaponry, but also a qualitative improvement of
such weapons. Negotiations on arms r"..';duction and dis­
armament at the various forums have continued to f oun­
der on the rock of rivalry and deep mistrust between the
two super-Powers. Instead of making a steady and pro­
gressive effort towards achieving nuclear disarmament,
the two Powers are hell-bent on achieving nuclear deter­
rence through a further expansion of their already awe­
some arsenals.
serious ramifications throughout the world.
236. If South Africa continues to spurn all appeals for
a change and fails to deal justly and effectively with its
racial problem, that failure will impose heavy economic,
military and political penalties on its allies in the West­
ern countries. The response and attitude of most of the
Western countries to the racial problem in South Africa
is not only most disappointing, but also self-defeating.
Publicly they routinely join in the world-wide condem­
nation of South Africa's racist doctriaes, but privately
they continue to pursue pr.)licies which only encourage the
racist regime in its intransigence. They do not support
the application of the necessary economic and political
pressures on South Africa to compel it to embark on the
Mr. Abdalla (Sudan), Vice-President, took the Chair.
233. Doomsday may well be on our doorstep now. That
is why it is absolutely essential for the two super-Powers
to seek ~etente and peace through co-operation, instead
Jf adopting confrontation as a substitute for negotiation.
In a futile attempt to achieve global hegemony and world
domination for themselves, they have resorted to proxy
wars in all regions of the world where the clearly expressed
necessary eradication of its obnoxious racist doctrines.
When we call for sanctions, we are told by the Western
allies of racist South Africa either that the imposition of
sanctions will not work or that it is incompatible with
their fundamental belief in the principle of global free
trade. Yet these powerful countries are quick and eager
to resort to economic sanctions in less compelling situ­
ations. There is no question but that the racist regime of
Annex 65
20th meeting-5 October J~~3
341
South Africa has enjoyed the encouragement, support
and approval of these Western States in its arrogant
rejection of all peaceful efforts to bring about the urgently
desired changes in the country. Not only have the major
Western Powers failed to take action against the apartheid
could not now pose, any threat to the security of racist
South Africa. None of them has ever attacked South
Africa. In contrast, troops from the racist regime of
South Africa now occupy much of southern Angola. It
is the security concerns of the front-line States and not
those of the apartheid regime that should be met.
regime in accordance with their commitments and obli­
gations under the Charter of the United Nations, but they
have directly, openly and covertly assured the racist
regime of its survival and prosperity through vastly
increased economic co-operation. At the recent Second
World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Dis­
crimination, held at Geneva, the duplicity of the Western
Powers was once again unmasked when they failed to join
the consensus in the Programme of Action adopted by
the Conference [resolution 38/ 14, annex] against the
apartheid regime and its Israeli collaborators.
237. The so-called policy of constructive engagement
with the apartheid regime is deeply offensive and repug­
241. The apartheid regime stands universally con­
demned for its persistent, unjustified and unprovoked
aggression and acts of destabilization against the front­
line States. Recently the racist regime closed its borders
with Lesotho in order to force that country to deny
political refuge to those fleeing from Pretoria's persecu­
tion. When Lesotho turned to the Western allies of the
racist regime, it met with a stony silence from them.
Lesotho's independence and sovereignty mean nothing
to them. Yet these countries which continue to collaborate
with the apartheid regime would have the world believe
that they are the defenders of freedom throughout the
world. Africa is not and cannot be deceived by the dupli­
city of these Powers.
nant to Africa and to decent men and women throughout
the world. It is nothing but a cover for the sinister motives
of the United States and others for continuing their policy
of support for the apartheid regime in southern Africa,
and we reject it completely since it is open encouragement
to the racist regime. Contrary to the claim of the present
United States Administration, it is not a balanced policy.
Within the framework of this policy we have seen in­
creased diplomatic, political, economic and military co­
operation between the racist regime of South Africa and
its Western allies. At the United Nations the United States
has assured the racist regime of South Africa of diplo­
matic cover by vetoing all efforts to impose punitive
measures on that regime for its repeated acts of aggression
against its neighbours as well as for its refusal to with­
draw from Namibia. It would not even permit a condem­
nation of racist South Africa for its invasion and con­
tinued occupation of Angola. How can such a policy
which supports the aggressor be regarded as balanced or
constructive?
238. The recent approval by the Government of the
United States of the request by seven United States cor­
porations to provide technical and maintenance services
to a nuclear power installation in racist South Africa is
in violation of Security Council resolutions 418 (1977) and
473 (1980). This approval is being granted despite the
well-known objections of Africa and the international
community to any form of nuclear co-operation or col­
laboration with the racist regime of South Africa.
239. It is particularly regrettable that this approval was
242. With regard to the situation in Namibia, my Gov­
ernment would like to express its deep appreciation and
gratitude to the Secretary-General for his untiring efforts
to bring about the independence of that Territory. As he
discovered during his recent mission to South Africa, all
outstanding constitutional issues within the framework
of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) had in fact been
resolved during proximity talks with the contact group
last year. South Africa's insistence on the withdrawal of
Cuban troops from Angola as a precondition for Nami­
bia's independence is merely a red herring, a pretext for
pursuing other sinister objectives in Angola. Neither
Angola itself, nor the presence of Cuban forces there at
the invitation of the Angolan Government~ can conceiv­
ably be represented as a threat to the security of South
Africa, which now occupies one third of Angola's terri­
tory. Without the withdrawal of South Africa's forces
from Angola, .the cessation of support for the UNITA
7
bandits and reasonable assurances and guarantees about
Angola's security, Angola cannot reasonably be expected
to terminate its security arrangements with Cuba.
243. It is the view of my Government that nothing short
of the application of economic and other sanctions will
bring racist South Africa to its senses. For decades all
international appeals to apartheid South Africa have
fallen on deaf ears. There is no longer any valid excuse
or explanation for South Africa's continued intransigence
except that it hopes and, indeed, believes that those
Western countries that profit from the apartheid system
granted despite the persistent refusal of apartheid South
Africa to allow inspection and verification of its nuclear
installation by IAEA. We hope that in view of the objec­
tions raised not only by the whole of Africa but also by
the international community, the United States authori­
ties will cancel this contract, which is clearly detrimental
to the cause of peace and freedom in Africa.
240. Recently, authoritative statements were made by
Washington to the effect that peace and security in south­
ern Africa could be restored only if the so-called security
concerns of the apartheid regime were met. Let me make
it abundantly clear that we are unable to accept the notion
that the racist regime of South Africa has any legitimate
security concerns which have to be met by African States.
will continue to thwart all efforts to impose sanctions on
that regime.
244. Clearly, the situation in southern Africa, particu­
larly the persistent refusal of the racist regime to withdraw
from Namibia, now calls for the invoking of the provi­
sions of Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Na­
tions. Those provisions, including recourse to sanctions
as a punitive measure, were intended to deal with precisely
the kind of situation we now have in southern Africa.
Those permanent members of the Security Council which
continue to prevent the Council from discharging its full
responsibility by protecting the racist regime from sanc­
Equally, the proposition that the African States in the
tions bear a very heavy moral and historical responsibility
region should seek peaceful coexistence with the racist
for their reprehensible policy. They have left the people
of South Africa and Namibia with no choice other than
to seek redress through armed stuggle. The Government
and people of Nigeria will continue to provide them with
· regime of South Africa is most objectionable, and we
reject it completely. It is apartheid South Africa that has
consistently sought to undermine the peace, security and
stability of the region by its incessant and unprovoked
aggression against its neighbours. Collectively and sepa­
all necessary support to enable them to wage their war
of liberation against the racists. We have a moral obli­
rately, African States in the region have never posed, and
gation to do so, for our own independence and freedom
Annex 65
342
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
will remain incomplete as long as these unhappy people
continue to be held in bondage.
the tension in the region and to secure a negotiated set­
tlement which will take full account of the right of all
the people of the region to national self-determination,
independence and sovereignty.
245. My Government is equally concerned about the
increasingJy dangerous interventionist policy being pur­
sued in Africa by some external Powers in Western
Sahara, in the Horn of Africa and, more recently, in
Chad. Localized disputes in these areas have been aggra­
vated by foreign intervention, thus making it increasingly
difficult for our continental organization, the OAU, to
exercise fully its functions and responsibilities for resolv­
ing those disputes. We strongly condemn all external
Powers that have intervened in Chad. Their interv, '"1.tion
has added to the suffering and misery of the people of
Chad. We therefore join in the call for the complete
withdrawal of all foreign forces from Chad. The people
of Chad must be allowed to resolve their differences
without any external intervention. Africa must not be
249. With regard to the situations in Afghanistan,
Kampuchea and Korea, my Government is firmly con­
vinced that only a reaffirmation and recognition of the
right of the peoples of those countries to determine their
own destinies, free from foreign interference, subversion,
coercion or occupation and through the process of nego­
tiations, will lead to a durable settlement. We therefore
join in the call for the withdrawal of all foreign troops
from those countries so as to provide a climate conducive
to a negotiated settlement. The presence of foreign troops
can only continue to impede the process of securing a
durable peace.
turned into an arena for proxy wars waged by the super­
250. In addition to the profound anxieties raised by the
prevailing global instability and tension, there is an
equally widespread concern about the economic crisis
which has confronted the world for some time now.
Indifference to this crisis is a luxury which no country,
no matter how strong economically, is able to afford in
these circumstances, not only because of the scale of the
crisis, but also because of its devastating impact on all
groups of countries. It is indeed every country that suffers
when world output and international trade contract in
the manner already witnessed, particularly when the
world economy drifts from bad to worse because of
persisting maladjustments. To put it in a nutshell, inter­
national commodity markets are in a most sorry state,
and the multilateral trading system is undergoing a serious
erosion, while the international monetary and financial
system is anything but orderly.
Powers.
246. The Middle East has continued to be a major
centre of conflicts and tensions because of Israel's expan­
sionist policy and aggression. My Government strongly
deplores Israel's refusal to comply with Security Council
resolution 497 (1981), which, we beli!ve, provides the
basis for a resolution of the Middle East problem. Israel's
attempt to annex the Syrian Golan Heights, the invasion
of Lebanon and the outrage of the massacres at Sabra
and Shatila are an ample demonstration of Israel's com­
plete disregard of international opinion and of the deci­
sions of both the Security Council and the General
Assembly. Nigeria is strongly opposed to those policies
and will continue to support the people of Palestine in
their just and legitimate demand for a hon, ~luid of their
own. It is our firm conviction that a dural-ile settlement
of the problem of the Middle East can h-a achieved only
with the active participation of all thP. interested parties,
particularly the people of Palestine under the leadership
of the PLO. Any unilateral effort towards a settlement
can only be partial and is therefore doomed to failure.
The recent eruption of fighting in Lebanon is sufficient
evidence of the inadequacy of the settlement plan being
pursued so vigorously by certain Powers. That plan will
fail because it does not take fully into account the interests
of the Palestinian people and their legitimate demand for
a homeland of their own. In this regard, Nigeria fully
supports the conclusions of the International Conference
on the Question of Palestine held recently at Geneva. We
deeply regret the failure of certain Western Powers to
251. My Government is equally concerned about the
ever-widening economic gap between the developed and
developing countries. This is an important point, not just
because it underscores the inherent structural imbalance
in the global economy, but also because the burden of
adjustment in the current crisis has fallen disproportion­
ately on the developing countries. The grim economic
' picture in most of the developing countries is all too
familiar: high foreign debts, continued erosion of terms
of trade, an unacceptably high level of inflation-most
of it exported to them-sharp increases in the cost of
capital and international credit, further restrictions on
lending by the commercial banks and the continued
decline in the flows of official development assistance.
attend that Conference.
247. My Government is also deeply concerned about the
growing collaboration between Israel and South Africa,
especially in the military and nuclear fields. This collab­
oration is inimical to the security of the whole of Africa
and represents a threat to that security which Africa
cannot ignore. As long as Israel persists in this policy it
cannot hope for amity in its relations with Africa.
248. Recent developments in Central America are also
a matter of concern to my Government. My Government
strongly deplores direct intervention in the internal affairs
of Nicaragua and other Central American States by a
certain Power. Regardless of our views about the direc­
These formidable negative trends have led to a deep
recession in the economies of the developing nations,
resulting in a further decline in 1982 of the per capita
gross domestic product of those countries. The develop­
ment process has virtually come to a halt in most devel­
oping countries, as many of us have been forced by the
deteriorating external environment in particular to curtail
essential imports and national development programmes.
252. The critical economic situation in the African
continent should indeed be underlined at this juncture
because our countries are much worse off than those of
any other region of the world. At a time of global im­
provement in food supply, acute shortages persist in
Africa and have serious consequences in terms not only
tion in which those States are moving, it is morally wrong
and contrary to the provisions of the Charter for any
external Power to force a change in their political and
economic systems through the use or threat of force. We
would urge this external Power to respect the inherent
right of Nicaragua and other Central American States to
develop along their freely chosen path. We fully endorse .
and support the efforts of the Contadora Group to ease
of increasing famine and hunger but also of the constrain­
ing influence on development of mounting food import
bills. Owing to over-dependence on the export of one or
two primary commodities, the continuing decline and
uncertainty in commodity prices have taken their heaviest
toll on¥rican economies. The calamitous fall of export
earnings has been compounded by a contraction of the
external flow of resources. Obviously, one of the major
Annex 65
20th meetfog-S October 1983
343
prerequisites for economic recovery in Africa is to ensure
a substantial flow of external finance to the region.
in various areas of international economic relations that
require global and integrated solution.
257. Unless the structural imbalance that lies at the heart
of the current global economic crisis is redressed urgently
through a major and concerted international effort, it not
only will remain a source of friction in relations among
nations but will also undermine the steady growth of the
world economy. Four years ago it appeared that there
was a recognition of the necessity for an international
effort when the Assembly adopted by consensus resolu­
tion 34/138, on global negotiations relating to interna­
tional economic co-operation for development. Unfortu­
nately, nothing positive has happened since to permit the
launching of the global negotiations. Rather, consulta­
tions on the matter have simply petered out, and the
situation now is one of total impasse and deadlock.
258. Responsibility for the failure to launch the global
negotiations must rest with those countries which remain
253. Although the universal impact of the current eco­
nomic crisis obviously calls for concerted efforts by the
entire international community, regrettably the multilat­
eral spirit is on the wane. We have in the past few years
continued to witness a growing reliance by the developed
countries on a bilateral rather than a multilateral ap­
proach to settling the crisis confronting the world econ­
omy, particularly the economic problems of the devel­
oping countries. But.we know full well that the results
have been most disappointing. It is indeed widely acknow­
ledged that the acute resource problem currently facing
such leading development organizations as, for example,
UNDP is attributable principally to the stagnation in the
overall flow of official development assistance and the
decline in the proportion committed through multilateral
channels. Aside from this we see little advantage in undue
recourse to bilateralism, which has indeed heightened the
tendency to determine and allocate assistance on the basis
of strategic East-West considerations that are completely
irrelevant to the dire needs of the developing nations. The
half-hearted approach which now seems to characterize
international economic negotiation is probably the worst
feature of the present crisis of multilaterialism.
adamantly opposed to the idea. Now that this item is
inscribed on the agenda of this session, all may not be
lost yet. Together with other developing countries, we
remain ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with
the developed countries on this matter, in the belief that
there is a mutuality of interests in seeking necessary
reforms in the existing international economic order. We
would therefore urge them to show the necessary political
254. A word about the sixth session of the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development, held at
Belgrade, is appropriate at this stage, since it was the most
important negotiating conference held this year. We had
hoped that the op90rtunity of the Belgrade meeting would
be fully seized to deal decisively, effectively and in an
integrated and global manner with the various problems
of global trade and development, particularly the adverse
situation facing the developing countries. Along with
other members of the Group of 77, we went to Belgrade
determined to be constructive and conciliatory, but we
discovered to our utter dismay and disappointment that
our partners in the North were in no mood for reciprocity.
In the end what emerged from the Conference was a
rehash of the results of previous sessions, with the addi­
tion of just a few half-measures, which did not amount
to the serious package of urgent remedial and long-term
measures that had been sought.
will in support of all efforts to facilitate progress towards
the establishment of the new international economic
order.
259. Stability and peaceful coexistence cannot be
achieved in a world where the overwhelming majority of
mankind lives in abject poverty and penury, nor can
sustained global economic growth be attained without the
active participation of the developing nations. Since,
therefore, everyone stands to benefit from an enduring
recovery of the world economy, and knowing the catas­
trophe to which inaction or feeble efforts can lead, the
international community must take swift action in putting
together a package of measures, short-term and long­
term, which respond to the needs of developing nations
in particular. Commodity markets must be significantly
strengthened through accelerated implementation of the
integrated programme for commodities, including the
early coming into force •Of the Agreement Establishing
the Common Fund for Commodities,
255. It is clear that we have all missed yet a,,other
golden opportunity to take appropriate measures to
revitalize the world economy and, in particular, the
8
which my Gov­
ernment ratified recently. The rising ticle of protectionism
in the developed countries must be brought under control
accelerated and sustained development of developing
in the interest of world trade. There is also the imperative
countries. The international community has delayed
taking the necessary vital steps, however, and this has
worsened the plight of both the strong and the weak. We
therefore wonder how long our partners in the North,
particularly the d~veloped market economies, will con­
tinue to drag their feet with regard to the restructuring
of international economic relations. Greater progress
could undoubtedly be made in this regard through a better
appreciation by the developed countries of the reality of
interdependence and the fact that the developing countries
as a group have become a significant partner in the
international economy.
256. The foregoing remarks are pertinent since they
underscore the caution with which many have been in­
need to inject substantial and additional liquidity which
responds to the needs of the world economy, particularly
the accelerated growth of developing countries.
260. Before concluding my statement, I should like to
declare the total support of my Government and the
people of Nigeria for the peace movement, whose mem­
bers are now clamouring throughout the world for an end
to the arms race. The deployment of an ever-increasing
number of nuclear warheads and the militarization of
outer space make the spectre of a global holocaust a real
possibility. This sword of Damocles has become an intol­
erable burden on mankind. The recent Korean jet incident
shows how easily the world could be plunged into a
nuclear holocaust through a sheer military blunder.
261. We must never allow a nuclear holocaust t.o hap­
clined to receive reports about the economic upturn in
certain developed countries. To us this is not a time for
raising false expectations. Nor do we think that any
trickle-down from the so-called recovery is the panacea
for the grave economic problems facing the developing
world. The deepening global crisis makes it ever more
clear that we are dealing not with a mere cyclical phe­
nomenon but with problems of structural maladjustments
pen. Collectively, we all have a responsibility to ensure
that it does not, for the greatest tragedies have occurred
not so much because of what was finally done as because
of what had earlier foolishly been left undone.
262. Mrs. de AMORIM (Sao Tome and Principe) (inter­
pretation from French): When will the peoples of the
third world emerge into the dawn of peace, security and
Annex 65
344
General Assembly-Thirty-eighth Session-Plenary Meetings
well-being from the endless night of hunger, interference,
wars and massacres?
acceptance for the unacceptable, namely, the establish­
ment of a link between the withdrawal of the Cuban
internationalist forces in the Peopn~'s Republic of Angola
and the implementation of Security Council resolu­
tion 435 (1978)? The growing impunity of South Africa
allows it to finance a group of stateless bandits, blood­
thirsty mercenaries whose sole mission is to serve and
safeguard neo-colonialist and imperialist interests in
southern Africa. It is time for the international commu­
nity to take more drastic measures to get rid of apartheid,
263. The exacerbation of the principal world problems
and the reappearance of tension in relations among States
have led the Government of the Democratic Republic of
Sao Tome and Principe to follow with particular attention
and great disquiet the escalation of the use of force as
a pref erred means of settling global conflicts and deter­
mining the future of mankind.
264. Furthermore, how can one not be sceptical of the
statements of good intention made by those whose very
actions gave rise to and maintain the hotbeds of tension
in various regions of the world?
26S. An analysis of the agenda for our deliberations
reaffirms that view. Negotiated and definitive solutions
through peaceful means of problems of extreme serious­
ness which are disturbing the international community
which, in its daily repression, deprives man of the human
dimension of his existence.
274. Our delegation highly appreciates the efforts made
by the Secretary-General to carry out the mandate en­
trusted to him under Security Council resolution 532
(1983). The independence of the people of Namibia,
under the leadership of SW APO, its sole legitimate repre­
sentative, is irreversible.
are deferred in spite of the numerous relevant resolutions
which have been adopted.
275. That same irreversibility is characteristic of the
valiant struggle of the Saharan people. During the nine­
teenth session of the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government, at Addis Ababa, the participants adopted
a resolution calling by name on the two parties to the
conflict, the Kingdom of Morocco and POLISARI0,
266. One wonders whether the United Nations is the
dupe or victim of the rivalry of some of its Members.
267. Preserving the United Nations means preventing
this forum, a chosen meeting place, from giving way to
insincerity, ambiguity and cynicism in the discussion of
the grave questions of the present. Preserving the United
Nations also means respecting the hopes of the peoples,
ensuring that its resolutions are implemented and using
all our strength to overcome the symptoms of paralysis
that threaten it.
268. If this is done Africa will no longer be a continent
torn apart by deadly wars that turn it into a battlefield
for external forces, by wars which cause famine, poverty,
terror and desolation, by wars exported to shackle the
firm determination of the African peoples to attain total
liberation, the consolidation of their independence and
their economic emancipation.
269. In the grim attempt to inflame Africa, the OAU
has not been spared. On the contrary~ every pretext has
been used to make it ineffective.
2
270. The difficulties encountered in arranging the nine­
teenth session of the Assembly of Heads of States and
Government of the Organization of African Unity amply
demonstrated the scope of the web of intrigues being
woven around the OAU and the need for all its members
to work to defend it while faithfully respecting the prin­
ciples set forth in its charter. We note with deep concern
to engage in direct negotiations with a view to finding
a definitive solution to this conflict [see A/38/312]. The
failure of the meeting of the Implementation Committee
illustrates Morocco's contempt for the sovereign decision
of the heads of States and Government and constitutes
yet another proof of its refusal to work to strengthen
African unity and to promote the honour, dignity and
freedom of the African peoples.
276. Last February in the historic and hospitable home­
land of Gandhi and Nehru, the Seventh Conference of
Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries
was held. Conscious of the manoeuvres to weaken the
cohesion of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries,
more than 100 countries reaffirmed at New Delhi their
faith and their commitment to the principles of non­
alignment. In this world where prospects are so bleak for
· the future of the peoples of the third world, the Non­
Aligned Movement remains a force for peace, justice and
hope.
277. In Latin America, interference in internal affairs
and acts of aggression and provocation have become the
reprehensible practices of reactionary forces which are
unable to accept the choice of peoples, in particular those
of the central part of that region, to live in freedom and
dignity.
the growing tendency to wish to neutralize in conflicts
the beneficial role of the OAU in order to allow foreign
Powers to act as they wish.
271. In central Africa, interference and the presence of
foreign forces in Chad have hampered the praiseworthy
efforts of the OAU and have delayed the attainment of
the ideals of the people of Chad for peace and concord.
We should like to reiterate here our appeal to the parties
to the conflict for national reconciliation, which is the
only way to end the calvary of the people of Chad, in
order to allow them to get down to the work of national
reconstruction with determination.
272. The People's Republic of Angola has been the
victim of a three-year illegal occupation of part of its
- territory by the racist troops of Pretoria. The people of
278. The fate reserved by Indonesia for the people of
East Timor must command the attention of the United
Nations. The hope born of the meeting between the
Indonesian authorities and FRETILIN,
9
which augured
a new and encouraging stage in the struggla for the liber­
ation of the Maubere people, seems to be fading. The
Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe de­
nounces the threats to land Indonesian troops and reaf­
firms its constant support for the fraternal people of East
Timor.
279. Our support also goes to the people of Korea who
have declared to the world their determination to reunify
Korea without foreign interference.
Angola are the target of criminal and constant bombings,
the most recent results of which have to be added to the
already long list of crimes denounced by that country in
the "White Book of Aggression by the Racist Regime of
South Africa against the People's Republic of Angola".
273. Given these barbarous actions, how can one des­
280. What can he said about the question of Palestine
which has not been said before? Those who think that
through massacre and dispersion of the Palestinian peo••
pie, by the breaking up of the PLO and by the disappear­
ance of its heroic fighters they will succeed in striking
from the annals of history the demonstration of one of
cribe the obstinacy of some countries in trying to gain
the great injustices of our century are gravely mistaken.
Annex 65
20th meetlng-5 October 1983
345
The Palestinian people will be victorious, and with
their own hands they will build their sacred homeland,
Palestine.
281. The danger looming over the people of Lebanon,
that of seeing their national unity, sovereignty and terri­
torial integrity flouted, is in contravention of the prin­
ciples of the Charter of the United Nations and
furthermore is a threat to peace and security in that
region.
282. I must add to this alarming picture the situation
of the international economy, characterized by a sharp
deterioration in the present economic system. The third
world, dispossessed of its wealth, can only record failures
in its attempts to establish a North-South dialogue. The
sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development ended its work on a note of disappoint­
288. Mr. KURODA (Japan): In his statement in the
general debate on 4 October, the Soviet representative
referred to Japan and said, inter alia, that my country's
"accelerated militarization" was adding to tensions in the
Far East [18th meeting, para. 129). It is extremely regret­
table that the Soviet representative made such a ground­
less remark in this United Nations forum.
289. It is a well known fact that ever since the Second
World War Japan has been steadfast in its efforts to
contribute to world peace and prosperity. Those efforts
reflect Japan's fundamental position that it will nev~r
become a military Power but will pursue peace resolutely.
The self-defence forces which Japan maintains are strictly
for defensive purposes.
290. We must point out that it is rather the Soviet Union
itself which has aroused anxiety and concern not only
among its Asian neighbours but also in countries through­
ment and uncertainty.
out the world. I am referring to the strengthening of the
283. Given the hesitation of the industrialized countries
to develop healthy co-operation with underdeveloped
countries, it gives us great pleasure to note that South­
South co-operation is intensifying, thus opening new
prospects in relations between our States. The refusal of
the industrialized countries to change the machinery of
international trade has dramatically increased the indebt­
edness of the third world and has put off the establish­
ment of a new international economic order.
Soviet military presence in the area surrounding Japan, as
exemplified both in its military buildup in Japan's
northern islands and in its deployment of SS-20s in the
Far East. The Soviet Union has pursued such a course
despite Japan's repeated protestations.
291. In his statement the Soviet representative also
implied that there are nuclear weapons in Okinawa. It
is truly regrettable that the Soviet Union has made yet
another totally unfounded remark, with full knowledge
of the fact that Japan-the only nation which has suf­
fered the disasters of nuclear weapons-strictly maintains
its three nonanuclear principles. We strongly urge the
Soviet Union to reconsider its gravely mistaken view of
Japan.
284. There can no longer be any doubt that human
speech has become one of the most ineffective tools of
diplomacy, and this Organization should know this better
than anyone. Lengthy monologues and dialogues aimed
at diversion are multiplying and inevitably lead to a fear
that the aspirations and sufferings of peoples will come
up against the silence of words. How can we make words
speak so that they awaken in the consciences of some a
determination to halt, through constructive action, the
machinery for devastation of the world?
The meeting rose at 7.10 p.m.
285. The insanity and egoism of some are threatening
the peaceful existence of millions of human beings. Is the
sick desire to dominate so mindless that it can lead them
to make bombs to destror hunger and lead to the peace
of graveyards? What can speeches do against bombs and
the ills of underdevelopment?
NOTES
1
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 4-02, No. 5778, p. 72.
2 Frente Popular para la Liberaci6n de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de
Oro.
3
Proceedings of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Devel­
opment. Sixth Session, vol. I, Report and Ann~es (United Nations
publication, Sales No. E.83.11.D.6), annex VI.
286. On the other hand, the solidarity and commitment
of the international community are capable of preserving
the sacred rights of peoples to build their own progress
in a climate of respect, understanding and human fra­
4
Offlcial Records of the General Assembly. Twenty-seventh Session.
Supplement No. 27, annex I.
5
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 634, No. 9068, p. 326.
6
Agreement to resolve the controversy over the frontier between
ternity. Is this no more than a dream?
287. The PRESIDENT: I call on the representative of
Japan, who has asked to b~ allowed to speak in exercise
of the right of reply.
Venezuela and British Guiana (United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 651,
No. 8192, p. 323).
7
Uniiio Nacional para a Independencia Total de Angola.
8
United Nations publication, Sales No. E.81.11.D.8.
9
Frente Revoluciomiria de Timor Leste Independente.
Annex 66
U.N. General Assembly, 39th Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/39/PV.19 (3 Oct. 1984)
Annex 66
United Nations
19th
GENERAL
PLENARY MEETING
ASSEMBLY
Wed11esday, J October 1984,
at J.20 p.m.
THJR'J'Y•NJNTJI SESSJON
0/Jl,clal Records
NEW YORK
President: Mr. Paul J. F. LUSAKA
(Zambia).
United Nations in fulfilling its role is also largely
determined by the P\llitical and power realities of the
world environment in which we live. Unhappily,
factors in the international climate have not helped
the Organization to measure up to the magnitude and
nobility of its tasks.
AGENDA ITEM 9
General debate (continued)
6. The delegation of Burma would therefore ven­
ture to think aloud and suggest that, when the
Assembly considers many of tne items on its agenda
it is of vital importance to take note of thf global
perspective and seari:h deeply for the root causes,
instead of the mere surf ace symptoms. Nor is it
l. Mr. HLAING (Burma): Mr. President, allow me
at the outset to extend to you the very wanu
congratulations of the delegation of Burma on your
unanimous election to the high office which you
hold. Your vast experience in the activities of the
United Nations and your diplomatic skill and l?er­
ception are certainly well known to all of us, and 1t is
most fittini that you should preside over the thirty­
ninth session of the General Assembly. We are
confident that under your able guidance the delibera­
tions of this session will help further to develop and
consolidate moves towards a more peaceful world.
enough to reiterate the lofty principles and ideals of
the Charter, which embody the hopes and dreams of
mankind and especially of the small nations. for
which they represent a safe haven in the stom1y seas
of fast and far-reaching changes. The Charter, often
quoted, is all too readily ignored, misinterpreted or
even brushed aside when it seems to stand in the way
of some nations all too obsessed with self-interest or
emboldened by their strength and power.
7. Ifwe are to see the United Nations develop into
a really effective instrument for the tJerf 0rmance of
2. The delegation of Burma also takes this opportu­
nity to pay a tribute to the out~oing President, Mr.
the functions outlined in the Charter, u is our duty as
Jorge Illueca, whose distinguished services have
co!ltributed in no small measure to the successful
conclusion of the session of the Assembly that has
recently ended.
3. We should also like to say how glad we are to
welcome Brunei Darussalam to the famil~ of the
United Nations. We offer our wann felicitations and
friendly greetings to its delegation, whose presence in
our midst will ,urely give added strenJth and be a
Member States to endeavour to be more worthy of
the principles and more loyal to the purposes or the
Charter. No organization with aims so sublime can
hl,pe to fulfil its promise without the wbole•hearted
support and commitment of its membership.
8. The General Assembly embarks on its thirty.
ninth session at grips with a whole range of problems
and issues that transcend geographical and ideologt.
ea! borders and call for a new dimension in intema.
p(lsitive contribution to the Organization.
tional co-operation.
4. We meet in the Assembly once again to examine
collectively the problems of our time and, it is to be
9. The increasing crisis in international, political
and economic relations reRects the slow and painful
progress of nations and mankind. Of particular
concern is the political tension and ~owina inci­
hoped, exercise our influence for the betterment of
world conditions. We are gathered here together in
the belief that all Member States, be they big or
dence of ~sion
in many areas of the world.
small, powerful or weak, rich or poor, have a shared
responsibility to make their contribution to the
Equally upsettina are the unremedied economic
dispanties between the rich and the poor nations and
the JfOwina inequality of international economic
achievement of the objectives of the Charter of the
United Nations. The fact that 159 Member States,
relations.
irre&pective of differences in their political, economic
and social systems, gather here each year is proof
enough of the interest of Governments in seeing the
continuance of the United Nations system as a
10. As at past sessions, once again the General
Assembly is e1,posed to the same unresolved issues
which have been on the agenda for several years. The
pervasive force in maintainin~ world p,!ace. Hope is
therefore kindled anew that with the development o,.
mutual understanding and co-operation and the
fostering of a spirit of compromise, which are
pattern of difficulties faced by the United Nations in
resolving them stems lari~ely from the seriously
deterioratin_g state of relations between the supcr­
Powers. which are the leading Members of the world
Organization. The essential co-operation between
essential for the success of the Charter, the welter of
co'1flicting interests of many nations and peoples
them has given way to confrontation, which has
retarded the work of the General Assembly. The
may find a degree of order and harmony.
inter-bloc politics which they personify have also
5. Many are aware of these requirements, but the
hampered the normal functiomng of international
irony is that we have so far failed to translate this
relat1011s. The prospects of an early solution to the
awareness into practice. The effectiveness of the
many questions on the Assembly's agenda will not be
379
A/39/PV.19
Annex 66
380
General Assembly-Thirty-ninth Session-Plenary Meetings
bright so long as this climate prevails. Surely, it is in
the genuine interest not only of the super-Powers but
of the entire world community that they should re­
establish a working relationship.
world community has yet to arrange its affairs in
such a way as to shackle the nuclear threat forever.
11. It is in this spirit that the delegation of Burma
welcomes the recent resumption of the hij!h-level
talks in Washington between the Soviet Umon and
the United States. These talks may or may not have
any immediate palpable or dramatic impact on the
scope and direction of the deliberations which the
Assembly is about to embark upon. It must also be
recognized that the assessments of such possible
impact could well be quite varied and naturally far
from identical. Notwithstanding these f<1cts, the fact
16. From day to day, we witness the growing
intensity of the arms race, which increasingly reduces
worl.~ stability and endangers the survival of man•
kind. The world bristles with a whole range of
armaments as each side seeks to match the other in
keeping up the military balance of power, The awful
danger of the present approach to military balance is
that it goes on prodding each side to arm themselves.
Each party is bent on outdoing the other in the
invention of ever newer ty1:es of virulent weapons
and systems. As we see it, tlus posture cannot lead us
anywhere except into a hopeless maze of arming_and
cou11ter-ar111i11g
that these regular talks should once again have
become feasible after a lapse of a considerable
number of years should in itself be a source of
gratification for us all. It is to be hoped that they will
out of which it will be very difficult
to emerge. It may well condemn both sii:les to an
arms race in perpetuity.
17. The lesson of balance, as commonly perceived,
carries with it a demand for co-ordination, for
interrelationships and intercommunication between
various domains, if meaningful equilibrium and
stabilization are to be achieved. We see no alterna•
tive to negotiations between the super-Powers, and
their alliances, so as to arrive at just such a mutual
achievement if world peace and security are to be
assured.
prove to be a harbinger of a new era marked by more
intensified co-operation, better understanding and a
spirit of mutual accommodation not only between
the two super-Powers but between all nations of the
world. The delegation of Burma therefore considers
the holding of the high-level talks 1:1.s a step in the
right direction which will surely help to place the
present state of affairs in the world on a more even
keel.
12. It is not enough to content ourselves with
merely passing resolutions. The time has come, we
believe, for a more conceptually clear and operatively
more effective response to the numerous challenges
and dilemmas of contemporary world problems. The
time has also come for the two super-Powers to
ponder the possibility of plbcing their relations upon
a new basis so that the)'. might be put on a more
stable and constructive footing.
18. A11 increasin$1Y acute problem is the prevention
of an arms race m outer spac1;;. The delegation of
Burma joins others in expressing deeP, concern over
the dangers connected with the militarization of
outer space. Space-borne systems have a two-sided
function, for either benign or offensive operations. It
is extremely difficult to make a clear distinction
between their military and civilian uses. As such, the
extent to which the world community stands to
benefit or be endangered by rapidly developing space
technology depends very much on wnether the
foremost space Powers are co-operative or antagonis­
tic in their use of space. Concern for the welfare of
mankind dictates that they co-operate.
13. Seen in this perspective, the Secretary-General's
call for holding a meetinJ of the Security Council at
the highest level is both timely and important for the
development of an effective common approach to
contemporary world problems. r • would be a tremen­
dous boost to the United Nations processes if the
permanent members of the Security Council were
forthcoming in support of the Secretary-General.
19. Let me now tum very briefly to some of the
problems which preocc,ipy the Assembly at succes­
sive sessions. These include the Middle East and
Palestinian problems, the conflict between Iran and
Iraq, the questions of Afghanistan and Kampuchea,
and the unresolved question of independence for
Namibia.
14. Need we recall that the United Nations was
founded on the assumption that the permanent
members would remain united, beyond their wartime
20. It is difficult to foresee just how these many
coalition and, \\.ith the United Nations as the instru­
ment, strive in mutual efforts to ensure world peace
an" contribute to a system of universal collective
security. So far, this assumption has proved illusory.
1 S. We live in a dangerous era. The most important
and pressing problem of our times-the achievement
of nuclear disarmament-does not ·,ppear to be
receivin~ the attention it deserves. T ,1e world com­
munity 1s unhappy about this situation. The negotiat­
specific problems can be resolved effectively without
the co-ordination of joint political action on the part
of the principal opponents. Each situation tends to
become entrenched in their positions with the pas­
sage of time and compounded bf ever-new develop,,
ments adding to their complexity. The more they
become protracted the more they become vulnerable
to the diplomatic gambits and stratagems in the
interplay of world politics. While the contestants
involved contend, and we, here in the Assembly,
hopefully debate and draft our texts carefully, the
victims of the situations continue to suffer. To them,
the desperate need is to survive and live in peace.
ing processes between the two super-Powers have
been at a standstill ever since the breakdown of their
nuclear disarmament talks in November last year.
Not only is the essential element of mutual trust
completely absent; it has been replaced by complete
mistrust. It is a distressing p,m1dox of the world
today that all these years, in spit,'! of the endless flow
21. The present difficulties between various States
are to a large extent due to the failure to uphold the
principles of mutual respect for each other's indepen­
of talks, of conferences and well-meaning st-,1timent
in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, we are no
dence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and of
non-i1
further removed from the threat of nucleZ1r war and
no nearer towards promise of its solution. We are
now well through the fourth ruclear decade and the
1
terference in each other's internal affairs. Both
are cardinal norms of international conduct. We
must recognize that if States fail to tolerate and
resp,·ct the rights of other States to ways of life they
Annex 66
19th meetlng-3 October 1984
381
cannot and do not share, then we shall be no nearer
to realizing the high hopes and ideals of mutual co­
operation and mutual e11deavou1· envisaged in the
Charter of the United Nations.
l'Z, The search for a Middle East peace settlement
remains a vital concern of the world community.
However, the Assembly must face up to the fact that
there is as yet no solution in sight. The prospects for
a settlement continue to be elusive, owing to the
complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the
uncertain path of developments in Lebanon.
23. The most important aspects of any settlement
in the Arab-Israeli conflict are the right of every State
in the Middle East, including Israel, to exist in peace
within secure and recognized borders and the right of
the Palestinians to self-determination. No progress
can be made without an agreement which guarantees
to both the Israelis and the Palestinians the right to
security and the right to exist in their own State,
24. A related question is the control of territories.
While Israel's central concern is for the attainment of
security, the pl'imary concern of the Arabs is the
return of the lost territories. As it stands, essential
steps for progress require that Israel withdraw its
forces from territories occupied in 1967, change its
policies of incorporating Palestinian lands into its
State and halt the establishment of new settlements
in these territories. Equally, it would be up to the
Palestinians to state explicitly and clearly their
willingness to recognize the right of Israel to a secure
existence. The reality of the situation calls for the
possibility of such an accommodation. Unhappily,
the present attitude of both sides does not hold any
promise of development along these lines.
peace and a negotiated political solution of the two
problems. Despite diplomatic initiatives from time
to time to secure movement by all parties concemedi.
no fornrnla has emerged to bring about a process 01
negotiation,
29. The position of the delegation of Burma is
simple. Our wish is to sec a political settlement in
Afghanistan and Kampuchea on the basis of the
withdrawal of all foreign forces and full respect for
the independence, soverei$nty and territorial integri•
ty of both States. Our wish is to see a process of
reconciliation and the restoration of umty to the
peoples of Afghanistan and Kampuchea and the
return of conditions in w!1ich they can work out their
own destiny free from all external interference and
pressures. It is a sad state of affairs when the people
of both States are being uprooted and continue to
25. As regards the situation in Lebanon, the over­
riding concern is to restore to the country its full
sovereignty, territorial integrity and political inde­
pendence. The factor of internal sectarian strife must
somehow be overcome by a process of national
reconciliation so as to help to extend the authority of
the legjtimate Government and ensure the withdraw­
suffer from deprivation and hardship. We are there•
fore very much distressed at th,J protracted conflict
and unresolved nature of the suuations in Afghani•
stan and Kampuchea.
30. Again this year, there is no immediate pros_pect
of Namibia achieving independent statehood, Over
the past several years, the Assembly has repeatedly
given expression to the Namibian people's inalien­
abl.) right to freedom, independence and territorial
inte$rity, including Walvis Bay, and under the lead­
ership of the South West Africa People's Organiza•
tion [SWAPO]. Security Council resolution 435
( 1978), which provides a United Nations framework
for Namibia's independence, has been accepted in
principlt br _ all the relevant parties as a basis for
settlement. However, South Africa has not shown the
least inclination to change course, but insists on
broadening the question by injecting extraneous
issues as a prerequisite for Nami6ia's independence.
This linka_ge is incompatible with the letter and spirit
of resolution 435 (1978) and constitutes an impedl•
ment to the implementation of the United Nations
plan for the independence of Namibia. Furthennore,
no breakthrough has been achieved in the direct talks
which took place this year between South Africa and
the parties seeking independence for Namibia. We
see no progress likely until South Africa reverses its
position and forgoes its repeated assertion that
Cuban troops must be removed from Angola before
al of foreign forces from the country.
26. At present we face stagnation in th~ entire
Middle East situation. The recent visits of the
Secretary-General to the region in pursuit of a
framework for a renewed Middle East peace confer­
ence are a welcome initiative in the riibt direction.
The problems of the Middle East have been with the
Assembly for the past 36 years. To our mind, the
question of convening an international conference
for peace in the Middle East cannot be excluded for
it withdraws from Namibia.
31. In South Africa today, the Government's apar­
theid policy continues to exclude the majority black
population from constitutional reform with a view to
creating the so-called independent homelands. Al
such, there is as yet no sign of South Africa tumlna
all time if we are to work for the goal of a
comprehensive and lasting settlement.
27. The delegation of Burma shares the concern of
the world community over the escalation of the Iran­
Iraq conflict, which has dragged on for the past four
years. The recent attacks by both sides on neutral
ships in an international waterway show how poten­
tially dangerous the situation has become. It threat­
ens to bring an international dimension to the
conflict and clearly points to the urgenpy of halting
the hostilities by peaceful means before the pressure
away from its basic _policy of apartheid, which ii
institutionalized racial discrimination and universal­
ly condemned. South Africa's contemptuous defiance
of the world's moral indignation 1s a matter of
increasing concern to all nations of good will which
believe in the essential worth and dignity of the
human person. The world would be happy if South
Africa conformed with reality, abandoned its policy
of apartheid and worked for a more constructive
relat10nship with its neighbours.
32. Pennit me to make a few brief remarks on the
of events leads to a wider confrontation.
world economic situation. There is no doubt that, to
28. For six years the General Assembly has been
concerned with the questions of Afghanistan and
K&mpuchea. Both situations continue to cause ten­
sions and threaten regional peace and stability. Like
the rest of the members of the Assembly, we are
anxious to see improvements in the prospects for
the greater majority of tt,e world's people, the main
issue that interest~ them 1s the economic situation,
and not so much the political. The ends for which
people strive are food, work, security and housing,
which taken togethu mean freedorn from want and
the right to survive. To ;; certain extent, the present
Annex 66
382
General ASS()mbly-l'blrty-nlutb Scsslon-l'lenlll')' Meetings
processes in the economic sphere are somewhat a
paradox, After 30 years of development-related inter­
national conferences, of summits, strategies and
economic expansion, the results so far achieved have
been minimal for the majority of the world's peo}?le,
principally those living in the developing countries.
There is today no unity, but disorder, in the world
economic situation, Nations compete against nations
and man competes a$ainst man, m a desperate effort
to establish economic stability and security,
more balanced financial and t!lonetary system and
the revival of world trade.
38. We believe that the world economy is at an
acute phase of a changing process in international
economic relations. The economic upheavals faced
by the world community in the last several years have
enabled us to understand the interdependence which
inextricably links all nations, both developed a11d
developing, The dimension of mutual dependence
has been discovered and come to be accepted as a
reality. We live in an interdependent world of
pwblems which require mutual accommodation. We
wouid hope that this mutual interdependence can be
33, Since the start of tile 1970s, the world cconom•'
has struggled from crisis to crisis and has spared no
nation or region from the consequences of economic
turbulence, The energy crisis, the collapse of the
world monetary-financial syst.,;m, and the serious
structural disturbances arising therefrom, have led to
transfonned into active solidarity and collective
response to a world which is bad!¥ in need of
restructurin& of the pattern of international econom•
the emergence of recessions, which have culminated
in the present world economic crisis,
1c co-operation.
39. In concluding, the dele&ation of Burma wishes
to place on record its £!pprec1ation, surely shared by
34. Having experienced two major recessions in the
past 10 years, the world economy is now considered
to have re$istcred a measure of recovery. This may
be visible m the economies of the major developed
countries but does not sufficiently hold true for the
rest of the world, the developing world. We under­
stand that even in the economically more advanced
countries there is widespread doubt about the stabili­
ty of the current trend. The prospects for a sustained
recovery remain precarious because of the high
interest rates pursued in the domestic policies of tfie
world's strongest economic power. This has reduced
the scope for and increased the cost of investments in
the economies of both developed and developing
countries. Without an increase in productive invest­
ments it would be difficult to overcome the present
economic crisis.
others, of the tireless efforts of the Secretary-Gener 111
aimed at the achievement of a constructive course 1.1
world affairs. His recent visit, on a personal mission,
to the Middle East, his talks with the leaders of the
Soviet Union and the United States, his successful
initiative concerning the halting of attacks on civilian
targets in the Iran-Iraq war, and his ongoing efforts to
solve the Cyprus problem are praiseworthy moves
which have not gone unnoticed. H~ has brought new
confidence to the office he occupies. We venture to
express the hor.e that the S,:cret.ary-Oeneral's earnest
endeavours will be rewarded with concrete results.
40. Mr. NIASSE (Senegal) (interpretation from
French): TI'le General Assembly has by the unani­
mous decision of its members, Sir, elected )'OU
President of its thirty-ninth session. That outstanding
election had been expected, since Africa's continental
organization, the Organization of African Unity
[ OA U]
35. The world-wide recessions have had a damaging
impact on almost all developing countries. The issue
before the Assembly is how to reduce the developing
world's predicament. To our mind, the current image
of the world economy is not encouraging at all for
them. Their economies are still marked by low
growth, adverse external factors and problems in
attaining_ a satisfactory balance-of-payments situa­
tion. Fallins prices of primary commodities, together
with dectintnf export volumes and adverse terms of
trade, have al compounded their external imbalance.
Having to curb their essential imports for the famil­
1
adopted two resolutions recommending your
candiaacy for that officeJ at Nairobi in June 1981
and at Addis Ababa in June 1983. Your country's
many friends throughout the world supported tliat
recommendation, thus reaffirming their confidence
in and friendship for Africa, Zambia and you,
personally-confidence and friendship of which we
are justly proud. We ask you, therefore, to accept our
warm fraternal congratulations. As President of the
United Nations Council for Namibia, you have
shown discreetly and effectively your eminent q_uali•
iar reason of balance of payments, their development
efforts have underione serious set-backs. They face
difficulties in obtaming investment for development
and in providing employment for their growing
labour force.
ties as diplomat, statesman and champion of the
right of peoples to independence. I had the honour of
presiding at your side over the lntomational Confer­
ence in Support of the Strul,lle of the Namibian
People for lni;lependence, held in Paris irt April 1983,
and I am therefore in a position to say how great was
your positive contribution to the success of that
gathering. There is no doubt that, with such qualifi­
cations, you will be able to guide the work of the
thirty-ninth session of the General Assembly to a
most successful conclusion.
41. I wish also to thank your predecessor, Mr. Jorge
36. The central problem in the world economy
today is the international debt situation of the
developing countries. Many countries are just unable
to repay their debts in the face of high interest rates
and reduced export earnings, the only source from
which debts can be serviced internat,onally. Massive
debt rescheduling is also increa&ing ac..umulated
debts. International lending, once perceived as a
principal instrument for the stimulation of economic
growth, has become today the factor causing a
Illueca, of Panama, who, as President of the General
Assembl).' at its thirty-eighth session and at a particu­
larly difficult time in world affairs, worked with
reverse flow of capital and retarding the growth
courage and clear-mindedness to reaffirm the mis­
sion of the United Nations: to promote peace and
harmony among nations.
prospects of developing countries.
37. A~ we see it, there can be no lastin~ world
economic recovery without a solution to the mterna­
tional debt problem. And the problem of debt cannot
be resolved without structural adjustments for a
42. In this connection, I cannot fail to pay a tribute
to the Secretary-General, whose broadmmdedness,
analytical abilities, independence of judgement and
Annex 66
191b meetlng-3 October 1984
383
fidelity to the ideals of the United Nations we were SO. At the same time, we note in various parts of
able to appreciate yet again when he visited Senegal Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East
in January 1984. His journey to the furthest corners numerous hotbeds of tension and conflict which rend
of our continent was an act of faith which provided the peoples asunder and set against each other
further proof that, with goodwill and using the right neighbour countries whfoh rea!lf.\n dictates should comeans,
the
plight
and
the
hopes
of
a
great
part
of

operate in trust and friendship. Sometimes, even
mankind can be calmly identified, and that solutions within a single population, civil war breaks out,
can be sought and found if we are imbued with a costing the lives of children, the elderly and people in
spirit of international solidarity and praiseworthy the prime of life1
sowing death and destruction in the
generosity and brotherhood.
name of opposmg ideologiea, and heightened and
43. I wish finally to welcome the sister country of exacerbated by a conflict of interests often alien to
Brunei Darussalam-like Senegal, a member of the that country.
Organization of the Islamic Conference-to mem- 51. In this tense situation, is it not time for the
bership of the United Nations. Its devotion to the nations of the world, buth rich and poor, industrialideals
of
peace,
justice
and
harmony
as
set
forth
in

ized and developing, to agree to overcome their
the Charter of the United Nations are the best rivalries and tensions, through joint efforts and
guarantee t:~at Brunei Darussalam will be able to constructive dialogue, in order to guarantee to all the
contribute with determination and effectiveness to free command of their common destiny?
the promotion (!f the United Nations and to the S2. Today, South Africa continues to occupy Namiachievement
of
its
purposes.
bia illegally, despite the relevant United Nations
44, Once again we, the representatives of the resolutions designed to enable the brother people of
world's peoples, States and Governments, have come Namibia to rer:over, without any hindrance, its full
together to consider the situation and future of right to freedom, independence and dignity, Ir, this
mankind, and to do so despite the differences in our regard, my country, Senesa1 solemnly reaffirms its
ideological choices, political systems, spheres of complete solidarity with isW APO, the sole · and
culture, traditions and customs, aware that the legitimate representative of the glorious people of
civilizations of which we are the products and the Namibia, and we support Security Council resolution
authors are complementary, aware also that 159 ~35 (1978). The Namibian question is a decolonizanations
cannot
in
a
meeting
tastin~
only
a
few
weeks

t1on problem, In accordance with General Assembly
together work out exactly what action must be taken resolution 1S14 (XV), containing the Declaration on
to improve the lot of mankind without first being the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries
convinced that common interest must prevail over and Peoples, which recognizes that those countries
the obstacles to dialogue and solidarity,
an,d p~oples have ,the inalienable right to self-deter•
45. Rich countries and poor, wealthy peoples and mmatlon and national sovereignty.
those stricken with the despair and pessimism which 53. The countries members of the contact group
result from the world crisis, are we not all assailed by should, to that end, bring ~irect pressure to bear on
the same anxieties and obliged, if we are not to be the Pretoria Government, !n pursuance !)f the efforts
destroyed, to stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of that they ai:e now undertaKmg and that, 1p all honesty
the many dangers threatening man and his environ• ahnd obJectivity, we must emphasize. Smee contact
ment?
as peen establishe~, we feel it is appropriate to
contmue and even mcrease it so that South Africa
46. It was in the spirit of the need for such will b b ght t
t th u it d N ti
reflection by the international community that the ment ~l~u
.. -tt
O
accep e . n e a ons ...,. e-
head of State of Senegal, President Abdou Diouf, 54. I cannot conclude tht's .,.,.tion of my address
called on me to come liere to address the Assembly.
_,.,
without welcoming, on behalf of my Government,
47, I shall begin by referring to the political prob- the praisewortby initiatives repeatedly undertaken by
lems with which the United Nations is once again the Secret~-Oeneral. Thanks to bim, the technical
confronted, together with the economic i5$ueil with aspects of this matter, involving the composition,.
which the third world in general and Africa in status and d~loyment of the military element 01
particular are constantly concerned, in the ever-di• UNT A.G and the choice of. the electoral •Y
. .U :aio11m
m .. lnilhina hope that~· les and individuals will provided for in the tottlemont plan, have .aNidy
unite to prevent an
which, if it were to been qreed UOoft,
· -
occur, would certai Y spare no people and no SS. Notwithsianding the slow pace of the talks and
country.
the acknowledged limits of the progress recently
48. Given that risk, are we capable of taking the made at Lusaka, Zambia, and Sal, Cape Verde, on
leap foiward which the nations of the world expect of the way towards negotiations between the parties
us and which we must take if we are to put to good involved, Senegal encourages those efforts and advouse
the
immense
potential
of
the
human
mind
and

cates a cease-fire conducive to the implementation of
the wealth of imagination granted to us by nature? resolution 435 ( l 978) as a whole.
49. For nearly 40 years, a modus vivendi seems to 56. South Africa, because of the abhorrent practice
have been established among the industrial nations, of apartheid, which the Pretoria regime persists in
in particular those of the northern hemisphere. Those further refining by successive reforms, such as the
nations have thus achieved technolog1cal progress recent bogus constitutional reform, deserves to be
and economic stability, guaranteed and protected by once again unreservedly condemned by the intema•
a system of relations which safeguard the essential tional community. My country, Senegal, denounces
element: the continuance of that technoloiical prog- this inhuman policy of racial segregation and exress
and
the
maintenance
of
the
economic
stability

presses again its solidarity with the oppressed people
which, despite the ups and downs of our titn~s. we ofSouth Africa and its legitimate representatives, the
see today.
African National Congress of South Africa and the
Annex 66
384
Genel'III Assembly-Thlr~•nlnth Session-Plenary Meetings
Pan Africanist Congiess of Azania. We also energet- 61. My country, Senegal, had the great honour,
ically repudiate the infringements repeatedly com- thanks to the confidence placed in it by the intemamitted

against the territorial integrity, sovereignty tional community, to preside over the International
and security of the front-line countries, and particu- Conference on the Question of Palestine, held at
larly the constant threats made by South Africa Geneva from 29 August to 7 September 1983. We
against Angola and Mozambique, whose Govern- know that since then the Secretary-General, the
ments and brother peoples aspire only to peace and Movement of Non-Aligned Countl'ies and the Orgadevelopment.
nization of the Islamic Conference, as well as the Al-
57. In west Africa, the question of Western Sahara ~~o~g:g:i~;!;, p~e:~~e~e~~![e~y e~~1;f8 ~~
8
1
!~~u
f~
continues to be the subject of the international progress on this question. Those efforts should be
community's attention. My country, Senegal, wishes encouraged and continued, because my country,
to see a peaceful settlement of that dispute, in which presides over the Committee on the Exercise
accordance with resolution AHO/Res. I 04 (XIX), of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,
adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and believes that an International Peace Conference on
Government of the Organization of African Unity at the Middle East, with the full participation of the
its nineteenth ordinary session, held at Addis Ababa PLO, should be able to bring about a definitive
in June 1983,
1
and endorsed by the General Assem• solution to the Middle East question.
bly in its resolution 3
s,4
o.
62. As is well known, for four years now there has
58. With regard to the question of Chad, we can been a fratricidal conflict between Iran and Iraq that
only hope that the recent developments emanating has taken the lives of thousands of innocent persons;
from the Franco-Libyan disengagement agreement of huge material losses have occurred and vast resources
Septemb~r 1984 may lead to national reconciliation have been wrested from the development of the two
in Chad and to scrupulous respect for the integrity countries in a deadlocked confllct, and all this has
and sovereignty of that country, under the leadership been to no avail. Given this sorry state of affairs, all
of its legitimate Government-now recognized by the initiatives that have been undertaken have
the OAU and by the international community-
proved fruitless. Senegal, which is a member of the
without any outside interference. It is truly high time Islamic Peace Committee seeking peace between
for that martyred country, rent by internal conflicts those two countries, takes this opportunity to repeat
and assorted kinds of intervention for the past 20 to the Security Council, the Movement of Nonyears,
to
be
able
finally
to
enjoy
the
J)eace,
national

Aligned Countries and the Organization of the
unity and stability so essential to the flourishing of its Islamic Conference that it has always supported and
people and the development of its economy.
will continue to support them in actions designed to
obtain a rapid and definitive cease-fire oetween
Teheran and Baghdad and peace negotiations on the
basis of the funaamental principles of international
law and the stability of tlie countries of the region.
59. Just as in Africa, the racist Pretoria Govern­
ment continues to trample the Charter of the United
Nations under foot by oppressing peoples aspiring to
peace, so in the Middle East, Israel has been main­
taining an atmosJ?here of tension through Its aggres­
sive and annexattonist policy against the Arab peo­
ples of the area in general, and the Palestinian people
in i,articular. Israel's systematic recourse to force has
inevitably blocked all the peace initiatives undertak­
en in recent years. The long list of resolutions
adopted by the Security Council and the General
Assembly 1s, in this regard, highly indicative of the
indifference and cavalier disregard shown by the Tel
Aviv Government for the international community's
decisions.
63. On the Asian continent, Afghanistan and Kam­
puchea continue, as is known, to be subjected to the
laws and domination of foreign Powers. It is there­
fore only proper to hold that the people of Afghani­
stan and the people of Kampuchea are entitled to just
recognition of their legitimate aspiration to the free
choice of their political system and their leaders. In
this connection, Senegal will continue to press active­
ly for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from those
two countries and for just respect for the Charter of
the United Nations with regard to them, through the
peaceful application of the good offices machinery of
60. Now, more than ever before, wo must reaffirm
the Secretary-Ocncral and the quest for a negotiated
the inalienable right of the brother people of Pales­
solution between the J>4!1ie1 concerned. So far as
Senepl is concerned, an both cues the main objec­
tine, regrouped within the Palestine Liberation
~ization [PLO), its sole and lCJitimate represen­
tive is to enable the Afab,an and Kampucliean
tative, to dignity, self-determination and indepen­
dence, and to the establishment of a sovereign
Palestinian State on the land of Palestine, in keeping
with the relevant United Nations resolutions. We
must, by all legal means, induce the international
community to compel Israel to put an end to the
settlements. We must actively support the Lebanese
people, which is now gravely divided, to achieve its
unity and territorial integrity and regain its stability,
free from the acts of aggression perpetrated daily
against its sovereignty. We must spare no effort to
obtain total withdrawal from the Arab territories
occupied !Jy Israel by force since 1967. We must,
finally, foster the conditions for a just and lasting
peace in the Middle East, with due respect for the
right of all the peoples of the region to live within
secure and recognized boundaries.
peoples to exercise their right to decide, in all
sovereignty, their own destiny.
64. In Kampuchea, more particularly, after three
years of praiseworthy and sustained diplomatic ef­
forts, the implementation of the relevant resolutions
on this question is still encountering certain obsta­
cles, but they should not deter us from our goal,
which is the restoration of peace to Kampuchea and
the region. To that end, it should be emphasized that
the work of the United Nations, through the Ad Hoe
Committee 'Jf the !nternational Conference on Kam­
puchea, presided over by Senegal, far from being
directed against this or that State is, rather, designed
to secure conditions necessary for a constructive
dialogue between all the parties concerned. In this
connection, certain States should reconsider their
attitude and join the international consensus on the
Annex 66
111th meetl1111-3 October 11184
385
question of Kampuchea, particularly as that consen•
sus takes into account the concems of all the
interested parties. Experience has shown that the use
of force is not the way to solve this dispute, It is
deficits aggravated by · a sharp decline in their
industrial and agricultural production, thus bringing
about a steady fall in their ~r capita income. On top
of this, the phenomenon of decreased rainfall has
caused a marked foodstuffs deficit, Moreover the
prices of their raw materials and commodities have
consistently dropped while the costs of importing
capital goods, manufactured articles and finished
products have experienced an unprecedented exP9-­
nential increase, This has led to a considerable f!lll in
the export earnings of ou1· countries.
72, The well-known inadequacy of financial re­
source flows and the structural difficulties we have
experienced have forced us, in order to ensure a
through constructive and responsible dialogue that
all the parf:ies concemed can put an end to this
conflict, which has lasted far too long,
65, In the Korean peninsula, we keep coming back
to the idea of the peaceful reunific11tton of the two
sides within the framework of a sincere and fraternal
quest for common grounrl, Our country will therefore
continue to suQport any idea designed to secure this
objective and based on the free will of the entire
Korean people.
66. Finally in Central America, if the principle of
minimum of development, to contract major debts
for the purpose of breaking the deadlock, Thus, the
respect for the rigllt of peoples to self-determination
is observed by all, in the sub-continent and else•
where, there is some hope of seeing the peoples of the
region co-operate effectively in easing the many
tensions and eliminatin$ the hotbeds of conflict that
prevail there. It is in this spil'it, and this spirit only,
that Senegal inter,ds to continue to give active
support to the efforts of the Contadora Group,
67, The picture of the world situation is certainly
not an encouragl.ni one. However, like the weather,
international political developments are always char•
acterized by a i,,redictable alternation of overcast
periods and periods when the elements of nature
come together to produce fine weather. Thus, there is
no room for despair; rather, we should be optimistic
and organize our efforts. Today more than ever those
efforts must be applied to the constant search for the
most appropriate solutions to the varied economic
and financial problems aff ,3cting the world and, more
particularly, the developing countries.
68. The world is currently experiencing an unprece­
dented economic crisis, which must not be viewed as
a short-term phenomenon, much less as a cyclical
occurrence, because it is deeply rooted in the super­
imposed imbalances and accumulated inequalities
which have dontinated the international economic
system during the 1980s.
foreign deot of the developing countries increased
from $244 billion in 1977 to $625 billion in 1982 and
at the end of 1983 stood at $785 billion,
73. The result of such a situation could not fail to
be a serious reduction in the gross national product
of our countries and a drastic restriction of their
capacity to absorb the effects of the world crisis.
74. At the same time, and on the international
level, we have the effects of the following factors:
persistent monetary instabilit)'; fluctuations in ex•
change rates, over which we have no control; the
particularly high level of interest rates; new protec•
tionist barriers imposed by the industrialized coun­
tries; the increase in shipping rates; interest payments
on commercial credit~; and the constant rise in
energy prices and in me cost of oil products and
derivatives.
,
7S. As the final blow to our development efforts, we
then have, on the· monetary side, the inadequacy of
financial resources, particularly on concessional
terms the stagnation or even decline of the real value
of official development assistance when considered
in the light of the cumulative effects of inflatio11 and
the drop in the prices of raw materials and, to crown
it all, the conclitions imposed under the lendina
policies of official and private financial institutJQns.
76, The developina countries are certainly not JU'tY
69. I shall not refer here to the elements of that
crisis nor to its many manifestations, because other
to despair, but how can they hope to see any liah} Jt
the end of the tunnel tomorrow unless si:iccific
measures are taken today gradually to end a cridcal
speakers have already done this and the United
Nations itselt at various levels, has considered all the
aspects of this crisis with admirable conviction and
determination.
situation whose consequences could, like a ~
wave, reach those tomorrow that believe today Qtoy
70. In May 1974, at the uraina of the countries of
are well out of its roach?
;
the third world, the Oeneraf Auembly adopted the
Declaration and the Pr~me of Action on the
Eatablilhment of a New International Economic
77. A few montba aao, the Sccretary.Qeaeral uftder.
took the praiseworthy initiative or vilitlna ~
countries in the· black continent with a vieW to
Order [resolutions 3201 (S-VJ) and 3202 (S-VJ)J; then
mobilizing additional resources to support the· al·
lt1 December that same year the Assembly adopted
the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States
ready fragile economies of the African countries.
While we congratulate him on this move, we at tht
same time renew our appeal to the international
community and the specialized financial institutions
to organize a world conference on indebtedness to
seek the best ways to study this contemporary
phenomenon, analyse its evolution and define the
most appropriate remedies, in order to give a new
impetus to our countries' economies and free them of
[resolution 3281 (XXIX)l, This new intemational
economic order was and 1s still supposed to correct
inequalities, remedy injustices and close the im•
mense gap that exists at all levels between the rich
and the poor countries. It is in the light of these
objectives that I wish, on behalf of. Senegal, to
emphasize, in this last half of my statement, two
fundamental subjects of particular interest for almost
the bottle-necks and other obstacles trapping them in
all African countries: the indebtedness of the third
world and the phenomenon of drought and desertifi­
cation.
71. Our countries in particular have felt the full
force of the world crisis. To varying degrees in recent
years, they have recorded large balance-of-payments
the maze of mechanisms which are now in place and
which have led to the present state of affairs.
78. Throughout this period, drought and desertifi­
cation have inexorably dominated and invaded our
continent. In 1983 no fewer than 35 African coun•
tries were affiicted by the phenomenon of drought,
Annex 66
386
General Ammbly-'fhlrty-oloth Sesslon-Plcnlll')' Mcetloas
which is no longer limited to certain areas of west
Africa but has spread to east Africa, central Africa
and even southern Africa, where on both sides of the
equator the existence of vast forest areas with dense
vegetation stretching from the Atlantic to the Indian
Oceans should guarantee regular rainfall; this, how•
ever, is now threatened,
organs of the agencies l have mentioned, the concept
of countries stricken by desertification has been
accepted, with all the practical consequences that
logically follow the ad()ption of such a concept by the
United Nations, My Government hopes that at this
session the General Assembly will draw up and adopt
79, Some countries of Asia and the Americas are
seriously worried by the prospect of the same calami•
ty as is thl'eatening the African countries,
a resolution defining precise measures and appealing
to the international community to make available
increased resources to give effect to the conclusions
of the Dakar conference. We are glad that the
question of countries stricken by desertification and
drought has been included in the agenda of this
session,
80, Drought ls a phenomenon characterized each
year by the virtually complete absence of precipita•
tlon in areas where irrigation ls little known or
unknown, thus ruling out any chance of normal
agriculture and therefore of a harvest, Desertification
occurs like a disease that wherever it goes destroys
86. The three fundamental ideas of UNSO-and
here let me pay tt'ibute to the officials of that agency
for their hard work in seeking solutions to the thorny
vegetation and watercourses, dries up rivers, streams,
problem of countries stricken by desertification-are
laxes and ponds and wipes out the food plants and
aquatic and land animals on which man usually
feeds.
81, Every year the Sahara desert in the north of
Africa, from Mauritania to the Sudan, from the
Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, moves tens of
kilometres southwards making hundreds of thou­
sands of hectares unfit for agriculture and causing the
movement of thousands of people and their live•
stock, separatin!J them from their traditions and way
of life and causmg problems for the people in their
new grazing areas.
the following: first, aid to the various countrir.s and
their regional institutions in the field of planning and
formulating projects and programmes designed to
fight the effects of drou~ht and desertification;
secondly, aid in the mobilization c,f the necessary
resources for the implementation of the various
pro.iects and programmes, either on a bilateral or a
multilateral basis or through the United Nations
Trust Fund for Sudano-Salielian Activities, with a
considerable increase in the resources made available
to UNSO, which at present are insignificant com­
pared with the magnitude of the problems; and,
thirdly, the management of the Trust Fund and the
implementation, through the resources of that Fund,
of the projects and programmes to which UNSO
82, The African countries concerned, thanks to the
support and understanding of the international com­
munity, have organized tliemselves into subregional
and regional zonts to tackle the problem of this dual
phenomenon of drought and desertif .eation. As has
been indicated by the United Nations Sudano-Saheli­
contributes.
an Office [ UNSO):
"The pu,pose of the fight against the effects of
87, It is obvious that the work of UNSO cannot
exclude a range of decisive actions jointly conducted
by the countries concerned to help them work out
and implement a coherent policy for combating this
phenomenon.
drought and desertification is essentially to rehabil­
itate and protect the productive potential of the
land, water and other natural resources and, at the
same time, to develop and strengthen man's ability
to exploit these resource& • , . "
88, In conclusion.Jet me say that our world is today
burdened with dimculties of all sorts. Besides our
political problems, we now have many questions to
ask about the economic future of the peoples whom
we represent. Should we not at last be emphasizing
what unites us and casting a veil or reason over what
divides us in order to concentrate on what is
essential: fostering our solidarity and giving each
other reciprocal support. This means that we must
It was in this spirit that the Permanent Inter-State
Committee on Drought Control in the Sabel, com•
posed of eight West African countries, was set up.
83. In 1973 the Secretaey-Oeneral created tJNSO,
which between 1973 and 1978 developed into the
leading organ of the United Nations system directly
act together to eradicate focal points of war, reduce
tensions between peoples and tum a deaf ear to the
@Jlpeals of the sirens of discord and over-armament.
mandated by the General Assembly to co-ordinate
the activities of United Nations agencies desianed to
helo die countri~ of the Sudano-Sahelian retion in
thelr •trl!lll•
To support each other reciprocally means that we
qainat the efTects or droujltt. lJNSO's
must pool the immense technolo&ical proaras
miuion liu since developed to cover, 1n particular,
in addition to the Sudano-Sahelian zone, that situ­
ated north of the Equator, and to deal with the
implementation of the Plan of Action t0 Combat
Desertification, adopted by the United Nations Con­
ference on Desertification, held at Nairobi in 1977.2
achieved by mankind for the service of mankind and
against the policies of the mass destruction of the
resources of our planet. To support each other
reciprocally means to be responsible and show soli­
darity with the poor peoples, impoverished by nature
or threatened by calamities, those living in the more
arid areas of our world or in islands surrounded by
the oceans but without rainfall. We must help t\1em
to confront this real everyday hardship.
84. Just a few weeks ago, in July, on the initiative of
President Abdou Diouf, a ministerial conference on
the twoJ,henomena-drought and desertification­
was he! at Dakar. with the participation of the
European Economic Community, the United Na­
89. Only then need we not despair of ourselves, for
we shall be men-men of peace, men of dialogue,
tions, FAO. UNDP and UNEP, as well as UNSO,
men of geMrosity; men of a generation which will not
which played a particularly active role in the prepara­
tion and conduct of the conference and in the
achievement of results.
85. Among the conclusions of that conference,
which we have communicated to the competent
have lived for nothing and which, having explored
the moon, skirted the planets Mars and Saturn,
circled Venus and admired Orion, will come back to
Earth to ccmtrol, with head held high, its own
destiny, the destiny of mankind.
Annex 66
19th meetlng-3 October 1984
387
90. Mr. JACKSON (Guyana): In electing you, Sir
P1·esident of the thirty-ninth session of tlie General
Assembly the international community has honoured
a man of remarkable talent and experience. Your
contribution in the United Nations has been out•
standing and you have served Zambia and Africa
with distinction. For us from Guyana there is special
pleasure In seeing you guide our deliberations for
there are long-standing and unshakeable bonds which
unite your country, Zambia, and mine. On a more
personal note, we greatly appreciate the role you
played in cementing those bonds during the period
you served as your country's first accredited repre­
sentative to Guyana.
to have come to a halt; •and there is a f rillhtening
tendency to seek recourse almost exclusively to
activities within the competence of the individual
11ation State and a selective bilateralism for develop­
ment and secul'ity.
99. Development is today in many places deferred,
and some Governments are faced with the prospect
of, or are confronted by, social upheavals and the
co11comitant PQlitical unrest produced by the current
environment. Despite the clear need for collective
action, there is a resistance to global solutions, a
resistance that is manifested in numerous ways. The
North-South dialogue, for example, remains stymied
by opaqueness and obscurantism.
100. Similarly, in their negotiations with the IMF,
91. It gives me no less pleasure to pay a tribute to
your predecessor, Mr. Jorge Illueca, of Panama, for
developing countries are confronted with inductile
the efficiency and dignity with which he discharged
his duties as President of the Assembly's thirty-eighth
session.
prescriptions for economic recovery. General con­
cern over the inflexibility and appropriateness of
these measures was highli~ted at the Latin Ameri­
can Economic Conference, held at Quito on 12 and
92. With the admission of Brunei Darussalam as its
159th Member, the United Nations has moved
another step closer to the goal of universality, In
welcoming this new State, Guyana extends the hand
of friendship and co-operation.
13 January 1984, when leaders of Latin American
and Caribbean countries in the Quito Declaration
and Plan of Action, urged the necessity for a revision
of IMF conditionality criteria which, in their present
form, can endanger stability and development. The
leaders called for greater importance to be attached
to "the countries' development priorities and their
political and social limitations so that they may
realistically cope with the internal adjustment need
imposed by the present world-wide economic reces­
sion" (see A.IJ')/J/8, annex].
101. Recently, the Fourth Oeneral Conference of
93. Each year the Assembly's ~eneral debate pro­
vides an opportunity for a review of the state of
international relations. For the past few years, this
review has indicated persistent negative trends and
tendencies. This year the situation offers little reason
for optimism.
94. The scourge of war, from which there is a pledge
in the Charter of the United Nations to "save
succeeding generations", is a danger now more
pressing than it ever was. It is a prospect made grim
not only by the gruesome rumination over the use of
nuclear power on a limited basir., but also, even more
chilling, by the awesome capacity possessed by some
St11tes to annihilate us all.
the United Nations Industrial Development _OfPDi•
zation, held at Vienna from 2 to 19 August, failed to
yield any results beyond general commitments to
greater co-operation and adherence to asrecd princi•
ples. In effect, what has happened over the past few
years is the continued postponement of the democra•
tlzation of international relations, includin, llfonn
95. The Charter also expresses a resolve "to employ
International machinery for the promotion of the
economic and social aovancement of all peoples".
This is being seriously undermined, for there is a
singte-mindea determination to demand that all of us
pursue the same model of development.
of relevant institutions and modification of thoir
operations.
102. In the area of international economic rota~
tions, many are the intea,retations or nklent develo~
ments, the analyses of tfie performance ot the alobal
96. The militant resurgence of the power politics of
ycster-year has done violence to another Charter
principle that of the "equal riahts . . . of nations
economy and the proposes for its future direction.
Sisns of recovel)' are visible in devetooed market
economies, but its durability is uncertain. Further•
large and small", and relegated that principle almost
more, the impact of incipient reco~ remains a
to the realm of mythological musinpj and the naked
matter of 10me ~.
and its
tl have not
UH of power is invoked in circumventina "the
lbliaitlons ari1in1 from treaties and other 10urces of
had a posidve eft'ect on the developina countriel u a
whole.
Dttetliltioilal law , iOnietimes even with the aim of
tOJ. What i1 undeniable.
too it that tbe bateru,
rendering such law etl'ete.
tional community continues to tace an accumulation
97. A state of generalized crisis permeates interna­
tional relations. The use and the threat of the use of
force in conflict resolution are on the increase. There
is today a~ravated resort to the military as a means
of achieving nationally determined political objec•
tives. Indeed, some Member States may already have
reached the stage where, especially m relation to
small States, diplomacy and negotiations have been
made subservient to the exercise of military might.
of severe economic problems. Indeed, some of these
problems have worsened precisely as a consequence
of policies pursued in the name of national recovery.
I will, however, refer to only a few of those problems:
debt, trade issues and interest rates.
I 04. The international community is divided on
how the debt problem should be_ properly ap..
preached. At the heart of this difficulty 1s the
unwillingness of some States to recognize and appre­
What we are witnessing is a re-emergence of the
militarization of foreign policy and the use of
organized violence as an instrument of State policy.
98. Deep-seated economic problems aggravate and
are aggravated by political tensions. Freely embraced
international co-operation is under seriOU$ threat.
The evolution of a sense of global community seems
ciate that the debt problem is a global one which
requires joint action. It is no longer sufficient for
individual debtor and creditor countries to meet and
agree on general policy guidelines for resolving the
debt problem. Rather, a consensus should be found
within the framework of a multilateral political
dialogue which includes the participation of con-
Annex 66
388
General Assembly-Tbb1y
0
alatb Seuloa-Plelllr)' Meellaas
,cerncd international banks aud multilateral financial
institutions.
efforts at assisting the self-reliance of developing
countries through the activities of international or­
ganizations.
105. The countries of the Caribbean Communitf,
which met at Nassau, Bahamas, from 4 to 7 July this
year, acknowledged tnis imperative when they agreed
that "the debt problem must be treated international­
ly, as a matter of urgency, if the developing countries
are to play their part in the global economy".
l 12. Turning to the course of international political
relations over the last year, we note that tension has
escalated to new and more dangerous levels, feelings
of insecurity have intensified, and an increasingly
pervasive fear of the present, and for the future,
stalks many a land and grips many a people,
106. On trade issues, protectionism commands
attention. Curiously enou3h, protactionism is every.
where cr!ticized. When some representatives of the
developed countries met in London last June at their
annual Economic Summit, they enjoined all States,
industrialized and developing alike, to resist continu­
ing protectionist measures, to reduce barriers to trade
and to make renewed efforts to libi,ralize and expand
international trade in manufactures, commodities
and services. Yet protectionism is being increasingly
resorted to1
sometimes in quite innovative forms,
with the prmcipal effect of denying exports from the
developing world access to the markets of the
developed countries.
113, The single most disturbing factor has been the
sharp deterioration in the relations between the
super-Powers. The rhetoric has been shrill and brls•
tlinl! with hostility, A toning down of that rhetoric in
favour of constructive dialogue has long been urged
by many of us in the international community. It is
$OOd to note that quite recently there has been some
mdication of the possibility of movement in that
direction. Guyana's hope is that this is no mere tactic
of the moment.
107. Those among us who profess the inherent
values of free trade hnve a special responsibility to
pro.mote and eff eet the dismantling of obstructions
to It,
114. The armaments culture, especially in the nu­
clear field, has developed almost with a logic of its
own. It is time for the benevolent intervention of
human reason for the sake of human survival.
11 S. Let us all at this session of the General
Assembly issue a stirring call for the embrace of
serious dialogue to bring an end to the maddedng
spiral. I believe that it would be of advantage for the
Secretary-General to be given an enhance<l role in
that dialogue. All humankind has a stake in the
successful outcome of such dialogue.
108. The trade problem is, howevei', wider than
that of market access. It encompasses the demand for
primary commodities and commodity prices which
are today weak and unstable. In our efforts to deal
with this question, it is necessary to ensure arrange­
ments which afford developing countries just and
remunerative price~.
116. Pursuit of dlalogue would acknowledge a
concern voiced not only_ in the corridors of interna­
tional polltics, for in offices, fields and factories, in
every aspect of human endeavour, the common
i,eople are expressing their deep concern about the
threat to human survival. They seek to build re­
straints on policies which can only lead inexoAbly to
109. The factor which straddles these issues is that
of interest ratesl whose high level aggravates indebt­
: jness and inh bits our capacities to discharge our
debt oblig{ltions. A rise in those rates represents the
transfer of resources from developing to developed
countries. Such a rise also reduces the resources
available to developing countries to be applied to
productive activities so that such countries might be
better enabled to discharge their debt obligations.
Addit-ionally, increased returns from eAports can,
a holocaust. Tb'1 you1111 people who in ~
985 will
celebrate International Youth Year stand as a potent
challenge to policies which promise them little hope
and security and which are not based on an ethic of
survival. People all over, including the iouth, de­
when applied in some cases to debt servicing, pro­
duce the classic treadmill situation, that is1
moving
faater to avoid falling backwards, and m effect
standing still.
mand a world which is safe, one which offers more
hope for the future. Guyana is on their side.
117. In the general field of disarmament, there is a
curious situation. No Member of the United Nations
speaks gainst disarm1Jnent. Yet in the professed
l l 0. So dramatic are the con~uences of high
inter-est rates that the President of the World 8aiilt
cause of security, armaments become more sophisti­
noted that the punishina effect of today's hiah
interest rates on developina countries stood out ln
sWk relief, and he called upon developed countrlca
to-make their reduction a priority policy matter.
l 11, One unchallenged growth point of internation­
al economic relations, however, has been the progres­
sive development of economic and other fonns of co­
operation among developing countries. South-South
co-operation has been pursued in an effort to reap the
value of enhanced self-reliance, both individual and
collective. Organs of the United Nations system have
rendered valuable assistance in this regard. It is a
matter of regret that the postures of some developed
countries have been at best ambivalent or at worst
downright hostile to the involvement of the United
Nations system in schemes and programmes encour­
aging South-South co-operation. It seems inconsis­
tent to contend that developing countri\!s should do
more to help themselves and, at the same timl:,
withhold support from, or deliberately obstruct,
cated and more numerous. At such levels of refine­
ment. the room for error and ~I becomea consid­
erably reduced. There is, u a result, a co~ndina
increase of the likelihood that. by some fickle and
faltering twist or f ortuate war may become the
inevitable consequence of miscalculation. In the
absence of agreed restraint, such armaments are
themselves purveyors of insecurity and vectors of
fear.
118. A prime task is, therefore, to decelerate the
feverish preparations for war. International efforts
must be urgently intensified to put a stop to the arms
race and to accelerate the process ~owards genuine
disarmament.
119. It is perhaps in the Middle East, a continuing
hotbed of tension and instability, that we see demon­
strated most vividly the futility of policies which seek
security based on force of arms. Durable peace in
that region will remain an elusive goal so long as
Israel pursues, and is encouraged so to do, policies of
occupation and annexation and continues to stifle
Annex 66
l9tb meetlaa-3 October 1984
381)
the genuine P91itical aspirations of the Palestinian
people, inclucling their right to a homeland.
120. I reiterate here Guyana's suJ)port for the
holding of an international J?t'ace conference on the
Middle East with the participation of all interested
parties, includiog, naturally, the PLO.
the fundamental crisis faced by the people of that
region was rooted in deep.seated social and economic
ills," What is of the utmost inportance is the
avoidance of external military intervention in seek­
ing a solution to that crisis. I wM1 to reiterate
Guyana's support for the efforts of the Contadora
Group In Its patient search to find ~cefW political
solutions to the problems of the subregion. All States
should respect and fully support those efforts. In•
deed, intervention as a policy mechanism must be
121. The tragic war between Iraq and Iran con­
tinues to be a matter of deep concern. Immense
losses have been inflicted, and many of us have felt
anguish and pain. Its prolon~ation heightens the level
of tension in the reg1on
with consequences already
1
abandoned in the region as a whole,
129. The independence and territorial integrity of
Belize continue to be under threat from neig!tbouring
Guatemala. Guyana once a~in affirms its irrevoca­
ble supPQrt for the desire of the Government and
extending well beyond t.
122. Significant changes have taken place in the
economic and political configuration of southern
Africa. Certain conjunctural factors have shaped and
influenced those developments, but the basic generic
problems of colonialism and apartheid persist and
fester.
123, The recent convulsions within the South Afri­
can society, engendered through protest by the
oppressed, stand as incontrovertible evidence of the
disposition of the majority of the f eople of that
country, The lukewarm reaction o the so-called
Coloureds and the Indians to the vaunted constitu­
tional changes also point unmistakably to the deep
malaise that afflicts that society. The vast army _of the
disenfranchised and despised in South Africa is
entitled to ask whether the International community
cannot do more to support their own efforts and so
hasten the demise of the abominable apartheid
people of Belize to consolidate their Independence
and to guarantee their territorial integrity.
130. The explosive events in Grenada nearly a year
ago caused deep trauma. The General Assembly gave
its own determination on those events. Its records,
which include a statement of the position of Guyana,
speak for themselves, The Commonwealth heads of
Government when they met at New Delhi in No­
vember 1983, agreed, in their Final Communiq\l.S,
that "the emphasis should now be on reconstruction,
not recrimination ...
3
Guyana bas acied within this
framework.
·
131, The passage of time, in relation to Grenada1
system. Condemnation of apartheid Is not enoum.
What is required is practical action to abolish ft.
can dull the memory and heal wounds, but it shoulo
not anaesthetize us to the extent that we either forget
lessons or abandon principles. We must take cosrai•
zance of the fact that the resolution adopted by_ the
124. There can be no more temporizing in relation
to Namibia. The independence of that country
cannot be linked to an)'. extraneous issue. Security
Council resolution 435 (1978) must be implemented
in its entirety. The people of Namibia, led by
General Assembly [resolution 3817] iutlll unfulnlled
in all its parts. We must also, in the wake of that
circumstance{ strengthen the capacity of the United
Nations for ncreas1Di the security of small States.
132. For the entire period of Guyana's existence as
SWAPO, must no longer be frustrated In their march
to freedom and independence. This vestige of coloni•
alism must be extirpated once and for all.
an independent country, relations with our neiah•
bour, Venezuela~ have been dominated by the contro­
versy that has tesulted from the Venezuelan conten•
don that the Arbitral Award of 18~t which settled
the boundary between our two counmes, is null and
void. Both the facts of the case and their impact on
125. How much longer must the ~pie of Korea
suffer the division of their country? The situation in
the peninsula remains tense. It can, however, be
improved if sincere efforts are exerted for the
our relations with Venezuela have been presented by
peaceful and independent reunification of Konsa
without outside int:arference. The proDOllls made
us to the General Auembly fer the out three years,
We are still aome considerable way rsom reacbia, an
earlier this year by the Democratic People•, ~ublic
aareement on Uio__ basis of which wo au_ lay to ,_
oilce and for att. this post qf the •t.
of Korea for tripartite talb are constructive and
warrant our support.
1J3, _Uoder tbl term_
s of the ~-
126;...: Otnoral Attembly re,olution 3212 (XXIX)
i Aaroement ol.
1966/tbe SecN!llfY-()eneral bu bjiieq:omrusted
C(mtinuel to be the comer-stone for a eolution to the
witll
tbe task of aelecdlii
a suitable meaas or settlement. If
Cyprus problem. Efforts at the implementation of
the search for a peaceful solution is to be undertaken
this and other pertinent resolutions have, unfortu­
nately, not yet produced the desired results. Within
the past year, the situation has been compounded by
unilateral actions by the Turkish Cypriot comnm­
nity, actions which have no legal validity. The
Secretary-General has sustained an intimate involve­
ment in the search for a solution, the vicissitudes
notwithstanding. We stand firmly behind him in his
current initiatives.
in earnest, a climate conducive to success is a
prerequisite. Suspicion and distrust, which have too
often infected past relations, must give way to
understanding. Confidence flows from respect.
·
134. The Secretary-General was prescient when he
asked for and obtained from both countries assur­
ances that we would do everything necessary "in
order to foster and maintain the most favourable
climate for the effective application of the Geneva
127. My own region, Latin America and the Carib­
bean, is not immunized from tension and threats to
peace and security.
128. In Central America, radical forces are counter­
posed in a deepening crisis. Addressing themselves to
this issue, the heads of Government of the Caribbean
Community when they met at Nassau in July of this
year declared: "Notwithstanding ideological factors,
Agreement". Guyana gave that assurance readily
since it has always been our wish to develop friendly
relations with Venezuela. Since early this year, we
have noted signs from Caracas of a desire to recipro­
cate and extend the hand of friendship. As it has
consistently in the past, Guyana pledges that it will
co-operate fully towards the attainment of a peaceful
settlement in an atmosphere of friendship.
Annex 66
3!JO
Geueral AsSllmbly-Thlrfy·llllllh Sesslou-Plcnary Meellnas
135. The future of international organizations is at tions in a way that can smooth the contours of
this time a matter of major concern, for notions are conflict and confrontation and advance the prospects
abroad that these organizations should subscribe to a for co-operation.
single ethos and that national priorities must be 143. I suggest that what is required is the elevation
imposed upon mutual co-operation in the wider to a universalist plane of the reconciliation of ou1·
context of international peace, security and develop- separate interests and agreement upon appropriate
ment. The practice ls also recurring among the restraints on the application of power in its various
powerful of bypassing international organizations, forms and manifestations, all in the interest of the
such as the United Nations, in settling issues proper- common good of mankind.
·
ly the concern of those organizations.
144. Next year, the fortieth ~nniversary o~ the
.
136, Let us recall that the Charter of the Umted signing of the Charter of the Umted Nations will be
Nations advocates universality and therefore presup- marked, Preparations for that anniversary have alposes
pluralism.
Diversity
of
perception,
of
position

ready be~un. Those celebrations should not be mereand
even
of
posture
must
therefore
logically
follow.

ly ritualistic. They must be invested with meaning
Thus, if international organizations are to functi~n and with purpose.
properly, they must reflecti in debate no less than m 145 Guyana believes that out of our deliberations
decision, the variety of va u~s held by t~e member- this' year should come agreement on action, for
ship, Therefore to attempt to impose a uniform value strengthening the United Nations and better reahzmg
srsteip on this or any other international !)fg~niza- the purposes and principles of its Charter, In th,is
t10n is to endeavour to n1ake that organization a context we should also consider measures which will
clone of that system. Such a deyelopment would b,e have as' their objective the strengthening of regional
contradictory to the purpose of mternational orgam• and subregional organizations and which will assign
zations and therefore self-defeating.
an enhanced role to the United Nations system.
137. No Member of the Organization can assert 146. Since assuming office, the Secretary-General
with conviction that the United Nations system is has expressed profound concern for the vitality and
sufficient to ensure its security and to protect fully all effectiveness of the United Nations and has ad•
its interests. But it does provide us all with a forum vanced a number of valuable ideas for action by
In which the reconciliation of divergent anc! some- Member States to achieve this end, Once again, in his
times conflicting interests can ~e engin.eere4. For report on the work of the Organization [A/3911), he
small States like Guyana, the United Nations 1s also has p(ovided us with a frank and clear analysts of
an important part of our security shield.
current deficiencies of the United Nations and
138. International relations are changing and corn- ourselves and a framework for activities in the future
plex. Our ability to cope with such a dynamic which shows great insight. As he said,
situation will be dependent on the capacity and
"Let us look back at the road we have travelled,
ingenuity applied to adapting institutions to make
distil the experience and set out again refreshed
them more adequately responsive to current needs.
and with a new determination. The purposes for
To desire th11t institutions function as if the objective which the United Nations was set up are essential
conditions in which they operate are the same today
for the future of our planet. The vision expressed
as in times past is to retreat from reality, to indulge
in the Charter remains, and we should rally to it."
in fantasies an~ to pursue a chimera. But, in seeking 147. There is a serious challense before us. The
to-correct deficiencies and make organizations more imperative is a political no less than a moral one. It is
e(f.ective, we must ~e careful le~t in th~ fervour 9f our to mobilize the world's people in support of the cause
efforts some of us in effect swim _against the tide, of of the United Nations-that of survival, of develophuman
development
and
perhaps
inadvertently
bring

ment and of peace.
about a roll-back of democracy.
. .
148. The real alternatives are between the mainte-
13.9 .. The p~en9m~non we a~ ~eallng ~1th 1s ap nance or the quest for supremacy and the building of
US!lUlt upon inst1t.ut1on~ and Pt1nc1ples which ~nsu-
a co-operative sJobal partnership. J believe that
tute the very basis of 1ntemat1onal co-operation. agreed arranaements are ~ible throuah the reso-
140. We are also faced with a paradox. The institu• lute pursuit by all of us of a policy or active and
tiODI under attack are univerialist in nature and peaceful coex1stenct. It is, I venture to suaeat, a
...ra11y make extenai ve use of the m~ority princi- necosaary condition of peace and stability and of the
plji in deci1ion-makin1. On the other hand, those real security or all States. But that condition is not
1nsdtutions based on a different model and domi- sufficient. Such a policy must be buttressed by
nated by the wielders of economic power are extolled complementary ones which do pot frustrate actual
as exemplary.
and nascent processes for securing peace.
141. The paradox of the threat to international co-
149. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries has
operation deepens when we consider that there is an been in the vanguard of the forces working for a
acknowledged movement towards ireater regional harmonious global environment. That Movement, to
and subregional co-operation, especially in the eco- which Guyana is proud to belong, brings together the
nomic and other functional fields. Yet 1t is precisely collective experience and yearnings of the peoples of
at this time of enhanced endeavours at reg10nal co- more than 100 countries and movements. We are of
operation that a retreat from multilateral activities different ideological backgrounds, but we share a
that at once transcend and encompass regional co- common platform for peace and common aspirations
operatio{I is being vigorously advocated and pursued. to development.
142. In promoting effective democratic internation-
I sq. Our Move1?1ent, which provides a yiable alter-
al organizations, no one calls for the abandonment of native t_o bloc poltt1cs, has, the od_ds notw1thstan_dmg,
the pursuit of national interests. On the other hand, 11 111dcfat1gably
alerted the mternat10nal com111u111ty
to
must surely be possible through commitment and the prospects of nuclear disaster and fought strenucommon
purpose
to

utilize international organiza- ously for the adoption of genuine and complete
Annex 66
---
111th weetlua-3 October 11184
3111
disarmament\ a task now made most urgent, Despite
external and mternal difficulties, we as a collectivity
have consistently advocated respect for the funda•
mental principles of independence, sovereignty and
tenitorial integrity, non-i11tervcntion and the non•
use of force.
l 59, Events have shown that the course of that war,
and its consequences, will only bring havoc to the
two Muslim peoples in particular and to the security
of the Oulf a1·ea, as well as to world peace In general.
The real bcneficlal'ies of the continuation of that war
are those who exploit regional disputes for the
attainment of their own alms, namely, the extension
of their spheres of influence In the wol'id through the
creation of regional climates conducive to that end.
1 S 1. Non-alignment has never wavered in its sup­
port for the strengthening of the United Nations in
the attainment of those objectives. Multllateralism
and internationalism beckon us forward,
I 52. Ml', AL-NU AMI (United Arab Emirates) (ill•
160, In view of our responsibility with regard to the
region's stability and security as well as the malnte•
nance of international peace, we have supported all
the efforts being exerted by the Secretary-General,
the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the
Movement of Non-Aligned Countries for the halting
terpretation from Arabic): At the outsetbit gives me
great pleasure to extend to you, Sir, on ehalf of the
delegation of the United Arab Emirates, our warmest
congratulations on your election as President of the
thirtr•ninth session of the General Assembly. Your
election is an expression of the international commu­
nity's recognition of your experience and ability, and
an assertion of the important role played by your
friendly country, Zambia. We are confident that your
ability will contribute positively and effectively to the
realization of the hopes pinned on this session.
153, We are pleased to extend our thanks and
appreciation to your predecessor, Mr. Jorge Ulueca,
who skilfully presided over the thirty-eighth session1
we highl_y praise his efforts aimed at the settlement 01
of this haemorrhage, lfringi ,1 the combatants to the
negotiating table to settle . ,elr differences through
peaceful means, infusing a spirit of peace and leading
to an accord between the two States,
161. In our endeavour to achieve these lofty goals,
we have not only supported those initiatives, but we
have also contributed, in co-ordination with the
member States of the Gulf Co-operation Council, by
contacting both parties in an attempt to put an end to
that war in a manner guaranteeing the legitimate
rights of both countries.
international disputes, ·
·
154. We should like to seize this opportunity to
renew our expression of confidence in the endeav•
ours undertaken by the Secretary-General and to
reaffirm our support for his persistent efforts aimed
at ensurini adherence to the purposes and principles
of the Umted Nations and enhancing its role in the
settlement of the international disputes that threaten
the security and existence of mankind,
155, My country's dele&ation is pleased warmly to
welcome the admission of the State of Brunei Darus­
salam to the United Nations; we look forward to the
establishment of mutual co-operation with that
friendly country based on our common ties.
162, In this context, we put on record with appreci­
ation the positive response exhibited by brotherly
Iraq towards the Initiatives taken and its declared
readiness to end the war immediately. We look
forward to the day when the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Iran will do likewise and respond
positive!:,-to the efforts and initiatives undertaken
for that purpose.
163. We, In the Oulf, attach particular importance
to freedom of navigation because of Its close connec­
tion with the development of our resources and
economy, in addition to its significance to the world
economy. We are opposed to any action which
hinders or restricts freedom of navigation on the hilh
seas. Hence, we were iv.avely concerned over tfte
recent events in the Red Sea:, given their iltherent
danger and threat to navigation in that vital water•
156, As we are aperoaching the fortieth anniversary
of the United Nations, we hope that the day will
come when the countries still under colonialism or
foreign occupation will become free and join the
way.
United Nations.
164. On the basis of this understandina and in view
of our area's direc_ t link with the Indian Ocean.,_ my
1$7. The Secretary-Oeneral has indicated, in his
~rt on the work of the Organization (A/39111. that
country contin-.es stroqly to support the enorts
the put year has been characterized by great-Power
undertaken for the adoption of the nc,oeuary mea•
ttuion and by violence or threatenec:l violence in
sum for tbe implementation of 1:.0 Declaration of
firious parts of the world. The cycle of violenco
the Indian Ocean u a Zotte of Peace [ruolutlon 2841
fiferrcd to by the Secretary-General and undoubtedly
(XXVl)1 and foretTectlve compliance with lt on the
involving almost all parts of the world, is caused by
lack of good sense, by the obstinate adherence by
States to concepts of self-interest and by the exertion
of pressure on third-world countries to prevent them
from achieving stability and devoting their national
resources to the development of their economic
potential. Hence, security has become the preoccupa­
tion of individuals and nations in our contemporary
world.
part of the international community.
165. The United Arab Emirates has affirmed on
more than one occasion that the security of the Gulf
area is exclusively the security of its States and they
arc directly responsible for it. This principle is an
extension of the general principle that my country
continues to adhere to, namely, non-interference in
the internal affairs of other countries.
158. Our region, the Gulf area, is one of the regions
166. The Middle East is one of those regions that
continues to suffer from tensions, lt witnesses daily,
in an unprecedented manner, displacement, murder,
destruction, wars, occupation and violence. The
of the world where tension has increased as a result of
the destructive war raging between two neighbours­
Iraq and Iran. The consequences of that war have
affected international shipping lines, thus seriously
endangering international navigation in the Gulf area
and inflicting severe damage not only on the econo­
mics of the Gulf countries but also on those of the
entire world.
region has become the scene of the most violent acts
of aggression in the conlemr.orary world. An entire
people has been denied stabllity and peace in a free
and independent homeland, while other peoples nrc
threatened with the same destiny. Calls for help and
denunciations have been made on an almost daily
Annex 66
392
General Assembly-Thirty-ninth Session-Plenary Meetings
basis from this and other forums; but the world 172. The separate attempts and the partial solu-
stands helpless, despite all the progress made in tions aimed :i.t addressing the Middle East problem
various fields and a.t all levels, unable to put an end will remafr·, ; ., their essence and ramifications,
to the destructive violence which has already lasted insufficient for establishing a sound basis for the
too long and has almost become the inevitable desired just and comprehensive settlement. Theredestiny

of man in the region.
fore, we affirm that General Assembly resolution
38/58 C, which calls for the convening of an Interna­
tional Peace Conference on the Middle East, with the
participation of all the parties, including the PLO,
167. The conditions which prevail in the Middle
East region stem, in their origin and development,
from Israel's continued persistence in perpetrating
aggression and its refusal to comply with the resolu­
tions of the international community. For this rea­
son, the question of Palestine remains unresolved. It
constitutes a source of continued concern because of
the suffering of the Palestinian and other Arab
peoples and the risk of global confrontation which
could lead to a destructive war extending in its effects
beyond the St:i · of the region, to engulf the whole
world.
offers the appropriate fr~mework for the establish­
ment of the conditions for a just and durable peace in
the region. We hope that certain major Powers will
reconsider their position on the convening of this
conference in conformity with their international
responsibility for the maintenance of international
peace and security.
173. Southern Africa, like the Middle East, con­
tinues to suffer from the abhorrent yoke of colonial­
ism and the practices of racial discrimination, which
constitute an affront to humanity. Such practices cast
doubt on the ability of the international community
to shoulder its responsibilities towards a larJe seg­
ment of mankind in the realization of Justice,
equality, freedom and human dignity. We salute the
heroic struggle of the nationalists for freedom, equali­
ty and independence, and we reaffirm our belief in
their just cause and our firm determination to
continue to support their legitimate struggle.
168. The tn....; reasons behind the co•·-tinuation of
this problem are well known to the international
community, namely, Israel'~ desire to achieve the
Zionist dream by means of expansion and hegemony
over the States of the region, the convergence of this
desire with the goal of certain States to play havoc
with the destiny of the region's peoples and the
pursuance by these States of policies hindering the
Security Council from adopting resolutions aimed at
putting an end to awession and holding the aggres­
sor responsible for its aggression.
174. We condemn the policy of apartheid pursued
by the Government of South Africa. We consider
that policy a crime against humanity, whose elimina­
tion requires concerted international efforts. This
applies to the so-called new constitution introduced
recently by the Pretoria regime and aimed at consoli­
datin$ the policy of apartheid. Hence, we support
Secunty Council resolution 554 (1984) and the recent
resolution adopted by the General Assembly [resolu­
tion 3912] which condemned that act with all its
implications.
169. We maintain and stress the conviction that the
Middle East problem is a clear expression and an
inevitable outcome of the failure to settle the core
question, namely, the question of Palestine. The
conclusion of a just and comprehensive settlement
should be predicated, fundamentally, on the follow­
ing: first, recognition of the inalienable rights of the
people of Palestine to return to its homeland and to
establish its independent State on its national soil
under the leadership of its sole and legitimate
representative, the PLO; and secondly, Israeli with­
drawal from all the occupied Arab territories, includ­
ing Jerusalem.
175. On the same premise, we salute the just
struggle of the people of Namibia under the leader­
ship of SW APO, and we affirm our continued
support for the self-determination, independence and
terntorial integrity of Namibia. We are very confi­
dent and unshaken in our belief that no matter how
oppressive and evil aggression may be, it is inevitable
170. The continued absence of such settlement
could lead only to further deterioration of the
situation and greater tension and, consequently, to
the creation of new problems, as is the case with the
for justice to win and for man's dignity to be
respected.
lsraeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Thus, the
world finds itself, once again, confronted with deriva­
tive issues that require further efforts that may drag
on indefinitely.
176. In accordance with the basic princip!Js upon
which our foreign policy is predicated, together with
our commitment to the Charter of the United
Nations and international norms and our conviction
that non-interference in the internal affairs of other
States is conducive to the alleviation, to a great
extent, of international tension, we call for the
withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan and
for the freedom of its people to establish the regime
they choose. This applies to Kampuchea, whose
people have long suffered from foreign interference.
171. Lebanon, a vivid example of this, has been the
victim of Israeli awession and occupation for over
two years. In spite of all the efforts made and
resolutions adopted by the United Nations, particu­
larly Security Council resolutions 508 ( 1982) and 509
( 1982), which call for the withdrawal of Israeli forces
immediately and unconditionally to the internation­
ally recognized borders, the Israeli forces continue to
occupy southern Lebanon and to subject its popula­
tion to all forms of military and economic pressures
in order to force them to leave their lands. In this
context, we regret the exercise by the United States of
its right of veto last month, thus preventing all the
othrr members of the Security Council from adopt­
ing a humanitarian draft resolution,' callin~ upon
Israel to desist from its inhuman practices against the
population of the south and to comply with the
provisions of the fourth Geneva Convention of ! 949.
It also applies to the problems facing the States of
Central America. In this connection, we endorse the
principles and concepts adopted by the Contadora
Group for the settlement of those problems. Like­
wise, we urge that the dispute between North Korea
and South Korea be settled through free dialogue
between the two countries in order to achieve the
aspirations of their people for unity.
177. With regard to the question of Cyprus, we
commend the recent efforts made by the Secretarv-
Annex 66
19th meetiGt-3 October 1984
393
General te, help the Turkish and Greek communities
of Cyprus to arrive at a solution to this problem that
would guarantee the ri$bts of both communitiesl
ensure security and coexistence for the people of the
island and guarantee the territorial integrity, inde­
pendence and non-alignment of the Republic of
Cyprus.
tionism, congestion of export markets, deterioration
of the terms of trade, decline in export revenues,
exacerbation of foreign debts, hi$h level of interest
rates and increasing pressure for instituting external
structural adjustments. All of this has created enor­
mous difficulties for the developing countries and
made them una,b!e to pursue their economic develop­
ment progra,mmes and to halt the erosion of their
standards of living, thus creating a situation that
could seriously threaten their social stability.
178. We believe that arms control and disarm­
ament are of vital importance for international peace
and security and that they can be realized only in an
atmosphere of political stability and mutual confi­
dence, particularly among the States possessing nu­
clear weapons.
185. This critical situation of the world economy
calls for serious and responsible consideration on the
part of all in order to alleviate its negative effects
within a comprehensive framework, with the partici­
pation of the developing and developed countries
alike. It is therefore imperative to strengthen the role
179. The Secretary-General has pointed out in his
report on the work of the Organization [A/3911] that
the lack of concrete progress in disarmament and
arms control has aroused deep fears of a nuclear
of the United Nations and its collective framework in
a process of international economic reform.
confrontation. We are deeply concerned over the
escalation of the production and stockpiling of
nuclear weapons and their storage in various parts of
the world. Moreover, our concern is aggravated by
the stalemate in the negotiations between the two
super-Powers and the failure to resume them with
regard to control of the development and production
of certain kinds of nuclear weapons. Because of this
grave situation, it is becoming more and more
difficult to live in an atmosphere of escalating fear
and panic from the possible outbreak of nuclear war.
Furthermore, it is no longer possible to overlook the
enormous resources that are wasted on armaments at
a time when mankind is in dire need of those
resources for the purposes of economic and social
development.
186. It is also imperative to establish sound and
objective foundations to be observed by all other
international institutions in the consideration of the
economic problems of the world on an interdepen­
dent, balanced and comprehensive basis.: in order to
lead ultimately to the establishment or a just and
effective international economic order.
187. This appeal has its roots in numerous resolu­
tions adopted by the General Assembly, particularly
those pertaining to the establishment of a new
international economic order; it also stems from the
continued efforts of the developing countries, repre­
sented by the Group of 77, which have been reflected
in the positive decisions adopted by that Group in
various economic forums; and it has been clearly
expressed in our persistent pursuit to launch global
negotiations, since we believe in the important role
such negotiations could play in reforming the world
economy.
180. The United Arab Emirates welcomes the es­
tablishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, including
the region of the Middle East. We hope that the
international community, and in particular the great
Powers, will view this matter with the importance it
deserves, since it constitutes a fundamental element
in the maintenance of security and stability in the
region.
188. We aspire to a world built on the solid
foundations of justice, amity and peace, a world in
which each State, big or small, will enjoy stability and
a secure future.
181. The political situation cannot be examined
separately from the prevailing economic problems.
The economic problems in the world today indicate
that the economic crisis continues to affect all
countries. The current situation is not only disap­
pointing but also a source of deep concern over the
possible consequences.
189. Mr. OUMAROU (Niger) (interpretation from
French): The thirty-eighth session of the General
Assembly was concluded only a few days ago, under
the distinguished presidency of Mr. Jorge lllueca, of
Panama, to whom, on behalf of the delegation of the
Niger, I should like to pai a most sincere tribute for
the dedication and skill with which he discharged his
responsibilities, despite the constraints and numer­
ous problems he encountered due to the high position
he occupies in his country.
182. While economic stagnation, low growth rates
and high rates of unemployment and inflation have
all become constant aspects of the world economy,
their effects are most severely felt by the developing
countries. Those countries are unable to sustain their
economic and social development programmes and
to arrest the continued deterioration in their already
low standards of living. There is overall agreement
that the ,,:;ontinuation of such a situation could
ultimately have catastrophic consequences.
190. The unanimous will of this prestigious Assem­
bly has 1iven you, my dear brother Lusaka, the heavy
responsibility of guiding the work of the thirty-ninth
session. That choice does honour to you and your
country, Zambia, and to our continent, Africa. We
welcome that choice and wish to congratulate you
most warmly.
183. Although in some developed countries the
economy has experienced relatively slight recovery,
that does not call for much optimism because that
recovery is limited and has not brou$1!t about any
191. I personally have had the great privilege of
knowing you, Sir, for a long time here at the United
Nations. Indeed, I have known you as a brother in
our struggle, and I have been able to appreciate your
real changes in economic policies with respect to
current problems. In their economic policies, the
developed countries have not always been willing to
address the basic problems of the world economy.
184. Hence, the economies of the developing coun­
tries have continued to suffer a great deal from the
consequences of such practices as continued protec-
great capacity for work and your deep knowledge of
the functioning of the Organization. Humanism has
characterized all your actions and the wisdom of each
of your acts. It is by no means fortuitous that since
1979 you have been presiding over the United
Nations Council for Namibia, which certainly would
have carried out its historic task long ago if the
Annex 66
3!14
General Assembly-Tblny-nlatb &sslon-Plimary Meetlnas
manoeuvres and delaying tactics of those responsible
for making decisions in the world had not time and
again blocked your initiatives and your efforts. It is
our hope that your spiritual and intellectual qualities
will enable you successfully to carry out the new task
entrusted to you. You may count on the constant
support of my country's delegation.
more firmly to South Africa's constant refusal to co­
operate with the United Nations with a view to
implementing Secul'ity Council resolution 435
(1978).
198, I wish to reaffirm the Niger's active support
for SW APO, the sole authentic representative of the
Namibian people, and for the national liberation
movements of South Africa. We also assure the front­
line States of our commitment to them. We express
the hope that no respite will be given to the minority
racist regime of Pretoria and that Africa, and the
entire international community, will remain resolute­
ly united in the face of South Africa's racist, colonial
defiance.
192. I should like also, on behalf of President Seyni
Kountche and the Govemment of the Niger, to
convey to the Secretary-General our great apprecia­
tion of his tireless and diverse efforts in the service of
the world since his election as head of the Organiza­
tion. When he took office he devoted much study to
the strengthening and renewal of the United Nations,
and he has taken numerous initiatives since then; all
of this deserves our appreciation and our support.
199. But it is not only southern Africa which is a
source of concern to the world today: in the Horn of
193, I wish finally to express to the State of Brunei
Darussalam-which it has already been our great
pleasure to welcome to membership of ~he Organiza­
tion of the Islamic Conference last January at
Casablanca-the warm congratulations of the Gov­
ernment aud the people of the Niger on its admission
to the United Nations.
Africa, instability has become endemic and has
resulted in numbers of refu~ees never before seen by
our continent. Peace there 1s exceedingly precarious,
and war and famine have wrought ravages of which
only the indifference of the media allows the broad
masses to be unaware. To be sure, solutions have
been sought, but these have apparently not been
commensurate with the seriousness of the situation
and the growing magnitude of events, The United
Nations could still do more, and that is why we urge
it to act vigorously,
194. The evaluation of the international situation
given here at the thirty-eighth session on behalf of the
Government of the Niger [30th meeting] was not an
optimistic one. The events we have already deplored
and oth.;;rs that have occurred since that time have
unfortunately not dispelled our apprehensions.
195. For years, the collective attention of the
nations and Governments represented in this Hall
has been focused on the contmuin& deterioration of
the international situation and on its potential dan­
gers for us all. But as though this were inevitable­
which makes one despair of human nature-the
situation seems to continue to deteriorate day by day,
despite the considerable means at our disposal to
establish the conditions for a better life on earth and
to resolve all the problems facing today's world.
200. In Chad-plunged into gloom and nearly
destroyed by an excessively long and murderous
war-we must say that we begin to see a glimmer of
hope in the comparative normalization, over a
period of something more than two years, of the
economic and social life of that country. The recent
announcement of the withdrawal of foreign forces
stationed on the territory of Chad gives rise to new
optimism-to the extent, and only to the extent, that
tlie commitments undertaken by the parties con­
cemed are scrupulously observedl that any impulses
to return in one or another gu se are blocked or
avoided, and that neither the territorial integrity nor
the sovt:eignty of this fraternal country are compro­
mised or eruslied in the course of this operation. We
have always said and reiterated that, in our view, the
solution to the problem of Chad is a matter for our
brothers in Chad alone, free from a11 expansionist,
annexationist, ideological and colonialist designs.
Today, more than ever, we maintain that position.
196. In South Africa, violence continues1
and when
I speak of violence I am not referring to tne glorious
spirit of revolt which increasingly rouses and encour­
ages the blacks: I am referring to the savage, blind,
CQntinuous oppression whicli the whites of that
country impose daily on those blacks, martyred by a
despicable system which they are determined to
combat and destroy. We in the Niger have been
consistent on this isaue, and we shall not change. As
long as apartheid continues to humiliate and dehu­
manize our brothers, and as long as the white
ntjnority, with stupid stubbomness and perverse
selt'ubness, co. ntinues to dina to this racist hydra,
which holds it up to ridicule and makes 1t an
international outlaw, we shall continue to fight this
regime and shall refuse it any recognition as a part of
mankind.
201. With regard to Western Sahara, we cannot but
deplore the damage don~ to the OAU by this
question, on which Africa bas laboured so Iona at
councils of ministers and at summit conferences, but
of which the mere mention Qutside of' such meetinas
gives rise only to delays and confusion. We in die
Niger take it as given that the right of the Saharan
people to self-determination must be respected ,md
that the full implementation of the resolution
AHG/Res.104 (XIX), adopted by the Assembly of
Heads of State and Government of the Organization
of African Unity at its nineteenth ordinary session,
held at Addis Ababa in June 1983
197. Similarly, the question of Namibia continues
to be one of high priority for the United Nations. We
have waited long, and we had long hoped that, thanks
to efforts throughout the world, and particularly in
the Security Council, this Territory, which is illegally
occupied by South Africa, would achieve indepen­
dence before 1984. Unfortunately, our faint warnings
1
-in favour of
which my country voted unreservedly and without
any ultenor motives-must constitute a decisive step
in the right direction.
and the complacency which many of us have shown
towards the minority racist regime of Pretoria have
made it impossible thus far to attain that result.
Today, the chances for success in achieving a negoti­
ated settlement seem to be slimmer than ever.
Therefore. the international community must react
202. Since you too, Mr. President, are an African
brother, this may be the place to express our regret
that in a continent such as ours, where the structural
weakness of our States should in the normal course of
evPnts strengthen our collective devotion to the
ideals of dialogue, tolerance and peace, a mere
Annex 66
19th mectlng-3 October 1984
395
transitory disagl'eement on one question or another 208. We note also, with g1·eat anguish and concern,
should paralyse us and eclipse our greatest achieve- other hotbeds of ten,;ion1
pa11icularly in Afghanistan
ments and the joint efforts we should be making to and Kampuchea, two independent and sovereign
help each other rehabilitate ourselves after centuries countries, Members of the United Nations and
of foreign domination. What a catastrophe for man- members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Counki11d
and

for the wol'ld it would be if, for lack of tl'ies, that have been stmggling for many years 110w
consensus-on the question of disarmament, for against foreign occupation. The Niger calls for the
example-the next General Assembly session should speedy implementation of the relevant General As-
be adjourned or jeopardized!
se,mbly resolutions,, which call\ in particular, for the
203. Therefore, the Niger here appeals to Africa to withdrawal of foreign troops from the te1·ritories of
do all in its power to save its prestt&e and its_place in those two countries and fo1• respect for their indepen•
the world by saving the OAU, that is, by fulfilling its deuce and their status as non-aligned States.
duties of cohesion, solidarity and unity.
209. I have in mind also the Korean peninsula, a
hotbed of great tension, which today is divided as a
204. Despite the constant preoccupation by the result of the vicissitudes of history, but whose people
United Nations with the establishment of a stable aspire to national reunification. In the spMt of the
order in the Middle East, and despite all the efforts South-North Joint Communique of 4 July 1972,6 we
that have been made to that end by each of our encourage and support the efforts to achieve a
States, the situation in that part of the world remains peaceful and negotiated solution to this p1·oblem.
explosive. Israel persists in occupying Arab territory 210. To sum up, everywhere in the world our action
and carrying out acts of aggression and sabotase
b d , d
against its neighbours. The Palestinian neople is sttll must e eSigne to encourage an systematui:e
,
d
·
;,
recourse to peaceful means for the settlement of
wa1tin~ for the international community to redress disputes between Statas and to cultivate patiently
the inJustiee from which it has suffered for many and staunchly the spirit of d6tente and peaceful
years now and to ensure thereby the recovery of its coexistence among all nations. That is one of the
inalienable national rights.
most reliable ways of making an effective contribu•
205, The establishment of a Just and lasting peace tion to the achievement of peace in the world, the
In the Middle East i1, r.m obhgation of the United highest aspiration of the peoples we represent. ·
Nations and is in keepin11. with the vital interests of 211, Along with these many conflict situations, the
world peace, Therefore, it is indispensable that we world is also tacil!8 a severe economic crisis, which
continue to seek, under the auspices of the Organiza• has had adverse effects on all our countries, particutio11,
the
beginning
of
an
active
process
of
negotia-
larly the developing ones. The drop in the prices of
tions in order to achieve a comprehensive, just and primary commodities the decrease in development
lasting solution to the Middle East crisis. And this is aid, the difficulties. of access to international capital
an appropriate time to stress that, to be Just and markets, the generalized monetary disorder caused,
lasting the peace we are seeking must be based on the in particular, by the rampagini dollar the hiah
following principles, which have already been repeat- interest rates, the dizzying rise of public debt servfc-
ed time and again: the inadmissibility of the occupa- ing, and the increase of protectionism have created
tion of territory by force, and hence Israel's uncondi- an untenable situation in many developing countries;
tlonal withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territo- 2l2. the indioatus in this regard are alarmi~. In
rle.s, including Jerusalem: recognition of the Palestin•
l 98 l the gross national product of the develofins
ianpeople•a riaht to return, to self-determination and "0Untrtea, ta•·e ..... a .. whole, inc"• .... -.a-~only 1. -r
tJHhe estabUsliment of an independent and sovereign "'
"
111, " .... "
.,.,..lK,lU
-
State in its homeland, Palestine, under the leadership cent. In 1982 this rate fell still further. e per capita
of the PLO; ani:od finally, the full and total particlpa- growth rate was therefore negative. Today the total
ti
foreign debt of those countries Is more than $900
f h P
i
-on ° t e
n any peace process.
billion. The prices of their primary commodities, on
206. At this stage, I would assure the martyred the exporting of which many of them still d""°d,-
,Mestinian people and battered Lebanon as well as have (aJlon, In real value, to the lowest level amoe
allthe brother Arab countries of the batttehold, oftbe 1945, Thus ~rdhla to statistics. fumilbod by
· rviq and active support of the aov.tnment UNcrAD •. ln ltll tli:I 1982 the non-oiJ.aporti~
people of the Nipr. The Nipr, ads.wel1 lmown1
4jv-iq counr.rkil lolt S34 biHioli u a result of tbi
no eft"ort to ensure the triumph of justice ana deterioration t)t tliflt termi of oxchaase. Today the
t in that part of the world,
figure is probably close to $70 billion or $80 billion.
207. When speaking of peace, how can we forget the 213. The situation of the African countries, on
war that has been raging for four years now between which I should like to dwell, is even more drastic.
Iran and Iraq? The great loss of human life and the The years 1982 and 1983 were, as noted by ex~rts of
considerable material damage caused by this war to the Economic Commission for Africa, years of crisis
both sides and the disturbances it has created in for the African continent. Global production of
international maritime navigation, and hence in goods and services was in a state of stagnation in
international trade, call for energetic action by the 1982 and, contrary to forecasts, the growth rate for
community of nations to put an urgent' end to 1983 was very low; it was estimated at only 0.2 per
hostilities. The efforts undertaken to that end are cent as compared to 1982. Hence, since 1980, there
highly commendable, and they must be encouraged has been a continued decrease, in absolute terms, of
and stepped up. I have in mind particularly the about 10 per cent per year in the per capita producefforts
undertaken
in
the
framework
of
the

Islamic tion in our continent.
Peace Committee, those initiated within the frame• 214. The significant drop in their rates of exchange,
work of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries together with other factors linked to the international
and the initiatives of the Security Council and the markets, has slowed down or stopped the process of
Secretary-General.
development in many African countries, whose abih-
Annex 66
General Assembly-Thirty-ninth Session-Plenary Mcetlnas
ty to meet their investment needs has considerablY,
decreased. It is no exaggeration to say that many of
our countries now work solely to pay their debts, to
survive or to try to manage their meagre gains. At the
same time, the food situation of the continent has
dangerously deteriorated not only because of the low
level of agricultural production and discouraging
problems in the rural areas, but also because of the
unceasing drought besetting entire regions, particu­
larly the Sahel. Thus, the food situation remains
precarious in at least 24 African countries stricken by
<irought.
the search for ways and means to achieve the
establishment of a new international economic order.
220, In May 1980, during a seminar organized here
jointlv by UNit AR, the Centre for Economic and
Social Studies in the Third World and the Club of
Rome, l st1·essed that " . . . the violations of the
dignity of man that arise from unjust poverty and
destitution and the intense feelings of frustration that
come from the wrongful distribution of the wealth of
the earth intensify dissension among peoples and
lead to confrontation and war between nations",
221. We must put an end to this state of affairs if
215. The Secretary-General, who visited the coun­
tries of the Sahe! last January, brought back most
useful information on the effects of the drought on
human beings, on cattle and on the ecosystem. While
he noted that aftet· the terrible drought of the years
we really wish to contribute to harmony among men
and to give a gl,lthering such as ours the greatest
meaning and effect P.OSsible on the course of the
world and full credibility in the eyes of all the men,
women and children who are waiting expectantly­
1970-1973, which caused considerable damage to
the Sahel as a whole, commendable eff o'rts had been
made by the Governments of the countries con­
cerned to replenish thell' decimated livestock and to
lay down a real a~ricultural policy both at the
national and the regional levels, he also had to note
that those countries have not really ~ained anything
yet; the paucity of their gains is quite obvious, not
only because of climatic disasters and the adverse
effects of desertification, but also because of the
present serious international situation, which makes
any real continuity in the majority Qf their develoP­
ment prog1·ammes impossible.
they. know not for what-but who are nevertheless
wa1tmg.
222. President Seyni Kountche would have come
here personally and in his capacity as actin~ Chair•
man of the Permanent Inter-State Comm1ttee on
Drought Control in the Sabel [CILSS] had not the
most catastrophic harvests the Niger has ever known
obliged him to remain with his people to share their
concerns, calm their fears and actively consider with
them the measures to be implemented in .order to
save our herdsmen and our brave ~asants, 'who are
the victims of a combination of unfortunate factors
and who have been deprived of the harvests the}'.
justly expected from their hard work. On his behalf
and on behalf of all the CILSS countries, it is
therefore m¥ pressing duty to remind all Govern•
ments and mstitutions represented here that they
must act in solidarity with regard to this situation.
216. We are grateful to him for the attention he has
given to our problems and in particular for the
structures he decided to set up immediately both here
and at Nairobi in order to follow developments in the
situation in Africa. However1
we know that the scope
of the situation goes beyond nis efforts and the means
currently avaiiable to the United Nations family,
whose resources are dwindling and drying up.
217. What we need is a global effort that requires
the orpnizatlon of a dynamic chain of international
solidarity to assist tbe millions of men, women and
223, Mr. EASTMAN (Liberia): Sir, I hail, salute
and congratulate you on your assumption of the
presidency of the thirty-ninth session of the General
Assembly. You bring to this hillh position a wealth of
experience and personal Q.Uaff fications that ahould
serve you well in the perfonnance of your duties,
Africa is proud of you as its son and wishes you
success as you preside over the deliberations of this
lofty body. You can rest assured of the fullest co­
ohildren threatened ;by hunJer, thirst, disease and
death. We must also. liive these States the means to
assume their duty of participating in the mainte­
nanoe of balance in societies and world peace.
Continuing to ignore their present difficulties could
lead to explosive situations which would then have to
operation and support of my delegation.
224. I also wish to express our appreciation to your
predecessor, Mr. Jorge lllueca, who ably conducted
bo. setUed by perhaps askina the world to come
the affairs ofthe Assembly during the past year. He
toae. ther as a matter of emergency to assess and
reoreu the dama,o caused ~
its own selft1hness and
will be remembered as decisive and fair.
225. The Sec!CW')'.Qeneral deserves commenda•
E
lli attitude. ~ea is indeed II\ interal pan of
tion for hil eft'orts in the search for international
~et. We must ;not J,e indift'Ofellt to fts current
Pll(ee and 'undefftaftdina. We ·know that under his
. culues and defiqienetes.
218. After all, this great and beautiful continent
authority, fliel>rpnizadon win continue to strive for
the maintenance of peace and will endeavour to
cannot be considered indefinitely as a continent of
famine and hunger, of disasters and victims, of
poverty and the poor, of incurable suffering and
unremitting problems. After having been the cradle
of mankind, it is still capable of great fruitfulness,
which will one day undoubtedly benefit all peoples
and all nations.
achieve social and economic stability for mankind.
226. We welcome the admission of Brunei Darus­
salam to membership of the United Nations. This act
was a significant step in the affirmation of thr role of
the United Nations and the principle of universality.
219. It is therefore high time to act resolutely to
We are confident that Brunei Damssalam will make
every effort to promote the goals of the Orijanization
and join in the struggle for the tot.11 elimmation of
the remaining pockets of coloniali.sm.
stop the continuing fragmentation of the world
economy and to cure those ills from which the most
disadvantaged countries suffer. Any salutarr action
implies greater justice in trade relations, stabilization
of the prices of raw materials, judicious monetary
reform, a courageous solution to the debt problem of
the third world, increased development aid-in brief,
227. Durin$ the Assembly's thirty-eighth session
[6th meeting), my Head of State, Samuel K. Doe,
made a comprehensive report to this body on the
progress towards a return to civilian government in
Liberia. At that time he informed delegations that a
national const1t•Jtion commission had completed a
Annex 66
19th meeting-3 October 1984
397
draft constitution which had been turned over to a and political will to subordinate our own interest to
constituent Advisory Ass:mbly comprisin~ represen-
the common interest of all, in accordance with the
tatives from each of the political subdivisions of the Charter.
country for review and recommendations to the
People's Redemption Council. A revised draft consti­
tution, which was presented to the People's Redemp­
tion Council by the constituent Advisory Assembly
was subsequently accepted and thereafter presented
to the people of Liberia h1 a referendum. The
Liberian people voted overwhelmingly for accep­
tance of the draft constitution.
233. No other issue or policy in world affairs in the
last three decades has caused so much di~ust,
bitterness, hostility and strife as the South Afncan
Government's pohcy of apartheid. l'he entire world
continues to voice condemnation and to heap sc.'Orn
on this strange and diabolical policy-without a dent
being made in the armour of its practitioner.
228. Today, with the Assembly's kind indulgence, I
shall update that report. The People's Redemption
Council has been dissolved and replaced by a Nation­
234. This year the international community has
wihlessed an upsurge in the policy of apartheid in one
of its cruelest forms and in the guise of reform or
superficial change in the bogus elections conducted
al Interim Assembly, comprising representatives
from all the political subdivisions of the country, to
guide the transition process. The ban on politics has
been lifted, making possible the formation of politi­
cal parties. So far, 11 political groupings have been
announced. It is with such encouraging progress that
the Government and the people of Liberia look
forward to a peaceful transition to civilian rule.
last August by South Africa to vote \)fi a new
constit~1tion which would further divide the popula­
tion and entrench apartheid, making its implementa­
tion more efficient. Liberia was pleased that those
elections were boycotted, as was only right, by an
overwhelming majority of the people of South Africa
and that, prior to the election, the Security Council,
on 17 August 1984, declared both the new constitu­
tion and the elections null and void [resolution 554
229. As we continue on this path, we are mindful
that the transition to civilian government is fraught
with difficulties but filled with challenees. We firmly
believe that the ultimate success of this process will
rest primarily upon the intentions and the resolve of
the Liberian people and the goodwill ar•d under­
standing of the international community. We there­
fore use this opportunity to call upon friendly
Governments and all who are gathered here today to
identify with us and lend your fullest support to these
endeavours.
(1984)].
235. How can a nation which professes Christianity
preside with seeming delight over the systematic
separation of races through legislative enactments
aimed at the physical uprooting and dis~lacement of
the African maJority? South Africa is infested and
misled by cruel and unkind men who belong to the
past, who appear not to worry about potential
enemies, who seem to have no desire for allies and
who have no real friends.
230. The United Nations is increasin~y experienc­
ing many difficulties and a pervasive sense of
frustration. The high hopes with which the Organiza­
tion began its existence in 1945 continue to dwindle
considerably. The search for peace has been marked
by blurred achievements. Apart from the develop­
ment of permanent institutions exclusively devoted
to peace, and a general acceptance, even if one that is
not fully applied, of principles such as the equality of
States and human ri~ts-including the right of self­
~etermination, the nght to work, the right to educa­
tion and to self-fulfilment and the right to an equal
236. How can we, as a collective entity, members of
the world community, continue to permit the m~jori­
ty of the people of that land to be victims of tyranny
and oppression, of exploitation and degradation, of
poverty and hatred? What, I ask, does our moral
conscience tell the United Nations we should do now
on their behalf! What do we make of the prolifera­
tion of re.solutions on the policies of apartheid of the
South African Government and the decisions of the
United Nations which the racist regime continues to
defy and lgnore'? How much longer can we afford to
s~are in the world's limited resources, as well as the
listen sympathetically to complaints made to the
nght to full participation in the decision-making
processes of international relations-peace has nei­
ther been assured nor freely maintained.
Organization by neighbouring African countries and
by the South African majority apinst South Africa
while at the same time ignonng their plea for
effective action'?
2~ 1. If there is a constant danger of war in the
midst of the universal desire for peace, it is perhaps
because we are not all equally committed to peace.
237. Liberia, for its part, remains firm in its total
rejection of apartheid and of the racist ~me which
practises it. We believe that comprehensive ma1.da­
tory sanctions under Chapter VII of the Charter of
the United Nations are the only effective weapon
There are some of us who pay lip-service to its
pursuit. If the United Nations is to be an effective
mstrument, Member States must be not only p-.:ace­
preachers but also peace-seekers and peace-keepers
against apartheid. Individual and collective efforts in
the United Nations and elsewhere must be encour­
aged and sustained for the imposition of sanctions
against the Pretoria regime until that bastion of
racism crumbles.
!!,Dd must redouble their efforts to carry out the noble
ideals and principles for which the Or1anization
stand~. If international peace and secunty are to
prevail, we must be totally committed to it and
defend it at all times and not only at the hour of
expediency or maximum danger.
·
23~. We believe, moreover, that the Chatter of the
United Nations contains all the principles and pre­
cepts needed to assure peace and guarantee security.
If, however, we have failed to secure peace it is not
th~t the C~~rter is weak or inadequate or that some
~f_tts prov1S1ons are outmoded, as some would claim;
it 1s only that we cannot summon the moral courage
238. South Africa's apartheid system, its destabili­
Z?,tion policies and economic blackmail are danger
signals to the people of that region. Namibia has been
virtually transformed into an apartheid inferno and a
base for South Africa's aggressive attacks against
neighbouring countries. South Africa's colonial and
illegal occupation of Namibia is being increasingly
consolidated, with utter disregard for the resolutions
and decisions of the United Nations.
Annex 66
3!18
Gerioral Assembly-Tlllrt)'•alatb Seu! Ja-Plellll')' Meetluas
239. My delegation considers the question ofNami• We, on the co11th1ent,-must do as much as lies in our
bia a priority item, More than six years ago, Security power to eliminate some of the causes of this
Council resolution 435 (1978) was adopted, calling problem, for we know that this situation has not
for free and fair elections in Namibia under United always been the result of natural phenomena. At the
Nations supervision and contl'ol: yet the settlement same time, we must intensify and redouble our
plan for Namibia's independence has not been efforts to assist our uprooted brothers and sisters in
implemented. In the meantime, the South African easing their endless miseries and sufferings and
racist regime continues to intensify its militarization helping them to regain their confidence and normalof
the
Territol)'
and
to
subject
the
Namibians
to
the

lze their lives,
cruelest form of human humiliation and degradation, 247, Hunger, prolonged drought and desertificatlon
in defiance of United Nations resolutions and deci• pose serious threats to the social and political fibre of
sions.
our continent, According to FAO, 100 million Afri-
240, The untiring efforts of the Secretary-General cans will suffer from severe hunger and malnutrition
and the exemplary manner in which he has carried due to food deficits this year, and FAO has appealed
out his mandate on the question of Namibia deserve for emergency food assistance without delay, assist•
our commendation, We note in his report 011 the ance which is necessary if massive starvationi malnu-
question of Namibia that, notwithstat,Jing all the trition and the loss of thousands of human Ives are
progress made in the negotiations this year, the to be avoided, We commend FAQ for the efforts
United Nations has not yet been able to proceed, for being made to bring this unfortunate situation under
reasons which arc well known. Indeed, the reasons control and we hope the assistance needed will be
have to do with extraneous issues that were not forthcoming from the international community.
introduced at the time of the adoption of resolution 248. Liberia's resumption of diplomatic relations
435 (I 978) but have subsequently received interna- with the State of Israel has not altered its Middle East
tional attention and been rejected, Liberia, for its policy, We continue to believe in, and will give
part, finds it difficult to accept the concept of support to, a lust and lasting peace which cannot be
parallelism, which links the indel)!'ndence of Nami- achieved in the Middle East without: first, the due
bia to the withdrawal of troops from Angola.
recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestin•
241, It seems clear that the United Nations needs Ian people, including their riaht to a State of their
most urgently a new set of commitments and a own; secondly, the complete wlthdrawal of all foreiS!l
collective resolve to end South Africa'g intransigence forces from all Arab lani:is; and thirdlY., the right of ill
!llld the sufferings of the Namibian people.
States in the region, including Israel, to live freely
t Mr. Gouara Lassou (Chad), Vice-President, took the within secured and internationally reco~ized bound•
Chair.
aries, with the fullest respect for tneir territorial
242. Liberia has pledged to encourage the efforts integrity and sovereignty.
undertaken by the front•line and other well-meaning 249. The Government of Liberia also believes that
States to make Namibia's independence a reality and peace in the Middle &st cannot come through a
to bring about relaxation of tension and peace and policy of isolation of one of the major parties to the
Aecurity in southern Africa. While we are grateful to conflict. We believe also that it is throuah the
W"stem contact groups for spearheadin, Security language of exchange of views among all the peoples
Council resolution 435 (1978), we are o the view of the region that the path to peace and understand•
ihat the question of Namibia should be resolved ing ties. Peace will continue to_ elude us if we ate not
within the framework of the United Nations. How• e· opared to accept that all the States in the i:eaton
fVM, Member States that have leverage over South
ve the right to live freely -within secured and
~'frica should not be distouraged or prevented front
temationally recognized boundaries,
b1g_ their good offices to bring about stability and 250. The tragic story of Lebanon is one of contin•
Oraanizatlon's objective in that region.
ued sufferinp, destruction and .war. It is a situation
• We urae the International community to con- that remains unstable, fr~le and explosive. The
the financial attd moral support to Namibia, ~irnational community sliould. jo on record auln
and the front-line States as well as tho
uraina the withdrawal of alUbreian foreoa tiom
Pr~me
for NamibiJ, the United
banon as well as stress tho ,~ ffi:91Dition of and
_:• for dN~~r.~:i•i!°~~e United Nations f&r:!i:~g,e
territorial int~ anchovoreipty of
if. As thouah colol.lialism, instituilonalized rac- 251. The prolongation of the· Iran-Iraq conflict, a
sm, the misery of outright deprivation and scarce conflict between two Muslim neighbours, cnn only
resources were not enough evils to reckon with, the add to the fragility of the area. Liberian ships ana
refugee situation and food crisis have added new those of other countries have been arbitrarily at•
dimensions to Africa's intractable problems.
tacked and damage done to life and property with
245. Four million refugees, the largest in any one impunity. We believe that the Security Council
area in the world, are scattered all over the continent should again intervene in this long-standing conflict
and, worst of all, are dependent 011 countries whose before it takes on unmanageable proportions.
economies can hardly sustain their own citizens. 252. The Central American region has witnessed
246. The Second International Conference on As• uarest and violence for some time now and on an
sistance to Refugees in Africa, held at Gt:nev-1 from 9 increasing scale.
to 11 July 1984, must be supplemented by world• 253. The Government of Liberia has always
wide concerted efforts to alleviate the plight of adhered to, and will continue to adhere to, the
Africa's refugees. This group of unfortunate people principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes.
must be provided the means of developing their While there are still wide differences between the
abilities and skills to be able to earn a livelihood and Government of Argentina and the Government of
to contribute to the communities in which they live. the United Kingdom on the question of the Falkland
Annex 66
l!illll lltffflllll-3 Oiltober 1984
3!J9
Islands, we urge the continuation of meaningful
negotiations for the peaceful solution of that dispute.
co-operate with all States prepared to help ease
international tensions by practical deeds and to
cl'eate an atmosphere of trust in the world in orde.\' to
consolidate the foundations of peace.
254, Another perennial issue which continues to
evade the collective resolve of the United Nations is
the question of Korea. My Government has alwaY.S
stressed the need for the resumption of direct negoti•
ations between the South and the North. Such talks,
262. We loudly proclaim the need for curbing
weapons in outer space and for stopping the arms
race and the continuous buildup of military arma•
mcnt; we want disam1ament. We therefore endorse
what appears to be a reasonable closene&s of the
positions of the two sides, though the approaches
may appear divergent, and we urge them to get on
with this important business and translate their
pronouncements regarding genuine disarmament ef­
forts into meaningful action, We are watching closely
and with keen expectations the results of the assur­
ances given by both sides.
we believe, are likely to resolve enmity and distrust
and 1,romote reconciliation and reunification be•
tween the two sides. It Is therefore our hope that both
sides will bury the hatchet, as it were, and sincerely
resume talks aimed at the achievement of those
important objectives.
255. As is generallr conceded, the arms race cc,n­
sumes a disproportionate share of the scarce re­
sour1Jes of our planet and continues to do so at an
ever-it,creasing rate. It utlllzes much of our finest
scientific talent 111 sterile and de~tructlve pursuits,
256. Despite the danger and waste of the arms race,
the States of the worlcl have continued to stockpile
armamevts at an alarming rate, a clear indication
that no State is prepared to disarm if it feels its
security ls not guaranteed. Each year, the two nuclear
Powers seem to produce new weapons which are
more efficient in deadliness and which, when adopt•
ed by. their armed forces, immediately require a
matching effort by the other side.
263. The seriousness of our global economic crisis
can be determined by the fact that it encompasses all
nations of the world; rich or poor, develo::,ed or
developing, large or smal_lJ,we have all been affected
in one way or the other. we have seen the economic
havoc it nas wrought in diiveloped countries. In the
developing societies, vulnerable as their economies
are, it has created in its wake enormous balance-of•
payments deficits, mounting debt burdens and wors­
ening terms of tr.ade1
owing to a drastic fall in
commodity prices. ant;J _a Jbaf_p, rise in the prices of
imponed goods. ·
257. While we advocate a halt to the arms race, we
equally stress the urgent need for an answer to the
security question, thereby removing the need for the
constant increase in military "'xpenditures and rivalry
between States.
·
264. The crisis has Introduced new dimensions into
the debate on world develo~ment. There is a growi!li
awareness that the fates of the developed and the
developing countries are interlinked in the crisis. I
ho~ that one good thing it has brought forth Is the
realization by the · industrialized countries that the
prosperity of the developing countries is vital to their
258, We believe that security can be four.d only in
the principles of the Charter of the Unitei.J Nations
and that it is only through the goodwill of all nations,
coupled with mutual trust, confidence, understand•
ing and co-operation1
that we can achieve the inter­
national stability ana security so urgently needed in
oar :world. -
:>wn economic 11urvival.
·
265. The threat. o.
f defa.\llt_ bY. debtor developing
countries and its i · p0cattons for the international
financial and · ·· na system. have brolJ&bt hii:o
259. -It is therefore interesting to note Pr.esident
Cliemenko's answers to questions posed to bim
sharp and 11ist
:facus the :inherent d~r and
during-a recent interview and the reaction of the
inadequacy of -~ ,])fflOftt world economic tystem.
Althoush twrroE..
Government or the United States. We sensed from
Pmtdent Chernen~o•s answers a readiness to negQJi•
. .· lijtcf lt.11.fera hive endeavoured to
avoid such. de · . t; the etl'otts hav. e amounted to no
m.ore than sho ~titm. rosgu.o
o.s,,ratlons, providina
ate 40 .. m. plete disarmament, despite the rheto_
temporary .suppD,tt. ()nly. ·
ri. _c. w_
e
art ii\clitted to believe that the Soviet leader ox­
266. While vuk,ut~ediothave been auuested to
pfflSed bis Government's preparedness for honest
.._,lve~• detn,. itilflt wf_ liove iha. t a coftCOtted
~
gtioua talklwith th" Government of the United
SijJ4J_
.· · .. L Let me quote a particular Pll'aataPh of
r~ial.
ft ry·
.
P1'1(1ffit Cbemenko'• reaponse:
0
~
-~to=•-
~- be .
.
. ,...
( ,t:wiah tp "8ffirn, with all certainty our tea.di•
ltell for diat~e, for honest and serious talks
Fre!e~t · ofm~~ nat ow 1:&o:
aimed at finding accord that takes into account the
security interests of all countries and peoples."
concerned with nance and development, as well as
changes in the framework of the commercial banking
system.
260. We have noted also the response of the United
States: that it is seriously seeking agreement with the
Russians, that it welcomes the statement of President
Chernenko, and that it is ready to resume the Geneva
negotiations. We noted with added interest President
Reagan's address to the General Assembly on 24
September [4th meeting], with its reference to'United
S_tates-Soviet Union relations, and the "comprehen­
sive and broad" talks held between the United States
SMefr~tary
267. It is particularly important that a co-ordinated
economic expansion in industrialized nations be
accompanied by low intel'est rates and a relaxation of
trade restrictions, in order to contribute to an
economic upturn and provide 1·elief to debtor na­
of State, Mr. Shultz, and the Soviet Foreign
mister, Mr. Gromyko, on Wednesday, 26 Septem­
ber.
tions.
268. In order to reverse the tremendous transfer of
resources from dcvelopinf; countries to the industrial­
ized world and thereby improve the economic out­
look of the developing countries, and in particular
African countries, financial institutions and indu&tri­
261. In his statement to the General Assembly on
27 September [10th meeting], the Soviet Foreign
Minister stressed that the Soviet Union would fully
alized countries should write off long-standing loans
and tum some of the loans that have been resched­
uled more than once into grants-in-aid. Such a moral
Annex 66
General Ane111bly-Thlrty•11latb Sesslon-Pleury Mect111as
gesture on the part of the creditors would reduce the
i.iebt burden of some developing countries and en•
hance their economic recovery.
progress and development. Speeches of hope and
promise are made, couched in triumphant phrases;
resolutions are adopted and then ignored; thereafter,
representatives go back home to their Governments
and begin all over again doing what they best know­
acting in the supreme interest of each individual's
country, whether it be t>lanning for war, raising the
interest rates, causing a flood of refugees to spill over
into someone else's territory or something else.
277. This year the General Assembly meets for the
thitty•ninth time in regular session. It is meeting at a
269. The magnitude of the crisis of the world
economy dictates the need to summon our political
will and make the concerted efforts necessary to
launch the negotiations on roforming and restructur­
ing the existing economic order without delay. This
process, we continue to believe, would serve as a
major step in achieving a more orderly and equitable
woI'ld economy and at the same time foster greater
co-operation among nations.
time when the two super-Powers have hardly been on
speaking terms. It meets under the threat of a nuclear
cloud, with both East and West looking at each other
through a palisade of nuclear missiles. It is meeting at
a time in our world blstory when the poor nations­
270, The economic situation in Africa is critical
and precarious, and it poses a serious threat to the
social and political well-being of our people. It is true
that the global economic situation affects all develop­
ing countries, but its impact on sub-Saharan Afrka is
tremendous. These countries continue to experience
negative growth, and their export earnings are still on
the decline.
and there are many of them-are poorer and the
threat of human sufferings through famine, drought
and opµresslon is becoming not only widespread 6ut
uncontrollable.
Mr. Lusaka (Zambia) resumed the Chair.
271. While we recognize that the development of
Africa is our primary responsibility, as enshrined in
the Lagos Plan of Action,
7
concerted efforts by the
international community and donor countries, which
have the enormous capacity to correct the critical
economic situation, would complement the national
efforts of African Governments in reversing the
negative trend of their economies.
278. In short, the United Nations has serious
business to discuss this year. But this is not all: the
United Nations must resolve to be resolute and
tackle the problems facing mankind. It must decide
to take some positive steps in the direction of curbing
the arms race, in bridging the gap of poverty, in
stemming the lucrative arms trade which aims at
defeating the very purpose for which the Organiza­
tion was founded: to save succeeding generations
from the scourge of war. The United Nations must
restore the people's faith in its ideals, its objectives
and Its functional ability.
272, The people of Liberia fully endorse the Secre­
tary-General's Initiative with regard to the critical
social and economic situation in Africa. We wish to
thank him for his efforts and urge him to continue to
regard the economic situation in Africa as a prioritr
issue that requires the moral and political support of
the international community and <fonor countries for
its amelioration.
··
'n9. The new generation today is crying out for that
United Natlotts which once had the will to help
resolve the problem in the Korean peninsula· oti­
stmcted the partition of the Congo during the 1960s;
voted for the establishment of new States; aided in
the liberation of many African States. The United
Nations should arm itself with that tenacity of
purpose to address the burning issues of mankind
213. We welcome the World Bank plan to aid sub­
Saharan African countries, in spite of the lack of
substantial pledges for the $2 billion that the Bank
- · need to im11lement the prograittme. The effort
attd pull the world away from crises.
e pank to fiighlight the economic malaise of
can countries deserves the Ml support of all true
ends of Africa. We call upon the industrialized
qmmtries and those developing countries which have
@ capacity to do so to pledge funds to the Bank
dfDaramme for improving the economic situation in
280. In the early days of the formation of the world
body, the United Nations adopted the decision made
at Bretton Woods that gave birth to the current world
economic order. If it now appears that Bretton
Woods no longer serves the best needs of mankind's
economic order. we think the United Natiol'lS as a
MKca.
moral
force should put pressure on the ecQnomic
4. At this point, the Oovemmont ot Liberia
Powers 10 that a recon&truction of the economic
tr«blr suitable to the demand• of the time liiiy bo
to thank all those friendly States and intema­
oraanizations that ~rticipatedJn the Liberia
g~mplilbo4.
d-tal>le conference, wllicb was held at 11eme m
· ...
ber 1983. It ls our hope that we can continue to
rely on their understandin~ and assistance as we go
through a critical econo1mc period in our nationai
life. We wish also to exrress our gratitude to the
Secretary-General and al those in the United Na­
tions system who worked so tirelessly for the conven­
ing of that conference.
275. Earlier I reflected on various achievements in
the search for international concord, especially the
evolution of permanent institutions for peace an<' the
development of principles and rules of conduct of
!Bt In June this year, the allied forces of Europe
and the United States commemorated the fortieth
anniversary of the invasion of Europe, which history
tells us was the tumin&•POint in the Second World
War. Next year, the Umted Nations will celebrate its
fortieth anniversary as the corner-stone of peace and
progress. But before it can do that, it needs to restore
hope to mankind by lessening tensions and making
the two super-Powers play a more positive role in
maintaining a world order based on peace and
harmony, not by competitive polemics and harsh
rhetoric, not by confrontation and stockpiling weap­
States. I should like to close by focusing on the
serious nature of our present assignment.
276. Every time the General Assembly has met in
the past 38 years, hopes have arisen tho.t the world
body would be able successfully to address some of
the major problems haunting man's struggle for
ons, but by devising constructive proposals calling
for joint efforts in addressing the issues of the day.
282. If this session of the General Assembly can
take some positive steps in a direction that would
lead the super-Powers to appreciate their role and
thereby work jointly for the progressive attainment of
Annex 66
19th meeUaa-3 October 11184
401
world peace, it will accomplish more than many of its
resolutions ever have since Pay One.
Jaya along the common border, Indonesia has been
prompt in acknowledging the mistake and correcting
,t and has even gone so far as to tender a publlc
apology,
283, J know that the nations of the third world
which make up a large part of this world body are
committed to this serious assignment this year. I
hope all the nations of this family are also so
committed.
292. ln short, whenever irritations or misunder­
standings have arisen which threatened to mar the
friendly relations between our two countries, my
284, The PRESIDENT: Several representatives
have requested to exercise the right of reply, May I
Government has consistently sought to resolve them
in a spirit of goodwlll, co-operation and mutual
respect, What is more, in responding to certain
incidents and situations which were clearly harmful
and inimical to Indonesia's interests, we have always
tried to show the utmost restraint and understanding,
eschewing public prntests and preferring quiet diplo­
macy through established bilateral channels,
remind members that, in accoraance with General
Assembly decision 34/401, statements in exercise of
the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the
first intervention and to S minutes for the second
intervention and should be made by delegatiuns from
their seats,
285. Mr. ALATAS (Indonesia): It is with consider­
able r~ret, and indeed with some surprise, that my
delegation has noted the remarks of the Foreign
Minister of PaJ)ua New Guinea on Indonesia-Papua
293. When the Indonesian missionary plane al·
ready referred to was attacked, several of its Indone­
sian passengers brutally killed and two others, includ­
ing its Swiss pilot, forcibly abducted into Papua New
Ouinea territory, Indonesia had to accept the expla­
New Guinea relations in his statment in the Assem­
bly two days ago [J Sth meelingJ.
nation of the Papua New Guinea Government that it
286. Papua New Guinea is Indonesia's immediate
neighbour to the east. Our two countries share a 600-
did not consider itself in anx way involved in the
incident and that therefore its al>ility to intervene
was limited.
mile land border which cuts across one of the most
difficult terrains in the world, as well as across
traditional ties of custom and kinship between
border inhabitants on both sides. Thanks to foresight
and mutual goodwill on the part of both Oovern­
ments, however, close co-operation and arrange­
ments on a wide array of common border issues have
been instituted from the moment Papua New Guinea
acceded to independence in 1975. This includes a
comprehensive Basic Agreement on Border Arrange­
ments, signed in 1979 and now in the process of
294. In the face of incessant cross-border incidents
and acts . of harassment and subversion apinst its
border PQpulation by separatist elements who con­
tinue to find refuge on Papua New Guinea territocy,
Indonesia has shown great restraint, and this despite
the joint undertaking contained in the 1979 Basic
Agreement not to allow our respective border areas
to be used as "sanctuary, staging areas, bases or for
illegal activities against the other".
being revised and updated.
29S. As r~rds the sudden influx of large numbers
of Indonesians crossing into Papua New Guinea, to
which the Foreign Minister referred, this is indeed a
serious problem, which is being faced by both
Oovemments. Indonesia has no doubt that this
287. Indonesia bas at all times strictly adhered to
these border arrangements, as it has also been
Indonesia's consistent policy to abide by the numer­
ous-border agreements, covering both land and sea
unprecedented flow is the direct result of provocative
rumour.ittongerin& by the very same: ~list
with all its neipbours to the south north and west of
it~ uational territory. Respect for the sovereianty and
territorial ln~ty of States are fundamental tenets
ele­
ments who have found the simple. hordeMilllae
dwellers an easy prey to their sedi\ious incitements.
of lndonesia's foreisn policy.
288, We were painfully surprised, therefore, to hear
Be that aa it may, my Government has extended its
ttie Foreisn Minister of Papua New Ouinea accuse us
full co-operation to the Papua New Guinea Qovem­
m, en.tin .. a,ranai. .
na the prompt and orderly return of
of having wilfully violatec:l his country's territorial
those ~r(er-croa,ers, To thii end, wo haws..,_ on
ip.lltY., In supP'.()rt of this serious alleption, the
Minister referred in his statement to oertain
a 7.ra ramework or principles that Yf'.ouhl.
. .1.0V'. rn. the
pttceU or ret~
these pe.opio,: ·with :explicit
· ind incidontt which we tho~t had Iona been
.. __ lftci clirified by our two Govemmentt.
'i On ibe aUClf4 intnaion by an lndotteijan
l
rance,. concemi. 1q _ their iafeiy.,,. . . • ID.d
ett:V:· ='~· :t ~
. - - male-
m'uttarv •airinft into Pa~ua New Guinea airspace in
bouied as· they· are in temporary camps, wblffl
Match ·or this year, my Oovemment bas given, both
publicly and through diplomatic channels, a full
account of what in tact took place in the course of a
search operation for a lost missionary plane. At no
time did any Indonesian aircraft cross into Papua
New Guinea territory, as claimed by certain habitual•
ly biased and hostile press media of another neigh­
b.ouring country, the original source of the allega•
ttons.
already multed in the death of some 90 border­
crossers. We have welcomed the humanitarian assist­
ance of UNHCR in this respect, but we see no reason
for UNHCR also to momtor the crossers' re-entry
and resettlement in Indonesia, for we have already
agreed to allow Papua New Guinea officials to do ao.
We believe that this problem is best handled through
bilateral arrangements already in place and agreed
upon. We therefore regret that our sense of indepen­
dence and self-respect in being able to solve the
290. Agairi, after a thorough investigation by my
Government, no evidence could be found of the
involvement of any Indonesian army units in another
alleged border incident in or near the village of
Suwampa.
problems on our own without unduly involving an
already overburdened UNHCR is being misinterpret­
ed by the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea.
296. It is clear that the problems that have arisen
have either been or are in the proc~ss of being
amicably resolved between our two Governments, as
291. In those instances where indeed an uninten­
tional intrusion occurred, as was the case with the
construction of a highway in the eastern part of Irian
is appropriate between neighbours genuinely interest-
Annex 66
402
Gtnertl Assewbly-Tblrfy•Ublth Seuk>11-Ple11ary Meeth1as
ed in maintaining friendly and mutually co-operative
relations. We arc at a loss
therefore, to understand
1
the need for and the imp ications of the statement
made by the Foreign Minister of Papua New Oulnea.
ly supc1·vised by the two· notorious terrorists, Shamir
and Begin, and which caused the British Government
to offer at the time a reward of £10,000 to anymte
who would come forward with information leading to
the arrest of those two International terrorists,
297. Despite all that has happened, Indonesia's
actions will continue to be gulaed by the spirit of
goodwill accommodation and restraint which has
always characterized its relationship with Papua New
Guinea. We seek nothing but genuine friendship with
Papua Ne\" Guinea, our closest neighbour to the east.
We are neitner interested In nor intent on Interfering
In their domestic affafrs or national development, In
the light of the remarks made by the Foreign Minister
of Papua New Ouinea, it may be J'ertinent to ask
whether his Government is indee guided by the
same spirit, We shall await the answer to this
question, as always, in patience and in all serenity.
298. Mr, MARTINEZ.GUTlflR.REZ
(El Salvador)
(Interpretation from Spanish): Regarding certain con­
cepts mentioned this morning by the representative
of Cuba in the course of the general debate [ / 8th
meeting]. the Government of El Salvador rejects
those concepts since what Cuba said was simply a
confirmation of its policy of intervention and sup­
port for the armed rebels of the extreme left.
306. Nor do we wish to speak about the official
terrorism of the Zionist Government, led by the
Likud Party, which organized the most hideous
official terrorist operations during three months in
the summer of 1982 in southern Lebanon, in the
Bekaa region, in the mountains and in Beirut. Such
activities led to the outbreak of war there, to the
dest1·uction of 111ai1y Palestinian refugee camps and
of entire Lebanese cities and villages, and to the
death or dispersal of all their inhabitantsJ. as well as
to the hideous massacres of Sabra and :shatila, for
which the bloodthirsty Sharon and Begin were found
responsible by Zionist justice itself, These are but a
few examples of the activities of professional Zionist
terrorists led by the leaders of Israel, Can we Jive any
credence to the words of the terrorist Shamir about
terrorism, or should we believe the acts, the history
and the record of his Government vis-a-vis terrorism
against our people?
307. When the Likud Government-that of the
terrorist Shamir-assumed power in Israel in 1977
299, Mr, BLANCO (Uruguay) (interpretation from
Spanish): The delegation of Cuba referred to lJru­
suay. It is ironic that that delegation should try to
arrogate to Itself the position of arbiter of freedom
and iiemocracy. It is such paradoxical assertions that
threaten the prestige of the United Nations.
and resorted to the policy of the "big stick" against
Palestinian citizens in tlie occupied territories and
the renewal of the establishment of settlements, this
had a big impact on Zionist settlers in that area, who
began to organize themselves into special internal
security bodies and to exert, in their capacity as
300. ·we hope that one day the noble Cuban people
will recover its freedom and responsibility for its own
destiny. As we have announcea, and in accordance
with its democratic. traditions, Uruguay will be
holding general elections next month, in an atmos­
phere of dlsnitY. and the free and full exercise of its
political sovereignty.
settlers and political and extremist terrorist move­
ments, all kinds of pressure on the Israeli Govern­
ment to allow them to extend their field of activities
and play a repressive role apinst Arab citizens. They
wished to serve as a terrorist reserve army to give
effect to the official "big stick" PQlicy and ensure the
attainment of Its ob.lectlves
· which the occupation
3D ·• · "Mr. LOHIA (Papua New Oulnea): The delega•
· . of Pa.PUa New Guinea reserves the riaht to
1
fse at a later date its risht of reply fo the
just made by the representative of lndo­
artnf was unable to do, desp te its resort to all kinds
of inhuman and arbitrary procedures, because of the
detennined national oppQsitton of the Palestinian
Arab masses in the occupied territories.
a.,
302, The PRESIDBNT: The observer of th~ Pales­
L ration Organization bas asked to be allowed
308, This led the Israeli Oovemment to adopt,
protect and foster terrorism and provide a favourable
climate by encouraging, oraanizina and providina it
· to the statement made by one of the speakers
debate. I intend to call on him on the
aerll Assembly resolution 3237 (XXIX)
ovombor 1974,
with all the means neceswy to develop and direct its
activities to serve and consolidate the setUem@t
pot~. This is the foundation and main1tay or ltl
oolicy aimed at terrorizlftf1 hitimldatin1 and exP.01•
, ;MANSO.
. . Ult (Palct_!!ft Liberation Oruni•
liq u many of the Arab inbftilalits.of the occupied
Dttatlon,ml!tl A.,iwlc): Since the dcleaa­
. ·PLO ls speakjng r or the first time at this
ueu u pouible in order ti • tpread l'ruatration in
their ranks, force them to submit, consolidate the
occupation and settlement policies, and annex the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
309. The various investigations and the questioning
of some members of the secret terrorist organization
whom the Likud Government was compelled to
arrest-and whose •dentity and activities it sou~ht to
keep a secret-estal fished the fact that many of them
were high-ranking army and police officers and
officials of the civil administration with very strong
sea& on, Sir, may we offer our congratulations on
your assumption of the presidency.
304. This morning [ 18th meeting] we heard many
words from the Zionist Minister Shamir about peace,
terrorism and famine in the world. We should like to
commment here very briefly on two subjects: terror•
ism and peace in our region.
305. The Zionist Minister should be the last person
to speak about terrorism since he personally and his
party are well known to us and to the world for their
past and present terrorist record. The heinous Deir
Yassin massacre, the blowing up of the King David
Hotel in Jerusalem, when a number of people were
killed, including Count Bernadotte, the United Na•
tions Mediator for Palestine, both of which terrorist
acts took place in the I 940s, are but two examples of
the various terrorist operations which were personal-
links with some Ministers and other members of the
Knesset of the Likud Government at the time. These
people used their influence to set free many of the
arrested terrorists despite their unquestionable guilt.
This clearly p1oves that the Israeli Government and
its various departments at various levels are mixed
up in the terrorist activities against the Arabs. In the
light of the results confirmed by the last Israeli
Annex 66
l!Hll meetlq-3 Octoller 11184
'403
~.
which showed an Increase in extremist, peace in ou1· region. Those who truly strive for peace
rJghtlst, Fascist tendencies, it is clear that the occu. • should realize that the path to 11(:lace
ls clear and has
pied areas can expect a new phase of organized been well defined by the United Nations in its
Zionist terrorlsn1.
resolutions. Israel and the United States have only to
310, The world in general is fully aware of the comply with the universal will,
stumblin15•blook
to a Just peace in our region. Last 314. Tlte PRESIDENT: I am son)' to interrupt the
December, the world community adopted a historic speaker, but he has already spoken for 10 minutes, I
resolution In this Hall. I refer to resolution General therefore ask him to be kind e11ough to conclude his
Assembly 38/58 C, which calls for the convening of statement.
an International Peace Conference on the Middle 315. Mr. MANSOUR (Palestine Liberation Organi•
Bast in which all the parties to the conflict1 including zation) (l11terpre1a1io11.from
Arabic): The professional
the PLO, the sole legitimate rel?resentatlve of the Zionist terroristsl led by Sharon and Shamir, are in
Palestinian people, would participate.
no position to 8 ve lessons in ~ace-making to the
311, I should like to remind the Zionist Minister representatives of world States, hundreds of which
and all those who, unlike the PLO, shed crocodile have struggled against imperialism, occupation and
tears over the fate of the Palestinian people that our aggression, or to the heroes of the national liberation
people has made known and continues to emphasiie movements of the world,
every day, through all its leaders in the occupied
territories and outside and even those behind the
bars of the prisons of the neo-Nazis, as well as our
prisoner-figliters now 011 strike in Nablus-whose
message to the Secretary-General and to United
Nations delegations has been distributed as a United
Nations document [see A/J9/S48, appendlx]-that
The meeting rose al 7 p. m.
NOTllS
the PLO and only the PLO is the sole representative
of our people.
1
For the tc11t, sec resolution 38/40, para, I.
1
Seo Repor1 of the United Na1iom Co,l[ere,we on Deserti/lcatlon
(A/CONP,74/36), ohap, 1,
312, The General Assembly resolution to which I
have referred reflects the overwhelming desire of the
international majority not the desire of a single
State. So far, Israel and its master, the United States1
•·
· · ·
1
Scc A/38/707, annex, para. 10,
•Aarccmcnt to resolve the controversy over the frontier bctwec11
Venezuela and Brl\l&b Oulw (United Natlona, Trea,y Serl,s, vol.
561, No, 81112,)
have refused to comply with the relevant Unitea
Nations resolutions and with the international will.
JScc OJflclul Records of the SecurllJI council, Thlrt}Ntl11th Ytor,
Supplement Jbr July. August a11d Sip/ember l98J, docwnont
S/16732,
313. All the world realizes that Israel Is not a peace:•
lovin~ country and does not work towards peace.
Shamir and all the other leaders of Israel may shed
crocodile tears over peace to mislead the world as to
their real policies and practices, which are against
6
Scc O.fllcial Records of the General bumbly, 'fwflll,-H11111tlt
Seuton, Supplement No. 21 (A/27/27), annex I,
1
1..qoa Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Monrovia
Stratlll)' for the Economic Development of Africa (A/S-11114,
annex I),
Annex 67
Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Government of the Republic of
Venezuela, Joint Statement (5 Apr. 1993)
Annex 67
J OINT STATEMENT
The Minister
of Foreign Affairs
of the Co- operative
Republic
of Guyana, His Excellency
Mr. Clement James Rohee, and t he
Minister
of Foreig n Affairs
of t he Republic
of Venezuela
, His
Excellency
Mr. Fernando Ochoa Antich,
today met with Un ited
Nations
Secretary
General,
His Excellency
Dr . Boutros Boutros
Ghali and Sir Alister
McIntyre,
the latter
in his capacity
as
the Personal
Representative
of the Secretary
- General
.
The Representatives
of bo t h countries
rei t erated
t h eir
Governments'
determination
to achieve
a peacefu
l se t tlemen t of
the controversy
, t hrough
t h e Good Offices
of t he Secretary
General,
in keeping wit h t h eir deep an d unswerving
commitment
to
the peaceful
resolution
of issues within
the framework
of the
1966 Geneva Agreement
.
It was noted that the main t enance of dialogue,
both at the
level
of Public and Private
entities,
was pivo t al to the
development
of the requisite
environment,
in which the two sides
would continue
to explore
creative
options
for achieving
a
lasting
resolution
of this matter
. Th e ro l e of the Secretary
General was a significant
element
of t hat on - going dialogue
.
The Secretary
Genera l expressed
his g ra tification
at t he
approaches
being adopted
, s t ressed
t hat h is of f ice woul d co ntinue
to be at the disposal
of both countries
and reiterated
h is
willingness
to maintain
Sir Alister
a t t h e dis p osal of the
Parties
in securing
a mutually
satisfactory
settlement
of the
controversy.
He complimented
t h e two Government on the cordial
atmosphere
in which their
contacts
and discussions
were
proceeding
.
Annex 67
. -
--
REPORT OF MEETING BETWEEN HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT CHEDDI BHARAT
JAGAN AND SIR ALISTER MCINTYRE ON APRIL 5, 1993
His Excellency
President
Cheddi Jagan met with Sir Alister
McIntyre
on Monday April 5, 1993 at 09:30 hrs.
Also present were Mr Bernard
DeSantos, Attorney General and acting Minister
of Foreign
Affairs;
Dr Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential
Secretarial;
Mr David
Hales, Director
General,
Ministry
of Foreign Affairs;
and Dr Barton
Scotland.
Sir Alister
had visited
Venezuela
prior
to his journey
to Guyana.
He brought
the President
up to date on the
results
of his
discussion
in Caracas,
where he had met with the leaders
of COPEi
and MAS as well as with President
Perez.
The "good officer"
stated
that
President
Perez was very positive
about
restarting
the
McIntyre
process
and this approach
was shared by COPEI and MAS.
COPEi had acknowledged
the absurdity
of pursuing
Venezuela's
claim
to Lwo thirds
of Guyana,
and was advocating
Lhat a practical
solution
be found. MAS had assured
Sir Ali ster
that
they were
cognisant
of Guyana's
concerns.
Rafael Caldera,
the former COPEI
President,
was seeking
to build his electoral
hopes on the basis of
a coalition
between Supporters
from MAS and those AD Supporters
who
had become disaffected
with their
party.
Returning
to the topic
of the Guyana-Venezuela
diferendo
Si.r
Alister
said
that he h ad detec1 ,e d a consens u s f or Venezuela
's
historical
c l aim to be se t asid e and for a pract.ica
l solutio
n Lo be
Annex 67
sought
in which development
cooperation
would tie Uie basis o f
future
re]aLions.
He concluded
his analysis
of the Venezuela
position
by remarking
that Lhe media in LhaL country had been a little
more friendly
to
him that
hitherto.
He considered
that
the time was right
to
restart
the process.
Sir Alister
then informed President
Jagan that the United Nations
Secretary
General was desirous
of meeting jointly
with the Foreign
Ministers
of Guyana and Venezuela.
He wished to demonstrate
Lo
all countries
his interest
in the Controversy
. The suggested
time
for such a meeting was the second week of June in New York.
Sir Al ister
said that both the Secretary
General
and President
Perez were anxious
to know Guyana's
position
with regard Lo the
naming of a faclliLaLor.
Venezuela
had decided
to retain
its
facilitator
Mr Emilio Figueredo.
He told President
Jagan that
President
Perez was ready to meet with his Guyanese
colleague
specifically
on the issue of the controversy.
However CAP was not
going to press
for such a meeting Lo be convened.
The Venezuelan
President
had indicated
his great
interest
Jn Lhe development
of
projects
by Lhe two contries.
President
Perez was also anxious
that
both Caricom
and the Group of 3 be kept abreast
of
developments
in the controversy.
Annex 67
President
Jagan agreed that the Forejgn Ministers
should meet with
the Uni t.ed Nations
Secretary
General
in June in New York.
He
informed
the "good officer"
that Guyana was considering
Lhe
/ development
of projectswith
Venezuela and mentioned
the proposal
that Guyana should
purchase
power from the Guri Hydropower
facility.
He told Sir Alister
that during his visit
to Venezuela,
he had also received
the impression
that the climate
of relations
had improved.
Sir
Alister
then
inLerjecLed
some further
analysis
of the
Venezuelan
reality.
He remarked
that President
Perez would like Lo
go down in history
as having found a solution
Lo the controversy.
The only uncertain
element
in Venezuela was the position
of the
military.
However,
he (McIntyre)
did not consider
that
the
military
would wish Lo adopt a high profile
now. COPEi and MAS had
noL raised any objection
to the Government of Guyana and Venezuela
pursuing
a dialogue
on the controversy
even at this late stage
in
Perez's
term of office
and Sir Alister
himself saw no harm in such
discussions,
although
it was not likely
that
there would be much
/ movement.
The goodwill
and cordiality
generated
~ would produce
a
positive
feedback.
President
Jagan expressed
his preference
for a meeting
of the
Foreign
Ministers.
He informed
Sir Alister
Lhat Guyana would
retain
the services
of Dr Scotland
as facilitator.
The President
of Guyana considered
that the combination
of the facilitators
Annex 67
working and the Foreign MinisLers
meeting would be indicative
of
the serious
approach
being taken towards
the resolution
of Lhe
controversy.
Sir Alister
reiterated
Lhe fact that President
Perez was prepared
to meet President
Jag an between now and October,
despite
Lhe
shortness
of time.
However, Lhe "good officer"
did not recommend
any more Lhan a meeting
of Foreign Ministers.
President
Jagan remarked that he would like Lo put the issue to the
Guyanese people
in a quiet way, to try to build a general consensus
on an agreement.
With reference
to other
aspects
of bilateral
relations,
he expressed
his
desire
to reactivate
the
Joint
Commission,
Lo stimulate
border
trade between Guyana and Bolivar
State,
and Lo work towards Lhe esLablishment
of a Consulate
in
Bolivar
State.
Sir Alister
interjecLed
Lhat COPEi had a little
group which was
monitoring
the issue closely,
In conclusion,
President
Jagan thanked Sir Alister
and assured him
of Guyana's
cooperation
with Lhe process,
al though Guyana had
bigger problems
to occupy the cou nLr y's aLtention
at the present
Lime.
Annex 68
Management and Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Senegal
and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, 1903 U.N.T.S. 3 (14 Oct. 1993)
Annex 68
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Management and Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic
of Senegal and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
14 October 1993
The Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, on the one hand, and
The Government of the Republic of Senegal, on the other hand,
Desiring to develop further the good-neighbourly relations and cooperation between their countries, have agreed as
follows:
Article l
The parties hereto shall jointly exploit a maritime zone situated between the 268° and 220° azimuths drawn from Cape
Roxo.
The respective territorial seas of Guinea-Bissau and Senegal shall be excluded from this joint exploitation zone.
However, small-scale fishing from canoes shall be authorized within the zone and in those parts of the territorial seas lying
between 268° and 220°.
Article 2
Resources produced from the exploitation of this zone shall be shared in the following proportions:
Fishery resources
50 per cent to Senegal;
50 per cent to Guinea-Bissau.
Resources of the continental shelf
85 per cent to Senegal;
15 per cent to Guinea-Bissau.
In the event of discovery of additional resources, these proportions shall be reviewed, having regard to the magnitude
of such discoveries.
Article 3
Expenditure previously incurred by the Parties out of State funds for oil prospecting in the area shall be refunded to
each Party in accordance with its percentage contribution, under such conditions and subject to such terms as shall be determined
before the entry into force of this Agreement.
Article 4
The Parties agree to establish an International Agency for the exploitation of the zone.
The organization and operation of the said agency shall be the subject of a joint agreement to be reached within not
more than twelve months after the signing of the present instrument.
Article 5
Upon its establishment, the Agency shall succeed Guinea-Bissau and Senegal with respect to the rights and obligations
arising out of the agreements concluded by each of the States Parties relating to exploitation of the resources of the zone.
DOALOS/OLA - UNITED NATIONS
Annex 68
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Article 6
By the present Agreement, the Parties shall pool the exercise of their respective rights, without prejudice to legal titles
previously acquired by each of them and confirmed by judicial decisions, and without prejudice to claims previously formulated
by them in respect of non- delimited areas.
Article 7
The present Agreement shall enter into force upon conclusion of the agreement concerning the establishment and
functioning of the International Agency and with the exchange of instruments of ratification of both agreements by the States
Parties.
Article 8
The present Agreement shall remain in force for a period of twenty years and shall be automatically renewable.
Article 9
Disputes concerning the present Agreement or the international agency shall be resolved initially by direct negotiations
and, should these fail, after a period of six months, arbitration or by the International Court of Justice.
In the event of suspension of the present Agreement, or upon its expiry, the States Parties shall have recourse to direct
negotiation, arbitration or the International Court of Justice in respect of any delimitations remaining unsettled.
DONE at Dakar on 14 October 1993.
DOALOS/OLA - UNITED NATIONS
Annex 68
No. 32434
SENEGAL
and
GUINEA-BISSAU
Agreement on management and cooperation. Signed at
Dakar on 14 October 1993
Protocol to the above-mentioned Agreement, concerning the
organization and operation of the Management and Co­
operation Agency. Signed at Bissau on 12 June 1995
Authentic text: French and Portuguese.
Registered by Senegal on JO January 1996.
SENEGAL
et
GUINEE-BISSAU
Accord de gestion et de cooperatiou. Signe a Dakar le 14 octo­
bre 1993
Protocole d'accord a I' Accord susmentionne, ayant trait a
l'organisation et au fonctionnement de I' Agence de ges­
tion et de cooperation. Signe a Bissau le 12 join 1995
Texte authentique : franrais et portugais.
Enregistre par le Senegal le JO janvier 1996.
Vol. 1903, 1-32434
Annex 68
4
United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Traites
1996
ACCORD' DE GESTION ET DE COOPERATION ENTRE LE GOU­
VERNEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DE GUINEE-BISSAU ET
LE GOUVERNEMENT DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL
Le Gouvernement
de la Republique du Senegal
d'une part,
Le Gouvernement
de la Republique de Guinee Bissau
d'autre part,
Soucieux de develo_pper
davantage les relations de bon
voisinage et de cooperahon entre leurs deux pays, sont
convenus de ce qui suit:
ARTICLE PREMIER
Les deux parties exploiteront en commun une zone
maritime situee entre les azimuts 268° et 220° traces a partir
du Cap Roxo;
Les mers territoriales respectives de la Guinee
Bissau et du Sene9al sont exclues de cette zone d
1
exploitation
commune. Toutefo1s, la peche artisanale piro9uiere est
autorisee a 1 'interieur de la zone et dans les part1es des mers
territoriales comprises entre 268° et 220°.
ARTICLE 2
Le partage des ressources provenant de l'exploitation
de cette zone se fera selon les proportions suivantes:
POUR LES RESSOURCES
HALIEUTIQUES
Sol Po0R LE SENEGAL
501 POUR LA GUINEE BISSAU.
1
Entre en vigueur le 21 d&:embre 1995 par l'echange des instruments de ratification, qui a eu lieu a Dakar,
conform~ment a !'article 7.
Vol. 1903. 1-32434
Annex 68
1996
United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueii des Traites
POUR LES RESSOURCES
DU PLATEAU CONTINENTAL
es, POUR LE SENEGAL
151 POUR LA GUINEE BISSAU.
En cas de nouvelles decouvertes ces proportions seront revisees
et la revision sera fonction de 11 importance des ressources
decouvertes.
ARTICLE 3
Les depenses deja effectuees par les deux parties sur
fonds d'Etat pour les recherches petrolieres dans la zone
seront remboursees
a chacune d
I
entre e 11 es dans 1 a proportion
de sa participationJ dans des conditions et selon des moaalites
a determiner avant 1
1entree en vigueur du present Accord.
ARTICLE 4
Les deux Parties convi ennent de mettre sur pied une
Agence internationale pour l'exploitation de la zone ;
L
I
organisation et 1 e fonctionnement
de cette Agence
feront 1 'objet d'un commun accord, dans un delai maximum
de
douze mois, a compter de la signature du present instrument.
ARTICLE 5
Des sa constitution, l 1Agence succedera a la Guinee
Bissau et au Senegal dans les droits et les obligations
decou 1 ant des Accoras cone 1 us par chacun des deux Etats et
relatifs a 1 'exploitation des ressources de la zone.
ARTICLE 6
Par cet Accord
1 1 es Part.i es mettent en commun
1
1
exercice de leurs droits respectifs, ceci est sans pre1udice
de titres juridiques anterieurement acquis par chacune d elles
et confirmes par deeisi'ons judiciaires, ainsi que des
pretentions anterieurement formulees par elles relativement aux
espaces non delimites.
Vol. 1903, 1-32434
Annex 68
6
United Nations - Treaty Series • Nations Unies - Recueil des Traites
1996
ARTICLE 7
Le present Accord entrera en vi $Ueur des 1 a
conclusion de 1 'Accord relatif a la creation et au
fonctionnement
de l'Ag_ence internationale et avec l'echange des
instruments de ratification des deux Accords par les deux
Etats.
ARTICLE 8
Cet Accord est en vi gueur eendant une peri ode de 20
ans renouvelable par tacite reconduct1on.
ARTICLE 9
Les differends concernant le present Accord ainsi que
1 'Accord sur 1 'Agence internati ona 1 e seront reso 1 us dans une
premi ere phase par voi e de negoci ati ons di rectes et, en cas
d'echec, au terme d'un delai de six mois, par arbitrage ou par
la Cour Internationale de Justice.
En cas de suspension du present Accord ou a son
terme1 les deux Etats auront recours a la negociation directe,
l 1arb1trage ou a la Cour Internationale de Justice pour la
Partie des delimitations non reglees.-
FAIT a Dakar, le 14 octobre 1993.
Pour le Gouvernement
de la Republique du Senegal :
Pour le Gouvernement
de la Republique de Guinee-Bissau :
✓---­
fr1-
f
ABDOUDIOUF
J OAO BERNARDO VIEIREA
President de la Republique
President de la Republique
Vol. 1903, 1-32434
Annex 69
U.N. General Assembly, 51st Session, Agenda item 9, U.N. Doc. A/51/PV.19 (2 Oct. 1996)
Annex 69
United Nations
A/51/PV.19
General Assembly
Official Records
Fifty-first Session
19th plenary meeting
Wednesday, 2 October 1996, 3 p.m.
New York
President:
Mr. Razali Ismail . ................................................................. (Malaysia)
The meeting was called to order at 3.05 p.m.
Agenda item 119 (continued)
Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the
expenses of the United Nations (Article 19 of the
Charter) (A/51/366/Add.2)
The President: In a letter contained in document
General Assembly at its fifty-first session. We are
confident that you will lead the work of the Assembly to
success. I cannot fail to pay tribute to your predecessor,
Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral of Portugal, for his
leadership during the Assembly’s historic fiftieth session.
I would also like to express our appreciation to
His Excellency the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros
Boutros-Ghali, for his tireless efforts in the service of the
purposes of the United Nations in the maintenance of
international peace and security and the achievement of
its lofty ideals.
A/51/366/Add.2, the Secretary-General informs the
President of the General Assembly that, since the issuance
of his communications dated 17 and 20 September 1996,
Equatorial Guinea has made the necessary payment to
reduce its arrears below the amount specified in Article 19
of the Charter.
A series of internal conflicts and explosive situations
May I take that the General Assembly duly takes note
of this information?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 9 (continued)
has threatened certain States. The world faces ethnic
extremism and national conflicts caused by mass
migrations, flows of refugees, environment deterioration
and natural disasters. Such problems have not been met
with the rapid economic and political changes that would
form the cornerstone of the new international order to
which the whole world aspires. A complete vision of that
order, its rules and means, has not yet materialized. We
should all work towards an international system that is
just, balanced and comprehensive.
General debate
The vital and effective role played by the United
The President: I call now on His Excellency Sheikh
Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabr Al-Thani, Minister for Foreign
Affairs of Qatar.
Mr. Al-Thani (Qatar) (interpretation from Arabic): It
Nations in dealing with international issues, in the
maintenance of international peace and security and in
other areas, the value of which cannot be denied or
underestimated for the establishment of the principles of
that international system, requires reform of the United
Nations if we are to achieve the desired results. Reform
should begin with reactivating the General Assembly to
gives me pleasure, Sir, to extend to you our sincere
congratulations on your election to the presidency of the
96-86365 (E)
This record contains the original text of speeches delivered in English and interpretations of speeches
delivered in the other languages. Corrections should be submitted to original speeches only. They
should be incorporated in a copy of the record and be sent under the signature of a member of the
delegation concerned, within one month of the date of the meeting, to the Chief of the Verbatim
Reporting Service, Room C-178. Corrections will be issued after the end of the session in a
consolidated corrigendum.
Annex 69
General Assembly
19th plenary meeting
Fifty-first session
2 October 1996
enable it to act effectively in a manner that would enhance
its credibility in the eyes of world public opinion.
We have also mentioned the need to reform the
Security Council and increase its effectiveness in a manner
that would reflect the geographic, economic and political
situation of certain States, in a manner that would reflect
the new international order, and would equip the Council to
bear its heavy responsibilities.
The task of maintaining international peace and
We associate ourselves with our brothers in the Gulf
Cooperation Council and other friendly States in the quest
to promote peace and security in the Gulf region, due to
its vital importance to the whole world. We are also
making tireless efforts to establish friendly and
constructive relations with all States of the region, based
on good-neighbourliness, mutual respect, non-interference
in the internal affairs of other States, respect for
legitimacy and the solution of conflicts through dialogue,
mediation or international law through the International
Court of Justice.
security is particularly important at a time of international
change; the international community should take steps to
On the basis of this principle, we support the attempt
deploy early preventive measures, since this is the best way
to find such a solution to the dispute between the United
to avoid the eruption and conflagration of conflicts, instead
of resorting to political or military measures to end them,
which can only lead to incomplete and unjust solutions.
Therefore, it is important to reiterate the vital and effective
role that could be played by regional organizations in the
context of the maintenance of international peace and
security in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter.
Cooperation between the United Nations and other
Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran on the
islands of Abu Musa and Lesser and Greater Tunb. We
have expressed our great satisfaction at the agreement
signed between the Republic of Yemen and Eritrea in
Paris last month regarding the peaceful settlement of the
dispute over Greater Hanish through international
mediation and arbitration, peacefully and in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations and international
law, in a manner that will serve the security and stability
of the Red Sea region and promote bilateral relations,
good-neighbourliness and common interests between those
two countries and bolster international peace and security.
At the same time, we would like to express our
appreciation to the friendly Government of France for its
efforts towards a peaceful settlement of this dispute.
regional organizations such as the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe, the Organization of African
Unity, the League of Arab States and the Organization of
the Islamic Conference should be promoted, since
preventive diplomacy and early warning are the best way to
prevent conflicts from erupting and to find peaceful
solutions.
The State of Qatar has expressed its brotherly
The question of disarmament is of great importance in
feelings and sympathy with the people of Iraq, who are
living under extremely difficult conditions due to the
sanctions imposed on them. On the basis of that, we have
welcomed the oil-for-food agreement between Iraq and
the United Nations regarding the application of Security
Council resolution 986 (1995), since this would mitigate
the suffering of the Iraqi people and enable them to meet
their need for food and medication. We call upon the
United Nations to create the conditions necessary for
implementation of that resolution.
terms of the establishment of international peace and
security. It can be achieved only by curbing the arms race
and, in particular, the race in weapons of mass destruction.
We believe that the indefinite extension of the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) requires
more support and ratification by all States to give the
Treaty a global character. The State of Qatar reaffirms the
need for Israel to join the NPT and to place its nuclear
facilities under the safeguards system of the International
Atomic Energy Agency as an initial step towards
establishing a Middle East free from nuclear weapons and
weapons of mass destruction. We believe that the interests
of the stability and security of the region should compel
Israel to do this.
We would also like to reaffirm our commitment to
The State of Qatar, on the basis of the wise approach
the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, and the principle
of non-interference in its internal affairs. Yet at the same
time, Iraq is required fully to implement all Security
Council resolutions, which should stay within the context
of international legitimacy and the norms of international
law.
of His Royal Highness, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa AlThani,
reaffirms its regional and international commitments
and undertakes to work through international and regional
We express our great concern at the suffering of the
organizations to promote international peace and security.
people of Libya due to the sanctions imposed on them.
2
Annex 69
General Assembly
19th plenary meeting
Fifty-first session
2 October 1996
We associate ourselves in this regard with many other
Member States regarding the approach followed in the
implementation of the sanctions, and we call for the
creation of necessary guarantees for the equitable
application of the sanctions so that international interests
are safeguarded and the suffering of the people as a result
of the sanctions is alleviated.
The State of Qatar has worked to promote the
achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in
the Middle East. We therefore took part in the Arab
Summit Conference in Cairo in June 1996, when Arab
leaders reaffirmed that the achievement of peace requires
cease without delay. We would also like to reiterate our
rejection of any attempt to change the demographic
character of the Arab city of Jerusalem or its legal status,
specifically its geographic and geopolitical status before
4 June 1967. We call upon the international community
to guarantee Israel’s implementation of binding
international resolutions regarding Jerusalem, in particular
Security Council resolution 252 (1968), since the
establishment of a comprehensive and just peace in the
Middle East cannot be achieved without solving the issue
of Arab Jerusalem and the problems of the Palestinian
refugees, who should be granted the right to return in
accordance with binding international decisions and the
full Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian
resolutions of the United Nations.
territories, including Arab Jerusalem, conditions for the
Palestinians to establish an independent State of its own
with Jerusalem as its capital, and the full and unconditional
withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Syrian Golan and
southern Lebanon pursuant to Security Council resolutions
242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1975) and in accordance
with the principle of land for peace accepted by the Arabs
and by Israel as a serious basis for peace in the Middle
East.
Qatar believes that the process of establishing
From this rostrum, we would like to call upon the new
comprehensive and just peace in the region is the only
strategic option and that the decision of the Israeli
Government to open a tunnel adjacent to Al-Aqsa AlSharif
is a violation and desecration of sacred Islamic
sites and a provocation of Arabs and Muslims all over the
world. It runs counter to the peace process, is a violation
of the Fourth Geneva Convention and threatens to freeze
the peace process and return the region to tension and
violence.
Israeli Government to continue its efforts to ensure a
successful peace process in the Middle East and to take
account of United Nations resolutions, especially those that
were the background of the Madrid Conference, and the
principle of land for peace, in accordance with agreements
already reached. We would like the Israeli Government to
reconsider its position in order to give momentum to the
peace process, to establish conditions conducive to
cooperation among the peoples of the region and to achieve
a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
From this rostrum, we call upon the co-sponsors of
We call upon the two co-sponsors of the peace process
the peace process and the international community to put
a speedy end to Israeli actions against the Palestinians in
the occupied territories in order to safeguard the rights of
the Palestinian people. We furthermore call upon all
parties to continue negotiations and implement all the
provisions of the agreements reached so far. We look
forward to a successful conclusion of the Washington
meeting and to tangible measures that would lead to the
permanent closing of the tunnel and the immediate
withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian areas.
and the international community in its entirety to support
the peace process while at the same time providing the
necessary economic and political assistance to the
Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority.
The Middle East region and the whole world have
The State of Qatar expresses its deep concern at
Israel’s continued confiscation of Palestinian territories, the
establishment of settlements in the occupied Arab territories
and the bringing in of settlers in violation of international
decisions, the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention
relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of
War and the provisions adopted at the Madrid Conference.
suffered greatly from terrorism. We condemn terrorism in
all its forms and have always supported international
efforts to deal with this phenomenon. We are committed
to promoting all initiatives to convene an international
conference on this problem. Our participation in the
Sharm el-Sheikh Conference was yet another testimony to
our interest in this issue. However, we would like to
reiterate that resisting occupation and aggression should
not be stigmatized as terrorism, since it is done in defence
of international rights.
These settler activities in the Syrian Golan, the
We pay tribute to the people of Bosnia and
occupied Palestinian territories and Arab Jerusalem should
Herzegovina, who have defended their entity and their
3
Annex 69
General Assembly
19th plenary meeting
Fifty-first session
2 October 1996
honourable ideals of tolerance and justice through more
than four years of aggression and genocide. We reiterate
our commitment to the unity of the territory of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, and to its sovereignty within its
internationally recognized borders. We likewise call upon
all parties to completely implement the provisions of the
Dayton Agreement and make efforts to bring war criminals
to justice.
social, economic and political problems and that attempts
to find effective solutions to these problems in accordance
with the high ideals contained in the Charter for the
establishment of a peaceful, secure and prosperous world
in which cooperation should prevail.
The President: The next speaker is the Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, His Excellency Mr. Álvaro
Ramos.
The State of Qatar welcomes the agreement reached to
put an end to the bloodshed in Chechnya, and we hope that
the parties concerned will work for the establishment of
peace and security in that region.
Mr. Ramos (Uruguay) (interpretation from Spanish):
Perhaps the term “globalization”, which occurs so
frequently in so many decisions nowadays, best describes
the international system which prevails in the present
Developments in the world economy and the new
prospects they offer, starting with the signing of the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the
establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO),
require further measures to help fragile economies to
develop and to give momentum to the global economy.
decade and which, under the influence of a growing and
close interdependence, will extend into the twenty-first
century. Admittedly, the term is not a precise one that
sums up the broad and complex range of supranational
phenomena that have been emerging since 1989, the year
that symbolizes the end of the cold war.
It is important therefore to reconsider the issues of
It is undoubtedly a term that is indicative of the fact
the cost of weapons and the settlement of disputes by
peaceful means, such as preventive diplomacy and the
provision of the necessary material and human resources.
The costs saved in this manner must be rechannelled to
assist developing countries to bolster their economies and
raise the living standards of their citizens. Assistance from
developed and rich countries should be used to combat
poverty and underdevelopment.
The issues of poverty, underdevelopment and
that today the cause-and-effect relationship in the
economic, political and even the cultural sphere
transcends traditional national borders more than ever.
Interdependence is today more pronounced than ever
before in history: markets, capital flows, research and
production do not coincide with the political map. The
industrial assembly lines of advanced technology ignore
national borders, often making it difficult to determine the
origin of a finished product, since its components come
from such diverse sources. The political boundaries of
States are no longer boundaries of economic production
and processes. The network of multinational corporations
has expanded to the extent that transactions between their
subsidiaries account for one quarter of world trade. In the
face of the fluctuation and volatility of international
electronic transactions, the central banks of the most
developed countries already have difficulty controlling the
exchange rates of their currencies or the level of interest
rates. The recent establishment of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) is seen as the institutional
culmination of this global trend towards liberalization of
trade in goods and services and as a force conducive to
interdependence.
deprivation also threaten the environment. The
overpopulation of our world has been a constant threat for
many years and can only lead to a deterioration of the
environment and to the spread of poverty in many countries
of the world. Huge resources are squandered on nonessentials
that cannot help to bridge the gap between rich
and poor countries. The situation is getting more serious
every day, and we should all be aware that a solution to
these problems requires a reconsideration of the
squandering of these resources in ways that do not alleviate
human suffering or even meet human needs in poor
countries all over the world. Developed countries and
international organizations should bear the responsibility in
finding the proper solutions to these problems to raise the
standard of living of poor peoples. The new world order
should not add to suffering and poverty in poor countries.
Accordingly, globalization, despite the various rates
We reaffirm our confidence in the United Nations and
at which it operates in different parts of the world —
from the slow, deliberate pace at which it proceeds in
countries with agrarian economies to the dizzying rapidity
our support for this unique international institution that
of its progress in those possessing advanced
bears the responsibility of dealing with grave humanitarian,
technologies — appears to be the distinguishing mark of
4
Annex 69
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Fifty-first session
2 October 1996
the post-cold-war era. This phenomenon increasingly lends
itself to the dominance of a system of echoes and
reflections between nations, of all manner of
interrelationships, which in theory should contribute to
international stability, since according to classical doctrine,
the risks of military confrontation are reduced when nations
become more interdependent economically and financially.
Nevertheless, recent events have revealed the contrary: new
sources of tension and conflict have emerged on the
international scene, as well as new unconventional forms of
violence and crime that affect world peace and destabilize
coexistence within and between democratic societies.
structure of the United Nations was built. This nation no
longer exercises a monopoly over international decisions,
and consequently is not the exclusive determinant of their
legitimacy. To some extent, this phenomenon may be
similar to that described as the emergence of the
imprecise State, found in a wide variety of non-State
political bodies or agents that have an international impact
through the intricate network of non-governmental
organizations and multinational political movements
whose proliferation is another sign of the new
interdependence, and which play an increasingly active
role in the management of the world system.
In this setting of globalization and interdependence,
Undoubtedly, Governments, as the executives of the
the United Nations — with its universal composition, its
agglutinative structure that brings together countries at the
most varied levels of human development and ethnic or
religious composition, its institutional capacity to act as a
point of articulation or a sounding board for all concerns or
aspirations that extend beyond the local, national or
regional level — would be in an ideal position to play a
leading and decisive role. In other words, this Organization
is the forum that, by the nature and magnitude of its
missions, should embody or interpret more faithfully than
any other institution these compelling, topical phenomena
of globalization and interdependence.
Yet, this distinctive role of the United Nations remains
political decisions of States, retain their essential powers
in matters of diplomacy, security, defence,
macroeconomics and currency. Obviously, the United
Nations, sustained by the will of Governments, has acted
and continues to act as a summarizer or synthesizer of
those various wills, without prejudice to the greater or
lesser influence of the military or financial powers of its
Member States. For this reason, quite naturally, the
activity or inactivity of the Organization depends on the
concerns or indifference of national Governments, or on
the way in which those Governments articulate their
consensus or disagreement. But other actors have also
taken the international stage, and they are not always a
part of the multiplicity of non-governmental organizations.
There are also ethnic groups not assimilated into an
externally imposed nationality, so-called region-States,
with growing links to the world economy and decreasing
links to national authorities, as well as religious
movements that transcend frontiers and inflame fanaticism
which, in some cases, has terrorist effects.
an unrealized vision. It must be asked, then, whether the
United Nations, an organic manifestation of the global
system that has taken shape in this decade, is capable of
effective, systematic action in preventive diplomacy. We
would take it one step further and ask what our own
national responsibility is, as a democratic State and a
founding Member of the United Nations, in strengthening
its role in the face of new challenges.
We therefore see a dual and contradictory process:
Although this may appear simplistic, it is possible to
conceive of war as a consequence of poverty, injustice,
overpopulation or poverty. But if these conditions have to
be eliminated before peace is feasible, then preventing or
restricting hostile tensions becomes a Utopian exercise. For
this reason, we believe that there is an urgent need to take
an up-to-date, modern look at how the United Nations
should react and act in response to the new threats to peace,
and at what its capacity should be to respond to the
phenomena inherent in the recent or current forms of
globalization.
globalization and fragmentation. On the one hand,
interdependence has given rise to an increasingly
interlinked world in which entities influence each other
mutually, and this in theory would be conducive to the
strengthening of political units and the formation of
mega-States or large regional blocs. On the other hand,
and as a consequence of the progressive impact of these
new actors on the international scene, fragmentation has
also emerged. Since its establishment, the United Nations
has seen the number of Member States increase almost
fivefold, and at present, approximately one third of these
countries has been significantly affected by insurgent or
dissident movements or Governments in exile.
On considering these questions, we shall certainly
come up against an unavoidable obstacle: that of the nation
For all of these reasons, which are associated with
in its traditional form and as the basic unit on which the
this dialectical process of globalization and fragmentation,
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Fifty-first session
2 October 1996
with the growing international importance of a
heterogeneous collection of new actors and with the
emergence of non-conventional threats to peace that cannot
be reconciled through traditional mechanisms of collective
security, we need to rethink our Organization and to act in
consequence.
With reference to the agenda for the present session,
and without prejudice to the statements the delegation of
Uruguay will be making in the various bodies of the
Assembly, we believe it appropriate to make a few brief
comments on some items of particular interest.
It is clear that the reform of the Security Council has
The restructuring of the United Nations is certainly not
a new issue. On its thirtieth, fortieth and fiftieth
anniversaries, efforts at revision, or rather at reform,
emerged, aimed at achieving greater efficiency in the
pursuit of its purposes. Unfortunately, however, the effort
currently under way, like its predecessors, does not go to
captured the attention of the international community,
precisely because of the post-cold-war changes I have
mentioned. The potential impact of the Council on the
evaluation, prevention or easing of international conflicts,
and the effective application of the principle of legal
equality among States make it necessary to have greater
the root of the problem, which lies far deeper than the
democratization or transparency in the decision-making
pursuit of administrative efficiency or the rationalization of
functions. If we evaluate the current efforts to restructure
the United Nations, we see clearly that in practice virtually
all of the reforms being studied have no more than a
procedural or formal impact, and do not make a decisive
contribution to strengthening the system, or at least its
substance, especially if we bear in mind that this
Organization exists at a period in history characterized most
distinctly by an accelerated pace of change.
process and more equitable geographical distribution in
the composition of the Council.
Uruguay has already expressed its support for
Uruguay fully and spontaneously agrees with the
increasing the number of permanent members on the
Council in the light of present-day world realities, but the
number of non-permanent members should also be
increased, precisely because of the need for greater
transparency and greater representativeness. While many
proposals for change have been put forward, we should at
the very least all agree that the Council’s future
composition should be designed so that the quest for more
representativeness does not adversely affect the Council’s
operational efficiency.
widespread aspiration for change. Like the vast majority of
States represented here, our country feels a deep-seated,
natural inclination in favour of any means or instrument
that, at the global or regional level, prompts or compels
nations to conduct themselves in accordance with law. For
countries such as ours, which are founded on the rule of
international law, it is essential to support any effort to
guarantee the legal order, the principles of law, and the rule
of law in relations among States. This is not simply a
rhetorical reaffirmation of our desire for peace or our
conviction that international law must prevail.
With regard to the question of Palestine and the
Uruguay truly takes the principles of the Charter and
situation in the Middle East, and despite the various
obstacles that continue to hamper the consolidation of a
broad and stable peace, it is essential that the international
community maintain its support for the peace process
initiated in Madrid in 1991. In the same spirit, it should
continue to encourage direct talks between Israel, the
Palestinian Authority and the Arab countries — as is
occurring even today in the United States — with a view
to achieving mutual recognition and the ultimate objective
of a lasting peace throughout the Middle East. We are
confident that the talks taking place in Washington will
culminate in the success to which we all aspire, and to
which they seem to be leading.
the purposes of this Organization as its own, from the
maintenance of peace and security — reflected in the fact
that our country contributes the largest number of troops
per capita to international peacekeeping operations — to the
recognition of the primacy of international law — reflected
in our being the first country to unconditionally accept the
compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of
Justice. Our position with regard to the United Nations is
thus consistent with our historical definition of ourselves as
a nation, a definition anchored in respect for international
commitments and strict compliance with the principles of
international law in all areas in which States bear
In another context, integration processes are
indispensable for fair competition in a world of
subregional blocks. In this regard, the countries of the
Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR) are
convinced that our integration process contributes to a
true liberalization of trade. MERCOSUR constitutes an
responsibility.
integrated, open process that has created economic zones
both inside and outside the subregion. Thus, impetus has
6
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2 October 1996
been given to association with other States of the
hemisphere, with other regional blocs and with countries
outside the region. But above all, MERCOSUR has
generated trade, both inside and outside the organization.
MERCOSUR is today a demonstration of open regionalism,
which affirms the commitments and, above all, the
teachings of the World Trade Organization.
Treaty constitutes a basic instrument for the reaffirmation
of the principles of international peace and security.
Still in the field of disarmament, we have repeatedly
There is no question that free trade has been and
remains one of the cornerstones of world economic
development, as was repeatedly recognized during the
Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT). For this very reason, we cannot endorse
voiced our opposition to the transfer, stockpiling, export
and production of anti-personnel landmines. Accordingly,
we shall continue to support keenly all initiatives aimed
at eliminating them, as well as at securing the immediate
entry into force of the Protocol adopted in Vienna last
May. Uruguayan contingents assigned to peacekeeping
Missions in Angola, Mozambique and Western Sahara
have been among the many victims of these weapons, and
it is the moral obligation of humankind to eradicate them.
unilateral efforts to effect the extraterritorial application of
domestic legislation and as a consequence of which,
whether by virtue of their letter or their spirit, a country
would be able to extend the applicability of its laws beyond
its own national borders, undermining not only the principle
of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States but
also freedom of trade, which is the very essence of the
World Trade Organization, recently established by the
international community.
Finally, we should like to close by referring to one
While our hopes for the establishment of
of the clearest and most tangible manifestations of the
phenomenon of globalization we have sought to describe:
the production, trafficking and consumption of illegal
drugs. This is one of the most tragic forms of
international organized crime, and its growing seriousness
is demonstrated by statistics from the most varied sources.
Its transnational nature makes it essential that the
principle of shared responsibility should be systematically
applied — without exception or unilateralism — to the
entire cycle of production, trafficking and consumption.
This is a tightly wound chain whose links include all
countries without exception.
representative democracy throughout our continent remain
as strong as ever, we continue to oppose the unilateral
application of economic, trade or financial measures against
a State for political purposes. The usefulness of such
measures for the rapid and peaceful transition of a country
towards democracy has not yet been demonstrated.
Please accept, Mr. President, our sincerest
With regard to cooperation for development, we recall
congratulations on your election to guide the work of the
Assembly and the firmest commitment of the Government
of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay to support you in
your activities.
that the countries with greater capacities to contribute
undertook to allocate at least 0.7 per cent of their gross
domestic product for that purpose. Yet there has been a
significant downward trend in contributions stemming from
that commitment in recent years, and this trend cannot be
linked to the financial crisis the Organization is
experiencing. These are resources intended to fight poverty
and underdevelopment and to create more dignified living
conditions for our peoples. Nor should we confine
cooperation to a vertical, one-way process; rather, we must
also view it in terms of South-South cooperation, availing
ourselves of our mutual experience to create our own
competitive advantages.
The President: The next speaker is the Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Guyana, His Excellency Mr. Clement
Rohee.
Mr. Rohee (Guyana): As the United Nations faces
the beginning of its second half-century and the dawn of
a new millennium, we look to the Organization for the
continuing fulfilment of the high purposes of its Charter:
the maintenance of international peace and security and
the achievement of international cooperation in solving
problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian
character.
A few days ago, Uruguay became one of the first
signatories to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
Together with other developments, such as the Advisory
Opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the
The experience of the past 50 years has shown that
these goals are not easily attained. The end of the cold
war has not meant an end to conflicts. The world has now
legality of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, this
entered a new era in which civil strife has replaced super-
power rivalry as the main threat to peace and security.
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We have yet to find workable solutions to many situations
in which conflict continues to prevail. At the same time, the
vast majority of mankind remains prey to poverty, hunger
and disease. Such inhumane conditions serve as a fertile
breeding ground for chronic economic and social
degradation.
many complex cross-boundary problems which it now
faces. States Members of the United Nations need to
come together urgently to see how they can enhance
cooperation in the various areas specified by the United
Nations Charter.
Among the immediate imperatives would be the
You, Mr. President, face the enormous task of guiding
us through this vast thicket of concerns. We are confident,
however, that your well-known diplomatic experience and
skills will lead us to new paths in the search for satisfactory
solutions. As a son of Malaysia, a country which has long
championed the cause of peace and development, you will
creation of a partnership for peace, for, although the
world has been mercifully spared another world war since
1945, it has witnessed a number of conflicts, both old and
new, which continue to proliferate and to sap our
collective strength. The causes of these eruptions are
often deep-seated and not easily eradicated. They require
undoubtedly bring to bear a sense of urgency to the
careful study and attempts at resolution. Invariably, this
discharge of the many responsibilities with which you will
be entrusted.
In so doing, you will build upon the efforts of your
predecessor, Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral of Portugal, who
spearheaded our thrust to reform and restructure the world
Organization in order to make it more responsive to our
needs in the post-cold-war era. He is deserving of our
gratitude for his labour during the past year.
will mean that the United Nations will have to go beyond
traditional peacemaking and peacekeeping to the increased
practice of preventive diplomacy aimed at pacifying
potential conflict situations. The experience of past
operations, both successes and failures, should be distilled
with a view to garnering those lessons which may be of
guidance in future cases. In this context, classical
approaches to conflict resolution may have to be
supplemented by new and imaginative ideas.
I would also like to pay tribute to the Secretary-
Over the past few years, we have together made a
General for providing dynamic leadership to the Secretariat
in these challenging times.
The special commemorative meeting held last year to
laudable effort to enhance the Security Council’s capacity
to deal with threats to international peace and security. To
our credit, we have been somewhat successful in making
the Council’s operations more transparent to the public
eye. We have yet to decide, however, on the major
aspects of resolution 48/26 on the question of equitable
representation on and increase in the membership of the
Security Council.
mark our Organization’s fiftieth anniversary provided an
excellent opportunity not only for reflection on its past
achievements, but also on its future direction. There was no
dearth of ideas and proposals for strengthening the United
Nations in order to help it face the challenges of the
twenty-first century. It may be useful for us to look closer
at some of those suggestions to determine their feasibility
for implementation. It is an exercise in which some of our
main Committees, our several working groups and the
Secretariat may profitably engage so that the thinking of
our Heads of State and Governments does not fall by the
wayside, unheeded and forgotten.
Mr. Wilmot (Ghana), Vice-President, took the Chair.
Ideas abound on ways and means of achieving these
My own President, on that historic occasion, presented
aims. Our challenge is to reconcile these so that a
consensus can be reached on reform. My delegation
believes that the various proposals now on the table, such
as those made by Belize, Italy and Malaysia, need to be
further examined to determine both their political
acceptability and feasibility. It is possible that, under the
right circumstances and with the necessary political will,
a reformed and more representative Council will emerge.
his concept of a new global human order in which the
nations of the world could come together in a creative
partnership for progress. This concept of partnership is
predicated on the belief that we all now live in an
interdependent world, in which, unless we learn to hang
together, we will certainly hang separately.
A more democratic Security Council will command
the respect and enjoy the confidence of United Nations
Member States. In time, they may be persuaded to rely
less on their own costly defence forces and more on the
No one nation, no matter how militarily and
collective security system provided by the Organization.
economically powerful, can hope adequately to address the
As specified by the Charter, the various organs and
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agencies such as the Assembly, the Council itself, the
International Court of Justice, the Secretariat and — under
Chapter VIII — regional arrangements, can combine to
form an effective bulwark against breaches of peace.
During the cold war, some of these organs were precluded
from performing their several functions. We must now seek
to endow them with the machinery needed for their full
operation.
With regard to our efforts to combat drug-trafficking
and abuse, we were pleased to participate in the highlevel
debate in the Economic and Social Council last
June. We urge further international action on the
measures agreed upon and also on the early establishment
of an international criminal court which, in our view, will
serve as an effective deterrent to drug-related crimes and
to other violations against humanity.
At the same time, we need to strengthen the
Having participated in the various summit
partnership against the proliferation of all lethal weapons,
nuclear and conventional alike. Following the indefinite
extension of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
conferences which have been held on the environment
and development, population and development, human
settlements, women and children and social development,
Weapons, we have the opportunity now to sign the
my Government is also anxious to see these agreements
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty which, while
admittedly less than satisfactory, nevertheless offers a
chance to proscribe the further development of dangerous
weapons.
fully implemented. We also look to the upcoming World
Food Summit in Rome to build upon these existing
commitments. Eliminating hunger and guaranteeing food
security to all the world’s people are urgent imperatives
for the international community.
Although considered less worrisome than their nuclear
counterparts, conventional weapons are no less destructive
of human life and property. With the ending of the EastWest
arms race, these weapons are being diverted by
producer States to developing countries, where they fuel
tensions and eventual conflict. These dangerous transfers
must be closely monitored and a serious attempt made to
convert the arms industry to development purposes. It is
time that we see a dividend from our investment in peace.
As a country which has suffered from the deleterious
In eschewing the use of arms, we must seek to
effects of colonialism, Guyana stands in solidarity with all
States that now face the formidable challenge of
development. We were thus pleased to participate in the
recent mid-term review of the implementation of the
United Nations New Agenda for the Development of
Africa in the 1990s. The results of that review gave
reasons to hope that the African predicament can be
overcome through a much-strengthened cooperation
between African countries and the international
community. We wish at this time to call on all States to
intensify their efforts to support Africa’s initiatives to
promote its development, for the success or failure of the
African Agenda will be the success or failure of us all.
promote dialogue, negotiation and development to remove
the root causes of all disputes and conflicts. The persistent
eruption of violence in the Middle East demonstrates that,
unless respect is shown for the fundamental rights of the
Palestinian people, peace will continue to elude that
troubled region. The peace process cannot, therefore, be
allowed to die since without it there is little prospect of
reconciliation among belligerents. Similarly, in the Korean
peninsula and, indeed, in all areas where divisions among
peoples exist, we must use our best diplomatic and political
efforts to reduce tensions and encourage peaceful
reunification.
These issues are at the heart of the wider and
Our security concerns have widened in the post-cold-
comprehensive Agenda for Development which we are in
the process of elaborating. The endeavour we have made
this past year to complete our negotiations on the content
of this important document, while significant, points to
the inevitable conclusion that we have yet to find the
level of political will needed for meaningful agreement.
We seem to be stuck in the confrontational mode set
during our previous years of dialogue. My delegation is
nonetheless of the view that, given the growing
interdependence of Member States and the globalization
of the world economy and society generally, there are
now sufficient elements to form the basis of a global
partnership for peace and development.
war era to other areas, such as the environment and drugtrafficking.
As a small State and member of the
Commission on Sustainable Development, Guyana looks
forward to the review of the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development, which is due to take place
in 1997. That meeting will provide us with an opportunity
to assess the progress made towards implementing the
The terms of this partnership could be drawn up by
commitments assumed both at Rio and Bridgetown.
mutual agreement of the parties, specifying both the
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obligations and the rights of each side. On the part of the
developing countries, there would be acceptance of their
primary responsibility for their development as well as the
need for good governance. The developed nations, on the
other hand, would commit themselves to supporting these
endogenous efforts and to assisting in the creation of an
international economic environment that would be
propitious to success.
Like the Lomé partnership that has existed for some
savings are used for social sector development. There
should also be a significant increase in transfers of longterm
development finance to developing countries by,
first, attaining the existing official development assistance
target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product by
mobilizing new and additional sources of finance;
secondly, creating a global fund by mobilizing resources
using new and innovative measures, such as the Tobin tax
and environment-related levies from which Governments
in both the North and the South would benefit; and,
thirdly, introducing measures to stabilize the international
monetary system and financial markets.
time now between a large group of African, Caribbean and
Pacific States and countries of the European Union, such an
arrangement would provide a fair degree of predictability in
its operations. Developed and developing countries alike
In our efforts to promote the concept of the new
would have the assurances of joint performance and
common benefit. Eventually, this partnership would form
the basis of a new and enlightened world order to which we
have all aspired for many years.
My President, Mr. Cheddi Jagan and the Government
global human order, we believe that serious consideration
should also be given to the establishment of a fair and
equitable trading system, including the provision of
reliable access to the markets of the North. Such a system
should take into account the special needs of small
developing States; ensure fair and stable commodity
prices; secure a renegotiation of the provisions of the
World Trade Organization, especially with respect to trade
and environment, intellectual property rights and foreign
direct investments; a reduction and relaxation of
conditions attached to future financial transfers; a new
emphasis on the expansion of production and growth for
sustainable development and a safe physical environment
in the south; the development of the social sector as a
focus of any new programme with emphasis on education,
human resources, health and the development needs of
women, children and indigenous peoples; and the
enhancement of efforts to democratize and strengthen the
United Nations and to restructure other multilateral
financial institutions to respond more effectively to the
challenge of people-centred development.
and people of Guyana are dedicated to the creation of this
new global partnership. We were pleased to note that
several international conferences — including the ninth
session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development at Midrand, South Africa, and the meeting of
the Group of Seven in Lyon, France — have fully
subscribed to the concept. We are therefore encouraged to
think that the time has come for the establishment of a new
global human order that would be based on respect for
national sovereignty, participatory democracy, socioeconomic
equality, people-centred development and the
realization of the economic, social and cultural rights
enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We know that
such an order or partnership — call it what you will — will
not be easy to create and will require the adoption of a
fundamentally new development paradigm which will bring
together all actors, governmental and non-governmental
alike, as well as multilateral and regional institutions, to
work together for economic and social progress.
In this regard, we must quickly resolve the financial
At a symposium which was hosted in August 1996 by
crisis in which the Organization finds itself. Member
States, particularly the developed countries, must honour
their payment obligations so that the funding of all United
Nations activities may be placed on a sound and
predictable basis.
the Government of Guyana, ample consideration was given
to ways and means of promoting this new order. In light of
the changed political, economic and social circumstances of
the world today, the conference agreed inter alia, that, since
the enormous debt burden continued to inhibit development,
serious consideration should be given to the cancellation of
the debt of the least developed countries; a significant
reduction in multilateral debt; and a reduction of the
remaining debt stock to sustainable levels for the other
These are some of the measures which my
Government believes need to be taken urgently by the
international community in order to promote global peace
and security. Admittedly, some, if not all, may seem in
the eyes of many to be too bold and far- reaching. Yet, if
they are not implemented soon, we run the grave risk of
jeopardizing the future of generations to come. We have
developing countries, with debt-service payments limited to
the moral imperative to act swiftly to prevent the further
10 per cent of exports, provided that 50 per cent of the
decline of our peoples and, indeed, of our entire
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civilization. Let us therefore resolve to make this fifty-first
session of the General Assembly a decisive turning point in
the life of the Organization and an opportunity for forging
a just and enlightened partnership among the peoples of the
world.
In that connection, we commend the Open-Ended
The Acting President: I now call on the Minister for
Working Group on the Question of Equitable
Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the
Security Council for its contribution to overall efforts
made on this important and timely question. GuineaBissau
is of the view that all related proposals of the
African Group, and other proposals such as that of Italy,
should be given due consideration.
Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau and of the Guinean
Communities, His Excellency Mr. Fernando Delfim da
Silva.
In a world beset by numerous grave conflicts, the
Mr. Da Silva (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in Portuguese;
United Nations is incontrovertibly, the best forum for
achieving the ideals which underpin its irreplaceable role
in promoting international peace and security.
interpretation from French text furnished by the
delegation): I wish to congratulate the President warmly on
his election to the presidency of the General Assembly and
to reiterate our trust in his qualities and skills, which will
help in conducting the work of this session. I assure him
that the delegation of Guinea- Bissau is ready and willing
to help him.
However, despite the ongoing efforts of our
We would also like to congratulate his predecessor,
Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral, for the devotion and
constructive spirit with which he carried out his duties.
We take this opportunity to underscore our
appreciation to and reiterate our confidence in the
Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, whose
initiative and personal involvement in the reform of the
United Nations system have made satisfactory results
possible.
Organization, peace and stability are still a dream in
many parts of the world. Conflicts and fratricidal warfare,
and the persistence of various kinds of serious tension
among States, have made innocent victims of entire
populations, causing loss of human life and provoking
massive movements of peoples and refugees.
Unfortunately, Africa is the continent most affected by
this tragedy. Angola, Burundi, Liberia, Rwanda and
Somalia are dramatic examples of Africa’s recent history.
My recent visit to Angola — which coincided with
my country’s presidency of the Security Council — as
Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of GuineaBissau,
Mr. Joa¯o Bernardo Vieira, demonstrated our
people’s long-standing solidarity with the people of
Angola and illustrates our unequivocal will to promote
confidence among the parties, which is essential to the
success of the peace process.
Last year, over 185 States met in New York City to
commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations.
This historic event was an excellent opportunity for the
United Nations to evaluate and assess the state of our
Organization in a changing world and to cast a glance
forward into the future.
In that connection, we should like to stress the
Today, as yesterday, a large part of the world’s
important role of the United Nations, the Troika and the
Special Representative of the Secretary-General,
Mr. Blondin Beye, in the establishment of the peace
process in Angola. We are convinced that the road we
have travelled and the successes achieved to date fully
warrant the confidence of the international community
and its continued support for the peace process in Angola.
Guinea-Bissau hopes that the reasons for the delay of the
full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol will be
overcome.
population — which, to date, has experienced neither peace
nor security, not to mention social well-being — place their
trust in the United Nations, the only institution with a
universal mission, capable of promoting international peace
and security and developing socio-economic cooperation on
a global scale.
We deplore the tragedy that is dividing Liberia, a
The numerous challenges and hopes which the United
country of our subregion, just as we deplore the ongoing
violations of the agreements concluded, which increase
the loss of human life and provoke new outbreaks of
violence. We are also gravely concerned to note the
Nations must respond to today are unprecedented. It is
therefore important that we make every effort to restructure
and revitalize the Organization, because the United Nations
is facing an increasingly complex international situation.
negative impact of the war in Liberia on the neighbouring
countries.
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We urge all warring factions to respect the new
implementation plan of the Abuja Agreement and of the
Liberian National Transitional Government. We also invite
them to cooperate fully with the Economic Community of
West African States Monitoring Group, the United Nations
Observer Mission in Liberia and the rest of the international
community in the search for a definitive solution to the
problem in Liberia.
The situation in the Great Lakes region, particularly
the situation prevailing in Burundi, is also of great concern
to us. We support the efforts of the United Nations and the
Organization of African Unity to avoid a repetition of the
region, including the State of Israel, and their right to live
in security within internationally recognized boundaries.
The tragic events of recent days have weakened the peace
process while seriously affecting world public opinion.
We urge the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority
to persevere on the path of dialogue towards the
restoration of a climate of trust, which is vital for the
establishment of lasting peace. We welcome the meeting
between President Arafat and Prime Minister Netanyahu,
which is an important step on that path. We commend all
parties that are contributing to the restoration of the
Israel-Palestinian dialogue, especially the Government of
the United States of America.
Rwandan tragedy in these countries.
The holding of elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina
As for Western Sahara, we reiterate our support for
the efforts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations
to organize the referendum.
Guinea-Bissau continues to focus special attention on
is a positive element in the resolution of this crisis in
Europe. We hope that all the parties concerned will
henceforth devote all their energies to the reconstruction
of that devastated country, to ensure a future of peace,
tolerance and development.
the situation in East Timor which needs a negotiated,
peaceful, political approach if a solution is to be found. In
this context, we would like to welcome the talks between
Portugal and Indonesia under the auspices of the United
Nations to find a just solution to this conflict.
The embargo against Cuba, whose repercussions
gravely affect the people of that country, must be
resolved through dialogue and negotiation by the parties
concerned, with a view to achieving a complete and
satisfactory solution.
On behalf of our Government, I reiterate our firm
conviction that the Republic of China on Taiwan should be
part of the United Nations on the basis of respect for the
principle of universality and for the legal equality of States.
Poverty, malnutrition, hunger and major endemic
The fundamental rights of 21 million inhabitants of a
diseases are a painful reality that affects a large part of
the population of developing countries. We welcome the
convening at Rome next November of the World Food
Summit, organized by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
territory under the jurisdiction of a legal Government whose
President has been democratically elected provide the
political and legal basis for the recognition of their right to
international status as a sovereign State under the legal and
judicial terms enshrined in the Charter of the United
Nations.
Guinea-Bissau is convinced that international
The reunification of China is a question that must be
security and stability depend on the collective struggle
against all the internal and external factors that force a
large part of the world’s population to live in abject
poverty. Indeed, the persistence of poverty throughout the
world requires an ongoing sustained effort on the part of
the community of nations and calls for a global approach
to resolve the major socio-economic problems affecting
the world.
resolved by the people of China itself. However, the
Republic of China on Taiwan is legally entitled to enjoy
international status before reunification — in other words,
its recognition as a State and application of the principle of
parallel representation of divided States.
The debt burden and debt-servicing gravely
It is essential that the Middle East peace process be
supported. We consider that any lasting solution to the
Middle East conflict must respect the inalienable rights of
the Palestinian people to self-determination and to the
jeopardize development in Africa. During recent years, as
was clearly demonstrated by the mid-term review of the
United Nations New Agenda for the Development of
Africa in the 1990s, our countries have become net
exporters of capital because of the financial agreements
establishment of an independent State, and must respect the
they must honour. Indeed, the amounts allocated to debt-
independence and territorial integrity of all States of the
servicing greatly exceed external resource flows. Guinea-
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Bissau is no exception. Overall, third world economies have
seen little improvement.
The Acting President: I now call on the Minister
for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Venezuela,
Mr. Miguel Angel Burelli Rivas.
The gap between developed and developing countries
continues to grow because of the slow rate of economic
growth in the developing countries in general and the leastdeveloped
countries in particular.We welcome the action
undertaken by the United Nations, especially the Systemwide
Special Initiative for Africa. My Government
continues to devote considerable efforts to the economic
recovery of our country, strictly applying the structural
adjustment programme agreed with the World Bank and the
International Monetary Fund. However, efforts to restore
Mr. Burelli Rivas (Venezuela) (interpretation from
Spanish): I would like first of all to congratulate
Ambassador Razali on his election to the presidency of
the Assembly and to wish him every success in his work.
It would seem that after half a century, the debate on
the meaning, importance, role and timeliness of this
Organization has become increasingly impassioned. It
could be said that the United Nations is on trial.
our country’s macroeconomic balance and the well-being of
our people should be supplemented by additional support
from the international community, which we hope will
continue to be forthcoming in support of our efforts in that
direction.
It may be that some of the criticism is justified. It is
Guinea-Bissau, an African country and a member of
the Portuguese-speaking community, welcomes Portugal’s
initiative to propose to its European Union partners the
convening of a European-African summit, whose objective
would be to promote a political dialogue aimed at laying a
new foundation for a new global partnership.
accused, for instance, of having a large bureaucracy, and
it is said that there is a proliferation of situations
requiring the deployment of military forces to pave the
path for peace, which is also a path riddled with war.
These situations came about without the consent of the
Member States, who must all bear their share of the costs.
This enlarged bureaucracy, added to the expenses of
military peacekeeping, increases the financial burden of
the weaker countries. Yet, it seems to be the strong
countries that most resent and denounce this burden.
Environmental protection and the rational utilization of
Nevertheless, to thoroughly assess and evaluate what
our planet’s natural resources are the responsibility of all
humanity. Aware of this reality, Guinea-Bissau has
designed with its cooperation partners a strategy for
sustainable development that respects environmental balance
and which can be considered socially viable and just. In
that context, our Government is making considerable efforts
to implement the recommendations of the Copenhagen
World Summit for Social Development, the Platform of
Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held at
Beijing, and the recommendations of the second United
Nations Conference on Human Settlements, held at
Istanbul.
the United Nations is and what it represents, we would
have to compare it to another such organization of its
kind, one that had brought together nearly 200 sovereign
States, led them by the hand through 50 of the most
enigmatic and dangerous years of history and remained a
point of reference when all the ideological references had
collapsed. And that other organization has never existed.
As far as we know, humanity has never lived
Respect for and the full exercise of basic human rights
through 50 continuous years of peace, yet 51 years have
passed without a tremor of generalized conflict like the
ones that once seemed to be cyclical. Even though
misunderstandings and aggressions appear on one
continent or another, based on deep-seated racial,
religious or political hatred, and leading to genocide or
local wars, we cannot speak of a conflagration, especially
when the will of the people of all regions rises above
these wars, committed to the restoration of peace.
are elements of freedom, peace and international stability.
Guinea-Bissau, a democratic country, is resolved to
preserve intrinsic human values, for harmonious and
integrated development. The United Nations is intended to
be the appropriate forum for finding concerted
comprehensive solutions to the major challenges facing the
world today. That is why it is vital to increase its ability to
prevent conflicts and preserve peace and to promote socioeconomic
development. Today Guinea-Bissau, more than
The international community, in varying degrees, has
started to review its greatest Organization, and it has
focused its attention first on the Security Council.
Fortunately, the creative imagination of States has
ever before, is determined to contribute to the achievement
suggested various ways to change it in order to make it
of the ideals enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
more representative of the new world realities and, of
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course, to make it more efficient. My country follows this
process with enormous interest, aware that the Security
Council will be the centre of balance of the world system.
In the meantime, this long period of relative peace has
untouched by democratic norms and mostly driven by
fanaticism. In countries where no one would have
imagined it, the danger of racial discrimination returns
like a nightmare. At the very centre of the most cultured
continent, we have witnessed a war and a genocide that
we would angrily condemn in Cambodia or in Rwanda,
and among countries that have been an world example of
tolerance and coexistence for centuries. The followers of
two religions that are virtually the same confront and
exterminate one another almost daily.
allowed for the rise of European integration, which is
perhaps the greatest political achievement of our century. It
has made possible the growth of daring and vigorous
technological civilizations in Asian countries as well as
understanding and growth in the Latin American region,
which today has become, thanks to this understanding,
humankind’s most promising abode. In this framework,
Venezuela has broadened its ties with and deepened its
At the same time, the conditions of exchanges, the
goals of good policies and the miracle of modern
commitments to the great causes of our time, such as the
communications lead to a free flow of trade, technology,
enforcement of human rights, truly representative
democracy, integration as an economic and political culture
of our modern era and disarmament as a guarantee of world
security. Tomorrow, on behalf of my country I shall
proudly sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
scientific models and human movement, both through
tourism and through commercial interests. All this is
bringing humanity together as a whole, using information
to express an impassioned interest that is beginning to be
widely known as globalization.
My country hopes that the criticism levelled at the
The Organization still has to overcome the
Organization will justify itself by leading to logical plans to
reform and revitalize it. Its success must be definitively
established in the implementation of human rights, in the
fight against terrorism and in the alliance to exterminate
drug trafficking and connected activities. A special session
of the General Assembly has been called on this latter topic
at Mexico’s urging.
prophecies and schemes of pessimistic traditions,
according to which natural law dictates the existence of
wars, diseases and other disasters as a fateful necessity to
regulate population growth and as an incentive to devise
technologies and scientific developments in the escalation
that Malthusians see in their observation of nature.
Peace is the primary purpose of the United Nations;
In his current report on the work of the Organization,
war is the recourse most commonly used by humanity to
try to solve imbalances and resentments. And we have
peace, ceaselessly troubled but always re-established as
far as and wherever possible. But we must remember that
war is the most chronic of recidivists, since greed and
ambition feed on it.
the Secretary-General refers to the territorial controversy
between Venezuela and Guyana. I must note that this
controversy lies within the framework of the 1966 Geneva
agreement signed by both countries in order to reach a
practical and lasting solution to this dispute. In a spirit of
dialogue and cooperation between the two parties, we
appealed to the Secretary-General’s good offices and are
now applying one of the mechanisms for the peaceful
settlement of disputes provided for in the United Nations
Charter. We are therefore surprised that this case is
expressly mentioned in the chapter on conflict situations.
We might say that what this Organization needs to
As a Latin American, I must recognize that, thanks to
solve universal strife, poverty and untrammelled
population growth is a human resource development and
systematic education project to do away with the fragile
ethics of our time and to teach all nations the art of
living — and living together. Fears, suspicions and
animosities are engendered by ignorance among people
and nations.
this lasting peace, my region, a scion of Europe, and its
creature in many respects, has resumed friendly relations
with its natural metropolis after 80 years of world wars that
had separated us and created a rift in the cultural patterns
that had governed us for centuries.
I speak on behalf of a country whose most important
natural resource has endowed it with power and economic
euphoria on the one hand, and plunged it into acute
psychological depression on the other. That resource is
oil, of which we hold the largest and most secure reserves
Of course, numerous threats linger on. The so-called
weapon-States that have the financial resources to spark a
in the Western world. Since oil legally belongs to the
regional conflict that can multiply and spread are still there,
State, as do all underground resources, the State finds it,
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processes it, sells it and distributes its revenues as services.
Little by little, the old agricultural country became used to
stretching out a hand to receive from the State gifts of
protectionism, subsidies, scholarships, credits and even
undue largesse, all of which used to come from the land as
a reward for labour.
unit, which gives coherence, pride and courage to a
society. Simón Bolívar, the Liberator of America, grasped
the whole problem when he said, “Morality and
enlightenment are our first necessities”. Perhaps the whole
world today suffers the same evil and has the same needs.
The United Nations, through its specialized agencies,
For more than two generations Venezuelans relied
is carrying out innumerable programmes, studies, trials
and experiments to solve the daily tragedy of our human
species. This is becoming more and more complex since
the efforts are aimed at an already deformed being,
incapable, therefore, of living in harmony with others.
exclusively on oil, disregarding personal effort. At times,
the State demagogically encouraged this dependency and
promoted idleness, thus leading to ethical complications
born of collusion between politics and the economy. This
is the deep-seated reason for the so-called Venezuelan
crisis. It is different from others because it is not economic
If we were to agree that the chain connecting home,
but moral, and can only be solved by a return to honest
behaviour and personal endeavour, which requires a great
deal of time and effort.
This is what the Administration of President Rafael
primary school, secondary school, university, and life
broke down some time ago, and that it is missing its first
link, without which all else is pointless and without
foundation, we would invest at the very roots of human
life the economic and scientific resources needed to form
human beings from the start, enabling them to grow,
endowed with the values that would make them citizens.
Caldera is striving for. After trying to reverse the enormous
evils he inherited, using measures that were not too harmful
economically for the weakest sector, on 15 April, he
decided to open up the economy and incorporate prevailing
market economy values through the Venezuelan Agenda.
He was careful, however, to establish a programme to
absorb the enormous shock this opening causes
transitionally on the majorities accustomed to the old State
paternalism. After a brief period, we are emerging from this
unique crisis, which cannot be and could not have been
resolved by a simple decree, as other crises, since it
required and still requires a change in habits in order for
people to learn to be self-sufficient. The case of Venezuela
could recur in other countries characterized by State
paternalism.
Latin America, born unaware of racial hatred,
religious conflicts and territorial greed, with an indivisible
spirit made up of a combination of influences that move
in the same direction on the freest and broadest of stages,
is hurt by the fact that its real problems today are social
ones, brought on by the error of political regimes that
ignored the discipline of education or doubted its
undeniable primacy.
Democracy has taken root in Latin America as in no
If we look closely at the so-called social crisis that all
other part of the universe as a consequence of political
desire. Nevertheless, we are not satisfied, because
democracy must mean the eradication of age-old ills and
constitute, more than merely a system to elect
governments, a cogent civilization.
Latin American countries suffer, we can see it is due to a
lack of training. We used to say that education was the
universal solution to all problems, and it is. But at a time
when Latin American society has become unhinged because
of peasant migrations undoing the social and moral order,
with the ensuing marginalization brought about by a change
in customs leading to the degradation of the family, both
education and training are absolute necessities.
We aspire to a democracy transparent in its conduct
The breakdown of the traditional home deprives
and effective in its achievements to continue offering it as
an alternative to the ancient dictatorships. This explains
my country’s perseverance in attaining an honest and
clean democracy. In this regard, we have proposed a
convention against corruption, which has been approved
at the hemispheric level. Strangely enough, it would be
the first of its kind in the world, which goes to show how
strongly entrenched this vice is: it has gone unpunished
by dictatorships and democracies alike throughout time
and around the world.
people of the essential ethical values that used to be learned
from the mother. Nowadays, the State must replace the
home and the mother, in preparing the inner self of its
citizens. It is evident, therefore, that training and education
are of primary importance since the human being’s inner
The day is not distant when this instrument, limited
self must be strengthened in order to rebuild the family
now to our hemisphere, will encompass our whole
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Organization, since the crime it prosecutes is not
exclusively American but takes root in many countries on
all continents. During the last substantive session of the
Economic and Social Council, Venezuela, together with
Argentina, the United States and other countries, sponsored
a United Nations declaration on corruption and bribery in
transnational commercial activities, which is clear proof that
the fight against unpunished corruption prospers in the
world.
The Acting President: I now call on His Excellency
Mr. Koffi Panou, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Cooperation of the Togolese Republic.
Mr. Panou (Togo) (interpretation from French):
If the United Nations, aware that the key to universal
change lies in training and education, were to inspire and
lead an in-depth study of what makes a human being, of the
First of all, I would like to express to the President my
sincere and warm congratulations upon his election to the
presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-first
session. My delegation is convinced that his skills, his
perfect mastery of international issues and his unstinting
efforts will bring the work of our session to a satisfactory
conclusion. In the same context, I would like to assure
him of my delegation’s readiness to cooperate with him
way societies that break into conflict or serve as models for
in the discharge of his lofty mission.
others are defined by the sum of their members; if the
United Nations were to use the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to add a
universal teaching component to all its cooperation
programmes, then the true ethical and human redemption of
society would begin.
It is also a pleasure for me to commend the
remarkable work done by his predecessor, Mr. Diogo
Freitas do Amaral, who stamped the fiftieth session with
the seal of his effectiveness and dedication. I pay tribute
to him on behalf of my delegation.
Free of prejudice and with sufficient resources, Latin
I would also like to congratulate Secretary-General
America, a melting pot of customs and races, could serve
as a laboratory to show how the human species can
straighten its spine of ethics, which has been so twisted in
so many places. Our America as a whole is a welcoming
place for peace, since there are no elements of unease or
insecurity other than social asymmetries — not the
asymmetries of blood-lines, but those of dire poverty, born
of the incapacity to transform and distribute our plentiful
natural resources.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali for the noteworthy way in which
he has devoted his energies to the achievement of the
objectives of our Organization and to enhancing day by
day its credibility. He has all the respect of the Togolese
delegation.
The economic, political and social context of this
We are living a unique moment in history. In a short
time, without violence, we have seen great empires come to
an end, the elimination of the cruellest jails of human
thought, the liberation of all wills and the opening of the
greatest opportunity peoples have ever had to reorganize
themselves in accordance with hopes and desires that were
long repressed or thwarted by violence of all sorts.
session hardly seems to differ from that of previous years:
the ongoing conflicts continue to take many victims.
Moreover, terrorism continues to have a great impact on
the world, and the burden of debt, with all its
implications, holds in check the development of many
countries, particularly those of Africa. All these
phenomena cast a shadow over the international landscape
and prompt concerns regarding the genuine advent of
peace, security and prosperity, to which all of humanity
legitimately aspires.
As Marguerite Yourcenar says in her biography of
It is in this context that Togo has endeavoured to
Hadrian, referring to the religious perplexity of the great
Emperor: in his lifetime the old gods no longer existed and
Christ had not yet arrived. Humanity’s present spirit seems
to be similar: free, but still dazed and hesitant to adopt a
new order from a new mould; but, above all, free, although
at this fateful moment great leaders might be lacking.
consolidate the basis of a state of law and to confront the
imperatives of sustainable human development to ensure
the social well-being of its people.
Togo has begun the process of democratizing
The United Nations holds and reflects this feeling —
hovering between jubilation and disbelief — like a prodigy
national political life, and the process has had a normal
and encouraging development, particularly in the last
three years. The calm, orderly and transparent holding of
partial legislative elections on 4 and 18 August 1996
standing before the panorama of infinite possibilities of
illustrates the resolve of the Togolese people, with the
what we can create with the fertile dreams of our era.
impetus of the Head of State, Mr. Gnassingbe Eyadema,
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to move forward along the road to democracy, peace and
political stability, which guarantee social and economic
development.
Concerned over the deteriorating situation in these
Having learned the lessons of a difficult democratic
countries, the Togolese Government urges the various
actors to seek a peaceful solution to their disputes,
through dialogue and cooperation, so that their peoples
can at last find the peace and stability necessary for their
development.
transition, which ripped the social fabric and cast into doubt
the achievements of its development process, the population
of Togo is more aware than ever before of the need to
preserve and strengthen its unity. By doing so it will be
able to effectively meet present and future challenges,
ensure its prosperity and make its modest contribution to
the building of a better world. The President of the
Republic and the Government of Togo intend to continue
With respect more specifically to Liberia, my
delegation welcomes the bold measures taken by the
Committee of Nine of the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS) at its meeting in Abuja last
August, aimed at successfully concluding the peace
process begun many years ago. These measures,
to work tirelessly in this direction, in concert with other
accompanied by sanctions, attest to the determination of
members of the international community. They are satisfied
to note today that the people of Togo, through the hardships
that they have endured, have acquired a clear awareness of
self-responsibility. Thus, having supported the efforts of
their leaders for several months, they more and more firmly
reject political formulas and organization approaches
designed in other climes that have proved unsuitable in the
context of their history and culture. In the view of many
observers, the Togolese people, through the countless
manifestations of its political will, is cultivating the
authentic African democracy that we all desire.
the ECOWAS countries to do their utmost to find a
definitive and lasting solution to this fratricidal and
seemingly endless conflict.
At this new stage of the process, it is important for
our Liberian brothers to recognize the tremendous efforts
made by the ECOWAS States, the Organization of
African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations, and to
show good will in order to facilitate the effective
implementation of the Abuja Agreement of 19 August
1995, which provides the means to end this conflict and
to return to peace and to constitutional normalcy.
Last year the United Nations commemorated the
fiftieth anniversary of its founding. On that occasion, the
General Assembly observed in its Declaration:
With respect to the dispute over the Bakassi
“The determination, enshrined in the Charter of the
United Nations, to save succeeding generations from
the scourge of war' is as vital today as it was fifty
years ago.” (resolution 50/6, first para.)
peninsula, my country would like to pay tribute to the
Secretary-General’s efforts towards a peaceful settlement.
These efforts, which recently took the form of the
dispatch of a good-offices mission to Cameroon, Nigeria,
Bakassi and Togo, may help strengthen the interim
measures aimed at reducing tensions, while waiting for a
judgement to be handed down by the International Court
of Justice.
The many ethnic or religious armed conflicts that still scar
the international landscape confirm this view of the General
Assembly and demonstrate the magnitude of the task still
facing the Organization.
Togo is determined to work towards resolving all
Africa remains one of the world’s regions of tension,
conflicts by peaceful means and to safeguard peace and
security on the African continent. Thus my country and
its President are prepared to contribute to the restoration
of peace on the peninsula and to the normalization of
relations between the two countries. In the same spirit, the
Government of Togo hopes that the good will shown by
the two parties during the visit of the Secretary-General’s
good-offices mission will continue to prevail, so that the
desired goal may be achieved as soon as possible.
and our continent has been sorely tested by cruel conflicts
persisting in a number of States. The Government of Togo
deplores the fact that conflicts such as those in Liberia,
Sierra Leone, Somalia, Burundi and Angola have not yet
been definitively resolved. The huge numbers of victims,
refugees, displaced persons and the massive destruction
caused by these conflicts should be enough to convince the
parties concerned of the need to put an end to their
disputes, which could tire the patience and perseverance of
The persistence of these conflicts, which deeply
undermine our continent’s development efforts, compels
the international community in its efforts.
me to recall the proposal made at the thirtieth session of
the OAU conference of Heads of State and Government
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by President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo aimed at
establishing an inter-African force charged with keeping the
peace wherever it is threatened or breached.
We welcome the various initiatives undertaken to that
secure and internationally recognized borders, and the
establishment of an independent Palestinian state. At any
rate, it is important to achieve a just and comprehensive
peace benefiting all countries of the region, in accordance
with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
end to make this idea a reality, so that Africa, with the
support of the international community, might better
manage conflict situations, which divert the efforts of the
African peoples from the priorities of economic and social
development.
With respect to the war in the former Yugoslavia, I
Along the same lines, given the numerous conflicts the
OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and
should like on behalf of the Togolese Government to
heartily congratulate the architects of the Dayton
Agreement, signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, and to
express our appreciation at the acceptable development of
the situation in the light of the implementation of that
Agreement. We would like to encourage the main actors
Resolution will have to face and in light of the illicit
in that conflict to continue to seek a negotiated settlement
trafficking in small arms and light weapons, it is important
to strengthen the activities of the United Nations Regional
Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, headquartered
in Togo. To that end, it would be appropriate if the Centre,
established pursuant to resolution 40/151 G of 16 December
1985 by the General Assembly at the request of OAU
Heads of State and Government, could benefit from
adequate and appropriate resources so that it could fully
discharge its duties. In that context, I should like to
reaffirm that the Government of Togo, which attaches great
importance to this Centre, will do its utmost to honour its
commitments as the host country.
aimed at a definitive return to peace and stability in that
part of Europe.
Aside from hotbeds of tension, we must note that
The 1991 Madrid Peace Conference on the Middle
terrorism, which we condemn, is, because of its
pernicious objectives and criminal acts, one of the gravest
threats today to international peace and security. We
welcome the holding of the Summit for Peacemakers in
Sharm el-Sheikh and the recent meeting of the Ministers
for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 7 major industrialized
countries and of the Russian Federation in Paris. The
Government of Togo welcomes the various measures
advocated at these two meetings in order to energetically
thwart the activities of transnational criminal
organizations and their agents.
East and the Washington agreements of 13 September 1993,
inter alia, have sparked hopes regarding a negotiated
settlement of the question of Palestine and the conflict in
the Middle East as a whole. The evacuation of certain
occupied territories of Palestine, the establishment of the
Palestinian Authority, the repeal of anti-Israel provisions
from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) charter,
and the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, are positive
occurrences that bear witness to the progress achieved in
the context of the Middle East peace process. Togo
welcomes this progress.
With respect to the safeguarding of peace through
However, the difficulties that have confronted this
disarmament, Togo reiterates its firm commitment to
general and complete disarmament, and supports
unreservedly the efforts of the international community to
achieve that objective. In this connection, my delegation
considers that the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty (CTBT), opened for signature by States on 24
September 1996, and which I have just signed on behalf
of the Government of Togo, will undoubtedly contribute,
if it is accepted and applied by all, to a reduction of the
nuclear threat. This would allow the international
community to make headway towards the definitive
elimination of nuclear weapons, which is one of the most
ardent wishes of humanity.
process in the last few days, jeopardizing its normal
development, are a source of grave concern for my
delegation. The delegation of Togo is particularly concerned
at the tragic events that took place last week in Jerusalem,
which claimed many Palestinian and Israeli victims.
As the Declaration on the Occasion of the Fiftieth
Anniversary of the United Nations states:
Togo, which endorses Security Council resolution
1073 (1996), adopted on 28 September 1996, calls for
greater energy in the continuation of the process until it
“A dynamic, vigorous, free and equitable
international economic environment is essential
achieves concrete results. It urges the evacuation of all
to the well-being of humankind and to
occupied Arab territories, the existence of Israel within
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international peace, security and stability.”
(resolution 50/6, para. 2)
for it to take off economically, Africa must stop being
viewed as just a reservoir of raw materials.
This unanimous recognition of the positive effects that
At this time of globalization of the economy and the
a sound international economic climate can have on world
stability is absolutely accurate. The growing indifference of
a large part of the international community to the search for
appropriate solutions to the current economic crisis is
becoming increasingly disturbing. Indeed, while in the
industrialized countries the overall socio-economic situation
is experiencing positive developments and while the
disparities in their economic performances are decreasing,
we note with regret that the developing countries,
liberalization of markets, it is imperative that African
States become competitive in international trade. To this
end, they must meet the challenges of industrial
development through sustained technical and financial
cooperation with the industrialized countries. Moreover,
it is important that Africa not become dependent on the
exploitation of raw materials, whose prices are constantly
deteriorating. The pace of its industrialization must be
encouraged to accelerate through international cooperation
particularly in those of Africa, still languish under the debt
based on partnership and the support of developed
burden and have great difficulty in extricating themselves
from the situation they have been in for several years.
countries, development-related bodies and the relevant
multilateral financial institutions.
As has been repeatedly pointed out, the solution to the
In that connection, the Government of Togo, which
economic problems of the developing countries requires
radical and innovative solutions, inter alia, the cancellation
or appreciable reduction of their debts and the
implementation of bold measures aimed at promoting their
progress.
created and continues to strengthen conditions that favour
foreign investment in its free zone, inter alia, would like
to express its gratitude to both its public and private
partners and to the industrial development institutions
that, through their investments and various forms of
assistance, have supported its initiatives in this domain.
My delegation welcomes the efforts made so far by
creditors to resolve the debt problem. It appreciates the
resolve expressed by the seven major industrialized
countries at the G-7 Lyons Summit to take additional action
to reduce the debt burden of the poorest countries vis-à-vis
multilateral institutions and bilateral creditors that are not
members of the Paris Club. It welcomes in particular the
recent decision of the Ministers for Finance of the seven
major industrialized countries, at their meeting in
Washington, to alleviate the debt burden of the poorest
countries, up to a limit of 80 per cent.
The World Food Summit will be held in Rome next
November. The Government of Togo hopes that the work
of the Summit will meet with success and that the
recommendations that will be adopted there will help to
improve the food and agricultural situation so that the
needs of peoples in this sphere can be met.
Togo welcomes the United Nations System-wide
Aside from the question of debt, my delegation is also
Special Initiative on Africa, launched on 15 March 1996
by the Secretary-General. We see in this initiative a
confirmation of the commitment of the Secretary-General
and the United Nations system to give concrete reality to
the objectives of the San Francisco Charter in order,
concerned with other problems of development. Aware that
they are primarily responsible for promoting their own
development through sound and consistent economic and
social policies, the developing countries involved in
structural adjustment programmes have made enormous
sacrifices, which, unfortunately, have not yet achieved the
desired results. Thus most of these countries face serious
social problems, including endemic disease, hunger,
unemployment, a high number of unemployed graduates,
strident claims by its citizens and poverty.
inter alia, to support development in Africa.
At a time when the economic and social situation of
To confront and resolve these various ills in a lasting
manner, the international community must show greater
Africa is constantly deteriorating, it is important to duly
appreciate this Special Initiative promoting a partnership
between political and economic institutions and African
Governments. One of the Initiative’s good points is that
it deals substantively with problems and focuses primarily
on action towards peace, political stability and
development on the continent. However, in order for it to
achieve its objectives, the international community must
become effectively involved in its implementation by
solidarity and mobilize, together with these countries, to
making a decisive contribution to the mobilization of the
render them the necessary assistance. Moreover, in order
necessary financial resources, so that it does not become
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simply just another initiative for Africa. My Government
will devote the necessary attention to it in order to turn the
situation to best account.
The Acting President: I now call on the Minister
for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, His Excellency
Mr. Mohammed Said Al-Sahaf.
In today’s world, where nations are confronted with
Mr. Al-Sahaf (Iraq) (interpretation from Arabic): It
the paradox of fragmentation and globalization, the United
Nations, more than ever before, has a key role to play.
Thus, in connection with the severe lack of resources that
has brought the United Nations to the brink of bankruptcy,
my Government is among those which believes that no
reform of the Organization can succeed if the Organization
has to fight for its own survival. It is therefore urgent that
drastic measures be taken to ensure a stable financial base
gives me great pleasure to begin my statement by
congratulating Mr. Razali Ismail on his election to the
office of President of the General Assembly at its fiftyfirst
session.
I am quite confident that his extensive experience
and competence will definitely contribute to the
successful outcome of this session. I should like to assure
for the Organization and to put a definitive end to this
him that we are keen to cooperate with him and support
payments crisis, which has paralysed it. The principal States
in arrears should show the political will to help resolve the
crisis.
his efforts to bring the proceedings of this session of the
General Assembly to a successful conclusion.
In recent weeks, Iraq has been the focus of
In the view of my delegation, improved effectiveness
worldwide attention and interest because of the American
missile attacks to which it has been subjected and the
intensive American military build-up that followed in
preparation for a large-scale military aggression on the
pretext that Iraq violated Security Council resolutions.
of the United Nations is a must; but it is also important to
promote its democratization. We believe, therefore, that the
Working Group on the Question of Equitable
Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the
Security Council is proceeding in the right direction. Given
the present configuration of the United Nations, and as
noted by the Working Group, it is necessary to contemplate
an equitable and responsible increase in the number of
permanent and non-permanent members of the Council and
to strengthen its links with the main organs of the United
Nations and with the Member States, so as to enhance
transparency.
I would like here to describe our views on these
For many decades, thanks to the sustained efforts of
the United Nations, multilateralism has clearly been the
most appropriate framework for resolving problems relating
to international peace and security and to development.
The balance sheet drawn up last year, on the fiftieth
events. Iraq has acted in no way contrary to the Charter
or Security Council resolutions or to justify an American
military aggression against it. What Iraq did was to move
its forces on its own territories and within its
internationally recognized borders at the request of one of
the main Iraqi Kurdish factions in order to repel a
military aggression committed by another faction in
alliance with a neighbouring foreign country. This action
of the Iraqi Government falls within the sovereignty of
Iraq over its own territories and in the context of its duty
to defend its own people and repel any foreign aggression
against them. This is a right guaranteed by all
international covenants and laws. It is also a basic
responsibility of the Government of any country.
anniversary of the Organization, was encouraging despite
certain shortcomings. Nevertheless, much remains to be
done. Greater efforts are required on the part of Member
States, as well as greater resources, so that a reformed and
revitalized United Nations, better adapted to current
realities, can respond effectively to the expectations of
humanity as a whole.
The operation was limited, swift and carried out
In the discharge of the lofty mission assigned to the
Organization, Togo, for its part, will associate itself without
reservation to any initiative aimed at safeguarding
international peace and security and promoting justice,
without the loss of human lives. This has been attested to
by all observers, including officials of United Nations
agencies who were working in northern Iraq. T h i s
operation put an end to the state of civil war, in-fighting,
chaos and insecurity in northern Iraq and restored peace
and stability to that region. The United States, however,
tried to exploit these developments and to use them as a
pretext to carry out missile attacks against Iraq and
destroy a number of civilian installations, leaving many
human rights and progress for the benefit of all nations.
martyrs and wounded civilians in its wake.
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The United States Administration was not satisfied
We demand that the United Nations, the General
with its military aggression against Iraq. The United States
President openly announced, on 3 September 1996, his
decision to expand the no-fly zone in southern Iraq, which
had been imposed by the United States in 1992, from the
32nd parallel to the 33rd parallel. The imposition of no-fly
zones in Iraqi airspace is a use of armed force in violation
of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq. It was a
unilateral decision that had nothing to do with the United
Nations nor with Security Council resolutions on Iraq. This
fact was confirmed by the official spokesman of the United
Nations on 7 January 1993, when he said that the
imposition of the no-fly zone in southern Iraq was not
Assembly and the Security Council reject this logic —
which is based neither on international legitimacy nor on
the authorization of the Security Council itself — and
relieve our country of this injustice. None of the
allegations and pretexts put forward by the United States
to justify its attacks and military build-up against Iraq
have any justification in law, fact or legitimacy. They
should be deplored and condemned.
I would like here to express the gratitude of the
people of Iraq for the Arab and world reaction to this
aggression and the acts that followed, which were aimed
based on any Security Council resolution.
at violating Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The spokesman of the French Foreign Ministry
No one here is unaware of the suffering of the Iraqi
announced on 2 September 1996 that:
“There is no United Nations or the Security Council
provision defining the basis for a no-fly zone north of
the 36th parallel or south of the 32nd parallel. The
decision to establish these zones is a quadrilateral
decision by France, the United States, Britain and
Turkey. There is no provision by the United Nations
defining these zones.”
As the Permanent Representative of Russia to the
United Nations pointed out on 5 September 1996:
“This no-fly zone, from its inception, was not based
on any international legal foundation.”
people as a result of the total blockade imposed on them,
which has prevented them from satisfying their basic
human needs for more than six years. Conditions in Iraq
have reached such an extreme that it has become
impossible for the United Nations to maintain the silence
imposed on it by one party’s will, especially when
humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies
have loudly warned of the serious consequences and harm
of continuing the total blockade of Iraq. Infant mortality
rates have soared for lack of food and medicine. Disease
is rampant. The health, education and environmental
sectors have deteriorated. There have also been major
effects and regression in other humanitarian fields, in the
growth and development of which Iraq had been a
pioneer among third-world countries.
The Arab and world reaction to the aggressive actions
However, the United States of America, which has
of the United States has been one of rejection and
condemnation. The whole world now knows that the
imposition of the no-fly zones in Iraq is neither legitimate
nor legal and constitutes an ongoing aggression against
Iraq. It must cease.
been shedding crocodile tears over the humanitarian
conditions of the Iraqi people and their need for food and
medicine, stands today publicly and blatantly against the
legal, balanced and proper implementation of the
memorandum of understanding on the “oil for food”
formula arrived at by Iraq and the United Nations
Secretariat on 20 May 1995.
From the beginning, Iraq has been very clear in
rejecting the so-called no-fly zones unilaterally imposed by
America and some of its allies. America and Britain
insisted on expanding this no-fly zone and claimed that its
aim, as declared by the highest officials in the United States
Administration, was to protect United States strategic
interests in the region. I wonder: Is a State entitled forcibly
to impose such a situation on another independent State,
also a United Nations Member, on the pretext of protecting
its strategic interests? Such acts would cause the law of the
jungle to prevail in international relations over the law of
While the professional and diplomatic dialogue
between Iraq and the United Nations Secretariat managed
to reach agreements satisfactory to both sides, the United
States tried to put all kinds of hurdles in the way of the
negotiations at each phase, with a view to delaying the
finalization of the memorandum of understanding. Then
it started to set up road blocks, hindering the actual
implementation of the memorandum’s provisions in the
framework of the sanctions committees and in the
the Charter.
completion of the administrative arrangements needed for
such implementation.
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I would like here to provide some statistics to
Iraq has fulfilled all its obligations under Security
demonstrate the magnitude of the obstacles the United
States threw up to the process of drafting the memorandum
of understanding. It is well known that it took 50 working
meetings to complete the memorandum — 50 working
meetings — from 6 February to 20 May 1996. In the
course of this process, the United States presented 29
amendments to the provisions of the memorandum agreed
upon with the United Nations Secretariat during the
negotiations. Although Security Council resolution 986
(1995) provides for accelerated procedures to implement
agreements, it took 80 days to establish the said procedures.
During this period, 28 informal meetings were held with
Council resolutions in spite of the injustice they involved.
While these same resolutions place corresponding
obligations on the Security Council, we have seen no
movement by the Council to meet them. We feel, rather,
that the Council has abdicated its powers of control and
monitoring of the implementation of its resolutions. It
assigned that task to the Special Commission
(UNSCOM), which it entrusted with the implementation
of section C of resolution 687 (1991) and gave sole
responsibility to decide whether Iraq has carried out all its
obligations and deserves to have the sanctions lifted.
experts from the French and German missions; there were
UNSCOM has been working throughout Iraq for
five formal meetings, at which the procedures were
supposed to have been quickly completed and adopted. The
United States, however, delayed that adoption for three
more weeks. The United States remains to this day the only
party blocking the implementation of the memorandum of
understanding, and it does so for political reasons that
completely contradict its own allegations that the purpose
of resolution 986 (1995) is purely humanitarian.
Because of United States pressure and interference, the
nearly six years. It has sent 373 inspection teams,
comprising a total of 3,754 international inspectors, in
addition to its established staff located in Baghdad, which
is made up of more than 90 officials. The Commission
uses the most up-to-date scientific and technological
means and methods, which should have enabled it to
accomplish its mission and verify the results of its work.
Is it conceivable that this Commission has been unable to
accomplish its mission to date? Would anybody ask the
Executive Chairman of UNSCOM what has been
accomplished and what remains to be done? Is it
conceivable that UNSCOM has not yet been able to
destroy the weapons of mass destruction once owned by
Iraq? What has this huge army of inspectors been doing
all this time? They did not come to Iraq for a vacation. Is
it true that the documents and equipment which the
Commission alleges to remain but has been unable to find
constitute a threat to international peace and security and
require the withholding of its recommendation that the
sanctions against Iraq be lifted, even partially?
Secretary-General has so far been unable to implement the
memorandum of understanding. This is evidenced by the
fact that discussion on the implementation of a six-month
plan to provide food and medicine to the Iraqi people has
taken seven months. It is not yet complete because of
continuous United States interference and derailing of the
process to implement this memorandum. We believe that
these acts should cease and that the United Nations
Secretariat and Iraq should be allowed to implement the
memorandum as soon as possible and without further
interference.
Iraq has fulfilled all its substantive obligations with
The Iraqi people want to be able to satisfy their own
regard to the implementation of section C of resolution
687 (1991) on the elimination of prohibited weapons. I
would like to reaffirm from this rostrum, on behalf of my
Government, that Iraq has retained no prohibited
weapons, components of such weapons or documents
related thereto. What UNSCOM has been saying about
Iraq’s concealment of prohibited weapons, components of
such weapons or documents related thereto is based on
mere suspicion unsupported by material evidence. Those
suspicions emanate from American and British
intelligence services and their agents.
needs, using their own capabilities and financial means.
They seek the lifting of restrictions whose sole aim is to
starve them and wound their honour and pride. However,
like the people of Iraq, a proud people more than 6,000
years old that has given birth to human civilizations, will
not kneel before any threat nor surrender its sovereignty
and pride to those whose only aim is hegemony over the
wealth of peoples and things sacred to them. Iraq is only
demanding its right — guaranteed by all international
covenants and customs and Security Council resolutions —
since all the obligations imposed on Iraq have been carried
out and all the reasons for the imposition of these unjust
sanctions have been removed.
Iraq has asked UNSCOM to address these suspicions
in a practical, objective and apolitical manner. UNSCOM
is not a political body to be influenced by the political
goals of any one country. It is, rather, a technical
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Commission obliged to carry out its tasks in a technical and
scientific manner free from political conflicts and
antagonistic positions. We have witnessed in our dealings
with UNSCOM, however, that it tends to act out of political
considerations rather than on the basis of technical and
scientific facts.
beyond the letter and spirit of the Charter. It is, rather, a
United Nations organ that must abide by the legal norms
which constitute the legal basis for international
legitimacy, embodied in every provision of the Charter of
the United Nations.
Believing in the principle of interdependence and in
My country demands that the permanent members of
the Security Council — including the Arab Republic of
Egypt, the Arab representative on the Council and one of
the largest countries of the Middle East genuinely interested
in seeing the region free from weapons of mass destruction
— participate directly in the work and activities of
the common interests of all the peoples of the Earth,
based on the sovereignty, independence and common
concerns of States, Iraq has contributed and continues to
contribute to the strengthening of the relations and values
of multilateral international action. The poor countries of
the southern hemisphere are facing a series of attempts to
UNSCOM and in the evaluation of its work and final
marginalize, isolate and prevent them from keeping pace
conclusions. We are quite certain that, if this participation
is carried out quickly and scrupulously, the conclusion will
be reached, supported by evidence and convincing
arguments, that the substantive issues in this file have been
resolved as required by resolution 687 (1991) and that it is
now time for the implementation of paragraph 22 of the
said resolution.
We wish to point out that our most recent experience
with scientific and economic developments. These
attempts include raising trade and political barriers to
hinder these countries’ acquisition of technology and their
chances of scientific progress, thereby subjecting them
willy-nilly to an economic machinery that furthers only
the interests of the large industrial Powers or the rich
countries of the North. As President Saddam Hussein
pointed out in his speech on Iraq’s National Day last July,
the battle of the developing countries is the battle of the
southern hemisphere for freedom, independence,
development, prosperity and the enjoyment of rights and
justice.
with work carried out under the auspices of the United
Nations has proven that there is a problem with the
Organization’s structure. This problem is the large
imbalance that exists between rights and obligations, in
addition to the prevalence of the logic of force, which is
not in the provisions of the Charter. The machinery of the
international Organization has been used as a tool to
implement the foreign policy of certain international superPowers
and to divert the United Nations, particularly the
Security Council, from its natural path towards one that
clearly contradicts the letter and spirit of the Charter which,
as the organizing document of this Organization, forms the
constitutional and legal basis upon which the United
Nations must rely in all its practices.
President Saddam Hussein also pointed out that the
The provisions of the Charter dictate that the Security
United States of America and other international Powers
have promulgated slogans publicly calling upon the
countries of the South to develop their capabilities and
potential, allegedly in order to bale themselves out from
underdevelopment, poverty and deprivation. But when
Iraq developed its capabilities and potential and used this
development and its oil wealth to further its national
development and advancement and to enhance Iraqis’
abilities and qualifications, the people responsible for the
banners and slogans mobilized, under United States
leadership, all the forces of evil against Iraq and attacked
it with the bombs, missiles and armies of the 30-nation
aggression in order to destroy my country’s infrastructure
and one of the new pillars of development among the
countries of the South.
Council shall act in accordance with these purposes and
principles when discharging its duties in the maintenance of
international peace and security and in adopting its
resolutions, whose content and implementation should
conform to the principles of justice and international law.
There are restrictions that the Council should abide by
when adopting its resolutions, which should accord with the
purposes and principles of the Organization, so that
Member States are able to fulfil their obligation to accept
and carry out the decisions of the Security Council
resolutions in accordance with Article 25 of the Charter.
This places on the United Nations a large and
historic obligation to shoulder the responsibilities
entrusted to it by the Charter and to ensure the rights of
all peoples and countries to peace, development and
economic prosperity. The United Nations must be, as its
founding fathers wanted it to be, the international
The Security Council is not a world Government endowed
instrument for the economic and social advancement of
with the power of legislation and detailed implementation
all peoples, rather than an instrument in the hands of a
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certain Power that uses it to impose its hegemony on the
world by force and blackmail.
The statement made today by the Foreign Minister
In conclusion, I would like to express my country’s
of Iraq is no more credible than when he made it in this
Hall one year ago, or when Tariq Aziz made it two years
ago or three years ago — that Iraq has somehow fully
complied with the Council’s resolutions on weapons of
mass destruction. There is not a single person in the
United Nations or this Hall, and I would include even the
Foreign Minister of Iraq himself, who really believes such
a statement. However even the Foreign Minister did state
and therefore must recognize:
firm belief that the United Nations, through the strenuous
efforts of its working groups on the reform of its structure
and methods of work, and thanks to the good will of many
of its Members, will in the near future again approach its
true potential and capabilities to reject hegemony over it
and to accomplish the goals and purposes of its Charter in
conformity with international legitimacy and in the interest
of the welfare and happiness of all mankind.
The Acting President: We have heard the last
“The Special Commission ... gave sole responsibility
to decide whether Iraq has carried out all its
obligations”. (supra, p. 22)
speaker in the general debate for this meeting.
The Chairman of the Special Commission
A few representatives have requested to speak in
exercise of the right of reply. I remind members that
statements in exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10
minutes for the first intervention and to five minutes for the
second intervention and should be made by delegations
from their seats.
Mr. Gnehm (United States of America): The speech
we have heard from the Foreign Minister for Iraq is yet
another attempt to dress a wolf in the clothing of a lamb.
Before responding to the specific misstatements, I must
return to the basics. The nature of the Iraqi regime is well
known. This the regime that left hundreds of thousands of
corpses to rot in fields and swamps in two wars which it
initiated against its neighbours and in the one war it
initiated, and continues to this day, against its own people.
This is the only regime that has ever used weapons of mass
destruction against its own citizens, the regime that
weaponized such deadly biological agents as botulin and
anthrax, the regime that threatened to burn its neighbours
with chemical weapons.
The United States and all the other members of the
(UNSCOM), Mr. Ekeus, has constantly noted his
conviction that Iraq continues to conceal weapons of mass
destruction, the equipment and precursors needed to
manufacture them, and great quantities of documents
related to those programmes. A few members of the
Security Council were willing to believe Iraq when it said
it had turned over all documents and equipment. That was
before August 1995, when the extent of the Iraqi
concealment effort, already well known to UNSCOM,
became clear to the world. Since then, not a single
member of the Security Council has found this Iraqi claim
to full cooperation to be credible. Several times this year
Iraq has blocked access by UNSCOM inspectors to
particular sites where UNSCOM had good reason to
believe that prohibited materials or documents were
hidden and where it had an unconditional right to inspect.
For the fifth year in a row Iraq has spoken to the General
Assembly about closing the weapons file. Iraq is no
closer to achieving that goal in 1996 than it was in 1995,
1994 or 1993. That goal will only be achieved when there
is a fundamental change in Iraq’s attitude toward
cooperation with the Special Commission and respect for
resolutions of the Security Council. And once again
today, Iraq has refused to state clearly that it has given up
its intent to acquire weapons of mass destruction in the
future. Sadly, there is no evidence that there has been a
change in Iraqi behaviour.
United Nations, and most specifically Iraq’s neighbours,
know this regime for what it is. No amount of smooth talk
here today about international law and legitimacy can erase
that knowledge. By its actions, the Iraqi regime deliberately
placed itself outside the society of law-abiding nations, a
fact recognized in numerous Security Council resolutions.
The most important of these resolutions for the security of
the Middle East is Council resolution 687 (1991), which
bans Iraq from holding or acquiring nuclear, chemical and
biological weapons and the means to deliver them. The
Security Council adopted it because it agreed with all of
And what of Iraq’s other obligations, which the
Foreign Minister claimed unequivocally had been met? Is
this so? Then where are the properties and Government
archives stolen by Saddam from Kuwait? And where are
the hundreds of armoured personnel carriers, tanks,
missiles and aircraft stolen by Iraq? We know the answer
Iraq’s neighbours: Saddam Hussein cannot be trusted with
to the latter question. These weapons have been integrated
the possession of such weapons.
into the elite Republican Guard units of Iraq. There will
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be no change in the sanctions regime until they are
returned.
Since Saddam Hussein himself has never uttered the
And where is the information held by the Iraqi
Government about more than 600 Kuwaitis, Saudis and
other citizens taken by the Iraqi Government from Kuwait
to Iraq? Iraqi representatives to dozens of meetings
sponsored by the International Committee of the Red Cross
have spoken as eloquently as the Foreign Minister, but in
the last year they have taken no constructive action to
resolve a single one of these tragic humanitarian cases.
Again, not a single member of the Security Council agrees
with this claim by Iraq. Every 60 days, through 34
word “986” publicly, and has never publicly endorsed its
implementation, we assume he remains opposed to it, as
he always has been. We are disappointed that we did not
hear from the Foreign Minister a promise that he would
stop pushing the Secretary-General, who was again
attacked viciously in the Iraqi press today, to change the
administrative arrangements the Secretariat has already
prepared in order to implement resolution 986 (1995). By
contrast, the United States view is clear and unchanged.
We are proud to be one of the authors and sponsors of
Council resolution 986 (1995), and we wish to see it
implemented. The United States, like every other member
sanctions reviews, each member of the Council has called
of the Security Council, cares about the suffering of the
for Iraq to honour all of its obligations towards Kuwait,
only to be met with the deception and defiance that we
heard from Iraq this afternoon.
Iraqi people far more than does the very well fed Iraqi
leadership. We look forward to the time that the questions
raised by Baghdad’s reckless actions in the North can be
resolved and the resolution at last implemented.
I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight
with record to the implementation of resolution 986 (1995).
The way the Iraqi Foreign Minister has distorted even the
most basic facts about this resolution is an insult to the
intelligence and humanitarian desires of every member of
the Security Council. The Minister complained that it took
seven months for Iraq and the United Nations to negotiate
an agreement on implementation of Council resolution 986
(1995). Such distortions! The fact is that the Government
of Iraq bears the sole responsibility for delaying
implementation of an oil-for-food agreement for more than
five years. The Security Council first established such a
mechanism in September 1991, in its resolution 706 (1991).
Iraq negotiated the details in bad faith for more than 24
months before simply walking away from the deal. When
the Council again established such an arrangement in its
resolution 986 (1995), Iraq rejected implementation for nine
months before finally entering negotiations.
And finally, I must reiterate a point that I made
yesterday. Countries like Iraq try to evade their
obligations by attempting to redefine their defiance of
Security Council resolutions as a dispute between them
and one, two or three other States. But the truth remains
that Iraq’s obligations to comply are obligations to this
Organization, the United Nations. Iraq’s defiance of the
Security Council is a matter of concern for every
delegation in this Hall, but most especially for those
neighbours and for those Iraqi citizens who have
experienced first-hand the brutality of this Iraqi regime.
Even if Saddam Hussein opposes Council resolution
The truth is that the Secretariat of the United Nations
986 (1995), we favour its implementation, just as we
insist upon implementation of Security Council
resolutions 687 (1991), 688 (1991), 692 (1991), 707
(1991), 715 (1991) and 1060 (1996). Until Iraq has met
its obligations, the United States and the Security Council
will not consider the modification of the sanctions regime.
had informed Iraq in late August that implementation of
Council resolution 986 (1995) could begin in the first week
of September. Immediately thereafter Iraqi forces launched
a military action against the city of Irbil, causing a rapid
deterioration in the security situation in northern Iraq.
Mr. Abulhasan (Kuwait) (interpretation from
Let this be clear to everyone, by today’s date — 2
Arabic): Some who listened to the statement by the
Foreign Minister of Iraq may wonder why we have
requested to exercise our right of reply in spite of the lack
of any specific mention of Kuwait in that statement. My
answer is that my delegation would like to comment on
what was stated by the Foreign Minister of Iraq:
October — Iraqi oil could well have been flowing and
humanitarian goods already delivered under the terms of
Council resolution 986 (1995) had it not been for the action
Iraq took on 31 August. That is the only reason for the
current delay in implementing the resolution.
“all the obligations imposed on Iraq have been
carried out and all the reasons for the imposition of
these ... sanctions have been removed”. (supra, p.
22)
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That claim is not founded on present-day realities.
That claim cannot be believed by the members of the
Security Council, who every 60 days review the level of
Iraq’s fulfilment of all its obligations. After each review, it
becomes clear to all the members of the Security
Council — I repeat, all the members — that Iraq has not
yet fulfilled its obligations under the relevant Security
Council resolutions.
in the relevant Security Council resolutions. Our
continued call for speedy implementation of Council
resolution 986 (1995) gives evidence of our interest in
alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people. We renew
once again our call to Iraq to respond quickly to all
United Nations requests for the full implementation of
that resolution. Security Council resolutions are a legal
and political whole that cannot be selectively or partially
implemented.
With regard to commitments that are directly related
to Kuwait, allow me to recall the following. First, as
regards prisoners of war and detainees from Kuwait and
from third countries, despite the meetings held by the
Mr. Gomersall (United Kingdom): The version of
events which we have just heard from the Foreign
Minister of Iraq is simply staggering. In his statement the
Tripartite Commission in Geneva and by the technical
Foreign Minister has shown yet again the indifference of
subcommittee, which holds monthly meetings on each side
of the border, it has not been possible to close even one
single file. Not a single prisoner of war has been returned.
It is obvious that Iraq is benefitting from these meetings by
using them to demonstrate ostensible cooperation with the
committees. What the relevant Security Council resolutions
require is serious and complete cooperation by Iraq with the
International Committee of the Red Cross to put an end to
this humanitarian tragedy as soon as possible.
the Iraqi Government to the plight of its own people. He
tried to escape blame for the problems faced by Iraq and
its people, and to lay it at the door of others.
The responsibility for Iraq’s problems rests with
I turn next to the restoration of stolen Kuwaiti military
none other than the Government of Iraq itself. They have
known for a long time what simple things need to be
done to remove the sanctions, and yet they have
consistently refused to do them. Let us remember why the
Iraqi people are suffering in this way and the fate of the
efforts which have been made to help them. As the
preceding speaker said a moment ago, the word “Kuwait”
does not appear in the Foreign Minister’s statement. He
seems to have forgotten that sanctions were first imposed
following Iraq’s unprovoked aggression against a fellow
Member State of the United Nations. And even now there
are responsibilities to Kuwait under Security Council
resolution 687 (1991) which remain unfulfilled. These
concern accounting for missing civilians, the return of
property and other matters.
and other property, including official documents and
government records, such as the Emir’s records, and those
of ministries, including the Foreign Ministry. As for
military acquisitions — armoured personnel carriers, Hawk
missiles and other weapons — we have provided Deputy
Prime Minister Tariq Aziz and the members of the Security
Council complete lists of all military equipment taken by
Iraq. That information was also transmitted to Iraq through
the United Nations Coordinator for the Return of Property
from Iraq to Kuwait. In the two years since this information
was forwarded to the Iraqi side there has been no response.
To the contrary, some of this equipment, including tanks,
was spotted during Iraq’s October 1994 military build-up
against Kuwait and its security and stability.
Secondly, the Foreign Minister seems to have
I would like to say this: Let them put their money
where their mouth is. The body that defines the level of
implementation is the Security Council, not the Iraqi
Government. We once again call upon Iraq to release
Kuwaiti prisoners of war and detainees, to return Kuwaiti
property, fully to implement the provisions of Security
Council resolution 687 (1991) regarding weapons of mass
destruction, and to fulfil all its other obligations.
We want to end the humanitarian suffering of our
forgotten to mention that sanctions remain in place only
because of Iraq’s failure to comply with the relevant
Security Council resolutions, and most particularly the
failure to meet the obligation to provide a full and
definitive accounting of Iraq’s programmes of biological,
chemical and nuclear weapons. In claiming that Iraq has
fulfilled the requirements of Council resolution 687
(1991), he is simply misstating the truth — truth which is
very apparent from the clear reports of the Chairman of
the United Nations Special Committee (UNSCOM). A
year ago it might have appeared that the truth was near to
being cleared up. But then new information came to light,
which was admitted by the Government of Iraq and which
required further investigations by UNSCOM. Since then,
the pattern of obstruction of UNSCOM inspections in
brothers in Iraq. The only way to end that suffering is to
expedite the implementation of all the obligations stipulated
recent months has intensified the suspicion that the
regime is hiding elements of its earlier programmes.
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When all of this is so well known, the claim that Iraq has
fulfilled all its obligations with regard to Council resolution
687 (1991) simply strips the statement of all credibility.
terrorism? The United States must answer all these
questions before it can claim to be an advocate of
freedom.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister spoke of the suffering of
The representative of the United States claimed that
the Iraqi people, implying that this was also the fault of
anyone except his own Government. Notwithstanding the
problems regarding weapons of mass destruction, my
Government, with others, sponsored Council resolution 986
(1995) in order to alleviate the suffering of the ordinary
Iraqi people caused by the actions of the regime.
The offer of oil for food was made first in 1991.
we have created instability in northern Iraq. What could
be more absurd? Is a State’s restoration of peace and
security tantamount to creating instability? Has the United
States not admitted that it has mobilized thousands of
agents and terrorists to wage a civil war in Iraq to topple
the Government of that country? Those who support the
rule of law do not foment civil wars in other countries.
They do not interfere in the internal affairs of States in
Security Council resolution 986 (1995) was passed in 1995.
violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the
The Foreign Minister did not explain the delays by his
Government in accepting that resolution. When it was
finally accepted last summer, it would have been
implemented by now had the attacks in the North not
overturned the basis on which the Memorandum of
Understanding was negotiated. We wish to see that
resolution implemented as soon as the Secretary-General is
sure that the conditions permit.
norms which it claims to uphold.
With regard to the representative of Kuwait, we were
bewildered by his long statement on a subject for which
this is neither the forum nor the occasion. In our speech,
we did not mention his country, as he himself admitted.
If he wishes to get on the bandwagon that is his own
business.
My Government is not alone in having spent millions
The meeting rose at 6:25 p.m.
of dollars through United Nations and other humanitarian
programmes to assist the Iraqi people in this dark hour of
their civilization. Concerning sanctions, we will continue to
be guided by our concern for the security of the region, and
they will remain in place until the resolutions have been
dully fulfilled and the threat from Iraq to its neighbours has
thereby been removed.
Mr. Hasan (Iraq) (interpretation from Arabic): Allow
me to respond briefly to the representative of the United
States of America. First, let me remind him that people
who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Has the
representative of the United States forgotten that the
greatest crimes against humanity have been perpetrated by
his own country? Has he forgotten his country’s crimes at
Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Has he forgotten his country’s
crimes in Viet Nam, Palestine, Latin America, Cuba and
other parts of the world too numerous to list? Has he
forgotten his country’s aggression against Iraq and the
destruction of the infrastructure of our whole country,
taking it back to pre-industrial times on the pretext of
liberating Kuwait? Has he forgotten his country’s
aggression, less than a month ago, using missiles against
Iraq? Who authorized the United States to use missiles
against Iraq? What vital United States interests were
threatened by Iraq’s emancipating an Iraqi city from the
forces of destruction and evil? Where is the rule of law?
Where is the international machinery to preserve peace and
security? Is this United States not an illegal act of
27
Annex 70
Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Government of the Republic of
Venezuela, Joint Communiqué (23 July 1998)
Annex 70
PHONE t-0 . 005829763765
/Ju l. 27 1'398 02 : 23PM F
' JOINT COMMUN IQUE ISSUED BY THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE
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PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA , DR. RAFAEL CALDERA AND MRS. JANET
JAGAN , O.E., ON THE OCCASION OF HER OFFICIAL VISIT TO -( 1J.. ·
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VENEZUELA
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Caraca s, Jul y 23rd. 1998
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At the invitation of the President of the · Republic of Venezuela, Dr. Rafael
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Caldera, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Her Excellency
Mrs. Janet Jag~n. paid an Official Visit to Venezuela from July 21 to 23, 1998.
President Jagan was accompanied· by a high level' Delegation.
Durin~ her stay in Venezuela, the Pre.sident of the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana laid a floral wreath at the tomb of th~ Liberator at the National Pantheon.
The Guyanese President was also declared Illustrious Quest of the City of
Cara·cas and received th_e Keys of the City .from the Mayor.
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President Caldera conferred fh,e Collar Order of El Libertador on the
President Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The Head.of State of Guyana addressed a Joint Sesslon of the Congress of
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the.Republic o{ Venezuela.
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During her visit to Venezuela, th'e Presider.it of Guyana held talks with ·the
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President of v 'enezuela. ' They revie:,ved matters of bilateral, reg ional and
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international intere'st. At the same time, the mempers of the accompanying
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delegation held meetings with the_ir Venezuelan counterparts .
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Annex 70
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The Presidents noted that 1998 marked the twentieth year of the sign ing of
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the Amazonian Cooperation Treaty. They expre~sed satisfaction at the level of
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progress towards the instituti?nalisation of the Pro~Tempore Secretariat. They
reiterated their commitment for the principles and objectives of the'Treaty .
As neighbouring countries of the Amazon reg ion and the Souih American
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cont inent , both Presidents reitera ted the need to consol idate the ir eff?rts to secure
progres s'for their peoples while ensuring balanced hurnan and soc ial development
and the protection and perpetuat ion of the wincipl es of democratic govern ment in
the region . • ,
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Both Presiden !s reiterated the firm ~ommitment
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their countries towards
the preservat ion of democracy and respect of human rights . They undersc ored
their firm -adhe rence to , the principles of the sov ereign equality of States, the
respect of self-determination of peoples , and non intervent ion , as enshrine d in the
Charter of the United Nations.
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The two Presidents emp/7asised the atmos phere of cord iality and friendship
which has characterised the two countrie s rela tions , and th e direct dialogue
susta ined as a result of 'Preside ntial encounters over the la,st 'oecade .
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They also exp ressed {heir satisfact ion with the level of prog ress alta!ned in
bilateral relations, emphasising that this :,vas _thl:l result ' of d~nam ic contacts among
different off icials , at the highest politi cal , ecpnomic and •comm ercia l levels of both
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countrie s._ In that regard, both ,Presidents expressed thei r wish fo r the _expans ion
and deepen ing of ,n1ose relat ions.
The Presidents evalwa ted the ongoing pro~ess for a mut~ally sat isfactory sol_ution
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Annex 70
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to the territorial controversy ,which exists between . Guyana ·and Venezuela and
reiterated their firm commitment'to peacefully resolve the con\roversy . In this
regard, th.ey expressed their appreciation to the efforts of Sir Alister McIntyre,
Personal Rep;esentat ive of the United Nations Secretary Gener~! and reaffirmed
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their decision to cont inue to avail themselves of the McIntyre ~rocess , in order to
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reach a final settlement as called for by the Geneva Agreement. of 1966.
Conscious of the extreme . imp9rtance of sustainable management of Jhe
environment for economic and social development, both Presidents agree that
under the aegis of the McIntyre Process, Guyana and Venezuela will initiate
negotiations leading to and Agreement on Environmental Matters.
In an effqrt to accelerate the prom'otion of bilateral relations, the P.residents ·
agreed to adopt an integral and global approach to the ,bilateral agenda and to
establish an integral framework for consultation and cooperation: j
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• A High Level' Bilateral Commission headed by Ministers of Foreign Affairs,
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which, on a regular basis, will monitor the work of the Sub-Committees to be
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established in the, following areas:
Political CoosultatioA •
Envir9nment
Trade and Economic, Gooperation :
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Culture
Health
Agr iculture, Livestock and Agro-Industry
Transportation
Consular Matters.
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A meeting of Officials will be convened within forty five (45) days to finalise
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Annex 70
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the Terms of Referenc~ and w0rk programme ,. The date and venue will be
agreed upon through diplomatic channel s.
Acknowledg ing the importance of the deve lopment and rationa l exploitation
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of living marine resources, both Presidents agreed to assign techr)ical Wor king
Groups, through diplomatic channels, for the purpose ,of identifyin~ specific areas
for the explorat ion and exploitation of living marine resourc es. Th is includes the
establishmen t of joint ,enterprises ,for the processing and marketing of these
resour.ces. . .,
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Aware of the threat of drug traff icking and its related crimes , lh~ Presidents
acknowledged the need .to collaborate in this area within the Hemispheric Anti
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Drug Strategy. The·y agreed to give , pr iority status lo the meeting of. the
Guyana/Venezuela ' Mixed Commission' for the Prevefl tion , Control and
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Suppression of Consumption and 'Illicit Traff icking of drugs and other psycotrop ic
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substances .
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They urged that greater efforts be ma?e to pursue C9operation in the health
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sector and encouraged the relevar.iLorgan isations ·to continued jo int endeavours
under the programme agreed to by ihe t(.,,o countries, particularly in thd a,rea of
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malaria and other vector contro l diseases ..
Bott:i Presidents agreed , that, at the bilateral level, measures should be
encouraged for enhancing cooperat ion and exchanges between their , Armed
Forces.
Both ~residents expre ssed the .opinion that the fight . against crim~ requires .
joint action by the partie s, and that increase d cooperation between the po.lice
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authorities of both coun tri~s will result in provid ing protect ion and more tranquility
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Annex 70
to their respective' communities .
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During he~ visit, President Jagan met wit~ the authorities ·of the Venezuelan
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Investment Fund with whom Her Excellency exchanged views with regard to the
continuation ot' Economic Cooperation Agreements and the exploration of other
possibilities' for financing development programmes . . President Jagan also met
with the President of the Bank of Foreign Trade. The discussions included the
feasibility for a line of credit for the financing of exports of non-traditional
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Venezuelan goods and services. A meeting WqS also held with the Board of
Directors of Petr61eos de Venezuela, SA (PDVSA). Representatives of the
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Guya,nese private sector were present at these meetings.
The President of Guyana held a meeting with Venezuelan · and Guyanese
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businessme;, convened under the auspice,s of FEDECAMARAS. As a result of
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this meeting a Binational Entrepreneurial Committee was created.
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President Caldera expressed his satisfaction with the presence of the
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private sector delega
tion' that accompanied President Jagan •to Venezuela. The
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discussions with their Venezuelan counterparts augured well for the improvement
of the commercial and 'economic relations between the two countries, particularly
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in the promotion of trade, investment and the c,onsolid'ating of their institutional
links.
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Aware of the importance to their two c;ountries: .of educational and cultural
links, both Presiden\s agreed to give emphasis to the work of the Venezuelan
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Institute for Culture and Cooperation in Georgetown in the teaching of the Spani~h
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language and other cultural activities.
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Both Heads of Stale considered as favourable for bilateral relations, ~he
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Annex 70
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further enhancement of_ cultural activities which could benefit both communities .
They also encouraged the 'pr_omotion of youth exchanges between the two
countries , includi ng the system of infant and juvenile orchestras of Venezuela .
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Both Presidents expressed their satisfact ion with the decision adopted by
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the Heads of State and Government during the II Summit of the Americas he ld last
April in Santiago de Chile, to commence negotiations for the establishmen t of the
Fre.e Trade Area of the Americas , (FTAA). They expressed their strong desire for
special attention to b~ given to the needs and pecul iarities of the small and
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vulnerable economies as well as those of intermediate deye loping countries to
allow them .to-ett~dively participa te in the free trade process. , In that, context,
President Jagan pointed out that the establ ishment of a Regional Integration Fund
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would help alleviate the plight of the smalle,r and vulnerable economies.
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They acknowledged the ro,le of the 9rganisation of American •States (OAS)
in the Summit of the Americas process. In exchanging ideas on the subject of the
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Inter American Convention Against Corrnption, the Presidents · expressed their
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satisfaction with the advances made and expressed their' wish for the Convention
to be signed and ratified by all countries oflhe Hemisphere .
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In acknowledging the need to increase, the links between the two countries
within the framework of •the Caribbean Basin, the F,residents expressed their
commitment to ~upport the activities ot' the' Association bf Caribbean States. In this
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regard, both Heads of State were of the view that an ACS Summil should be
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convenea early next year to give further impetus to the work carried out by the
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Association.
President Jagan raoted with appreciation the attendance of President
Caldera at the Nineteenth Meeting of the Conference of Heaqs of Governments of
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Annex 70
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The Presidents took note of the progress being made by the CARICOM
countries for the' creation of a Single Market and Economy which would facilitate
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the removal of barriers to free trade amongst the countri,es of the Community and
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contribute to !he further enhancement of the integration process of t~e sub-region.
The two Presidents also maoifested their interest in identifying different
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ways to contribute to the economic growth ,of the region, through the expansion of
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bilateral and multilaterpl trade. In this regard, they were in favo'ur of facilitating the
negotiation ot ~
Free Trade agreement between CARI COM and VenezL!ela. •
They expressed their satisfaction with 'the ongoing discussions between the
Andean Community' and the Caribbean C~mmunity towards the negotiation for a
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free trade area between the two sub-regions. '
They reaffirnied ,their commitment to the eradi~tion of poverty and
unemployment. President Jagan took the opport·unity to reit1?rate the call for a New
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Global Human Order with universal, improvement of economic, social and, political
conditions.
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During her visit President Jagan , took the opportunity to meet with
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Guyanese .nationals residing in Venezuela.
The President of · the Cooperative Republic of. ~uyana expressed her
sincere appreciation ror the ·warm hospitality extended to her and her· delegation
by the Governm~nt and People of the Republic of Venezuel.a,.
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Annex 71
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Guyana (24 Dec. 1998)
Annex 71
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Annex 71
2
Annex 72
U.N. Secretary-General, Press Release: Oliver Jackman Appointed Personal Representative of
Secretary-General in Border Controversy Between Guyana and Venezuela, U.N. Doc SG/A/709
(26 Oct. 1999)
Annex 72
Press Release
SG/A/709
OLIVER JACKMAN APPOINTED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF SECRET ARY
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GENERAL IN BORDER CONTROVERSY BETWEEN GUY ANA AND VENEZUELA
19991026
The Secretary-General has decided to appoint Oliver Jackman of Barbados as his Personal
Representati ve on the Border Controversy between Guyana and Venezuela .
Mr . Jackma n will succeed Sir Alister McIntyre , of Grenada , who has acted as the Personal
Representative of the Secretary-General since I 990.
Mr. Jackman , an attorney-at-law of Barbados , was elected in 1995 for a six-year tenn as Judge of the
Inter-American Court of Human Rights . He was entru sted with many responsibilities in the field of
Human rights : from 1986 to 1993, he served as a member of the Haitian Truth and Justice Commission ;
and more recently as a member of the Barbados Social justice Commission and member of the Barbados
Constitution Review Commission .
During his twenty years in the Barbados diplomatic service, from 1967 to 1986, Mr. Jackman held
various positions . Among others, he was Pennanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (19841986),
Ambassador

to the European Community and Belgium (1981-1984) , Ambassador to the United
States and Pennanent Representati ve to the Organization of American States (I 977-1981 ), High
Commissioner to Canada ( I 97 1-1975), and Ambassador , Permanent Representative to the United
Nations (1969- 1971).
From 1961 to 1967, Mr. Jackman served the United Nations in the United Nations Operation in the
Congo as Chieflnfonnation Officer at the Economic Commission for Africa.
Mr . Jackman's appointment as Personal Representati ve of the Secretary -General on the Border
Controversy between Guyana and Venezuela will be effective on I Nove mber.
The Secretary-General wishes to expres s his gratitude to Sir Alister McIntyre for the distinguished
manner in which he conducted the Secretary-General 's Good Office s.
* *** *
* * * Conversion tenninated at this point {TRIAL version of software) . □
http ://wwwO.un.org/News/Press/ docs/1999 / 19991026.sga709. doc. html
3/28/2008
Annex 73
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (3 Aug. 2000)
Annex 73
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
f'.:XTF,RN !-.' Gl'\" ·\S>\
"Takuba Lodge"
254 South Road & New Garden Street,
Georgetown,
Guyana.
August 3, 2000
His Excellency
Jose Vicente Rangel Vale
Foreign Minister of the
Bolivarian Republic of V ::nczucla
Caracas, Venezuela
Excellency
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter number 000674 of
28
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July, 2000, in which Your Excellency has expressed the views of the
illusttious Government of the Bolivaria n Republi c of Venezuela on the concession
granted to Jilin Industries Guyana , Inc. in the Essequ ibo County of the
Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The Government ors Gu)'Eltm and people of Guyana are firm in our belief
and our established position that Essequ ibo forms an integral and indivisible part
of the sovereign territory of Guyana. Guyana reiterates that the boundary between
Venezuela and Guyana was settled by the Paris Award of 1899 and has since been
accorded recognition by the internationa l community. As such, no one can pretend
that this valid Award does not exist.
The Government and people of Guyana completely reject the notion that
the pursuit of our developmental objectives within our national territory for the
benefit of our people deviates in any way from the Good Officer process or from
the spirit of the Geneva Agreement
My Government conside rs that the section of Arti cle 5 of the Geneva
Agreement referred to by Your Excellency is not applicable to the concession
being discussed. Moreover, I wish to refer to the other section of Article 5 which
provides that in order to facilitate the greatest possible measure of cooperation and
mutual understanding, nothing contained in the Agreement sha ll be interp ret ed as
a renunciation or diminution by Guyana of any basis of claim to territorial
sovereignty or of any previously asserte d rights to such sovere ignty.
Annex 73
2.
The Government and people of Guyana consider that recent misleading and
inflammatory remarks attributed to high ranking Venezuelan officials concerning
concessions in the Essequibo create an undesirable atmosphere between our two
countries .
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's recent heightened posture of
threatening and attempting to discou rag e investors from invest ing in Guyana, is
indeed interference in Guyana's internal affairs - a position that is contrary to the
Charter of the united Nations, the objectives of the Group of 77 and China, the
Organisation of American States and the international community in general.
Guyana remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve
controversy. The Government of Guyana sincerely hopes that the Government of
Venezuela would cease to conduc t such activities that are clear ly aimed at
unde1mining the efficacy of the Geneva Agreement, the UN Secretary General's
'Good Officer' Process, and the Charte r of the United Nations and return to the
spirit of co-operation and friendship which had resu lted in the establishment of the
Guyana/Venezuela High Level Bilatera l Commission.
Please allow me to reiterate, Excellency, the assurances of my highest and
most distinguished consideration.
Annex 74
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Guyana, No. DG/2/11/2007 (15 Nov. 2007)
Annex 74
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Note No: DG/2/11/2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana presents its
compliments to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and has the honour
to register the Government of Guyana's grave concern about the following:
At approximately 09:30 hours on Thursday November 15, 2007 a Venezuelan
General led a party of thirty-six (36) soldiers into the Cuyuni River which, using C4
explosives proceeded to destroy two (2) pontoon s that were not in operation at the time .
At approximately I 0:45 hours a brown and green helicopter (registration number
YN 5499) flew over the area where the pon toons were destroyed and this was followed
by another helicopter over-flight over the same area at approximately 13:00 hours. The
latter helicopter was yellow and white in colour. However its registration number was
not noticeable.
It is the unders tanding of the Government of Guyana that it is the intention of the
Genera l and his military contingent to destroy all pontoons found in the area and that the
operation is expec ted to continue on Friday November 16, 2007.
The Government of Guyana is extremely disturbed by these unauthorized
incursions into its territory and w ishes to reque st that the operations by the Venezuelan
anned forces on Guyana's territory and air space cease forthwith. The Government of
Guyana w ishes to remind the Government of Venezuela that a similar operation in
October 2006 resulted in the fatal shooting of a Guyanese national on Guyana's territory
by Venezuelan military personn el. The Government of Guyana wishes to draw to the
attention of the authorities of the Boli varian Repub lic of Venezuela that these incursions
Annex 74
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have the potential to seriously impair the good relations that exist between Guyana and
Venezuela.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana avails itself of this
opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela the
assurances of its highest consideration.
Georgetown
November 15, 2007
Annex 75
Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Statement: Thirtieth Regular Meeting of Heads of
Government, Guyana (July 2009)
Annex 75
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Guyana/Venezuela Controversy
 Posted in: Key Issues | (https://caricom.org/key-issues)  13 October 2015 |  4394
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The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) maintains its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.
Guyana’s border controversy with its western neighbour Venezuela relates to more than a century-old dispute which arose as a result
of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 was null and void. The 1899 Award had definitely settled the boundary
between the two countries. (See infographic of timeline)
In more recent developments on this issue, on 26 May 2015 Venezuela issued a decree titled Presidential Decree 1.787 of the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which was revised on 8 June 2015. This decree laid claim to all the Atlantic waters off the Essequibo
coast of Guyana, and affected the maritime space of not only Guyana but also of a number of other Member States.
In response to this act by Venezuela, CARICOM emphasised "the need for peace and stability" as the basis for enhancing regional
cooperation and the development of both countries. Speaking on the issue at the Thirty-Sixth Regular Meeting of Heads of
Government, in Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, then Chair of CARICOM, reiterated CARICOM's position of "total support for
the integrity of Guyana's territory and maritime space.
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Annex 75
“We are committed to assisting Venezuela and Guyana in this dispute, preferring at all times a peaceful solution… But as of
now, having regard to the fact that there was an arbitral award in 1899 and having regard to the fact that the Geneva
Agreement of 1966 has not yielded the kind of results that either Venezuela or Guyana expected, CARICOM’s formal position
has to be a commitment to the territorial integrity of Guyana,” he said.
“We cannot contemplate such an end if we do not have a mechanism in place. For in the event the peaceful solution
we prefer does not happen, an alternative mechanism can be sprung into action that can settle the matter by judicial
means”, he also said.
Guyana’s pursuit of a peaceful settlement, over the years, has yielded mixed results. A founding member of the almost 44-year
grouping, many of its diplomatic interventions have rested on the pillar of foreign policy coordination, one of five pillars which underpin
CARICOM integration and one of eight strategic priorities in the Community's Strategic Plan (2015-2019).
The following chronology presents a snapshot of CARICOM’s position on this issue over the last three decades:
A SNAPSHOT OF CARICOM’S POSITION
2017 (July): Twenty- Ninth Intersessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana
Heads of Government received an update from the President of Guyana on recent developments on the controversy between the
Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the efforts of United Nations Secretary General, H.E.
Antonio Guterres, to find a final and binding solution.
Heads of Government welcomed the appointment of His Excellency Dag Nylander as Personal Representative of the UN Secretary
General in the Good Offices Process for the duration of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation. They noted that “if by the
end of 2017, the Secretary-General concludes that significant progress has not been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the
solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement,” unless the Governments
of Guyana and Venezuela “jointly request that he refrain from doing so”. They recognised the strong commitment of the SecretaryGeneral to the process and joined Guyana in acknowledging his
efforts.
Heads of Government reiterated the firm and unequivocal support of the Caribbean Community for the maintenance and preservation
of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
2017 (February): Twenty-Eighth Intersessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana
"Heads of Government received an update from the President of Guyana on the most recent developments on the controversy
between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the particular efforts of former United
Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, to find a way forward under the Geneva Agreement – as they had exhorted at their
Meeting in July 2016. They joined President Granger in acknowledging these efforts.
Heads of Government welcomed the decision taken by Mr. Ban Ki Moon before demitting Office and the resulting prospect of 2017 as
a ‘final year’ of the ‘Good Offices Process’ of the Secretary-General, to be followed by a referral of the controversy to the International
Court of Justice “if, by the end of 2017, the Secretary-General concludes that significant progress has not been made toward arriving
at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy”.
Heads of Government welcomed Guyana’s unqualified acceptance of the UN Secretary–General’s decision, and expressed the hope
that its implementation in good faith by both parties will lead to the resolution of the controversy and the release of the parties and of
the entire Caribbean Region from its unwanted implications.
Heads of Government also welcomed the proposal of Mr. Ban Ki Moon for ‘confidence building measures’ and President Granger’s
assurance of Guyana’s willingness to explore all possibilities consistent with Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. To the
extent that any such measures require regional support, Heads of Government pledged their best efforts to that end.
Heads of Government reiterated their firm support for the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity".
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Annex 75
2016 (July) Thirty-Seventh Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana
"Heads of Government received a report on recent development in the relations between Guyana and Venezuela. They also received
a report on the current efforts of the SG of the United Nations proposing a way forward to the two countries towards a decisive end to
the controversy.
Heads of Government noted with appreciation that the SG of the United Nations attaches the highest priority to finding a solution to
the controversy which arose out of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral award of 1899 which definitively settled the land boundary
between Guyana and Venezuela is null and void.
In that regard they signalled their full confidence in the Secretary-General to exercise urgently his authority under the 1966 Geneva
Agreement for a choice of options that would bring the controversy to a definitive and judicial conclusion that would be beneficial not
only to Guyana but the Caribbean Community as a whole.
Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all CARICOM States and
their entitlement to rights regarding maritime zones under international law.
2016 (February): Twenty-Seventh Intersessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Belize
"Heads of Government received an update on the recent developments with respect to the controversy between Guyana and
Venezuela.
They noted that February 17, 2016, marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement of 1966 between the Parties,
which was intended to provide a solution to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which
definitively settled the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, is null and void.
Heads of Government also noted that the Secretary-General of the United Nations, having had discussions with the Heads of State of
Guyana and Venezuela in September 2015, has since made a proposal to the two countries on the way forward towards a decisive
end to the controversy.
Heads of Government expressed their full support for the role of the United Nations Secretary General and his efforts, in keeping with
the provisions of the Geneva Agreement, to bring the controversy to a definitive and judicious conclusion.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty
and territorial integrity".
2015 (July): Thirty-Sixth Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Barbados
“Heads of Government viewed with deep concern the Presidential Decree 1.787 of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of 26 May
2015 and revised on 8 June 2015 because of its effect on the maritime space of not only Guyana but also of a number of Member
States of the Caribbean Community." They issued the following statement -
STATEMENT ON THE DECREE 1787 OF VENEZUELA
"CARICOM Heads of State and Government reaffirmed the longstanding, deep and wide-ranging friendship between CARICOM and
the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
They recalled the numerous agreements in the area of trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts which bind the
Governments and peoples of CARICOM and Venezuela together.
They discussed in detail Decree No: 1.787 of 26 May 2015 issued by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Heads noted in particular the negative implications which the Decree has for the peace, security and development of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana.
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Annex 75
They recalled that just under a year ago on 8th September 2014, the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and
Barbuda, in his capacity as Chairman of Conference, had written to His Excellency Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela, encouraging Venezuela to redouble its efforts at an early delimitation of the maritime boundary between
Guyana and Venezuela. Prime Minister Browne had also encouraged Venezuela to assist in the finding of an early solution to the
controversy that has emerged from the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 3rd October 1899 that established the
boundary with Guyana, is null and void.
In that context, Heads of Government reaffirmed the inviolability of international treaties, agreements, awards and legal instruments
and made particular reference to those international legally binding instruments that establish international boundaries.
Heads of Government further noted the negative implications of the decree for several other CARICOM countries.
Heads of Government called for adherence to accepted principles of international law in relation to the delineation and delimitation of
the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf in the region. CARICOM states do not accept any unilateral proclamation which is
inconsistent with international law.
They emphasized that CARICOM states have legitimate territorial and maritime entitlements that conform to international law and that
must be respected.
As a result of these concerns, and in an effort to have the rights and entitlements of the affected Community Member States fully
respected, a delegation of Heads met with the Vice President and Foreign Minister of Venezuela to express the Community’s grave
concern about Decree 1787.
Heads of Government therefore call upon the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in the spirit of friendship
and cooperation, to withdraw those elements of Decree 1787 insofar as they apply to the territory and maritime space of
CARICOM States".
2015 (March): Twenty-Sixth Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government, The Bahamas
“Heads of Government received an overview of the relations between Guyana and Venezuela with regard to the existing controversy
which arose as a result of Venezuela’s contention that the arbitral award of 1899, which definitely settled the boundary between the
two countries, is null and void. They noted that Guyana had commenced a review of the options available under Article 33 of the
United Nations Charter, as provided by the 1966 Geneva Agreement,that could serve to bring an end to the controversy.
Heads of Government expressed their continued support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Guyana”.
2014 (July): Thirty-Fifth Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Antigua and Barbuda
“Heads of Government reiterated their firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the
unhindered economic and social development of all of Guyana. They expressed their hope for an early resolution of the
controversy which arose as a result of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which definitively settled the boundary
between the two countries, is null and void.
Heads of Government also expressed their concern over the lack of progress towards the consideration of options, within the context
of international law, in delimiting the maritime boundary between Guyana and Venezuela as agreed by the Foreign Ministers following
their meeting on 17 October 2014. They called upon the two sides to pursue the negotiations with greater expediency towards the
conclusion of a maritime delimitation agreement”.
2013 (July): Thirty-Fourth Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Trinidad and Tobago
“The Heads of Government expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of relations between Guyana and Venezuela which has
enabled the two countries to continue to implement a vibrant programme of cooperation. The Heads of Government noted that both
countries remained committed to the Good Offices Process of the United Nations Secretary General under the Geneva Agreement of
4
Annex 75
1966 and reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.
2012 (March): Twenty-Third Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Suriname
“Heads of Government took note of the continued growing relations between the Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela. They expressed the hope that the existing friendly relations will aid the efforts towards a resolution of the controversy that
emerged from the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899, that definitively established the boundary with Guyana, is
null and void.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for the maintenance of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana”.
2013 (May): Sixteenth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations, Trinidad and Tobago
“The Ministers noted that Guyana and Venezuela continued to enjoy excellent relations conducted through regular high level political
consultations and a vibrant programme of functional cooperation.
They noted that both countries remained committed to the Good Offices Process of the United Nations Secretary-General under the
Geneva Agreement of 1966 and reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.
2011 (July): Thirty-Second Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, St. Kitts and Nevis
“Heads of Government expressed their satisfaction that Guyana and Venezuela continued to enjoy exceptionally good relations.
They noted that the two (2) countries remained committed to the Good Officer Process of the United Nations Secretary-General
(UNSG) in seeking a peaceful solution to the border controversy.
They reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.
2011 (May): Fourteenth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations, St. Kitts and Nevis
“Ministers noted with satisfaction the continued growth, maturity and deepening of relations between the Republic of Guyana and the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and expressed the view that this positive and sustained friendly climate in the relationship between
the two countries was conducive to the realization of the mandate of the Good Offices Process.
Ministers reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the maintenance and safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and
sovereignty”.
2013 (May): Sixteenth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations, Trinidad and Tobago
“The Ministers noted that Guyana and Venezuela continued to enjoy excellent relations conducted through regular high level political
consultations and a vibrant programme of functional cooperation.
They noted that both countries remained committed to the Good Offices Process of the United Nations Secretary General under the
Geneva Agreement of 1966 and reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.
2010 (July): Thirty-First Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Jamaica
5
Annex 75
"Heads of Government expressed satisfaction that since their last meeting, the United Nations Secretary-General had appointed
Professor Norman Girvan as his Personal Representative to support him in his role as Good Officer to assist Guyana and Venezuela
in the search for a solution to the controversy that arose from the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899, that
definitively delimited the territory between Guyana and Venezuela, is null and void.
Heads of Government noted the positive developments in the relations between Guyana and Venezuela and the efforts being made
by the two countries to further strengthen those relations and reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the maintenance and
safeguarding of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity".
2010 (March): Twenty-First Intersessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Dominica
“The Conference received an update on the controversy that arose from the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899,
that definitively delimited the territory between Guyana and Venezuela, is null and void. It noted the positive public statement made by
His Excellency President Hugo Chavez eschewing conflict with Guyana regarding the controversy and reiterating Venezuela’s
commitment to the Good Offices Process of the United Nations Secretary-General.
The Conference expressed satisfaction with the efforts being made by both States and the United Nations Secretary-General to
appoint a Special Representative of the Secretary-General to support him in his role to assist Guyana and Venezuela in the search for
a means of settlement of the controversy.
The Conference reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory”.
2009 (July): Thirtieth Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana
“Heads of Government noted the impending consultations between Guyana and Venezuela on the identification of a candidate to
perform the duties of a Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General with respect to the Good Offices Process and
underscored the critical importance of the Special Representative in assisting the Secretary-General in the search for a practical
solution to the controversy which was initiated by the contention of Venezuela that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which settled the
boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, was null and void. Heads of Government reaffirmed their view that the post needed to be
filled at the earliest possible time.
Heads of Government re-affirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana's territorial integrity, sovereignty
and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory”.
2009 (March): Twentieth Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Belize
“Guyana Heads of Government received an update on the relations between Guyana and Venezuela and in particular the efforts
between the two sides to identify a new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to advance the Good Offices
Process. They underscored the need for that post to be filled at the earliest possible time.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and
sovereignty and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory”.
2008 (July): Twenty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government, Antigua and Barbuda
“Heads of Government took note of the recent developments in Guyana/Venezuela relations and the efforts being made to resuscitate
the United Nations Good Offices Process which is aimed at finding a solution to the controversy that arose from the Venezuelan
contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void.
They expressed the view that it was therefore critical for a new Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to be
appointed as soon as possible in order to advance the Good Offices Process.
6
Annex 75
Heads of Government re-affirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and
sovereignty and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory”.
2007 (July): Twenty-Eighth Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Barbados
“The Conference expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by Guyana and Venezuela to maintain good relations
The Conference further noted the endeavours being made by the two countries within the ambit of the Geneva Agreement, to find a
means of settlement of the controversy that arose from the Venezuelan contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award is null and void.
The Conference reiterated the full support of the Caribbean Community for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Guyana”.
2006 (July): Twenty-Seventh Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, St. Kitts and Nevis
“Heads of Government were encouraged by the level of dialogue and engagement which now characterise the relations between
Guyana and Venezuela. They noted in particular the agreements reached by the two countries in several areas of functional cooperation under the
aegis of
the
High Level Bilateral Commission which last
met
in March 2006 and their renewed commitment to
the
United Nations Good
Officer
Process
with
the
view to
achieving a
peaceful settlement
to
the
controversy which exists
between
them.
Heads of Government
reiterated their
firm support
for
the
maintenance of
Guyana’s
sovereignty and
territorial
integrity
and
for its right to the development of its entire
territory”.
2005 (July): Twenty-Sixth Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, Saint Lucia
“Heads of Government noted with satisfaction that relations between Guyana and Venezuela continued to be cordial.
They underscored the importance of the ongoing dialogue at the level of Heads of State and Ministers of Foreign Affairs in promoting
this cordiality, and noted that such dialogue had resulted in a renewal of commitment to a peaceful settlement of the controversy
through the mechanism of the United Nations Good Offices Process (GOP) and to functional cooperation under the aegis of the
Guyana-Venezuela High-Level Bilateral Commission.
Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and its right to the
unrestricted development of all its territory for the benefit of its people”.
2004 (May): Fourth UK/Caribbean Ministerial Forum, England
" ...Ministers expressed satisfaction at the renewed commitment of Guyana and Venezuela to continue to avail themselves of the
U.N. Good Offices Process for a peaceful settlement of their border controversy and to promote functional and economic cooperation
under the aegis of the Guyana/Venezuela High Level Bilateral Commission. They expressed their strong support for the work of
the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana/Venezuela aimed at maintaining the country's sovereignty and its right to
develop all its territory”.
2003 (March): Fourteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government, Trinidad and Tobago
“The Conference reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its right to develop all of its territory.
With regard to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s claim to almost two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, the Conference noted with
satisfaction that the parties remain committed to the Good Officer process under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary-General to
assist in the search for a peaceful solution.
7
Annex 75
The Conference also noted the progress made by the two countries, within the High Level Bilateral Commission established by them,
towards closer economic and technical cooperation.
The Conference reaffirmed its support for the maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
2001 (July): Twenty-Second Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government, The Bahamas
“Heads of Government reaffirmed their solidarity with Guyana in its determination to counter the threat posed to its sovereignty and
territorial integrity as a result of Venezuela's non-acceptance of the Arbitral Award of 1899, which definitively settled the border
between the two countries.
They regretted the constraints posed by Venezuela's claim to Guyana's development, particularly in the Essequibo region. They
supported the position taken by Guyana that the Geneva Agreement does not preclude it from fully exploiting all of its natural
resources.
Heads of Government welcomed the continuing commitment of the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela to the Good Offices
procedure established under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary-General.
They encouraged both countries to continue to avail themselves of this mechanism with a view to finding a peaceful settlement of the
existing controversy”.
2001 (May): Fourth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), Guyana
“Ministers noted with satisfaction the continuing commitment of the Governments of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela, both to the deepening and strengthening of their bilateral relations, including in areas of functional cooperation, and to the
continuation of the Good Officer Process under the aegis of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as the means for the
peaceful settlement of the controversy between the two countries.
Ministers however noted with concern Venezuela's continuing attempts to deter foreign investment in the Essequibo.
Ministers were also concerned by reports of Venezuela's intention to execute an exploratory programme for hydrocarbons in an
offshore area that comprises part of Guyana's maritime zone and noted that any such action would constitute a violation of Guyana's
sovereignty and territorial integrity and would be in breach of accepted norms of international law.
Ministers welcomed the support of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana for the maintenance of the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Guyana.
Ministers reiterated their unswerving support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.
2000 (July): Twenty-First Regular Meeting of Heads of Government, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
“Heads of Government expressed their satisfaction with the continued efforts being made by Guyana and Venezuela in advancing
their programmes of functional cooperation under the High Level Bilateral Commission.
They noted the importance of this mechanism to the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
Heads of Government noted with concern however, reports that Venezuela had protested against the signing of an Agreement in May
2000 establishing the company Beal-Guyana Launch Services, for the development of a rocket launch site in the Essequibo which has
attracted much needed foreign investment to contribute to Guyana's national development efforts.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana and for a peaceful
and satisfactory resolution of the controversy under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary-General, a process to which
both Guyana and Venezuela remained committed.
8
Annex 75
They welcomed the news conveyed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General that a Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial
Committee on Guyana would be convened in September 2000”.
1999 (October): Seventh Special Meeting of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Trinidad and Tobago
“Heads of Government noted that 3 October 1999 had marked the 100th Anniversary of the Paris Arbitral Award by which the existing
boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was defined by unanimous judgement.
They also viewed with concern the fact that Venezuela had reiterated its contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void and
continues to advance its claim to the Essequibo region of Guyana.
Heads of Government further noted the commitment of the two countries to the good offices process of the United Nations SecretaryGeneral.
In this regard, Heads of Government fully endorsed the Resolution approved by the Assembly of Caribbean Community
Parliamentarians in Grenada on 15 October 1999, a copy of which is appended to this Communique.
They reiterated their firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and their desire for a peaceful
settlement to the controversy”.
1999 (July: Twentieth Meeting of Heads of Government, Trinidad and Tobago
"Heads of Government noted the existing friendly relations between Guyana and Venezuela conducted in an atmosphere of mutual
understanding and respect.
In this regard, they welcomed the official visit to Venezuela in 1998 of Her Excellency, President Janet Jagan and her attendance at
the inauguration of the President of Venezuela, His Excellency, Hugo Chavez Frias.
They also noted with pleasure that the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, the Honourable Jose Vincente Rangel, had paid an official visit
to Guyana in March, 1999.
They anticipated that the implementation of the Work Programme of the High Level Bilateral Commission that had been officially
established in March 1999, during the visit of Minister Rangel, would contribute in a significant and positive manner to the
enhancement of functional cooperation between the two countries.
They expressed satisfaction over the progress being made under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary-General, through his good
officer, Sir Alister McIntyre, for a solution to the controversy.
They reaffirmed their firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana and desire for a peaceful settlement
to the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela".
1998 (July): Nineteenth Meeting of Heads of Government, Saint Lucia
“Heads of Government noted the existing climate of friendly relations between Guyana and Venezuela conducted in an atmosphere of
respect and mutual understanding.
In that context, they noted further, that the Government of Venezuela was the first to send its congratulations to President Janet Jagan
following the general and regional elections which took place in December 1997.
They expressed satisfaction over the progress being made under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary-General through his good
officer, Sir Alister McIntyre, for a solution of the controversy.
9
Annex 75
They reaffirmed their firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana and desire for a peaceful settlement
to the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela”.
1997 (July): Eighteenth Meeting of Heads of Government, Jamaica
“Heads of Government noted that the relations between Guyana and Venezuela were cordial and continued to progress through
dialogue and mutual understanding although certain irritants continued to be present in these relations.
They expressed their satisfaction that the solution to the controversy continued to be dealt with under the aegis of the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations and in this regard, they welcomed the role of the good
officer, Sir Alister McIntyre, in this
process.
They reaffirmed their full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and reiterated their desire for a
peaceful settlement of the Guyana-Venezuela controversy”.
1996 (July): Seventeenth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, Barbados
“Heads of Government noted the status of Guyana/Venezuela relations and expressed their support for the McIntyre Process, under
the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, as the mechanism for peacefully resolving the border controversy.
They also reaffirmed their strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.”
1995 (July): Sixteenth Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana
“Heads of Government noted the report of the President of the Guyana on recent developments in Guyana-Venezuela relations and
took note of Guyana’s apprehension at the concept of “globality” being advanced by Venezuela to guide the management of GuyanaVenezuela
relations.
Heads of Government welcomed Guyana’s intention to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee on Border Affairs to deal with this
issue. They also welcomed Guyana’s continued commitment to the McIntyre Process as the means of resolving the border
controversy and reaffirmed their support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
1993 (July): Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, The Bahamas
“Heads of Government noted the continuing cordial development in Guyana-Venezuela relations. They took note of the contribution of
the official visit by President Cheddi Jagan to Venezuela to that process, and the fruitful exchanges which have taken place in both the
public and private sectors since then.
Heads of Government welcomed the decision of the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela to pursue actively the search for a
peaceful resolution to the controversy over the border under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General through the Good
Offices of Sir Alister Mc Intyre. They expressed the hope that discussions within the Good Offices procedure would continue to be
valuable.
Heads of Government reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.
1991:(July) Twelfth meeting of Heads of Government, St. Kitts and Nevis
10
Annex 75
“Heads of Government reviewed the status of relations between Guyana and Venezuela, recording their satisfaction with the
continued expansion of functional cooperation in several areas, including the private sector, the military, health, education, and energy
sectors.
Heads of Government welcomed the efforts undertaken by the personal representative of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations, Mr Alister McIntyre, to maintain and advance the search for a solution to the controversy.
In taking note of these several developments, Heads of Government reaffirmed support for the territorial integrity of Guyana, and
expressed confidence that the fulfilment of the McIntyre Process would lead to a resolution of the controversy to the
satisfaction of both countries”.
1987 (July): Eighth Meeting of Heads of Government, Saint Lucia
“The Heads welcomed the present state of improved relations between Guyana and Venezuela as reflected in the successful visit by
His Excellency President Hugh Desmond Hoyte to Venezuela, as well as in the agreements signed and the increase in cooperation in
several areas.
The Conference particularly welcomed the fact the both President Hoyte and President Jaime Lusinchi of Venezuela reiterated the
determination of their respective Governments to cooperate fully with the United Nations Secretary-General in his efforts to assists the
parties in finding as acceptable solution to the existing problem. The Heads reaffirmed their desire for a peaceful settlement of the
controversy in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966”.
1986 (July): Seventh Meeting of Heads of Government, Guyana
“Heads of Government adhered to their previously stated position on the controversy which had arisen as a result of the territorial
claim advanced by Venezuela against Guyana.
They noted the attempts being made by the two countries to resolve the issues and encouraged their continuing search for a peaceful
solution. They commended the parties for cooperating fully with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the discharge of the
mandate, given under the terms of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, to choose a means of settlement.
Heads of Government welcomed the recent improvement in Guyana/Venezuela relations and expressed the hope that this
would lead to increased friendship and cooperation between them”.
1985 (July): Sixth Meeting of Heads of Government, Barbados
“On receiving a report on recent developments in the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, the Heads of Government
reaffirmed their previously stated position on the issue.
They noted with satisfaction that relations between the two countries had improved and that both sides had declared their firm
intention to maintain this new climate through dialogue and ready cooperation.
They welcomed that determination as well as the steps being taken by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to choose, in
accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement, a means of peaceful settlement of the controversy which had arisen as a
result of the Venezuela contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award was null and void.
They regretted the maintenance of exclusionary provisions in some regional treaties and arrangements, despite previous calls for their
removal. They urged, once again, in accordance with the principle of universality, that these restrictions be eliminated to allow those
States, which are desirous of adhering to those regional treaties and arrangements, to do so”.
1983 (July): Fourth Meeting of Heads of Government, Trinidad and Tobago
11
Annex 75
“The Conference deplored the increasing resort to violence as a means of resolving conflicts and disputes between States. It called on
all States to abstain from all forms of aggression and to use dialogue and negotiation to settle those conflicts which now threaten the
peace and security of the Region. In particular, it renewed its commitment to the adoption of a unified approach in dealing with
economic aggression and to the establishment of a scheme of mutual assistance.
Recalling and reiterating the statement which it made on the Guyana/Venezuela controversy at the Third CARICOM Summit at Ocho
Rios on 15 November 1982, the Conference reviewed developments in the controversy and noted in particular that the Governments
of the two countries had now referred the choice of a means of settlement to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in
accordance with the Provisions of Article IV (2) of the Geneva Agreement.
Noting the statement by the President of Guyana that Venezuela is continuing certain activities inconsistent with Guyana's territorial
integrity, the Heads of Government recalled their previously expressed concern for the sanctity of treaties and their respect for defined
and demarcated boundaries, and expressed and the hope that the controversy would be quickly and peacefully resolved in
accordance with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement”.
1982 (July): Third Meeting of Heads of Government, Jamaica
“In recalling the resolution passed at the Eighth Meeting of the Heads of Government held in Georgetown in April 1973, which, in
dealing with mutual assistance against external aggression, declared inter alia that political independence and territorial integrity of
Member States are essential prerequisites for the achievement of the economic objectives of the Community, the Conference
discussed developments in the relations between Guyana and Venezuela in the light of the controversy which had arisen as a result of
the Venezuelan contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award, on the basis of which the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was
settled, was null and void.
Recalling its concern for the sanctity of treaties and for defined and demarcated boundaries, the Conference noted the grave effect
that this controversy is having on the relations between CARICOM States and Venezuela and took note of the unqualified undertaking
given by the Venezuelan Government to eschew the use of force as a means of settling the controversy. The Conference also called
upon Venezuela to desist from further action or threats of action likely to affect the economic development of Guyana.
The Conference urged Guyana and Venezuela to continue their pursuit of a peaceful settlement of the controversy in accordance with
the terms of the Geneva Agreement of 1966 so as to arrive at a final decision as promptly as possible”.
1981 (May): Sixth Meeting of the Standing Committee responsible for Labour, Antigua and Barbuda
“Noting that the Foreign Ministers of CARICOM had agreed at their meeting in Barbados in July 1979 to recommend to their
Governments that they should support Guyana in the dispute with Venezuela and noting that the matter may be raised again at the
proposed meeting of Foreign Ministers in Grenada next month –
The Standing Committee:
Agreed to support the Foreign Ministers’ decision of July 1979 and to recommend to their Governments that every support
should be given to Guyana in the dispute, especially in view of the fact that the matter may be raised at the International
Labour Conference next month and that every step should be taken to reach a peaceful solution to this question with full
territorial integrity for our sister CARICOM State”.
Prepared by Volderine Hackett
Updated April 2017
Resources
12
Annex 75
Communiques from Meetings of:
The Conference of Heads of Government,
The Council for Foreign and Community Relations
Fourth UK/Caribbean Ministerial Forum
Standing Committee responsible for Labour
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13
Annex 76
U.N. Secretary-General, Press Release: Secretary-General Appoints Norman Girvan of Jamaica
as Personal Representative on Border Controversy Between Guyana, Venezuela, U.N. Doc.
SG/A/1230-BIO/4183 (21 Apr. 2010)
Annex 76
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Secretary-General Appoints Norman Girvan of Jamaica as Personal Representative on Border
Controversy Between Guyana, Venezuela
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Norman Girvan of Jamaica as his Personal Representative on the Border
Controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. 
Mr. Girvan’s role will be to assist Guyana and Venezuela in resolving this long-standing controversy.  His appointment responds to a
request from the parties to resume the Secretary-General’s good o�ces, which were suspended in 2007 due to the death of the SecretaryGeneral’s last Personal Representative, Oliver Jackman.  The Secretary-General commends the parties for seeking to resolve
their
di�erences through dialogue, and looks forward to learning of the progress that they make with the assistance of Mr.
Girvan.
Mr. Girvan is a respected diplomat who possesses deep knowledge of the Caribbean region.  He has travelled extensively in Latin America
and is well known for his advocacy of greater cooperation between the Caribbean and Latin America.  He was Secretary General of the
Association of Caribbean States from 2000-2004, and is currently a Professorial Research Fellow at the University of the West Indies’
Institute of International Relations.  Mr. Girvan has worked as Senior O�cer and Consultant at the United Nations Centre on Transnational
Corporations and as Senior Research Fellow of the United Nations African Institute for Development and Planning in Dakar, Senegal. 
Additionally, he has served as Chief Technical Director of Jamaica’s National Planning Agency.  An economist by training, Mr. Girvan has
also served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Jamaica and in the Economic Council of the Cabinet of the Government of Jamaica. 
Mr. Girvan is �uent in English and Spanish.  He was born in 1941.

For information media. Not an o�cial record.
Annex 77
Oxford English Dictionary (7th ed., 2012), “Resolve”
Annex 77

Definition of resolve in English:
resolve
VERB
1 with object Settle or find a solution to (a problem or contentious matter)
‘the firm aims to resolve problems within 30 days’
1.1 Medicine with object Cause (a symptom or condition) to heal or subside.
‘endoscopic biliary drainage can rapidly resolve jaundice’
1.2 no object (of a symptom or condition) heal or subside.
‘symptoms resolved after a median of four weeks’
1.3 Music (with reference to a discord) pass or cause to pass into a concord
during the course of harmonic change.
no object ‘dissonant notes resolve conventionally by rising or falling to form
part of a new chord’
with object ‘you would not want to resolve a melodic line on to the minor sixth
interval’
2 no object Decide firmly on a course of action.
with infinitive ‘she resolved to ring Dana as soon as she got home’
2.1 with clause (of a legislative body or other formal meeting) make a decision
by a formal vote.
‘the executive resolved that a strike would be detrimental to all concerned’
with infinitive ‘the conference resolved to support an alliance’
3 Chemistry
Separate or cause to be separated into constituent parts or components.
with object ‘alpha-zein is often resolved into two major size components’
no object ‘the Labyrinth's design resolves into a number of distinct functional areas’
3.1 resolve something into with object Reduce a subject, statement, etc. by
mental analysis into (separate elements or a more elementary form)
‘the ability to resolve facts into their legal categories’
3.2 Physics with object Analyse (a force or velocity) into components acting in
particular directions.
4 no object (of something seen at a distance) turn into a different form when seen
more clearly.
‘the orange light resolved itself into four roadwork lanterns’
4.1 with object (of optical or photographic equipment) separate or distinguish
between (closely adjacent objects)
‘Hubble was able to resolve six variable stars in M31’
4.2 with object Separately distinguish (peaks in a graph or spectrum).
Annex 78
D. Scott Chabrol, “Venezuelan soldiers weren’t allowed entry-govt”, Demerara Waves
(13 Sept. 2013)
Annex 78
\=TV-
2, /, ( I
Venezuelan soldiers weren't allowed entry- govt
Friday, 13 September 2013 16:34 Denis Scott Chabrol
A gro up of Venezue lans, who recent ly crossed the border into Essequibo for resea rch purpose s,
had reported to Guyanese authoritie s there but so ldiers from the Spanish-speak ing neighbour
were not allowed ent ry .
"Thi s visit was a visit that obtained the approval of the appropri ate authorities at the point at
which the delega tion entered Guyana ," Head of the Presidential Secretariat , Dr. Roger Luncheon
told a news conference.
He exp lained that based on repo11s by Guyanese offic ials, the Venezue lans sought and recei ved
permissio n to engage members of Guya nese com munit ies on the bord er who might have had
some assumed relation ship wi th Guyana . An Internation al Rel ations expe 11 said the fact alone
that they sought permi ssion meant that group recognized the leg itim acy of the border which was
sett led in 1899 by an Arb itral Tribuna l.
The 45 perso ns, who entered Guyana on Aug ust 3 1-the same day that their President , N icolas
Maduro was on an official visit here- had to ld auth oritie s that the purp ose of the visit was to
researc h the linkages between resident s in Vene zuel a ' s San Martin and perso ns at Etcringbang in
Guyana.
The estimated six uniformed and armed Venezuelan soldie rs, Lunc heon said , were not permitted
to enter Guyana. "They were not allo we d was the officia l report provided by the Guya nese
authorities and it was as far as the authorities there were concerned a breach of the agree ment ,
the under standin g under wh ich the y were allowed to enter Guyan a, a breach once drawn to their
attentio n they made the suitable apologies and cor rected," he said.
Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) was told that the soldiers we re told they
could not have entered Guyana with their weapons but were later seen in the Eteringbang area
with them. They we re alert ed to the violation and they apo logised.
The Venezuelan newsp aper late r repo11ed that the visi tors were member s of a gro up nam ed '·My
Map of Venezuela also Includes Our Essequibo" .
"We came here to carry out a civil exe rcise of sove reignty , but we do not under sta nd what was
icola s Maduro doing there (in Gu yana)," said Law student Ricardo de To ma , a member of an
organ iza tion called "M y Map of Ven ez uela also Includes Our Esse quibo" who took part in the
expe dition, along with administrator Jorge Luis Fuguett, and internati onali st Rajih v Mori llo.
Sources said that at least thre e ex Venezue lan mi litary genera ls were par t of the group .
Maduro and his Guyanese counte rpart have reco mm itted to using the United atio ns process to
find a lasting and peace ful solution to the controve rsy ove r the min eral and fores t-rich Essequibo
regio n.
1
Annex 78
Guyanese security experts are, however, said to be paying keen attention to rumb lings in sections
of the Venezuelan military and the oppositio n there that the Hugo Chavez cum Maduro
administration has been tak ing a soft line on the territorial sovere ignt y of Essequibo .
2
Annex 78
G-DF objected to armed Venezuelan soldie rs
entering Essequibo
• Monday, 09 September 20 13 12:4 7
• Comment s (78)
A Guyanese officer rece ived the boat wit h Ven ezuelans on board (Handout photo).
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) so ldiers had objected to several Venezuelan soldiers eventually
landing on Guyanese soil with their weapons although they were advised not to do so, officia ls
here said Monday.
The group arrived on August 31, the same day that Venezuelan President , N icolas Maduro was
on a one-day state visit.
Speaki ng on strict condi tion of anonymit y, the source said the GDF Commanding Officer at
Eteringba ng had advised the Venezue lan so ldiers that they could not disembark the boat at
Eteringbang with their guns.
3
Annex 78
While they agreed, sources said the several soldiers were later seen in Guyana with
their guns, resulting in a remonstration between the soldiers of the two neighbouring countries.
The Venezuelans subsequentl y apolog ised.
The source said the 45-member group included at least six un iformed Venezue lan soldiers, three
ex-Ve nezuelan generals and others civilian-dr essed persons.
Guyanese security serv ices are said to be paying keen attention to grow ing unease among
sections of the Venezuelan army that the Hugo Chavez cum Maduro adm inistration has been
takin g a soft approach to sove reignty over the Esseq uibo Region .
While Guyanese police and soldiers followed the necessary border immigration and secur ity
controls, authoritie s in Georgetown believed that the Venez uelan group lied when they informed
that they were visiting Eteringbang to investigate the ori in of the
le at San Martin, a
The Venezuelan newspaper , El Universal, on Monday report ed that the Venezuelans went on a
mission crossing the Cuyani River and into the Guyana-Venez uela disputed area accompan ied by
officers of the Venezuelan Army .
"We came here to carry out a civil exercise of sovereignty, but we do not understand what was
Nicolas Maduro doing there (in Guyana) ," said Law student Ricardo de Toma, a member of an
organization called "My Map of Venezuela also Inc ludes Our Esseq uibo" who took part in the
expedition , along with administrator Jorge Luis Fuguett , and internati onalist Rajih v Morillo.
4
Annex 78
De Toma recalled that in spite of the mining project s Guyana has been deve loping in the
Essequibo disputed area with Ven ez uela, plus the granting of oil conces sions in front of the
Venezuelan Atlantic front , President Maduro "paid a visit (to Gu yana) only to spread an
ideological model."
5
Annex 79
Diccionario de la Lengua Española (23d ed., 2014), “Resolver”
Annex 79
resolve | Definition of resolve – Spanish Dictionary
Spanish Real Academy
Logo
Updated 2017
Resolve
[…]
1. Solve a problem, doubt or difficulty or something that entails them. The detective resolved the case. U.
t. c. prnl. The enigma is not solved until the end.
[…]
Annex 79
resolver | Definición de resolver - Diccionario de la lengua española - Edición del Tricentenario

|

  

por palabras
resolver
Del lat. resolvĕre, de re- 're-' y solvĕre 'soltar, desatar'.
Consultar
Conjug. actual c.
part. irreg.
tr. Solucionar un problema, una duda, una
dificultad o algo que los entraña.
U. t. c. prnl.
tr. Decidir algo o formar la idea o el propósito firme
de hacerlo.

U. t. c. intr.
tr. Determinar el resultado de algo.
tr. Reducir una cosa a otra de menor importancia en
relación con lo que se creía o temía. U. t. c. prnl.
tr.
Hacer desaparecer algo, especialmente un
tumor o una inflamación, restableciendo el estado
normal. U. t. c. prnl.
tr.
Llevar a efecto una
(‖ paso de
un acorde a otro).
tr. p. us. Deshacer o disolver algo.
U. t. c. prnl.
tr. desus. Resumir o recapitular algo.
prnl. Decidirse a hacer algo.
http://dle.rae.es/?id=WBV06OC
Annex 80
Note Verbale from the Ministry of External Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, No. 000802 (8 Apr.
2014)
Annex 80
NON-OFFICIAL TRANSLATION
000802
,,
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela presents its
compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in the
opportunity to refer to the hydropower development projects Upper/Mlddle Mazaruni and Amaila
Falls.
In this regard, The Ministry wishes to highlight the information published on March 25, 2014 by
the Government Information Agency of Guyana (GINA), which refers to the Joint Partnership
between the Governments of Guyana and Brazil to develop a hydroelectric complex in the
Mazaruni.
On that occasion, GINA published statements offered by the Honourable Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Guyana, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, about . the project and their implications for
Venezuela, which is reproduced below: "Asked about the Venezuelan stance towards the
potential investment in the Essequibo area, the Foreign Affairs Minister noted that while she
cannot predict the future, she does not foresee any issues developing with the neighboring
nation since the area is no longer regarded as 'disputed"'.
The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its rejection and deep
concern on the statements attributed .to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana,
Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, since its considered that are not consistent with the Good Offices
Process, which are being conducted under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations and does not conform to the spirit of understanding ·and cooperation established in the
Geneva Agreement, or corresponds to the traditional good relations between Caracas and
Georgetown.
As it is well known by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela is not nor has been forced ever by the Arbitral Award of 1899, given that
such an act is null and void and therefore does not produce legal effects. In that sense, the
Government of Venezuela considers that the possessions by Guyana of the territory situated to
the West of the Essequibo River, as well as acts pursuant to it carried out or performs that
possession, are lack any basis in law and justice. It is necessary to make clear that no have
been made negotiations, arrangements or bilateral agreements by which both States have
decided to put an end to the dispute, reason by which the Venezuelan claim remains in full
effect.
The border dispute is currently governed by the Geneva Agreement and is assisted by the
Secretary-General of the United Nations through the Good Offices Process; a peaceful dispute
settlement that both Countries have agreed to follow and respect, in order to find a practical
solution to the dispute.
In light of Article V, paragraph 2) of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, "No acts or activities taking·
place while this Agreement is in force shall constitute a basis for asserting, supporting or
denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in the territories of Venezuela or British Guiana or
create any rights of sovereignty in those territories, except in so far as such acts or activities
result from any agreement reached by the Mixed Commission and accepted in writing by the
,>
1
Annex 80
Government of Guyana and the Government of Venezuela. No new claim, or enlargement of an
existing claim, to territorial sovereignty in those territories shall be asserted while this
Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed
Commission while that Commission is in being".
Based on the foregoing, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has neither
informed nor consulted officially with the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,
on the hydroelectric projects of the Upper Mazaruni or Amaila Falls and the development of both
projects are not the result of any agreement reached by the Joint Committee or agreed to in
writing by the Government of Venezuela and the Government of Guyana.
For this reason, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its rejection on the manner in
which foreign companies authorized unilaterally by the Government of Guyana have started
developments in the Essequibo, in particular with respect to prefeasibility and prospecting
studies of the basin of the Mazaruni, Amaila and Kuribrong rivers, as well as in all the
surrounding territorial area.
The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela also wishes to express its strongly
disagreed with the developments for the establishment of the Amaila Falls hydropower plant,
which involved various foreign companies and multilateral financial institutions that support this
venture, in open disregard of the Geneva Agreement of 1966 and the Good Offices Process
conducted in the framework of the UN.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela invites to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to provide a satisfactory explanation
about this disquieting issue and to take the corrective actions according to the Geneva
Agreement of 1966 and of the Good Offices process currently underway.
Finally, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its pacifist nature and its willingness to
not return into situations of confrontation with the sister Republic of Guyana, as well as continue
to persevere in the way started by Commander Hugo Chavez aiming to foster relations of
cooperation among the peoples and strengthening the Latin American and Caribbean
integration.
Caracas, April 8, 2014
2
Annex 80
REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA
DE VENEZUELA
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA
RELACIONES EXTERIORES
DESPACHO DE LA VICEMINISTAA PARA
AMÉRICA LATINA Y EL CARIBE
00802
El Ministerio c:fel Poder Popular para Belaciones _ . Exteriores de __ la
RepúbllcaBolivánaña dé Veñezueia-satúda atentamente al Ministerio de Relaciones
Exteriores de la República de Guyana en la oportunidad de referirse a los proyectos de
desarrollo hidroeléctrico Alto Mazaruni y Amaila Falls.
Sobre el particular desea resaltar la información publicada el pasado 25 de
marzo del 2014 por la Agencia de Información del Gobierno de Guyana (GINA),
mediante la cual se hace referencia a la Asociación Conjunta entre los Gobiernos de
Guyana y Brasil para desarrollar un complejo hidroeléctrico en el Mazaruni.
En esa ocasión GINA publicó declaraciones ofrecidas por la Honorable Ministra
de Relaciones Exteriores de Guyana, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, sobre el mencionado
proyecto y sus repercusiones para Venezuela, la cuales se reproducen a continuación:
"Al preguntarle sobre la posición de Venezuela acerca de esta potencial inversión en el
Esequibo, la Ministra resaltó que,.si bien es cierto no podría predecir .. el Muro, no se
vislumbra el surgimiento de ningún asunto sobre el particular con el país vecino en
vista de que esa zona ya no se encuentra en disputa•.
El Gobierno de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela expresa su rechazo con
respecto a las declaraciones atribuidas a la Honorable Ministra de Relaciones
Exteriores de Guyana, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, las cuales causan una seria
preocupación para Venezuela pues no las considera cónsonas con el Proceso de los
Buenos Oficios que se adelanta bajo los auspicios del Secretario General de las
Naciones _ Unidas; _ y no se ajusta al espíritu de entendlmiEmto y cooperación
establecido en el Acuerdo de Ginebra ni se corresponde con -las tradicionales buenas
relaciones entre Caracas y Georgetown.
Como es conocido por el Ilustrado Gobierno de la República de Guyana, la
República Bolivariana de Venezuela no está ni ha estado obligada nunca por el Laudo
Arbitral de 1899, en vista de que dicho acto es nulo e írrito y por lo tanto no produce
efectos jurídicos. En ese sentido, el Gobierno de la República Bolivariana Venezuela
considera que-la detentación por parte de Guyana del territorio situado al Oeste del
Río Esequibo, así como los actos que en virtud de ella haya realizado o realice,
carecen de toda base en derecho y en justicia. Es necesario dejar claro que no se han
efectuado negociaciones, arreglos o convenios bilaterales mediante los cuales ambos
Estados hayan decidido poner fin al diferendo, razón por la cual la reclamación
venezolana se mantiene en plena vigencia.
Actualmente el Qiferendo limítrofe se encuentra regido por el Acuerdo de
Ginebra y es asistido por el Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas mediante el
Proceso de los Buenos Oficios; mecanismo de solución pacifica que ambos países
han acordado seguir y respetar, con la finalidad de encontrar una solución práctica a la
controversia existente.
A la luz del Artículo V, numeral 2) del Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966, ªNingún
acto o actividad que se lleve a cabo mientras se halle en vigencia este Acuerdo
constituirá fundamento para hacer valer, apoyar o negar una reclamación de soberanía
territorial en los Territorios de Venezuela o la Guayana Británica, ni para crear
3
Annex 80
derechos de soberanía en dichos territorios, excepto en cuanto tales actos o
actividades sean resultado de cualquier convenio logrado por la Comisión Mixta y
aceptado por escrito por el Gobierno de Venezuela y el Gobierno de Guyana. Ninguna
nueva reclamación o ampllaclón de una reclamación existente a soberanía territorial
en dichos territorios será hecha valer mientras este Acuerdo esté en vigencia, ni se
. ---hará-valer-reclamación.alguna-sino.en-laComisión-Mixta-rnientras tal .Comisión-exista!. _________
-------- --- -·· ----- --
. _______ En función. de_ lo Jmte_ri...Qr,_ ~J. _G<:>biemo de lf:! .BepYbJi~_ el_~_ Guy_a_r:ia .JJ.Q __ h_a_
informado ni consultado oficialmente con el Gobierno de la República Bolivariana de
Venezuela, sobre los proyectos hidroeléctricos del Alto Mazaruni o Amaila Falls y el
emprendimiento de ambos proyectos no son el resultado de ningún convenio logrado
por la Comisión Mixta o aceptado por escrito por el Gobierno de Venezuela y el
Gobierno de Guyana.
Por tal razón, la República Bolivariana de Venezuela expresa su rechazo a la
manera en que empresas extranjeras autorizadas unilateralmente por el Gobierno de
Guyana han iniciado desarrollos en el Esequibo, en especiai con respecto a los
estudios de pre factibilidad y exploración de la cuenca de los rfos Mazaruni, Amaila y
Kuribrong, asf como de toda el área territorial circundante.
El Gobierno de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela también desea expresar
su profundq desc1cuerdo por ~I d~rrollQ cleJos.tra!>ajos para el.establecimiento de .la
central hidroeléctrica Amaila Falls, en el cual participan distintas empresas extranjeras
e instituciones financieras multilaterales que avalan este emprendimiento, en franco
desconocimiento del Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966 y del Proceso de los Buenos Oficios
adelantado en el marco de la ONU.
El Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores de la República
Bolivariana de Venezuela invita al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la República
de Guyana a que facilite una explicación satisfactoria sobre este preocupante hecho y
a _ que _ tome los _ correc:tivo~ a que hul:>iere lug1:1r en ftmción de lo e$blecido en _ el
Acúerdo dé Ginebra de 1966 y el Proceso de los Buenos Oficios actualmente en
curso.
4
Annex 81
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, No. DG/07/04/2014 (14 Apr. 2014)
Annex 81
Annex 81
Annex 82
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Secretary-General of the United Nations (15 Apr. 2014)
Annex 82
Ministr y of Foreign Affairs
254 South Road & Shiv Chanderpaul Dr.,
Georgetown, Guyana
Telephone: 592-226-9080 Fax: 592-223-5241
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.minfor.gov.gy
April 15, 2014
His Excellency Ban Ki Moon
Secretary General of the United Nations
Headquarters of the United Nations
New York.
Excellency ,
I have the honour to inform you of a recent development which has the potential to affect,
negatively, the relations between the Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela.
Before doing so, permit me to express my personal and sincere sorrow and deep regret, as well
as that of the Government of Guyana , on the passing of Professor Norman Girvan who was your
Representative under our Good Offices Process. Professor Girvan demonstrated exceptional tact
and superb understanding in his efforts on your behalf, to assist Guyana and Venezuela in the
search for a mutually acceptable solution to the controversy that has arisen from the Venezuelan
contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 which definitively settled the land boundary between
our two countries is null and void. We will miss his informed guidance in this effort.
Excellency ,
The development to which I refer is contained in a Note Verbale dated 8
April, 2014, which we
received from the Government of Venezuela , objecting to plans which the Government of
Guyana has for the development of our country. I have provided a copy of that communication
for your information.
th
In the context of programmes for the further integration of South America and in the spirit of
cooperation which these have engendered , the Government of Guyana, in association with the
Government of Brazil , has initiated , inter alia, a number of projects for public-private sector
partnerships . These include a road link from Brazil in the south to Guyana ' s coast, the
construction of a deep water harbor and hydro-electricity facilities in the Mazaruni . ,The
Government of Guyana has embarked separately on the development of a hydro-electricity
facility at Amaila Falls . The Mazaruni region and the Amaila Falls are located in the western
section of Guyana.
Guyana remains a small developing country with a GDP of US$2 .851 billion in 2012 as
compared with Venezuela's GDP of US$382.42 billion for the same period. The projects
referred to, are among several which when completed will make a significant contribution to our
poverty eradication strategies and to our overall programmes for national development.
Annex 82
Any objection to these development plans, whether taken as a whole or in part, can only be
construed as an attempt by Venezuela to thwart Guyana's development objectives and to
frustrate our programmes for increased economic empowerment. Your Excellency will recall that
on several occasions in the past, including our letter of 29
October , 2013, Guyana had found it
necessary to bring to the attention of the United Nations the occurrence of these clear acts of
economic aggression by Venezuela and their implications for Guyana's development.
th
This recent action by Venezuela is of particular significance in that the Geneva Agreement of
1966 has been specifically invoked in justification of such action. Venezuela is contending that
Article 5, paragraph 2, of this Agreement precludes Guyana from developing, without
Venezuela's implied or expressed consent , any portion of Guyana's territory that lies west of the
Essequibo River. It is clearly a preposterous assertion which the United Kingdom Government as
a principal signatory to the Agreement would never have assented to or even contemplated
having only that same year agreed to grant independence to a Guyana with an already clearly
defined boundary with Venezuela.
This action also calls into question the good faith of the Government of Venezuela within the
Good Offices Process suggesting as it does that a unilateral declaration of nullity is enough to
invalidate the Arbitral Award of 1899 and as a consequence that Venezuela has no intention of
addressing , as an important step within the Good Office Process, whether its contention of nullity
has any validity prior to addressing the issue of 'seeking satisfactory solutions'.
Excellency,
In the context of the foregoing I wish to express the hope that you will use your immeasurable
influence both as Secretary General of the United Nations and as the Good Officer within the
settlement process identified under Article 5 of the Geneva Agreement to encourage the
Government of Venezuela to renounce its policy of economic aggression and intimidation
against Guyana.
Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Attached:
Note Verbale dated 8
April, 2014 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana
th
Annex 83
Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Ministry of People’s Power for External Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, No.
815/2014 (1 July 2014)
Annex 83
NOTE NO. : 8 15/ 20 U
The Ministry of Foreign A ffairs of the Republic of Guyana prese nts its comp limen ts to the
Ministry o f Popul ar Powe r for Ex tern al Relati ons of the Boli var ian Rep ubli c of Venezuela and
has the hon our to in form that the Minist ry has received an official report from the Guyana
Defence Force that memb ers of the Venez uelan armed forces rece ntly illega lly entered the
territory o f Guya na and perpetrat ed various nefarious acts again st G uya nese citizens.
The repo rt states that on Wedn esday, June 25, 20 14, Ve nezuelan rank s based at Wausa crossed
into Guyana at "Bruk-up " Landin g, a Guyan ese se ttlement on the bord er, and held its occupants
captive for three day s, seizing satellit e phon es , radios and boats, esse ntially preve nting anyone
from lea ving or communi ca tin g with an yone on the outside of that com muni ty.
Followi ng an enco unt er, on Gu ya na's te rritory, with me mbers of the Guya na Defonce Force on
Friday, Jun e 27, 2014 that Venez uelan mi litary co ntinge nt was pers uaded to release four
Guyanese citizens wh om the y had abducted but one male Guya nese cit ize n was taken against his
will across the bord er to Ve nezuela by the sa me team of Vene zuelan milit ary office rs.
The Gove rnm ent of G uya na wishe s to regi ster its gra ve concern ove r these provocat ive acts
committ ed by the Venezu elan mil itary. They are a violation of the territ ory of Guyana as well as
the hum an rights of its peopl e and w ill und oubtedly serve to heighten tensio ns on the border
between Guyana and Venez uela.
In this regard , the Go vernment of Guyana hereb y ca lls on the Govc rmm:111 of Venezuela to
address the se illega l incursion s into the territ ory of Gu yana. It also req uests that the Guyanese
citizen who has been detained be immediat ely release d and return ed to Guya na.
The Mi nistry of For eign A ffair s of the Repu blic of Guyana ava ils itself of this opportunity to
renew to the M inistry of Popu lar Pow er for Ex ternal Rel ations of the Bolivaria n Republic of
Venez uela the ass uran ces of its highes t considera tion.
GEORGETOWN
Jul v l , 201 4
Annex 84
Letter from F. Patterson, Anadarko Petroleum Co., to R.M. Persaud, Minister of Natural
Resources and the Environment of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (20 Aug. 2014)
Annex 84
ANADARKO P ETROLEUM C ORPORATION
1201 LAKE ROBBINS DRIVE • THE WOODLANDS, TE XAS 77380
P.O. Bo x 1330 • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77251 - 1330
Anadarl<p!
Petroleum Corporation
20 August 2014
VIA EMAIL AND INTERNATIONAL COURIER
The Honorable Robert M. Persaud
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment
Upper Brickdam, Georgetown
Republic of Guyana
Re: Anadarko Guyana Company ("Anadarko") - Petroleum Agreement dated 25 June 2012 between
the Government of the Republic of Guyana (the "Government") and Anadarko (the "Petroleum
Agreement")
Dear Minister Persaud :
We have received the proposal from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of the
Republic of Guyana, dated 25 March 2014.
Anadarko is sensitive to the dilemma faced by the Republic of Guyana given the international
boundary dispute that has been asserted by the Republic of Venezuela (the "Boundary Dispute")
over the territorial waters that include and encompass the entirety of the Contract Area, as that
term is defined in the Petroleum Agreement. Anadarko believes that the Government recognizes
that the actions of the Republic of Venezuela have made it impossible for Anadarko to discharge its
contractual obligations vis-a-vis the Government given the very real threat of armed interference
with the seismic, drilling and other activities that are required for Anadarko to meet its contractual
prospecting obligations in the Contract Area.
Taking into account the facts resulting from the Boundary Dispute and our mutual interest to
eventually resume operations once a settlement has been reached between the sovereigns with
respect to the disputed territorial waters, we propose the following terms in lieu of exercising our
right to declare Force Majeure as is Anadarko's right pursuant to Article 24 of the Petroleum
Agreement:
1
Annex 84
1. The Initial Period of the Petroleum Agreement shall be suspended retroactively from 10 October
2013, the date of the commencement of the Republic of Venezuela's actions, referenced above,
and shall continue until a definitive settlement of the Boundary Dispute has been promulgated
and finalized by and between the representatives of the Republic of Guyana and the Republic of
Venezuela and ratified as may be necessary and/or required by their respective legislative bodies,
that allows unhindered access by Anadarko to and in the Contract Area without the possibility
of any further interference by the Republic of Venezuela (the "Period of Suspension").
2. Both parties recognize and acknowledge that Anadarko has no obligation to resume activities in
the Contract Area for so long as the Boundary Dispute remains unresolved.
3. The Annual License Rental Charge(s) set forth in Article 10 of the Petroleum Agreement and
payable during each year of the Period of Suspension shall be US$50,000.
4. The Employment and Training Charge(s) set forth in Article 19 of the Petroleum Agreement and
payable during each year of the Period of Suspension shall be US$20,000.
5. Should the Boundary Dispute be settled in such manner that allows unhindered
access by Anadarko to and in the Contract Area and eliminates the possibility
of any further interference by the Republic of Venezuela, the Annual License Rental, and
Employment and Training Charge(s) shall be reinstated, without retroactive effect.
6. In the event that the Boundary Dispute remains unresolved for three (3) years from execution of
an amendment to the Petroleum Agreement reflecting the terms of this letter, Anadarko may, at
any time thereafter and at its sole discretion and without any further obligation , terminate the
Petroleum Agreement.
If the foregoing terms are acceptable , we would welcome the opportunity to present fo; your
consideration an amendment to the Petroleum Agreement reflecting our understanding and agreement
on the foregoing points.
Sincerely,
~
;""1
:f:,::=====---==-
Senior Vice President, Exploration
120 1 LAKE ROBB INS DR IV E • T HE .W OO DLAN DS , TEXAS 7738 0
P.O. Box 1330 • HO USTON, TEXAS 7725 1- 1300
2
Annex 85
Note Verbale from the Ministry of the People’s Power for External Relations of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, No.
I.DDM. 005568 (22 Sept. 2014)
Annex 85
\
l •
.c...
1~
(non-official translation)
BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA
MINISTRY OF THE PEOPLE'S POW ER FOR
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
I.DOM. 005568
THE MINISTRY OF THE PEOPLE'S POWER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Guyana and takes the opportunity to refer to its Note 976/2014 of 25 August 2014,
whereby Guyana intends to deny, once again, the existence of a border dispute
between both countries over the territory of Essequibo . In this regard , the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs ratifies the position of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
concerning the null and void character of the Arbitral Award of 1899. Thus , the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Venezuela has not waived its territorial
claim on the Essequibo and ratifies its validity.
In that sense, the Ministry of the People's Po wer for Foreign Affairs wishes
to express its deep concern and rejection regarding the language used in the
aforementioned Note, which is unprecedented , unbelievable and unacceptable
both for its aggressiveness and for its scope . Unfortunately , Guyana has
misunderstood ihe goodwill of Venezuela to reach a practical and peaceful solution
to the controversy . Based on a misleading statement , Guyana has unilaterally
assumed the Tight to indiscriminately undertake diverse projects of exploitation in
·the Essequibo, denying Venezuela 's ·rights on the disputed area , as well as the
stipulations of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which remains in full force . But
what is even more serious is that in Note 976/2014 it is absolutely neglected that in
t he maps presented by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to grant
mining lands in the Essequibo , some areas overlap with the states of Bolivar and .
Delta Amacuro, an area of undeniable Venezuelan sovereignty.
To the Honourable
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Guyana
Georgetown.-
1
Annex 85
- - --------
---------·--·----
- -- --
As in the incident involving the Teknik Perdana seismic survey vessel which
intended to infringe the maritime sovereignty of the Venezuelan Atlantic seaboard,
this time there would be an attempt to disrespect Venezuela's sovereignty over its
land:
The Ministry of the People's Power for Foreign Affairs would also like io
express its deepest rejection of the assertion made . in the aforesaid Note,
according to which "Venezuela intends, once more, to interrupt and hamper
Guyana 's economic development" . That allegation would seem to be aimed at
discrediting Venezuela's international image and denying our efforts in favour of
the development of the sister Republic of Guyana deployed through different
cooperation programmes such as Petrocaribe.
Likewise, ihe Ministry of the People's Power for Foreign Affairs reiterates ihe
request made by ·the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana through
Note 004796 of 15 August 2014, in order to have an explanation concerning the
unilateral granting of mining concessions on the borders of Bolivar and Delta
Amacuro states.
Similarly,-the Ministry of _the People's Power for foreign Affairs reiterates the
invitation made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana to
appoint, as soon as possible, the Personal Representative of the United Nations
Secretary-General for the Good Offices Process. This is considered a crucial s,ep
to resume ihe bilateral agenda on this issue.
Finally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to ratify its unyielding
commitment-to peace and the respect for international law, consistent with the
legacy of Latin-American and Caribbean Integration fostered by Supreme
Commander Hugo Chavez.
·
THE MINISTRY OF THE PEOPLE'S POWER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
avails itself of the occasion to reiterate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Guyana the assurances of its highest and most distinguished
consideration.
Caracas, 22 September 2014
2
Annex 85
..
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'L m6assy of tfie ,Rofi1'a1111n <1(~pu6{ic of '1-'ene::.uefa
p~ ~
- ~~
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to the Cooperathe ~pu6{,c of (juyana
b~
SEP 1 ~ 1011
®1
I&-'" e
ll.2.G12.E1 .P.60.3/267
DIREC,
... l"ERAL
THE EMBASSY OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA presents its
compliments to the Honorable Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana, and has the honour to refer to its Note Verbal n° ll.2 .G12.E1.P.603/254 , dated
23/09/2014 , regarding the Communication n° 005568, sent by the Ministry of the People"s
Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivanan Republic of Venezuela
THE EMBASSY OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA has the
honour to enclose herewith the original Communication n° 005568
THE EMBASSY OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA avails itself of
this opportunity to renew to the assurances of its highest cons1derat1on to the Honorable
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana 7j>
(
\ •
Georgetown , September 29, 2014
To the Honorable
II J ~1 f-(U /'
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of Guyana
Georgetown
3
Annex 85
REPUBLICA BOL I VARIANA DE VENEZUELA
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA
RELACIONES EXTERIORES
i10·-~ ~
I.DDM.
EL MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA RELACIONES
EXTERIORES , saluda atentamente al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la
Republica de Guyana en la oportunidad de hacer referencia a su Nota
976/2014 del 25 de agosto del 2014, mediante la cual Guyana pretende
desconocer, una vez más, la existencia de un diferendo limítrofe entre ambos
países por el territorio Esequibo. Sobre el particular, el Ministerio de Relaciones
Exteriores ratifica la posición de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela de que
el Laudo Arbitral de 1899 es nulo e irrito. De esta manera, el Ministerio de
Relaciones Exteriores reitera que Venezuela no ha renunciado a su
reclamación sobre el Esequibo y ratifica su vigencia.
En ese sentido, el Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones
Exteriores desea expresar profunda preocupación y rechazo por el lenguaje
utilizado en la referida Nota, el cual resulta inaudito, insólito e inaceptable tanto
por su agresividad, como por su alcance. Desafortunadamente, Guyana ha mal
interpretado la buena voluntad de Venezuela para alcanzar una solución
práctica y pacifica sobre la controversia. Sobre la base un discurso falaz,
Guyana se ha abrogado unilateralmente el derecho a emprender
indiscriminadamente diversos proyectos de explotación en el Esequibo,
desconociendo los derechos de Venezuela sobre la zona en reclamación, así
como lo estipulado en el Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966, el cual se encuentra en
plena vigencia . Pero más grave aún, es que en la Nota 976/2014 se obvia por
completo el hecho de que en los mapas presentados por la Comisión de
Geología y Minas de Guyana para otorgar terrenos mineros en el Esequibo, se
muestran áreas superpuestas a los estados Bolívar y Delta Amacuro, zona bajo
indiscutible soberanía venezolana.
Al igual que sucedió con el incidente que involucró al buque de
exploración sísmica Teknik Perdana, que pretendió vulnerar la soberanía
marítima de la fachada atlántica venezolana, en esta oportunidad se intentaría
irrespetar la soberanía terrestre de Venezuela .
Al Honorable
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
de la República de Guyana
Georgetown.-
4
Annex 85
El Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores también
desea expresar su más profundo rechazo al planteamiento realizado en la Nota
in comento, según el cual "Venezuela pretende. una vez más, interrumpir e
impedir et desarrollo económico de Guyana" . Ese argumento pareciera
orientado a desprestigiar la imagen internacional de Venezuela y pretendería
desconocer los esfuerzos realizados en pro del desarrollo de la hermana
República de Guyana, a través de distintos programas de cooperación, entre
los que se encuentra Petrocaribe.
De igual manera, el Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones
Exteriores reitera la solicitud realizada al Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de
Guyana mediante su Nota 004796 de fecha 15 de agosto del 2014, a fin de que
facilite una explicación sobre el otorgamiento unilateral de concesiones mineras
sobre los límites con los estados Bolívar y Delta Amacuro.
Asimismo, el Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores
reitera la invitación realizada al Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Guyana a
fin de que se designe lo antes posible al Representante Personal del Secretario
General de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para el Proceso de los
Buenos Oficios. Este es considerado un paso fundamental para retomar la
agenda bilateral en esta materia.
Finalmente, el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores desea ratificar su
inquebrantable compromiso con la paz y el respeto al derecho internacional, en
concordancia con el legado de integración Latinoamérica y caribeña impulsado
por el Comandante Supremo Hugo Chávez Frías.
EL MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPU LAR PARA RELACIONES
EXTERIORES , hace propicia la ocasión para reiterar al Ministerio de
Relaciones Exteriores de la Republica de Guyana, las seguridades de su más
alta y distinguida consideración.
{fa·
Caracas, 2 2 SFP 2014
..
5
Annex 86
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Minister of the People’s Power for External Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
(2 Dec. 2014)
Annex 86
Milliltry Of JOHi~l lUa~rs
254 South Road & Shiv Chanderpaul Dr.,
Georgetown, Guyana
Telephone: 592-226-9080 Fax: 592-223-5241
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.minfor.gov.gy
nd
2
December 2014
His Excellency Rafael Ramirez
Minister of the People's Power for External Relations
of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Caracas
Venezuela.
Excellency,
It has been just over one year since I met with your predecessor, Minister Elias Jaua, in Port of
Spain, Trinidad and Tobago immediately following the detention, by the Venezuelan navy, of the
"Technic Perdana", a seismic vessel that was operating in an area which Guyana considers to be
its territory under the applicable rules of international law.
In recognising that the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between our two States remained
an outstanding issue to be addressed with some urgency to avoid the recurrence of such
incidents, we had agreed that we would explore mechanisms, within the context of international
law, to address the issue. It was with that understanding that we further determined that
technical teams from our respective countries would meet within four months of October 17,
2013 to exchange views on how such delimitation could proceed. Regrettably that timeframe
was not met.
A meeting eventually took place on June 20, 2014 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. It
became evident from that meeting that while Guyana had come prepared to discuss the issue of
maritime delimitation, the Venezuelan delegation took the position that the maritime issue could
not be divorced from its claim that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which had definitively settled the
question of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, was null and void. This was both a
surprising and an unfortunate development. It was my hope that this meeting, and hopefully
subsequent meetings relating thereto, would have definitively advanced the relations between our
two countries.
Further, I must convey my Government's disappointment over the statements contained in Note
Verbale I.DOM. 005568 .of September 23, 2014. These statements unfortunately only serve to
underscore yet again the continuing refusal of the Government of Venezuela to recognise that the
Geneva Agreem~nt does not attempt in any way to limit or restrict the inalienable right of
--
-
--------·-
----
Annex 86
Guyana to develop its sovereign territory, the western boundary of which was definitively settled
by the Arbitral Award of 1899.
The Government of Guyana is deeply disturbed by these actions being taken by Venezuela as
they represent a denial of the recent history of respect, friendship and cooperation between our
two countries and contradict Venezuela's assertions, as contained in the Note under reference, of
its "goodwill" "to reach a practical and peaceful solution to the controversy".
The impasse resulting from the technical meeting that had been convened specifically to discuss
the issue of maritime delimitation, coupled with the escalation of Venezuela's objections to
development projects being undertaken by Guyana within Guyana, have caused the Government
of Guyana to re-examine the ongoing controversy and its retardation of Guyana's development.
\ This includes a thorough review of Guyana's position with regard to the Good Offices process.
It is our conclusion that after twenty five years it has brought us no closer to the resolution of the
controversy as spelled out in the Geneva Agreement of 1966. That controversy, I again wish to
emphasise, is not a dispute over territory. It has come about as a direct result of Venezuela's
contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is null and void - a contention which Guyana
vigorously rejects. The Geneva Agreement was signed in this context and provides for the
Parties to search for satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of this controversy ; and it
does so by setting out a clear path to be pursued, with the direct intervention of the Secretary
General of the United Nations, to resolve the issue.
I am therefore writing to let you know that the Government of Guyana is presently reviewing the
other options under Article 33 of the United Nations Charter, as provided for by the 1966
Geneva Agreement, that could serve to bring to an end the controversy.
I will of course advise you when we communicate our position, following the review of these
options, to the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
2
Annex 87
Letter from the Minister of the People’s Power for External Relations of the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana (29 Dec. 2014)
Annex 87
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REC EI Y .:.,
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OFFICE OF THE Mi:>-:,~ i"Li'. :
1
DEC 3 0 2014
j
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DEC 3 0 <UH i!!)
'E.m6assy of tfu <Bofrvarian ~
6frc of 'Venezuefa
f:y (
L. he
to tfie Cooperative !J?§pu6Ct,'4-,_"f_
""'.:"..!':'_"-_
-_ -_-_-_-_ .... _ ... _ .... _--_-:_
-:
D IRE CTOR GENt: RAL
URGENT-IMPORTANT
ll.2 .G12.E1 .Q.10 / 346
THE EMBASSY OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA presents
its compliments to the Honorable Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Guyana and has the honour to refers to the latter Note dated on December 2
nd
,
2014 endorsed by the Honourable Miniter of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Carolyn
Rodrigues-Birkett.
The Embassy, in this regard, has the Honour to transmit herewith a copy of the
Note N° 001039 dated en December 29, 2014 addressed to the Honourable
Foreign Affairs Minister of Guyana, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, from the Minister
of the People's Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela , Delci Elaina Rodriguez G6mez. The original Note will be forwarded
at short notice.
THE EMBASSY OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA avails
itself of this opportunity to renew to the Honourable Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of Guyana the assurances of its highest consideration.~
I
Georgetown, December 30, 2014.
/
Jd'1 ,vt f:) ' IJ. r; G
{_pfud
To the Honourable
0 lla~ C:\ r-'11~
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Guyana
Georgetown.
(J~ ,y"1 e) ~
<d-10(,-vf,y
1
Annex 87
, I ,,,.,1. ,1,1 1,,/,,. 1J¡u I,, ¡.
( lit n
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Caracas, 29 de diciembre de 2014
Excelencia,
Tengo el honor de dirigirme a Usted en la oportunidad de referirme a su
Comunicación SIN de fecha 2 de diciembre del 2014, mediante la cual hace
referencia al Diferendo limítrofe sobre el Esequibo que actualmente mantienen
Venezuela y Guyana.
Al respecto, Honorable Ministra, debo mencionar que he leído con
detenimiento la referida Comunicación, observando en detalle sus planteamientos
y preocupaciones. En ese sentido, debo informarle que me encuentro sorprendida
por el lenguaje y el alcance de su misiva. Por lo tanto, trataré de enumerar los
aspectos referidos por Usted, aludiendo a una supuesta posición de la República
Bolivariana de Venezuela en cada uno de ellos:
1) Delimitación marftima : La República Bolivariana de Venezuela
mantiene su posición histórica de considerar nulo e írrito el Laudo Arbitral
de 1899. En consecuencia, la delimitación maritima dependerá de un
acuerdo integral para la solución del Diferendo sobre el territorio Esequibo
reconocido por su ilustre Gobierno en el Acuerdo de Ginebra de 17 de
febrero de 1966. Esta posición venezolana ha sido reafirmada, una vez
más, por la Delegación téalica de Venezuela, el pasado 20 de junio del
2014 en la reunión sostenida en Trinidad y Tobago.
2) Nota 005568 del 22 de septiembre del 2014: Sobre este particula r,
deseo expresarte que el Gobierno de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela
ratifica el contenido de la referida Nota, asl como su voluntad de continuar
construyendo el camino para resolver definitivamente el diferendo limítrofe
medianta el Proceso de Buenos Oficios.
2
Annex 87
3) Proceso de Buenos Oficios: Resulta insólita la argumentación
esgrimida en la Comunicación referida mediante la cual Guyana pretende
justificar el abandono del Proceso de Buenos Oficios, debido a una
supuesta escalada propiciada por Venezuela, según la cual el Gobierno
Bolivariano estaría impidiendo el desarrollo de Guyana, y rechazando los
mecanismos de diálogo para abordar aspectos vinculados con la
delimitación marítima inherentes al Diferendo.
En ese sentido, deseo hacer referencia a las reiteradas peticiones por
escrito y verbales del Gobierno Bolivariano de Venezuela al Gobierno de Guyana
a fin de que se designe al Representante del Secretario General de las Naciones
Unidas para continuar el Proceso de Buenos Oficios, luego del penoso y
lamentable fallecimiento del querido compañero Norman Girvan. Al respecto,
deseo enfatizar que sobre este tema hemos experimentado un constante rechazo
por parte de su Gobierno, el cual se ha evidenciado una vez más en el contenido
de su Comunicación del 2 de diciembre del 2014.
Como lo expresó en distintas oportunidades el Comandante Supremo, Hugo
Chávez Frias, Venezuela está dispuesta a alcanzar una solución práctica, pacífica
y satisfactoria a la controversia surgida en torno a que el Laudo de Paris de 1899
es nulo e írrito. El Acuerdo de Ginebra del 17 de febrero de 1966 así lo dispone en
su artículo primero. Además, la voluntad de nuestro país para lograr un acuerdo
definitivo respecto al Diferendo territorial, siempre ha estado vigente y el
Comandante Chévez lo expresó y evidenció en todo momento. Esa línea de
acción ha sido ratificada por el Presidente Nicolás Maduro, quien ha realizado un
importante esfuerzo para estrechar aún más las relaciones bilaterales entre
Venezuela y Guyana en todos los campos, con particular énfasis en las relaciones
de cooperación y comercio justo a través de Petrocaribe.
3
Annex 87
t~------------~---
Deseo reiterarle, m1 bien estimada Ministra, que una buena señal para
continuar avanzando decididamente en esa direcc1on. es la pronta designación del
nuevo Representante Personal del Secretano General de las Naciones Unidas
para la continuación del Proceso de Buenos Oficios. Venezuela cree firmemente
que este mecanismo sigue siendo la vía política y jurídicamente adecuada para
abordar el Diferendo. De allí la importancia que reviste para la buena marcha del
mencionado Proceso que el Ilustrado Gobierno de Guyana atienda la solicitud
realizada por Venezuela para acordar, lo antes posible. la designación del Buen
Oficiante.
Finalmente, deseo resaltar que Venezuela considera que reabrir la
evaluación sobre los mecanismos de solución de controversias establecidos en el
articulo 33 de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, para abordar el diferencio limítrofe,
tal y como lo estipula el Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966, significaría un
incomprensible retorno al pasado poniendo en riesgo los importantes avances
alcanzados durante los últimos 15 años en la evolución positiva de las relaciones
bilaterales entre Guyana y Venezuela.
Apreciada Ministra, el Comandante Supremo Hugo Chávez Frías marcó una
nueva etapa en las relaciones políticas, económicas y de cooperación con
Suramérica. Sobre esa base y con el compromiso de auspiciar y mantener la paz
internacional, el Gobierno Bolivariano de Venezuela expresa una vez más su
voluntad de profundizar las relaciones de amistad y solidaridad con sus hermanos
suramericanos, orientado por el principio rector de la unión Latinoamericana y el
legado de nuestros Libertadores.
Aprovecho la oportunidad para reiterar a Su Excelencia la expresión de mi
más alta consideración y aprecio.
4
Annex 87
5
Annex 87
6
Annex 87
7
Annex 88
M. Shaw, Rosenne’s Law and PRactice of the inteRnationaL couRt 1920-2015, Vol. II
(5th ed., 2015)
Annex 88
Rosenne's Law and Practice of
the International Court:
1920-2015
VOLUME II
JURISDICTION
Fifth Edition by
Malcolm N. Shaw QC
BRILL
NIJHOFF
LEIDEN • BOSTON
Annex 88
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Rosenne, Shabtai, author. I Shaw, Malcolm N. (Malcolm Nathan), 1947Title:

Rosenne's Law and practice of the international court, 1920-2015.
Other titles: Law and practice of the international court, 1920-2005 I Law
and practice of the international court, 1920-2015
Description: Fifth Edition I by Malcolm N. Shaw QC. I Leiden; Boston: BRILL
NIJHOFF, 2016. I Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016028965 (print) I ISBN
9789004217980 (hardback: alk. paper) I ISBN 9789004217911 (hardback:
alk. paper) J
ISBN 9789004217959 (hardback: alk. paper) I ISBN
9789004217966 (hardback: alk. paper) J
ISBN 9789004217973 (hardback:
alk. paper)
Subjects: LCSH: International Court of Justice . I International Court of
Justice- History . I International Court of Justice-Rules and practice. I
International courts. J
Procedure (Law)
Classification : LCC KZ6275 .R67 2016 (print) J
DDC
341.5/520904- dc23
LC record available at https ://lccn .loc.gov/2016028965
ISBN 978-90-04-21798-0 (Set)
ISBN 978-90-04-21791-l (Vol. I)
ISBN 978-90-04-21795-9 (Vol. II)
ISBN 978-90-04-21796-6 (Vol. III)
ISBN 978-90-04-21797-3 (Vol. IV)
© 2016 Koninklijke Brill NV. Leiden, The Neth erlands
Copyright 2016 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Koninklijke Brill NV incorporates the imprints Brill, Brill Hes & De Graaf, Brill Nijhoff,
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All rights reserved . No pa11 of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored in
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FSC'° C004472
Annex 88
§ 11.155. The Expression of Consent
579
order, of 31 July 1947, the letter of the Albanian Government to the Court
was regarded by the President as constituting the document mentioned
in Article 36 of the 1946 Rules (now Article 41), in that way rendering
Albania subject to the jurisdiction of the Court, having regard to the
Security Council's resolution 22 (194 7), 9 April 194 7.
130
In its judgment
on the preliminary objection the Court saw, in the acceptance by Albania
of the Security Council's resolution, recognition of 'its obligation to
refer the dispute to the Comi in accordance with the provisions of the
Statute'.
131
The preamble to the special agreement of 25 March 1948,
which replaced the original forum prorogatum jurisdiction as established
by the Court, stated that the special agreement had been 'drawn up as
a result of the Resolution' of the Security Council. In the judgment on
the merits the Court interpreted the intentions of the parties as expressed
in the special agreement in the light of the aim of that resolution, and
of what the Security Council 'undoubtedly intended'; and it interpreted
the special agreement so as to 'give full effect' to the resolution and
'not leave open the possibility of a further dispute' .13
2
Here the Court
used as an aid in elucidating the intentions of the parties to the special
agreement such evidence as it found of their intentions vis-a-vis the
resolution of the Security Council; and this required first an ascertainment
of the intention of the Security Council in reaching its decision. The
Court refused to interpret the consent of the parties in such a way as
would frustrate the intentions of the Security Council as expressed in
a recommendation which they had accepted.
133
This is an example of
a liberal interpretation of the requirement of consent, rather than of
dispensing with the requirement.
II.155. THE EXPRESSION OF CONSENT. The Statute contains no provision
regulating the form or manner in which the consent to confer jurisdiction
on the Court should be expressed. The silence of the Statute regarding
130
[1947--48] 4, 5 (see eh. II, § II.180). At the same time, it is, in retrospect, to be noted
that seven of the sixteen judges who rendered thatjudgment found it necessary to append a
joint separate opinion which refused to see in the Charter any reason to relax the traditional
rule of the consensual basis of jurisdiction. Ibid. 31.
131
Ibid . 26 .
132
[1949] 4, 23-26.
133
See further as to this incident, and some other implications, Sh. Rosenne, 'United
Nations Treaty Practice', 86 RADI 275,336 (1954-II) A similar teleological approach towards
the interpretation of its title of jurisdiction was adopted by the Permanent Court in the
Chorz6w Factory (Jurisdiction) case, A9 (1927) 21-22.
Annex 88
580
Chapter 9. Jurisdiction and Admissibility: General Concepts
the manner of expressing the consent stands in contrast to the rigidity
of the application of the substantive demand for a consensual basis of
jurisdiction, and has produced a radical transformation in the ways of
expressing that consent. The language of Article 36, paragraph 1, of the
Statute - all cases which the parties refer to the Court and all matters
specially provided for in treaties and conventions in force - embodies the
fundamental principle that the parties must agree to submit the matter to
the Court, without laying down any requirements as to the form of that
agreement. It embodies both jurisdiction ratione personae ( the parties)
and jurisdiction ratione materiae (all cases ... and all matters). The
application of this rule to the act of conferring jurisdiction on the Court
was stated by the Permanent Court, in the following passage:
The acceptance by a State of the Court's jurisdiction in a particular case
is not, under the Statute, subordinated to the observance of certain forms,
such as, for instance, the previous conclusion of a special agreement.
134
The present Court amplified this in the Corfu Channel (Preliminary
Objection) case:
While the consent of the parties confers jurisdiction on the Court, neither
the Statute nor the Rules require that this consent should be expressed in
any particular form.
135
Nevertheless this principle is subject to one general condition, namely,
that the initial expression of consent, or purported consent, must emanate
from the authority of a State in which the treaty-making power is vested.
If it is in writing, the form of the writing is immaterial. Consent that the
Court should exercise jurisdiction is a form of international agreement,
and on the international level it is governed by the general principles of
international law which govern the exercise of the treaty-making power
on the international plane.
136
134
Minority Schools case, A15 (1928) 23. For the extension of the doctrine, mutates
mutandis, to the compulsory jurisdiction, see eh. 12, § II.197.
135
[1948) 15, 27. See also Certain Questions of Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters
(Djibouti v France) [2008) 177, 203 (para. 60), stating that: 'However, neither the Statute of
the Court nor its Rules require that the consent of the parties which thus confers jurisdiction
on the Court be expressed in any particular form'.
136
Aegean Sea Continental Shelf case, [1978) 3, 39 (para. 96); Maritime Delimitation
and Territorial Questions between Qatar and Bahrain (Jurisdiction and Admissibility) case,
Annex 88
§ 11.155. The Expression of Consent
581
Although the Statute imposes no requirements concerning the manner
in which consent that the Court should adjudicate be expressed, practice
envisages several methods. These partly have their origins in older
arbitral practice (this refers particularly to the special agreement, the
modem equivalent of the arbitral compromis). On the other hand, the
organic permanence of the Court and the constantly changing patterns
and methods of work of modem diplomacy have developed new systems
by which States assume binding obligations. These follow on the
combination of the express provisions of the Statute and their application
by States in the process of bringing particular cases before the Court. As a
result it is desirable to reclassify the different types of title of jurisdiction a
generic
term
to
cover
the
authority
of
the
Court
to
exercise
jurisdiction

in
any
particular

case.
137
What is termed conventional jurisdiction or treaty jurisdiction
consists of all jurisdiction which rests upon an express, written agreement
of the litigating States. Article 36, paragraphs 2 and 5, of the Statute
provide a special form for this jurisdiction, known as the compulsory
jurisdiction ( a misleading expression as if it means that the jurisdiction
is not based on consent) or optional clause jurisdiction.
138
Where the
agreement is not in this form but is reached after an application has
been filed, the Court will become competent by what is frequently called
prorogated jurisdiction.
139
There have been cases in which agreement has
been reached in diplomatic negotiations that a dispute may be referred
to the Court by unilateral application.
140
Whatever method is employed
[1994] 112, 120 (para. 23), both applying Art. 2 (1) (a) of the Vienna Convention on the
Law of Treaties of 1969, on the meaning given to the word treaty for the purposes of that
Convention ; Application of the Genocide Convention (Pre!. Objs .) case, [1996-II] 595,621
(para. 44). This is without prejudice to the requirements of the internal law of the State as
regards the making of a treaty to bind that State.
137
See further in eh. 14 regarding the title of jurisdiction.
138
See eh . 12. If the compromissory clause of a treaty permits the unilateral institution of
proceedings by application , that creates a form of 'compulsory jurisdiction' based , however ,
on the narrower approach of Art. 36 (1) of the Statute, not on paras. 2 and 5. Here the
jurisdiction is limited ratione personae to the parties to the treaty (subject to any established
reservations), and ratione materiae to the exact terms and requirements of the treaty. The
Border and Transborder Armed Actions case has drawn attention to the need not to confuse
the statutory basis of the Court's jurisdiction .
139
This term is derived from the Latin forum prorogatum, but it is not a technical term
of Roman law. Cf. B. Winiarski , 'Quelques reflexions sur le soi-disant forum prorogatum en
droit international', Festschriftfor Jean Spiropoulos 445 (1957). See eh. 11, § II.181 n. 84.
140
Something like this appears to have occurred in the Fisheries and ELSI cases.
On Fisheries, 'L' affaire a ete introduite par une requete du gouvernement britannique.
Annex 88
582
Chapter 9. Jurisdiction and Admissibility: General Concepts
to express the necessary consent to confer jurisdiction on the Court,
they all have the effect of creating, as between the parties, the necessary
conditions to permit the Court to deliver a final and binding judgment in
the case.
The development of new methods of expressing consent to the
jurisdiction of the Court is welcome. By not insisting upon any rigid
requirements of form the Court has probably made it easier for States to
have recourse to it than might otherwise have been possible. A State can
contemplate a reference to the Court without necessarily requiring formal
action by its domestic political organs, while not excluding that process
when it is positively required by the relevant internal law or political
practice. Ratification by the full constitutional process is required before
a State becomes a party to the Statute, and this makes it unnecessary to
consider whether this is a requirement of customary international law
(see chapter 10, § 11.165). This supplies a broad and general measure of
domestic political control. But the fact that a State is a party to the Statute
is not in itself, as has been seen, sufficient to confer jurisdiction on the
Court: this is governed by Article 36 of the Statute. However, save in the
exceptional instances of recourse to the Court by a State not a party to
the Statute, to be a party to the Statute is normally the major step towards
accepting the jurisdiction of the Court.
These remarks only apply to the requirements of international law.
They have no relation to the requirements of the internal law. The question
whether international validity attaches to an expression of consent to
the jurisdiction of the Court allegedly in violation of a provision of the
internal law is not one peculiar to the practice and procedure of the Court,
but is an aspect of the wider problem of the validity of a treaty alleged
to have been concluded in violation of a provision of the internal law of
the State.
141
Something like this occurred in the Nottebohm (Preliminary
Mais c' est en pleine entente avec la Norvege que cette procedure unilaterale filt choisie.'
M. Bourquin, 'La portee generale de I' arret rendu ... dans I' affaire ... des Pecheries' , 22 Acta
Scandinavica Juris Gentium 130 (1952). See also G. Fitzmaurice, II The Law and Practice of
the International Court of Justice 505 n. 5. TI1is has led to the framework agreement , see
eh. 11, § Il.175 .
141
See now Art. 46 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969, 1155
UNTS 331. For the refusal of the Court to examine this question in the circumstances of the
case, see Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Jurisdiction and
Admissibility) case, [1984] 391, 421 (para. 66). In the Maritime Delimitation and Territorial
Questions between Qatar and Bahrain (Jurisdiction and Admissibility) case, the Court
rejected a contention that Bahrain's constitutional provisions regarding 'treaties concerning
Annex 88
§ 11.155. The Expression of Consent
583
Objection) case. One of the reasons given by Guatemala for its inability
to appear before the Court was that it would be contrary to the domestic
law of that country. Commenting on this, the Court said:
In the opinion of the Court, the Government of Guatemala, on the premise
that the Court lacked jurisdiction in an absolute manner, meant that, by
reason of the Court's lack of jurisdiction, the laws of Guatemala did not
authorize that Government to be represented before a court which had no
power to adjudicate. The Court does not consider it necessary to ascertain
what the laws of Guatemala provide in this connection. It will confine itself
to stating that, once its jurisdiction has been established by the present
Judgment with binding force on the Parties, the difficulty, in which the
Government of Guatemala considered that it had been placed, will be
removed and there will be nothing to prevent that Government from being
represented before the Court in accordance with the provisions of the Statute
and Rules.
142
The communication of the Government of Guatemala had concluded
with a reservation of its right to be represented in subsequent stages
of the litigation if the Court should reach a negative decision on its
objection. It also contained an express declaration to the effect that the
Government did not regard itself as being in default, but as being unable
to appear before the Court. There is no doubt that those sentiments
influenced the Court, which saw in the declaration confirmation of its
interpretation of the meaning of Guatemala's objection. Nevertheless,
the Court's reasoning is of considerable interest to the general problem
that is raised. By taking a slightly longer path than that urged by Judge
Klaestad, the Court avoided the pitfalls of a doctrinal controversy on the
question of the supremacy of international law and the relations between
international and internal law. Instead, tacitly relying (as it is entitled
to do) on the presumption of international law, and particularly of the
the territory of the State' had not been observed. [1994] 112, 121 (para. 26). Similarly, in
both the provisional measures and the preliminary objection phases of the Application of the
Genocide Convention case the Court relied on the Vienna Convention. [1993] 3, 11 (para. 13);
[1996-II] 595, 621 (para. 44) .
142
[1953] lll, 123. A declaration by Judge Klaestad would have rejected this argument
by the Government of Guatemala on the simple ground that such national provisions cannot
be invoked against rules of international law (as had been argued by the Government of
Liechtenstein). Ibid. 125. The fact that the Court dealt with the argument at somewhat greater
length is significant.
Annex 88
584
Chapter 9. Jurisdiction and Admissibility: General Concepts
Court's law, that a State will observe its treaty obligations (see chapter 4,
§ I.40), it interpreted Guatemala's treaty obligations - including the
treaty obligation to comply with a binding judgment - in such a way
as to make it easier for that country's Government to overcome any
hesitation which may have been due to doubts of a domestic political
or legal character.
11.156. THE TEMPORAL FACTOR IN JURISDICTION. Time is a factor that
influences the Court's jurisdiction in several ways. Ratione personae
it is necessary that the parties to the case are parties to the Statute
or have undertaken the obligations of a non-party to the Statute at
the time of the institution of the proceedings. As the Court has said:
'The question whether the applicant State was or was not a party to
the Statute of the Court at the time of the institution of the present
proceedings is a fundamental one.'
143
The same holds good for the
respondent State. It is necessary that the parties be under the obligation to
accept the jurisdiction of the Court at the time at which the determination
of the existence of that obligation has to be made, normally the date
of the institution of the proceedings. Ratione materiae it is necessa1y
that the events which gave rise to the reference to the Court occurred
during the space of time in respect to which jurisdiction had been
conferred on the Court. In either event the Court's jurisdiction can
be perfected in the course of the proceedings (forum prorogatum).
The temporal element in the jurisdiction of the Court is therefore to
be regarded as part of the problem of jurisdiction ratione personae
or ratione materiae as the case may be. It relates to the scope of the
jurisdiction.
144
This has given rise to special terminology to express the element of
time in the Comi's jurisdiction. For the link of time with the jurisdiction
ratione personae, the period within which acceptance of the jurisdiction
is in force is bounded by two dates called respectively the commencement
date and the terminal date. For the association of time with the material
scope of the jurisdiction, the relevant date is usually termed the exclusion
date or the critical date (a term which in this context must not be confused
143
Legality of Use of Force (Pre!. Objs.) cases, case against Belgium, [2004] 279, 293
(para. 30). See also H . 1hirlway, The Law and Procedure of the International Court of Justice
1667 (2013).
144
Application of the Genocide Convention (Pre!. Objs.) case, [1996-II] 595, 617 (para.
34).
Annex 89
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Decree No. 1.787 (26 May 2015), published in The Official
Gazette of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (27 May 2015)
Annex 89
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA
Decree No 1. 787
May 26, 2015
Nicolas Maduro Moros
President of the Republic
With the supreme commitment and will to achieve the greatest effectiveness of the nation's policies
and revolutionary zeal in the construction of socialism, the perfecting of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela, based on humanistic principles and sustained on moral and ethical principles underlying the
progress of .our country and our people , by mandate of the people and in accordance with Article 226 of
the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and in exercise of the attributes conferred on
me by paragraphs 5 and 6 of the Article 236 ejusdem, in accordance with Articles 19, 24, 44 and 45, 48
and 49 of the Decree with Rank, Standing and Force of the Organic Law of the Bolivarian National Armed
Forces, in the Council of Ministers,
WHEREAS
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is built on the bases of a Democratic and Social State of Law and
Justice, which has as its paramount concern the protection and safeguarding of the rights and needs of
the Venezuelan people, to ensure a just, efficient and equitable provision of essential public services;
and
WHEREAS
It is the duty of the State to adopt necessary measures to guarantee the independence, sovereignty,
security and integrity of its geographic space on the basis of strategic planning for its national defence
besides planning, managing and executing operations of integral defence and national development
with the supreme objective of ensuring the defence and protection of the rights of our citizens; and
WHEREAS
1
Annex 89
The territory and other geographical spaces of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela are those which
correspond to the Captaincy General of Venezuela before the political transformation initiated on
April 19, 1810, with the modifications resulting from the treaties, agreemen~s and arbitral awards not
vitiated by nullity.
WHEREAS
The need has arisen to adapt to new realities and to structure the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, to
respond to the new organisational model and to situations in the area of security, defence and integral
development, in light of the philosophical guidelines established by the Supreme and Eternal
Commander of the Bolivarian Revolution in the National Plan which provides for : "The consolidation of
a territorial defence system capable of directing the country in times of war and in times of peace1 that is
strategically defensive and involving the people at all /evels
11
1 a mandate which requires efficient
coordination among institutions and organs of integral defe_nce of the nation, for the deployment of
national po~er and rejection of threats or aggressions against our country, at all levels of public power
in the area of armed and non armed conflict; and
WHEREAS
It is necessary to achieve the greatest comprehensiveness of military operations in the new territorial
defence system and strengthen territorial armed units, with the objective of continuing the process of
organisation and consolidation of the Territorial Defence System, based on the new Bolivarian military
doctrine and the Operational Strategy for Integral National Defence, it is necessary to establish new
Integral Operational Defence Zones (ZODI) and Integral Defence Areas (ADI).
WHEREAS
The Venezuelan state recognises the existence of maritime areas which are pending delimitation in
accordance with the international agreements and treaties subscribed to by the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela and which have to be addressed by the Venezuelan state until a definitive demarcation is
achieved in a friendly manner.
HEREBY DECREES
Article 1. The following Integral Operational Maritime and Insular Defence Zones (ZODIMAIN) are
hereby established and activated, under the purview of the Integral Maritime and Insular Strategic
Defence Region (REDIMAIN), as listed below:
2
Annex 89
1. ATLANTIC DEFENCE ZONE, which includes the marine and sub marine areas of the Atlantic coast
defined to the north by the line-due east which starts from the Promontory of Paria to the boundary
with Trinidad and Tobago and the low water line running south along the coast in the continental
space of the Sucre and Delta Amacuro States and the international maritime limits defined with
Trinidad and Tobago, besides the marine and submarine areas which correspond to the territory
under claim by Venezuela (zona en reclamacion) . This Defence Zone includes Patos Island and
other islands, islets, reefs and banks situated in or emerging within the territorial sea, as well as the
airspace above, as delimited by the following geographical coordinates:
POINT
"A" LATITUDE 10 °
44' 02.3" N LONGITUDE {l) 61 ° 50' 49.3"W
POINT
"B" LATITUDE 10 ° 44' 02.3" N LONGITUDE {l) 61 ° 47'
43.9"W
Corresponding to Punta Pena (Promontory of Paria)
POINT
"C" LATITUDE 10 °
42' 40.8" N LONGITUDE {l) 61
° 48' 16.2"W
POINT
"D,, LATITUDE 10 ° 35' 08.8" N LONGITUDE {l) 61
° 48' 16.2"W
POINT
"E" LATITUDE 10 °
35' 07.8" N LONGITUDE {l) 61
° 51' 51.2"W
POINT
"F" LATITUDE l{l)
0
02' 034.8" N LONGITUDE {l) 62° 05' 05.2"W
POINT
"G" LATITUDE 10 ° 00' 17.8" N LONGITUDE {2)61 °58'
31.2"W
POINT
"H" LATITUDE 09 °
59' 00.8" N LONGITUDE 061 °51'
24.2"W
POINT
"I"
LATITUDE 09 °
59' 00.8" N LONGITUDE {2)61 °37'
56.2"W
POINT
"J" LATITUDE 09 °
59' 00.8" N LONGITUDE {2)61°30' 06.l"W
POINT
"K" LATITUDE 09 °
52' 21.8" N
LONGITUDE {2)61 °13' 30.l"W
POINT
"L" LATITUDE 09 °
5 0' 43.8" N LONGITUDE {2)60° 53'
33.l"W
3
Annex 89
POINT
"M" LATITUDE 09 ° 49' 43.8" N
LONGITUDE 060° 39' 57. 0"W
POINT
"N" LATITUDE 09 ° 53' 14.8" N
LONGITUDE 060° 16' 08. 0"W
POINT
"O" LATITUDE 09 ° 57' ~5.8" N LONGITUDE 059° 59' 22. ~"W
POINT
"P" LATITUDE 09 ° 57' 59.8" N
LONGITUDE 059° SS' 27. 0"W
POINT
"Q" LATITUDE 10 ° 09' 47.9." N LONGITUDE 058° 49' 17.9"W
POINT
"R" LATITUDE 10 ° 15' 49.9." N LONGITUDE 058° 49' 17.9"W
POINT
"S" LATITUDE 10 ° 58' 35.4" N
LONGITUDE 057° 07'. 03"W
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Area between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago Article 2 18 April 1990, are the following coordinates:
POINT
"T" LATITUDE 11° 35' 24. 0"N LONGITUDE 055° 27' 12. 0 "W,
{350 MN TO 067° FROM THE STRAIGHT BASE LINE),
POINT
"U" LATITUDE 08° 56' 03. 0"N LONG.ITUDE 052° 51' 10.0 "W,
{35 0 MN TO 070 ° FROM THE ESSEQUIBO RIVER),
POINT
"V" LATITUDE 06° 58' 54. 0"N LONGITUDE 058° 23' 28.0 "W,
{Mouth of the Essequibo River),
However there is a maritime area to be delimited, which will be determined once the pending
controversy is resolved between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which is defined by the points "T", "U"
and "V"'
4
Annex 89
2. EASTERN DEFENCE ZONE, its jurisdict ion includes the marine and submarine areas of the eastern
Caribbean coast, including the maritime space corresponding to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),
delimited to the south fro m the low water line in the continental space from the Boca de Uchire,
Anzoategui and Sucre States to the straight line which begins at the east from the Promontory of
Paria to the international maritime limit established with Trinidad and Tobago. From this
interception northwards it continues with the international maritime limits established with
Trinidad and Tobago and France to the east. From this interception it continues westwards with the
international maritime limits established to the north with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the
United States of America (Puerto Rico), up to the interception with the eastern boundary of the
Maritime and Central Insular Defence Zone. This Defence Zone includes the Island of Tortuga the
Island of Blanquila, the Los Hermanos Archipelago, Archipelago of Los Testigos; Aves (Bird) Island,
Sola Island and other islands, islets, reefs and banks situated or ~hich emerge in the territorial sea,
as well as the ~irspace above, as delimited by the following geographical coordinates:
POINT
"A" LATITUDE 10 ° 08' 23.1" N LONGITUDE 065° 25' 48.5"W
Corresponding to the Boca de Uchire,
POINT
"B" LATITUDE 16 ° 00' 00 "N
LONGITUDE 0 65° 25' 48.5"W
POINT
"C" LATITUDE 16 ° 23' 32.7" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 45' 52. 0"W
POINT
"D" LATITUDE 16 ° 35' 21.7" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 23' 37. 0"W
POINT
"E" LATITUDE 16 ° 41' 45.7" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 10" 0 5. 0"W
POINT
"F" LATITUDE 16 ° 42' 42. 7" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 08' (;14. 0"W
POINT
"G" LATITUDE 16 ° 43' 12.7" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 06 ' 57.0 "W
POINT
"H" LATITUDE 16 ° 43' 24.7" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 0 6' 29.0 "W
POINT
"I"
LATITUDE 1:6 ° 44' 51.6" N
LONGITUDE 0 64° 01' (;16. 0"W
5
Annex 89
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the United States of America Article 2 28 MARCH 1978 are the following
coordinates:
POINT
"J" LATITUDE 16 ° 4 (2)' 39.1" N LONGITUDE 0 63° 37' 56.6"W
POINT
"K" LATITUDE 16 ° 39'50 .1" N
LONGITUDE (2) 63° 35' 26.6"W
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the Kingdom of the Netherlands Article 2 31 MARCH1978 are the following
coordinates:
POINT
"L" LATITUDE 16 ° 3(2)' (2)0" N
LONGITUDE 062° 48' 50"W
POINT
"M" LATITUDE 14 ° 0(2)' 0(2) "N
LONGITUDE (2)62° 48' 5(2)"W
POINT
"N" LATITUDE 12 ° (2)(2)' (2)0 "N
LONGITUDE 062° 48' 5(2)"W
(They don't have geographic references)
POINT
"O" LATITUDE 11 ° 1(2)' 18.8 "N
LONGIT~DE 061 ° 43' 52.2"W
POINT
"P" LATITUDE 10 ° 54' 28.8 "N
LONGITUDE 061 ° 43' 52.2"W
POINT
"Q" LATITUDE 1(2)
0
54' 03.8 "N LONGITUDE 061 ° 43' 58.2"W
POINT
"R" LATITUDE 1(2)
0
48' 29.8 ,;N LONGITUDE 061 ° 45' 53.2"W
POINT
"S" LATITUDE 10 ° 47' 26.8 "N
LONGITUDE 061 ° 46' 23.2"W
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago Article 2 18 APRIL 1990 are the following coordinates:
.,
POINT
"T" LATITUDE 10 ° 44' 02.3" N LONGITUDE 061 ° 47' 43.9"W
(They don't have geographic references)
POINT
6
Annex 89
"U"
LATITUDE 1(2)
0
44' (2)2.3" N LONGITUDE (2)61 ° 5(2)' 49.3"W
Corresponding to Punta Pena (Promontory of Paria).
3. CENTRAL DEFENCE ZONE, its jurisdiction includes the marine and submarine areas of the central
Caribbean coast of the Republic, including the maritime space corresponding to the Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ), defined on the north by the international maritime limit with the Southern
Netherlands, continuing by the international maritime border to the north of the Las Aves
archipelago, defined by the Dominican Republic and the United States of America (Puerto Rico). In
a south-west direction from the low water coastal line from Boca de Aroa it continues through the
States of Falcon, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Vargas and Miranda to Boca de Uchire, from where a
line continues northwards perpendicular with the international maritime limits with the United
States of North America. It includes the archipelago of Las Aves, archipelago of Los Roques and
archipelago of La Orchila, as well as other
islands, islets, reefs and banks situated or which
em_erge
within the territorial sea and airspace above, as delimited by the following geographic
coordinates:
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the Kingdom of the Netherlands Article 2 31 MARCH 1987 are the following
coord inates:
POINT
"A" LATITUDE 1(2)
0
4(2)' 52.(2) "N LONGITUDE (2)68° 17' 52.4"W
Corresponding to the Boca de Aroa
POINT
"B" LATITUDE 11 ° 39'48.6"N
LONGITUDE (2)67° 59' 29.6"W
POINT
"C" LATITUDE 12 ° 26'48.7"N
LONGITUDE (2)67° 59' 29.9"W
POINT
"D" LATITUDE 15 ° 14'16.8"N
LONGITUDE (2)68° 51' 51.l"W
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the Netherlands Article 2 31 MARCH 1978 are the following coordinates:
POINT
"E" LATITUDE 15 ° 14' 31. (Z)"N LONGITUDE (2)68° 51' 42.4"W
POINT
7
Annex 89
"F" LATITUDE 15 ° 12'54. 0"N
.. LONGITUDE 068° 28' 54.3"W
POINT
"G" LATITUDE 15 ° 12'36. 0"N
LONGITUDE 068° 27' 30.3"W
POINT
"H" LATITUDE 15 ° 11' 09. 0"N
LONGITUDE 068° 09' 19.3"W
POINT
"I"
LATITUDE 15 ° 10' 41, 0"N
LONGITUDE 068° 03' 44.3"W
POINT
"J"
LATITUDE 15 ° 05' 10.0"N
LONGITUDE 067° 36'.21.3"W
POINT
"K" LATITUDE 15 ° 02' 35.0"N
LONGITUDE 067° 23'.38.3"W
POINT
"L" LATITUDE 14 ° 59' 13.0"N
LONGITUDE 067° 06 '58.2"W
POINT
"M" LATITUDE 14 ° 59' 01. 0"N
LONGITUDE 067° 06' 095.2"W
POINT
"N" LATITUDE 14 ° 58' 48.0"N
LONGITUDE 067° 05' 15.2"W
POINT
"O" LATITUDE 14 ° 58' 30.0"N
LONGITUDE (2)67° 04' 17.2"W
POINT
"P" LATITUDE 14 ° 56' 09.(Z)"N LONGITUDE (2)66° 51' 38.2"W
POINT
"Q" LATITUDE 14 ° 55' 51.0"N
LONGITUDE (2)66° 34' 28.2"W
POINT
"R" LATITUDE 15 ° 14' 08.9"N
LONGITUDE (2)66° 19 '55.2"W
POINT
"S" LATITUDE 15 ° 30'12.9"N
LONGITUDE (2)66° 07' (2)7'.l"W
POINT
"T" LATITUDE 15 ° 39'33 .. 9"N
LONGITUDE (2)65° 58' 39'.l"W
Correspondihg to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the United States of America Article 2 28 MARCH 1978 are the following
coordinates:
8
Annex 89
POINT
"U" LATITUDE 16 ° 00' 00. 0 "N LONGITUDE 065° 25' 48.5"W
(It does not have geographic references)
POINT
"V" LATITUDE 10°08 ' 23.l"N
LONGITUDE 065° 25' 48.5"W
(Corresponding to the Boca de Uchire),
4. WESTERN DEFENCE ZONE, its jurisdiction includes the marine and submarine areas of the western
Caribbean coast of the Republic, including the maritime space corresponding to the Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ), to the north , and to the east by the international maritime limit defined
with the Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands of the south, to the south from
the low water line of Zulia State above latitude 11 ° 00' 00'n, and the coasts (low water line) of
Falcon State to Boca de Aroa, from where a straight line i~ drawn to the point or right lower vertex
of the i~ternational boundary with the Netherlands. It includes the archipelago of Las Monjas and
other islands, islets, reefs and banks situated or which emerge within the territorial sea and air
space above, as delimited by the following geographic coordinates:
POINT
"A" LATITUDE 11 ° 51' 29.7"N
LONGITUDE 071 ° 19' 30"W
Corresponding to Castilletes
POINT
"B" LATITUDE 11 ° 57' 30"N
LONGITUDE 070 ° 55' 45"W
POINT
"C" LATITUDE 12 °03' 30"N
LONGITUDE 070 ° 54' 25"W
POINT
"D" LATITUDE 12 °09' 30"N
LONGITUDE 070 ° 55' 15"W
POINT
"E" LATITUDE 12 °11'00"N
LONGITUDE 071 ° 00' 00"W
POINT
"F" LATITUDE 12 °18'10"N
LONGITUDE 071 ° 05' 15"W
POINT
"G" LATITUDE 12 ° 24'00"N
LONGITUDE 071 ° 05' 55"W
POINT
"H" LATITUDE 12 ° 28 15"N
LONGITUDE 071 ° 07' 13"W
They don't have geographic references
9
Annex 89
· POINT
" I"
LATITUDE 14 ° 57' 54.9"N
LONGITUDE {2)71 ° 24' 17.6"W
POINT
'J"
LATITUDE 15 ° {2)2'1{2).9"N
LONGITUDE {2)7(2)
0
52' 48.5"W
POINT
" K" LATITUDE 15 ° 15' 52.9"N
LONGITUDE {2)7(2)
0
{2)8' {2)7.5"W
POINT
"L"
LATITUDE 15 ° 19' {2)6.9"N
LONGITUDE {2)69 ° 56' 16.4"W
POINT
"M" LATITUDE 15 ° 22' 47.8"N
LONGITUDE {2)69 ° 41' 48.4"W
Correspond ing to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the Dominican Republic Article 2 03 MARCH 1979 are the following
coordinates:
POINT
N"
LATITUDE 15 ° 24' 5(2).8" N
LONGITUDE {2)69° 34' 36.4"W
Corresponding to the common point in both treaties,
POINT
"O" LATITUDE 12 ° 48' 48.6" N
LONGITUDE {2)70° 25' {2)7.l"W
POINT
"P" LATITUDE 12 ° 20' 48.6" N
LONGITUDE 070° 25' {2)7.l"W
POINT
"Q" LATITUDE 12 ° 20' 48.6" N
LONGITUDE {2)70° 09'58.l"W
POINT
"R" LATITUDE 12 ° 21' 42.6" N
LONGITUDE 070° 08'32.l"W
POINT
"S" LATITUDE 12 ° 15' 53. 0" N LONGITUDE {2)69° 44' 06 .8"W
POINT
"T" LATITUDE 12 ° 11' 56.5'' N
LONGITUDE 069° 37' 21"W
POINT
"U" LATITUDE 11 ° 52' 51.8" N
LONGITUDE 069° 04' 39.3"W
POINT
"V" LATITUDE 11 ° 45' 36.9" N
LONGITUDE 068° 57' 09.5"W
10
Annex 89
POINT
"W" LATITUDE 11 ° 44' 36.4" N
LONGITUDE 068° 49' 39.6"W
POINT
"X" LATITUDE 11 ° 39' 48.6" N
LONGITUDE 068° 35' 54.9"W
POINT
"Y" LATITUDE 11 ° 39' 48.6" N
LONGITUDE 067° 59' 29.6"W
Corresponding to the Treaty on Delimitation of Marine and Submarine Areas between the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela and the Kingdom of the Netherlands Article 2 31 MARCH 1987 are the following
coordinates:
POINT
Z"
LATITUDE 10 ° 44' 02.3" N
LONGITUDE 61° 47' 43.9"W
Corresponding to Boca de Aroa
Article 2. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), Nueva Esparta
of the Integral Maritime and Insular Strategic Defence Region (REDIMAIN) are established and activated
as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI GUAIQUERI
MARCANO, GOMEZ, ANTOLIN, DEL CAMPO AND ARISMENDI
ADI CHARAIMA
DIAZ, GARCIA, MARINO AND MANEIRO
ADI PARAGUACHOA
PENINSULA OF MACANAO, TUBORES AND VILLALBA
Article 3. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), Apure of (REDI
LOS LLANOS) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI PUME
JOSE ANTONIO PAEZ
ADI CUIVA
ROMULO GALLEGOS, MUNOZ AND ACHAGUAS
ADI YARURO
PEDRO CAMEJO
ADIJIWI
BIRUACA AND SAN FERNANDO
..
Article 4. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), Barinas of (REDI
LOS LLANOS) are established and activated, as listed below:
ADI
Municipalities
ADI ZAMORA
EZEQUIEL, ZAMORA, ANTNIO JOSE DE SUCRE, ANDRES ELOY BLANCO AND
11
Annex 89
PEDRAZA
ADI SANTA INES
BOLIVRA, CRUZ PAREDES, BARINAS AND OBISPOS
ADI FLORENTINO
ALBERTO ARVELO TORREALBA AND ROJAS
ADI MAISANTA
SOSA AND ARISMENDI
Article S. The Integral Def ence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), PORTUGUESA of
(REDI LOS LLANOS) are established and activated, as listed be low;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI COROMOTO
JOSE VICENTE DE UNDA, SUCRE, GUANARE AND SAN GENARO OF
BOCONOITO
ADI GUANARE
OSPINO, ESTELLAR AND TUREN
ADI CENTAURO
ARAURE, AGUAS BLANCAS, SAN RAFAEL DE ONOTO AND PAEZ
ADI PIONERO
PAPELON, SANTA ROSALIA AND GUANARITO
Article 6. The Integral Defence Are .as (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), COJEDES of
(REDI LOS LLANOS) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI BATALLA DE FALCON, LIMA BLANCO AND TINACO
TAGUANES
ADI EZEQUIEL ZAMORA SAN CARLOS, ANZOATEGUI, ROMULO GALLEGOS AND RICAURTE
ADI EL BAUL
PAO DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA AND GIRARDOT
Article 7. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), GUARICO of
(REDI LOS LLANOS) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI CONOPOIMA
ROSCIO, ORTIZ AND JULIAN MELLADO
ADI CHIRIMARA
MIRANDA, CAMAGUAN AND SAN GERONIMO DE GUAYABEL
ADI CARAPAICA
LAS MERCEDES, INFANTE AND EL SOCORRO
ADI GUARAMENTAL
JOSE FELIX RIBAS, PEDRO ZARAZA AND SANTA MARIA DE IPIRE
ADI TAMANACO
MONAGAS, SAN JOSE DE GAURIBE AND CHAGUARAMA
Article 8. The Integral Defence Areas of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), CAPITAL c;>f (REDI
CENTRAL) are established and activated, activated as listed below;
12
Annex 89
ADI
Municipalities or Parishes
ADI CATIA
SUCRE, EL JUNQUITO, AND LA PASTORA
ADI EZEQUIEL ZAMORA SAN BERNARDINO, SAN JOSE, ALTAGRACIA, CATEDRAL, SAN JUAN, SANTA
TERESA, 23 DE ENERO AND LA CANDELARIA
ADI TIUNA
EL RECREO, SAN AGUSTIN , SAN PEDRO, SANTA ROSALIA, EL VALLE AND
COCHE
ADI CARICUAO
EL PARAISO, LA VEGA, ANTIMANO, CARICUAO AND MACARAO
ADI CHACAO
CHACAO
ADI SUCRE
SUCRE
ADI BARUTA
BARUTA
ADI EL HATIL~O
EL HATILLO
Article 9. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), VARGAS of
(REDI CENTRAL) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Parishes
ADI CATIA LA MAR
EL JUNKO, CARA VACA AND CATIA LA MAR
ADI GUAIACAMACUTO
URIMARE, CARLOSE SOUBLETTE, MAIQUETIA, MACUTO, CARABELLADA AND
LA GUAIRA
ADI NAIGUATA
NAIGUATA AND CARUAO
Article 10. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), MIRANDA of
(REDI CENTRAL) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ALTOS LOS SALIAS, CARRIZAL AND GUAICAIPURO
ADI
MIRANDINOS
ADI VALLES DEL TUY
PAZ CASILLO, CRISTOBAL ROJAS, SIMON BOLIVAR, INDEPENDENCIA, RAFAEL
URDANETA AND TOMAS LANDER
..
ADI BARLOVENTO
LUIS BRION, ACEVEDO, EULALIA BUROZ, ANDRES BELLO,JOSE ANTNIO PAEZ
AND PEDRO GUAL
ADI
GAURENAS- AMBROSIO PLAZA AND EZEQUIEL ZAMORA
GUATIRE
Article 11. The Integral Defence Areas of Integral Operat ion al Defence Zone (ZODI) ARAGUA, of (REDI
CENTRAL) are established and activated, as listed below;
13
Annex 89
ADI
Municipalities
ADI MARACAY
OCUMARE DE LA COSTA DE ORO, MARIOBRICENO IRAGORRY, GIRARDOT,
FRANCISCO LINARES ALCANTARA Y SANTIAGO MARINO
ADI TUCUTUNEMO
LIBERTADOR, JOSE ANGEL LAMAS, SUCRE AND ZAMORA
ADI RICAURTE
BOLIVAR, TOVAR, JOSE FELIX RIBAS, JOSE RAFAEL REVENGA AND SANTOS
MICHELINA
ADI TAGUAY
SAN SEBASTIAN DE LOS REYES, SAN CASIMIRO, CAMATAGUA AND RAFAEL
URDANETA
Article 12. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI)) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), CARABOBO of
(REDI CENTRAL) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI
CACIQUE JAUN JOSE MORA AND PUERTO CABELLO
MAMACURI
ADI VIGIRIMA
GUACARA, SAN JOAQUIN AND DIEGO !BARRA
ADI TACARIGUA
VALENCIA, CARLOS ARVELO AND LOS GUAYOS
ADI LIBERTADOR
MIRANDA, MONTALBAN, BEJUMA AND LIBERTADOR
ADI PARAMACAY
NAGUANAGUA AND SAN DIEGO
Article 13. The Integral Defence Areas of Integ ral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), ANZOATEGUI of
(REDI EASTERN) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI CACIQUE
SOTILLO, GUANTA, BOLIVAR AND DIEGO BAUTISTA URBANETA
NAIGUATA
ADI JOSE ANTONIO SAN JUAN DE CAPISTRANO, PENALVER, PIRITU, CARVAJAL, BRUZUAL AND
ANZOATEGUI
CAJIGAL
ADI
CACIQUE LIBERTAD, NCGREGOR, SANAT ANA, ANACO, FREITES AND ARAGUA DE
PARAMACAY
BARCELONA
ADI
CACIQUE MIRANDA AND MONAGAS
CONOPOIMA
ADI
CACIQUE SIMON RODRIGUEZ, GUANIPA AND INDEPENDENCIA
ARAMAIPURO
Article 1:4. The Integral Defence Areas of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), MONAGAS of (RED! ••
EASTERN) are established and activated, as listed below;
14
Annex 89
ADI
Municipalities
ADIGUACHARO
ACOSTA, CARIPE,PIAR, BOLIVAR AND PUNCERES
ADI
LUCAS
DE MATURIN
ZARAGOZA
ADI UYAPARI
LIBERTADOR, URACOA AND SOTILLO
ADI CHAIMA
CEDENO, EZEQUIEL ZAMORA, SANTA BARBARA AND AGUASAY
Article 15. The Integral Defence Areas of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), SUCRE of (REDI
EASTERN) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI ANTONIO JOSE DE CRUZ SALMERON ACOSTA AND SUCRE
SUCRE
ADI CAYAURIMA
BOLIVAR, MONTES, MEJISA AND RIBERO
ADI JOSE FRANCISCO BERMUDEZ, ABDRES MATA AND ANDRSE ELOY BLANCO
BERMUDEZ
ADI PARAMAIBOA
VALDEZ, MARINO, ARISMENDI, CAJIGAL, LIBERTADOR AND BENITEZ
Articl e 16. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), Delta Amacuro
of (REDI GUAYANA) are established and activated , as listed below:
ADI
Municipalities
ADI
CACIQUE PEDERNALES AND TUCUPITA
PREPOCUNATE
ADI CUYUBINI
CASACOIMA AND ANTONIO DIAZ
· Article 17. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), BOLIVAR of
(REDI GUAYANA) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI MANAURE
SIFONTES AND GRAN SABANA
, ,
ADI TARABAY
PADRE CHIEN, El
CALLAO, ROSCIO AND PIAR
ADI CARONI
CARONI
ADI MAKERAN
HERES AND BOLIVARIANO ANGOSTURA
ADI NASICAGUA
CEDENO AND SUCRE
15
Annex 89
Article 18. The Integral Defence Areas (ADI) of Integral Operational Defence Zone (ZODI), AMAZONAS of
(REDI GUAYANA) are established and activated, as listed below;
ADI
Municipalities
ADI ATURES
ATURES AND AUTANA
ADI ATABAPO
ATABAPO
ADI RIO NEGRO
MAROA AND RIO NEGRO
ADI ALTO ORINOCO
ALTO ORINOCO
ADI MANAPIARE
MANAPIARE
~rticle 19. The Minister of People's Power for Defence is responsible for the execution of this Decree.
Article 20. Any disposition which contradicts this Decree is repealed.
Article 21. This Decree will enter into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Issued in Caracas on the twenty sixt_h day of May of two thousand and fifteen 205 Years of
Independence, 156 years of the Federation and 16 years of the Bolivarian Revolution.
To be Executed
(LS.)
Signed
Nicolas Maduro Moros
Endorsed
Executive Vice President
Of the Republic and First Vice President
Of the Council of Ministers
(LS.)
Jorge Alberto Arreaza Montserrat
Endorsed
The Minister of People's Power of
,:-he Office of the Presidency and M onitoring of the
Management of Government and Sixth Sectoral Vice President of
Political Sovereignty, Security and Peace
Carmen Teresa Melendez Rivas
(LS.)
16
Annex 89
Endorsed
The Minister of People's Power
For Intern al Relations, Justice and Peace
(LS .)
Gustavo Enrique Gonzalez Lopez
Endorsed
The Minister of People's Powe r for
Foreign Affairs
{L.S.)
Deley Elaina Rodr:iguez Gomez
Endorsed
The Minister of People's Power for
Economy and Finance
and Second Sectoral Vice President for
Economy and Finance
{L.S.)
Rodolfo Clemente Marco Torres
Endorsed
The Minister of People's Power for
Defence
(L.S.)
Vladimir Padrino Lopez
Endorsed
The Minister of People's Power for
Trade
{L.S.)
Isabel Cristina Delgado Arria
Endorsed
The Head of the Ministry of People's Power for
Industries
(L.S.)
Jose David Cabello Rondon
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Tourism
(L.S.)
Marleny Josefina Contreras Hernandez
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Agriculture and Lands
(L.S.)
Jose Luis Berroteran Nunez
17
Annex 89
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Education and Fifth Sectoral Vice President for
Social Development and the Revolution of the Missions
Hector Vicente Rodriguez Castro
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Health
Henry Ventura Moreno
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
The Social Process of Work
Jesus Rafael Martinez Barrios
(LS .)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Habitat and Housing
Ricardo Antono Molina Penaloza
(LS .)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Eco-socialism and Water
(LS.)
Guillermo Rafael Barreto Esnal
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Petroleum and Mining
(LS .)
Asdrubal Jose Chavez Jimenez
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Planning and Fourth Sectoral Vice President for
Planning and Knowledge
Ricardo Jose Menendez Prieto
(LS.)
Endorsed
18
Annex 89
The Ministry of People's Power for University

Education, Science and Technology
Manuel Angel Fernandez Melendez
(LS .)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Commun icati on and Information
Desire Santos Amaral
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
The Communes and Social Movements and
Seventh Vice President for
The Development of Territorial Socialism
(LS.)
Elias Jose Jaua Mila no
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power for
Food and Third Sectoral Vice President
For Security, Agri-Food Sovereignty
and Economic Provision
Carlos Alberto Osorio Zambrano
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Culture
Reinaldo Antonio lturriza Lopez
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Youth and Sport
Pedro Jose Infante
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Indigenous Peoples
Aloha Joselyn Nunez Gutierrez
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Women and Gender Equality
Gladys Del Valle Requena
(LS.)
19
Annex 89
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Penitentiary Service
Maria Iris Varela Rangel
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Aquatic and Aerial Transport
Giuseppe Angelo Carmelo Yofreda Yorio
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Land Transport and Public Works
Haiman El Troudi Douwara
(LS.)
Endorsed
The Ministry of People's Power
For Electrical Energy
Jesse Alonso Chacon Escamilla
(LS.)
20
Annex 89
GACETA OFICIAL
DE LA REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
AÑO CXL IJ - MES VIII
Caracas, miérco les 27 de mayo de 2015
Nú mero 40.669
SUMARJO
ASAMB LEA NACIONAL
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR
PARA LA SALUD
Resolución mediante la cual se delega en el ciudadano José Alfredo Cruz
González, en su carácter de Director General de Seguridad , adscrito al
Ley Aprobatoria del Convenio de Cooperación Espe cifico para la Ejecución
de la Misión Milagro entre el Gobierno de la República Bolivariana de
Venezuela y el Gobierno de Antigua y Barbuda.
Despacho del Director General de la Oficina de Gestión Administrativa
de este Ministerio , la gestión de las atribuciones y la firma de lo s
documentos y actos que en ella se indican.
PRESIDENCIA DE LA REPÚBLICA
Decreto N" 1.779. mediante el cual se nombra al ciudadano Haiman El
Resolución mediante la cual se designa al ciudadano Ricardo Julio S~nchez
Niño. Director General de Producción de Insumos. dependiente del
Troudi Oouwara, Séptimo Vicepresi dente Sectorial de Desarrollo
del Socialismo Territorial, en calidad de Encargado.-(Se reimprime por
Despacho del Viceministro de Recursos, Tecnologla y Regulación de
este Minis terio .
faltas en
los originales) .
Decreto Nº 1.781, mediante el cual se nombra a la ciudadana Rosángela
Orozco Rondón, Ministra del Poder Popular para las Comunas y los
Movimientos Sociales, en calidad de Encargada .• (Se reimprime por
fallas en 1os origina les) .
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR
PARA LA ALIMENTAC IÓN
MERCAL.CA
Resolución mediante la cual se designa la Comisi ón de Contrataciones
permanente de este Organismo, la cua l estara integrada por las
ciudadanas y ciudadanos que en ella se menc ionan .
Decre to Nº 1.786, mediante el cual se ordena la adquisición forzosa de los
bienes muebles, inmuebles y demás bienhechurias, que consti tuyen o
sirven para el funcionamiento de los Hoteles Aus onia y Edwards .
POVAL, S.A .
De~!\3e~n~!1~• m~?~~?ti~;~~~!i1i;{iQb1=~).
~joz~clr~J'=
de la Región,stratégica
de Defensa Integral Mar/tima e Insular
{REDIMAIN), que e en él se mencionan .
Decisión mediante la cua l se aprueba la Es tru ctura para la Eje cución
Financie ra del Presupuesto de Ingresos y Gastos de este Organismo,
para el Ejercicio 20~ 5, la cua l estará conformada por la Gerencia General
de Administración y Finanzas como Unidad Administradora Centra l y
las 24 Jefatu ra s Estadales como 1as Unidades Administradoras
Desconcentradas que en ella se especifican .
Decreto N°' 1.788, mediante el cual se nombra al ciudadano Dante Rafael
Rivas Quijada, como Director General del Servicio Administrati1JO de
Identificación. Migración y Extranjeria (SAIME), en calidad de Encargado ,
ente adscrito al Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Interiores,
Justicia y Paz .
Decisión mediante la cual se designa al ciudadano Ornar José Lozano
Buelvas, como Responsable de la Unidad Adminislfadora Centra l de la
Estructura para la Ejecución Financiera del Presupuesto de Gastos de
este Organismo, para el Eje rcicio Fiscal 2015, conjuntamente con los
ciudadanos que en ella se senalan.
Decreto N°' 1. 789, mediante el cual se nombra Presidenta del órgano Superior
de la Gran Misión Hogares de la Patria , en calidad de Encargada , a la
ciudadana Gladys del Valle Requena.
Decisión mediante la cual se
designa la Comisión de Contrataciones Públicas
de esta Erripresa, integrada por las ciudadanas y ciudadanos que en
ella se indican.
Decreto N° 1.790, mediant e el cual se nombra al ciudadano Américo A!ex
Mata García, Presidente de la Corporación de Desarrono de la Cuenca
del Río Tuy «Francisco de Miranda» , S.A ., CORPOMIRANDA, S.A., en
calidad de Encargado, desde el 27 de mayo de 2015 hasta el 1° de julio del
msmoano.ohastaelcesedelaausenciadesutitular .
MIN ISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA RELAC IONES EXTER IORES
MINISTER IO DEL PODER POPULAR
PARA LA CULTURA
Resolución med iante la cual se procede a la publicación del Traspaso
Presupuestario Interno de este Ministerio, por la cantidad que en ella se
menciona.
Resolución median te la cual se designa al ciudadano Augusto Vladimir
Mon tiel Medina, como Embajador Extraord inario y Plenipotenciario, de la
República Bolivariana de Venezuela ante la Repüblica de la India.
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR
PARA LA J UVE NTUD Y EL DEPORTE
Resolución mediante la cual se nombra , con carác ter Inte rino, al ciudadano
José Gusta\lO Contreras Roa, como Director General de Auditoria Interna,
de' este Ministerio.
Resolución mediante la cual se designa al ciudadano Alfredo José Abud
Rodríguez, como Director General de la Oficina de Gestión Admin istrati1Ja
de este Minjsterio.
MINISTER IO DEL PODER PO PULAR DE ECONOMIA Y FINANZAS
ONAPRE
N)
Providencia mediante la cual se designa a la ciudadana Y1Jelisse Josefina
Herrera Barrientos, como Directora General de Administración y Servicios,
de este Organismo.
Providencia median te la cual se designa al ciudadano Edis Edilio Urb ina
Camejo , como Director General de la Ofic ina de Adm inistración y Finanzas
de este Instituto .
Providencia mediante la cual se consti tuye, con carácter permanente, la
Comisión de Contrataciones de este Organismo, integrada por las
ciudadanas y ciudadanos que en ella se mencionan.
TRIBUNAL SUPREMO DE JUSTICIA
Dirección Ejecuti1Ja de la Magistratura
Resolución mediante la cual se designa al ciudadano Julién Wuilfredo
Marichales Franco , como Jefe de la Div isió n de los Ser1Jicios
Administrati1JOS y Financieros y Cuentadante de la Dirección Administrativa
Regional del estado Bolívar . de este Organismo.-(Se reimprime por error
de lmpr en~) .
Providencias mediante las cuales se procede a la publicac ión de los
Traspasos Presupuestarios de Gastos Corrientes para Gastos de
Capital, de los Ministerios que en ellas se mencionan, por las cantidades
que en ellas se especifican .
Escuela Nacional de la Magistralura
Superintendencia Nacional de ValOfes
Resolución mediante la cual se Encarga al ciudadano luis Fernando Damiani
Busti llos , como Coordinador General del Instituto de Investigación y
Postgrado de este Organ ismo .
Providencia mediante la cual se cancela la autorización otorgada al ciudadano
Gustavo Antonio Marturet Medina, para actuar como Corredor Público
de Tllulos ValOfes, hoy Operador de Valores Au torizado .
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR
PARA LA AGRICULTURA Y TIERRAS
Resoluciones mediante las cuales se des igna a la ciudadana y al ciudadano
que en ellas se mencionan, para ocupar los cargos que en ellas se
especifican , de este Organismo.
Resolución mediante la cual se designa al ciudada no Jesús Alfredo Rodriguez
Hernandez, como Coordinador del Insti tuto Nacíonal de Salud Agrícola
MINISTER IO PÚBLICO
Integra l (INSAI) del estado Guárico, ad~crita a la Sociobiorregión
(Llanos Centrales). ente adscrito a este Ministerio.
Resofuciones mediante las cuales se designa a la ciudadana y los ciudadanos
que· en ellas se mencionan, para ocupar los cargos que en ellas se
senalan.
Resolución median te la cual se des igna a la ciudadana Zul eyma de las
Mercedes Fernández Carrillo, como Coordinadora de la Fundació n de
Capacitación e lnno1Jación para Apoyar la Revolución Agraria (CIARA)
en el estado Truj illo, ente adscrito a este Ministerio .
Resoluciones med iante las cuales se traslada a las ciudadanas que en
ellas se indican, a las Direcc iones y Fiscalías que en ellas se especifican,
de este Organismo.
21
Annex 89
420.896
GACETA OF IC IAL DE LA REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
Miércoles 27 de mayo de 2015
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular para
la Comunicación y la Información
Venezuela, basado en principios humanistas, sustentado en
(L.S.)
DESIRE SANTOS AMARAL
condiciones morales y éticas que persiguen el progreso de la
Patria y del colectivo, por mandato del pueblo de conformidad
con lo establecido en el artículo 226 de la Constitución de la
República Bolivariana de Venezuela y en ejercicio de las
Refrendado
atribuciones que me confieren los numerales 5 y 6 del artículo
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
las Comunas y los Movimientos Soclales y
236 ejusdem, en concordancia con los artículos 19, 24, 44, 45,
48 y 49 del Decreto con Rango, Valor y Fuerza de Ley Orgánica
Séptimo Vicepresidente sectorial
de Desarrollo del SOClalismo Terrltorlal
de la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana, en Consejo de
Ministros,
(L.S.)
ELÍAS JOSÉ JAUA MILANO
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
CONSIDERANDO
la Alimentación y Tercer Vicepresidente Sectorial
para la 5eguridad, Soberanía Agroalimentaria
y Abastecimiento Económico
Que la República Bolivariana de Venezuela se construye sobre
las bases de un Estado Democrático y Social de Derecho y
(l.S.)
CARLOS ALBERTO OSORIO ZAMBRANO
Justicia, que tiene como norte la protección y el resguardo de
Refrendado
los derechos y las necesidades del pueblo venezolano, para
asegurar una prestación j usta, eficiente y solidaria de los
servicios públicos esenciales,
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Cultura
(L.S.)
REINALDO ANTONIO JTURRIZA LÓPEZ
CONSIOERANDO
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Juventud y el Deporte
(L.S.)
Que es competencia del Estado la adopción de medidas
PEDRO JOSE INFANTE
necesarias para garantizar la independencia, soberanía,
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular para
los Pueblos Indígenas
(L.S.)
seguridad e integridad del espacio geográfico sobre la base de
la concepción estratégica defensiva nacional además la de
planificar, conducir y ejecutar operaciones de defensa integral y
desarrollo nacional, con el fin supremo de coadyuvar a la
defensa, y protección de los derechos de los ciudadanos y
ALOHA JOSELYN NÚÑEZ GUTIÉRREZ
ciudadanas,
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular
para la Mujer y la Igualdad de Género
(L.S.)
CONSIDERANOO
GLADYS DEL VAUE REQUENA
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular
para el Servicio Penitenciario
Que surge la necesidad de adaptarse a las nuevas realidades y
estructura de la Fuerza Armada Nacional Bolivariana, para
(L.S.)
MARÍA IRIS VARELA RANGEL
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
Transporte Acuático y Aéreo
(L.S.)
GIUSEPPE ANGELO CARMELO YOFFREDA YORIO
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
Transporte Terrestre y Obras Públícas
responder al nuevo modelo organizativo y dar respuestas en
materia de seguridad, defensa y desarrollo integral, a la luz de
los lineamientos filosóficos establecidos por el Comandante
Supremo y Eterno de la Revolución Bolivariana en el Plan de la
Patria, el cual establece: "Consolidar un sistema defensivo
territorial capaz de dirigir al país en aempos de guerra desde
tiempo de paz, estratégicamente defensivo y eminentemente
populal', mandato que impone la coordinación eficiente entre
las instituciones y los órganos en función de la defensa integral
de la nación, para el despliegue del poder nacional y rechazar
(L.S.)
las amenazas o agresiones contra la Patria, en todos los niveles
HAIMAN EL TROUDI DOUWARA
del poder público en el campo de la lucha armada y no armada,
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para la Energía Eléctrica
CONSIDERANDO
(L.S.)
JESSE ALONSO CHACÓN ESCAMILLO
Que es necesario alcanzar la mayor integridad en las
operaciones militares en el nuevo sistema defensivo territorial y
fortalecer las agrupaciones territoriales de fuerzas, con el
objeto de continuar el proceso de organización y consolidación
Decreto Nº l. 787
26 de mayo de 2015
del Sistema Defensivo Territorial, basado en la Nueva Doctrina
Militar Bolivariana y el Concepto Estratégico Operacional para la
Defensa Integral de la Nación, se hace necesaria la creación de
nuevas ZODI y ADJ.
NICOLÁS MADURO MOROS
DECRETO
Presidente de la República
Artículo 1°. Se crean y activan las Zonas Operativas de
Defensa Integral Marítima e Insular (ZODIMAIN), bajo la
circunscripción de la Región Estratégica de Defensa Integral
Marítima e Insular (REDIMAIN), que a continuación se
Con el supremo compromiso y voluntad de lograr la mayor
eficacia política y calidad revolucionaria en la construcción del
socialismo, la refundación de la República Bolivariana de
mencionan;
22
Annex 89
Miércoles 27 de mayo de 2015
GACETA OFICIAL DE LAREPÚB LICABOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
420.897
l . ZODIMAIN ATLÁNTICA, que comprende las áreas marinas
y submarinas de la fachada atlántica definida al norte por
la linea al este franco que nace desde el Promontorio de
2. ZODIMAIN ORIENTAL, su jurisdicción contempla las áreas
marinas y submarinas de la fachada caribeña oriental,
incluyendo el espacio marítimo correspondiente a la Zona
Paria hasta el límite con Trinidad y Tobago y la línea de
Económica Exclusiva (ZEE), definida al sur desde la linea
de costa (bajamar) en el espacio continental desde Boca
costa (bajamar) hacia el sur en el espacio continental de
los estados Sucre y Delta Amacuro y los limites marítimos
internacionales definidos con Trinidad y Tobago, además
de las áreas marinas y submarinas que corresponden a la
de Uchire, los estados Anzoátegui y Sucre hasta la línea
recta que nace al este franco desde el Promontorio de
Paria hasta el límite marítimo internacional definida con
Trinidad y Tobago. Desde esa intercepción hacia el norte
zona en reclamación. Esta ZODI incluye Isla de Patos y
demás islas, islotes, cayos y bancos situados o que
emerjan dentro del mar territorial, así como el espacio
continua con los límites marítimos internacionales definidos
aéreo supra yacente, siendo las delimitaciones los
siguientes puntos geográficos:
PUNTO
"A"
PUNTO
"B"
LATITUD 10° 44' 02.3" N
LONGITUD 061 ° 50' 49.3" W,
LATITUD 10° 44' 02.3 " N
LONGITUD 061 ° 47' 43.9" W,
Correspondiente a Punta Peña (Promontorio de Paria),
con Trinidad y Tobago y Francia por el este. Desde esa
intercepción hacia el oeste con los límites marítimos
internacionales definidos al norte con el Reino de los
Países Bajos del Norte y los Estados Unidos de
Norteamérica (Puerto Rico), hasta la intercepción con el
límite oriental de la ZOO! Marítima e Insular Central. Esta
ZOO! incluye la Isla de La Tortuga, la Isla de La Blanquilla,
el archipiélago Los Hermanos, archipiélago de Los
Testigos, Isla de Aves, Isla Sola y demás islas, islotes,
cayos y bancos situados o que emerjan dentro del mar
p~~;O LATITUD 10° 42' 40 .8" N LONGITUD 061 ° 48' 16.2" W,
territorial, así como el espacio aéreo supra yacente, siendo
P~~O LATITUD 10° 35' 08.8" N LONGITUD 061 ° 48' 16.2" W,
las delimitaciones los siguientes puntos geográficos:
p~-~o LAmUD 10° 35' 07.8" N LONGITUD 06 1 ° 51' 51.2" w,
p~-~;O LATITUD 10° 08' 23.1" N LONGITUD 065º 25' 48.5" W,
p~-~O LATITUD 10° 02' 34.8" N LONGITUD 062º 05 ' 05.2" W,
Correspondiente a Boca de Uchire,
0
p~~;O LAmUD 10° 00' 17.8" N LONGITUD 061º 58' 31.2" W,
P~-~:
LAmuo 16º 00· 00" N LONGITUD 065° 25' 48.5'' W,
PUNTO
LAmUD 09° 59' 00.8" N LONGITUD 061° 51' 24.2" W,
PUNTO
LATITUD 16° 23' 32. 7" N LONGITUD 064º 45' 52.0" W,
" H"
"C"
PUNTO
LATITUD 09° 59' 00.8" N LONGITUD 061° 37' 56.2" W,
"!"
PUNTO
LAm uo 16° 35' 21.7" N LONGITUD 064 ° 23' 37.0" W,
"O"
PUNTO
PUNTO
LAmUD 09° 58' 00.8" N LONGITUD 061° 30' 06.!" W,
LA muo 16º 41' 45.7" N LONGITUD 064° 10' 05 .0" w,
"J"
"E"
PUNTO
LATITUD 09° 52' 21.8" N LONGITUD 061° 13' 30.1" W,
PUNTO
.. F,,
LATITUD 16° 42' 42.7" N LONGITUD 064° 08' 04 .0" W,
"K"
PUNTO
LAmUD 09° 50' 43.8" N LONGITUD 060° 53' 33.1" W,
"L"
PUNTO
LATITUD 09° 49' 43.8" N LONGITUD 060° 39' 57.0" W,
" M"
PUNTO
"G"
PUNTO
"H"
PUNTO
LATITUD 16º 43' 12.7" N LONGITUD 064° 06' 57.0" W,
LATITUD 16° 43' 24.7" N LONGITUD 064° 06' 29.0" W,
PUNTO
LATITUD 09° 53' 14.8" N LONGITUD 060º 16' 08.0 " W,
"N"
LATITUD 16° 44' 51.6" N LONGITUD 064° 01' 06.0" W,
"["
PUNTO
LATITUD 09° 57' 05.8" N LONGITUD 059° 59' 22.0" W,
"O"
PUNTO
LATITUD 09° 57' 59.8" N LONGITUD 059° 55' 27.0" W,
"P"
Correspondiente al tratado delimitación de áreas marinas y
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica artículo 2 28MAR1978 están:
PUNTO
LATITUD 10° 09' 47 .9" N LONGITUD 058° 49' 17.9" W,
"Q"
PUNTO
LATITUD 10° IS' 49.9" N LONGITUD 058° 49' 17.9" W,
" R"
PUNTO
·r
LATITUD 16° 40' 39.1" N LONGITUD 063° 37' 56.6" W,
PUNTO
LATITUD 10° 58' 35,4" N LONGITUD 057° 07' 03" W,
"5"
PUNTO
"K"
LATITUD 16° 39' 50 .1" N LONGITUD 063º 35' 26.6" W,
Correspondientes al tratado delimitación de áreas marinas y
Correspondiente al tratado de delimitación de áreas marinas y
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y el
Reino de los Países Bajos artículo 2 31MAR1978, están:
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y
Trinidad y Tobago artículo 2 18ABRl990, están:
PUNTO
"L"
PUNTO
LATITUD 16° 30' 00" N
LONGITUD 062º 48' 50" W,
p~-~;O LATITUD 11 ° 35' 24.0" N LONGITUD 055° 27' 12.0" W,
LATITUD 14° 00' 00" N
LONGITUD 062º 48' 50" W,
"W
(350 MN AL 067° DESDE LA Ú NEA DE BASE RECTA),
p~~O LATITUD 08° 56' 03.0" N LONGITUD 052° 51' 10.0 " W,
(350 MN AL 070 ° DESDE RJO ESEQUIBO),
PUNTO LATITUD 06 º 58' 54.0 " N LONGITUD 058° 23' 28.0 " W,
"V"
(Desembocadura del Ria Esequibo).
PUNTO
"N"
LATITUD 12° 00' 00" N
LONGITUD 062º 48' 50" W,
(No tienen referencias geográficas),
p~~O LATITUD 11 ° 10' 18.8" N LONGITUD 061 ° 43' 52.2" W,
~-~O LATITUD 10° 54' 28.8" N LONGITUD 061° 43' 52.2" W,
23
Annex 89
420.898
GACETA OFICIAL DE LA REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUE LA
Miércoles 27 de mayo de 2015
PUNTO
LATITUD 10° 54' 03.8" N LONGITUD 061 º 43' 58.2" W,
"Q"
PUNTO
LATITUD 14° 58' 30 .0" N LONGITUD 067° 04' 17.2" W,
"O"
PUNTO
LATITUD 10º 48' 29.8" N LONGITUD 061º 45' 53.2" W,
"R"
PUNTO
LATITUD 14° 56' 09.0" N LONGITUD 066° 51' 38.2" W,
"P"
PUNTO
·s·
LATITUD 10º 47' 26.8" N LONGITUD 061º 46' 23.2"W,
PUNTO
LATITUD 14º SS' 51.0" N LONGITUD 066° 34' 28.2" W,
"Q"
Correspondiente al Tratado de delimitación de Áreas Marinas y
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 14' 08 .9" N LONGITUD 066° 19' 55.2" W,
"R"
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y
Trinidad y Tobago artículo 2 18ABR1990, están:
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 30' 12.9" N LONGITUD 066° 07' 07.1" W,
"S"
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 39' 33.9" N LONGITUD 065° 58' 39.1" W,
PUNTO LATITUD 10º 44' 02.3" N LONGITUD 061 ° 47' 43.9" W,
"T"
'T'
(No tienen referencias geográficas),
P~~O LATITUD 10º 44' 02 .3" N LONGITUD 061 ° 50' 49.3" W,
Correspondientes al tratado de delimitación de áreas marinas y
Correspondiente a Punta Peña (Promontorio de Paria).
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y
Estados Unidos de Norteamérica artículo 2 28MAR1978, están:
3. ZOD!MAJN CENTRAL, su jurisdicción comprende las áreas
marinas y submarinas de la fachada caribeña central de la
República, incluyendo el espacio marítimo correspondiente
a la Zona Económica Exdusiva (ZEE), definida al norte por
el límite marítimo Internacional con los países bajos del
PUNTO "U" LATITUD 16º 00' 00 .0" N LONGITUD 065° 25' 48.5" W,
(no tiene referencias geográficas),
PUNTO "V" LATITUD 10º 08' 23.1" N LONGITUD 065° 25' 48.5" W,
Correspondiente a Boca de Uchire.
sur, continuando por el límite marítimo internacional al
norte del archipiélago las Aves, definido con la República
Dominicana y los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica (Puerto
Rico). Por el sur en dirección oeste - este desde la línea de
costas (bajamar) desde Boca de Aroa, continúa por los
estados Falcón, Yaracuy, carabobo, Aragua, Vargas y
Miranda hasta Boca de Uchire, desde donde se continúa
una línea al norte franco perpendicular con los límites
marítimos internacionales con los Estados Unidos de
4 . ZODlMAJN OCCIDENT Al, su jurisdicción contempla las
áreas marinas y submarinas de la fachada caribeña
occidental de la República, incluyendo el espacio marítimo
correspondiente a la Zona Económica Exclusiva (ZEE) al
norte, y este por el límite marítimo internacional definido
con la República Dominicana y el Reino de los Países Bajos
del sur, al sur desde la línea de costa (bajamar) del estado
Zulia por encima de la latitud 11 ° 00 ' 00" n, y las costas
(bajamar) del estado Falcón hasta Boca de Aroa, desde
donde se sigue una línea recta al punto o vértice inferior
derecho del límite internacional con los Países Bajos.
Incluye el archipiélago de Los Monjes y demás islas,
islotes, cayos y bancos situados o que emerjan dentro del
Norteamérica. Comprende el archipiélago de las Aves,
archipiélago Los Roques y archipiélago de la Orchila, así
como demás islas, islotes, cayos y bancos situados o que
emerjan dentro del mar territorial y el espacio aéreo supra
yacente, siendo las delimitaciones los siguientes puntos
geográficos:
mar territorial, asi como el espacio aéreo supra yacente,
siendo las delimitaciones los siguientes puntos
geográficos:
PUNTO "A" LATITUD 10° 40' 52,0" N
LONGITUD 068° 17' 52,4" W,
Correspondiente a Boca de Aroa,
LONGITUD 067° 59' 29,6" W,
LONGITUD 067° 59' 29,9" W,
LONGITUD 068° 51' 51,1" W,
PUNTO "B" LATITUD 11 ° 39' 48,6" N
PUNTO "C" LATITUD 12° 26' 48,7" N
PUNTO "D" LATITUD 15° 14' 16,8" N
LATITUD
11
•
51
, 29,7" N LONGITUD 071° 19' 30" W,
PUNTO"A"
Correspondiente a caStilletes,
Correspondiente al tratado de delimitación de áreas marinas y
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y el
PUNTO " B" LATITUD 11 ° 57' 30" N
PUNTO "C" LATITUD 12º 03' 30" N
PUNTO "D" LATITUD 12° 09' 30 " N
PUNTO "E" LATITUD 12° 11' 00" N
LONGITUD 070° 55 ' 45" W,
LONGITUD 0 70º 54' 25" W,
LONGITUD 070° 55' 15" W,
LONGITUD 071 ° 00' 00" W,
Reino de los Países Bajos artículo 2 31MAR1978, están:
PUNTO "F" LATITUD 12° 18' 10" N
PUNTO "G" LATITUD 12º 24' 00 " N
PUNTO "H" LATITUD 12º 28' 15" N
LONGITUD 071 ° 05' 15" W,
LONGITUD 071° 05 ' 55"W,
LONGITUD 071° 07' 13"W,
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 14' 31,0" N LONGITUD 068° 51' 42,4" W,
"E"
No tienen referencias geográficas,
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 12' 54,0" N LONGITUD 068° 28' 54,3" W,
"F"
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 12' 36,0" N LONGITUD 068° 27' 30,3" W,
"G"
PUNTO"!" LATITUD 14° 57' 54,9" N
PUNTO "J" LATITUD 15° 02' 10,9 " N
PUNTO "K" LATITUD 15° 15' 52,9" N
PUNTO "L" LATITUD 15° 19' 06,9" N
PUNTO "M" LATITUD 15° 22' 47,8" N
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 11' 09,0" N LONGITUD 068° 09' 19,3" W,
LONGITUD 071 ° 24' 17,6" W,
LONGITUD 070° 52' 48,5" W,
LONGITUD 070º 08' 07,5" W,
LONGITUD 069° 56' 16,4" W,
LONGITUD 069º 41' 48,4" W,
"H"
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 10' 41,0 " N LONGITUD 068° 03' 44,3" W,
•¡•
Correspondiente al tratado de delimitación de áreas Marinas y
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y
República Dominicana articulo 2 03MAR1979, están:
PUNTO
LATITUD15º 05' 10.0" N LONGITUD 067° 36' 21.3" W,
")"
PUNTO
LATITUD 15° 02 ' 35.0" N LONGITUD 067° 23' 38.3" W,
"K"
PUNTO "N" LATITUD 15° 24' 50,8" N LONGITUD 069º 34' 36,4" W,
correspondiente a punto común en ambos tratados,
PUNTO
LATITUD 14° 59' 13.0" N LONGITUD 067 º 06' 58.2" W,
"L"
PUNTO
LATITUD 14° 59' 01.0" N LONGITUD 067° 06' 09.2" W,
"M"
PUNTO "O" LATITUD 12º 48' 48,6" N
PUNTO "P" LATITUD 12° 20' 48,6" N
PUNTO "Q" LATITUD 12° 20' 48,6" N
PUNTO "R" LATITUD 12° 21' 42,6" N
LONGITUD 070º 25' 07, 1" W,
LONGITUD 070° 25' 07,1" W,
LONGITUD 070 º 09' 58, 1" W,
LONGITUD 070° 08' 32,1" W,
PUNTO
LATITUD 14° 58' 48.0 " N LONGITUD 067° 05' 15.2" W,
"N"
24
Annex 89
Miércoles 27 de mayo de 20 15
GACETA OFICIAL DE LA REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
420.899
PUNTO"S"
PUNTO"T"
PUNTO "U"
PUNTO''V•
LATITUD 12° 15' 53,0" N
LATITUD 12° 11' 56,5" N
LATITUD 11 ° 52' 51,8" N
LATITUD 11° 45' 36,9" N
LONGITUD 069° 44' 06,8" W,
LONGITUD 069° 37' 21" W,
LONGITUD 069° 04' 39,3" W,
LONGITUD 068° 57' 09,5" W,
PUNTO
Artículo 6°. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI COJEDES perteneciente a la (RED! LOS LLANOS),
que a continuación se mencionan:
"W"
PUNTO •x•
PUNTO"Y"
LONGITUD 068° 49' 39,6" W,
LONGITUD 068° 35' 54,9" W,
LONGITUD 067° 59' 29.6" W,
Correspondiente al tratado de delimitación de áreas marinas y
submarinas entre la República Bolivariana de Venezuela y el
Reino de los Países Bajos artículo 2 31MAR1978 esta:
LATITUD 11º 44' 36,4" N
LATITUD 11 ° 39' 48.6" N
LATITUD 11° 39' 48.6" N
AD!
MUNIOPIOS
ADI BATALLA
FALCÓN, UMA BLANCO Y TINACO.
DE TAGUANES
-
ADI EZEQUIEL SAN CARLOS, ANZOA"lcGUI, ROMULO GALLEGOS
ZAMORA
YRICAURTE.
ADI EL BAÚL PAO DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA Y GIRARDOT.
PUNTO •z• LATITUD 10° 40' 52,0" N LONGITUD 068° 17' 52,4" W,
Artí culo 7°. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZOO! GUÁRICO perteneciente a la (RED! LOS LLANOS),
Correspondiente a Boca de Aroa.
que a continuación se mencionan:
Artículo 2°. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZOO! Nueva Esparta perteneciente a la (REDIMAIN), que
ADI
MUNIOPIOS
a conMuación se mencionan;
ADI
ROSCIO, ORTIZ Y JUUÁN MELLADO.
CONOPOIMA
ADI
MIRANDA, CAMAGUAN Y SAN GERONIMO DE
ADI
MUNIOPIOS
ADI GUAIQUERJ
MARCANO, GOMEZ, ANTOUN DEL CAMPO Y
ARISMENDI.
---
CHIRJMARA GUAYABAL.
ADI
LAS MERCEDES, INFANTE Y EL SOCORRO.
CARAPAICA
ADI
ADI CHARAIMA DÍAZ, GARCÍA, MARIÑO Y MANEIRO.
ADI
PENÍNSULA DE MACANAO, TUBORES Y VILLALBA.
PARAGUACHOA
JOSE FEUX RISAS, PEDRO ZARAZA Y SANTA
GUARAMENTAL MARÍA DE !PIRE.
ADI
MONAGAS, SAN JOSE DE GUARIBE y
TAMANACO CHAGUARAMA.
Artículo 3° . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI APURE perteneciente a la (RED! LOS LLANOS), que
Artículo a•. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI CAPITAL perteneciente a la (RED! CENTRAL}, que a
a continuación se mencionan:
continuación se mencionan:
ADI
MUNIOPIOS
ADI
MUNICIPIOS O PARROQUIAS
ADI PUME
JOSE ANTONIO PAEZ.
ADI CATIA
SUCRE, EL JUNQUITO Y LA PASTORA.
ADI CUIVA
ROMULO GALLEGOS, MUNOZ Y ACHAGUAS.
ADI EZEQUIEL
ADI YARURO
PEDRO CAMEJO.
SAN BERNARDINO, SAN JOSE, ALTAGRACIA,
CATEDRAL, SAN JUAN, SANTA TERESA, 23 DE
ZAMORA
ENERO Y LA CANDELARIA.
ADI JIWI
BIRUACA Y SAN FERNANDO
.
ADI TIUNA
EL RECREO, SAN AGUSTIN, SAN PEDRO, SANTA
ROSALÍA, EL VALLE Y COCHE.
Artículo 40. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa I ntegral
de la ZODI BARINAS perteneciente a la (RED! LOS LLANOS),
que a continuación se mencionan:
ADI CARJCUAO
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
EZEQUIEL ZAMORA, ANTONIO JOSE DE
EL PARAISO, LA VEGA, ANTIMANO, CARICUAO Y
MACARAO.
ADI CHACAO CHACAO.
ADI SUCRE SUCRE.
ADI BARUTA BARUTA.
ADI El
ADI ZAMORA
SUCRE, ANDRÉS ELOY BLANCO Y PEDRAZA.
EL HATILLO.
HATIUO
BOLIVAR, CRUZ PAREDES
, BARINAS y
ADI SANTA INÉS
OBISPOS.
ADI
ALBERTO ARVELO TORREALBA Y ROJAS.
FLORENTINO
ADI MAISANTA SOSA Y ARlSMENDI.
Articulo 9º . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI VARGAS perteneciente a la (RED! CENTRAL), que a
continuación se mencionan:
Artículo s• . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI PORTUGUESA perteneciente a la (RED! LOS
LLANOS), que a continuación se mencionan:
ADI
PARROQUIAS
ADI CATIA LA
EL JUNKO, CARAYACA Y CATIA LA MAR.
MAR
ADI
ADI
URIMARE, CARLOS SOUBLETTE, MAIQUETIA,
MUNIOPIOS
ADI COROMOTO
JOSE VICENTE DE UNDA, SUCRE, GUANARE Y
SAN GENARO DE BOCONOITO.
ADI GUANARE OSPINO, ESTELLER Y TUREN.
GUAICAMACUTO MACUTO, CARABALLEDA Y LA GUAIRA.
ADI NAIGUATÁ NAIGUATA Y CARUAO.
ADI CENTAURO
ARAURE, AGUAS BLANCAS, SAN RAFAEL DE
ONOTO Y PÁEZ.
ADI PIONERO PAPELON, SANTA ROSALIA Y GUANARITO.
Artículo 10. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZOO! MIRANDA perteneciente a la (RED! CENTRAL), que
a continuación se mencionan:
25
Annex 89
GACET A OFI CIAL DE LA REP ÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VE NEZUELA
420.900
Miércole s 27 de ma yo de 2015
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
Artículo 14 . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI MONAGAS perteneciente a la (RED! ORIENTAL),
ADI ALTOS
LOS SAÚAS, CARRIZAL Y GUAICAIPURO.
MIRANDINOS
ADI VALLES
que a continuación se mencionan:
PAZ CASILLO, CRISTÓBAL ROJAS, SIMON
DEL TUY
BOÚVAR, INDEPENDENCIA, RAFAa
URDANETA Y TOMÁS LANDER.
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
ACOSTA, CARIPE, PIAR, BOLIVAR y
LUIS BRION, ACEVEDO, EULALIA BUROZ,
ADI GUÁCHARO
ADI
PUNCERES.
BARLOVENTO
ANDRÉS BELLO, JOSÉ ANTONIO PÁEZ Y
PEDROGUAL.
ADI LUCAS DE
MATURÍN.
ADI GUARENAS·
AMBROSIO PLAZA Y EZEQUIEL ZAMORA.
GUATIRE
ZARAGOZA
ADI UYAPARI LIBERTADOR, URACOA Y SOTILLO.
CEDENO, EZEQUIEL ZAMORA, SANTA
ADI CHAIMA
BÁRBARA Y AGUASAY.
Artículo 11. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI ARAGUA perteneciente a la (RED! CENTRAL), que a
continuación se mencionan:
Artículo 15. Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI SUCRE perteneciente a la (RED! ORIENTAL), que a
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
continuación se mencionan:
OC\JMARE DE LA COSTA DE ORO, MARIO
ADI MARACAY BRICEÑO IRAGORRY, GIRARDDT, FRANOSCO
LINARES ALCÁNTARA Y SANTIAGO MARJÑO.
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
ADIANTONIO
CRUZ SALMERÓN ACOSTA Y SUCRE.
ADI
LIBERTADOR, JOSE ANGEL LAMAS, SUCRE Y
JOSÉ DE SUCRE
AD! CAYAURIMA BOÚVAR, MONTES, MEJÍAS Y RIBERO.
TUCUTUNEMO ZAMORA.
ADI JOSE
ADI RICAURTE
BOUVAR, TOVAR, JOSE FELIX RIBAS, JOSE
RAFAEL REVENGA Y SANTOS MICHELENA.
SAN SEBASTIAN DE LOS REYES, SAN
BERMÚDEZ, ANDRÉS MATA Y ANDRÉS ELOY
FRANCISCO
BERMÚDEZ
BLANCO.
AD!
VAUDEZ, MARINO, ARISMENDI, CAJIGAL,
AD! TAGUAY CASIMIRO, CAMATAGUA y RAFAEL
URDANETA.
PARAMAIBOA LIBERTADOR Y BENÍTEZ.
Artículo 12 . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI CARABOBO perteneciente a la (RED! CENTRAL), que
Artículo 16 . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI DELTA AMACURO perteneciente a la (RED!
GUAYANA), que a continuación se mencionan:
a continuación se mencionan:
AD!
MUNICIPIOS
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
ADI CACIQUE
AD! CACIQUE
PEDERNALES Y TUCUPITA.
JUAN JOSÉ MORA Y PUERTO CABELLO.
PREPOCUNATE
AD! CUYUBINI CASACOIMA Y ANTONIO DIAZ.
MAMACURÍ
AD! VIGIRIMA GUACARA, SAN JOAQUIN Y DIEGO IBARRA.
ADI TACARIGUA VALENCIA, CARLOS ARVELO Y LOS GUAYOS.
AD!
MIRANDA, MONTALBAN, BEJUMA
y
Articulo 17 . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI BOÚVAR perteneciente a la (RED! GUAYANA), que
UBERTADOR LIBERTADOR.
ADI
a continuación se mencionan:
NAGUANAGUA Y SAN DIEGO.
PARAMACAY
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
ADI
Artículo 13 . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI ANZOÁTEGUI perteneciente a la (RED! ORIENTAL),
SIFONTES Y GRAN SABANA.
MANAURE
ADI
que a continuación se mencionan:
PADRE CHIEN, a CALLAO, ROSCJO Y PIAR.
TARABAY
ADICARONt CARONI.
ADI
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
HERES Y BOLIVARIANO ANGOSTURA.
ADI CACIQUE SOTILLO, GUANTA, BOUVAR
y DIEGO
MAKERAN
ADI
NAIGUATÁ
BAUTISTA URBANEJA.
CEDEÑO Y SUCRE.
NASICAGUA
ADI JOSE
SAN JUAN DE CAP!STRANO, PEÑALVER,
ANTONIO
PÍRITU, CARVAJAL, BRUZUAL Y CAJIGAL.
ANZOÁTEGUI
AD! CACIQUE LIBERTAD, MCGREGOR, SANTA ANA, ANACO,
Artículo 18° . Se crean y activan las Áreas de Defensa Integral
de la ZODI AMAZONAS perteneciente a la (RED! GUAYANA),
PARAMACAY FRE!TES Y ARAGUA DE BARCELONA.
que a continuación se mencionan:
ADI
MUNICIPIOS
ADIATURES ATURES Y AUTANA.
ADIATABAPO ATABAPO.
ADI CACIQUE
ADI RÍO NEGRO MAROA Y RIO NEGRO.
MIRANDA Y MONAGAS.
CONOPOIMA
ADI CACIQUE SJMON RODR!GUEZ, GUANJPA E
ADIALTO
ALTO ORINOCO.
ORINOCO
ADI MANAPIARE MANAPIARE.
ARAMAIPURO INDEPENDENCIA.
26
Annex 89
Miérco les 27 de mayo de 2015
GACETA OFlClAL DE LA REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
420 .90 1
Artículo 19. El Ministro del Poder Popular para la Defensa
queda encargado de la ejecución del presente Decreto.
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para la AgricUltura y llenas
(L.S.)
JOSÉ LUÍS BERROTERÁN NUÑEZ
Artículo 20. Queda derogada cualquier disposición que colida
con lo dispuesto en este Decreto.
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Educación y Quinto Vicepresidente sectorial
Artículo 21 . El presente Decreto entrará en vigencia a partir
de su publicación en la Gaceta Oficial de la República
Bolivariana de Venezuela.
para el Desarrollo Social y la Revolución
de las Misiones
(L.S.)
HÉCTOll VICENTE RODRÍGUEZ CASTRO
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Salud
(L.S.)
Dado en caracas, a los veintiséis días del mes de mayo de dos
mil quince. Años 205º de la Independencia, 156º de la
Federación y 16º de la Revolución Bolivariana.
HENRY VEITTURA MORENO
Ejecútese,
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
(L.S.)
el Proceso Social de Trabajo
(L.S.)
JESÚS RAFAEL MARTÍNEZ BARRIOS
Refrendado
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para Hábitat y Vivienda
(L.S.)
RICAROO ANTONIO MOUNA PEÑALOZA
El Vicepresidente EjeaJtlvo
de la República y Primer Vlcepresklente
del Consejo de Ministros
(L.S.)
JORGE ALBERTO ARREAZA MONTSERRAT
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para Ecosodallsmo y Aguas
(L.S.)
GUILLERMO RAFAEL BARRETO ESNAL
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular del
Despacho de la Presidencia y Seguimiento
de la Gestión de Gobierno y sexta Vicepresidenta
Sectorial de
Soberanía Política, Seguridad y Paz
(L.S.)
CARMEN TERESA MELÉNDEZ RIVAS
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
de Petróleo y Mlneria
(L.S.)
ASORÚBAL JOSÉ CHÁVEZ JIMÉNEZ
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para Relaciones Interiores, Justicia y Paz
(L.S.)
GUSTAVO ENRIQUE GONZÁLEZ LÓPEZ
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
de Planlflcación y Cuarto Vicepresidente
Sectorial para la Planlflcadón y el Conocimiento
(L.S.)
para Relaciones Exteñores
(L.S.)
RICAROO JOSÉ MENÉNDEZ PRIETO
DELCY ELOINA RODRÍGUEZ GÓMEZ
Refrendado
EL Ministro del Poder Popular para
Educación Universitaria, aenda y Tecnología
(L.S.)
MANUEL ÁNGEL FERNÁNOEZ MELÉNDEZ
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
de Economía y Finanzas
y 5egundo Vicepresidente Sectorial
para Economía y Rnanzas
Refrendado
(L.S.)
ROOOLFO CLEMENTE MARCO TORRES
la Ministra del Poder Popular para
la Comunicación y la Infonnadón
(L.S.)
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para la Defensa
(L.S.)
DESIRE SANTOS AMARAL
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
las Comunas y los Movimientos Soclales y
VLADIMIR PADRINO LÓPEZ
Séptimo Vlcepn,sldente sectortal
Refrendado
de Desarrollo del Socialismo Territorial
(L.S.)
La Ministra del Poder Popular para
el Comercio
(L.S.)
ELÍAS JOSÉ JAUA MILANO
ISABEL CRISTINA DELGAOO ARRIA
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Alimentación y Tercer Vicepresidente sectorial
para la Seguridad, Soberanía Agroallmentarla
Refrendado
El Encargado del Ministerio del
Poder Popular para Industrias
(L.S.)
y Abastecimiento Económico
(L.S.)
JOSÉ DAVID CABELLO RONDÓN
CARLOS ALBERTO OSORIO ZAMBRANO
Refrendado
Refrendado
la Ministra del Poder Popular para
et Turismo
(L.S.)
MARLENY JOSEFINA CONTRERAS HERNÁNDEZ
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Cultura
(L.S.)
REINALOO ANTONIO !TlJRRIZA LÓPEZ
27
Annex 89
420.902
GACETA OFICIAL DE LA REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
Miércole s 27 de mayo de 2015
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
la Juventud y el Deporte
(L.S.)
PEDRO JOSE INFAITTE
Artículo 20. Se instruye en el Ministro del Poder Popular para
Relaciones Interiores, Justicia y Paz, la instrumentación de la
designación prevista en el presente Decreto, así como la
juramentadón del referido ciudadano, de acuerdo con el
ordenamiento jurídico aplicable.
Refrendado
La Mlnistra del Poder Popular para
los Pueblos Indígenas
(L.S.)
ALOHA JOSELYN NÚÑEZ GIJTIÉRREZ
Articulo 3º . El presente Decreto entrará en vigencia a partir
de su publicación en le Gaceta Oficial de la República
Bolivariana de Venezuela.
Refrendado
La Mlnístra del Poder Popular
para la Mujer y la Igualdad de Género
(L.S.)
GLADYS DEL VALLE REQUENA
Refrendado
La Ministra del Poder Popular
Ejecútese,
(L.S.)
para el Servido Penltendar1o
(L.S.)
MARÍA IRIS VAAELA RANGEL
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
Transporte Acuático y Aéreo
(L.S.)
GIUSEPPE ANGELO CARMELO YOFFREDA YORIO
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular para
Transparte Terrestre y Obras Públlcas
Refrendado
El Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
(L.S.)
de la República y Primer Vicepresidente
HAIMAN EL lROUDI DOUWARA
del Consejo de Ministros
(L.S.)
JORGE ALBERTO ARREAZA MOl'ITSERRAT
Refrendado
El Ministro det Poder Popular
para 1a Energía Eléctrica
(L.S.)
Refrendado
El Ministro del Poder Popular
para Relaciones Intertores, Justicia y Paz
JESSE ALONSO CHACÓN ESCAMILLO
(L S.)
GUSTAVO ENRIQUE GONZÁLEZ LÓPEZ
Decreto Nº l. 788
27 de mayo de 2015
NICOLÁS MADURO MOROS
Decreto l. 789
Presidente de la República
27 de mayo de 2015
NICOLÁS MADURO MOROS
Presidente de la República
Con el supremo compromiso y voluntad de lograr la mayor
eficacia política y calidad revolucionaria en la construcción del
Socialismo, la refundación de la nación venezolana, basado en
principios humanistas, sustentado en condiciones morales y
éticas que persiguen el progreso de la patria y del colectivo, por
mandato del pueblo y en ejercido de la atribución que me
confiere el artículo 226 y los numerales 2 y 16 del artículo 236
de la Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, de
conformidad con lo dispuesto en el artículo 46 del Decreto con
Rango, Valor y Fuerza de Ley Orgánica de la Administración
Pública, en concordancia con lo establecido en los artículos 4°,
18, 19 y 20 de la Ley del Estatuto de la Función Pública.
Con el supremo compromiso y voluntad de lograr la mayor eficacia
política y calidad revolucionaria en la construcción del Socialismo,
la refundación de la patria venezolana, basado en principios
humanistas, sustentado en condiciones morales y éticas que
persiguen el progreso del país y del colectivo, por mandato del
pueblo de conformidad con lo establecido en el articulo 226 de la
Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela; y en
ejercicio de las atribuciones que me confieren los numerales 2 y
DECRETO
16 del artículo 236 ejusdem, en concordancia con lo dispuesto en
el articulo 46 de Decreto con Rango, Valor y Fuerza de Ley
Orgánica de la Administración Pública, concatenado con los
artículos 4°, 18, 19 y 20 de la Ley del Estatuto de la Función
Pública y el artículo 6° del Decreto Nº 1.149, de fecha 31 de j ulio
de 2014, publicado en la Gaceta Oficial de la República Bolivariana
de Venezuela Nº 40.465, de la misma fecha, mediante el cual se
creó la Gran Misión Hogares de la Patria.
Artículo 1°. Nombro al ciudadano DANTE RAFAEL RIVAS
QUUADA, titular de la cédula de identidad Nº V.-1 2,2 24.990 ,
DIRECTOR GENERAL DEL SERVICIO ADMINISTRATIVO
DE IDENTIFICACIÓN, MIGRACIÓN Y EXTRANJERÍA
(SAJME), en calidad de ENCARGADO, ente adscrito al
Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Interiores, Justicia
y Paz, con las competencias inherentes al referido cargo, de
conformidad con el ordenamiento jurídico vigente.
JORGE ALBERTO ARREAZA MONTSERRAT
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo de la República
Por delegación del Presidente de la República Nicolás Maduro Moros,
según Decreto Nº 9.402 de fecha 11 de Marzo de 2013, publicado en
la Gaceta Oficial de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela Nº 40.126
de fecha 11 de Marzo de 2013.
28
Annex 90
Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the
Secretary-General of the United Nations (8 June 2015)
Annex 90
1
Annex 90
2
Annex 90
3
Annex 91
“Minister Delcy Rodriguez, Official Statement: Guyana shows a dangerous Politics of
Provocation Against the Bolivarian Venezuela of Peace”, Correo del Orinoco (9 June 2015)
Annex 91
Correo del Orinoco
PORTADA
VENEZUELA

OPINIÓN

MUNDO

ECONÓMICAS

SOCIEDAD

DEPORTES

EDICIÓN IMPRESA
VIVIENDA
Canciller Delcy
Rodríguez,
Comunicado Ocial
: |Guyana exhibe
una peligrosa
política de
provocación contra
la Venezuela
bolivariana de paz
 9 Junio, 2015 11:16
1
Annex 91
La ministra del Poder Popular para Relaciones
Exteriores, Delcy Rodríguez, alertó este martes
que el nuevo gobierno de la República
Cooperativa de Guyana exhibe una peligrosa
política de provocación contra la Venezuela de
paz, al permitir a la petrolera estadounidense
Exxon Mobil la explotación de este recurso en un
yacimiento ubicado en una zona en disputa.
En rueda de prensa, la Canciller dio lectura a un
Comunicado Ocial e
n respuesta a las
advertencias que realizó este lunes Guyana a la
nación: “Venezuela mantiene su posición rme de
rechazo al comunicado lleno de falsedades del
nuevo Gobierno de Guyana”.
Apuntó que  “la única agresión es que el gobierno
de Guyana haya permitido que ExxonMobil
accionar en la zona en reclamación” y argumentó
que este país “está siendo apoyado por una
empresa transnacional imperial”.
Guyana sostiene que un tribunal laudó el litigio en
su favor en 1899, estableciendo las fronteras
entre ambos países, pero el asunto ha sido
referido al secretario general de Naciones Unidas
para que explore formas de encontrar una
solución pacíca.
Sobre este punto, la funcionaria sostuvo que
“Venezuela mantiene su posición de considerar
nulo el laudo arbitral de 1899”.
2
Annex 91
En ese contexto, recordó que “los únicos canales
apropiados para resolver esta controversia son
los del Derecho Internacional, los del Acuerdo de
Ginebra y proseguir con el mecanismo del Buen
Ociante bajo la gura del Secretario General de
las Naciones Unidas”.
A continuación el Correo del Orinoco transcribe
el texto íntegro del Mppre:
REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA
MINISTERIO DEL PODER POPULAR PARA
LAS RELACIONES EXTERIORES
COMUNICADO
La República Bolivariana de Venezuela rechaza
categóricamente el tenor altisonante y las
armaciones falsas emitidas en el Comunicado
del nuevo Gobierno de la República Cooperativa
de Guyana de fecha 7 de junio del corriente, que
constituye una provocación y atenta contra la
diplomacia bolivariana de paz.
Es inadmisible que el nuevo Gobierno de Guyana
asuma esta posición con un territorio que está
sujeto a controversia, siendo además que ha
reconocido expresamente que esta zona
marítima está sujeta a la resolución amistosa de
la reclamación territorial, tal como está
contemplado en el Acuerdo de Ginebra.
La controversia territorial entre Venezuela y
Guyana data de más de un siglo de existencia,
cuando producto de componendas coloniales e
imperiales, se despojó a nuestra Patria de un
vasto territorio sujeto desde entonces a
reclamación. De esta ilicitud de origen, Venezuela
mantiene su posición de considerar nulo e írrito
el Laudo Arbitral de 1899, y hace un llamado al
nuevo Gobierno de Guyana a mantenerse en el
marco normativo del Acuerdo de Ginebra.
Venezuela lamenta que una norma administrativa
dirigida a organizar, mediante la asistencia de las
nuevas tecnologías de información, labores
cotidianas de supervisión y protección marítima,
dentro del marco de su pleno ejercicio
jurisdiccional y constitucional -que en nada puede
3
Annex 91
afectar a la República Cooperativa de Guyana- sea
aprovechada para escandalizar e intentar crear
una crisis articial, inventando situaciones
irracionales contra un país hermano como
Venezuela, y utilizando un lenguaje altamente
ofensivo.
Los únicos canales apropiados para resolver esta
controversia son los del Derecho Internacional,
los del Acuerdo de Ginebra y proseguir con el
mecanismo del Buen Ociante bajo la gura del
Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas.
Constituye una ofensa a la tradición libertaria del
pueblo de Simón Bolívar considerar, en claro
lenguaje imperial, que Venezuela es una amenaza
a la región, cuando, quedó plasmada en la
reciente Cumbre de las Américas el unánime
reconocimiento y respaldo de los pueblos
hermanos a la política exterior venezolana de paz
y solidaridad.
Pesa constatar, que la única y sorprendente
agresión, es que el gobierno de Guyana haya
permitido a una transnacional tan poderosa
como la Exxon Mobil incursionar en territorio en
reclamación entre ambas naciones, que en nada
pretende solventar el derecho al desarrollo de
Guyana.
Es imperativo recordar que fue gracias al
Comandante eterno Hugo Chávez, que se
implementaron diversos programas de
cooperación, solidaridad y hermandad tales como
PETROCARIBE, para la estabilidad y seguridad
energética de la región. Esta política que pone en
práctica sublimes principios humanistas con el
pueblo de Guyana, ha sido de gran impacto y
éxito para la prosperidad verdadera de nuestro
hermano pueblo guyanés, y el Presidente Nicolás
Maduro así le ha dado continuidad.
El nuevo Gobierno de la República Cooperativa de
Guyana exhibe una peligrosa política de
provocación contra la Venezuela bolivariana de
paz, apoyada por el poderío imperial de una
transnacional estadounidense, la Exxon Mobil, la
cual debe ser recticada en lo inmediato.
4
Annex 91
Esta política de provocación inamistosa será
derrotada por la propia fuerza de la realidad que
se impone, por la política exterior de paz y
amistad de Venezuela y por el propio pueblo de
Guyana.
El Gobierno de la República Bolivariana de
Venezuela reitera sus sentimientos y voluntad de
paz al hermano pueblo de Guyana, y ratica la
invitación a su canciller a una pronta reunión,
para a través del diálogo político entre pueblos
hermanos, seguir transitando el camino de la
cooperación y la superación del diferendo
histórico, que tuvo su génesis en acciones
fraudulentas de antiguas potencias coloniales
contra Venezuela .
Caracas, 9 de junio de 2015
Texto/CO
Fuente/Prensa Mppre
Foto/Archivo- @vencancilleria
Etiquetas
Delcy Rodríguez Exxon Mobil
Mppre
Política Exterior
5
Annex 92
“Venezuela wants peaceful solution to border dispute” Jamaica Observer (9 June 2015)
Annex 92
Saturday, November 03, 2018
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CARACAS, Venezuela (CMC) – Venezuela Tuesday denied it has any intention of
forcibly taking over land it claims to be its own in Guyana and rejected statements
from the new administration in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country that it
was moving to enforce a recent shift in its maritime boundary.
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“It is unacceptable that the new Government of Guyana assume this position with a
territory that is subject to controversy, and is also expressly recognized that this sea
area is subject to the amicable settlement of the territorial claims, as envisaged in
the Geneva Agreement,” Caracas said in a statement.
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In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Georgetown said that it “wishes to make
it pellucid that Decree No 1787 cannot be applicable to any part of Guyana's territory
and any attempt by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to apply that instrument in
an extra-territorial manner will be vigorously resisted by the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana”.
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The new administration of President David Granger, which has since received the
support of the main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on the border
issue, said it plans to formally bring to the attention of the international community
what it termed “this aggressive and illegal act by Venezuela”.
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Annex 92
Guyana said the decree is a “flagrant violation of international law and is
inconsistent with the principle that all States should respect the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of other States, large and small.
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”The Cooperative Republic of Guyana rejects this illegality which seeks to
undermine our efforts at development through exploitation of our natural resources
off-shore.
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“Guyana will continue, undeterred, to access and develop its resources in
accordance with the Constitution and laws in keeping with the principles of
International Law.”
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But Venezuela said that Guyana may have created an artificial crisis over the decree
that was issued by the President of Venezuela and which highlighted a widening of
Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s waters and territory.
“Venezuela regrets that an administrative rule directed to organize, with the
assistance of the new technologies of information, daily supervision and maritime
security within the framework of its unlimited jurisdiction and constitutional exercise
which nothing can affect the Cooperative Republic of Guyana – will be exploited to
shock and trying to create an artificial crisis, inventing irrational situations against a
brother country like Venezuela, using a highly offensive language.”
Venezuela said that the only appropriate channels to resolve this dispute are those
of International Law, the Geneva Agreement and continue the Good Officer
mechanism under the figure of the Secretary General of the United Nations.
“It is an offense to the libertarian tradition of the people of Simon Bolivar consider
imperial clear language that Venezuela is a threat to the region, when, was reflected
in the recent Summit of the Americas the unanimous recognition and support of the
fraternal peoples of the Venezuelan foreign policy of peace and solidarity.”
But Caracas has maintained its objection to the presence of the oil rig of the USbased ExxonMobil in Guyana waters, with Caracas noting that “the unique
and
surprising aggression, is that the government of Guyana has allowed such
a
powerful transnational as Exxon Mobil venture into disputed territory between
the
two countries, which in no way seeks to address the right to development
of
Guyana.”
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“It is imperative to remember that thanks to the eternal Commander Hugo Chavez,
various programmes of cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood such as
PETROCARIBE, for stability and energy security of the region were implemented.
“This policy puts into practice humanistic sublime to the people of Guyana principles,
has been of great impact and success for true prosperity of our brother Guyanese
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people, and President Nicolas Maduro and has been continued.
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“The new Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana exhibits a dangerous
policy of provocation against the Bolivarian Venezuela of peace , supported by the
imperial power of a US multinational , Exxon Mobil , which must be rectified in the
short term.”
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Venezuela said “this unfriendly policy of provocation will be defeated by the force of
reality imposed by the foreign policy of peace and friendship between Venezuela
and the people of Guyana itself”
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“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its desire for
peace feelings and the brotherly people of Guyana, and reaffirms the invitation to his
Foreign Minister to an early meeting so through political dialogue between brothers,
continue along the path of cooperation and overcoming the historical dispute , which
had its genesis in fraudulent actions of former colonial powers against Venezuela”
Prior to the decree, Venezuela had twice written to the local subsidiary of the USbased Exxon-Mobil warning against continued exploration for hydrocarbons in
the
area. On both occasions, the Guyana government had issued strong
objections.
2
Annex 92
In its latest statement, the Guyana government said that the “land boundary
between Guyana and Venezuela, which was defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899 is
recognized by all States.
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Venezuela also recognized its border with Guyana as settled for over sixty years
having also participated in the demarcation of its established boundary which was
demarcated in 1905,” the statement said, adding “it is international law that must
reign supreme and not the ambitions of a larger State which wishes to trample upon
the rights of a smaller country in order to obstruct the sovereign right of Guyana to
develop its natural resources”.
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Annex 93
“Venezuela further urges peace, but maintains territorial claim” Kaieteur News (10 June 2015)
Annex 93
Latest update November 3rd, 2018 12:59 AM
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NEWS EDITORIAL SPORTS LETTERS FEATURES / COLUMNISTS WHAT GUYANA NEEDS TO KNOW

Venezuela further urges peace, but maintains
territorial claim
 Jun 10, 2015  News 0 Comments
While Venezuela maintains a position seeking to deprive Guyana of a significant portion of its territory, the Bolivarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement saying that it
wants peace. In the statement, Venezuela essentially asserts that Guyana is somewhat overreacting in its issuance of statements saying that it will use all means necessary to firmly
reject Venezuela’s latest threat to its sovereignty.
Venezuela made reference to initiatives it had/has with Guyana to promote “solidarity and brotherhood” such as the PETROCARIBE deal. It was said that despite such assistance
offered to Guyana, the new government seems “unfriendly.”
According to Venezuela, the David Granger-led Administration is exhibiting a dangerous policy of provocation against the Bolivarian Venezuela of peace, “supported by the imperial
power of a US multinational, Exxon Mobil, which must be rectified in the short term.
“This unfriendly policy of provocation will be defeated by the force of reality imposed by the foreign policy of peace and friendship between Venezuela and the people of Guyana
itself.”
BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE VENEZUELAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the sounding tenor and false statements issued in the News of the new Government of the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana dated 7 June that constitutes a provocation and threatens the Bolivarian peace diplomacy.
It is unacceptable that the new Government of Guyana assume this position with a territory that is subject to controversy, and is also expressly recognized that this sea area is
subject to the amicable settlement of the territorial claims, as envisaged in the Geneva Agreement.
The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana dates back more than a century when the product of colonial and imperial compromises, emptied our country of a vast
territory subject since then to claim. This illegality of origin, Venezuela maintains its position to consider null and void the Arbitral Award of 1899, and calls on the new Government of
Guyana to stay in the regulatory framework of the Geneva Agreement.
Venezuela regrets that an administrative rule directed to organize, with the assistance of the new technologies of information, daily supervision and maritime security within the
framework of its unlimited jurisdiction and constitutional exercise which nothing can affect the Cooperative Republic of Guyana – will be exploited to shock and try to create an
artificial crisis, inventing irrational situations against a brother country like Venezuela, using a highly offensive language.
The only appropriate channels to resolve this dispute are those of International Law, the Geneva Agreement and continue the Good Officer mechanism under the figure of the
Secretary General of the United Nations.
It is an offense to the libertarian tradition of the people of Simon Bolivar to consider imperial language that Venezuela is a threat to the region, when it was reflected in the recent
Summit of the Americas, the unanimous recognition and support of the fraternal peoples of the Venezuelan foreign policy of peace and solidarity.
It weighs note that the unique and surprising aggression is that the government of Guyana has allowed such a powerful transnational as Exxon Mobil to venture into disputed territory
between the two countries, which in no way seeks to address the right to development of Guyana.
It is imperative to remember that thanks to the eternal Commander Hugo Chavez, various programs of cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood such as PETROCARIBE, for stability
and energy security of the region, were implemented. This policy has been of great impact and success for true prosperity of our brother Guyanese people, and President Nicolas
Maduro and has been continued. The new Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana exhibits a dangerous policy of provocation against the Bolivarian Venezuela of
peace, supported by the imperial power of a US multinational, Exxon Mobil, which must be rectified in the short term.
This unfriendly policy of provocation will be defeated by the force of reality imposed by the foreign policy of peace and friendship between Venezuela and the people of Guyana itself.
The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its desire for peace feelings and the brotherly people of Guyana, and reaffirms the invitation to his foreign minister
to an early meeting so through political dialogue between brothers, continue along the path of cooperation and overcoming the historical dispute, which had its genesis in fraudulent
actions of former colonial powers against Venezuela.
Annex 94
“Venezuela urges Guyana to enforce Treaty of Geneva on territorial dispute”, Caribflame
(11 June 2015)
Annex 94
HOME
LOCAL
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Venezuela urges Guyana to enforce
Treaty of Geneva on territorial dispute
NEWS
JUNE
11,
2015
Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Delcy
Rodriguez/Photo: Hoy Venezuela
On Tuesday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Delcy Rodriguez announced at a press conference
the position of Venezuela regarding the recent statement by the Government of Guyana about
the territorial dispute after the discovery of oil deposits by transnational company Exxon
Mobil.
“Venezuela maintains its position to consider null and void the Treaty of Washington of 1899
and calls on the government of Guyana to stay in the regulatory framework of the Treaty of
Geneva (1966),” said the statement read by Rodriguez at the Foreign Ministry.
The Geneva Accord was signed on February 17, 1966 by the governments of Venezuela and
the United Kingdom of Great Britain in consultation with the Government of British Guiana
and establishes the creation of a joint commission to resolve the controversy over the frontier
between Venezuela and British Guiana.
Rodriguez rejected the strong language of the Guyanese letter and stressed that the only
channel to resolve this dispute is through dialogue. She added that this attack ignores the
culture of peace of the Venezuelan people recognized at the Summit of the Americas, held in
April in Panama.
“The unique and surprising aggression, is that the government of Guyana has allowed a
powerful transnational as Exxon Mobil to venture into disputed territory between two
countries, which in no way seeks to undermine the right to development of Guyana”, says the
statement of Venezuela which urged the Republic of Guyana to rectify its action promptly.
“It is an offense to the libertarian tradition of the people of Simon Bolivar to consider, with a
clear imperialist approach, that Venezuela is a threat to the region, when, it was set out in the
recent Summit of the Americas the unanimous recognition and support of the brotherly
peoples for Venezuelan foreign policy of peace and solidarity,” said Rodriguez on behalf of
the Government of Venezuela.
1
Annex 94
The communiqué insists on “continuing along the path of dialogue” and calls for an early
meeting with the representatives of Guyana.
Following is the full statement issued by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry:
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the sounding tenor and false
statements issued by the new Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana dated 7
June that constitutes a provocation and threatens the Bolivarian peace diplomacy.
It is unacceptable that the new Government of Guyana takes this position with a territory that
is subject to controversy, and who has also expressly recognized that this area of the sea is
subject to an amicable settlement of territorial claims, as envisaged in the Treaty of Geneva.
The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana began more than a century ago, when
as a result of colonial and imperialist shady deals, our country was emptied of a vast territory,
since then, subject of a claim. From this illegality of origin, Venezuela maintains its position
to consider null and void the Arbitral Award of 1899, and calls on the new Government of
Guyana to stay in the regulatory framework of the Geneva Agreement.
Venezuela regrets that an administrative rule directed to organize, with the assistance of the
new technologies of information, daily supervision and maritime security within the
framework of its full jurisdiction and constitutional exercise –which can not affect the Cooperative Republic of Guyana– is intended to shock and create
an artificial crisis, inventing

irrational situations against a brother country like
Venezuela, using a highly offensive

language.
The only appropriate channels to resolve this dispute are those of International Law, the
Geneva Agreement and to continue with the Good Officer mechanism under the figure of the
Secretary General of the United Nations.
It is an offense to the libertarian tradition of the people of Simon Bolivar to consider, with a
clear imperialist approach, that Venezuela is a threat to the region, when, it was set out in the
recent Summit of the Americas the unanimous recognition and support of the brotherly
peoples for Venezuelan foreign policy of peace and solidarity.
It is sad to observe that the unique and surprising aggression, is that the government of
Guyana has allowed such a powerful transnational as Exxon Mobil venture into disputed
territory between the two countries, which in no way seeks to undermine the right to
development of Guyana.
It is imperative to remember that thanks to the eternal Commander Hugo Chavez, programs
of cooperation, solidarity and brotherhood such as PETROCARIBE, have been implemented
for the stability and energy security of the region. This policy –President Nicolas Maduro has
followed– putting into practice humanistic sublime principles to the people of Guyana, has
been of great impact and success for true prosperity of our brother Guyanese people.
2
Annex 94
The new Government of Guyana exhibits a dangerous policy of provocation against the
peaceful Venezuela, supported by the imperial power of a US multinational, Exxon Mobil,
which must be rectified in the short term.
This unfriendly policy of provocation will be defeated by the force of reality imposed by the
foreign policy of peace and friendship between Venezuela and the people of Guyana.
The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its desire for peace to the
brotherly people of Guyana, and reaffirms the invitation to his foreign minister to an early
meeting so through political dialogue between brothers, to continue along the path of
cooperation and overcoming the historical dispute, which had its genesis in fraudulent actions
of former colonial powers against Venezuela.
Source/AVN
CF/IC
3
Annex 95
Letter from the Minister of the People’s Power for External Relations of the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana (19 June 2015)
Annex 95
(
NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION
Caracas, 19
1
n June 2015
Excellency ,
Please allow me the honor of reaffirming the good faith and mutual
understanding that comprise our historical friendshi p through a warm Latin
American and Caribbean greeting , in response to the communication you
sent on 13
th
June 2015
In this regard, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to reiterate
that internation al law in particularly the Geneva Agreement signed by our
two nations on 17
February 1966 in accordance with the Charter of the
United Nations, has authority over this territorial dispute
th
Furthermore Venezue la maintains its h1stoncal and legal position
regarding the fraudu lent, null and void 1899 Arbitration Award, as well as the
instruments denvmg therefrom in conformity with the legal principle of
Nullum quad est nullum efectum
producit
as stated
in the Geneva
Agreement of 17
1
n February 1966 , fully in force and signed by the United
Kingdom, British Guyana and the Republic of Venezuela, and also validated
by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana registered under number 1-8192
th
and dated 5
May 1966 in the
General Secretariat of the United Nations
Accordingly, the Geneva Agreement continues to be implemented by
the Secretary General of the United Nations through his high representatives
who exercise the Good Offices that derive from the aforementioned
Agreement
His Excellency
Carl B. Greenidge
Mi niste r of Fo reig n Affair s
Cooperative Repu blic of Guya na
1
Annex 95
..
March
2015, clearly stated that "the Government of the Cooperative Republic of
Excellency, our previous Official Note 1.DMN 000429 , dated 4
1h
Guyana has been deliberately maintaining an inconsistent attitude , without
any basis , with the intention of evading its obligations under an international
treaty , specifically the 1966 Geneva Agreement , which is valid and binding
on both parties"
In this regard, Excellency , Minister of Foreign Affairs , we reiterate a
new call to restore as soon as possib le without reserva tion or hesitation , the
peaceful, legit imate and lega l status of the Good Offices of the Secretary
General of the United Nat ions as a valid and effective means to resolve
bilaterally and amicably this territorial dispute, in accordance with the
Geneva Agreement of 17
th
February 1966.
Reiterating our permanent friendsh ip and ongoing willingness to
strengthen our peacefu l and historical bilateral relations , without the
interference of disturbing factors , I avail myself of this opportunity to renew
assurances of my highest esteem and consideration .
Deley Rodriguez Gomez
Minist er
2
Annex 95
¿, J
.La~rfelfí}>ode,,fí}>~jta,<a
~~
tÚk~@~¿y~
Caracas , 19 de 4unio de 2015
Excelencia ,
Tengo el honor de dirigirme a Usted, en la oportunidad de
reafirmar nuestra buena fe y entendimiento al invocar nuestra histórica
amistad con un cordial saludo Latinoamericano y Caribeño , al tiempo
de dar respuesta a su comunicación de fecha 13 de junio de 2015 .
Sobre el particular , la República Bolivariana Venezuela se ve
obligada a reiterar que la legalidad internacional rige esta controversia
territorial cuyo marco jurídico vigente no es otro que el Acuerdo de
Ginebra , suscrito entre las partes el 17 de febrero de 1966, conforme a
la Carta de las Naciones Unidas.
Asimismo , Venezuela mantiene su posIcIon histórica y jurídica
acerca del fraudulento, nulo e írrito Laudo Arbitral de 1899, así como
de sus actos derivados conforme a la máxima jurídica Nullum quod est
nullum efectum producit , tal y como consta en los fundamentos previos
del plenamente vigente Acuerdo de Ginebra del 17 de febrero de
1966, suscrito por el Reino Unido , Guayana Británica y la República de
Venezuela , habiendo sido también convalidado por la República
Cooperativa de Guyana , el cual está registrado bajo el Nº 1-8192 del
05 de mayo de 1966, en la Secretaría General de las Naciones
Unidas.
\ En este sentido, el Acuerdo de Ginebra ha venido siendo
"l
aplicado mediante la actividad del Secretario General de las Naciones
ii-
( f !) !, -Bur os Oficios derivados del Acuerdo.
,. Unidas bajo la figura de los altos representantes para ejercer los
1
1 7¼1 e'xcelentísimo Señor
1
~ ,¡;" G.a:rl B.
Greenidge
,\~}~e
f ~inistro de Asuntos Exteriores
\ '71~ 0
~ epública Cooperativa de Guyana
Georgetown .-
3
Annex 95
•
' f;
Excelencia , en nuestra anterior Nota I.DMN 000429 del 04 de
marzo de 2015 , se puntual izó claramente que "el Gobierno de la
República Cooperativa de Guyana ha venido sosteniendo de manera
deliberada una actitud inconsistente , sin fundamen to alguno , con la
intención de sustraerse de las obligaciones asumidas en un Tratado
Internacional como es el Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966, válido y
obligatorio para las partes que lo suscribieron ".
En este sentido , Excelentísimo Canciller , le reiteramos un nuevo
llamado para reestablecer a la brevedad posible , sin reservas ni
equívocos , el pacífico , legítimo y legal método de los Buenos Oficios
del Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas como medio válido y
vigente para asumir de manera bilateral y en forma amistosa la
controvers ia territorial , conforme al Acue rdo de Ginebra del 17 de
febrero de 1966.
Al reiterarle nuestra permanente disposición y amistad para el
fortalecim iento de las pacíficas e históricas relaciones bilaterales , sin
la intervención de factores perturbadores , hago propicia la ocas ión
para reiterarle las seguridades de nuestra más alta estima y
consideración . ~~\,
, ? ~'\.
v..-~:-\'
.,¡
\e.,\:.
f_.\i\ =e=
1~ ~.~-~ª~~~
•. ~;
=c:::-::.--1\ •
\e; r;¡~
~)
;)
· \
-=-'" ~~ley Rodríguez Gómez
· -~\_ /J'
Ministra
~~ "ti
~--
'q',
,s: 1>~~ c,c\ ~ 't-❖--~
<l(~_;'.::1/
4
Annex 96
Note Verbale from the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Guyana to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, No. 56/2015 (2 July 2015)
Annex 96
1
Annex 96
2
Annex 96
UNOFF ICIAL TRANSLAT ION
Office of the President of the Arge ntine Nation
Buenos Aires, June 29, 2015
I am pleased to address you in relation to your letter dated June I 0, 20 I 5 , in which you
expressed your concern with regard to the content of Decree 1787, issued by the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela last May 26.
In this regard, I wish to indicate that my Governmen t encou rages fraternal and
constructive dialogue between both countries which preserves regiona l peace, international
security. mutual respect and the peaceful solution of conflicts , in the framework of what is
established by the norms of international law.
In this contex t, the Republic of Argentina wishes to express its support for the co ntinued
exploration of different bodies for negotiation and institutional mechanisms which would allow
for the overcoming of this situation, and it is therefore appropriate, among others, that a new
Personal Representative of the Secretary General of the United Natio ns be designated, a position
which has been vacant since June 20t 4.
As always, I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assura nces of my
highest consideration.
H.E. Brigadier David A. Granger
President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
3
Annex 97
“New Venezuelan decree doesn’t remove old claims – Granger”, Guyana Times (9 July 2015)
Annex 97
\
New Venezuelan decree doesn't remove old claims Granger
President David Gra nger
J/ariti me border co11tro1•er1y
Guya na's Pr esid en t, David Granger, h as stated that w hil e h e was succes sful in getting
Ve nezu ela to withdraw th e ille ga l d ecree numbered 1787, h e was st ill not sa ti sfied since the
re pla ceme nt proclamation st ill mad e claim s on Guya na ' s territor y.
President G ran ge r said he has been working t ir eless ly ove r the pa st weeks to h ave the
controver sial d ecr ee rem ove d , which was d one o n Monday by Vi;nezuelan President
Nico las Maduro . H oweve r , the cont r overs ial decree wa s replaced with a nother
pr oclamation a nd , a cco rdin g to G r a nger, the new proclamation did not rem ove the
neighb ourin g co unt ry ' s illega l claim on G uya n a ' s Exc lu sive Eco nomic Zone (EEZ) .
" So we worked har d w it h our colleag ues to call for the r evoca tion of the de cr ee and that
was success ful. But what President Maduro ha s a nn oun ced doe s n ot n ecess aril y satisfy our
demands. We wanted a complet e revocat io n of th e decree and he simp ly era sed the line s,
but he h as mai ntai ned the cl ai m s to a large por tion of G uyana ' s EEZ . We will continue
working in different forums a r ound the wor ld to h ave the decree full y withdrawn ," he
p oint ed o ut.
Th e new d ict um docs no t ha ve any definin g coord inat es, a Ve nezu elan n ew s enti ty
report ed . It purport s to supp o rt and justify th e ac tions of the Boli va ri a n at io nal Ar m ed
1
Annex 97
" o I can under sta nd the disapp ointm ent on the par t of the President of Venezue la, but we
would lik e to call on him to revoke th e decree compl etely in its entirety and we would like
to have nor ma l diplomatic relati ons with Venezuela , so we wou ld like to ask that th e
Ambassador remain. Don' t think the Ambassador has remove d as yet. It 's better to talk
about these issues rather for th ere to be compl ete silence and suspicion , so once the
Amba ssador is here, we ca n continu e talking ," he outlin ed.
On Mo nda y, the Ve nezuela n Head of Stat e told the at ional Asse mbl y th at h e was
reca llin g th e cou nt ry 's ambassador to G uya na , Rein a Ma rgari ta Arrati a Diaz. Howev er ,
Guyana Times was told that the dip lomat was not given any for mal or der to return home
an d as such she rem ained here.
In fact, when thi s newspaper visited th e Emb assy's office on Thoma s St reet, Georgetow n,
the diplom at wa s hostin g a receptio n to celebrat e Venezuela 's 204th Independence Day
anniversary, which was on July 5. The seemin gly intimate reception had a s mall gatheri ng
of mostly Venezuelan guests as well as a few members of other foreign missionari es in
G uya na.
2
Annex 98
Letter from the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Secretary-General of
United Nations (9 July 2015)
Annex 98
.
.
,
_
.
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0,444
No .
I
New
York,
13
July
2015
New York , 13 July 2015
Permanent
Missions
and
Permanent
Observer
Missions
Permanent Missions and
Perma nent Observe r Miss ions
to
the
United
Nations
to the United Nations
New
York.—
New York.-
The
Permanent
Mission
of
the
Bolivarian
Republic
of
Venezuela
to
the
United
Nations
presents
its
compliments
to
Permanent
Missions
and
Permanent
Observer
Missions
accredited
to
the
United
Nations
and
has
the
honor
to
transmit
herewith
a
copy
of
a
letter,
and
its
translation,
dated
09
June
2015
from
H
E
Mr.
Nicolas
Maduro
Moros
The Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United
Nations presents its compli ments to Permanent Missions and Permanen t Observer
Missions accredited to the United Nations and has the honer to transm it herewith a copy
of a letter, and its transl ation, dated 09 June 2015 from H.E. Mr. Nicolas Maduro Moros,
..
President
of
the
Boiivarian
Republic
of
Venezuela
to
H
E
Mr.
Ban
Ki-
-moon,
Secretary
General
of
the
United
Nations,
concerning
the
territorial
controversy
between
Venezuela
and
Guyana.
President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon , Secretary
General of the United Nations, concerning the territorial controversy between Venezuela
and Guyana .
The
Permanent
Mission
of
the
Bolivarian
Republic
of
Venezuela
to
the
United
The Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United
Nations
avails
itself
of
this
opportunity
to
renew
to
the
PermanentsMissions
and
Nations avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Permanent ... Missions and
Permanent
Observer
Missions
accredited
to
the
United
Nations
the
assurances
of
its
Permanent Observer Missions accredited to the United Nations the assurances of its
highest
esteem
and
consideration.
highest esteem and consideration .
Ennis“
Street
New
13.5
335 East 46 · Street NeN York . NY 10017 • Telefono (212) 557-2055 • Fax (212) 557-3528
Van:
NV
1nm7
12mg--.
_
Correo Elect ronico m,1,on11enezuelacnu@gmail com
1
Annex 98
-

No.
I‘
DA
4
4
Nueva
York,
13
de
julio
de
2015
Nueva York, 13 de julio de 2015
A
todas
las
Misiones
Permanentes
y
A todas las Misiones Permanentes y
Misiones
Permanentes
de
Observacion
ante
las
Misiones Permanentes de Observación ante las
Naciones
Unidas
Nueva
York.-
Naciones Unidas
Nueva York.-
La
Misién
Permanente
de
la
Repdblica
Bolivariana
de
Venezuela
ante
las
Naciones
unidas
saluda
a
todas
las
Misiones
Pennanentes
y
Misiones
Permanentes
de
Observacién
acreditadas
en
las
Naciones
Unidas,
en
la
oportunidad
de
tzansmitir,
come
documento
adjunto,
copia
de
una
carta
de
fecha
09
de
julio
del
2015,
del
Presidente
de
la
Repdblica
Bolivariana
de
Venezuela
Nicolas
Maduro
Moros;
dirigida
at
Secretario
General
de
las
Naciones
Unidas
Ban
Ki-moon,
referente
a
la
controversia
limitrofe
entre
Venezuela
y
Guyana.
La Misión Permanente de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela ante las
Naciones unidas saluda a todas las Misiones Permanentes y Misiones Permanentes de
Observación acreditadas en las Naciones Unidas , en la oportunidad de t,;ansmitir , como
documento adjunto, copia de una carta de fech a 09 de j ulio de! 2015 , del Presidente de
la República Bolivariana de Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Moros , dirig,ida al Secretar io
General de las Naciones Unidas Ban Ki-moon, referente a la controversia limítrofe entre
Venezuela y Guyana.
En
este
sentido,
la
Mision
Permanente
de
la
Republica
Bolivariana
de
Venezuela
ante
las
Naciones
Unidas
reitera
a
las
Misiones
Permanentes
y
Misiones
Permanentes
En este sentido, la Misión Permanente de la República Bolivarian~ de Venezuela
ante las Naciones Unidas reitera a las Misiones Permanentes y Misiones Permanentes
de
Observacién
acreditadas
en
las
Naciones
Unidas
las
seguridades
de
su
mas
alta
estima
y
distinguida
consideracic’m.
de Observación acreditadas en las Nac iones Unidas las seguridades de su más alta
estima y distinguida consideración.
Republic
of
Van
zuela
to
th
United
Nations
335
East
46‘”
Street
New
York.
NY
1001?
Tate-tone;
(212)
557—2065
~
Fax.
(212)
557-3526
335 E st
1
Conan
Electromec-
mrsionvenezueiaonuggmail
corn
16°" Street New York. NY 10017 • Teléfono (212) SS/ 2055 . Fax l212} 557-3528
Correo Electron,eo 'Til$1onvenezuelaonu@gmat1 com
2
Annex 98
l

NICOLAS
MADURO
MOHOS

NIGOLAS MADuno tv ( HOS
PRESlDENTE
DE
LA
PRESl')f T m L
HU‘UULIL’LA
i101
lVAHIANA
DE;
VFNEZUELA
lJl vr Nl /ll
RE PUIJLICA UOLIVJ\HI/\
Á
Caracas,
09
de
julio
de
2015
C racas, og, de julio de 2015
Excelentisimo
Senor
Excelentísimo Señor
Ban
Ki—moon
Ban Ki-moon
Secretario
General
Secretario General
de
la
Organizacion
de
las
Naciones
Unidas
(GNU)
,,
de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (O NU)
Nueva
York.-
Nueva York .-
Tango
el
honor
de
dirigirme
a
Usted,
conforme
a
los
Tengo el honor de dirigirme a Usted, conforme a los
propositos
y
principios
de
la
Carta
de
las
Naciones
Unidas
y
el
Derecho
lnternacional
PL’iblico,
y
rescatando
lee
valores
propósitos y principios de la Carta de las Nacio nes Unidas y el
Derecho Internacional Público , y rescatando
los valores
supremos
de
la
paz
y
la
humanidad,
con
el
objetivo
de
Llamar
su
atencion
con
respecto
al
cumplimiento
efect-ivo
del
Acuerdo
de
Ginebra
de
17
de
febrero
de
1966,
suscrito
y
ratificado
por
los
supremos de la paz y la humanidad, con el objet ivo de Uamar su
atención con respecto al cumplimiento efectivo del Acuerdo de
Ginebra de 17 de febrero de 1966, suscr ito y ratific ado por los
Gobiernos
de
la
RepL’Jblica
de
Venezuela,
del
Reino
Unido
de
la
Gobiernos de la República de Venezue la, del Reino Unido de la
Gran
Bretana
e
lrlanda
del
Norte,
y
del
Gobierno
de
la
Guayana
Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte, y del Gobie rno de la Guayan a
Britanica,
boy
Remittance
Cooperative
de
Guyana,
para
resolver
Británica , hoy República Cooperativa de Guyana , para resolver
la
controversia
territorial
come
consecuencia
de
la
contencion
la controversia territorial como conse cuencia de la contención
venezolana
de
que
el
Laudo
Arbitral
eta
1899
as
nulo
e
irrito
(articulo
del
Acuerdo
de
Ginebra).
venezolana de que el Laudo Arb itral de 1899 es nulo e írrito
(artículo I del Acuerdo de Ginebra).
.,.
En
este
Acuerdo,
las
Partes
reconocieron
que
la
controversia
En este Acuerdo, fas Partes reconocie ron que la controversia
territorial
pendiente
entre
Venezuela
y
Guyana,
debs
resolverse
territorial pendiente entre Venezue la y Guyana, debe resolverse
amistosamente
en
forma
qua
resulte
aceptable
para
ambas
amistosamente en forma que resulte aceptable para ambas
(Preambulo
del
Acuerdo).
(Preámbulo del Acuerdo).
Como
es
del
conocimiento
pUblico,
el
nuevo
gobi‘erno
eta
Como es del conocimiento público el nuevo gobierno de
Guyana
ha
ignorado,
cuando
no
desconocido,
la
vigencia
det
Guyana ha ignorado, cuan do no desconocido , la vigenc ia del
Acuerdo
de
Ginebra
de
1966,
mostrando
una
actitud
contumaz
y
Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966, mostrando una actitud contumaz y
ambivalente
e
infligido
series
y
graves
ofensas
a
mi
pats
y
a
mi
ambivalente e infligid o serias y gra ves ofensas a mi país y a m i
3
Annex 98

NICOl
As
MADURO
MOROS
ICOl ÁS MADURO MOROS
PRESlDENTE
DE
LA
PR[SIDH Tf DF LA
HFF’JHUCA
801
IVARMNA
DE
VENEZUhLA
.lFP HHICA BOll
1
ARIANA OF VENEZUl;lA
pueblo;
per
lo
que,
acudo
a
su
altar
investidura
para
que
inicie
at
procedimiento
de
la
designacion
del
Buen
Oficiante.
pueblo; por lo que, acudo a su alta investidura para que inicie el
procedimiento de la designación del Buen Oficiante.
Dado
que
el
nombramiento
de
un
Buen
Oficiante
es
un
Dado que el nombramiento de un Buen Oficiante es un
metodo
adecuado
para
avanzar
en
la
solucion
pacifica'
de
este
método adecuado para avanzar en la solución pacífica de esta
controversia
territorial
conforms
a
lo
previsto
en
el
Articulo
N
2
controversia territorial, conforme a lo previsto en el Artículo IV.2
del
Acuerdo
do
Ginebra
a
partir
de
1987
las
Partes
del Acuerdo de Ginebra, a partir de 1987 1 !as Partes así lo
solicitaron
dancio
lugar
a
la
actuaclon
del
Buen
Oficiante
Oliver
solicitaron, dando tugar a la actuación del Buen Oficiante Oliver
Jackman
haste
7009
cuando
debuts
a
su
fallecimiento,
Jackmao hasta 20Q9J_ cuandQ debido a su falle.cimiento., __
"‘preseniaron
nueva
petieién
eenjunta
Per
lo
give
an
2010-~esta
- presen aron i:1ueva pet1c1on-c0nJunt-a. Por !o e;ue -en - 2010 , sta
Secretaria
General
designo
at
Profesor
Norman
Girvan
como
su
Secretaría General designó al Profesor Norman Girvan como su
Representante
Personal,
quien
gestiono
en
la
basqueda
de
un
arreglo
haste
su
lamentable
fallecimiento
en
2014.
Esta
Representante Personal, quien gestionó en la búsqueaa de un
arreglo hasta su lamentable fallecimiento en 2014. Esta
circunstancia
dejo
un
vacio
que
haste
ahora
no
se
ha
podido
circunstancia dejó un vacío que hasta ahora no se ha podido
cubrir,
a
pesar
de
la
insistencia
de
Venezuela.
cubrir , a pesar de la insistencia de Venezuela.
Venezuela
tiene
la
certeza
que
la
asistencia
del
Buen
Oficiante
debs
reunir,
come
toe
anteriores,
grandee
atributos
Venezuela tiene la certeza que la asistencia del Buen
Oficiante debe reunir, como los anteriores, grandes atributos
éticos,
profunda
especializacion
academics,
consubstanciacion
éticos , profunda especialización académica, consubstanciación
con
la
culture
y
el
memento
historico
qua
viva
nuestra
region
y
con la cultura y el momento histórico que vive nuestra región y
conocimiento
del
asunto
confiado.
lo
que
contribuira
a
due
at
proceso
de
negociacion
entre
ambos
paises,
avarice
hacia
una
conocimiento del asunto confiado, lo que contribuirá a que el
proceso de negociación entre ambos países 1 avance hacia una
solucion
pacifica,
come
lo
establece
at
articulo
33
de
la
Carta
de
sof ución pacífica, como lo establece el artículo 33 de la Carta de
las
Naciones
Unidas
y
el
Acuerdo
de
Ginebra
de
1966.
las Naciones Unidas y el Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966.
Debo
reiterar
qua,
cuando
la
Republics
Cooperative
de
Guyana
obtuvo
su
independencia,
Venezuela,
al
reconocer
al
nuevo
Estado
el
26
de
mayo
de
1966,
expreso
una
reserve
Debo reiterar que, cuando la República Cooperativa de
Guyana obtuvo su independencia, Venezuela, al reconocer al
nuevo Estado el 26 de mayo de 1966, expresó una reserva
puntualizando
qua
dicho
reconocimiento:
puntualizando que dicho reconocimiento:
.no
Implica
par
parte
de
nuestro
pats
renuncia
o
{{ ... no implica por parte de nuestro país renuncia o
disminucic’m
de
las
derecho
W
dismil]_ución de lo der chos errit!J.dales _.ceclamaw.WiiJ,.__
~----
-----,
de
ninguna
manera
afecta
los
derechos
de
ni de ninguna manera afecta los derecho de
4
Annex 98
'

NlCOl
AS
MADURO
MOROS
NIC ... 1 AS MAOuno OROS
PRESIDENTE
DE
LA
PRESIOFNTE DE U\
HthHLICA
BOLIVARIANA
DP
VENEZUELA
Hl PJBUCA BOLIVARIANA DF VF Nl-ZllF LA
soberania
que
se
desprenden
de
[a
reclamacr‘én
surgida
de
la
contencién
venezolana
de
que
el
oberanía que e desprenden de ta reclamación
surgida de la contención venezolana de que e/
Ilamado
Laudo
Arbitral
de
Paris
do
1899
sobre
la
frontera
entre
Venezuela
y
la
Guayana
Britanica,
es
llamado Laudo Arbitral de París de 1899 sobre la
frontera entre Venezuela y la Guayana Británica, es
nulo
e
irrito...
En
consecuencia,
el
territorio
‘de
la
nulo e írrito... En consecuencia,. el territorio ,J:le la
Guayana Esequiba sobre el cual Venezuela se reserva
Guayana
Esequiba
sobre
el
cual
Venezuela
se
reserve
expresamente sus derechos soberanos limita al Este
expresamente
sus
derechos
soberanos
limiter
at
Esta
con
el
nuevo
Estado
do
Guyana
a
través
de
la
linea
con el nuevo Estado de Guyana a través de la línea
del
rio
Esequibo,
tornado
este
deeds
su
nacr’miento
haste
ea
desembocadura
en
el
Océano
Atléntico...”
del río Esequibo, tomado éste desde su nacimiento
hasta su desembocadura en el Océano Atlántico ... "
Como
Jets
de
Estado
me
vac
obligado,
en
defense
de
105
derechos
de
Venezuela,
a
llamar
su
atencion
acerca
del
Como Jefe de Estado me veo obligado, en defen$_a de los
derechos de Venezuela , a llamar su atención acerca del
comportamiento
de
Guyana
que
ha
pretendido
disponer
rte
comportamiento de Guyana que ha pretendido disponer de
manera
unilateral,
sin
notificacion,
hi
menos
convencion
alguna,
sobre
vastas
extensiones
del
territorio
en
controversia,
tanto
terrestre,
come
maritime,
en
desmedro
de
la
reclamacion
manera unilateral, sin notificación) ni menos convención alguna,
sobre vastas extensiones del territorio en controversia, tanto
terrestre, como marítimo , en desmedro de la reclamación
sostenida
per
Venezuela
historicamente.
sostenida por Venezuela históricamente.
,,.
Sin
embargo,
a
pesar
de
estas
acciones
abie'rtamente
contrarias
al
Acuerdo
de
Ginebra
de
1966
y
al
Derecho
Sin embargo, a pesar de estas acciones abiertamente
contrarias al Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966 y al Derecho
lnternacional.
Venezuela
sostiene
que
este
Tratado
contempla
el
Internacional , Venezuela sostiene que este Tratado contempla el
camino
iddneo
para
resolver
la
controversia
territorial
existente
sobre
un
amplia
parte
de
su
territorio
que
le
fue
despojado
camino idóneo para resolver la controversia territorial existente
sobre un amplia parte de su territorio que le fue despojado
fraudulentamente
con
el
Laudo
Arbitral
de
1899,
cuya
contencion
fraudulentamente con el Laudo Arbitral de 1899, cuya contención
precisamente
da
origen
al
Acuerdo
de
Ginebra
en
piano
yigor.
precisamente da origen al Acuerdo de Ginebra en pleno yigor.
Por
consiguiente,
consecuente
con
el
legado
historico
del
Por consiguiente, consecuente con el legado histórico del
Libertador
Simon
Bolivar
y
apegados
a
la
diplomacia
do
paz.
Libertador Simón Boliívar y apegados a la diplomacia de paz,
cooperacién,
integracién
y
unidn
de
Ins
pueblos,
estandartes
de
cooperación, integradón y unión de los pueblos, estandartes de
Venezuela,
la
solicito
respetuosamente
en
su
condicién
de
Venezuela, le solicito respetuosamente en su condición de
Secretario
General
que,
en
ejercicio
de
la
facultad
que
la
confrere
Secretario General que, en ejercicio de la facultad que le confier
el artícuto-fV-·2--de!--Acrrerdo de ~inebra. •intc1e--e1 proce~~,m~,
«MW-Mel'aniculo‘l‘xf‘z'det‘Acuerdo‘de"Gine‘bra;‘1nici€‘e1“pmim'TEnT‘o
.,,,..,en=--=----1
5
Annex 98
‘

NI(:I"IL.AS
MADURO
MOROS
!COLAS MADURO MORO S
PRESIDENTE
DE
LA
PRESIDENTE DE l A
iii
'IIBHCA
BOLIVARIANA
DE
VENEZUELA
Hf· 'U81 ICA BOUVARIANA DE VENEZUCL/\
para
la
designacion
del
Buen
Oficiante,
a
fin
de
avanzar,
para la designación del Buen Oficiante, a fin de avanzar,
»~conforme-a-dichoAcuerdor‘enIlasnegociacion'es
bilateraiespa‘ra"
‘
eonforme-a dieho -Acuerdo , en las negociaciones bilaterales para
el
arreglo
practice
y
juridico
de
la
controversia
en
ctérminos
el arreg lo práctico y jurídico de lla controversia en '"·términos
aceptables
para
ambas
Partes.
aceptables para ambas Partes .
Secretario
General,
Ia
construccion
de
un
mundo
de
paz
y
Secretario General 1 la construcción de un mundo de paz y
justicia
se
base
en
la
consolidacién
del
sistema
mundial
de
respeto
a
la
soberania
e
igualdad
entre
los
estados.
Nuestro
pats
justicia se basa en la consolidación del sistema mundial de
respeto a la soberanía e igualdad entre los estados. Nuestro país
es
un
firms
defensor
de
estos
postuiados.
Estamos
seguros
que
es un firme defensor de estos postul:ados. Estamos seguros que
trabajando
conjuntamente
podremos
seguir
consolidendo
Uh
trabajando conjuntamente podremos seguir consolidando un
sistema
mundial
mas
justo.
Le
reitero
mis
saludos
de
alta
estima
sistema mundial más justo. Le reitero mi1s saludos de alta estima
y
consideracién.
y consideración.
I
I
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Egg
Nico‘lgsMaduro
Moms
V
‘5‘
I
U
til/I;
v:
6
Annex 98
1
I
I
_
.
_
.
In
NQNPEEIQML
rRIINSI-A
rm
NON-OFFICIAL TRANSLATION
Caracas,
09
July
2015
Caracas, 09 July 2015
H-Es21ML.--Ban=KingOl1_—_____-;._._an,
;.;___2_;=__._‘_:2___m_,_
.
_
_
7
H.E._ Mr.
Ban Ki-moon
Secretarysé‘fréfgr
"
-—~
.-
..
..
w
_
.,
Secretary-General
United
Nations
United Nations
New
York.-
New York.-
have
the
honor
to
address
Your
Excellency,
in
accordance
with
the
I have the honor to address Your Excellency, in accordance with the
purposes
and
principles
of
the
Charter
of
the
United
Nations
and
international
Law,
and
rescuing
the
supreme
values
of
peace
and
humanity,
in
order
to
get
your
attention
regarding
the
full
compliance
of
the
Geneva
Agreement
of
17
February
1966,
signed
and
ratified
by
the
Governments
of
the
Republic
of
Venezuela,
the
United
Kingdom
of
Great
Britain
and
Northern
Ireland
and
the
Government
of
British
Guyana,
currently
the
Co-operative
Republic
of
Guyana,
to
resolve
the
territorial
controversy
resulting
from
the
Venezuelan
contention
that
claims
Arbitral
Award
of
1899
is
null
and
void
(Article
of
the
Geneva
Agreement).
purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and
International Law, and rescuing the supreme values of peace and
humanity, in order to get your attention regarding the full compliance of the
Geneva Agreement of 17 February 1966 , signed and ratified by the
Governments of the Republic of Venezuela , the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of British Guyana ,
currently the Co-operative Republic of Guyana , to resolve the territorial
controversy resulting from the Venezuelan content ion that claims Arbitra l
Award of 1899 is null and void (Article I of the Geneva Agreement) .
in
this
Agreement,
the
Parties
acknowledged
that
the
pending
In this Agreement , the Parties acknowledged that the pending
territorial
dispute
between
Venezuela
and
Guyana
must
be
solved
in
an
territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana must be solved in an
..
amicable
manner
acceptable
to
both
parties
(Preamble
of
the
Agreement)
amicable manner acceptable to both parties (Preamble of the Agreement)
As
it
is
well
known,
the
new
Government
of
Guyana
has
disowned,
if
As it 1s well known , the new Government of Guyana has disowned, if
not
disregarded,
the
validity
of
the
Geneva
Agreement
of
1966,
by
showing
not disregarded , the validity of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, by showing
a
contumacious
and
ambivalent
attitude,
and
has
inflicted
serious
affronts
a contumacious and ambiva lent attitude , and has inflicted serious affronts
against
my
country
and
my
people.
Thus,
resort
to
your
high
office
to
commence
the
process
of
appointing
a
Good
Officer.
against my country and my people . Thus , I resort to your high office to
commence the process of appointing a Good Officer.
7
Annex 98
‘
'

Since
the
appointment
of
a
Good
Officer
is
an
appropriate
method
for
Since the ap pointment of a G d ott ·
.
oo 1cer 1s an appropr iate method for
advancing
towards
a
peaceful
settlement
of
the
territorial
dispute,
as
provided
in
Article
NZ
of
the
Geneva
Agreement,
since
1987,
the
Parties
so
requested
it,
giving
place
to
the
acting
of
the
Good
Officer
Oliver
advancing tow ards a peaceful settlemen t of the territor ial dispute , as
provided in Article IV .2 of the Geneva Agreement , since 1987 , the Parties
so requ es ted it, giving place to the acting of the Good Officer Oliver
Jackman
until
2009,
when
due
to
his
death,
the
new
joint
request
was
submitted.
Therefore,
in
2010,
the
General
Secretariat
appointed
Professor
Norman
Girvan‘as
the
Personal
Representative,
{who
arranged
the
search
for
a
settlement
until
his
unfortunate
decease
in
2014.
This
circumstance
left
a
void
that
until
now
has
not
been
tilled,
in
spite
of
the
insistence
of
Venezuela.
Jackman unt il 2009 , when due to his death , the new joint request was
sub mitted . Therefore , in 2010, the G.eneral Secretariat appointed Professor
Nor man Girvan as the Personal Representative , who arranged .the search
for a sett lement until his unfortunate decease in 2014. This circumstance
left a vo id that until now has not been filled, in spite of the insistence of
Venezuela .
Currently,
since
the
method
of
the
good
officer
has
‘not
been
Currently , since the method of the good officer has .. not been
exhausted,
the
appropriate
course
of
action
is
to
urge
the
Secretary~
General
of
the
United
Nations
to
exercise
the
jurisdiction
invested
in
him
by
the
parties
in
the
Geneva
Agreement
and
nominate
a
new
Good
Officer,
including
the
possibilities
of
historical
research
as
a
means
to
help
the
exhausted , the appropriate course of action is to urge the Secretary­
General of the United Nations to exercise the j urisdiction invested in him
by the part ies in the Geneva Ag reement and nominate a new Good Officer,
includ ing the possibilities of historical research as a means to help the
better
performance
of
his
good
offices
and
aSSIstance
In
the
negotiations
better performance of his good offices and assistan_ce in the negotiation&
"'
towards
achieving
a
peaceful
and
acceptable
settlement
for
bpth
parties,
7
~
towards achieving a peaceful and acceptable settlement for both parties,
which
Is
the
object
and
purpose
of
the
Geneva
Agreement.
i’
which is the object and purpose of the Geneva Agreement.
Venezuela
is
confident
that
the
assistance
of
the
Good
Officer
must
Venezuela is confident that the assistance of the Good Officer must
gather
as
the
previous
ofticers’,
deep
academic
specialization,
gather as the previous officers', deep academic specialization,
consubstantiation
with
culture
and
historic
moment
in
our
region
and
consubstantiation with culture and historic moment in our region and
knowledge
of
the
subject
matter
commissioned
to
him,
which
will
enable
knowledge of the subject matter commissioned to him, which will enable
the
negotiating
process
between
the
countries
to
advance
to
a
peaceful
the negotiating process between the countries to advance to a peaceful
solution
as
provided
in
Article
33
of
the
Charter
of
the
United
Nations
and
solu tion as prov ided in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations and
the
Geneva
Agreement
of
1966.
the Ge neva Agreement of 1966 .
8
Annex 98

I
must
reiterate
that,
when
the
Co-operative
Re
I must reiter ate that when the C
.
'
a-opera tive
became
independent
Venezuela
Wm“:
expressed
Of
Guyana
a
reservation
once
it
became indepen de nt Venezuela
'
expressed a
recognized
the
new
State
on
May
26th
recognized the new State on May
th
by
1966
by
mentioning
that
said
26
1966
Repub lic 9t Guyana
reservatio n once it
mentioning that said
recognition:
recognition :
“...does
"ct
imply
" ... does
not imply on the part of our country waiver or reduction of
0"
the
Part
of
our
country
waiver
or
reduction
of
the
claimed
territorial
rights,
nor
in
any
manner
does
it
affect
the
the claimed terr·t
· / ·
·
1
ona nghts, nor m any manner does it affect the
sovereign
rights
which
emerge
from
the
claim
rise;
by
the
Venezuelan
contention
that
the
so-called
1899
Paris
Arbitral
Award
about
the
Venezuela-British
Guiana
boundary
is
null
and
void...
Therefore,
the
Guyana-Essequibo
territory
over
which
Venezuela
expressly
reserves
its
sovereign
rights,
limits
on
the
east
by
the
new
sovereign rights which emerge from the claim rise; by the
Venezuelan contention that the so-called 1899 Paris Arbitral Award
about the Venezuela-British Guiana boundary is null and void ...
Therefore, the Guyana-Essequibo territory over which Venezuela
expressly reserves its sovereign rights, limits on the east by the new
State
of
Guyana,
through
the
middle
line
of
the
Essequfbo
River,
beginning
from
its
source
and
on
to
its
mouth
in
the
Atlantic
Ocean...
”
State of Guyana, through the middle line of the Essequ'fbo River,
beginning from its source and on to its mouth in the Atlantic
Ocean ... "
As
Head
of
State,
and
in
defense
of
Venezuela's
rights,
I
feel
As Head of State , and in defense of Venezuela's rights, I feel
compelled
to
draw
your
attention
to
the
fact
that
Guyana’s
actions
are
aimed
at
disposing
of
vast
portions
of
the
land
and
maritime
territory
in
compe lled to draw your attention to the fact that Guyana's actions are
aimed at dispos ing of vast portions of the land and maritime territory in
dispute,
in
a
one—sided
manner,
without
prior
notice
or
convention,
and
at
the
expense
of
a
claim
which
has
been
historically
held
by
Venezuela.
disp ute ,. in a one-sided manner , without prior notice or convention , and at
the expense of a claim w hich has been historically held by Venezuela.
Nonetheless,
in
spite
of
these
actions
which
openly
contradict
the
Nonethe less , in spite of these actions which openly contradict the
..
"Geneva
Agreement
of
1966
and
International
law
VeneZueta'

maniacs"
Geneva Ag reement of 1966 and internatronal law r Venezuela maintains -
.....Mmthat
said
treaty
represents
the
most
logical
path
to
solve
ghercttrrgn

that said treaty represents the most logical path to solve the current
territorial
controversy
over
a
...r.._'...-...-:a--r-
vast
region
of
its
territory,
.which
was
territorial controversy over a vast region of its territory, which was
fraudulently
stripped
with
the
aid
of
the
Paris
Arbitrai
Awafd
of
1899,
fraudulently stripped with the aid of the Paris Arbitral Award of 1899,

'
.
2;.
whose
containment
led
to
the
Geneva
Agreement-still
In
force
F
f
I-
whose containment led to the Geneva Agreement. still in force=·:.~~s=-: =-~!I!~~~-=•=•
=!!I!!=•=•
=1~
9
Annex 98
Consequen tly, consistent with th
.
.
.
st
oncal legacy of Liberator Simon
e hi
Bolt ar and at ached to the conce t f d.
.
.
P o 1plomacy for peace , coopera tion,
integration and union of the peoples, which are symbols of Venezuela I
herewith respectfu lly requ t t
'
es o you, as Secretary General, to initiate the
Process of
· t·
appoin ing a Good Officer, in accordance with Article...JV.2 of the
~
.
reach
a
practical
and
legal
arrangement
to
the
controversy
in
acceptab‘e
terms
to
both
Parties.
Geneva Ag reement, in order to advance through bilateral negotiations and
reach a practical and legal arrangement to the controversy in acceptable
terms to both Parties.
Mr.
Secretary-General,
the
construction
of
a
world
of
peace
and
Mr. Secretary-General , the construction of a world of Reace and
...
justice
is
founded
in
the
consolidation
of
a
worldwide
system
of
respect
for
sovereignty
and
equality
among
our
States.
Our
country
is
a
fervent
advocate
of
these
premises.
We
rest
assured
that
our
joint
efforts
shall
continue
to
strengthen
an
increasingly
just
world
system.
Please
accept
the
assurances
of
my
highest
esteem
and
considerationie
-~
—-i
justice is founded in the consolidation of a worldwide system of respect for
sovereignty and equality among our States. Our country is a fervent
advocate of these premises . We rest assured that our joint efforts shall
continue to strengthen an increasingly just world system . Please accept
the assurances of my highest esteem and consideration. -
Nicolas
Maduro
Moms
Nicolas Maduro Moros
"V"
;.
..
e
g_
".
-
_
_
‘
.
«We.
-__
__
10
Annex 99
Address of the President of the Republic of Guyana to the U.N. General Assembly, 70th Session,
U.N. Doc. A/70/PV.16 (29 Sept. 2015)
Annex 99
United Nations
A/70/ PV.16
General Assembly
Official Records
Seventieth session
16th plenary meeting
Tuesday, 29 September 2015, 9 a.m.
New York
President: Mr. Lykketoft .......................................... (Denmark)
The meeting was called to order at 9.05 a.m.
Address by Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the
Republic of Rwanda
as never before. Cooperation is the only way forward.
And yet the new consensus on sustainable development
is incomplete, because it lacks a shared definition
of the political legitimacy required to sustain that
international order.
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
address by the President of the Republic of Rwanda.
Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of
Rwanda, was escorted into the General Assembly
Hall.
That divergence of visions is rooted in history.
When world powers created the United Nations
70 years ago, independence for the colonized peoples
of Africa and Asia was not on the agenda. We were still
seen as people who needed to be looked after. Those
moral hierarchies and prejudices are still with us,
contributing to the mismanagement of political change
and corroding the trust on which effective multilateral
cooperation depends.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His
Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic
of Rwanda, and to invite him to address the Assembly.
President Kagame: The adoption of the Sustainable
Development Goals (resolution 70/1) marks a new era
in international cooperation. Ending extreme poverty
was never going to be enough to fulfil our ambitions.
This new compact is about prosperity, and it recognizes
that the only sustainable future is one that includes all
of us. It could hardly be otherwise. The creativity and
dynamism of billions of people is already transforming
our world for the better. That is thanks to improved
health, education and access to new technologies and
to empowering women to take their rightful place in
the world.
The internal character of national systems counts
for everything. It cannot be bypassed. Political
legitimacy is not a legal abstraction. It is an objective
reality that can be measured, for example, in terms of
progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals,
as well as in terms of indicators of public opinion. We
face serious challenges that we must confront together
as an international community. We cannot afford to
undermine the most responsible and capable members
by applying standards to some countries that are not
applied to others, and even by imposing inappropriate
ones.
But growth and progress also raise new challenges
related to international migration, the protection of the
environment and demands for good governance. For the
generation to come, responding to those challenges will
put the United Nations at the centre of global affairs
To take just one example, international refugee
law has barely been a factor in the current crisis, as
if the purpose all along was more to keep refugees
encamped far from developed countries than to protect
the rights of people fleeing persecution. In other cases,
This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches
delivered in other languages. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only.
They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member
of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506
([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official
Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).
15-29431 (E)
*1529431*
Annex 99
A /70/ PV.16
29/09/2015
multilateral institutions are used to gain credibility for
biased attacks on countries even while scrutiny of the
powerful is considered unnecessary. When matters
of principle become associated with domination and
disdain, the basis for joint action in the multilateral
system is compromised.
process has culminated in the historic 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1). The
Sustainable Development Goals it contains reflect the
common consensus within the international community
on the elements that are integral to human development.
The United Nations, established 70 years ago and
We have nothing to fear from high standards.
The only stability worth having is one based on good
policies that deliver real results for citizens and facilitate
peaceful change. Human dignity and even survival are
implied in that. No country or system has a monopoly
a mere five months after the formal end of the Second
World War, became the midwife of a new international
order. That new order of world peace was depicted
symbolically and powerfully in the form of a bronze
statue on the grounds of the Headquarters of the United
on wisdom, much less a claim to moral superiority.
Nations. It embodies the vision revealed in the Holy
Our task is to settle the future, not the past. Change
is coming, and it is necessary. No one can manage it
alone, and the Sustainable Development Goals rightly
recognize our mutual interdependence. We have made
good commitments; now we must make good on them.
Building a community with a shared purpose that
is capable of doing so starts with recognition of our
equality.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Rwanda
for the statement he has just made.
Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of
Rwanda, was escorted from the General Assembly
Hall.
Address by Mr. David Arthur Granger, President
of the Republic of Guyana
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
Bible in the Book of Isaiah that states,
“And he shall judge among the nations, and
shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their
swords into ploughshares, and their spears into
pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (The
Holy Bible, Isaiah, 4:2)
That prophetic verse became the philosophical basis of
the United Nations, which became the organizational
foundation for a global order that saw the emergence
of a plethora of newly independent States, a result of
the decolonization process after the Second World War.
In the years since its establishment, 126 States have
gained their independence.
The United Nations began in 1945 with a
membership of only 51 countries, but today that has
almost quadrupled to 193. The majority of new States
are mini-, micro- and small ones. The undemocratic
and warlike empires of which they were colonies
were dismantled after two world wars. These are the
questions that small States ask of the United Nations
on this, its seventieth anniversary: How will our
peoples be protected from foreign aggression? How
will our territories be safeguarded from invasion? How
will peace among nations be preserved? How will the
independence of the new States be sustained? The
Charter of the United Nations charges our Organization
with the responsibility
“to bring about by peaceful means, and in conformity
with the principles of justice and international law,
adjustment or settlement of international disputes”.
That responsibility is essential to the existence and
survival of small States that are threatened by more
powerful ones. They risk being subjugated unless
address by the President of the Republic of Guyana.
Mr. David Arthur Granger, President of the
Republic of Guyana, was escorted into the General
Assembly Hall.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His
Excellency Mr. David Arthur Granger, President of the
Republic of Guyana, and to invite him to address the
Assembly.
President Granger: The Cooperative Republic
of Guyana is honoured to participate in this historic
session of the General Assembly. We would like to
congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election,
and pledge Guyana’s cooperation as you guide the
Assembly in the fulfilment of its tasks. We would also
like to thank your predecessor, Mr. Sam Kutesa, for
the international community can demonstrate a
his stewardship in piloting the post-2015 agenda. That
2/51
15-29431
Annex 99
29/09/2015
A /70/ PV.16
commitment to providing an effective deterrent against
their domination by larger, stronger States, and the
capability to do so.
constituting a reassertion of Venezuela’s claim to 5 of
Guyana’s 10 regions.
Guyana rejects Venezuela’s threats and claims,
On 9 May 1994, at its forty-ninth session, the
made in defiance of international law, and we resist its
acts of aggression, conducted in defiance of the Charter
of the United Nations, which prescribes the peaceful
settlement of disputes and proscribes the use of armed
force.
General Assembly adopted resolution 49/31, which,
among other things, recognizes that small States may
be particularly vulnerable to external threats and acts
of interference in their internal affairs; stresses the vital
importance for all States of the unconditional respect by
all States of all the principles of the Charter of the United
Nations, including the principles of sovereign equality,
Guyana’s borders with Venezuela were settled
territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal
116 years ago. The entire world, except the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela, accepts and acknowledges
our borders. In 1968, at the Assembly’s twenty-third
session (see A/PV.1680), Guyana explained to the world
how in 1897 a treaty of arbitration was signed between
the United Kingdom and Venezuela. That treaty
provided for the establishment of an arbitral tribunal
to determine the boundary line between the colony
of British Guiana, as we were then, and Venezuela.
It committed the parties to consider the result of the
proceedings of the tribunal of arbitration as a full,
perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred
to the arbitrators. The tribunal issued its decision on
3 October 1899, awarding Venezuela 13,000 square
kilometres of our territory, an area bigger than Jamaica
or Lebanon. Venezuela was bound under international
law to respect that decision, which it did for the next
six decades.
affairs of other countries and the peaceful settlement of
disputes and their consistent application; also stresses
the importance of strengthening regional security
arrangements by increasing interaction, cooperation
and consultation; appeals to the relevant regional and
international organizations to provide assistance when
requested by small States for the strengthening of
their security in accordance with the principles of the
Charter; requests the Secretary-General to continue
to pay special attention to monitoring the security
situation of small States and to consider making use
of Article 99 of the Charter; and calls on the Security
Council and other relevant organs of the United Nations
to pay special attention to the protection and security
of small States. That is a manifesto for small States,
contained in a resolution adopted by the General
Assembly 21 years ago.
From the beginning of Guyana’s independence,
Guyana is a small State and a new State, a product
of the post-Second World War promise of peace.
Guyana is a child of the United Nations. Eight months
from now, on 26 May 2016, Guyana will mark the
fiftieth anniversary of its independence. But for 50
years, our small country has been prevented from fully
exploiting its rich natural resources. Venezuela has
threatened and deterred investors and frustrated our
economic development. For 50 years it has violated
our territorial integrity by occupying part of our
territory, the most recent incident in that regard being
on 10 October 2013, when it sent a naval corvette into
our maritime zone and expelled a peaceful petroleumexploration
vessel
conducting
seismic
surveys.
For

50
years
Venezuela
has
promulgated
decrees
making

spurious
claims
on
our
territory,
the
most
recent
on

26
May,
our
independence
anniversary,
when
it
issued

decree
number
1,787,
containing
specific
coordinates

that
would
annex
almost
our
entire
maritime
zone,
and
however, Venezuela has resorted to various stratagems
to deprive us of our territory. There has been a series
of acts of aggression by Presidents of Venezuela
against my country, from President Raúl Leoni
Otero’s decree number 1,152 of 15 June 1968 to
President Nicolás Maduro Moro’s of 26 May of this
year. Venezuela — more than four times the size
of Guyana, with armed forces that are more than 40
times the size of our defence force — mindful of its
superior wealth and military strength, but unmindful
of its obligation as a Member of the United Nations, the
Union of South American Nations and the Organization
of American States, has pursued a path of intimidation
and aggression. It is unsettling a settled border. It is
destabilizing a stable region of the globe by the use of
armed force against a small, peaceful State. Venezuela
has retarded Guyana’s development through its use of
threats that are intended to force a small State to yield
up its birthright. Its expansionist ambitions cannot be
allowed to undermine the principle of the inviolability
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of borders and the tenets of international law, and to
redraw borders that have gone undisturbed for decades.
nothing more than the solidarity of the international
community, the assurance of the Charter and the safety
of international law.
Guyana recommits to preserving the Caribbean
as a zone of peace. Today we renew our pledge before
the Assembly that we will pursue the path of peace for
all time. We reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful
settlement of international disputes. Guyana has total
confidence in international law, and seeks a resolution
of this controversy that is consistent with the provisions
of the Charter of the United Nations.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Guyana
for the statement he has just made.
Mr. David Arthur Granger, President of the
Republic of Guyana, was escorted from the General
Assembly Hall.
The Geneva Agreement, signed on 17 February
Address by Mr. Hage Geingob, President of the
Republic of Namibia
1966, between the Governments of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Venezuela and
British Guiana, as we were then, provides for action to be
taken by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in
order to resolve any contention occasioned by the claim
made by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the
arbitral award of 1899 is null and void. Guyana has full
confidence in the judgement and capacity of the United
Nations, through the Office of the Secretary-General,
to identify solutions that will validate the just, perfect
and final nature of its decision. We thank the United
Nations and the Secretary-General for appointing
various officials during the past 25 years to use their
good offices to help to resolve this controversy. We
feel, however, that the process has now been exhausted.
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
Guyana does not want this obnoxious territorial
claim to obscure our country’s prospects for peace and
obstruct its potential growth for the next 50 years. We
need a permanent solution if we are to avoid a fate of
perpetual peril and penury, and we seek a juridical
settlement to the controversy. We put our faith and our
fate in the hands of the international system of peace
promised by the Charter of the United Nations nearly
70 years ago. We want to bring an end to Venezuelan
aggression. We want to develop our country, all of
our country, in accordance with international law.
Guyana therefore calls on the United Nations to give
real meaning to resolution 49/31 of 9 May 1994 by
establishing a collective security system designed
not merely to monitor but also, more importantly, to
maintain the security of small States. That resolution,
as I said, is a manifesto for the security of small States.
The United Nations remains our best hope and
prospect for peace, the best assurance of security for
small States. It is our strength, support and succour
in times of danger. We pledge Guyana’s adherence
address by the President of the Republic of Namibia.
Mr. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of
Namibia, was escorted into the General Assembly
Hall.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations
His Excellency Mr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the
Republic of Namibia, and to invite him to address the
Assembly.
President Geingob: I am honoured to be here today
to deliver my maiden address to the General Assembly
as the third President of the Republic of Namibia. I wish
to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President
of the General Assembly at its seventieth session. In
the same vein, let me take this opportunity to thank the
outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa,
for the sterling job he did during his tenure as President
of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session.
As I arrived at this building, I could not help but
experience a strong sense of nostalgia. It has been said
that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. In
1964, 51 years ago, standing at the foot of the steps to
this building, I began my 1,000-mile journey, starting
off as a young petitioner for the South West Africa
People’s Organization (SWAPO) against the illegal
occupation of South West Africa by apartheid South
Africa. On 23 April 1990, I returned to address the
Assembly as the first Prime Minister of an independent
Namibia during the admission of our young nation into
the fold of the United Nations family (see A/S-18/PV.1).
Today, 25 years after that moment, I am once again
standing in this building, having ascended to the
presidency of our Republic. It is therefore a great joy to
to the Charter of the United Nations. Guyana seeks
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be present at the seventieth anniversary celebrations of
our Organization.
Namibia is a child of international solidarity,
magnitude and intensity. Most important are the inroads
we have made into improving the conditions of human
beings on this planet by lifting millions out of extreme
poverty, empowering women, advancing human rights,
and spearheading the process of decolonization, which
has been completed with only one exception — that of
Sahrawi.
midwifed by the United Nations. As Namibians, we are
both grateful for and proud of the support we received
from the international community, through the United
Nations system, during our struggle for independence.
In fact, if I can illustrate our close bond with the United
Nations, in 1990, upon attaining independence, we
refused to allow the instruments of power to be handed
over to our first President, Comrade Sam Nujoma, by
We hail from a continent whose leaders are busy
addressing new goals and new commitments under the
banner of the African Union. We are in the process of
establishing the new Africa, with its own narrative
the then President of South Africa, Mr. De Klerk. We
as told by its sons and daughters. Africa has turned a
demanded that the said instruments be handed over by
Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, who in so
doing symbolized the birth of our Republic.
After the termination of South Africa’s mandate
new leaf, bidding farewell to the days of coups d’état
and embracing electoral democracy. We as Africans,
through the African Union, have ostracized those
who have come to office through unlawful ways. The
recent coup in Burkina Faso is an example of our zerotolerance
policy
towards
those
who
come
to
power

through
illegal
ways.
over South West Africa, the United Nations assumed
direct responsibility over Namibia. Furthermore,
it established the Nationhood Programme for
Namibia, which was meant to prepare the country for
independence and future responsibilities. Through
the United Nations Institute for Namibia, established
by the United Nations Council for Namibia, which I
was tasked to head from 1975 to 1989, we were able
to develop the building blocks that we would use to
construct our democracy. There is an African proverb
which says that a patient man will eat ripe fruit. With
the assistance of the United Nations, we exercised
patience in preparing for self-governance. Today, I can
proudly announce to the world that in Namibia, after
having fought to free ourselves, we are now eating the
ripe fruit of peace and democracy.
Having achieved electoral democracy, it is pertinent
that we buttress it by establishing processes, systems
and institutions. When we talk about processes, we
are referring mainly to electoral processes, in which
electoral commissions need to be independent, impartial
and able to instil confidence in the electorate. This will
ensure that those who lose at the polls accept the results.
In so doing, we can bring to an end a situation where
those who lose at the polls feel left out and defeated and
therefore choose to wage war.
With respect to systems, we talk about Government
As an expression of our profound gratitude to the
international community for its solidarity with our
people and our undying commitment to international
peace and security, we have continued to make our
modest contribution to United Nations peacekeeping
operations since our independence. Among other things,
we have contributed contingents to peacekeeping
missions in Cambodia, Angola, Liberia, Darfur, Côte
d’Ivoire, Timor-Leste and South Sudan, in which our
men and women participated.
As we celebrate 70 years of the existence of this
systems that continue to function through the civil
service even though there may be a political deadlock
within a particular country. If all else fails, then
institutions, such as our own courts, play their part.
This is what we have in Namibia. It is clear, therefore,
that we have put sound governance architecture in
place. With regard to effective governance, our track
record speaks volumes. We are rated, inter alia, sixth
overall as the best-governed country on the African
continent by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance,
rated seventh in Africa as a clean country in terms of
corruption by Transparency International, and ranked
as a country with the freest press in Africa by Reporters
without Borders.
great experiment in human interaction, namely, our
United Nations, there is a lot of which we can be proud.
Although the world has not been as peaceful as we
would like, we can take solace in the fact that since the
Similarly, our macroeconomic architecture is
admirable. It is underpinned by financial stability
evident in our world-class banking system — a sector
Second World War, we have avoided a conflict of such
ranked twenty-fifth in the world by the World Economic
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Forum — and well regulated through a prudent monetary
policy for the past 25 years. Both Fitch and Standard
and Poors, the globally recognized rating experts on
a country’s financial stability, have consistently rated
Namibia with a BBB+, which means that we are indeed a
credit-worthy country. Our debt stock is between 25 per
cent and 30 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Clearly, at the level of governance, Namibia by all local
and international standards has been doing quite well
as a maturing, stable, peaceful and democratic society.
wealth of the country remained in the hands of the
minority white population, leaving blacks on the fringes
of the economy. Instead of the international community
assisting us in fighting the second phase of the struggle,
we feel as if we have been left to fend for ourselves
since the aforementioned classification effectively
denies Namibia access to grants and concessional loans
to support our development agenda.
One cannot build a nation when some citizens do not
However, we should understand that electoral
participate in the economy and therefore feel left out.
Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen rightly states that poverty
democracy without economic democracy is
should be seen as the deprivation of basic capabilities
meaningless, because people do not eat peace, security,
good constitutions and democracy. We still face the
challenge of rectifying socioeconomic deficits and the
subsequent entrenched poverty caused by many years
of deliberately orchestrated policies of the historic
neglect and economic exclusion of black people. That
situation has proven resilient against the conventional
anti-poverty strategies we have employed for the
past 25 years, meaning that we have to become more
innovative in our approach in that area. We are still
faced with enormous social disparities between the
rich and the poor. Among other notable concerns is the
critical shortage of housing and other basic necessities.
For that reason, on the day of my inauguration as
President of Namibia on 21 March, I announced to my
countrymen and women and to the world at large that
the Namibian Government was declaring an all-out war
on poverty.
rather than merely as low income. The deprivation of
elementary capabilities can be reflected in premature
mortality; significant undernourishment, especially of
children; persistent morbidity; widespread illiteracy
and other failures. We can therefore see that the effects
of poverty are so interrelated that those among us
who have the misfortune of being poor are trapped in
perpetual cycles of poverty and despair.
Further to the issue of poverty eradication, I would
The distribution of wealth is one of today’s most
like to add that one of the most impactful interventions
we can make in the war against poverty is by
empowering women, who, although representing half
of the world’s population, account for nearly 70 per cent
of the world’s poor. In Namibia, gender equality is not
merely lip service. We have benefitted from SWAPO’s
internal reform of its party list system to include the
50-50 per cent representation of women. Due to the
SWAPO victory at the national electoral polls, female
representation in our Parliament has increased from
24 per cent to 47 per cent, second only to Rwanda,
which has up to 64 per cent female representation in
its Parliament. I have promised that we shall catch up.
widely discussed and controversial issues. However,
the distribution of wealth is too important an issue to be
left to economists at international financial institutions.
It is for that reason that Namibia continues to advise
caution against the arbitrary classification of countries
based on income alone. The current approach developed
by international financial institutions, such as the
World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and
subsequently adopted by the United Nations, to classify
countries based solely on GDP does not reflect justice
and fairness. That approach, which simply divides
GDP by population, completely ignores inequalities in
the distribution of wealth and opportunities and comes
with adverse effects on social mobility and progress.
I have also appointed a Namibia’s first female Prime
Minister, and a female Deputy Prime Minister who also
serves as our Minister for International Relations and
Cooperation. She is present in the Assembly today.
Furthermore, I have appointed female Ministers at the
helm of our Basic and Higher Education Ministries.
Both the Minister and Deputy Minister are females.
What matters is educating us when we are young; we
think that by placing education under their care that we
will do better.
The current, reflective seventieth session of the
Namibia has been one of the casualties of that
General Assembly has charted the course for the future
with the adoption, two days ago, of the new Sustainable
approach, as it has been wrongly classified as a socalled
upper-middle-income
country
without
taking
Development Goals, which urge us all to join hands
into account that, due to Apartheid, the economic
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to build a new type of international relations based
on win-win cooperation in order to realize the lofty
ideals of living together in peace with one another as
good neighbours. The onus is on us to ensure that this
seventieth session marks the beginning of a unified
commitment to establishing peace in all areas of the
world. Let us ensure that no country feels left out of
that process.
dynamic changes. Accordingly, Namibia remains
committed to comprehensive United Nations reform in
order to strengthen the Organization and make it more
efficient and responsive to the needs of all its Members.
In this regard, reforms of the United Nations system
should be guided by the principles of democracy,
equity, justice and fairness for all.
With respect to reform of the Security Council,
Human rights are not divisible; fundamental
freedoms are not divisible; democracy is not divisible;
self-determination is not divisible. These freedoms
Namibia fully supports the African Common Position
as set forth in the Ezulwini Consensus and reaffirmed
by declaration at the 25th Ordinary Summit of the
apply to all of us as human beings on this planet.
African Union. The continent of Africa deserves to be
The peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara should
be allowed to enjoy their inalienable rights to selfdetermination
and
national
independence,
just
like
all

other
people,
because
those
rights
are
not
divisible;

they
apply
to
all
of
us.
fairly and equitably represented in the Security Council
in order to rectify the long historical injustice endured
by a continent with over 1 billion people.
As President of the eleventh Conference of the
Namibia therefore reaffirms its full and
Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification, Namibia is of the view that we will not
end poverty unless we tackle the interlinked issues of
desertification, land degradation and drought. These
issues are of critical importance, not only to Namibia
and Africa, but for the entire world.
unequivocal support for the inalienable rights of the
people of Palestine and of the Western Sahara to selfdetermination
and
national
independence.
In
that

context,
we
call
upon
the
United
Nations
to
assume
its

full
responsibility
by
implementing
all
its
resolutions

and
decisions
on
Palestine
with
no
preconditions.

We
equally
call
for
the
urgent
implementation
of
all

Security
Council
and
General
Assembly
resolutions,

with
the
aim
of
holding a
free
and
fair
referendum
in

the
Western
Sahara.
As we prepare to celebrate the seventieth
There have been a number of developments on
anniversary of the creation of the Organization, an
organization with which so many of us here share
a history and fond memories during our struggle for
freedom and dignity, we must ensure that we leave a
legacy behind for future generations — a legacy of
peace, unity and the commitment to equitable and
sustainable development. I would like to reflect on the
words of the former Secretary-General Kofi Annan,
who once said,
the geopolitical landscape that are encouraging in
terms of a more safe and peaceful world. One of those
developments is the thawing of relations between the
Republic of Cuba and the United States of America.
For the past 25 years, Namibia has continued to call
for the United States and Cuba to walk the 15 miles
of peaceful coexistence. In that regard, we applaud
the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between
the two countries, as well as the laudable efforts of
the two leaders to ease political tension. We commend
both countries for realizing that their differences
are best addressed through engagement rather than
estrangement. However, we hope that the first step will
be followed by the unconditional lifting of the embargo
imposed on the people of Cuba.
“More than ever before in human history, we share
a common destiny. We can master it only if we face
it together (SG/SM/7262).
And that, my friends, is why we have the United
Over the 70 years of its existence, the United
Nations has evolved with the world as new issues and
challenges have emerged. It is therefore proper for the
Nations. The only way we can overcome our challenges
is to form a united front for the advancement of
humankind. Through the United Nations we have the
platform to achieve this goal. We can either choose to
march to the tune set by the original ideals that led to
the formation of the United Nations or we can choose
to pursue our ambitions at the expense of others and
ourselves. Let us choose nobility, where we overcome
our fears, insecurities and prejudices for the sake of
shared sustainable development. Let us leave a longlasting
legacy
that
will
shape
the
future
of
our
planet
Organization to reposition itself to deal with these
politically, economically and ecologically.
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The time to act is now, and Namibia stands ready
areas in which the international community can work
to attain sustainable development that would meet the
interests of all peoples and every individual.
to join hands with all members of the international
community to celebrate a new type of global coexistence,
where no continent, no region and no country will feel
left out.
Over seven decades, the United Nations has
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Namibia
for the statement he has just made.
made a remarkable contribution to assisting in the
formation of new independent States and their further
development. When, at the dawn of its independence,
Tajikistan was faced with the difficulties of transition,
it received extensive support from the United Nations,
which enabled the country to embark on the road
towards democratic development. The major pillars of
Mr. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of
Namibia, was escorted from the General Assembly
Hall.
Tajikistan’s development, laid down with the assistance
Address by Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the
Republic of Tajikistan
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
of the United Nations, contributed to the country’s
ability to participate in international processes set up
to foster cooperation and interaction. Today, Tajikistan
is contributing significantly to fighting terrorism and
extremism, transnational organized crime, illicit drug
trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking,
and in promotion of the United Nations water agenda.
address by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of
Tajikistan, was escorted into the General Assembly
Hall.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His
Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the
Republic of Tajikistan, and to invite him to address the
Assemb
President Rahmon (spoke in Tajik; English text
provided by the delegation): It is a great pleasure
to join other delegations in expressing our cordial
congratulations to you, Sir, on your election as President
of the General Assembly at its seventieth session.
The current session of the General Assembly offers
a unique opportunity not only to acknowledge the
accomplishments of the United Nations over the last
70 years, but also to reiterate our strong commitment
to meeting the aspirations and hopes of our peoples
for secure and sustainable development. For 70 years,
the United Nations has stood for peace and security,
international cooperation and human rights. Over
this short but intense period of history, the United
Nations has made great strides in promoting stability
and sustainable development and in reducing or even
eliminating poverty and inequality all over the world.
During this period, the mechanisms for interaction
that we have set up together to facilitate international
cooperation have functioned with considerable success.
Recently, the United Nations Summit adopted the new
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution
Our national police officers are participating
in United Nations and African Union peacekeeping
operations in Darfur and are contributing to
peacebuilding processes shoulder to shoulder with
colleagues from other Member States. Our drug
control agency that was established with United
Nations support continues to play an important role in
combating illicit drug trafficking. Indeed, since 1995,
Tajikistan’s national drug enforcement authorities have
confiscated more than 111 metric tons of narcotics, an
amount equivalent to 206,650,000 drug doses, which
could turn 50 million people the world over into drug
abusers. This data proves that Tajikistan ranks among
the world’s top 10 States in the seizure of illicit drugs.
The world has undergone dramatic transformation
in the last decades. Global processes are more dynamic
and complex than ever. Along with the positive
contributions globalization has made to overall
development, globalization has also had negative
impacts that threaten security and development in
individual countries and in the world as a whole.
The increase in the number of armed conflicts and
acts of terror, food, energy and financial and economic
crises, degradation of the environment, climate change
and the spread of infectious diseases demand from us a
concerted and comprehensive response. In this context,
the United Nations remains the key platform for
consensus on the key issues of international security
and development and for coordination of joint action
70/1), which lays the foundation for and identifies the
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of the international community towards responding to
global threats and challenges. Of special concern are
the scope and global nature of the current threats posed
by terrorism, drug-trafficking and organized crime.
The destructive and inhumane forces of terrorism
and extremism have continued to gain in strength,
attracting into their orbit an ever-growing number of
young people. Those forces seriously undermine efforts
of countries and regions to maintain the security and
peaceful development.
Our friendly neighbouring nation of Afghanistan
Combating international terrorism and extremism
has become a top priority. There is an undeniable
has embarked on the implementation of its
transformation decade. The new stage of enhancing and
reinforcing the security and stability of the country and
the rehabilitation of its economic and social sectors is
being accompanied by addressing the most urgent and
practical issues, which requires increasing the targeted
assistance of the international community, in which the
United Nations should play a central and coordinating
role. Tajikistan is in favour of expanding friendly and
good-neighbourly relations with Afghanistan and calls
on the international community to support the efforts
of the Government of that country to achieve peace
and stability by addressing the social and economic
challenges that the country faces, pursuing the process
of national reconciliation and inclusive dialogue,
and involving the country in regional cooperation.
Tajikistan continues to make its contribution to the
social and economic development of Afghanistan.
need to develop national, regional and international
mechanisms to eliminate military infrastructure, block
channels of financial and logistical support, prevent
recruiting and propaganda that promotes violence,
and counteract the use of modern information and
communication technologies for the purpose of terror.
It is also essential that we pool our efforts to find ways
to address the issues of poverty reduction and the
negative impact of globalization, and to prevent and
resolve regional conflicts. Strengthening cross-cultural
and interfaith dialogue, mutual trust and tolerance
would play a pivotal role.
The peaceful solution of the issue of the Iranian
It is in our common interests for Member States
nuclear programme demonstrated the enormous
potential of diplomatic means to resolve the urgent
problems of our shared planet. We are convinced that the
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear
programme, enshrined in Security Council resolution
2231 (2015), will contribute to the strengthening of
regional and international peace, genuine stability and
mutual trust and be instrumental in reinforcing the
nuclear non-proliferation regime. We hope that United
Nations Member States will be guided by good will
and resolve to resolve the most urgent disputes and
conflicts, by using political and diplomatic means, in
addressing other urgent issues.
to implement the United Nations Global CounterTerrorism
Strategy
and
relevant
resolutions
of
the

General
Assembly
and
the
Security
Council
in
order

to
effectively
combat
all
forms
and
manifestations
of

terrorism,
including
the
use
of
the
Internet
for
terrorist

activities.
Any
joint
response
to a
sudden
outbreak
of

terrorism
and
extremism
should
be
commensurate
with

the
scope
of
that
threat.
Last July, Tajikistan hosted regional consultations
The prevention of drug-trafficking, which has
for the countries of South and Central Asia in
preparation of the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016
in Istanbul. We hope that the recommendations voiced
at those consultations will have a positive effect on the
humanitarian activities of all countries.
unfortunately continued to increase yearly, should
become an integral part of our common struggle against
terrorism and global organized crime. Money earned
from drug-trafficking is channelled to financing acts
of terror and organized crime activities. In that context,
the special session on drugs to be held in 2016 will offer
an opportunity not only to review the implementation
of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action on
International Cooperation towards an Integrated and
Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem,
but also to develop new and effective measures for
combating that evil. In the light of those efforts, in May
Tajikistan held a high-level international conference on
drug control that sought to consolidate international
In December, the international community will
meet again at the Conference of the Parties to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change in Paris to conclude the round of negotiations
on climate change that we began in Bali. We hope that
Member States will take advantage of that opportunity
and adopt a new document on climate change, based on
the principles of the Framework Convention and, by so
doing, lay the foundations of a transition to sustainable
cooperation on counter-narcotics.
development. We believe that such a transition will
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require not only industrial modernization, based on
innovative technologies, but also significant changes in
mentalities and consumption patterns.
confirm that, since the 1960s, the region’s glaciers,
which remain the main source of water for Central
Asian rivers, have been degraded by a factor of three.
The long-term observations of our experts attest
As 2015 is the final year of the International
to the increased impact of climate change on the
environmental, social and economic situation in our
country and region. According to those observations,
over the past 60 years the average annual temperature in
Tajikistan has increased by 1°C, the number of days with
heavy precipitation has risen, natural meteorological
disasters have become more frequent and severe, and
Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015, a
global initiative approved by the General Assembly
to facilitate the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals, a number of water forums have
been held to review progress and analyse gaps in the
implementation of the International Decade. Such
forums include the General Assembly high-level
the degradation of glaciers has accelerated. This past
interactive dialogue for a comprehensive review of the
summer, as a result of the abnormally high temperature
and severe precipitation, the mountainous part of the
country suffered natural disasters that caused hundreds
of millions of United States dollars in economic damage.
Regrettably, these disasters also claimed human lives.
In terms of carbon dioxide emissions, Tajikistan
progress on the implementation of the International
Decade, held last March here in New York, and a highlevel
international
conference
on
the
implementation
of

the
International
Decade
held
in
Dushanbe,
in
June.
We

expect
that,
in
taking
stock
of
the
results
of
the
Decade,

the
United
Nations
will
take
on
board
the
outcomes
of

these
events
and
other
relevant
forums
held
in
support

of a
comprehensive
review
of
the
implementation
of
the

Decade.
ranks one hundred and thirty-fifth among greenhouse
gas-emitting countries. Per capita greenhouse gas
emissions in the country is 10 times less than that of
the average world index. Widespread use of renewable
energy sources — predominantly hydropower — would
facilitate the economic and social development of the
country and promote the “green economy”.
I take this opportunity to extend my deep
It is becoming apparent that climate change affects
appreciation to the Member States, the President of
the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, the
United Nations agencies and institutions, international
organizations, and representatives of civil society,
academia and business for actively participating in
and implementing the Decade and for following up its
outcomes.
the quantity and quality of freshwater resources. It is
known that as a result of climate change, the amount
of water resources stored in glaciers and snow caps
has diminished, the area of ground waters affected
by salinization has increased, and precipitation has
become more frequent and heavier. In turn, the changes
in the hydrological cycle may have a negative impact
on water, energy and food security and entail an added
risk of floods and extreme droughts. We believe that in
such circumstances, it is essential to review existing
practices of water-resource management in order to
ensure adequate adaptation not only to climate change,
but also to population growth and a changing world
economy, as well as to the scarcity of freshwater
resources.
A few days ago, we adopted a road map for
achieving sustainable development that comprehensively
incorporates the water component. Over the next
15 years, against the backdrop of the ever-increasing
impact of climate change on water resources,
environmental degradation, population growth and
food and energy crises, we will have to make enormous
efforts to ensure the timely achievement of the goals we
have set forth.
In our view, fostering cooperation, partnership and
In Central Asia, where water resources are a key
water diplomacy will promote the timely adoption of
relevant measures to mitigate the impact of destructive
processes and help to achieve Sustainable Development
Goals. In this context, there is a need for additional
platforms for strengthening cooperation at all levels
with the engagement of all interested stakeholders. In
this regard, and given the positive outcomes of previous
joint initiatives, we propose to consider the possibility
factor in achieving the sustainable development of the
region, the need for the elaboration of a comprehensive
regional plan of adaptation to climate change became
urgent long ago. This imperative is also driven by the
accelerated degradation of the glaciers in the region as
a result of climate change. The observations of expert
of proclaiming a new international water decade, aimed
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at promoting the implementation of the new 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. We sincerely
hope that all States Members of the United Nations will
lend their support to make this initiative a reality.
We are now facing an extremely dangerous crisis
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I wish to thank the President of the Republic of
Tajikistan for the statement he has just made.
Mr. Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic
of Tajikistan, was escorted from the General
Assembly Hall.
in Syria, Iraq and parts of North Africa. We are also
witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe
unlike any other since the Second World War. The
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its
horrendous terror are a direct by-product of the conflicts
in Syria and Iraq. It threatens the peace and stability of
the Middle East, Africa and even Europe. We are facing
a new era of migration, largely due to wars and conflict.
Around 60 million refugees, the largest number since
the Second World War, clearly attest to this.
The current refugee situation in the Middle East,
Address by Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President of the
Republic of Finland
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
in many parts of Africa and in the Mediterranean is
unbearable for everyone. Although neighbouring
countries bear the heaviest burden, the refugee crisis is
causing serious political tension in Europe. Finland is
also receiving a very high number of asylum-seekers.
Not providing assistance is not an option for us, but
we have to find more effective and sustainable ways
to help those in need. Resolving the conflict in Syria
and elsewhere is essential to any lasting solution. The
international community must show that it cares. The
Security Council and the countries in the region in
particular must work together to find a political solution
to the crisis in Syria. Finland welcomes all constructive
efforts that pave the way for realistic, workable and
lasting peace within a framework of international
cooperation. Finland also remains committed to the
work of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL.
address by the President of the Republic of Finland.
Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of
Finland, was escorted into the General Assembly
Hall.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations His
Excellency Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic
of Finland, and to invite him to address the Assembly.
President Niinistö: Let me begin by congratulating
you, Sir, on your election as President of the General
Assembly at its seventieth session. You have the full
support of Finland in your important task.
We are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of
the United Nations. The Charter of the United Nations
was written in a world that lay in ruins after the Second
World War. Today, we must face our challenges with
the same determination our predecessors had in 1945.
By adopting the ambitious new 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) we are taking
equally, or even more important steps, for humankind.
This year also marks the sixtieth anniversary of
Finland’s membership of the Organization. Finland
joined a family of countries that care and shoulder their
responsibilities. We felt this concern when Finnish
national composer Jean Sibelius passed away in 1957.
The General Assembly decided to honour him with a
moment of silence. The President of the Assembly at
that session, Mr. Leslie Munro, described how Sibelius
belonged to the whole world. We also understood what
shouldering responsibility means by participating in the
first United Nations peacekeeping operation in Suez.
The conflict in Ukraine has not been resolved,
although an agreement to this end has been approved.
We welcome the steps taken towards the implementation
of the Minsk agreement. All illegal measures, such as
the annexation of Crimea to Russia, cannot and must
not be accepted.
These conflicts are not the only ones. Last year
alone, there were 42 armed conflicts that resulted
in approximately 180,000 fatalities. Wars and their
consequences continue to threaten stability far beyond
the war zone itself. United Nations peace operations are
at the very heart of its efforts to maintain international
peace and security, yet the scope and complexity of
today’s violent conflicts have surpassed the ability of
the international community to address them properly.
Critical thinking, flexibility and decisive action are
needed to manage and resolve those crises. The initiative
to carry out major reviews of the United Nations peace
and security architecture was therefore most timely.
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I very much welcome the excellent report produced
The post of the Secretary-General has been
by President Ramos-Horta’s High-level Independent
Panel on Peace Operations (A/70/357). It rightly
stresses the primacy of politics; political solutions
must always guide the deployment of United Nations
peace operations. The United Nations prevention
and mediation capacities must be strengthened
and sufficiently funded. Finland is proud to have
contributed to that shift of paradigm, especially by
co-chairing the Group of Friends of Mediation, together
with Turkey. The Group of Friends will continue its
efforts to advance the recommendations of the Panel.
Since the beginning of its membership, Finland has
contributed 50,000 men and women to United Nations
peacekeeping operations. In per capita terms, we are
the second-largest contributor in Europe, and we will
further increase our contribution. We will shoulder our
responsibility.
called the most impossible job in the world. Actually,
it is not only a job — it is an institution of which the
whole United Nations membership should feel a sense
of ownership. Strong political leadership is required,
especially in cases where the international community
is unable to find common views. I very much welcome
efforts to enhance the transparency and inclusiveness
of the selection process of the next Secretary-General.
As a nation that has championed gender equality
throughout its 60-year United Nations membership, my
country, Finland, expects to see many excellent female
candidates for the position. It is high time that the other
half of humankind took up that challenge.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Finland
for the statement he has just made.
Let me add that this year also marks a major
Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of
Finland, was escorted from the General Assembly
Hall.
success of international diplomacy — the historic
agreement reach on the Iran nuclear programme. We
look forward to the swift implementation by Iran of
all the nuclear measures and its full engagement with
the International Atomic Energy Agency to resolve all
outstanding issues.
Address by Mr. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President
of Mongolia
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
Humankind faces the need for profound change.
We cannot continue business as usual, which is a way
of life transcends our planet’s boundaries and exhausts
the Earth’s resources. We have all the facts at our
disposal. For example, on global warming, it is up to us
to act. We can choose or lose our future. I believe that
we are on the right track. We have just adopted the new
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution
70/1), which has the potential to transform the world.
For the very first time, we have a real programme for
sustainable development binding all Member States.
Now it is up to us to implement that ambitious agenda.
I urge the United Nations to once again demonstrate
its convening power. We must get everybody on board
to make the commitments a reality. The private sector
and civil society are in a key position to take the
Agenda forward, together with Governments. Even
individual persons have a role to play. Another vital
step in tackling global challenges is yet to take place; I
refer to the twenty-first session of the Conference of the
Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change in Paris in December. Let us make
it a success. We must care for our children and their
address by the President of Mongolia.
Mr. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President of Mongolia, was
escorted into the General Assembly Hall.
The President: On behalf of the General Assembly,
I have the honour to welcome to the United Nations
His Excellency Mr. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President of
Mongolia, and to invite him to address the Assembly.
President Tsakhia: I extend my heartfelt
congratulations to you, Mr. President. You can count on
my delegation’s full support during the jubilee session
and the year ahead.
We are commemorating the seventieth anniversary
of the United Nations. As a family of nations, our hopes
for peace and progress, as expressed in the Charter of
the United Nations, still resonates deeply today. The
United Nations is designed to uphold humankind’s
primary aspirations to live in peace, enjoy equal
rights and achieve everlasting happiness. The United
Nations has tirelessly served those noble purposes for
seven decades. If the United Nations did not exist,
most of humankind would have ended up in violent
confrontations and faced more arduous, complex
children.
challenges than those that have arisen.
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Together, we have achieved a lot and we have
the United Nations fails to adopt a system of laws, we
all will fail. The future is not only about the United
Nations. The future is about all of us. It is about our
community; it is about our family. Therefore, we have
no right to fail.
charted a better course. The number of sovereign
nations has quadrupled since 1945. The world’s
economic output has increased fivefold. Human beings
enjoy longer, healthier lives. We are more literate and
educated. Today, the world has achieved the highest
degree of international cooperation in history. Starting
with the founding of the United Nations, Governments
have steadily invested more and more in new means
of cooperation. Those tools create new options, more
space for compromises and more legal frameworks than
humankind has ever possessed. The United Nations
has justly become the primary universal organization
working for peace, instead of war; prosperity, instead
of poverty; and a dignified life for all, instead of human
rights violations. Hence, I would like to state that the
past 70 years were the best 70 years ever for humankind.
We have recently shown that we can make
positive changes. At the dawn of the new century, we
adopted and have since implemented the Millennium
Development Goals. We achieved many targets, yet
failed to achieve some others. Still, by and large,
the global community passed the test. We learned
lessons about working together and made huge strides
The founding of the United Nations, a historic
towards achieving positive goals. With the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution
70/1), the international community produced a new
history-making document. The entire United Nations
family agreed on that road map towards sustainable
development. Now humankind has a truly universal,
ambitious action plan for the upcoming 15 years. A
consensus-based, global platform, the Agenda is for all,
because every single human being holds a stake in our
planet’s future. The 17 Goals and 169 targets are real.
Yet, they also embody the dream of humankind. Never
before in history have nations reached such a universal
and unanimous agreement.
milestone, connects our past, present and future. All
of humankind is poised to make another great stride
towards a new, better reality. I am hopeful for the future
because we have the United Nations, because we have
useful experience to tackle today’s challenges, and
because a new generation of humankind is rising. The
new generation has creative solutions to challenges and
sees new opportunities in them. It shares knowledge
and advance technologies.
Our historic 2030 Agenda is comprehensive and
At this moment more than ever in history, we
share a common destiny as a family of nations; yet,
despite our achievements, billions of people still live
in forbidding conditions. Our home, Mother Earth, is
becoming more turbulent and is in fragile health. The
Second World War is behind us and the arms race of
the Cold War ended two decades ago. Many military
conflicts today are not tied to defending a particular
territory, but are motivated by borderless ideological,
criminal and religious goals.
Ms. Mejía Vélez (Colombia), Vice-President, took
the Chair.
Paradoxically, although we are more aware of those
sustainable. We have agreed on urgent targets on a
broad range of economic and social challenges and on
environmental emergencies. Is that not miraculous?
With one voice, the entire world shouldered a mountain
of responsibilities and adopted these bold Goals. In
the Agenda, I recognize the overarching objectives
for global sustainable development. I note that the
Goals are intended literally to save Mother Earth for
future generations, which I can readily accept to save a
happy, equal human race. I believe that we must build
inclusive, capable institutions and create prosperous,
peaceful, open, just, equitable societies. In order to
advance those societies, the family of nations needs a
robust, inclusive and open mechanisms. We must have
reliable implementing, monitoring and accountability
regulations and institutions in place. I appeal to every
Member State to adopt national laws and policies to
implement the Sustainable Development Goals. Such
laws and policies would ensure their sustainability.
challenges and understand them better than ever, we
seem unable to tackle them decisively and effectively.
That is why we have gathered here and embarked
on a momentous new journey to do much better to
transform our world. The only way to bring peace and
stability is through a system of rules and norms, laws
and institutions that every country agrees to abide by
I am deeply proud of my country’s contributions
to the common causes of humankind. During the
past quarter century, Mongolia has relentlessly
in exchange for the benefits of peace and stability. If
striven to build an open and just society with a free
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market economy, participatory democracy and
environmentally conscientious policies. We have
made notable progress in the areas of governance
transparency, citizens’ participation and the reduction
of corruption and poverty. In the past quarter century,
the life expectancy of Mongolians has increased by
seven years. Our gross domestic product (GDP) has
increased by a factor of more than 20. We believe in
human rights and human creativity, and we foster
private initiatives. Our private sector generates more
than 80 per cent of our GDP growth. My country,
within a single generation, peacefully transformed
from one of the most isolated and closed regimes in the
world to one of its most vibrant and open democracies.
Mongolia also created one of the most unique, open,
competitive and fair election systems in our region. It
has nationwide electronic voting and biometric voter
registration. We no longer use wooden or paper boxes
or finger inks, and public participation goes beyond
electronic voting.
a Mongolian citizen is accepted into one of the world’s
top universities.
We believe in gender equality and women’s
empowerment. Mongolia is a strong supporter of
the United Nations in that cause. If societies are to
advance, we need more women in public service at all
levels, local and global. If women hold more positions
of power, we will have less suffering and conflict and
more harmony and civic engagement. All such efforts
on the part of Mongolian citizens constitute a just,
transparent, inclusive, accountable and action-oriented
platform to guide us on a sustainable development path.
I am confident that building on those bedrock successes
and decisively moving forward is compatible with your
appeal, Mr. President, for a new commitment to action.
Today, the world faces a shocking range of new
Corruption is still a big threat. Yet, over the past five
challenges on a global scale — from weapons of mass
destruction to global warming; from human rights
violations to humanitarian disasters; from heinous
crimes and mass terror to the breakdown of sovereign
States; from an uncertain supply of energy, food and
water to new challenges to freedom and security. In
facing global challenges, we must admit one thing — no
one country, big or small, can address them on its own.
Therefore, the coordinated actions of all players and
countries are needed.
years, with transparent, determined and enforceable
policies, our country’s corruption index has dropped
by one-third, according to Transparency International.
We will continue to block the menace of corruption
head-on. Mongolia is among the top countries in the
world in the number of media tools used per capita.
We have the most open, censorship-free private media,
including social media and burgeoning Internet use. We
have slightly more than 3 million citizens, yet it feels
like there are 3 million journalists, too. New media
technologies, transparency and public scrutiny make
our society much healthier.
When all cultures and civilizations unite, we can
We have adopted and implemented a set of laws
tackle global challenges. The upcoming twenty-first
session of the Conference of Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to
be held in Paris later this year, will be the first new
test. It will require the widest possible cooperation ofall
countries. We all must bear responsibility for protecting
planet Earth and its ecosystems for the benefit of
present and future generations. We must all work to
ensure justice and fairness throughout the world. Every
nation and Government must actively contribute to the
global good according to their respective capabilities
and responsibilities.
related to an open, fair, service-oriented judiciary.
Because the process takes place under strict civil
monitoring, people’s confidence in a fair court of law
is being restored. We have also created regulations and
institutions regarding public hearings and participatory
democracy. We are also prudently enforcing a law
called the Glass Account — a budget transparency law
that requires full disclosure of public expenditures.
Mongolia has committed to always doing its humble
Education is key to human development and
share to promote global well-being. We Mongols are
eager to contribute. Our peacekeepers proudly serve,
along with fellow United Nations peacekeepers, to
maintain international order and security. Mongolia has
become one of the 20 largest peacekeeping contributors
in the world. To date, 14,000 Mongolian peacekeepers
have served on active duty in global hot spots. That is
the county’s development. More than one-third of
our population is engaged in educational activities.
More student-centred than previously, our education
system emphasizes their practical involvement in
learning. Our Government also now covers tuition if
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a significant number in proportion to the size of our
population.
revolution, in order to bring greater prosperity to
humankind.
We are enthusiastic to share our experiences in
Mongolia has pursued a peaceful, open and
transitioning to democracy in our quest for freedom,
justice and development. When Mongolian citizens
share and actively collaborate with countries in our
region and beyond, we make our own success more
durable. We care deeply about global stability. Mongols
believe that we must preserve our planet by eliminating
nuclear weapons throughout the world.
multi-pillared foreign policy. That stance has enabled
us to declare Mongolia to be a State of permanent
neutrality. Our national laws and the international
treaties to which Mongolia is signatory are consistent
with the principles of neutrality. I therefore kindly ask
for Members’ understanding and support for Mongolia’s
peaceful, open, neutral and active foreign policy efforts.
I am convinced that Mongolia’s status of permanent
For 23 years, our country has maintained a nuclear-
neutrality will contribute to the strengthening of peace,
weapon-free status. Any nation seeking nuclear
power must not endanger the peace and security of
their independent neighbours. We believe that the
solution to those challenges is engagement, rather than
isolation. We believe that strengthening multilateral
collaboration and mutual trust among countries is
vital. In Asia, Mongolia is a non-aligned nation and
an honest broker that promotes peace and security.
We launched a regional initiative similar to that of the
Helsinki dialogue, known as the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue
on North-East Asian Security. Within that security
initiative, Mongolia has hosted and has helped arrange
multilateral meetings, conferences, and symposiums
to examine peace and security issues. We also put
forward a common platform called the Asian Forum for
Human Rights and Development, or FORUM-Asia. A
compelling need exists to establish a solid and inclusive
platform for comprehensive dialogues involving all
Asian States.
security and development in our region and the world,
in general.
Recently, Mongolia hosted the Asia Pacific Forum
of National Human Rights Institutions, and for the
first time in our country, the autumn meeting of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
Parliamentary Assembly was convened. The human
rights experts and the European parliamentarians
had fruitful, lively discussions and exchanges. The
conference also provided a splendid opportunity for
them to comprehend at first hand our achievements in
protecting and advancing human rights, in exercising
the rule of law and in running a pluralistic and open
society.
We are honoured to be hosting many events
FORUM-Asia would seek to promote an equal
representation of the interests of all sovereign nations
in Asia, whether big or small. All nations would bear
in mind the concerns of all other nations, rather than
wrestle one-on-one within the global arena. It would
ensure each member State its independence, integrity,
and right to development. We invite all interested
parties to play an active part of that cause.
Our country also successfully chaired the world’s
in the coming months and year in our capital city.
Most importantly, the eleventh Asia-Europe Meeting
(ASEM) will be held in Mongolia in the summer of
2016. Leaders of 53 countries in Asia and Europe will
meet in Mongolia on the historic twentieth jubilee of
the founding of ASEM. I earnestly look forward to
welcoming them. Mongolia will further consolidate
and strengthen our peace initiatives and our role as
mediator. Our doors are always open for dialogue
and engagement. We will always say that all are very
welcome to cooperate with us in the spirit of freedom,
justice and prosperity. We are ready to share the lessons
we have learned and to listen to and learn from the
lessons of other nations.
most reputable democracy movement, the Community
of Democracies, for two years. Currently, Mongolia is
chairing the Freedom Online Coalition. The first Asian
country to lead that important community, we promote
universal Internet access. We support a comprehensive
convention on Internet freedom, to be agreed to by all
United Nations Member States. I appeal to everyone to
work collectively to advance the great, global digital
I wish to stress that Mongolia is running for the
first time for membership on the United Nations
Human Rights Council. We believe that the Human
Rights Council is a crucial body for the protection
and promotion of human rights worldwide. It is a
platform for open discussions on human rights issues,
and it positively impacts national and international
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policies. Mongolia reaffirms its full commitment to the
promotion of human rights and our willingness to share
our experience in transitioning to democracy, fighting
against corruption, abolishing the death penalty and
ensuring genuine human rights. I respectfully ask
every Member State to extend its valuable support to
Mongolia’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council at
the October elections.
We, the States Members of the United Nations,
need to mobilize the full potential of humankind
to achieve the primary purpose for establishing the
common home. If we delay action, change will become
more painful and even more challenging. The United
Nations is still our most representative and important
global body. Its foundation is based on the preservation
of the rights and interests of all nations, whether big or
small, so that they may have a voice, a vote, and be part
of our common human home. More relevant than ever,
the United Nations is our common home where nations
can meet and create solutions to solve the challenges of
the world. If the 70 years since the United Nations was
founded were the best 70 years ever, as I believe, then
let us make the next 70 years even better.
United Nations, namely, the promotion of peace, the
respect for human rights and inclusive economic and
social development. I believe that, in the twenty-first
century, the United Nations will remain at the heart
of our common humanity. Its mission will be defined
by a new, more profound awareness of the sanctity and
dignity of every human life, regardless of race, gender
or religion. Nevertheless, there are still numerous cases
involving cruel violations of human dignity and rights.
One thing is certain: every nation State should always
strive for good governance, the strict rule of law and a
sound human rights policy.
We humans are at our best when we face challenges
and when we exercise collective bravery, spirit and
leadership. With the Sustainable Development Goals,
we all become developing countries and we all have
a stake in our plans for success. There is no future
without peace, there is no planet without sustainability,
and there is no humanity without justice. Let us strive
for victory. Let us all be champions, Let us raise all our
flags at the finish line, and let us all proudly present
them to our beautiful planet’s next generation.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf
I reiterate the appeals of all speakers in the
of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President
of Mongolia for the statement he has just made.
Assembly that we must vow to exercise clear and
decisive leadership in effectively tackling the tough
challenges ahead and in fulfilling the core missions
of the United Nations. We have many opportunities to
benefit the world. We are the first in history to have
the potential, technology and resources to resolve the
world’s problems.
Mr. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President of Mongolia, was
escorted from the General Assembly Hall.
Address by Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, President
of Romania
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
When I observe a giant display of military might, I
Assembly will now hear an address by the President of
Romania.
think of the huge amount of money, human ingenuity and
time that are being spent on war machines and weapons
of mass destruction. With a fraction of the money that
we spend and the technology that we develop to put on
such macho war shows, we could solve many of today’s
troubling issues. We also have a smart, tech-savvy,
energetic young generation, who will soon shoulder our
tough challenges with their innovative, dynamic and
shrewd solutions. They give us hope and reassure us.
Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, President of Romania,
was escorted into the General Assembly Hall.
The Acting President: On behalf of the General
Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the United
Nations His Excellency Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis,
President of Romania, and to invite him to address the
General Assembly.
I would like to reiterate that the solemn purpose of
President Iohannis: My delegation would like
the United Nations has always been to enhance global
peace, protect fellow human beings and contribute to
global well-being. We all know there are well-founded
criticisms of the United Nations. If our United Nations
is to survive in the new reality, we must embrace
to congratulate the President on his assuming the
presidency of this important session. We have found
inspiration in the theme of the session: “The United
Nations at 70 — a new commitment to action”. Allow
me also to express my appreciation to Denmark,
substantive change. We need reforms to build a just and
an example of true dedication to the work of the
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Organization and one of the very few Members that
have met the commitment to allocate 0.7 per cent of
its gross domestic product for official development
assistance.
and self-ruling entity. The United Nations is nothing
but we ourselves, the Member States, living in the trust
and resources we invest in it.
Romania is among the countries that have fully
The seventieth anniversary of the United Nations
trusted and unconditionally supported the United
Nations. The year 2015 is a special one for my country,
because this year we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary
of Romania’s admission to the Organization. The
United Nations has helped Romania in various ways
over various periods of the post-Second World War
era. In the beginning, despite having been part of the
is yet another opportunity for a lucid reflection on the
lessons learned and the future of our Organization.
What we have seen is a visionary project born from
the ashes of a terrible tragedy, with the lofty goal of
saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war.
We have seen a working agenda that has continuously
expanded into new areas of cooperation, within and
monolithic group of former Communist countries,
beyond its main pillars, namely, peace and security,
development and human rights. We have witnessed
the continuous efforts of the Organization and its
Member States to adapt to new challenges and to major
shifts in the paradigm of international relations. As a
consequence, the United Nations has steadily developed
new mandates, reaching a level of complexity never
seen before. Of course, the United Nations is not a
panacea for all the evils of humankind. Its history is
one of ups and downs, achievements and failures. At the
same time, we all know that the increasing number and
depth of the tasks entrusted to it have not been matched
by the resources needed to accomplish all of its goals. It
has become common practice to ask the United Nations
to do more with less.
Romania found in those years, a propitious framework,
here in the United Nations, within which to assert
its national independence and to make friends and
partners throughout the world. Later on, the United
Nations provided my country with the opportunity to
engage in the debates over and action on global issues
through dialogue and cooperation across all continents.
In the aftermath of the Cold War, the United Nations
was actively engaged in supporting Romania during
its difficult economic transformation and the transition
towards democracy. The funds and programmes of the
United Nations assisted Romania in addressing social
problems related to children, population, health and
the environment, along with many others. Allow me,
in particular, to thank the United Nations Development
Programme for its 45-year presence in my country.
The Charter of the United Nations, after 70 years
of being tested against all winds, has proved to
be a visionary document that has stood the test of
history. The Charter was drafted as a solid corpus of
principles and norms for international conduct. It was
conceived in an intelligent manner that allowed enough
flexibility for designing the actual ways and means
to cope with increasingly complex situations. The
United Nations has steadily consolidated its universal
vocation and legitimacy. It has created and promoted
an impressive body of international law that touches
on almost all domains of international cooperation.
It may occasionally have been convenient for some
Member States or other stakeholders to point to the
failures of the Organization. We should try harder to
point to the magnitude of the prevention work carried
out by the Organization. Prevention being admittedly
much more difficult to measure, we have tended to
underestimate its importance among the achievements
of the Organization. In the same vein, it is worth
reminding ourselves that the United Nations is neither
Our sixtieth anniversary allows us to take a
retrospective look. Romania is a country with limited
economic power. Nonetheless, we take pride in having
made some significant contributions to United Nations
goals throughout our six decades of membership. In
essence, they were based on a reliance on multilateral
diplomacy and international law and the pre-eminence
of peaceful means over the use of force in the pursuit of
national interests.
Romania has often been at the frontline of major
United Nations campaigns. I would like to highlight
just a few of the topics that were the focus of initiatives
undertaken by Romania in the General Assembly, the
Security Council and the various human rights bodies.
They include, inter alia, arms control and disarmament,
good relations among neighbouring States, the role of
science and technology in development, a more effective
and influential role for youth, increased cooperation
between the United Nations and regional organizations
and arrangements, and the promotion and consolidation
an organization born out of the blue nor an independent
of democracy. Since 1991, Romanian contingents have
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participated in peacekeeping operations across all
continents from Angola to Cambodia, from Somalia
to Haiti, and from the former Yugoslavia to Rwanda.
Moreover, Romania hosts the Institute for the Protection
and the Security of the Citizen, which contributes to
the training of special categories of United Nations
peacekeepers.
The current massive waves of migration are just
Since 2008, Romania has been part of one of the
most innovative arrangements for the protection of
refugees through its hosting of the first Emergency
Transit Centre in Timişoara, as a result of an
agreement with the Office of the United Nations High
one of the worrisome consequences of the internal and
international conflicts in the Middle East and Southern
Mediterranean region. That phenomenon requires more
than just responses to the immediate humanitarian needs
of refugees. The United Nations must also address, in
a realistic and energetic manner, the root causes of
migration. We should stop the destruction of the social
fabric of conflict-torn societies, help populations escape
their extreme poverty, help youth regain their hope for a
better future, and help individuals rebuild their dignity.
Through official development assistance (ODA), the
United Nations should play a much stronger role in that
respect. For that to happen, a thorough reform of ODA
may probably be needed.
Commissioner for Refugees and the International
Organization for Migration. After almost two decades
as a recipient, Romania has thus itself become a
provider of official development assistance to countries
in our neighbourhood and beyond.
The United Nations should be less lenient in respect
On the occasion of its seventieth anniversary, the
United Nations does not need to prove the legitimacy
of its actions. What the Organization needs is a
strengthened capacity and readiness to act and galvanize
the political will of Member States, so as to be able to
further enhance its role in maintaining international
peace and security and in delivering global public
goods. That role is, once again, being dramatically
tested these days.
The United Nations is called upon to make, in
to the protracted conflicts in the Transnistrian region of
the Republic of Moldova, in Georgia and in Nagorno
Karabakh. Where the status quo is characterized by
conditions that are contrary to international law, the
situation will always be fragile and possibly conducive
to occasional outbreaks of violence. In addition,
our non-action in such situations creates the wrong
impression that unlawful territorial gains — to the
detriment of independent and sovereign States — are
possible and tolerated. That is the case with the situation
in Ukraine, in which the United Nations, and the
Security Council in particular, have not taken the
action expected, as defined by the terms of the Charter
of the United Nations. We call upon all members of
the Security Council to act responsibly and decide in
the interest of international peace and security and in
accordance with international law, while addressing the
situation in Ukraine.
concert with regional organizations and individual
States, new commitments to the fight against terrorism
in all its manifestations — whether they be the
cowardly crimes against innocent people, the barbarous
destruction of the common cultural heritage of
humankind, or the unprecedented and abhorrent form
of terrorism developed by what is known as the Islamic
State in Iraq and the Levant, whose actions constitute
clear violations of international law and human rights,
which we are striving so hard to uphold.
Romania wholeheartedly welcomes the agreement
At this juncture, let me reiterate Romania’s support
on the Iranian nuclear programme. That agreement
proves that nothing is impossible, if there is a genuine
political will and there are visionary statesmen engaged
in bold action. We also praise the role so ably and
diligently played in that connection by the International
Atomic Energy Agency. The agreement with regard to
that long-standing problem proves once again the virtues
of diplomacy and negotiations undertaken in good faith
and with patience, with the support of the expertise
developed within the United Nations system. We hope
to see more, ancillary benefits of that agreement in the
broader context of the Middle East peace process.
for the initiative of France and Mexico to propose
a collective and voluntary agreement among the
permanent members of the Security Council regarding
the non-use of the veto when action is needed to prevent
or bring to an end situations of mass atrocities and war
crimes on a large scale. Ten years after the endorsement
of the responsibility to protect, we should continue to
support that responsibility by identifying the best ways
to understand, implement and operationalize it.
I would like to call upon all States Members of the
United Nations not to miss the opportunity to conclude
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a new and ambitious binding agreement in response
to climate change. The moment is still auspicious, in
view of the commitments of the European Union, as
well as the massive activism on the part of civil society.
The example of the European Union is expected to be
followed by other major contributors to global warming.
People everywhere and, in particular, those in the small
island countries, whose very physical existence is
threatened, are waiting for new commitments, before
it is too late.
take this opportunity to invite all interested delegations
to engage in good-faith discussions about how to
implement those values in the fight against terrorism.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf
of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President
of Romania for the statement he has just made.
Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, President of Romania,
was escorted from the General Assembly Hall.
Beyond the thematic and geographical configuration
Address by King Mswati III, Head of State of the
Kingdom of Swaziland
of United Nations diplomacy, we believe that the
nuts and bolts of our Organization can be found in
the codification and progressive development of
international law. Romania believes that international
law and international justice are fundamental values for
humankind. We should never cease to act to promote
the reaffirmation and consolidation of the principles of
international law, which represent a landmark of our
society of nations for all time.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
Assembly will now hear an address by the Head of
State of the Kingdom of Swaziland.
King Mswati III, Head of State of the Kingdom of
Swaziland, was escorted into the General Assembly
Hall.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
The sixtieth anniversary of Romania’s admission
behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour
to welcome to the United Nations His Majesty King
Mswati III, Head of State of the Kingdom of Swaziland,
and to invite him to address the Assembly.
to the United Nations is being marked as an important
step concerning our commitment to international
justice. Romania became the seventy-second Member
State to accept the compulsory jurisdiction of the
International Court of Justice. Our declaration,
submitted to the Secretary-General on 23 June, is a
continuation of the interwar tradition of my country to
conduct its international relations in full compliance
with international law.
King Mswati III: It is a great pleasure for me to
The consolidation of international justice and
address the General Assembly of the United Nations as
we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of our global
Organization. It is important, at this time, that we
revisit the founding objectives of the United Nations
to determine whether we have been able to live up to
what they have required of us since its establishment.
Primarily, the United Nations was set up to promote
peace and stability among humankind and to assist
nations to develop socially and economically, to
mention but a few of the founding objectives. This
annual session gives us an opportunity to review and
recommit ourselves to the objectives laid out by our
predecessors.
the need to put an end to impunity should trigger
a strengthened legal approach to international
terrorism. Terrorism represents the worst in crimes
against individuals and societies. Romania believes
that the international community should do more to
combat terrorism with the tools of the law, including
international criminal law. It is with that purpose in mind
that Romania and Spain have set in motion a process of
reflection on the possible creation of an international
court for the crime of terrorism. We are fully aware of
the conceptual and operational difficulties of such an
undertaking. However, the values that stand behind that
reflection, which are aimed at strengthening the rule
of law in our multilateral antiterrorist drive, are likely
to generate fresh ideas for innovative legal tools. We
believe that that reflection process is worthwhile in its
own right, as it will fuel the debate on reinforcing the
Tremendous progress has been made on a number
of social fronts, while growth in the economies and
the development of nations is evident. However, that
success has come with its own challenges that need to
be addressed in a spirit of global cooperation in order
to achieve the ultimate goal of peaceful progress and
development that leaves nobody behind. We urge the
United Nations to continue to play its role in fostering
a collective approach to overcoming all impediments.
values of justice and international law. I would like to
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The capabilities and successes of the United
With Africa opening up new trade markets and
Nations are well documented. We have seen the United
Nations play a significant role in resolving conflicts on
the African continent and in other parts of the world.
The role of the United Nations in curbing the Ebola
outbreak is appreciated. While we have not eradicated
the disease completely, we applaud the Organization’s
tremendous efforts to stem its spread. We also commend
the United Nations for launching such initiatives as the
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria,
which has played a significant role in combating those
diseases. We appeal to the United Nations to continue
helping Africa emerge from the cycle of poverty and
disease as the continent seeks to fulfil its Agenda 2063,
which seeks to eradicate poverty and create prosperity
for all.
investment opportunities, the Kingdom of eSwatini
has fast-tracked reforms that have yielded improved
ease of doing business. Infrastructure development has
also improved direct access to global markets through
the completion of our new international airport, while
providing multiple investment opportunities in its
immediate surroundings. We believe that the airport
will give rise to downstream projects that can create
employment opportunities and add the required impetus
to our economic growth.
Access to markets of the developed world remains
Africa has great potential for investment. What
critical for Africa, which is well endowed with mineral
resources yet still faces the challenges of poverty,
hunger and unemployment. The support of the United
Nations is essential if we are to successfully deal with
the mammoth task of developing infrastructure so
that we can add value to our natural resources. The
success of trade and investment also hinges heavily on
a reliable and sustainable supply of energy. As a result,
we now have a comprehensive strategy and programme
of action that outline the gaps that need to be addressed
by all players in the energy sector. They present viable
opportunities for investment in that sector, particularly
in renewable energy.
remains is to create the requisite environment for
economic growth. We strongly believe that the United
Nations system can establish a peaceful global village
free of fear and violence. We adopted the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), aiming to emancipate
humankind from poverty and hunger by creating
prosperity in a safe and peaceful environment that
offers acceptable basic living standards (resolution
55/2). We are pleased to observe that our decision has,
by and large, yielded positive outcomes that live up to
the founding principles of the United Nations.
As we envisage a world free of poverty, hunger,
The impressive progress witnessed during the
disease and want, where all life can thrive, it becomes
critical to make youth empowerment central to
achieving that goal. Attaining a 97 per cent enrolment
rate in primary education is a significant milestone
for our country as we seek to ensure education for all.
Sustainable education requires that that high enrolment
should be complemented by quality education that is
further accessible at the secondary, higher and tertiary
levels.
implementation of the MDGs makes us confident that
the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
(resolution 70/1) will enjoy even greater success.
We have good reason to anticipate a sustainable
transformation of nations over the next 15 years. Our
presence here should signify a renewed commitment to
our resolve.
We remain challenged in meeting that requirement,
The Kingdom of eSwatini is one of many nations
to report significant progress in the implementation
of the MDGs. That progress has been guided by
a people-driven road map leading us towards our
Swaziland Vision 2022, which is designed to propel the
Kingdom to become a developed country, a development
State. We are very much aware of the challenges that
lie ahead on the journey, but I have full confidence in
the capabilities of our people. They have worked very
hard over the years to bring us to where we are today.
Although we may not have an abundance of natural
resources, we do have an innovative and educated
and we call upon our global friends to partner with us
to ensure that we do not become victims of our own
success. We are recognizing and rewarding outstanding
educational talent through entrepreneurial development
initiatives at the secondary and tertiary levels. We trust
that those initiatives, among many others, will produce
a future generation that is equipped with the life skills
needed to provide solutions to the socioeconomic
challenges facing many of our unemployed youth today.
The Kingdom is also developing innovation parks that
will provide our young people with the creative skills
needed to enable them to contribute to the sustainable
workforce that is united in a common purpose.
development of the country.
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The HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has stretched our
agreement at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in France later this year.
health resources to the limit, remains a challenge that
requires our collective effort. As a nation, we have
taken a decision that we want to become one of the
first African countries with a generalized epidemic to
achieve an AIDS-free generation in 2022 — a vision
that is in line with the global agenda to end AIDS by
2030.
The Kingdom of eSwatini continues to enjoy the
The Kingdom of eSwatini still largely relies on
agriculture as a means to sustain itself and prosper.
Programmes aimed at increasing food production,
peace and stability that all people on the globe deserve.
The secret to our success has been consultation and
dialogue aimed at building consensus, which is a model
of peace that has a place in the implementation of
United Nations operations. It is apparent that military
intervention in resolving conflict has a short-term
effect that leaves the people that it is meant to serve
worse off. Only a peaceful solution to conflict can yield
ending hunger and improving nutrition have been
sustainable conclusions to the current crises facing
developed. A farm input-subsidy programme aimed at
increasing yields through the availability of tractors,
seeds and fertilizer is now in place. The country has
also invested heavily in building dams to harness water,
and we hope that friends of the Kingdom will continue
to partner with us in building more such facilities. The
dams are helping many of our people to irrigate their
crops. We look to international financial institutions to
support those initiatives. We are concerned, however,
that some of that support attaches stringent conditions
with consequences that leave the recipient countries
worse off. We therefore appeal to the United Nations to
address that phenomenon, which seriously undermines
the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
various parts of the world today. That calls for us to
unite and to bring the warring parties to the table for
dialogue.
However, for that to be truly effective, we need
the United Nations to ensure that any intervention is
undertaken by a united body. If the United Nations is
divided on the mandates that it creates to deal with
challenges that require a collective approach, it runs the
risk of worsening the problems. It is critical that, when
the Members of the United Nations are confronted with
conflict situations, they resolve them with one voice.
The protracted war in Syria remains a huge challenge
We are very aware that, working alone, we are
limited in our success. It is, therefore, important
that the developed countries of the world support the
growth of developing nations like ours. We appeal to
donor countries to increase their funding to smaller
nations so that they can strengthen their capacity to
create jobs and address existing social challenges. Only
when our communities achieve better living conditions
will developing countries enjoy the peace and stability
that provides the requisite environment for sustainable
growth.
The effects of climate change have not gone
for the United Nations. One of its consequences has
been the serious refugee crisis that we have today,
affecting neighbouring countries and, most recently,
various European States. We applaud all the countries
that have accepted the refugees and provided them with
food and shelter, and we appeal to the Syrian people to
come together to find a peaceful and lasting solution
to their differences. There can be only one solution to
that predicament, which is to resolve the source of the
conflict so that all of the people of Syria are able to
benefit from the peace they deserve. It is imperative
that the objectives of the United Nations be met. One
important aim of the United Nations is to work to rid
society of all hostilities. We have put conflict-resolution
mechanisms in place, and it is our duty to ensure that
they are implemented effectively.
unnoticed, nor have they left us unharmed. Sustainable
Development Goal 11 calls for urgent action to combat
climate change and its impacts. We continue to urge
our developed partners not only to fulfil their pledges
to the Green Fund but also to adopt policies that
strike the correct balance among the requirements for
the production of essential products, profits and the
sustainability of our environment. Anything less would
seriously jeopardize the ideals of the 2030 Agenda.
We look forward to a legally binding global climate
We trust that, as we proceed with the 2030 Agenda,
we will fully embrace an all-inclusive approach.
We therefore urge the United Nations to give every
country in the world the opportunity to contribute to
the global community in whatever form and capacity
it can. In that regard, we appeal to the United Nations
to consider admitting the Republic of China on Taiwan
to membership. Like every other country, it has the
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potential to contribute positively to the global agenda,
in its case in such areas as health care and information
and communications technology, to mention only a few.
President Koroma: I would like to warmly
The inclusiveness espoused by the United Nations
should encompass representation in the key bodies of
the Organization. The African continent continues to
appeal for a permanent seat on the Security Council
through which its voice will be fully represented, as
outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus. We trust that the
matter will receive the attention it deserves.
Finally, I would like once again to extend my
congratulate the President on his election to conduct
the affairs of the Assembly at its historic seventieth
session. I can assure him of my personal support
and that of Sierra Leone during his tenure. I would
also like to convey my sincere appreciation to his
predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa of the
Republic of Uganda, for the effective way in which he
led the previous session. And I heartily commend the
Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon,
for his constructive leadership of our Organization.
Sierra Leone will continue to support progressive
implementation of his laudable Five-Year Action
Agenda, announced on 25 January 2012. We also
welcome his synthesizing report on the work of the
Organization (A/70/1), which articulates a call to action
to transform our world beyond 2015.
heartiest congratulations to the entire United Nations
family for its attainment of 70 years of togetherness. We
wish to commend all United Nations agencies for their
sustained efforts to fulfil the ideals of the Organization,
which have benefited humankind in many ways. Let us
renew our commitment to the objectives of our global
Organization. We have grown in numbers, and that has
given rise to new paradigms. We are certain that, with
the correct mindset, that will be addressed accordingly.
However, it is important to realize that, as much as
our goals may be universal, we do not share the same
capabilities and capacities for implementing them. May
Almighty God bless us all.
Seventy years ago, we committed to promoting
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the
Head of State of the Kingdom of Swaziland for the
statement he has just made.
social progress and better standards of life in larger
freedom. Today, that is still our task and common
goal, and the very foundation in which our shared
and common values are firmly embedded and should
therefore be respected. It is in the pursuit of that task
and our shared values that, 15 years ago, the Millennium
Declaration (resolution 55/2) articulated a bold vision
to eradicate extreme poverty, promote gender equality
and ensure that children everywhere receive a basic
education. Together, we have achieved a lot, getting
millions out of poverty, getting millions into schools
and breaking down many barriers to the empowerment
of women. But our achievements are works in progress,
as is our Organization. Many challenges still remain.
His Majesty King Mswati III, Head of State of
the Kingdom of Swaziland, was escorted from the
General Assembly Hall.
Many actions need to be taken in the offices of our
Address by Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of
the Republic of Sierra Leone
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
Assembly will now hear an address by the President of
the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic
of Sierra Leone, was escorted into the General
Assembly Hall.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf
of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome
to the United Nations His Excellency Mr. Ernest Bai
Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and
to invite him to address the Assembly.
Organization, and many actions must be taken in the
field where the citizens of the world lead their lives.
The two are interlinked. Without changes within the
structures of our global Organization, our actions in the
field will be hindered by the lack of ownership, lack
of inclusion and lack of irreversible successes. That
is why we commend the President for the choice and
relevance of the theme of this session: “The United
Nations at 70 — a new commitment to action”. We have
put forward negotiating positions for reform in our
Organization, we have drawn up plans for achieving
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we
adopted the financing for development framework in
Addis Ababa in July. What is left now for us to do is
to take action on all these fronts: to continue action to
reform our Organization, to commence action in areas
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where there has not yet been action, to take action to
overcome challenges, and to follow through on action
to sustain, deepen and expand our achievements.
The unfinished business of the Millennium
Development Goals and its accompanying challenges
are critical to the work that lies ahead. We have
learned lessons that are invaluable, and we have made
undeniable progress. But the challenges we still face
are seen in the millions not going to school, the millions
not having health care, the millions of women who are
oppressed, and the millions of people whose rights and
lives are being trampled upon in the war zones and on
non-representation in the permanent category and its
underrepresentation in the non-permanent category is
long overdue and therefore now imperative. Africa’s
demand for two permanent seats and two additional
non-permanent seats as articulated in the Ezulwini
Consensus and the Sirte Declaration is just and
provides a framework for a fairer and more inclusive
United Nations. I welcome the recent adoption of
resolution 69/321, designed, inter alia, to further the
intergovernmental negotiation process, and I very much
hope that meaningful progress will be made towards
a consensus-building mechanism in the course of this
seventieth session.
the refugee routes of the world. The challenges have the
urgency of a life-and-death situation for millions.
Sierra Leone is very committed to promoting
What we see the world over — in the refugee crisis,
in the fight against poverty, transnational organized
crime, terrorism, proliferation of small arms and
light weapons, piracy, violence against women, in our
actions to uphold human rights, and in the efforts for
expanding access to health and education — what we
see are struggles to promote inclusion in the better
achievements of humankind: achievements in the
areas of security, safety, peace, education, health and
development. Where there is exclusion, people seek
inclusion. The poor seek inclusion in a fairer world, and
refugees seek inclusion in a safer world. We believe that
the SDGs are about building a fairer, safer and better
world for those excluded from the great achievements
of humankind.
Making our global Organization more democratic,
inclusion in governance and in development and to
furthering peace around the world. We shall continue
to support initiatives to sustain and expand democracy,
peace and security, in Africa in particular, and in the
world at large. The contribution of Sierra Leone to
United Nations peacekeeping efforts demonstrates our
strong commitment to global peace and stability. We
acknowledge the report of the High-level Independent
Panel on Peace Operations on uniting our strengths for
peace: politics, partnership and people (A/70/95). We
stand ready to explore further ways of increasing our
contribution to global peacekeeping in order to enhance
the success of United Nations peacekeeping operations.
I take this opportunity to pay a special tribute to the
men and women in uniform, as well as to civilian staff,
who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to serve
humankind in complex and dangerous environments
around the world. We totally condemn attacks against
United Nations peacekeepers, and we call for action
against the perpetrators of these cowardly acts.
more participatory and fairer is part of the struggle for
inclusion the world over. It is a prerequisite for achieving
our universal aspirations as expressed in the 2030
Sustainable Development Agenda (resolution 70/1). As
the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten
Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the
United Nations Security Council, I take this opportunity
to emphasize once again the need for urgent reform of
the Council and again echo Africa’s concern over the
failure of the General Assembly to adopt measures that
will lead to a comprehensive reform of the Security
Council.
The report of the Advisory Group of Experts for
the 2015 Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding
Architecture and its recommendations is a useful
document that informs us of lessons learned, best
practices and the challenges ahead in terms of preventing
relapses into violent conflict. We look forward to
constructive engagement in the intergovernmental
process in the light of the fact that Sierra Leone is one
of the case studies and a storehouse of lessons learned.
I wish to call attention to the regrettable status quo
We applaud our collective establishment of the
that undermines the principles of equity, legitimacy,
accountability and transparency. The current state
of affairs also undermines the effectiveness of the
Security Council in its pursuit of international peace
Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone for the purpose
of carrying out the continuing legal obligations of the
original Special Court. Given the profile of persons
convicted by the Court and those currently serving
and security. The need to address the issue of Africa’s
prison sentences under the supervision of the Residual
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Court, it is in the interest of international peace and
security and in furtherance of justice that we extend
support to the effective operations of the Residual Court
in order to enable it to fully deliver on its mandate.
Whether it be terrorism, climate change, disease
than other lands; they contribute more personnel to
peacekeeping missions. Global solidarity is imperative
in building our regional capacity to better handle those
challenges. Without that solidarity, the challenges will
jump across borders, evade immigration controls and
leap over walls. That is why we need cooperative and
coordinated partnerships to strengthen the capacities
to respond to those challenges. Our voice, as fragile
and conflict-affected States under the Group of Seven
Plus, is a call for country ownership and country-led
implementation of the SDGs.
or refugees, no country is immune from the challenges
facing the world at large. Some countries may be able
to keep some of these problems from reaching their
shores. However, our globalized world has multiplied
the routes along which these challenges move, going
from country to country, from one region to another,
from one group of people to another. That is why we
Since 2012, Sierra Leone has been proactively
cannot say a particular problem is only a problem
for this country or that region. Poorer countries
suffer disproportionately from particular problems
but, without support from the world to solve them,
the problems spread and haunt other regions, other
countries and other groups. We need to incorporate that
piece of wisdom into decision-making in every country,
every region and every global organization.
That is also the piece of wisdom we need to
tailoring its development framework in anticipation
of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (resolution 70/1). The implementation of
our national vision for socioeconomic development,
as contained in the Government’s poverty reduction
strategy paper and articulated in the Agenda for
Prosperity, was launched in July 2013 as Sierra Leone’s
road map for the post-2015 development agenda. The
Agenda for Prosperity aims to build a sustainable
future for all Sierra Leoneans. It demonstrates our firm
commitment to putting Sierra Leone on the path to
resilience and sustainability.
incorporate into our decisions about climate change.
Changes in the weather patterns in the Pacific and in
the ocean currents of the North Atlantic are unleashing
devastating floods in many places. A week and a
half ago, we witnessed floods of proportions hitherto
unseen in Sierra Leone, which devastated many parts
of our capital, Freetown. Storms rage in the Cape Verde
Islands and floods have ravaged other parts of West
Africa. We believe that our experts are right when they
attribute those disasters to man-made climate change.
To that end, we have recorded significant progress
We call for action, not only to lower emissions
in strengthening political and economic governance,
including the improvement of social indicators. My
Government has continued to place emphasis on the
protection of the basic rights of the people of Sierra
Leone. We have put in place comprehensive reforms
in the justice sector, in response to both national and
global demands, to ensure that the rights of citizens
are preserved and that access to justice is accorded
to all. The Human Rights Commission of Sierra
Leone is closely collaborating with the Government
to ensure that a human rights culture is entrenched in
our society and that the Government ratifies several
international treaties and protocols whose ratification
is still outstanding and fulfils its various reporting
obligations.
of greenhouse gases, which are implicated in those
changes, but also to shore up capabilities to deal with
the effects of climate change. No country, I reiterate,
is immune from the physical, social, health and
other consequences of climate change. We need to
integrate that insight into our decisions about other
urgent matters — youth unemployment, insecurity,
extreme hunger, violence against women, transnational
organized crime and piracy. Allowing these to get out of
control in vulnerable nations increases the vulnerability
of all nations.
We have undertaken specific reform measures
Africa has made efforts to strengthen the
continent’s capacity for preventing and resolving
conflicts. Countries in the global South have also been
at the forefront of finding solutions and providing relief
to improve the national investment climate. My
Government is keen on delivering results in several
priority areas, including infrastructure development,
commercial agriculture, improved access to education
and health-care services, youth empowerment and
employment, women’s empowerment, effective and
efficient public service delivery and the social and
from the miseries of the world. They host more refugees
political integration of persons with disabilities.
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At a time when Sierra Leone was being commended
implementation of our post-Ebola recovery plans, both
national and subregional.
for its remarkable progress with respect to peace,
stability and steady economic growth, we were hit by
the unprecedented Ebola virus outbreak, which took
a heavy toll on the entire socioeconomic fabric of
Sierra Leone. However, we fought back, with support
from our international friends, and have now almost
defeated the evil virus, with zero cases being recorded
for several days in September. As we make progress
to end the epidemic, I wish to commend the United
Nations agencies and the international community
for their support and their commitment to ending the
epidemic, as well as their support for the post-Ebola
recovery plan.
In conclusion, as our noble Organization celebrates
its seventieth anniversary this year, it is important to
reflect on the Charter, which reaffirms
“faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity
and worth of the human person, in the equal rights
of men and women and of nations large or small”.
With the commitment of leaving no one behind, we
must objectively follow a pragmatic approach, with
renewed vigour and resolve, to provide a future for our
I particularly commend the Secretary-General
people that will guarantee justice, sustainable peace and
security, accountability and democratic governance,
employment opportunities, the transparent and
equitable distribution of wealth, a safe and sustainable
environment, improved health and relevant education.
It is also important to ensure that conflicts are resolved
around the world, if the Sustainable Development Goals
are to be achieved, as no development can take place
without peace.
for mobilizing, for the very first time, a coordinated
and integrated United Nations system intervention to
support countries affected by the outbreak of the Ebola
virus disease in our region. In addition to containing
the epidemic, the intervention of the United Nations and
our partners has resulted in an enhanced preparedness
to respond to similar outbreaks in the future. That
is a useful model that can be applied to contain and
tackle pandemics wherever they may surface. In order
to guarantee a lasting recovery, my Government, in
collaboration with our sister Republics of Guinea and
Liberia, have also formulated a subregional post-Ebola
socioeconomic recovery plan to ensure that the three
most Ebola-affected countries return to the path of
stability and prosperity.
Together, let us rise to that challenge with greater
resolve, and take action to create a fairer, safer and
better world.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf
of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President
of the Republic of Sierra Leone for the statement he has
just made.
The Sierra Leone National Recovery Plan is based
Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic
of Sierra Leone, was escorted from the General
Assembly Hall.
on two main pillars. The first pillar concentrates on
immediate recovery activities, including maintaining
zero infections. The second pillar focuses on building
resilient and sustainable national systems , including
a viable health system, and establishing an integrated
national security and disaster risk management system.
Address by His Excellency Mr. Petro Poroshenko,
President of Ukraine
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
Assembly will now hear an address by the President of
Ukraine.
I must state, with a considerable measure of
satisfaction, that the international community’s
commitment to supporting the Ebola recovery plans has
been very encouraging. On behalf of the Government and
the people of Sierra Leone, allow me, Sir, to once again
applaud our development partners for their unwavering
commitment of support to Sierra Leone’s development
aspirations. Sierra Leone is poised and ready to continue
working with the international community to resume
its pre-Ebola development trajectory. We look forward
to strengthening our partnerships for the effective
Mr. Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, was
escorted into the General Assembly Hall.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour to
welcome to the United Nations His Excellency Mr. Petro
Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, and to invite him to
address the General Assembly.
President Poroshenko: On behalf of Ukraine, I
sincerely congratulate Mr. Mogens Lykketoft on his
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election as President of the General Assembly at its
seventieth session, and wish him every success in his
activities at this crucial historic moment. Our future
will largely depend on the outcomes of this session
and our collective decisions — whether we choose to
follow the path of peace, security and human rights, or
to plunge into the turmoil of new hybrid wars, chaos
and suffering.
Russian annexation of the Crimea. It is regrettable
that this clear verdict of the international community
failed to persuade Russia to return to the civilized
sphere of international law. Moreover, Moscow started
a new reckless military game — this time, in Ukraine’s
Donbas region.
Despite the fact that Russia is still refusing to
On the ocasion of this seventieth anniversary, I am
proud to speak on behalf of one of the founding members
of the United Nations, a State that, back in 1945, took an
officially acknowledge its direct military invasion, there
can be no doubt that an aggressive war is being waged
against my country. To mislead the world community,
the Russian leadership orders its military servicemen
active part in the San Francisco Conference, helped to
to remove their insignias and the identification marks
establish the Organization and lay down the foundation
for its activities, a State whose contribution back then
was of importance in shaping the core of the United
Nations: the Purposes and Principles of its Charter.
on military equipment. It orders the abandonment of
its soldiers captured on the battlefield and the cynical
use of mobile crematoriums to eliminate traces of its
crimes on Ukrainian soil.
Regrettably, I am also speaking on behalf of a State
I would like to stress that neither a civil war nor
Member of the United Nations that is now the victim
of a brutal violation of the fundamental norms and
principles of that Charter. The statement by Ukraine
upon its joining the United Nations as one of its founding
Members, which was delivered at the San Francisco
Conference, emphasized that Ukraine had repeatedly
been the subject of bloody invasions by aggressors that
for centuries had sought to capture its territory.
A long time has passed since that landmark
an internal conflict is taking place. Russia’s occupation
of Ukrainian territory in the Crimea and the Donbas
region covers approximately 44,000 square kilometres,
and millions of Ukrainians are under that occupation.
The goal of the current war is to force the Ukrainian
people to give up their sovereign choice to build a
free, democratic, prosperous and European State. All
that is taking place against a backdrop of traitorous
rhetoric about brotherly peoples, sharing a common
history, related languages and a predestined common
future. In actual fact, we are dealing here with a desire
to return to imperial times, with spheres of influence,
and a desperate attempt to obtain self-affirmation at
another’s expense.
event. But, today, I have to recall that my country has
become the object of external aggression. This time,
the aggressor is the Russian Federation, a neighbouring
country and a former strategic partner, which legally
pledged to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity,
independence and inviolability of the borders of
Ukraine. That country used to be a guarantor of
Ukraine’s security under the Budapest Memorandum,
whereby security guarantees were provided to my
country in exchange for the voluntary renunciation
of the world’s third nuclear arsenal. Moreover, it is a
permanent member of the Security Council, which is
entrusted by the Charter of the United Nations with the
maintenance of international peace and security.
For over 20 months, the aggression against my
country has been fuelled by Russia’s financing of
terrorists and mercenaries and its supplying of arms and
military equipment to illegal armed groups in Donbas.
Over the past few days, we have heard a conciliatory
statement from the Russian side, including a call for
the establishment of an anti-terrorist coalition and a
warning that fraternizing with terrorists would pour
oil on the flames. That was an impressive but hard-tobelieve
story.
In February 2014, Russia conducted an open and
unprovoked aggression against my country, occupying
and annexing the Crimea, wantonly and brutally
violating international law and shocking the whole world
community. I am deeply grateful to the delegations of
the majority of the States Members of our Organization
for supporting resolution 68/262, entitled “Territorial
How can a country call for an anti-terrorist coalition
when it is inspiring terrorism so close to home? How
can it talk about peace and legitimacy, if its policy is
to wage war through puppet governments? How can it
speak of national autonomy, if it punishes a neighbour
for making a choice? How can it demand respect for all,
integrity of Ukraine”, which condemned the illegal
if it respects no one? The Gospel of St. John teaches
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us that in the beginning there was the word; but what
kind of Gospel is one following if all one’s words are
so duplicitous?
In every democratic country, if one party steals
Let us return to the situation in Donbas, where, I
have to say, we are being forced to fight fully armed
troops belonging to regular units of the Russian armed
forces. Heavy weaponry and military equipment are
concentrated in the occupied territories in quantities
such as the armies of the majority of Member States
can only dream about. In particular, various pieces
of state-of-the-art military equipment that were
another party’s property, an independent court restores
justice by enforcing the rights of the aggrieved party and
punishing the offender. Yet, here we are in the twentyfirst
century
and
our
Organization
is
still
without
an

effective
instrument
to
bring
an
aggressor
country

to
justice,
a
country
which
has
stolen
the
territory
of

another
sovereign
State.
Seventy
years
ago,
the
authors

of
the
Charter
of
the
United
Nations
envisaged
that

sanctions
imposed
by
the
Security
Council
would
be

one
of
the
punishments
applied
in
response
to
breaches

of
peace
and
acts
of
aggression.
manufactured in Russia are to be found among that
same weaponry and, contrary to the public assertion
of the Russian President, are unlikely to be available
for sale in a regular wholesale army store, unless, of
course, it was located in the Russian Federation and
provided free shipping.
However, they would have been hard put to imagine
During the period in question, over 8,000
a situation in which that punishment needs to be
applied against an aggressor State that is a permanent
member of the Security Council. Since the beginning
of the aggression, Russia has used its right of veto
twice during the Council’s consideration of questions
related to Ukraine. At the outset, Russia blocked a
draft resolution (S/2014/189) that condemned the fake
referendum on Crimea’s annexation in March 2014.
At that very moment, in my capacity as a Ukrainian
member of Parliament, I was there when the Russians
said that there was a vote on this same fake referendum.
No member of Parliament was present. On the contrary,
there were only Russian soldiers surrounding the
Parliament of Crimea.
Ukrainians, of whom 6,000 were civilians, died at the
hands of the Russian-backed terrorists and occupiers in
Ukraine and Donbas. More than 1.5 million residents
of Donbas were forced to flee their homes and, moving
to safer regions within Ukraine, became internally
displaced persons. I would like to take this opportunity
to express my gratitude to the international community
for making such a considerable effort to provide
assistance to those in need.
The second time that Russia used its right of veto
At the same time, I call on the United Nations and
other international actors to continue to pay special
attention to that very important issue. I would like to
draw everyone’s attention to the fact that this is not
the first time that the same permanent member of the
Security Council is undermining peace and security at
both the regional and the international level.
Over the past 24 years, ever since the questionable
transfer of permanent membership on the Security
Council from the former Soviet Union to the Russian
Federation, the conflict in Ukraine is but one of several
hybrid wars that Russia has unleashed. In fact, in order
to preserve its influence in neighbouring countries,
Russia, for decades, has deliberately created, and
surrounded itself with, a belt of instability, made up
of Nagorno Karabakh, Transnistria, Abkhazia, South
Ossetia, Crimea and Donbas — all regions involving
protracted conflicts and supported by or directly related
to Russia. But the Kremlin has gone even further.
Today, the Russian men in green are treading on Syrian
was to block a draft resolution (S/2015/562) that would
have established an international tribunal to investigate
and bring to justice all those responsible for the crash
of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17. By its disgraceful
use of the veto on that draft resolution, Russia clearly
demonstrated to the whole world its defiance and its
unwillingness to establish the truth — not just the truth
about the perpetrators of that terrorist attack and the
arms that were used to shot down that plane, but, more
important, the truth concerning those who organized
that crime and the country from which those arms had
been transported. I think that everyone in this Hall
clearly understands the real motives of Russia’s use of
the veto on a draft resolution concerning a tribunal to
investigate Flight MH-17. Moreover, a draft resolution
on the establishment of an international peacekeeping
operation, whose purpose would have been to stabilize
the situation in Ukraine and stop the bloodshed, was
also blocked because of the potential threat of Russia’s
use of the veto.
land. What and who are next?
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Abuse of the right of veto — its use as a licence
military forces, military equipment and mercenaries
from Ukrainian territory and restoration of full control
by Ukraine over its border with Russia— these must all
be ensured. Freedom, peace and respect for sovereignty
and territorial integrity — Ukraine does not demand
more; however, it will not settle for less.
to kill — is absolutely unacceptable (see S/PV.7384).
The Organization should make its collective voice
heard clearly on this subject. For its part, Ukraine
stands for the gradual limitation of the right of veto,
with its eventual abolition. The right of veto should not
exercised randomly or to grant a pardon or clemency
in cases where crimes have been committed and merit
appropriate punishment.
Unfortunately, today Ukraine is, though not by its
In that context, I welcome the proposal of my
French colleague and friend, President Hollande,
own free will, one of the areas involved in the fight against
the terrorist threat. We strongly condemn terrorism in
all its forms and manifestations. The activities of the
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al-Qaida, Boko
supported by President Peña Nieto of Mexico, aimed at
Haram, Al-Shabaab and others comprise a global
regulating the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities.
Primary attention should be given to the modernization
of the Security Council, including the enlargement of
its membership and the improvement of its working
methods. The membership of the Security Council
should reflect the realities of the twenty-first century
and include a higher number of African, Asian and
Latin American States. An additional non-permanent
seat on the Council should be given to the Eastern
European Group, as its membership has doubled over
the past two decades.
challenge. The only possible way to address that evil is
to unite in a common, uncompromising fight against it.
International terrorism has proved to be more
Ukraine also considers improvement of the
flexible than the political will of nations and today has
taken on new hybrid forms. State and non-State actors
have become interlinked. The struggle for one’s rights
has been replaced by ruthless terror. We are convinced
that the need for a universal international instrument
able to counteract that crime is not only urgent but
long overdue. For that reason, the conclusion of the
preparatory work on the draft United Nations convention
on the prevention and combating of terrorism should
become a top priority of the General Assembly at this
session.
peacekeeping and peacebuilding architecture of the
Organization an important element of United Nations
reform. I am proud of Ukraine’s international reputation
as an active and devoted contributor to United Nations
peacekeeping operations. Despite external challenges,
we remain a reliable partner of the Organization in that
noble matter. Ukraine’s contribution to the maintenance
of international peace and security provides us with the
moral ground to count on the same assistance from the
Organization in times of the vital importance of that
issue on the part of my country.
A special role in the fight against international
terrorism should be given to the most reputable legal
institutions: the International Court of Justice and
the International Criminal Court. Ensuring that those
institutions have universal jurisdiction is a core element
in overcoming the impunity of the terrorists themselves
and their patrons — those regimes whose national
policy has become the mass production of terror.
I strongly believe that one of the most important
The special peacekeeping mission in Dombas, under
United Nations auspices, could become a very useful
instrument contributing to the implementation of the
Minsk agreements. Ukraine is committed to following
the letter and spirit of the Minsk package. We demand
the same approach from other signatories that have
lately resorted to the language of blackmail. Otherwise,
there is no alternative to sanctions, including their
strengthening; and there is no alternative to a peaceful
resolution of the crisis.
aspects of fighting terrorism lies in honouring and
sharing the memories of the victims. In that context,
I propose that, at the current session, the General
Assembly consider designating an international day to
commemorate the memory of the victims of terrorist
acts. It is my feeling that humiliation, disregard of
people’s will and violation of their fundamental rights
prompted Ukrainians to leave their homes in order
to protest in 2013, which led to the beginning of our
revolution to uphold our dignity.
Full access to all occupied territories by the
Ukraine has paid and continues to pay an extremely
monitors of the Organization for Security and
high price for its freedom and the right to live in a free
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), withdrawal of Russian
country — the price of human lives. That is why the
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interests of every single individual and the protection of
people’s rights are at the core of my large-scale reform
programme, which was launched one year ago. For the
first time in its 24 years of independence, Ukraine has
adopted a national human rights strategy. It took into
account the best international practices from the human
rights perspective, including the European Union’s
Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy.
The ongoing hybrid war of Russia against
Russian aggression exposed the problem of
ensuring human rights in the Crimea and parts of the
Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Leading international
human rights organizations warned about the radical
Ukraine has demonstrated that the international
community is facing another challenge, which
requires the consolidation of our efforts. The fullscale
information
war
and
propaganda
campaign
have

become a
particularly
corrosive
form
of
non-military

aggression.
Fake
news,
blatant
lies
spread
to
justify

aggression,
propaganda
of
intolerance
and
violence
are

phenomena
of
the
same
order,
which
undermine
the

principle
of
freedom
of
expression
and
poison
human

souls
and
minds.
That
is
why
the
task
of
strengthening

the
role
of
information
in
the
maintenance
of
peace

and
security
is
more
important
than
ever. I
call
on
the

General
Assembly
to
strongly
condemn
these
shameful

phenomena
and
to
discuss
the
ways
to
confront
them.
deterioration of the human rights situation, which
applies directly to Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars in
the occupied Crimea. I am referring specifically to the
practice of imposing Russian citizenship in occupied
Crimea by the Crimean occupation authorities, as well
as the systematic persecution, arrest, abduction and
killing of pro-Ukraine residents of the peninsula and
the complete elimination of the independent media.
Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. By
all legal means, we will continue to defend the rights
of the Crimean Tatars — the indigenous people of
Ukraine — and the Ukrainians, who are suffering from
the repressive policies of the occupation authorities
in the Crimea. I believe that the problem of blatant
violation of human rights in Crimea deserves particular
consideration in the General Assembly. And I hope that
the decision to address this issue will be taken during
the current session.
Despite the external challenges that I have referred
to, Ukraine is fully committed to the implementation
of the Sustainable Development Goals. We are ready
to share joint responsibility for solving specific vital
problems and priorities of the most vulnerable groups
of countries, such as the small island developing States.
As one of the Friends on Climate Change, Ukraine is
looking forward to reaching consensus on a universal
agreement in the area of climate change as soon as
possible. We hope that this result will be achieved
by Member States in December in Paris. We have to
understand that the price of this issue is the safety of
future generations and the sustainable development of
humankind.
We shall not be able to achieve the sustainable
I also feel obliged to mention the names of Nadiya
Development Goals unless we are able to prevent
environmental and technological disasters from
happening. As a result of the Russian aggression,
Ukraine faces another challenge — the protection of
its environment in Donbas. The irresponsible and
criminal flooding of mines by terrorists has led to the
poisoning of drinking water, the soil, and the flora and
fauna in the region. The atmosphere is polluted owing
to explosions and the shelling of sensitive industrial
infrastructure. In fact, we can even speak about the risk
of environmental disaster. I am convinced that the issue
of environmental protection during conflict needs the
special attention of the relevant United Nations body.
Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, Alexandr Kolchenko, among
many other Ukrainians, who are political prisoners
of the Kremlin or have been illegally detained and
sentenced. For example, Oleg Sentsov, a respected
filmmaker, was sentenced to 23 years in prison solely
for being a Ukrainian patriot. I call upon the United
Nations and its Member States to launch a worldwide
campaign to put pressure on the Russian authorities to
immediately release all the Ukrainian citizens that they
are holding hostage. We will be able to achieve our goal
only if our action is global. Most of all, Ukraine needs
solidarity and assistance, which are truly powerful
instruments against aggression and injustice. Ukraine
will win for sure because truth is on our side. But
we will do so much faster if we have the support and
solidarity of the whole international community.
With regard to technological disasters, it is my duty
to recall one of the most horrific of them. Next year
will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the tragedy of the
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. I would like to request
that the President hold a special meeting of the General
Assembly dedicated to that anniversary in April 2016.
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My country’s address on the occasion of joining the
Nations at 70: the road ahead for peace, security and
human rights”, which is the road along which Colombia
is travelling, now more successfully than ever before.
United Nations included the words,
“Ukraine, with its best human strength and material
resources, will be able to make a significant
contribution to maintaining peace and global
security”.
Now, 70 years on, I reiterate Ukraine’s unwavering
commitment to exerting a further maximum effort to
save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,
a commitment enshrined in the Charter of the United
Nations. Our focus will be on the achievement of
that noble goal if we are elected to a non-permanent
membership of the Security Council during 2016-2017.
In the capacity of member of the Council, Ukraine
intends to remain a reliable and consistent partner,
guided not by its own, but by the global agenda, and will
resolutely follow the spirit and letter of the Charter. And
I am firmly convinced that the Organization will pass
the extremely complex test with dignity and strengthen
its role as a guarantor of order, peace and prosperity in
the world. Let God be with us!
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the
President of Ukraine for the statement he has just made.
Mr. Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, was
escorted from the General Assembly Hall.
I am therefore honoured to come to this Assembly
to share some news which is also historic. Today, I
proclaim to the entire world that one of the more than
20 armed conflicts taking place across the globe, which
are causing so much pain, poverty and suffering, that
of my country, Colombia, is finally nearing a genuine
solution. We will put an end to the longest and most
recent armed conflict in the Western Hemisphere.
Achieving peace — in Colombia or in any part of the
Address by Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón,
President of the Republic of Colombia
The President (spoke in Spanish): The Assembly
will now hear an address by Mr. Juan Manuel Santos
Calderón, President of the Republic of Colombia.
Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, President of
the Republic of Colombia, was escorted into the
General Assembly Hall.
The President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf of the
General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome to the
United Nations His Excellency Mr. Juan Manuel Santos
Calderón, President of the Republic of Colombia, and to
invite him to address the Assembly.
President Santos Calderón (spoke in Spanish): I
would like to thank our Ambassador Maria Emma Mejía
Vélez for giving me the floor. What a source of great
pride it is for us that a Colombian woman is presiding
over this meeting at this historic moment, when the
world — is a responsibility that nobody must shirk.
As Pope Francis said so well a few days ago in the
Congress of the United States of America,
“When countries which have been at odds
resume the path of dialogue — a dialogue which
may have been interrupted for the most legitimate
of reasons — new opportunities open up for all.
This has required, and requires, courage and
daring, which is not the same as irresponsibility.”
In Colombia we have tried to work with the courage,
the audacity and also the sense of responsibility of
which the Holy Father spoke, and we are beginning to
see the fruits of our efforts. We have had more than
50 years of internal warfare in a country destined for
progress and happiness, and we are determined to
put an end to that conflict. Peace is a difficult goal to
attain, but not an impossible one. Peace is something
more than the fruit of a political, social or economic
process. Peace, more than anything, is a great process
of collective cultural transformation that begins with
an individual spiritual change, and it requires that all
individuals — each within himself or herself— open
their minds, hearts and souls to reconciliation.
Why do I say that today I come to this Assembly
with greater optimism than ever before? Well, it is
because less than a week ago in Havana, after almost
three years of negotiations in which we made progress
on most of the items on the agreed agenda, we reached
an agreement on what was perhaps the major obstacle to
peace. We reached an agreement on the most difficult
element of any peace process — a system of transitional
justice that ensures that there is no impunity for the
most serious crimes committed during the conflict. In
this agreement, which respects the norms and principles
of international law and our own Constitution, we put
General Assembly is considering the topic “The United
the greatest emphasis on the right of victims to justice
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and on truth, reparations and the non-resumption of
the conflict, placing them at the centre of the solution
to an armed conflict. And we are reaching our goal:
the maximum degree of justice compatible with the
attainment of peace.
Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is to
be held at the end of this year in Paris, where we will
commit to assisting in the goal of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions.
We are also addressing the problem of illegal drug
It is also the first time in the history of conflicts
in the world that a Government and an illegal armed
group — in a peace agreement, not as the result of
something that was imposed later on — are creating
a system of accountability in a domestic court for
international crimes and other serious crimes. We are
crops with a comprehensive strategy that we have
proposed to the rest of the world. At the Summit of
the Americas, held in Cartagena, Colombia, in 2012,
I raised the need for an objective assessment of the
outcome of the so-called war on drugs declared here
more than 40 years ago, which has been so costly in
setting a precedent that could serve as a model for other
human lives and resources. The study was conducted
armed conflicts in the world. The progress made is so
important and significant that it has enabled us to take
two additional steps, which is the best news that I could
convey to this great forum of nations. We have agreed
to a deadline for signing the final agreement that
would put an end to our armed conflict. It will be, at
the very latest, 23 March 2016, in less than six months
from now. On that date at the very latest, we shall bid
a final farewell to the last and longest war not just in
Colombia, but in the entire Western Hemisphere. In
addition, we have also agreed that the Fuerzas Armadas
Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) will begin to
lay down its weapons no later than 60 days following
the signing of the final agreement. That means that
next year, when I return to this Assembly, I will do
so as President of a Colombia that is at peace and has
achieved reconciliation.
and submitted by the Organization of American States
two years ago. Now, we are preparing for the special
session of the General Assembly on this issue,to take
place seven months from now. We continue to advocate
a new global strategy based on scientific evidence that
puts greater emphasis on health, education and tackling
the social roots of this phenomenon and seeks to
minimize the negative effects of drugs through the use
of smarter, more effective and more humane strategies.
In Colombia, we have gone even further. Last week,
Our talks with the FARC guerilla forces offer
a glimmer of hope in a world overshadowed by war,
violence and terrorism. This is also an opportunity
to thank the international community, on behalf of
48 million Colombians, for its support for our peace
efforts and for its willingness to assist us in the postconflict
stage. A
peaceful
Colombia
will
be a
positive

factor
for
the
world
in
several
distinct
but
interrelated

areas,
such
as
combating
climate
change
and
illegal

drugs,
security
and
eradicating
extreme
poverty.
I presented a comprehensive crop-substitution plan
based on that multifaceted approach. Not only will we
attack the mafias, whom we will pursue relentlessly, but
we will also provide social and economic opportunities
for farmers, ensure that the State and the justice system
are ever-present, prevent drug use and treat it as a public
health issue. If we end the conflict, the guerrilla forces
that have been a negative factor in drug-trafficking will
become, once they lay down their weapons, an ally in
combating it. It will be extraordinarily symbolic when
those who once protected these illicit crops will help
us to eradicate them. In that way, Colombia wins and
the entire world wins. We will begin to free ourselves
from coca and, at the same time, to preserve and save
millions of hectares of tropical forest. As the Pope so
eloquently said in this very Hall four days ago, “war is
the negation of all rights and a dramatic assault on the
environment” (A/70/PV.3, p. 5).
Our country is proud to be the most biodiverse
country in the world in relation to its size. However, we
are also one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate
change. That is why we insist on the environmental
dimension of the Sustainable Development Goals. At
the end of my term in office in 2018, I hope to have left
behind protected areas in Colombia of approximately
20 million hectares, accounting for almost one-fifth of
our landmass. We fully support the twenty-first session
A peaceful Colombia will also be a safer Colombia
because the enormous energy and effort that today are
dedicated to dealing with this domestic conflict will be
focused on improving security and on fighting crime in
the cities and villages of my country. Of course, it will
be a Colombia with more opportunities for everyone
where we will continue to reduce poverty and create
jobs, as we have been doing at a rate that has made us
of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations
the leader in Latin America in terms of social progress,
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in recent years. Achieving peace will enable us to meet
the Sustainable Development Goals, which are now
enshrined in Colombian law and which we adopted in
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution
70/1).
I now invite all Colombians, without exception, and
should first recall the guiding principles that led to the
establishment of the United Nations in the aftermath of
the death and destruction of the Second World War. The
Preamble to the founding Charter of the United Nations
establishes the eradication of the scourge of war and
the promotion of human rights as the cornerstones of
our edifice.
all citizens of the world to pave the way for peace. The
most worthwhile legacy we could leave to our children
and to future generations is peace. Nothing could be
more important or more urgent because peace is the
supreme good of any society. It is the most sacred
So far, the United Nations has succeeded in
preventing another world war and has helped to end
conflicts through mediation. Currently, more than
100,000 United Nations peacekeepers are deployed in
good and the very reason for the existence of the
16 countries. Yet numerous armed conflicts all over the
United Nations. Today, I am delighted to announce the
good news that, in fewer than six months, bells will
toll in Colombia to announce that the time for peace
has come. I hope that clocks around the world will be
synchronized with our own to show the same time — a
time for peace, a time for humankind.
The Vice-President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf
planet attest to the fact that global peace still evades
us. In the area of human rights, the United Nations
has undertaken inspiring initiatives, starting with
the adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and followed by many international
agreements and treaties setting universal standards
for civil, political, social and economic rights. Yet in
a world challenged by poverty, hunger, child mortality
and social and economic inequalities, it is evident that
we have a long way to go.
of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the President
of the Republic of Colombia for the statement he has
just made.
At the same time, leaving aside the strengths
Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, President of
the Republic of Colombia, was escorted from the
General Assembly Hall.
Address by Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President of
the Republic of Cyprus
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
and weaknesses, successes and failures of the United
Nations, we should not undermine or underestimate
the fact that in an interdependent world it provides the
only international forum in which nations can interact,
deliberate and negotiate so as to resolve not only their
differences, but also pressing regional and international
challenges that are not country-specific and that call
the international order into question.
Assembly will now hear an address by the President of
the Republic of Cyprus.
In order to enhance its value and influence in a
Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic
of Cyprus, was escorted into the General Assembly
Hall.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour
to welcome to the United Nations His Excellency
Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic of
Cyprus, and to invite him to address the Assembly.
President Anastasiades: This year marks the
globalized era, the United Nations has evolved, with
its recent adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (resolution 70/1). The 2030 Agenda seeks
to address the needs of a developing global population
through its commonly agreed 17 Goals and 169
targets. Cyprus, which has been actively involved in
the process since its very beginning, is proud of this
achievement, since it reflects our high principles of
effective multilateralism and close cooperation among
the nations of the world.
seventieth anniversary of the creation of the United
Nations, and provides us with an opportunity to take
stock of the past seven decades, as well as to jointly
discuss and exchange ideas on how to further improve
the Organization’s effectiveness and its members’
collaboration, with the benefit of humankind always
However, while on the one hand we have achieved
the adoption of such an ambitious agenda, on the
other we are also witnessing the ongoing turmoil,
extremism, sectarianism, civil war and terrorism that
are taking place in the Middle East, North Africa and
other regions. Their effects — death, persecution,
in view. In order to assess our collective efforts, we
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dispossession of property, displacement, destruction of
cultural heritage and forced migration — are becoming
defining features of the daily lives of those affected. We
must therefore be vigilant, for while we are attempting
to establish fundamental principles of peace, stability
and sustainable development for the future, in practice
we are seeing the increasing migratory flows of those
who are involuntarily fleeing their homes in search of
a better future. As we strive to set up noble, long-term
objectives and goals, events that are currently unfolding
may render them irrelevant or unattainable. When we
assume that only Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and, more
recently, Europe are affected by the current refugee
crisis, we fail to acknowledge that if it persists, other
countries and continents will be affected as well.
26 June commemorating the seventieth anniversary of
the adoption of the Charter.
“Today, we take the idea of the United Nations
for granted, but bringing it to life required huge
leaps of statecraft to bridge differences.”
And while we recognize how valuable and necessary
the United Nations is today, we can also see that it is in
need of reform and modernization to enable it to tackle
today’s realities.
The international order and perspectives of 1945
are not the same as those of 2015. Traditional security
In order to reverse those worrying developments,
orientations have changed due to new geopolitical
circumstances. Issues of peace and stability can no
longer be confined to the differences between and
within nations, when non-State actors such as terrorists
have challenged the established international order,
paving the way for religious fundamentalism, violent
extremism, the forcible displacement of people and
forced migration.
therefore, we should direct our efforts so that every
country and region in a conflict zone, particularly the
Middle East and North Africa, can become a place in
which sustainable development is a reality. That can
be achieved only by tackling the root causes that have
led to this unprecedented situation — that is, political
instability and economic insecurity. We should address
this collectively and comprehensively. It is not enough
to take action against the individuals responsible for
terrorist attacks; we should focus our efforts on the
enablers of terrorism. It is not enough to rescue people
from sinking boats; we should focus our efforts on
human traffickers. It is not enough to support economic
immigrants financially; we should focus our efforts on
creating the political and socioeconomic conditions
that can ensure that all these people do not emigrate
from their countries.
At the same time, new global threats such as climate
In view of this horrific humanitarian crisis,
change and environmental degradation have also
emerged, After 70 years, world leaders must once again
demonstrate statesmanship and vision in order to rebuild
newly broken societies and find a path to renewal. In
that regard, we welcome the recently adopted resolution
69/321, on revitalization, as well as the ongoing dialogue
towards enhancing the effectiveness of the Security
Council. We also support the upcoming high-level
United Nations meetings aimed at resolving a number
of global challenges, including the United Nations
Climate Change Conference, in Paris in December;
the special session on the world drug problem, in April
2016; and the United Nations Conference on Housing
and Sustainable Urban Development, in Quito in
November 2016.
one might wonder if we have neglected to take the
necessary measures to avert this crisis. Has our
strategy been adequate? Have we failed to predict
the events that have unfolded? Considering Cyprus’s
proximity to the Middle East and North Africa, as well
as our historical, political, social and cultural links, I
am firmly convinced that the international community
has failed to sufficiently appreciate those regions’
complexities. At the same time, foreign interventions
and involvement have not produced the hoped-for
results, because they have failed to take into account
and understand those nations’ internal characteristics
and particular sensitivities.
Peacekeeping constitutes one of the main pillars
and accomplishments of the United Nations. However,
the United Nations is not only about peacekeeping; it
is also about conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations provides
a wide gamut of options for the peaceful settlement
of issues. We look forward to concrete proposals for
adapting United Nations peacekeeping operations
to the changing nature of conflict and for enhancing
their effectiveness and their ability to promote political
solutions. In that regard, we greatly welcome the 2015
review of United Nations peacebuilding operations (see
I would like to quote a remark made by the
Secretary-General at a ceremony in San Francisco on
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A/70/95), and we compliment the Secretary-General
for undertaking that initiative.
Cyprus, through its own experience of hosting a
United Nations peacekeeping force, greatly values the
contribution of the United Nations to the maintenance
of peace and security. We also express our appreciation
for the plethora of United Nations resolutions and
Security Council decisions that have condemned the
unacceptable status quo and the violent and ongoing
division of the island, calling for its reunification and
the withdrawal of occupation forces — resolutions
and decisions that, unfortunately, have yet to be
and its institutions; that creates a homeland of peaceful
coexistence and prosperous collaboration among all its
citizens, to the benefit of the younger generations; that
allows Cyprus to realize its full potential by removing
all political barriers that prevent the full exploitation
of its unique geographical position at the crossroads
of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia;
that transforms Cyprus into a shining example of
ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic cooperation
between Christian and Muslim communities; and that
turns Cyprus into a model of reliability, stability and
security in a turbulent and volatile region currently
characterized by protracted conflicts and instability.
implemented.
Following the non-renewal of actions that
violated the exercise by the Republic of Cyprus of its
sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone
and the change in the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot
community, a window of opportunity opened, reviving
our hope that the round of negotiations that resumed
in May will lead to a final settlement of the Cyprus
problem. That hope is based on my conviction that both
I and the Turkish Cypriot leader share the same courage
and resolve to advance decisively towards making the
joint vision of our peoples — who desire the solution
of the Cyprus problem through a viable, lasting and
functional settlement — a reality. That settlement must
be in full conformity with the values and principles of
the character of the United Nations and the European
Union acquis, as well as with the high-level agreements
between the leaders of the two communities and the
joint declaration of 11 February 2014. Such a settlement
would lead to the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus
as a federal State in a bizonal, bicommunal federation
with political equality, single sovereignty, a single
international legal personality and a single form of
citizenship; a State that is and will continue to be a
Member of the United Nations, the European Union and
numerous other international organizations, and whose
sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional
order will not be constrained by anachronistic systems
of guarantees by third countries or the presence of
foreign troops on the island.
What we aspire to achieve through this new
round of negotiations is to reach a settlement in which
there will be neither winners nor losers; that takes
into account the sensitivities and concerns of both
communities; that respects the fundamental freedoms
and human rights of all Cypriots, Greek and Turkish
I am pleased to inform the Assembly that, during
the new round of negotiations, progress has been
achieved on a number of issues that touch on almost
all chapters of the Cyprus problem. However, on other
substantive issues, significant differences still need
to be resolved — differences whose resolution will
also require the active and determined contribution of
Turkey, whose occupation forces remain in the northern
part of our country. 1 sincerely hope that Turkey’s
rhetorical assurances of its desire to reach a settlement
will at last be tested in practice through the adoption
of concrete measures that will positively underpin the
negotiation process and reflect the current climate of
hope on the island.
I strongly believe that reaching a solution to the
Cyprus problem could become a paradigm for the way
in which diplomacy and the adoption of a conciliatory
stance can prevail over mistrust and contribute to
the resolution of even the most difficult international
issues. Furthermore, the discovery of hydrocarbon
reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean has the potential
to create synergies and a grid of alliances for broader
cooperation between hydrocarbon-producing and
hydrocarbon-consuming countries of the area and
beyond, to the benefit of the socioeconomic development
and welfare of our peoples. Such positive developments
can foster the achievement and maintenance of a muchneeded
environment
of
stability
and
peace
in
our

immediate
neighbourhood.
I am certain that the General Assembly shares the
view that the settlement of the Cyprus problem will
create a win-win situation, not only for its people,
but also for the region, the interested parties and the
international community at large.
alike; that reunites our country, its people, its economy
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The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
solutions to the global tragedy of the exodus of millions
of human beings.
behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the
President of Republic of Cyprus for the statement he
has just made.
Uruguay, as a nation nurtured by immigration and
Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic
of Cyprus, was escorted from the General Assembly
Hall.
Address by Mr. Tabaré Vázquez, President of the
Eastern Republic of Uruguay
as a people that received international solidarity when it
needed it, accepts this unavoidable duty. It is imperative
to avoid a repetition of this tragedy, but it is also
necessary to address the causes that brought it about.
Always, and not just in matters of health, prevention is
better than cure. Prevention means recognizing others
as the same as us, which is much more than “tolerating”
them”, respecting and promoting their rights, all their
The President: The Assembly will now hear an
rights; betting on democracy as a form of government
address by the President of the Eastern Republic of
Ur uguay.
Mr. Tabaré Vázquez, President of the Eastern
Republic of Uruguay, was escorted into the General
Assembly Hall.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
and state of society; educating and training for dignified
life, decent work and full citizenship; respecting the
planet on which we live, which, moreover, is still the
only one on which the human species can survive as
such. If we continue to destroy this world in the short
term, humankind and future generations are sure to be
homeless.
behalf of the General Assembly, I have the honour
to welcome to the United Nations His Excellency
Mr. Tabaré Vázquez, President of the Eastern Republic
of Uruguay, and to invite him to address the Assembly.
Prevention also means rejecting all forms of
President Vázquez (spoke in Spanish): I bring to
terrorism and discrimination so that there are no
dead children on the beaches of the world because
they cannot find a place to live, rejecting terrorism
and discrimination wherever they arise and in all
circumstances and places. Prevention is thinking boldly
and acting sensibly with an eye on future generations,
but as there is no future without a present, prevention is
also thinking and acting according to our hopes, needs
and possibilities.
this forum, the largest and most representative of today’s
world, the greetings of the people and the Government
of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay — a greeting
that expresses our passion for peace and freedom;
our commitment to democracy, human rights, justice
and solidarity; our commitment to the sustainable
development of our country; and our desire for a
humankind that, despite the redundancy, places at
its core human beings — all human beings, men and
women of this world without exception or excuse. We
are all equal before the law, but above all we are all
equal before life.
A moment ago, I made a reference to health, no
Although I come from Uruguay, I am not here to
doubt because of my work experience — since I am
a physician and until very recently was in the full
exercise of my profession and vocation — but not
only from experience. As the leader of my country, I
am well aware that public health is a key and essential
component of the sovereignty of nations, a right of
individuals, a factor in the development of societies and
an unavoidable responsibility of States.
talk about the problems of Uruguay. I would modestly
like to discuss problems affecting humankind as a
whole. Weeks ago the world public opinion was moved
by the image of a dead child on a beach after the sinking
of the vessel with which, like so many other victims of
the conflict in their country, he was trying to find a
place in the world where he could find the protection
to which he was entitled. The international reaction
was immediate, but we hope that it was not ephemeral,
that we not forget this tragedy that hit us and shamed
us, to act with determination and efficiency in finding
From that perspective, we face a disturbing and
unavoidable reality at the level of the whole of planet
Earth. Indeed, according to recent studies and reports of
the World Health Organization, first, the global burden
of disease is shifting from acute, infectious diseases
to chronic non-communicable diseases; the two must
be fought, by working to keep acute diseases from
appearing and by acting to prevent non-communicable
chronic diseases from occurring. Secondly, chronic
conditions such as heart disease and strokes are
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currently the leading cause of death worldwide. If we
add other non-communicable diseases linked mainly to
the lifestyle that we are developing as we advance, it is
obvious that there is little left to say. Over 60 to 70 per
cent of morbidity and mortality worldwide is due to
chronic non-communicable diseases — cardiovascular
diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, diabetes, and so on. Accordingly there is still
so much to be done.
That task should have no borders of any kind,
because the complex of problems underlying them
from cancer and other non-communicable diseases, it
is important to adopt political positions and policies
and to implement systemic strategies to end poverty,
generate social inclusion, promote education, encourage
healthful lifestyles, and strengthen integrated health
systems, including national programmes for the
primary prevention, early detection and diagnosis,
treatment, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up of
these diseases. In regard to healthful lifestyles, physical
activity and sports are important, as is a healthful diet,
as opposed to the harmful and highly processed foods
of an industry that growing exponentially.
know no borders. That is so much the case that the
mere mention of the complex global landscape brings
to mind Africa and Asia in particular, as well as Latin
America, where many low-income and middle-income
countries currently face a double burden of morbidity.
Infectious diseases are killing people mercilessly and
impacting us deeply, while chronic non-communicable
diseases are also insidiously killing our populations.
We must control smoking, alcoholism and drug
At the same time, malnutrition and risk factors
abuse. Based on our experience, we feel that it is
indispensable to include tobacco and alcohol in our
policies on drugs. We know it is not easy, but it is
possible to regulate those markets without resorting to
prohibitionist dogmatism and respecting the rights of
individuals and making public health a matter of State
sovereignty and social progress. Above all, I reiterate
that the fight against smoking is also one against its
vector of transmission, which is not mosquitoes, birds
or rats but a multinational tobacco industry that, in
order to double its profits, has no problem killing its
own customers.
for chronic non-communicable diseases, such as
overweight and obesity, have been said to also affect
high-income countries and remain prevalent in the
world. It is estimated that cancer has been costing
Latin America $4.5 billion annually in terms of direct
costs for physicians’ consultations, studies, diagnoses,
treatment, medication, hospitalization, palliative care
and more. There are indirect costs as well, such as travel
and accommodations, lost work days and productivity.
How much of that money could be saved if, rather than
using it to treat the effects of these diseases, it could
be put into social policies to improve people’s lives by
offering better education, better health and dignifed
living conditions for our peoples?
Uruguay has been a world leader in the
It may be unpleasant to mention this aspect, but it
implementation of the Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control. Beginning in January 2014, Uruguay
adopted a law on the control and regulation of
cannabis, and we are working on measures related to
controlling alcoholism, perhaps with a zero-tolerance
policy in certain cases and circumstances. Finally,
with regard to that issue, nothing can be achieved in
isolation. Everything requires sensitivity, resolve
and perseverance on the part of all Governments and
peoples throughout the world.
is part of an uncomfortable reality that we must change,
because if we do not adopt immediate measures by the
year 2030, 1 million Latin Americans will die annually
of cancer alone, and more than 7 million people
globally will die from a preventable disease that, with
early diagnosis and proper treatment, can be cured.
Cancer will kill more people in the world every year
than those killed during the Second World War. We are
facing a brutal pandemic and, I humbly suggest, we
must be aware of the reality we are currently suffering a
pandemic that the humankind has never before known.
In the area of international cooperation, we are not
Life is precious; it has no price. In order to address
starting from zero. There are a number of institutional
frameworks and modalities and very many projects
under way. Could the implementation of the former and
the progress of the latter be improved? No doubt, but
rather than inventing new ones, let us make better use
of what we already have. To that end, we certainly will
need more human, material and financial resources, but
there is one resource without which all these things, as
abundant as they may be, will always be insufficient.
I am referring to the resource of political will, which
in this case is more than an ideological dilemma or a
and reverse the growing morbidity and mortality
question of left, right or centre; it is an ethical issue.
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It is not ethical that, in some circumstances, tribunals
situation, whose main victims are the peoples of the
two countries, especially their socially most vulnerable
sectors.
and multinational organizations are able to prioritize
trade over the defence of the fundamental human right
to health and life. That is what Uruguay is suffering
from. A major international tobacco company — I
would cite only its initials so as not to offend certain
sensibilities, but it is in fact Philip Morris — has
appealed against Uruguay for bringing the issue of
tobacco control to the World Health Organization. That
is the situation Uruguay faces. Perhaps because we are
a small country, we have been chosen for that role, not
just to punish Uruguay but so that other countries of
the world do not follow the path Uruguay has taken to
fight against tobacco and to provide a better quality of
life to its people.
The third situation is the peace talks in Colombia,
another complex but decisive process for our brother
country and our region as a whole. We support this
process and are ready to cooperate with it under the
terms agreed to and demanded by the parties. Uruguay
is not omnipotent, nor does it claim to be omnipresent
or infallible, but neither is it indifferent.
Mr. González Franco (Paraguay), Vice-President,
took the Chair.
In 2008, our country officially submitted its
Calling for ethics in the twenty-first century, I
candidacy for a seat on the Security Council as a
non-permanent member for the period 2016 to 2017. We
did so based on our commitment to this Organization,
of which we are a founding member; on our adherence
to international law and multilateralism; on our firm
rejection of all forms of terrorism and discrimination;
on our conviction that the only means capable of
resolving conflicts are the peaceful ones laid down in
the Charter of the United Nations; and on our confidence
in the value of the Security Council’s efforts to fulfil
its primary function of maintaining international peace
and security.
realize, might appear to be naïve or anachronistic, but
the reality indicates the opposite. As we stated, we need
only look at the news of the past few weeks to see that
in some aspects, none of them trivial, the world really
seems to be a kind of lunatic asylum run by its own
patients. That is terrible, but if humankind wants to
survive and progress, it cannot resign itself to such a
terrible situation. It cannot become resigned to war or
to the humiliation of poor people who have nothing to
eat, nor can we close our eyes 24 hours after seeing a
Syrian boy dead on a Turkish beach.
Uruguay has contributed to peace and security
From our own perspective as a Latin American
with a concrete and unwavering commitment that
began before the creation of the United Nations, has
been maintained over the Organization’s 70-year
history and today is manifest in its participation in the
peacekeeping operations whose mandates come from
that very Security Council. We want to bring our values,
commitment and efforts to bear as a non-permanent
member of the Council for the period 2016 to 2017. We
rely on the support of those here to help us do that, and
we will not disappoint them.
country and as Latin Americans, we cannot fail to
mention three situations that are prominent on the
agenda of our region. The first is the restoration of
diplomatic relations between the United States and
Cuba as an indispensable step in the normalization
of bilateral relations between the two countries. We
commend that step, and while we are aware of the
complexity of the process under way, we are confident
with regard to its future, particularly with regard to the
key element of ending the economic, trade and financial
embargo imposed on Cuba more than 50 years ago by
the Government of the United States. As it has done on
previous occasions, Uruguay will vote in favour of the
General Assembly’s draft resolution calling for an end
to the embargo. Hopefully it will be the last time that
the Assembly will have to pronounce on the issue.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the
President of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay for the
statement he has just made.
Mr. Tabaré Vázquez, President of the Eastern
Republic of Uruguay, was escorted from the
General Assembly Hall.
The second situation in Latin America is the
tension that has existed for several weeks on the border
between Colombia and Venezuela. We call for calm,
respectful and open dialogue between the Governments
Address by Mr. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President
of the Republic of Malawi, Minister for Defense and
of these brother countries in order to deal with this
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Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force
and the Malawi Police Service
the same period, we have lived in fear and uncertainty,
in a world tainted by the conflicts, poverty and violence
that have endangered our very existence.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): Thse
Assembly will now hear an address by the President
of the Republic of Malawi, Minister for Defense and
Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force and
the Malawi Police Service.
As we live in this imperfect world, the pursuit
of peace should be our main goal if we are to shape
a promising life for our future generations. I would
therefore like to commend the Secretary-General for
convening the High-level Independent Panel on Peace
Operations, aimed at reviewing current United Nations
operations and considering emerging future needs in
the prevention and resolution of conflicts. The Panel’s
Mr. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the
Republic of Malawi, Minister for Defense and
Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force
and the Malawi Police Service, was escorted into
the General Assembly Hall.
report (A/70/95), submitted in June, has highlighted
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On behalf
some important issues that I feel that we, as part of
the global family, should consider and take seriously.
I would like to mention just a few of those issues
demanding our attention as members of the United
Nations.
of the General Assembly, I have the honour to welcome
to the United Nations His Excellency Mr. Arthur
Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi,
Minister for Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the
Malawi Defense Force and the Malawi Police Service,
and to invite him to address the Assembly.
First, peace operations should be guided by a focus
President Mutharika: It gives me great pleasure
on political solutions, in which the emphasis should
be on conflict prevention through political means,
with a bias towards people-centred solutions as well
as the protection of civilians. Secondly, there is a need
for comprehensive peace and security partnerships
that involve the Security Council, regional actors and
national mechanisms. Thirdly, the world, through
the United Nations, should find a way to compensate
people who have suffered abuse. Fourthly, there is a
need for greater political will on the part of all actors in
peace missions.
to congratulate Mr. Mogens Lukketoft on his election
to preside over the General Assembly at its seventieth
session. His credentials are impeccable, and I am
confident that he will steer the Assembly’s affairs to
a successful conclusion, with all his objectives and
aspirations fulfilled. I would like to assure him of my
delegation’s support. I would also like to thank His
Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa of our sister country Uganda,
the outgoing President of the General Assembly, for his
untiring efforts during his presidency. His dedication to
the work of the United Nations is commendable. And I
reiterate Malawi’s support for the Secretary-General as
he strives to realize the purposes of the Charter of the
United Nations.
Let me now touch on another important issue that
The theme of this year’s general debate, “The United
has been on the agenda of the United Nations for quite
some time, that is, reform of the Security Council. I
have followed with keen interest the intergovernmental
negotiations on how the Security Council can be
reformed to make it more representative, democratic,
effective, transparent and accountable to all. The
Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration are our
guiding principles in that endeavour. Our quest for
peace and security should be hinged on sustainable
socioeconomic development for our people that has
true meaning and reflects the lives of our people.
Nations at 70 — a new commitment to action”, comes
at a very opportune time, for it fittingly summarizes
the core business of the United Nations at its inception,
today and in the future — that is, the maintenance of
international peace and security. The United Nations
was created on the understanding that peace is not
just the absence of war; it comes with the struggles,
compromises, sacrifices and choices we make as
nations and as individuals for the benefit of humanity.
We cannot realize a complete sense of peace without
justice, dignity and freedom. We can rejoice that in the
70 years of the work of the United Nations, we have
Despite varied progress among Member States,
and developing countries in particular, the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) have proved that unity
of purpose is critical to transforming the world into a
better place for our children and future generations.
My Government is grateful to development partners
that have worked to help Malawi achieve four of the
collectively averted another world war. However, during
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eight MDGs: reducing child mortality, combating
HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensuring
environmental sustainability and developing a global
partnership for development. It is evident that as a
country we are embarking on the implementation of
the post-2015 development agenda with unfinished
business. It is therefore imperative, as we move to
implement the new global development agenda, to be
mindful of the important role that global partnerships
can play in effective development cooperation, thereby
ensuring the successful implementation of development
programmes in the developing countries.
Let me commend President Xi Jinping of China,
and the Secretary-General, through the Office of
UN-Women, for organizing on the margins of this
session the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender
Equality and Women’s Empowerment: A Commitment
to Action, under the theme “Planet 50-50 by 2030: step
it up for gender equality”, to which a number of leaders,
including Malawi’s, made national commitments.
My Government is committed to the “He For She”
campaign to address gender inequality, end genderbased
violence,
promote
women’s
political
participation
and facilitate women’s economic empowerment. It has
We in Malawi are also glad to reiterate the fact
therefore been singled out as one of the core priority
areas of our revised Malawi Growth and Development
Strategy — the blueprint of Malawi’s development.
Malawi also took advantage of the forum to host a side
high-level event to share perspectives on demographic
dividends and investing in youth, which we hope
will successfully lead to improved coordination,
commitment and support for youth empowerment and
development for Africa.
that, as we look to the Sustainable Development
Goals, we can draw international pride and inspiration
from our collective achievements on MDG 6, which
involves halting and reversing the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Under that goal, we aimed to put 15 million people on
treatment globally, and today we can stand here and
boldly declare that we have met that target. As we
look to the sustainable development agenda, we must
commit, as the international community, to putting an
end to AIDS as a public health threat and finishing the
business of HIV/AIDS by 2030.
We have expressed the desire for shared prosperity
My Government has already committed to doing
and well-being and unity and integration, for a continent
where the full potential of women and youth are realized
with freedom from fear, disease and want. As others
taking the floor earlier have noted, two days ago we
adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
That was brilliant. However, allow me to highlight SDG
4, which speaks of education. As a champion of higher
education in Africa, I wish to reiterate in no uncertain
terms that all of the brilliant resolutions and decisions
coming out of this great forum, and many similar ones
across the world, will fall flat if countries ignore the
task of educating the people, especially young people
and, even more so, girl children.
so, and current evidence shows that Malawi is well on
the way to achieving that goal. Together, we can end
AIDS by 2030, but it will require conducting business
“as unusual” and fast-tracking HIV responses, in line
with the evidence of what works. But more importantly,
it will require continued shared responsibility and
global solidarity in financing HIV programmes and
enhancing the capacity of developing countries such as
Malawi to manufacture the drugs and make them more
accessible to our people.
Having said that, let me also reiterate what I have
In that vein, I am pleased to note that Sustainable
always maintained — that all of the aforementioned
wonderful programmes will be realized when
we, as a global family, do not leave our youth and
women behind. In Malawi and, I believe, in almost
all developing countries, young people and women
constitute the majority of the population. It is therefore
only natural that they be adequately represented at all
decision-making levels of society. The late President
Mandela of South Africa once said, “As long as a nation
refuses to acknowledge the equal role of more than half
of itself, it is doomed to failure”. That is a fact and I
could not agree with it more.
Development Goal 4 is about “ensuring inclusive and
equitable quality education and promoting lifelong
learning”. However, it does not fully capture the
centrality of higher education in achieving the wider
Sustainable Development Goals and targets. Allow me
to express gratitude to those partners that continue to
stand with us to promote higher education in Africa.
With improved and increased access to higher education,
the world will strike a massive blow at poverty.
In fulfilling its national and international
responsibility, my Government recognizes the cross-
cutting role of respecting and protecting people’s
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human rights and the rule of law. My Government
will continue to promote human rights, inter alia, by
enhancing awareness of human rights, promoting
equitable access to opportunity and strengthening legal
protections.
with the refugee crisis, with terrorist attacks inside
Europe and with economic difficulties in some member
States.
As difficult as the situation is, I am sure that we
The full enjoyment of people’s human rights cannot
be achieved in a society full of fraud, corruption and
theft of public resources. Those vices must be dealt with
in order to protect people’s human rights and ensure the
delivery of expected services from their Government.
Our Government has therefore always been committed
will find ways of dealing with it and, most importantly,
we will at the same time remain dedicated to helping
make the whole world a better place. Everyone who
wishes to contribute to eradicating poverty, supporting
peacekeeping missions and solving the migration crisis,
as well as handling the causes and effects of climate
change, can still count on us. For Europe, isolationism
to fighting corruption, fraud and theft. It is against
has never been and never will be an option. We are
that background that we are pursuing and prosecuting
suspects for the theft of public funds. May god bless the
United Nations family.
always ready to listen to the good and sound advice
from our friends on the unprecedented refugee and
migrant crisis that we face today.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): I thank
The myth prevails that Europe is the only rich
the President of the Republic of Malawi, Minister
for Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi
Defense Force and the Malawi Police Service for his
statement.
place on Earth. That is not true. There are other places
comparable to us in terms of wealth, but for some
reason refugees and migrants are not flowing there.
That is because wealth is not the only element that
determines the place where people choose the future
of their children. Values such as tolerance, openness,
respect for diversity, freedom, human rights and those
enshrined in the Geneva Convention are also a magnet
attracting them to us.
Mr. Arthur Peter Mutharkika, President of the
Republic of Malawi, Minister for Defense and
Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force
and the Malawi Police Service, was escorted from
the rostrum.
And we refuse to change in those respects. If in
Address by Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the
European Council
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
Assembly will now hear an address by the President of
the European Council.
Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European
Council , was escorted to the rostrum.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): I have
great pleasure in welcoming His Excellency Mr. Donald
Tusk, President of the European Council, and inviting
him to make a statement.
Mr. Tusk (European Council): I am here today
Europe we are engaged in animated discussions on
relocation quotas, it is because we care; it is because
we seek to be as effective and as inclusive as possible.
But establishing quotas are just a small part of what
Europe is already doing to help those who flee wars and
persecution. By contrast, many countries represented
here deal with that problem in a much simpler way,
namely, by not allowing migrants and refugees to enter
their territories at all. That is why suggesting that Europe
represents an example of poor treatment or indifference
towards asylum-seekers is sheer hypocrisy. In fact, the
opposite is true, as we can see from the direction of
their travel. No one seems to be escaping from Europe,
while people from all over Eurasia and Africa are
coming to Europe. The crisis we are talking about has
global dimensions and demands a global solution. First
of all, it demands global solidarity. Everyone can offer
help to the refugees, and those who do not want to
should at least refrain from hiding their indifference by
criticizing Europe for doing too little.
to reassure the General Assembly that Europe is as
committed to its values and objectives now as it has
ever been. Europe will stay the course, even though it is
now confronting challenges that we have not witnessed
for decades. Wars are raging both to the south and
east of our borders. European leaders are tackling the
consequences of borders being changed on our continent
by force — as is the case in Ukraine — in violation of
It is no coincidence that the general debate this
year is focused mainly on the situation in the Middle
the Charter of the United Nations. We are also dealing
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East, especially in Syria. Let us have no illusions.
Syria’s crisis will not be resolved unless a common
denominator of interests is found among the regional
players. But a peace plan must not be only a formula
for defining a new division of spheres of influence;
here in the United Nations we should speak not only
about the interests of the regional Powers but, above
all, about the interests of millions of Syrians, including
the internally displaced and refugees. The fight against
terrorism is no doubt important in that context; that is
why we welcome the fact that this objective is gaining
the support of new and quite unexpected allies. But we
cannot overlook the fact that many refugees are fleeing
State terrorism, which is demonstrated dramatically by
the case of Syria.
agreement, Europe’s isolated efforts will be impractical.
What matters for Europe is practical effects and not
ideological fervour. Global challenges must be dealt
with multilaterally or they will not be dealt with at all.
We all have a duty to make the international community
mean something real. We are facing multiple global
emergencies. Let them pave the way to forge a global
community that is truly strong, truly global and truly
real.
The Acting President: On behalf of the General
Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the European
Council for the statement he has just made.
Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European
Council, was escorted from the rostrum.
Europe, which every day witnesses the tragedies of
millions of Syrian refugees, must be their advocate. We
all want to see stable States in the region. Stabilization
is a value beyond any dispute, but stability cannot be
won by the use of barrel bombs and chemical weapons
against civilians. Today, the circle of those proposing
the idea that Bashar Al-Assad should be part of Syria’s
transition is growing, yet we cannot forget that millions
of people have fled his horrific methods of trying to
secure stability in Syria. During my trips to the region,
I was told that Al-Assad’s victory would lead only to
further exodus. The only goal and intention of a peace
plan for Syria must be to make it possible for the people
to start leading normal lives in the region once again.
That message, and that message alone, will be consistent
with the values of the international community and the
European Union, and with the values that the United
Nations has held dear for more than 70 years.
This year will also be crucial in the global efforts
to fight the causes and consequences of climate change.
Over the past days and weeks, we have listened with
great hope and satisfaction to the pledges of leaders
committed to fighting global warming. Europe is
determined that the Paris Climate Change Conference
will be a breakthrough, symbolizing our readiness to
undertake unified action in confronting that global
problem.
With a pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions
Address by Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan
The Acting President: The Assembly will now
hear an address by the Prime Minister of Japan.
Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, was
escorted to the rostrum.
The Acting President: I have great pleasure in
welcoming His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime
Minister of Japan, and inviting him to address the
Assembly.
Mr. Abe (Japan) (spoke in Japanese; English
interpretation by the delegation): The United Nations,
which this year commemorates the seventieth
anniversary of its founding, brings together people
who do not easily despair even in the face of
desperate circumstances. What else can explain the
Organization’s ability to withstand such adversity and
to arrive at this moment? The Ebola virus has spread
wildly. Extremism is running rampant. And now an
immense tide of refugees is attempting to flee from
horror, with their very lives at risk. We must address
whatever challenges arise, under the auspices of the
United Nations. Each Member State must bring its own
distinctive capabilities to the struggle.
Japan has a history of supporting nation-building
in a wide range of places. We have worked extensively
to enhance human resources, and we have given our
utmost in humanitarian assistance and in the promotion
of women’s rights. Now more than ever, Japan wishes
to offer its wealth of experience unstintingly. Japan will
further enhance its assistance for refugees and internally
displaced persons from Syria and Iraq. In monetary
to 40 per cent of its 1990 levels, Europe remains in
the lead of that process, but fighting global warming
is not a sports competition. Victory is possible when
everybody moves in the same direction and at a similar
pace. That is why we invite all Member States to take
part in that common endeavour. Without a global
terms, our assistance for 2015 comes to approximately
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$810 million, triple the amount we provided last year.
In Lebanon, we will spend $2 million in new assistance
measures. We will leverage that amount in order to give
momentum to the collaboration between humanitarian
and development actors. We will also provide
approximately $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance
to neighbour countries of the European Union that are
grappling with the influx of refugees and migrants,
such as the Republic of Serbia and the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia.
her when she fled a Palestinian refugee camp south of
Damascus. Everything in the photograph was for her
10-month old daughter: a clean change of socks, a hat
and a single jar of baby food.
But as I contemplated that photograph, my eyes were
Each of those assistance measures is an emergency
drawn to a notebook that had been wrapped carefully in
plastic to protect it from getting wet. I recognized it as
a handbook on maternal and child health that Japan has
been distributing in refugee camps in Syria. In Japan,
all pregnant women receive this handbook, in which
they can keep records about their own health and that
countermeasure that Japan is able to implement. At the
of their child. This handbook system has been in place
same time, however, our steadfast principle is always
to endeavour to return to the root causes of a problem
and to improve the situation on the ground. In order
to bring stability to the daily lives of the Iraqi people,
it is vital to ensure that they have dependable water
supply and sewage systems. Taking those programmes
into account, Japan is preparing assistance worth
approximately $750 million to help build peace and
fully consolidate peace across the Middle East and
Africa.
It is important to look squarely at the facts. Behind
the present tide of refugees is a far greater number of
people who are unable even to flee and become refugees.
Rebuilding devastated countries and transforming them
into places that allow people to resume the pursuit of
happiness may seem like a roundabout way of reaching
our goal, but promoting and cultivating each human
being’s abilities and capacity to fight fear and want
at the grass-roots level is in fact the shortest path to
that end. That strong belief has guided Japan’s policy
of prioritizing the promotion of education and health
and, in particular, the importance of strengthening
women of all ages. Our policy seeks to fully ensure
human security. I am extremely pleased that such
efforts to value each individual were thoroughly
incorporated within the 2030 Sustainable Development
Goals (resolution 70/1) set forth by the United Nations
community.
Japan wishes to create an environment in which
mothers of newborns are free to focus exclusively on
the healthy growth of their children. In reflecting on
that premise, I came across a photograph that portrayed
the contents of a bag carried by a female refugee. I
asked myself what people would pack in the one bag
they take with them when fleeing hardship? Abessa,
a 20-year-old woman who crossed the Mediterranean
for more than 70 years.
Who among all the mothers who smile sweetly at
the hand-written records of their child’s heights and
weights could wish for that same child to grow up to
become an apostle of fear? Each woman’s handbook
is a record of her prayers for her child to grow up
healthy. Her notebook acquires a power of its own: the
power of the mother’s wish for her child’s life not to
be squandered. We have distributed maternal and child
health handbooks in refugee camps in Palestine, Syria,
and Jordan in the hope that a mother’s love can transform
the soil that sometimes gives rise to despair and fear.
We know that some women continue to treasure those
hope-infused handbooks even during their exodus. I am
struck by the fact that the concept of human security,
which seeks to empower each individual, has produced
such eloquent, albeit bitter results.
The rule of law and the principle of equality before
the law are values that Japan respects above all others.
The extension of those principles also begins with
fostering human capacity. I would like to share with the
Assembly the story of a young Japanese woman who has
been giving her all through Japan’s training assistance
programme for police officers. In order to break with the
very root of violence and fear, it is critical to cultivate
good police personnel and good police governance.
In that conviction, we have been directing our efforts
at training police personnel in Afghanistan and many
other locations. Through the Japan International
Cooperation Agency, Japan has been steadily providing
such assistance to the national police force of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2004. More
than 20,000 police personnel to date, including women
and a number of former armed insurgent soldiers, have
received such training. Our motto has been to cultivate
a police force that is friendly towards the local people.
Sea on a rubber raft, was able to bring very little with
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The Japan International Cooperation Agency
in an effort to arrive at a comprehensive resolution
of the outstanding issues, including those related to
abductions, nuclear power and missiles.
was responsible for developing and implementing the
training plan, and women have consistently been in
charge of Japan’s staff on the ground in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. One such woman was called a
“little giant” when she first arrived. Seen alongside her
male police colleagues, she was indeed small in stature.
yet she was dubbed a giant because she never flinched
from difficulties and took the initiative to grapple with
issues, making full use of the French language skills she
had acquired. The national police personnel respected
and trusted her. Two years ago, here in the General
Assembly (see A/68/PV.12), I emphasized that Japan
has recently made a point of establishing itself as a
proactive contributor to peace, based on the principle of
international cooperation. The woman I just mentioned
is one of the Japanese individuals dedicated to this and
working on the front lines.
This year, the seventieth anniversary of the atomic
bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was one in
which we relived our grief. Regrettably, however, it
seems that in some places nuclear arsenals, with no
transparency, continue to grow. Moreover, this year’s
Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons failed to come
up with guidelines for future nuclear disarmament and
non-proliferation. We believe that the United States
I am one of Japan’s biggest champions of ensuring
and Russia should continue to reduce their nuclear
weapon stockpiles, while we also insist that other
States possessing nuclear weapons should also work to
reduce their arsenals. In its determination to eliminate
nuclear weapons completely, Japan is preparing a new
draft resolution aimed at promoting united action on
the issue by the international community that I am sure
many countries will support.
that women take on many of the roles that will shape
our country’s future. In our external assistance efforts,
too, we emphasize policies and measures aimed at
improving women’s safety, health and well-being and
upholding their human rights. In countries recovering
from civil war, Japanese women have been making
splendid contributions in support of those working to
uphold the rule of law, something I am particularly
proud of. On a number of previous occasions, I have
urged the international community to ensure that the
twenty-first century will be an era in which women’s
human rights are protected.
This year, as we celebrate the seventieth anniversary
Today, I am also pleased to be able to report
of the founding of the United Nations, a major push for
reform of the Security Council has begun. During the
last session of the General Assembly, the assiduous
efforts of dedicated individuals and various countries
greatly intensified the discussion of Security Council
reform. And two weeks ago, here in this very Hall,
that enthusiasm was passed on to the current session
as the entire Assembly applauded (see A/70/PV.1) .
Emboldened by that enthusiasm and by my conviction
regarding the role that Japan should play in that process,
I will continue to work to achieve reform of the Security
Council with the cooperation of the President and
Member States. Japan hopes to become a permanent
member of the Council and to make a commensurate
contribution.
that Japan has finalized its action plan on women’s
participation and protection based on Security Council
resolution 1325 (2000), important aspects of which
include protecting women and girls from violence and
providing them with basic health services. Moreover,
this year, for the second consecutive year, we hosted
WAW! 2015, the World Assembly for Women, holding
meaningful discussions with a view to creating a
society in which women can shine.
Here I would like to emphasize three points. First
I believe the United Nations is a venue where
and foremost, Japan has remained a strictly peace-loving
nation during the 70 years since the end of the Second
World War, and we have accumulated a successful
record in our efforts to foster peace and prosperity
around the world. Japan worked hard diplomatically in
Cambodia and Timor-Leste, first by sending personnel
to participate in peacekeeping operations there and
later by providing assistance over the long term.
optimistic realists can come together. It does not give
itself up to impotent despair of the future, but neither does
it avert its eyes from reality. That is how it has shaped
the 70 years of its history. And I, too, feel compelled to
face up squarely to reality on several issues, the first
of which is North Korea. In that regard, Japan intends
The first of the three stages involved in
peacekeeping operations is decision-making, in which
we determine what is to be done and where. That is
to work in coordination with other relevant countries
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followed by the necessary preparations of personnel
and financing and, lastly, by the process of launching
physical operations on the ground. Japan has been able
to help to bridge the information gaps that tend to occur
between those stages. We have also been able to make
a positive and major contribution by ensuring that we
take full responsibility for our decisions and actions at
every stage. Right now, members of an engineering unit
of Japan’s self-defence forces are working around the
clock in South Sudan. In Kenya, experts from our ground
self-defence force are training members of the Kenyan,
Ugandan, Tanzanian and Rwandan armed forces on the
best ways to operate heavy engineering equipment so as
to deal with the problems that arise when peacekeeping
operations become hopelessly trapped in areas where
roads and bridges have been destroyed. We also recently
made changes to our domestic legal framework that will
enable us to contribute more broadly to peacekeeping
operations going forward.
the gracious support of all those here, it will be our
eleventh time serving on the Council.
More than any other country, Japan has subjected
itself to review by its peers. The three points I have
noted today represent some of Japan’s strengths,
something that all here will concur with, based on the
path we have trodden so far. We intend to use those
strengths to help strengthen the United Nations. We are
a people who have always seen in the two letters “UN”
a certain radiance. Bearing the standard of its role as
a proactive contributor to peace based on the principle
of international cooperation, Japan is determined to
undertake reform of the Security Council in order
to transform the United Nations into a body relevant
to the twenty-first century and subsequently, as a
permanent member of the Security Council, to fulfil its
responsibilities by making still greater contributions to
world peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, I look forward to Members’ kind
Secondly, Japan is a country that values ownership
understanding.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the
Prime Minister of Japan for the statement he has just
made.
Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, was
escorted from the rostrum.
and partnership. We have been of the view for many
years that if we are to overcome despair and improve our
welfare, it is important to give equal consideration both
to the wishes and intentions of the parties concerned and
to international cooperation. Our ultimate objective is
to ensure that the people themselves gain the ownership
that will enable them to determine the direction of their
own lives, and by emphasizing that approach to arrive
at the concept of valuing human security.
My third point is that Japan always strives to listen
Address by Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad
Al Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait
actively to the voices of the parties concerned. Three
days ago, for the third consecutive year, I hosted the
Japan-African Regional Economic Communities
Summit Roundtable, meeting with leaders from the
African countries conerned. For the past 20 years, Japan
has also hosted the Tokyo International Conference
on African Development (TICAD), and next year for
the first time TICAD will convene in Africa, where I
hope to be able to listen to an even richer spectrum of
African voices. Last night I also met with leaders from
the Pacific island countries to discuss such matters as
observing 5 November in common as World Tsunami
Day, as well as conducting training and capacitybuilding
related
to
tsunamis.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): The
Assembly will now hear an address by the Prime
Minister of the State of Kuwait.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al Sabah,
Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, was escorted
to the rostrum.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): I have
great pleasure in welcoming His Highness Sheikh Jaber
Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister of
the State of Kuwait, and inviting him to address the
Assembly.
Sheikh Al Sabah (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): At
Japan became a non-permanent member of the
the outset, on behalf of the Government and the people
of Kuwait, I extend our sincere congratulations to the
President of the General Assembly and his country,
the Kingdom of Denmark, on his election as President
Security Council for the first time in 1958, two years
after it was admitted to membership in the United
Nations. If we are again selected this year thanks to
of the General Assembly at its seventieth session. We
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believe that his vast experience in political affairs will
enable him to conduct the deliberations of this session
wisely and ably. We wish him success in that endeavour.
We also note the successful manner with which
his predecessor, Mr. Sam Kutesa, conducted the
deliberations during the previous session. In that regard,
I also would like to pay tribute to the tremendous efforts
of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in leading the
Organization in accordance with his vision and ideas
based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of
the United Nations for the maintenance of international
peace and security, while simultaneously striving to
achieve the Charter’s goals in a sustainable manner by
confronting the manifold risks and challenges that are
engulfing the world.
goals in the form of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development with its Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) (resolution 70/1), which can be considered
to be an extension of the international community’s
efforts based on the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). The MDGs have, by and large, achieved their
purposes, and the United Nations has surpassed its
goals in facing up to the challenges that it is confronted
with, and has proceeded to implement comprehensive,
radical solutions in the areas of human development
and individual rights. That includes the goal of totally
eliminating poverty in its multiple forms, ensuring that
all human beings enjoy equal rights in dignity and access
to education and health care, as well as ensuring political
participation, gender equality, youth empowerment and
addressing the ongoing environmental degradation.
Once again, we express our most sincere
In that regard, the State of Kuwait affirm its
condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia in connection with the stampede that
resulted in numerous deaths and injuries at Mina during
the Haj. While we pray to Allah, the Almighty, to accept
the victims in His Grace and grant them eternal peace,
and solace and fortitude to their bereaved families, we
also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We
appreciate and are grateful for the enormous human
and material assets that the King, his Government and
people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia make available
every year to organize and facilitate the Haj and to
provide every comfort to the pilgrims.
This year, the international community is
effective participation in the international partnership
to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals
over the next 15 years. That is based on Kuwait’s
firm belief in the Charter of the United Nations and
on Kuwait’s support for the Organization. Kuwait will
continue its funding in appreciation of the certificate
of appreciation presented by the Secretary-General to
Sheikh Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, as
a humanitarian leader. That award is tantamount to a
medal of honour for the leadership displayed by the
Government and the people of Kuwait in saving the
lives of millions of people. Indeed, Kuwait occupies
first place in the provision of humanitarian assistance
globally as a proportion of its gross national income, the
highest percentage provided by a donor State, according
to the Global Humanitarian Assistance Report 2014.
celebrating 70 years of service by this great leading
world Organization, during which it has worked to
create a world in which humankind can enjoy peace
and security during a period marked by exceptional
circumstances — a period when the political, economic,
social and humanitarian challenges in the world have
increased. During that time, the United Nations has
continued to provide its service in accordance with the
aims and objectives of its Charter in order to surmount
those growing challenges and confront them by creative
means. Those undertakings have to a great extent
become history to be taught to future generations in
order to demonstrate the importance and inevitability
of international cooperation and the capacity of the
United Nations system to continue its boundless giving
to the peoples and countries of the world.
Furthermore, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic
Development continues its leading role in providing
development assistance to developing countries,
without any regard for geographical location, religious
belief or nationality. Since its establishment, in 1961,
more than 100 countries in all parts of the globe
have benefited from the Fund’s projects, which total
$18 billion. Over the next 15 years, the Kuwait Fund for
Arab Economic Development will continue to provide
loans and create development programmes within its
operational programmes, which are based on its own
resources, including $15 billion to meet the needs and
requirements of sustainable development.
Perhaps one of the most outstanding milestones
Undoubtedly, it is important for the international
on the path to the success of the United Nations is
community to work to consolidate and promote the
embodied in the adoption of the post-2015 development
existence of peaceful societies that are based on
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justice and are free from all manifestations of violence
and radicalism. That confirms the principle that
no sustainable development can take place without
security, and no security can exist without sustainable
development.
which seek to mobilize efforts to implement the Geneva
communiqué (S/2012/522, annex), issued in 2012, aimed
at establishing a transitional Government that is fully
functional, and at maintaining the territorial integrity
of Syria, preserving the coherence of Syrian society
and meeting the needs for dignity of the Syrian people.
There has been a proliferation of conflicts and civil
wars in our world today, accompanied by the emergence
of violence and the dangers of radicalism and terrorism,
with their multiple causes and employing diverse means
in a number of countries, particularly in the region of
the Middle East. It is civilians who make up the majority
Within the framework of supporting international
efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in
Syria, since 2013 the State of Kuwait has hosted three
successive international donor conferences to lend
support to efforts to improve the situation in that
of the victims. The international community must stand
country. The pledges made at those three conferences
up to those challenges, which threaten international
peace and security; it must address their causes and dry
up the resources that fuel them.
The Republic of Yemen and its brotherly people
amounted to approximately $7.15 billion, of which the
State of Kuwait contributed $1.3 billion. The bulk of
the money pledged has been delivered to the United
Nations specialized agencies and other international,
governmental and non-governmental organizations
in the humanitarian affairs field. The remainder of
those contributions has been distributed through local
charitable institutions working in the humanitarian and
development fields.
face serious challenges owing to the intransigence of
the Houthi militias and their insistence on breaching
their commitments and on threatening the security and
stability of our region and our countries. That situation
requires strong action to support the legitimate
Government of Yemen and to achieve peace and
stability in our region. We would like to emphasize
the need to commit to the Gulf Cooperation Council
initiative, comply with the outcome of the National
Reconciliation Conference and respond to the efforts of
the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen
in that regard. The State of Kuwait has not ignored
the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni people. Kuwait
announced, upon instructions from His Highness
Sheikh Al-Sabah, the donation of $100 million to meet
the needs of Yemen.
With regard to the situation in Libya, we are closely
following the agreement announced in the Moroccan
city of Skhirat by the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Libya, aimed at forming a
national consensus Government that would put an end
to the fighting. We look forward to a positive response
to that initiative from our brothers in Libya, so that
they can stop the bloodshed, preserve the sovereignty
and territorial integrity of their homeland and restore
security and stability throughout Libya.
Our region faces exceptionally delicate dangers
In Syria, as that disaster enters its fifth year, the
scope of humanitarian suffering is exacerbating the
multiple other parameters of the crisis. The number of
dead and injured are rising, and the number of refugees
and internally displaced persons continues to increase.
The flow of Syrian migrants and refugees to Europe
attests to the magnitude of the crisis. We have warned
against the dire consequences of the situation on Syria,
the Syrian people, their neighbours and the entire world.
In view of the aforementioned, the State of Kuwait
reiterates its firm and principled position, namely,
that the solution to that disaster can be achieved only
through peaceful, political means, as opposed to other
means, whose price would be paid by our brothers in
Syria. In that regard, we welcome the endeavours of the
United Nations and those of the Special Envoy of the
that threaten its security and stability. They stem from
terrorist and violent groups that commit, supposedly
in the name of Islam, criminal acts rejected by all
religions. The brutal crimes committed by the so-called
Daesh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant have spread
death and destruction, particularly in Iraq and Syria,
and are a threat to international peace and security. A
much-needed international coalition has been formed to
tackle those terrorists. The State of Kuwait took part in
the establishment of the coalition by providing logistical
support. The practices of that terrorist organization
have extended to the State of Kuwait. Daesh committed
a cowardly terrorist act, targeting a mosque during the
holy month of Ramadan, which killed and injured a
number of our citizens. The national unity and cohesion
between the people and the leadership of Kuwait made
Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura,
those who wished Kuwait ill miss their mark, thereby
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reaffirming a long, honourable national history that has
witnessed floods of sacrifices for the sake of the unity
and stability of the State of Kuwait.
with East Jerusalem as their capital, in accordance with
the borders of 4 June 1967 and in line with the principle
of land for peace, the Quartet’s road map and the Arab
Peace Initiative.
In the humanitarian field, the State of Kuwait has
also responded to the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi
people. Kuwait announced the donation of $200 million
to assist our Iraqi brothers in alleviating the suffering
caused by the brutal practices of the Daesh terrorist
group. Work is ongoing to disburse that donation, in
cooperation with the competent parties in Iraq and
international organizations. We reaffirm our support
In the same regional framework, the State of
Kuwait welcomes Security Council resolution 2231
(2015), which endorsed the comprehensive agreement
on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concluded
between the five permanent members of the Security
Council, plus Germany, and the Islamic Republic of
Iran. The agreement was the result of diplomatic efforts
for all the measures taken by the Iraqi Government to
over a number of years aimed at addressing the Iranian
preserve the security, stability and territorial integrity
of Iraq. In that regard, the State of Kuwait reiterates
its firm and principled position rejecting all forms of
terrorism, extremism and intolerance, irrespective
of their causes or motives and whatever their sources
or the identity of their perpetrators. Kuwait stresses
that promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence
among peoples and nations is among the top priorities
in the approach that it follows in its internal and
external policies. Such policies are anchored in the
tolerant Islamic sharia law and in the importance
Kuwait attaches to maintaining the links between
development, security and human rights, as it works
to develop a global strategy to combat terrorism and
achieve international peace and security.
nuclear situation. The State of Kuwait hopes that the
Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to cooperate and
fully implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
and adhere to its responsibilities under the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and
the relevant Security Council resolutions. In addition,
Kuwait hopes that Iran will respond to the efforts of the
countries of the region to lay the foundations of good
neighbourly relations based on cooperation, mutual
respect and non-interference in internal affairs, and that
it will end its occupation of the three Emirati islands,
all of which will contribute to reducing tensions and to
security and stability in the region.
In that context, we call upon Israel to accede to
The international and regional efforts that seek to
the Non-Proliferation Treaty and to subject all of its
nuclear facilities to the inspection and supervision of
the International Atomic Energy Agency, in compliance
with the resolution adopted at the 1995 NPT Review
and Extension Conference, which called for the
establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all
weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.
lay the foundation for peace in the Middle East face
many impediments as a result of Israel’s intransigence.
Israel continues its illicit expansionist policies by
building illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian
territory and by detaining thousands of Palestinians
in its prisons and detention centres. Its repeated acts
of aggression, including the attack on Gaza during the
past year, has left in its wake unprecedented destruction
and loss of life and property. That is in addition to its
continued imposition of an illegal and inhumane siege
on Gaza, and the escalation of its attacks on the holy
Al-Aqsa Mosque and Muslims there. Those attacks are
in violation of all humanitarian standards, international
laws and the relevant Security Council resolutions.
That makes it incumbent upon the United Nations, and
the Security Council in particular, to carry out their
responsibilities and continue to put pressure on and
compel Israel, at all levels, to accept the resolutions of
international legitimacy, grant the Palestinian people
their legitimate political rights, and recognize their
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the
adherence of the State of Kuwait to the multilateral
international system, as well as to the purposes and
principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I
would like to underscore our belief in the importance
and necessity of exerting all efforts to ensure the
continuity and generosity of our great Organization
through the fulfilment of all States’ obligations and
responsibilities, as pledged in international conventions
and conferences. That will, in turn, contribute to
finding just and fair solutions to global threats and
challenges, while according due attention to the higher
goal of maintaining international peace and security.
independent status and sovereignty over their territory,
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The Acting President: On behalf of the General
Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the
State of Kuwait for the statement he has just made.
His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad
Al Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait,
was escorted from the rostrum.
in Europe to grasp the momentous dimension of what is
happening in the Mediterranean region. From the very
beginning — even in this Hall last year — we have said
that the refugee question is not a question of numbers
(see A/69/PV.9). The problem of migration is not one of
organization or statistics. The problem is fear, the fear
that runs through our societies and that we must take
seriously if we wish to defeat it.
Address by Mr. Matteo Renzi, President of the
Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy
In Greek mythology, Phobos was the god of fear,
The Acting President: The Assembly will now
able to paralyse the best armies and cause the most
easily fought battles to be lost. That is why the glorious
hear an address by the President of the Council of
Ministers of the Republic of Italy.
and ancient city of Sparta built a great temple to Phobos
Mr. Matteo Renzi, President of the Council of
Ministers of the Republic of Italy, was escorted to
the rostrum.
The Acting President: I have great pleasure in
welcoming His Excellency Mr. Matteo Renzi, President
of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, and
inviting him to address the General Assembly.
Mr. Renzi (Italy) (spoke in Italian; interpretation
and did everything to gain his favour. Europe was born
to defeat fear and replace it with the ideal of courage,
peace, cooperation and civilization. And for a long
time, Europe embodied that ideal. Over the past 70
years, our continent has left behind centuries of war
and civil war. Europe had become a true miracle. For
those like me, who as a young man witnessed the fall
of the Berlin Wall and found in that event a reason to
devote my life to public service, to see new walls going
up today is intolerable.
provided by the delegation): It is with gratitude and
pride that I come here today to express the voice of the
Italian people, a generous and responsible people, who
every day have shown their commitment to saving the
lives of hundreds of their brothers and sisters in the
heart of the Mediterranean region.
Europe was reborn to tear down walls, not to
This Hall calls for profound thinking rather than
build them. That is why Italy is on the front line in
rescuing thousands of migrants fleeing from war and
despair. For that same reason, I had the privilege of
accompanying Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on
one of our ships currently participating in the rescue
operations. Addressing migratory flows requires the
capacity to respond to that emergency with a global
and comprehensive strategy. In that vein, Italy has
partnered with African countries through a broad
array of initiatives, and in particular with the African
Union, a cooperation about which I an the opportunity
to speak recently at the third International Conference
on Financing for Development, held in Addis Ababa,
which produced the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
slogans. In every part of the world, political life is more
and more fixated on the present. It is tied to discussions
shaped by 24/7 news stations, the Internet and social
media. Let me be clear. I belong to a generation for
whom social media represent an extraordinary tool, a
horizon of freedom that allows us to change lives and
prospects. There is nevertheless the risk of reducing
that horizon to a discussion of the next opinion poll
or tweet. I think we should reject what has become a
dictatorship of the moment, and take the time to pay
homage to this Hall for its efforts in engaging in more
meaningful reflection.
In the 70 years since the birth of the Charter of the
I am thinking of my country, which, on a map,
United Nations in San Francisco, the Organization has
learned how crucial its role is. It has had the wisdom to
recognize its mistakes and the strength to correct them
by writing a new chapter that will ensure a better future
for all of our children. I think that it will take an effort
on the part of everyone, and Italy will not shirk from its
responsibilities.
appears to be shaped like a bridge, a bridge connecting
North and South, Europe and Africa and East and
West, a bridge that spans from the Middle East to the
Balkans. Because of its geography, and especially its
culture, Italy has always been a kind of extraordinary
cultural laboratory affected by influences of every
That is why we decided to present our candidature
to the Security Council for a non-permanent seat for
2017-2018, with the ideal in mind of building the peace
kind. That is the reason that we were the first country
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of tomorrow. We believe that it is the job of each one of
us here today to create an alternative to the culture of
violence and nihilism exemplified by the recent crises
in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Europe and at
the borders of Europe. I am thinking, for example, of the
consolidation of the ceasefire in Ukraine. I am thinking
of the great joy with which we welcomed the news of
the agreement between the United States and Cuba, one
of extraordinary historic proportions. I am thinking
of the hope that each of us now has as a consequence
of the agreement with Iran on that country’s nuclear
programme, which begins a new hopeful phase.
Libyan brothers and sisters must know that they are
not alone, that the General Assembly has not forgotten
them. Italy is ready to collaborate with a national
unity Government and to restore cooperation in key
areas so as to give Libya back its future. If the new
Libyan Government asks us, Italy is ready to take on
the leadership role in a mechanism, authorized by the
international community, to assist in the stabilization
of the country.
There are many reasons for our role in the fight
against terrorism. It is a battle for values, a battle for
culture. The terrorists want us to die. Failing that, they
While we are committed to the implementation of
want us to live under their rules. That is why the battle
that we are waging is a battle against darkness and
fear, because fear is the playground of terrorism. The
first area in which we see that is that of culture. When
terrorists attack Palmyra or the Bardo Museum in
Tunisia, or a school or a university, from Asia to Africa,
they are not attacking the past, they are targeting our
future.
that agreement, we also firmly reiterate the right of the
people and the State of Israel to exist. Only through
dialogue and negotiation will we be able to find a future
for coming generations. Moreover, on the delicate
question of Israel and Palestine, there is no alternative
to dialogue. It is essential to return to the negotiating
table, with the goal of reaching a solution based on two
States living side-by-side in peace and security.
Italy is the country where the culture of the
This open debate of the General Assembly has
conservation of cultural assets was born. Proud of
our roots and of our Renaissance, we have the highest
concentration of UNESCO cultural heritage sites in the
world. That is why, together with our partner countries
and friends, we aspire to be the guardians of culture
throughout the world, carrying out concrete actions,
both here in New York and at UNESCO headquarters
in Paris, through United4Heritage, the Blue Helmets
of culture. On the basis of a model developed in our
country, we are proposing the establishment of an
international task force, with military and civilian
members, for operations to protect and rebuild art
historical sites. That is our identity. That task force will
be available to UNESCO, and it could be deployed in the
framework of United Nations peacekeeping operations.
been characterized by many discussions on Syria. All
of us have acknowledged and felt, on a very personal
level, the failure that years of inertia has produced.
We believe that the only way out of that quagmire is
through a political solution that leads to a process of
genuine transition. That will work only if we have the
courage to stare reality in the face and acknowledge the
presence of an enemy of unprecedented danger at our
doors, namely, Daesh, the embodiment of extremism
and terrorism. Through its Carabinieri corps, which
plays an important role in Italy and the world, Italy is
proud to lead the coalition for training the Iraqi police
force. We know that the work of the security forces is
decisive in ensuring daily security, enabling a family
to return home without incident and enabling a mother
to reassure her children. We will continue working
with the global coalition to counter ISIL, in particular
the United States and Saudi Arabia, and will maintain
our leadership role in the working group to counter
financing for Daesh.
Let us not forget that even Europe runs the risk,
At the same time, we underscore that Daesh is not
limited to the specific region of the Middle East, even
if there is an extraordinary mosaic of pluralism and
beauty there. Daesh may reaffirm itself with strength in
Africa, starting with Libya. From this rostrum, I renew
my appeal to all the parties who hope for peace and a
in the absence of a major educational project that
would show that the evil seed of terrorism is growing
on European soil as well. Let us not forget that what
has happened in recent months and weeks — from
Charlie Hebdo in Paris to what took place in Belgium
and in Denmark — involved women and men born in
European countries, raised and educated in European
countries and yet transformed into terrorists who
sought to undermine human rights and the very
raison d’être of our continent. I think, therefore, that
it is important that we all succeed in this educational
unified nation in Libya. We must unite our forces. Our
challenge together and that our peacekeeping model,
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which President Obama noted yesterday and for which
we thank him, can serve as an established model that
can be in deployed in various countries, such as is
happening now in Afghanistan. I wish to recall Italy’s
commitment to honouring the women and men who
have sacrificed their lives for our collective security,
in particular in that country. We are proud of the work
of our soldiers and civilians aimed at supporting the
Afghan Government on the road to peace and prosperity.
resources to ensure that the conferences in Lima and
Paris are successful.
With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for
The Security Council is at the centre of the
challenge. That is not a bureaucratic issue, but rather a
Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), Italy
has accepted the challenge of the five Ps — people,
prosperity, partnership, planet and peace, which we
recognize and which inspire our action for the future.
But let me say that Italy intends to contribute with
strength, in particular in those battles in which some
countries seem to be alone. In the next few weeks in
Milan, we will welcome our partners, the small island
political one. The Uniting for Consensus group is ready
developing States, which are considered small States
to continue to work with all members.
Human rights, which are today under attack, are for
us a reference point at every level. I am thinking about
Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and
peace and security. I am thinking of resolution 69/186,
adopted by the General Assembly last December, with its
moratorium on the death penalty, an issue on which we
will tirelessly work. I also recall the words that the Holy
Father Pope Francis pronounced here (see A/70/PV.3)
and at the United States Congress. The resolutions
against forced and early marriage (resolution 68/148)
and against female genital mutilation (resolution
67/146) are clear signs of the shared commitment of our
world community.
The deep connection between peace and security
and between human rights and development is also the
message of the current Universal Exposition in Milan.
The slogan of Expo 2015, “Feeding the Planet: Energy
for Life”, is a message that brings together many of the
aspirations of the General Assembly, in particular that
of promoting sustainable agriculture. I wish to make a
commitment, especially to the African countries, that
we will never stop working in that direction, bolstered
by Italian know-how and the desire to work together.
Guaranteeing access to food for all, fighting world
hunger, changing consumption patterns, ensuring
the centrality of women as central stakeholders in
agriculture, defending smallholder farmers, as well as
easing tensions and conflicts caused by the degradation
of arable land and the scarcity of water for irrigation,
are not secondary issues.
The legacy of Expo Milan is assured by the Charter
of Milan and by the commitments of each of us to
fight climate change. Italy stands alongside SecretaryGeneral
Ban
Ki-moon
and
is
mobilizing
the
necessary
but are actually great States for their value, to the events
on climate-change adaptation that will take place in
mid-October at Expo Milan, and we will bring a large
delegation to Venice, where we will show participants,
in one of the most beautiful artistic cities in the world,
how we are working to combat the risks associated with
the presence of high waters and the lack of attention on
the part of the international community.
In conclusion, as a candidate for a non-permanent
seat on the Security Council, Italy wants the values we
have discussed to occupy a central place in the Security
Council. But I do not want us to think of those values
in an abstract way. I do not want us to forget that what
brings us here is not a document. It is a face; it is many
faces.
In Italian schools, our children learn about the
strong connection among the ancient civilizations of
the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East. Today,
those children are not just extras in a movie. They are
the reason why we are here today. We believe that of all
the values we teach our children at school we cannot
forget that the first value is life.
Faced with the migration crisis, many of us were
deeply moved this summer by the photo of a little
boy named Aylan. He was a child from Kobani, who,
together with his older brother, fell asleep without ever
being able to see the future. He was photographed,
dead, on the beach at Bodrum. We must not limit
our commitment to the emotion of the moment. We
must bear that image in mind and commit to doing
our best. Many children have died in the heart of the
Mediterranean. They died on the ships launched in the
direction of Europe by traffickers, the new slave traders
of today. However, together with all of those children
who are no longer with us, I want to recall the names
of children whom no one talks about: Yambambi,
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Salvatore, Idris Ibrahim and Francesca Marina. They
are some of the children who were born on the ships
of the Italian Marines and Coast Guard, which saved
thousands of women, and in some cases enabled them
to give birth on those ships. I wish to thank my fellow
citizens for the extraordinary work that they have
carried out. I want their names to be remembered with
the names of those who did not make it. Their heroic
actions should serve as an admonishment for all of us.
Politics can be restored to dignity when we are aware of
the enormity of our challenges. The old Europe, born in
the name of courage, does not give in to fear. Italy will
proudly do its part.
The Acting President (spoke in Spanish): On
behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to thank the
President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of
Italy for the statement he has just made.
Mr. Matteo Renzi, President of the Council of
Ministers of the Republic of Italy, was escorted
from the rostrum.
The meeting rose at 3.05 p.m.
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