Heads of state or government.

Raul R. Alfonsin, of Argentina: "We are witnessing today the extent to which strategic purposes tend almost exclusively to define relations betwen States." Bystanders and actors appear to follow two kinds of logic: the logic of peace, based on ethical arguments, and the logic of the arms race, based on threats. "The worrying thing is that those who hold to one logic do not listen to and hear those who hold to the other."

The world cannot oscillate between peace and a devastating nuclear war; countries must work together to influence present and future events. In a declaration ratified on 22 May, Argentina joined the Heads of State or Government of Greece, India, Mexico, Tanzania and Sweden in expressing the conviction that there must not be another world war and that the advance towards "global suicide" must be halted.

It is not only the arms race that endangers peace. Peace and security today are seriously affected by the enormous disparities between the rich countries and the developing ones. The need for a more equitable international order is not just ethical but also practical: "an unjust world is today more than ever before an unstable and insecure world". It must be realized that the destiny of the developing countries directly affects the industrialized world. The international community as a whole and the developed countries in particular must show their willingness to listen to the economic and political proposals formulated by the States which represent two thirds of mankind.

The world economic order is increasingly becoming an exclusively financial order. But a "world in which politics is replaced by arsenals and economy by finance is simply a world in danger". Latin America's foreign debt crisis affects the creditor as well as debtor countries. To restore rationality to the financial order, North-South dialogue is a necessity.

What Argentina can present to the international community are "words of peace translated into peaceful actions". In that context, it has taken steps, within the framework of mediation by Pope John Paul II, to end a century-old conflict with its neighbour, Chile. And it is committed to seeking restitution of the Malvinas Islands only through peaceful means. Unfortunately, judging from recent bilateral contacts which culminated in a meeting at Berne under the auspices of Switzerland and Brazil, Argentina has been left with nothing but the United Kingdom's clearly stated intention to postpone negotiations on the question.

Thomas Sankara, President of the National Council of the Revolution of Burkina Faso: "We refuse simple survival. We want to ease pressures, to free our countryside from medieval stagnation or regression. We want to democratize our society ... We swear that in future in Burkina Faso nothing will be done without the participation of the people of Burkina Faso themselves ... There shall be no more attacks on our honour and dignity."

The indignation of the people is easily transformed into rebellion and revolution in the face of "the crumbs tossed to them in the ignominious form of some aid", to which humiliating conditions are sometimes attached. The new international order can be achieved "only if we manage to do away with the old order, which completely ignores us; only if we insist on the place which is ours in the political organization of the world".

The folly of those who, "by a quirk of fate, rule the world" makes it imperative for the Non-Aligned Countries to consider as one of the permanent goals of their struggle the achievement of disarmament, which is an essential condition of development.

The quest for peace involves the strict application of the right of countries to independence. In the Middle East, Israel should realize that the conditions for its own tranquility are not to be found in military strength financed from outside. "Israel must begin to learn to be a nation among other nations, one among many." Burkina Faso declares its solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Burkina Faso welcomes the decision to withdraw foreign troops from Chad. It condemns the treatment of the people of Western Sahara by Morocco, which has been using "delaying tactics to postpone the day of reckoning that will in any event be force upon it by the will of the Sahraoui people". As to the question of Mayotte and Malagasy, the facts are clear: Mayotte belongs to the Comoros, and the islands of the Malagasy arechipelago belong to Madagascar.

The "unbelievable insolence" of South Africa, which has erected terrorism into a State system designed physically to liquidate the black majority of that country, is one of the most serious concerns of the world today. Secure in the knowledge that it will obtain the "complicity" of the big Powers and the "criminal collaboration" of some leaders of African countries, the white minority simply ignores the feelings of people all over the world who oppose apartheid. Burkina Faso demands that throughout the world the campaign to free Nelson Mandela be intensified.

The United Nations remains "the ideal forum for our demands", the place where the "legitimacy of countries which have no voice" is recognized. The Organization should be strengthened and provided with the means to take action. It should be helped in breaking the "many deadlocks which have been carefully preserved by the great Powers". Burkina Faso proposes that the structures of the United Nations be reviewed and revised to put an end to "the scandal of the right of veto". The absence of Africa from the club of those who have the veto is an injustice which must be ended.

Prince Samdech Norodom Sihanouk, President of Democratic Kampuchea: The Government and people of Kampuchea "offer heartfelt thanks to all the countries that have given shelter to Khmer refugees", especially Thailand, which has shown exemplary compassion and solidarity.

"This year, our liberation struggle has scored new successes in the battlefield." Vietnam thought it had found a solution to its set-backs by installing Vietnamese "peasant soldiers" on the best lands of Kampuchea. Foreign observers have reported that the process of colonization of Cambodia has reached an alarming degree.

Some people still repeat "the propaganda themes of the Vietnamese" that the Phnom Penh regime is desired and supported by all the Khmer people. For international public opinion to judge the validity of that statement, Democratic Kampuchea repeats the proposal that, after withdrawal of Vietnamese forces, general elections in which all parties and political groupings could freely participate be organized under United Nations supervision. It is clear that for the time being, Viet Nam and its allies reject any political solution to the problem of Kampuchea. The Hanoi proposal for unconditional talks between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEA) countries and the Indochinese States seeks "to bury the five relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly on Kampuchea" and to recognize the Vietnamese fait accompli. The intensification of the struggle and the increasing support by the international community will soon, it is hoped, make Viet Nam participate in the International Conference on Kampuchea.

"Thus far, the Vietnamese have left us no alternative but to fight them. We sincerely hope that they will soon realize the need to negotiate with the legitimate representatives of the people of Kampuchea and understand that there would be no humiliation involved in establishing between our two peoples relations based on justice, wisdom and equity."

Democratic Kampuchea reiterates its solidarity with Laos and supports the proposals for the reunification of Korea. It also supports the Afghan people in their struggle against the Soviet invasion and the Palestinian people in efforts to recover its legitimate national rights.

Kampuchea welcomes the establishment of a Government of National Union in Lebanon and urges Iraq and Iran to end the escalation of the war between them.

Jose Napoleon Duarte, President of El Salvador: "Peace undoubtedly is the greatest yearning of all men ... I too come before the Assembly to speak of peace. But I shall not refer to the dangers ... of the unbridled arms race ... I shall not speak of nuclear confrontation ... I should like to speak about the peace of Nicaragua, of the guerrillas and Contadora and make an appeal to reason and fraternity which we deserve in Central America. I want us to ... reconcile our differences."

A grave situation faces Central America. Imbalances in the international economic system and trade, excessive protectionism, unemployment, external indebtedness and other factors affect the region's weak economic structures. El Salvador supports an open regional dialogue to permit the countries of the region to determine their own destiny by consensus.

"We Central Americans must not become the tools in a struggle of the interests and ideologies of foreign Powers and certainly not the mere instruments of those Powers, thus denying our own nationalism and characteristics and frustrating the aspirations of our peoples and their right to live in peace and freedom."

The Contadora process is the only available course. El Salvador appreciates the Group's proposals to find a peaceful way to resolve regional conflict. But any agreement for peace and co-operation in the region must guarantee strict application of the 21 points that have already been accepted by all parties. It must also ensure appropriate verification measures and an end to the presence of foreign military advisers and aid. It must entail a commitment not to support or continue assistance to terrorist activity against El Salvador's Government.

"Terrorist violence has become an end in itself, which proves that its objective is no longer liberation, and certainly not democracy."

The "profound process of change" begun in El Salvador in 1979 has been consolidated. Two rounds of presidential elections are confirmation of the commitment of the Salvadorian people to democratic rule. For the first time in half a century, El Salvador has a Government freely emanating from the sovereignty of the people.

El Salvador asks the Salvadorian guerillas to "stop killing and destroying and, together with all the rest of our people, to engage in the building of ... a free and democratic country in which peace will be the basis for our development." The leaders of the guerilla movement are invited to discuss their incorporation into the democratic process.

The causes of the conflict in El Salvador are both internal and external. The conflict threatens the peace and security of other nations of the world and particularly those of Central America. Therefore, El Salvador makes an offer of peace which would ensure for all Salvadorians social harmony and security.

Mr. Rashid Karame, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lebanon: "The tragedies that have befallen our people have not prevented if from looking optimistically towards a better future". The will of the Lebanese has crystallized in the restoration of cohesion among the various factions, resulting in the Government of National Unity.

The continued Israeli occupation of part of Lebanon jeopardizes its existence and threatens the restoration of its unity and cohesion. Lebanon considers total Israeli withdrawal beyond internationally recognized boundaries to be urgently necessary.

Israeli practices in southern Lebanon constitute a daily violation of most of the principles of the United Nations. Hundreds of innocent people are being held in detention camps without charge, endlessly awaiting trial. Members of a family must wait for weeks to get a permit "to pass through the narrow gates which the occupation forces condescend to open every now and then". The process of destroying the economy of the south is in full swing, including projects to exploit the waters and other resources of that part of the country. Lebanon again calls on all Security Council members to put an end to those practices.

Israel's occupation and inhuman practices carry with them the seeds of instability and violence. The legitimate resistance in the south must be differentiated from the individual actions of those who "resort to violence as an expression of their despair".

The role of the international forces in southern Lebanon is of paramount importance in supporting the Lebanese army upon the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Lebanon calls for measures to increase their number, widen their area of deployment and reinforce their effectiveness. It considers that the only military force entitled to join it in maintaining security at the border areas is one whose role is governed by international agreements and resolutions that have a time limit.

Lebanon is prepared to contribute to any political initiative designed to resolve the whole Arab-Israeli conflict and subscribes to the call to convene an International Peace Conference on the Middle East. However, Lebanon maintains that its cause requires immediate and separate consideration because of its urgency and "highly destructive impact" on the country's political and social fabric.

The years of crisis have been severely detrimental to the Lebanese infrastructure. Preliminary studies estimate that the damage exceeds $20 billion, making reconstruction a process far exceeding Lebanon's present modest resources. Lebanon appeals to friendly countries, international organizations and specialized agencies to take part in the enormous efforts required for the reconstruction process.

Dato Seri Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia: "In the face of ignorance and bigotry, of myths and falsehoods, we must continue to proclaim our faith in what the United Nations at its best stands for--a world which is secure for all, just for all, prosperous for all and humane for all." The big Powers have established a network of relationship outside the United Nations system to resolve world problems and have formed "their own economic clubs, to which from time to time the developing countries are permitted to make their supplications". In the meantime, in the economic and political fields, the United Nations is ignored. The further development of the Organization depends on the attitude of the major Powers. But the smaller countries also must avoid alienating the major Powers through wholesale imposition of decisions by majority vote.

Also of importance to contemporary international relations is the misunderstanding in the West, "fed by deliberate distortions by interested parties", about the current revolution in Islam. Violence and injustice have been perpetrated in the name of Islam, but those are aberrations typical of any historical movement. Concentration on those aspects to the exclusion of others that are good "fuels suspicions and reinforces prejudices". The movement in the Islamic world today seeks to consolidate political freedom, economic justice and cultural identity -- values which everyone must surely support.

Now that the developing countries have themselves learned to manufacture and export goods, the proud banner of free trade "flies limply or at half-mast in the industrialized countries". Developing countries can compete with the industrialized countries in low-technology goods and in turn import the higher-technology goods produced by the industrialized countries. In this way, international trade, "an essential engine of growth and the only real solution to our poverty problem", can be fuelled.

The developing countries facing the Straits of malacca should not be burdened further with having to equip and maintain costly facilities for dealing with oil spills and extensive damage to fishing and beaches caused by the ships which now clog the narrow Straits. The ships generally belong to the rich and they must defray the cost, at least partially.

The ASEAN countries agreed to a zone of peace in South-East Asia, and it is Viet Nam's continued occupation of Kampuchea which is the obstacle to realization of that objective. The Kampuchean people have the right to choose their own form of Government free from external coercion.

Malaysia does not dispute the good that the Antarctica Treaty system has done but believes that there is a strong case for the continent to be the common heritage of mankind. A special committee could examine the subject in greater depth to arrive at a consensus on the objective of a regime in Antarctica and the machinery to achieve it.

The drug problem requires a serious effort at the international level. Other countries may take exception to Malaysia's harsh laws to curb this menace but the best way to end harsh sentences for traffickers is to co-operate in preventing drug production and trafficking.

Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius: "War machineries have far outpaced the instruments of peace ... The spectre of a nuclear holocaust becomes more and more haunting ... Resources of an unprecedented scale are being expended by certain countries while elsewhere drought, famine and diseases have claimed a heavy toll in lives from the undernourished, the old, the weak and the newly born. We have no moral or other right to stand by and witness the slow death of mankind."

Mauritius calls on the nuclear Powers "fully to assume their responsibilities towards mankind so that tomorrow's world may be free from ... the terrors of mass destruction".

Only general and complete disarmament can provide such credible guarantees. Disarmament negotiations should be resumed promptly.

The continuous flouting of the international norms of behaviour by the super-Powers, their lack of respect for their obligations under the Charter, and their constant endeavour to strengthen their spheres of influence have brought about regional conflicts, tension, aggression and war.

No one can remain insensitive to the ordeals of the downtrodden and oppressed peoples of South Africa. The illegal occupation of Namibia and the repressive policies of the racist regime constitute a grave threat to regional as well as international peace and security. Mauritius ddeply regrets "the inability of the Western Powers" to ensure the early implementation of the United Nations independence plan for Namibia. The linkage between Namibian independence and the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola is "a lame argument".

The activities of the big Powers in the Indian Ocean constitute one of the major threats to the countries of the region. This continued refusal to implement the United Nations Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace is "highly indicative of their avowed policy of establishing spheres of influence" in the region. Mauritius calls for complete demilitarization of the Indian Ocean.

The benefits of the recovery in the world economy have not been in any significant manner by the underprivileged of this world. Industrial countries continue to resort to protectionist measures thereby "theatening the very survival" of the developing countries. the latter reel under the burden of successive increases in oil prices, recession, high interest rates and decreases in the price of raw materials. Debt servicing has brought development in all spheres of economic life to a grinding halt.

A fruitful dialogue between the North and South could mean a stage of reconstruction and the creation of a new international economic order.

The work of the International Maritime Organization in relation to shipping is of great importance to island developing countries which rely on marine transport. Therefore, Mauritius would greatly appreciate any action by the Assembly to increase assistance in that regard.

David Lange, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand: "The nuclear weapons that may have helped to maintain an uneasy peace between two great countries for more than three decades have become a threat to the security and survival of countries and peoples everywhere." Reputable scientists say that the global, climatic and long-term biological consequences of a nuclear war would be much more severe than previously thought. "A nuclear war in the north may generate a nuclear winter in the south as well."

New Zealanders fro all sectors can see no sense in the continuing and deadly competition in building up nuclear arsenals. "If ordinary people everywhere can see the irrationality of that race, they ask, why cannot the super-Powers see it also? And if they can see it, why do they not do something about it?"

In the face of stalled multilateral arms control negotiations, New Zealand asks the Soviet Union to respond positively to the United States invitation to resume key bilateral arms control talks in order to get a dialogue under way again. The process will require taking risks, "but the most dangerous risk of all is to do nothing; to allow compulsive competitiveness to continue indefinitely."

New Zealand's advocacy of a comprehensive nuclear test ban is not prompted solely by the fact that one nuclear-weapon State continues, despite repeated pleas from all countries in the region, to test its weapons in the South Pacific. Such a ban would be a critical first step in halting and turning back the arms race. New Zealand also vigorously defends the Antarctic Treaty which has demilitarized an entire continent and prohibited nuclear-weapons testing there.

It supports Australia's proposal at the South Pacific Forum to establish a South Pacific nuclear-free zone at the earliest opportunity. Consistent with a Zone's objectives, South Pacific countries would retain their unqualified sovereign right to decide for themselves on their security arrangements and on such questions as the access to their ports and airfields by vessels and aircraft of other countries.

South Pacific countries do not want to see "unwelcome external influences" intrude on events regarding New Caledonia, where efforts towards a harmonious multi-ethnic society are now under way. In Southern Africa, by contrast, there is no indication that South Africa is ready to share political power with the black majority.

Dialogue and consensus must be used to resolve the world's economic problems. The need for an overhaul of the present international system is needed. New Zealand favours a comprehensive review of the trade and payments system.

Daniel Ortega Saavedra, Co-ordinator of the Junta of the Government of National Reconstruction of Nicaragua: "Our country [has been] the victim of a policy of extermination manifested over the past three years and eight months in the form of an open war of aggression which the aggressor calls covert." The United States has provided "millions of dollars to go on murdering the peoples of Nicaragua and El Salvador", rejecting United Nations decisions and the ruling of the International Court of Justice.

Casualties to date in Nicaragua total more than 7,000--in relative terms equivalent to more than three times the American casualties in the Viet Nam War. Moreover, economic losses as a direct result of foreign aggression total $237 million. "To these figures should be added the credits, loans, grants and so on that Nicaragua no longer receives as a result of United States pressure on Governments and multilateral agencies."

To prevent the elections on 4 November in Nicaragua, the United States Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency are planning a new military offensive set to begin on 15 October. The plans call for air and naval attacks, seizure of territory and renewed mining of Nicaragua's ports. Central American Governments will "go through the formality of requesting 'aid' from the United States to eradicate the 'Sandinist threat'" from the area. Also ready is the "puppet who would be intended to serve as the future President of the United States in Nicaragua". All this amounts to "an attempt to repeat the destructive and shameful actions against Grenada, but this time against Nicaragua".

To each peace initiative by Nicaragua and the Contadora Group, the United States has responded with terrorist attacks, installation of military bases and a "whole infrastructure for unleashing direct, massive military action against Nicaragua".

The two-year effort of the Contadora Group has resulted in an Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central America, which Nicaragua has decided to sign immediately "without amendment or changes of any kind". It is now up to the Central American Governments and the United States to state their positions definitively. "The world has a right to know if the United States is willing to live in peace with the Central American peoples or if it insists on imposing war on us."

If peace does not come and the war continues, and with it the likelihood of United States military intervention, "the Nicaraguan people--barefoot, ragged and with empty stomachs--are going to fight to the end, until we achieve peace, by either defeating the invaders or immolating ourselves if imperialist aggression leaves us no other choice."

Kare Willoch, Prime Minister of Norway: Every nation has a right to defend itself, but the continuing arms build-up becomes ever more dangerous and meaningless. Efforts to achieve arms control should be given the very highest priority. Norway hopes the Soviet Union will soon return to the negotiating table with the United States, without preconditions, to negotiate substantial reductions in nuclear weapons and accompanying measures to create an atmosphere of mutual trust.

"We should strive to create a basis for an agreed, balanced and verifiable freeze on nuclear weapons". In view of present imbalances, such a freeze must be pursued in the context of negotiations to substantially reduce such weapons, and must be part of a settlement which establishes balance between the nuclear arsenals. Balanced and substantial reductions in conventional weapons and a halt to the accelerated conventional arms buildup are also vitally important."

"There is no room for the militarization of outer space", therefore Norway favours talks to find a basis for arms control and disarmament in outer space. It also hopes the Warsaw Pact countries will agree to discuss the concrete confidence-building proposals presented by Western countries at the Stockholm Conference on Disarmament in Europe.

The appalling fact about the alarming increase in international terrorism is that there are serious indications of involvement by Governments. "The assumption that the ends could justify the means is particularly dangerous since it would inevitably lead to anarchy." The world community must act to stop "this intolerable development". The senseless attack on the United States Embassy in Beirut is a strong reminder of the urgency to do so.

Norway favours establishing more efficient international machinery to safeguard human rights, including a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It welcomes democratic reforms now under way in several Latin American countries, adding, however, that "no one has the right to exploit a fragile political and economic situation in another country to promote his own interests". At the same time, the expectation is that a promise of democratic elections really means free elections.

Major industrial countries must contribute to promoting better living conditions in developing countries through intensified development aid and improved access to markets. The problem of too high population growth must also be addressed; improving the status of women is a prerequisite for any successful population policy.

The Security Council should feel a special obligation to bring about a stronger United Nations. Peace-keeping operations are "a tangible extension of the authority of the Security Council" to areas of conflict, which must have the Council's full support and the co-operation of parties concerned.

Fernando Belaunde Terry, President of Peru: Threats of "financial colonialism" and terrorism are of great concern to the Latin American countries. World peace requires a realistic solution to the problem of indebtedness. Drastic reductions in public expenditure are frequently prescribed by world organizations, but austerity is not enough. Prescriptions should not be "a kind of death certificate." Austerity measures must be accompanied by new measures for development.

In Latin American countries, most of the budget is devoted to payment of wages and services, and only a small part goes to public works and capital formation. An exaggerated budget cut would eliminate even those items. Peru asks therefore that the "competent organs" seek better absorption of resources in world markets and grant credits speedily.

Long ago in the Andes there was a civilization of Roman proportions that did not even have a monetary system. That principle--that it is possible to have government organizations and social justice even in the absence of money--remains valid in the region. Any proposal for economic reform in Latin America must take into account the social and political situations of the countries of the region and above all, the minimum standard of living they desire for their people.

Changes are needed in the financial and credit systems at the international level. The "financial colonialism" that exists today is as serious as the political colonialism that existed formerly.

Terrorism is also a matter of great concern. It damages the economy of weak nations and sows discord in places where solidarity has prevailed. In the Peruvian highlands, 74 local government authorities, at least 100 police officers and hundreds of peaceful citizens have lost their lives to terrorists. It is apparent that such attacks are generated from abroad and that the main target is Peru's electrical system.

The United Nations must eradicate the scourge of terrorism: poor countries which have scarcely enough resources for development are forced to use those resources to replace what has been destroyed by such cowardly acts. Terrorism is financed by the drug trade. "It is the marriage of crime and vice."

Peru remains committed to peace--on the American continent, in the Malvinas, in Central America. What a good thing it would be if the money spent by Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador on fratricidal discord could be used for constructive activity towards economic independence. The Gulf of Fonseca, where the three nations converge, is "clamouring for a development plan".

John G.M. Compton, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saint Lucia: For more than a century, the Caribbean and the Americas have endeavoured to sort out their problems without international entanglement. This approach should continue, and the remaining problems should be left to the statesmen of the region, who have already taken the initiative under the Contadora Group.

If the Caribbean is to be made a "zone of peace" as some have proposed, there must be an end to social as well as military conflict. Saint Lucia urges the appointment of a commission akin to the Kissinger Commission for Central America, to recommend an assistance programme for Caribbean countries. It also welcomes opportunities for expanded trade and development under the Caribbean Basin Initiative and the initiatives of the European Economic Community (EEC) foreign ministers.

Argentina and Chile are to be congratulated for their peaceful solution to the Beagle Channel dispute. In resolving the Falklands-Malvinas dispute, Argentina should forswear the use of force, while the United Kingdom should suspend fortification of the islands pending mediation under United Nations auspices.

The technological revolution, which could have been used to solve the world's social and economic problems, instead has brought people everywhere under the "mushroom cloud" of fear. "We now have the spectacle of two super-Powers ...armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons capable of reaching the furthest end of the earth, standing off like characters in the film 'High Noon'." But there can be no winners in the arms race. The only wars that should be fought are wars against hunger, ignorance and disease.

The tragedies in Rangoon and Beirut are sad testimonies of a new and dangerous phenomenon--State-supported terrorism. Concerted international action must be taken to remove that scourge.

Saint Lucia protests the conduct of certain States that "should provide moral leadership to this Organization, but which encourage, wittingly or unwittingly, that repulsive regime of South Africa in its errant ways". South Africa must be continuously pressured to comply with United Nations resolutions and grant Namibia independence without further delay.

Economic growth in the developing world holds the key to sustained recovery in the industrialized world. As long as low commodity prices and high interest rates persist, the present tenuous recovery will not long endure. The economies of island developing States have been identified as areas requiring special attention, but the report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on their situation that was to be prepared for the current session has not appeared and no explanation is forthcoming.

Wim A. Udenhout, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Suriname: "We are convinced that military solutions in Central America do not lead to lasting peace." The policy of some States in the region violates the basic principles of international relations and the International Court of Justice's ruling of last May. Suriname supports the Contadora Group's initiatives and hopes that the Act on Peace and Co-operation will lead to co-operation, peace and stability throughout the region.

Suriname also hopes that the Caribbean will remain a zone of peace. It supports the drafting of an international convention against recruitment, training and use of mercenaries.

For the majority of countries, the nightmare of the longest and deepest recession of the last 50 years continues unabated. The causes of this persistent crisis are to be found in the very structure of international economic relations. "If trade, not aid, was to alleviate our problems, we must sadly note that the present depressed markets for raw materials and goods produced in developing countries have not brought the necessary relief."

To deal effectively with the situation, comprehensive approaches are required. Global negotiations should be reviewed and South-South co-operation encouraged as a valuable mechanism for restructuring the economic system. Suriname hopes the Caracas Programme of Action will remain an important framework to tht end. The proposals contained in the Quito Declaration and Plan of Action deserve the special attention of the industrialized countries.

The resources of the sea-bed must be developed for the benefit of all mankind. Suriname, as a member of the Preparatory Commission for the International Sea-Bed Authority, regrets that positive work in that area is being hampered by some major industrialized countries, which are preparing bilateral or multilateral agreements outside the scope of the Convention on the Law of the Sea. Suriname rejects any separate agreements whereby the industrialized States would share the sea-bed among themselves.

Similarly, Suriname supports the exploration and exploitation of Antarctica and its resources for the benefit of all peoples. It urges a new regime for that continent embodying those principles.

Despite pleas by a majority of States for general and complete disarmament, there is a steady increase in global military spending. All parties concerned should negotiate arms reduction as a matter of urgency.

Suriname denounces any linkage between Namibian independence and extraneous issues, and rejects South Africa's "mystifying" new constitution and the "sham elections" connected with it.

Withdrawal of foreign troops is a precondition for peaceful solution of the situations in the Middle East, Kampuchea and Afghanistan. Suriname commends the Secretary-General's peace initiatives in the Iran-Iraq war.

Ronald Reagan, President of the United States: "We are ready for constructive negotiations with the Soviet Union. We recognize that there is no sane alternative to negotiation on arms control and other issues between our two nations, which have the capacity to destroy civilization as we know it."

Three objectives which could provide an agenda for such discussions would be: (1) finding ways to reduce and eliminate the treat and use of force to solve international disputes, for example, by agreeing to hold periodic consultations at policy level about regional problems, with senior experts available at regular intervals for in-depth exchanges of views; (2) reducing the vast stockpiles of armaments in the world, including nuclear weapons, through redoubled negotiation efforts in Geneva and Vienna; and (3) establishing a better working relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States, marked by greater co-operation and understanding. In that regard, the two countries have already reached agreements to improve the "hotline", extend the 10-year economic agreement, enhance consular co-operation and explore coordination, of search and rescue efforts at sea.

"We need to extend the arms control process, to build a bigger umbrella under which it can operate--a roadmap if you will--showing where, during the next 20 years or so, these individual efforts can lead."

The United States will suggest to the Soviet Union holding regular ministerial or cabinet-level meetings between the two countries on all issues, including the problem of needless obstacles to understanding. The exchange of outlines of five-year military plans for weapons development and schedules of intended procurement could be considered. The exchange of observers at military exercises and locations would be welcomed, as would a way for experts from either side to visit the other's nuclear test sites, to measure directly the yields of nuclear-weapons tests.

"We should work toward having such arrangements in place by next spring. I hope that the Soviet Union will cooperate in this undertaking and reciprocate in a manner that will enable the two countries to establish the basis for verification for effective limits on underground nuclear testing."

The United States' concern for human rights is the moral centre of its foreign policy. "We can never look at any people's freedom as a bargaining chip in world politics." The cornerstone of its foreign policy is its alliance with other democracies. "Indeed, the bulwark of security that the democratic alliances provide is essential ... to the maintenance of world peace."

But the United States is also faithful to its alliances and friendships with scores of nations with differing political systems. If the principle of universality in the United Nations and its technical agencies is ignored, if nations are expelled illegally, then the United Nations itself cannot be expected to succeed.

If is a moral imperative that South Africa's racial policies evolve peacefully but decisively towards a system compatible with basic norms of justice, libery and human dignity. American companies in South Africa, by providing equal employment opportunities, are contributing to the economic advancement of the black population. But clearly, much more must be done.

In Central America, the United States has supported a diplomatic process to restore regional peace and security. The growing success of democracy in El Salvador is the best proof that the key to peace lies in a political solution. REgrettably, there are forces in the region eager to thwart democratic change, but those forces are now on the defensive. Nicaragua should abandon its policies of subversion and militarism, and carry out promises to establish democracy at home.

To achieve a negotiated solution in the Middle East, the United States remains committed to "my initiative of 1 September 1982", the foundation of which is Security Council resolution 242 (1967). Peace between Israel and all its Arab neighbours should be reached in a way to assure security for all in the region, the recognition of Israel and a solution to the Palestinian problem.

Economic freedom is a prelude to economic progress and growth--and is intricately and inseparably linked to political freedom. The secret of a progressive new world is to take advantage of the creativity of the human spirit, to encourage innovation and individual enterprise, to reward hard work and to reduce barriers to the free flow of trade and information. Economic restrictions and trade barriers pose a dangerous threat to developing nations and their chance to share in world prosperity through expanded export markets.

Jaime Lusinchi, President of Venezuela: "We cannot conceive of a world without the United Nations. However, serious obstacles weaken its effectiveness and credibility." The objectives enshrined in the Charter have tended to fade away as the military Powes have increased their hostile and antagonistic policies, with the result that "we now live in a system of political supremacy and nuclear intimidation, and of economic privileges in the hands of a limited number of States."

Things cannot go on that way. "We demand a change of course in international life and in relations between States."

Venezuela attaches special importance to democratic processes throughout the world and in particular to those of its own region. It views wih dismay what is happening in Central America. "It is no longer a matter of minor differences between our countries but rather an obvious attempt by one Power or another to use our conflicts to further its own advantage."

The Contadora Group has been accepted both within and outside the region as a suitable mechanism for assisting in the settlement of the Central American conflicts. Its efforts have come to fruition in the revised Contadora Act, and the outcome is now in the hands of the Governments of the countries concerned.

The seriousness of the current world economic crisis makes it necessary to rethink the role of the United Nations in the area of international economic co-operation and the negotiation strategies that have been followed to attempt to resolve world economic problems. Certain powerful countries continue to avoid or postpone the opportunity for dialogue, which is tantamount to refusing to negotiate. "The peoples of the third world demand change, without delay."

The amount of foreign debt of the developing nations is so ovewhelming that its consequences affect their political and social stability. It is inexcusable that the economic systems of Latin American, which have been under tremendous pressure, in the year 1983 alone transferred $30 billion to the industrialized countries. Responsibility for this situation is not that of the debtor countries alone; the international banking system, lender countries and international financial organizations must also join in seeking solutions.

Along with many Latin American countries, Venezuela is deeply concerned about drug trafficking and the illegal use of drugs, which have reached alarming proportions. In order to "root out this scourge from our midst, we must go directly to the source"--the supplier countries--and strengthen decisive action at main consumer centres. Governments can no longer consider drug trafficking as simply a political issue or public-health problem limited to a particular State. "It is time that we recognize it for what it is--an international problem, with wide-ranging social, economic and political implications."

Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister of Zimbabwe: Pretoria's "dual policy of domestic terror, repression and exloitation of the mass of the black population under its ferocious rule", and "the systematic military intimidation, brute bullying, political and economic blackmailing of neighbouring and front-line States, is endangering the sovereignty of those States". Pretoria is also seriously undermining and threatening the region's economic viability, peace and security.

The so-called constitutional changes in South Africa "are but another chapter in the dark and sordid history of apartheid"; their real objective is "the enhancement of and not the tampering with institutionalized racism". The international community must give more help to the South African national liberation movement and all those waging a just struggle for freedom and dignity in South Africa.

The Pretoria regime is engaged in a vigorous campaign of destabilizing the front-line States through mercenaries and armed insurgents as well as economic blackmail and sabotage. Zimbabwe calls on South Africa to stop its policy of aggression and urges the international community to aid the front-line and other States of the subregion in fostering their economic independence and sovereignty.

Zimbabwe rejects the linkage of Namibian independence to the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola. The immediate objective for Namibia must be the rapid implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978).

Africa's fragile economies have been experiencing negative growth rates. Per capita incomes have dropped to about 4 per cent below the 1970 levels, while population growth rate is 3 per cent per annum. In many parts of the continent, successive years of drought have resulted in complete crop failures and threatened the very viability of agriculture, on which millions depend for sustenance and gainful employment. Africa's problem is further compounded by other natural factors, including desertification, the siltation of riverbeds and, in some cases, flooding.

Tariff and non-tariff barriers in the industrialized countries have arrested Africa's export growth. Africa's economies continue to endure balance-of-payments problems, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) takes a completely unrealistic aproach to the problems of the developing countries. Africa's estimated outstanding external debt reached $150 billion at the end of 1983, and efforts to alleviate debt-servicing costs provide only short-term relief. Official development aid is assuming a bilateral nature, accompanied by "increasing politicization and commercialization".

"Global negotiations must remain the framework of concerted efforts aimed at restructuring international economic relations to match our new needs." There can be no revitalization of the world economy without active participation by all countries.

Africa

The 44 speakers from Africa touched on a board range of global concerns, including the threat posed by the rapidly escalating arms race, particularly in the nuclear field, the adverse impact on developing countries of the world economic situation, and the stalemated situation in the Middle East.

Among regional issues that dominated discussions were the severe economic crisis on the continent and the situation in southern Africa.

speakers painted a grim picture of economic problems, drought and desertification in African countries. The need for immediate assistance--both monetary and food--was stressed.

Speakers also discussed the disastrous consequences for developing countries, especially in Africa, of the current global economic and financial crisis, characterized by high interest rates, growing indebtedness, plummeting commodity prices, low capital flow, increasing trade barriers, volatile exchange rates and high inflation.

In the discussion of the situation in southern Africa, there was widespread criticism of what many called the "sham" elections held in August which totally excluded South africa's black majority from the tricameral legislature set up under the country's "so-called new constitution". It was generally agreed that the apartheid system could not be reformed but must be totally eradicated instead.

South Africa was vehemently denounced for its acts of aggression and destabilization against neighbouring and other countries. The United States came under attack for its policy of "constructive engagement" vis-a-vis the Pretoria regime.

Speakers were unanimous in demanding immediate implementation of the United Nations Plan for Namibia's independence, as set out in Security Council resolution 435 (1978). Linkage of Namibian independence to "extraneous issues", such as the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola, was widely rejected.

A number of speakers welcomed the recent agreement between France and Libya to withdraw their troops from Chad, and expressed hope that the people of Chad would be able to achieve national reconciliation without outside interference. With regard to Western Sahara, many advocated the holding of a referendum, within the framework of the Organization of African Unity, to permit the Sahraoui people to exercise their right of self-determination.

Other regional issues touched on by speakers included the situation in the Horn of Africa, and the territorial claims of the Comoros to Mayotte, Madagascar to the Malagasy Islands, and Mauritius to the Chagos archipelago.

[The views of Burkina Faso, Mauritius and Zimbabwe on these and other issues are reflected in the addresses of their Heads of State or Government on pages 11 to 19.]

Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Alegria: "The exacerbation of the East-West confrontation and the recrudescence of imperialist activities threaten world peace and hinder co-operation between nations." The crisis in international relations has come closer to the brink than ever. Disarmament negotiations should be resumed in a spirit of sincerity and responsibility, free of any attempt to claim or achieve supermacy.

The world economic crisis is deteriorating into a critical phase. The convening of an international conference on general financial and monetary problems is of the highest priority. The economic situation of a large number of African countries "has been reduced to a simple matter of daily tragedy". This situation requires an urgent collective effort.

The building of a Greater Maghreb offers unique conditions in Northern Africa, particularly in the Western Sahara. However, nothing should be allowed to infringe the national rights of the people of Western Sahara or damage them in any way. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) provides the natural framework and the necessary means for a just settlement.

The beginning of the process of withdrawal of foreign troops from Chad represents a step towards national reconciliation. The withdrawal must be carried out with strict respect for Chad's national unity and territorial integrity.

The only possible improvement in apartheid would be its very disappearance. "A crime against humanity cannot be absolved, it must be punished." The attitude of unusual lucidity and courage adopted by the oppressed South African communities has dealt a very severe blow to apartheid, "thus showing that in a situation of total oppression it is futile to bank on division" to establish domination and exploitation.

Security Council resolution 435 (1978) provides the framework and instrument for the decolonization of Namibia.

The Israeli-American strategic alliance encourages Zionist expansionism. There will be no just and lasting peace in the Middle East until the national rights of the Palestinian people are recognized. Action in support of the convening of an international conference on the Middle East in which the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) would be assured full and effective participation is a major priority of the United Nations.

Paulo T. Jorge, Minister for External Relations of Angola: South Africa is deliberately trying to delay or prevent Namibia's independence process by attempting to establish a double linkage--to subordinate completion of the withdrawal of its troops from Angola to the results of negotiations under way with the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) as well as to make implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) conditional on the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola. Angola rejects any responsibility for the present deadlock in the independence process for Namibia. Such responsibility lies fully with South Africa and the United States.

Since the establishment in 1967 of the United Nations Council for Namibia, numerous resolutions have been adopted on Namibian independence and the illegality of its occupation by South Africa. Why did Namibia not accede to independence before November 1975? Was it the fault of the Angolans, who were not even independent, or of the Cubans, who were not even in Angola? How can responsibility for delaying independence now be assigned to Angola?

It is time for each Member State to fulfil its responsibilities and assistance to SWAPO, the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and Angola, and begin a campaign demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of South African troops from Angola. Pressure should be exerted on Pretoria and its friends and allies through comprehensive mandatory sanctions--so far prevented by certain Western Powers--aimed at ending Namibia's illegal occupation and ensuring implementation of resolution 435 without further delay or "absurd preconditions". The undeclared war imposed on Angola by the racist and facist South African regime must stop.

It is for the Chaidan people to resolve their own problems without any foreign military interference or intervention. Solution to the conflict between the POLISARIO front and Morocco lies in implementation of the resolution adopted at the nineteenth summit meeting of the OAU.

It is regrettable that Portugal is note meeting its responsibilities for East Timor and that Indonesia is turning a deaf ear to the peach proposals presented by FRETILIN, which deserves the support of the international community.

Angola reaffirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate representative, the PLO, in their continuing struggle to regain their homeland, "usurped by the Zionist entity", and establish an independent State. It demands the unconditional withdrawal of Israel from the occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and favours a Middle East peace conference under United Nations auspices with the participation of all parties concerned.

American intervention has created an extremely alarming situation in Central America. In the search for peace through a negotiated solution, Angola supports the "courageous positions" taken by Nicaragua and the efforts of the Contadora Group.

Frederic Affo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Benin: "The prosperity of the wealthy countries cannot continue to be built on the destitution and poverty of the poor countries." The developing countries' painful efforts to restructure their economies are cancelled out by the constant worsening of the terms of trade. Such is "a logic of a system based on profit dictated by the multinationals for their own selfish interests". Certain of the richest States use the crisis as a pretext to make massive reductions in resources for development. The unprecedented growth of external debt means that the developing countries now produce only to service debts. Efforts at stabilization, growth and economic adjustment are thrown off course by rising interest rates and the soaring dollar.

"What our sick world needs today is to make financial management truly democratic", which requires the establishment of a new international economic order. "We must adopt other criteria than those of profitability. A genuine contract of solidarity between the wealthy and poor countries has yet to be established."

Since the adoption of resolution 35/88 of 5 December 1980, the Secretary-General has taken "ceaseless and dynamic" measures to mobilize and organize special economic assistance to Benin. Benin appeals to all Member States and United Nations bodies to make new efforts to provide assistance so that development projects in Benin can be implemented without further delay.

The current session of the Assembly should also alert the international community to the need to increase the capacity of the specialized agencies of the United Nations to assist countries that are victim of desertification and drought.

Human dignity and the fundamental principles and resolutions of the United Nations continue to be flouted by the racist regime of Pretoria, which enjoys the active support and "barely concealed complicity of those who still seek colonialist and neo-colonialist adventures". The stubborn persistence in attempting to link the independence of Namibia to the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola proves that the "South African military rabble has no intention of putting an end to its annexationist, racist policy".

Benin welcomes Security Council resolution 554 (1984) rejecting the so-called new constitution in South Africa and stresses the necessity of adopting comprehensive sanctions against that regime.

Regarding Western Sahara, the recommendations of the OAU have provided "the ideal framework" within which a political settlement of the Sahraoui problem can be negotiated. Benin welcomes all attempts at reconciliation in Chad and commends the decision of France and Libya to withdraw their troops from that country.

Astronomical sums are devoted to building arsenals for conventional and nuclear war at the expense of development. "The cost of one cruise missile would alleviate the sufferings...of a million people who are today the victims of adverse climatic conditions in the Sahel... To what court should we resort to plead the cause of peace?"

G.K.T. Chiepe, Minister for External Affairs of Botswana: Southern Africa remains poised on the edge of a dangerous precipice. Thanks to South Africa's intransigence. Namibia is "yet to be delivered from foreign occupation, while South Africa itself continues to totter on the brink of a revolution". A solution to the Namibia question acceptable to all can come only out of the implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). The surest way to destroy the whole process of peaceful change in Namibia is to encumber the resolution with endless preconditions.

"Instead of initiating steps to abolish the abhorrent system by which the people of South Africa are graded like animals, the white minority rulers of South Africa have recruited South Africans of Asian origin and the so-called Coloureds into the ranks of the white minority as junior partners in a futile attempt to escape reality." The so-called reforms now going on in South Africa amount to "reckless tinkering" with a very dangerous situation.

Botswana cannot comprehend South Africa's insistence that it sign a so-called treaty of good-neighbourliness "as if we have been a bad neighbour." Botswana has never committed an act of aggression against South Africa and strictly enforces a policy of not allowing its territory to be used for launching guerrilla attacks against South Africa.

The economic and social transformation of Africa, which started in the 1960s, is not only coming to a halt but also gradually reversing. Food is the most critical aspect of the current crisis. Rehabilitation and revitalization measures for the African economies will have to focus on food and agriculture, industry, and the provision of essential infrastructure. Simultaneous action on several levels is required.

In the most immediate time-frame, the interntional community must work

closely with affected countries to respond to emergency needs. Among the requirements are adequate supplies of food and water, steps to counteract desertification, population displacement, unemployment and debt servicing.

In the medium- and long-term, the need for developing institutional infrastructure must be addressed. It is essential to devise special short-term measures to ensure that export earnings of African countries are stabilized at remunerative levels. Also important is the removal of barriers against African agriculture and mineral products. Massive external resources will also be needed.

"Given the necessary support, Africa is capable, in the not-too-distant future, to move from its current position of an economically crisis-ridden continent to that of an economically dynamic one. It is within the means of the international community to help African Governments to turn the current despair into hope."

Laurent Nzeyimana, Minister for External Relations and Co-operation of Burundi: "The gap between the developed world and the developing countries, between the rich and the poor, is constantly widening." Only the establishment of a new international economic order can provide a lasting source of peace and security. The situation in the sub-Saharan regions of Africa is especially serious. Forecasts by the World Bank and the Economic Commission for Africa predict a very dark future for the continent. Unpredictable weather conditions have caused a noticeable decrease in agricultural production, which has, in turn, created a serious food crisis and led to a massive population exodus.

It is imperative that urgen measures be taken to enable Africa to escape from what a high-ranking United Nations official has called "a kind of permanent state of emergency." The assistance of the most advanced countries is indispensable. Burundi feels it necessary to put into effect the proposal to establish a special fund to support the structural reform programmes and recovery measures which the majority of African countries are undertaking.

The so-called constitutional reforms in South Africa are a perpetuation and further strengthening of apartheid. The recent agreements between South Africa and Angola and Mozambique--a test of good faith for South Africa--"must not lessen the vigilance of the States concerned and give rise to no illusions as far as the African countries are concerned as to the real intentions of the South African regime." Burundi opposes any attempt to establish a link between Namibian independence and the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola. It calls for the application of Security Council resolution 435 (1978).

Burundi hopes that the parties to the conflict in Western Sahara will enter into negotiations with a view to reaching a just and lasting solution. The OAU has done everything possible to bring about the decolonization of Western Sahara. The obstruction of the process is the fault not of the Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic but rather of the party which has rejected the organization of the referendum.

Burundi welcomes the decision to withdraw foreign troops from Chad. It should be followed by a process of national reconciliation and the definition by the people of Chad themselves of a final, stable institutional framework.

Israel's refusal to recognize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to existence and self-determination threatens the future of the entire subregion. Burundi supports the Palestinian people in their struggle to recover their homeland and fundamental national rights.

Negotiations under way on the establishment of a new information order should be pursued. The time has come to re-examine the working of the United Nations to make it credible.

William Eteki Mboumoua, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon: "Our generation is living through the most highly militarized period in time of peace in the history of mankind." Never has the need for disarmament been so acutely felt; never has effective disarmament been so remote.

The increase in South Africa's nuclear, capability is a very urgent problem that could, if not solved, dangerously undermine the steps now under way in favour of nuclear non-proliferation and fuel the arms race in Africa. In South Africa, "we are witnessing with culpable indifference the worst extremes of brutality, massacre and imprisonment of those brave enough to oppose this odious system." Cameroon condemns the "illusionary reformism" of the so-called constitutional reforms, and calls for the immediate liberation of all those imprisoned by the racist authorities during the most recent "electoral masquerade."

Any policy linking the independence of Namibia with the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola is unacceptable. The Security Council must take the urgent and decisive measures called for in Chapter VII of the Charter in order to enforce respect for its resolution 435 (1978).

A solution to the problem of Western Sahara should be based on the principle of self-determination in line with the resolution adopted by the OAU Heads of State. The withdrawal of foreign troops from Chad should have been accompanied by the setting up of a neutral force to prevent violations of the disengagement agreement. "Why not a new United Nations peace force capable of facilitating the process of dialogue with a view to national reconciliation."

For some year Africa has suffered an unprecedented and prolonged drought and the most adverse effects of the world economic recession. This critical situation is aggravated in particular by the acute food crisis in most African counties. In that context, recent initiatives by the Secretary-General and heads of orgnizations in the United Nations family deserve appreciation and support.

The experience of recent years proves that the world economy cannot be healthy if the development efforts of the developing countries continue to come up against ever-increasing protectionism, high rates of exchange, lower prices for their products, high interest rates, a deterioration of the terms of trade, severe balance-of-payments problems, a decline in financial capital and "a swallowing up of vast resources in arms programmes". The present crisis makes more necessary than ever the immediate launching of global negotiations to establish a more just and equitable system of international economic relations.

The Convention on the Law of the Sea is the most important and complete juridical instrument adopted since the United Nations Charter. Cameroon shares the groups of 77's concern over the provisional agreement on sea-bed exploration signed by certain industrialized countries. (8 October, A/39/PV.24)

Silvino Manual da Luz, Minister for foreign Affairs of Cape Verde: The economic and social deterioration in Africa has reached alarming proportions. The economic crisis requires immediate action at the national, regional and international levels. Several factors which have given rise to the present difficult situation are to be found within Africa itself, but the international situation has also had a negative impact. "We are thus witnessing in our continent an attempt to impose the strategic interests of countries or groups of countries in order to perpetuate reltions of domination which are incompatible with the interests of the African countries." To overcome the crisis, Africa must grow stronger through a collective effort to make cooperation and dialogue the essential instruments in relations between States.

Solution to conflicts in Africa must be found within a regional framework without foreign interference. Cape Verde has done everything in its power to assist "interested parties" in finding a just and peaceful solution leading to the independence of Namibia on the basis of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). The international community should reject any measure that does not have as its aim the eradication of apartheid and the creation of institutional conditions that would guarantee equality of rights and opportunities for every South African citizen, regardless of race.

Morocco and the POLISARIO Front should join in the search for a satisfactory solution to the situation in Western Sahara on the basis of respect for the principle of self-determination of the Sahraoui people. Cape Verde encourages every effort under way "in the African context" to find understanding among the different parties to the Chad conflict.

Peace can be found in the Middle East only if due account is taken of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Israel should withdraw from all Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem.

Cape Verde hopes that the Secretary-General will be able, speedily, to find ways of restoring justice and the rights of people "which have been trampled upon by the invasion and occupation of the territory of East Timor by Indonesia." It reaffirms its support for the cause of the Maubere people and its "avant garde", the FRETILIN.

There can be no alternative to the policy of peaceful coexistence, detente and co-operation among States. The economic and social gap between the developing and developed countries is widening. The efforts of the developing countries to establish more just economic relations and to build a truly interdependent world have not found a response in the attitude of some industrialized countries, which have not shown the political will that is desired in the situation. (28 September, A/39/PV.13) Clement Michel Pascal Nga Gnii-Voue To, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic: "The sweeping currents of ideas, discoveries and technological innovations should lead to a change in relations between nations; all such changes should lead to a true world balance. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. We are in fact witnessing a resurgence of intolerance, insecurity, selfishness and violence."

The agreements recently concluded between South Africa and some countries of the region are "an encouraging step along the road towards peace". However, as long as SWAPO, the sole representative of the Namibian people, is denied recognition of its national rights, peace cannot be lasting and total. It is more than ever important that Security Council resolution 435 (1978) be fully implemented.

The Central African Republic welcomes the recent agreements between France and Libya to withdraw all foreign forces from Chad. Troops must be withdrawn not just from the capital, but from all the territory, to enable the Government to dedicate itself fully to the task of reconciliation and national reconstruction.

An excellent basis for a solution to the question of Western Sahara can be found in the resolutions adopted at the 18th and 19th Conferences of Heads of State and Government of OAU.

The Central African Republic deplores the fact that negotiations on disarmament are stalemated at a time when the proliferation and development of arms are reaching alarming levels, thus perpetuating "the vicious circle of destruction". Disarmament cannot be achieved solely through regional security and arms limitation agreements. All States must be aware of the pressing and collective task of championing international peace and security.

The effective development of all countries is a condition for global balance and a guarantee of peace. The Central African Republic calls on the developed countries to contribute effectively, through bilateral or multilateral agreements, to the development of the countries of the third world.

The inadequacy of the present international economic system is resulting in enormous difficulties for the developing countries. Certain industrialized countries act as if the developing countries should "come to terms with their poverty levels and even be content with them". The assistance accorded to the developing countries, dwindling day by day, is clearly inadequate, and the terms of trade are increasing "at a dizzying pace". The poor countries are "bowed under the burden" of debt. Access to development sources and new technology "seems to be denied to us solely because we happen to be 'developing countries".

A joint definition of new international economic regulations by the industrialized countries and the third world is needed today. The entire international community would benefit from the beginning of global negotiations designed to put a halt to this crisis. (11 October, A/39/PV.31)

Gouara Lassou, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Chad: Chad remains sceptical about the withdrawal of Libyan forces from its territory. At the same time Libya is announcing its intention to withdraw militarily from Chad, it is continuing to arm rebel factions in the south of the country. Despite Libya's warlike and expansionist attitude, Chad has always wished to settle its dispute with that country by peaceful means. It encourages the Congo to step up its efforts to organie a conference on national reconciliation. Chad requests the international community's assistance to exert pressure on the Libyan regime to allow Chadians who are still in Libya to leave that country freely.

In addition to the already serious problems confronting it because of its status as a less developed and land-locked country, Chad is confronting other problems caused by natural disasters, such as drought and desertification. Chad reiterates its appeal for emergency aid.

The critical economic and social situation in Africa deserves the special attention of the international community. It is necessary to put into effect immediately "a programme of measures in matters of vital importance for African countries in order to alleviate their trafic plight".

The developed countries should act on the commitment made at the Paris Conference to implement the Substantial New Programme of Action for the least developed countries. "Selfishness must give way to solidarity so that together we can endeavour to establish a new international economic order that is more just and mor equitable."

In South Africa, the racists regime have tried to use Coloured people and Indians in their efforts to perpetuate their domination. The glaring failure of that attempt, caused by a general boycott of the so-called elections by the communities concerned, is clear proof that "in matters of domination and exploitation it is pointless to rely on dividing people, particularly if is pointless to rely on dividing people, particularly if the oppressed people has no option but to resort to force". Security Council resolution 435 (1978) on Namibian independence should be fully and unconditionally implemented.

Tensions engendered by the "botched decolonization" of Western Sahara are still smoldering. Chad supports self-determination for the Sahraouri people and the OAU resolution advocating direct negotiations between the parties to the dispute.

The right of the Palestinians to establish an independent State, under PLO leadership, and Israel's right to exist are no longer open to discussion. The international community should bring pressure to bear on Israel, through an international conference on Palestine, to agree that the Palestinian people has the right to recover its plundered lands. (9 October, A/39/PV.27)

Said Kafe, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Co-operation and External Trade of the Comoros: The situation in the Comorian Island of Mayotte today "benefits only those sad, nostalgic individuals for whom the return of Mayotte to the midst of the entire Comorian nation would signify a loss of their grip on and their political and economic domination of the island". The interests of those people are diametrically opposed to those of the local population of Mayotte. The Comoros welcomes the recent statement of a senior French Government official explicitly recognizing the legitimacy of the Comoros' claims. It is time to take the decisive step that will lead to a settlement.

The situation in southern Africa remains very precarious. The Comoros reaffirms its total support for the Namibians' struggle for independence under the leadership of SWAPO. Only a prompt implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) will make it possible to achieve peaceful decolonization of the territory.

The Comoros welcomes the disengagement agreement between France and Libya in Chad and hopes that once foreign forces have withdrawn in the leaders of N'Djamena and the opponents of the regime of President Hissein Habre will begin rebuilding the country. A satisfactory solution to the Western Sahara question involves the organization of a referendum on self-determination by the people of that country. The Comoros welcomes Morocco's agreement to abide by the results.

The continuing military presence in the Indian Ocean, exacerbated by the great-Power rivalry, is creating a "climate of explosive tension" in the area. The Comoros supports the idea of establishing a zone of peace in the Indian Ocean.

It also appeals for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan and Kampuchea. Admission of both Koreas to the United Nations would contribute to reunification of those countries, the Comoros feels.

Israel's intransigence stands in the way of a lasting solution to the problem of the Middle East. There are be no lasting peace so long as Israel continues to attempt to destroy the PLO. The Comoros appeals to Iran and Iraq to cease their hostilities forthwith.

The increasing super-Power rivalry as well as the unbridled arms race do not contribute to relaxing international tension. "In one place and anothr, might previals over right, and fait accompli replaces dialogue and joint effort." The United Nations must play "a primordial and capital role" if the international community wants to avoid a new war.

Beset on all sides by many problems which are both cylical and structural, the developing countries, in particular the non-oil-producing developing countries and, among them, the least developed countries, face an economic situation which is often desperate. (10 October, A/39/PV.29)

Antoine Ndinga Oba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Congo: Under the joint effect of natural disasters, such as drought, and "temporary factors of the moment", a considerable part of Africa is moving dangerously towards economic uncertainty; it is at the brink of stagnation. Desertification continues to increase inexorably, bringing with it hunger, starvation and a rising death rate. A solution to the problem has been blocked by insufficient mobilization of the necessary means and resources as well as by the emergence of other social and political problems, such as that of refugees. The Lagos Plan of Action needs to be effectively implemented.

The new international economic order is a moral imperative that can serve to organize the world's economy equitably and rationally. "The rejection by certain countries of the launching of global negotiations irrefutably demonstrates the extent of the cynicism governing the acts of many powerful States designed to distract international opinion and to set up a smoke-screen against those who are determined to eliminate all types of suffering with which the peoples are faced today."

The Congo is determined to ensure the success of the forthcoming Brazzaville conference on Chad. The imminent withdrawal of foreign forces from that country is a positive factor that may facilitate the process leading to its reunification.

The situation in Western Sahara continues to deteriorate. The Congo hopes that the treaty of 13 August 1984 between Morocco and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya will in no way prejudge the outcome and legitimate rights of the Sahraoui people, and appeals to the countries of the Maghreb to make a positive contribution to finding a just solution to the crisis.

The situation in Namibia presents a "very gloomy picture". The Congo can in no way sanction an operation that would subordinate implementation of the United Nations plan for independence contained in Security Council resolution 435 (1978) to the annulment of a "feely concluded agreement" between Cuba and Angola. The refusal of South Africa and certain Western Powers to conform to the demands of relevant United Nations decisions hides their plans to exploit Namibia's natural resources and permit the South African Government to consolidate its policy of apartheid. The international community must step up its struggle against the South African regime.

The Congo fully supports the activities of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), "under the competent leadership" of its Director-Generla, Amadou Mahtar M'bow, towards establishment of a new information and communications order, the regrets that lately UNESCO has been subjected to "intolerable pressures." (27 September, A/39/PV.11)

Moumin Bahdon Farah, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Djibouti: The deterioration of the international economic situation has led the international organizations to give priority to studying ways to achieve rapid improvement in the economy, while the problem of restructuring the world economy remains unresolved. Only an atmosphere of mutual trust and a common determination to arrive at an agreement on the most crucial issues will resolve the deadlock in negotiations between the developed and developing countries.

The international economic crisis has had "terrible consequences" for Africa. The world community should study the solutions proposed in a special memorandum advanced at the ministerial conference of the Economic Commission for Africa.

In the Horn of Africa, Djibouti supports non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and urges co-operation in cultural and trade exchanges as a way in promote dialogue. It applauds efforts of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean to convene the International Conference on making the Indian Ocean a zone of peace.

As a maritime nation, Djibouti views with "concern and anxiety" the mining of 19 ships in the Red Sea last July. "It goes without saying that this criminal act opens up new prospects of international terrorism and that the consequences thereof are unforseeable." Djibouti repeats its willingness to work with the Red Sea Basin States to prevent future incidents.

Djibouti welcomes the decision of France and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to withdraw forces from Chad, and hopes that will lead to reconciliation in the country. It reaffirms its belief in the right of the Sahraouti people to self-determination, and supports holding a referendum in the Western Sahara in accordance with OAU resolutions.

Djibouti condemns South Africa's new constitution as another instrument of apartheid working against the black majority. South African forces should withdraw immediately from Namibia, following a negotiated cease-fire.

The Iran-Iraq war threatens not only the Gulf region, but also world peace and security. Djibouti welcomes Iraq's initiative to begin negotiations, and urges support for all actions toward peace in the region.

The crucial issue in the Middle East crisis remains the Palestinian question. A just and lasting peace can be achieved only through recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, creation of an independent and sovereign state, withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories and recognition of the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people. Djibouti calls for international condemnation of desecration of Islamic holy places in Jerusalem. (2 October, A/39/PV.17)

Ahmed Esmat Abdel Meguid, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt: Violations of humanitarian international law in the occupied Arab territories have taken on "appalling dimensions." It is highly propitious to consider convening a diplomatic conference of all States parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to review the deteriorating situation.

The Middle East is witnessing a "wave of detestable fanaticism" that has failed to gain widespread support, but that carries a potential for danger. Egypt commends "those Arab and Israeli men and women who have bravely voiced their revulsion to fanaticism" and urged peaceful coexistence and mutual tolerance.

The Palestine question lies at the heart of the Middle East crisis. There are five "indisputable facts" that must be recognized as a basis for establishing peace: Israel must give up the occupied Arab territories; a settlement must be reached through negotiations with participation of both the Palestinian people and Israel; negotiations must be based on mutual recognition and reciprocal acknowledgement of the right to exist; the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to establish an independent state on their national soil; the PLO as the chosen representative of the Palestinian people.

Egypt hopes the new coalition cabinet in Israel will work for a genuine and just peace that responds to the national rights of the Palestinian people. The "positive response" of the PLO to a United Nations initiative for the convening of an international conference for peace in the Middle East represents "a great step towards peace".

Egypt supports Sudan's initiative to ensure the safety of navigation in the Red Sea. The "meaningless war" between Iran and Iraq constitutes a "grave and explosive situation" for the Gulf region, and Egypt is working within the frameworkd of the Non-Aligned Movement to find a peaceful settlement to that conflict.

The constitutional changes in South Africa are only "more camouflage and codification" of the policy of apartheid. In Namibia, the only obstacle to implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) is Pretoria's insistence on linking it with "totally alien" factors.

Developed countries cannot "shirk their responsibility" and abandon efforts to arrive t a serious plan to solve Africa's economic crisis. Egypt is disappointed at the failure of the Economic and Social Council to approve a declaration on the crisis at its summer session.

The African crisis stems basically from prevailing international economic conditions. Comprehensive solutions through dialogue and understanding between the developed and developing countries are the only option. (28 September, A/39/PV.12)

Marcelino Nguema Onguene, Minister of State for External Affairs and Co-operation of Equatorial Guinea: The economic situation of the overwhelming majority of Member States is becoming increasingly critical and the possibility of overcoming this crisis seems increasingly remote. "The influence of ideological blocs, so-called strategic interests and selective protection of human rights" have brought negotiations to remedy current inequalities and imbalances to a deadlock.

The developed countries should co-operate with the developing countries to ensure fair trading between North and South. "We must accept the reality that the growth and stability in the North and accelerated development in the South are interrelated." The constantly increasing deficits in the balance of payments of underdeveloped countries and their growing foreign debt must be answered by fair prices for the raw materials they produce and the establishment of appropriate measures to make possible "not just increased wealth for rich countries but also a considerable improvement in the economic conditions of poor nations."

While Equatorial Guinea shares the view that the future of mankind is the responsibility of all countries, the great Powers have primary responsibility in this area. The negotiations in Geneva should be resumed.

Considerable financial resources go to produce and develop weapons of all kinds. Meanwhile, millions of people in Africa, Asia and Latin America "are being wiped out by drought, hunger, poverty and disease". The proliferation of nuclear weapons and the stepping up of production of other weapons of mass destruction only help to make probable the victory of those ills afflicting the poor countries. It is necessary to wind down the arms race, with the corresponding reduction in military expenditures. The countries of the third world need programmes for health, housing and food production to meet the basic requirements of their peoples.

Now that the South African regime is showing its "true colours", the independence of Namibia recedes further into the distance. South Africa's presence in Namibia is illegal and must be ended. Conditions and circumstances outside the Territory should not affect or delay the process of its independence.

The apartheid system imposed on the black majority in South Africa is abhorred by all, but "many appear to be selective in condemning it", and various economic, strategic and ideological interests seem to be in conflict with the efforts to eradicate it.

Equatorial Guinea hopes that "the African wisdom and spirit of solidarity" will help to avoid any situation that could lead to the collapse of the OAU. It welcomes any peaceful and constructive initiative for resolving the conflicts in Chad and Western Sahara. (11 October, A/30/PV.31)

Goshu Wolde, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia: The racist Pretoria regime, aided and abetted by its "imperialist allies", intransigently persists in its illegal occupation of Namibia. That regime and its allies continue to raise extraneous issues in order to delay further the exercise by the Namibian people of their inalienable right to self-determinationa and independence. Ethiopia appeals to all nations to redouble their efforts to render moral and material assistance to both SWAPO and the liberation movements in South Africa. The United Nations must adopt and enforce mandatory sanctions against the racist regime until the United Nations plan is implemented in Namibia and apartheid is dismantled in South Africa. Ethiopia hopes that the United States Administration will abandon its policy of linking implementation of the plan with the withdrawal of Cuban "internationalists" from Angola.

Ethiopia hopes that the forthcoming session of the Assembly of OAU Heads of State or Government will break the impasse on the question of Western Sahara. Ethiopia welcomes the agreement recently signed by France and Libya regarding Chad and calls on all Chadians to take advantage of the opportunity to bring national reconciliation, peace and prosperity to their country.

"The nations of Africa are suffering the full brunt of the world economic downturn". The current recession has brought the collapse of commodity prices, increased protectionism, unfavourable terms of trade, balance-of-payments deficits, decline of official development assistance and mounting external debt. As a result, per capita output in 1983 has declined by 10 per cent as compared to that of 1980.

The growing malaise in the economies of African countries is far from being a result of a simple cyclical phenomenon emanating from the current global recession; "it is rather a result of the underlying structural maladjustment inherited from colonialism". Any remedy to redress the immediate and pressing problems of the continent, therefore, calls for measures that deal with the underlying cuases.

As a result of the prolonged drought, most African countries which were once self-sufficient are now net importers of food, with 25 per cent of all concessional aid to the continent being spent on the purchase of food. in Ethiopia, more than five million people face starvation as a result of the drought that has persisted since the early 1970's.

African countries have spared no efforts to respond to the crisis on the continent, but they cannot cope with the situation alone. Ethiopia hopes that the international community will complement the efforts of the African countries in "facing both the struggle for survival and the challenge for development".

Martin Bongo, Minister of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Gabon: The attitude of certain States which have imprtant interests in southern Africa--"a mercantile approach which chooses to ignore the inhumane dimension of the policy of apartheid"--cannot fail to further exacerbate tensions between blacks and whites and expose the entire South Africa society to upheavals that will not be confined to that area alone. A progressive disinvestment of the transnational corporations that operate in South Africa and the halting of all new investment would help bring about a peaceful solution to the problem.

Gabon calls on statesmen who still support South Africa to promote human rights in that area. The "double defeat" suffered by Pretoria following the recent "sham" parliamentary elections in August serves as a warning and "seems to constitute both encouragement and a guarantee of the justness of the heroic attitude of the black population". Gabon opposes the regime's new strategy, which is dividing the South African community into antagonistic classes. Only the total eradication of apartheid through sustained international pressure will overcome this tragic situation.

In Namibia, Security Council resolution 435 (1978) must be strictly implemented.

Gabon hopes for an African and peaceful solution to the rinflicts in Chad and Western Sahara. The OAU is the appropriate place for the parties to those conflicts to meet around the negotiating table.

Gabon reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to a peaceful existence and to remain permanently within secure and recognized boundaries like all other peoples in the Middle East. Israel should end its settlements policy in the occupied territories.

The current economic situation is grave. Ways and means to undertake an in-depth realignment of international economic structures must be sought. Rich countries lack the will to reach joint solutions in co-operation with the countries of the third world, especially on such fundamental questions as borrowing rates and industrialization. Gabon reaffirms its support for the launching of global negotiations and urges more South-South co-operation to promote self-sufficiency in the developing world.

Gabon supports the holding of an international conference on military expenditures and the implications of the relationship between disarmanent and development, as well as the proposal by the President of the United States on establishing regular ministerial meetings between the USSR and United States on those issues.

Lamin K. Jabang, Minister for External Affairs of the Gambia: The welcome economic recovery in the industrialized economies of the North is unlikely under present circumstances to improve living conditions in the developing countries of the South. Their fragile economies, already crippled by soaring energy costs of the last decade, are being further devastated by foreign debt, high interest rates and currency fluctuations. Developing countries have had to adopt severe budget-cutting policies that have reduced social programmes in essential areas like health, education and housing.

In africa this alarming situation has been aggravated by drought and desertification. The efforts of the African Governments to solve the problem need to be complemented by international assistance and co-operation.

"For several years developing countries have called in vain for a North-South dialogue on fundamental issues in international economic relations". They urge more equitable terms of trade increased financial resources for development and a restructuring of the international monetary system, all within the context of a new international economic order. The Gambia is committed to the early launching of global negotiations.

More forceful measures are now called for to eliminate apartheid. South Africa's conduct in regard to Namibia "represents a brazen affront to the authority of the United Nations." Its recalcitrance must be met with appropriately firm action to compel it to withdraw from the Territory.

The Gambia deplores the continued conflict over self-determination in Western Sahara. This dispute must be settled in the framework of the OAU, which has provided outlines for a negotiated settlement. The Gambia hopes recent developments regarding withdrawal of foreign forces from Chad will help restore unity and territorial integrity there.

An international peace conference on the Middle East--to be attended by the various parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the PLO--represents the only prospect of securing the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people and restoring peace and security to the region. The Gambia appeals to the two parties involved in Gulf hostilities to continue to co-operate fully with the Islamic Peace Committee.

Military occupation of Afghanistan has intensified, as illustrated by onslaughts this year against the Panjshir and Shomali valleys, in which thousands of civilians were killed, maimed or displaced. Recently, the occupation army has increasingly attacked the territory of Pakistan, which already bears the brunt of the refugee problem created by the conflict. The Gambia deeply deplores this ominous trend.

Daniel Francis Annan, Vice-Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council of Ghana: The racist Pretoria regime's "undisguised ambition to play the totally unacceptable role of a regional super-Power in southern Africa should be recognized as the driving force behind its brutal terrorism against its neighbours". The international community, particularly those States which claim to have influence with Pretoria, will adopt such policies in support of the United Nations as would bring a speedy and meaningful change in South Africa. The purported separate Asian and Coloured representation in Parliament is nothing more than a device to entrench apartheid more firmly in South Africa. Ghana remains committed to the total eradication of apartheid and to the establishment of a democratic society under majority rule in South Africa.

Namibian independence cannot be linked to the departure of Cuban troops from Angola. Steps should be taken without further delay to implement Security Council resolution 435 (1978). Ghana calls on the two parties to the dispute in Western Sahara to enter into direct negotiations in accordance with the relevant OAU resolution.

A lasting and peaceful settlement of the conflict in Chad must be based on national reconciliation and territorial integrity. Ghana welcomes the reported agreement between FRance and Libya to withdraw their forces as a positive step towards creating the necessary conditions for a negotiated settlement, and urges all internal parties to the conflict to work together to find a peaceful solution.

There can be no basis for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East unless Israel withdraws from all occupied and annexed Arab territories. Israel must comply with Security Council resolution 242 (1967) and other relevant United Nations resolutions. It must also resolve the core of the problem, which is the denial to the Palestinian people of their inalienable right to their homeland, self-determination and national independence.

The economic recovery of a few developed market-economy countries has barely touched the developing world. In many African countries, there has been prolonged drought and desertification, a widening gap between food production and population growth and an acute dependence on food imports. Although African countries are making strenuous efforts to meet the exigencies of their current plight, an agreed franework for purposeful international action to support their efforts should be developed urgently, taking into account the recent initiative by the World Bank.

Facine Toure, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea: The constant and tragic worsening of various conflicts in the world is the "painful and dangerous consequences of the ideological and military confrontation of the hegemonistic Powers that wish to divide the world into exclusive zones of influence".

The intransigence of Pretoria in the search for an immediate solution to the Namibian question stems completely from the support that it receives from its allies. Given the tragedy of Namibia, the United Nations "cannot afford to be the passive instrument of base individual interests" without losing its credibility in the eyes of public opinion. It must demand that all its Members strictly respect its decisions so as to induce racist South Africa to accept the complete implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). Guinea opposes the manoeuvres of those who want to link Namibian independence to problems relating to the sovereignty of Angola.

In Chad and Western Sahara, the prevalence of selfish interests have "fueled the flames of division" and paralysed the efforts of the OAU. Guinea welcomes the new developments in Chad and reaffirms that it is for the Chadians to find a solution to their problems.

When it is estimated that world military expenditure one week is equivalent to the yearly financial effort needed for the complete recovery of the economic situation of the least developed countries, one can only conclude that there is a pressing need to put an end to the "dangerous paradox of the arms race". The international community must ensure the effective implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Disarmament Decade.

The crisis in international economic relations threatens the stability and independence of the developing countries. The imbalance maintained by the rich countries is creating an "anachronistic situation in which the rich become richer and the poor become poorer". Initiatives aimed at getting the rich countries to participate in negotiations on the global development problems have been met with reluctance by some developed countries.

Concrete measures must be taken to establish a new world system which ensures for all mankind a fair share of the accumulated wealth and the fruits of the scientific and technological progress. The only possible way to restore equal opportunities in North-South co-operation is to establish fruitful relations based on justice and mutual interests, with the United Nations as a framework for the negotiations.

By giving "massive assistance" to put into effect the programme to combat desertification in Africa, the international community will fulfil one of its duties of solidarity.

Julio Semedo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau: There is a pressing need for launching global negotiations. "The burden of external debt, which is compounded by hugh interest rates, the drop in production and exports, the constant deterioration of the terms of trade, the food crisis and lack of the resources needed to exploit their economic potentials, has today placed the developing countries in a grievous situation."

The impoverishment of Africa and the third world in general has reached alarming proportions. "No one can deny the historic responsibility borne by our northern partners, regardless of their socio-political and economic systems, to be actively involved in efforts to promote collective prosperity." The rechannelling of resources being used for military purposes to further the economic and social progress of the developing countries in particular is an indispensable step towards the establishment of a new international economic order.

Only the considerable support of their economic and military allies can explain South Africa's and Israel's total scorn for the principles and norms of international law, United Nations resolutions and decisions, and all the initiatives that have been taken internationally.

"The self-styled constitutional reforms and the semblance of a democratic trend in South Africa can ... only beconstrued as an insidious attempt cosmetically to improve the racist image of the apartheid regime." Guinea-Bissau subscribes to Security Council resolution 554 (1984), which rejected the so-called new constitution, and expresses its "full solidarity with the patriots of South Africa who have courageously and resolutely opposed this new manoeuvre" on the part of the South African regime.

Full implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) remains the most appropriate way of ensuring Namibia's swift and peaceful accession to independence. Attempts to link that country's independence with the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola are a delaying tactic.

As long as there is no solution of the Palestinian issue involving full exercise of the Palestinian people's legitimate right to create a sovereign and independent State, and as long as Israel continues illegally to occupy Arab territories, there can be no real possibility of peace in the Middle East. An international peace conference should be convened with the participation of all concerned parties, including the PLO.

Situations of foreign domination remain of particular concern to Guinea-Bissau. It supports the Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic and the POLISARIO Front in their struggle for the independence of Western Sahara. The solution of the Chad problem should be an internal one, free from any external interference. The final solution of the question of East Timor presupposes recognition of the inalienable right of the people of that Territory to self-determination and independence and requires that negotiations be held among FRETILIN, Indonesia and Portugal as the legal administering Power.

(9 October, A/39/PV.27)

Elijah Mwangale, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya: Kenya is deeply concerned over the economic and military co-operation of some Member States with South Africa. The reported development and possession of nuclear devices by South Africa is of special concern. None of the previous pretensions that the arms and military assistance given to that country were for self-defence has stood the practical test.

The United Nations plan set out in resolution 435 (1978) remains the only basis for Namibia's peaceful transition to independence. Kenya fully agrees with the Secretary-General that the linkage of Cuban troops in Angola to the independence of the Territory introduced an irrelevant and extraneous issue.

The Horn of Africa is still plagued by tensions and conflicts which adversely affect economic, political and social developments and relations among the States in the area. Kenya appeals to those countries to redouble their efforts in the search for lasting peace.

The "super-Power rivalry" in the indian Ocean is a threat to the countries in the region and undermines the efforts of the international community to convene an international conference on implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. The success of such a conference could be facilitated through a firm commitment by the countries of the region, the great Powers and maritime users to the principles of the Declaration.

"Disarmament has become an absolute and urgent necessity, particularly in the field of nuclear weapons." The pressing task is to seek the reversal of the arms buildup and ultimately to bring about the complete elimination of "these man-made objects of self-destruction". The time has come for the Assembly to adopt a convention guaranteeing the security of non-nuclear-weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons against them. The nuclear Powers and all militarily significant States must stop producing those weapons and channel the vast resources so released to the economic and social development of all countries.

The global economic crisis, which has now reached unprecedented proportions, is threatening the stability and stifling the economic growth of all countries. Immediate measures to stimulate world economic recovery and accelerate development in the developing countries are urgently needed, including the convening of an international conference on money and finance for development. The launching of global negotiations is long overdue. Kenya urges the international community to step up assistance to African countries to combat desertification, alleviate critical food shortages and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

(5 October, A/39/PV.23)

Vincent Montsi Makhele, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lesotho: The world should not be deceived into thinking that the push for political change in South Africa is mainly externally motivated. Recent events in that country are compelling examples of the impatience of the black masses. "A people determined to liberate itself will not be halted by anything or anybody."

Reprisals by the South African authorities have resulted in an influx of South African refugees into Lesotho, which will continue to receive "those who generally run to it for sanctuary". But it will also insist that Leosotho not be used as a springboard for attacks against other countries. "When these people flee to our country we are used as scapegoats and are falsely accused of giving military bases to the African National Congress of South Africa."

Peaceful coexistence among neighbouring countries in southern Africa cannot be attained through the signing of so-called non-aggression pacts. The problem of southern Africa can be resolved only by the dismantling of apartheid.

Lesotho has no problem coexisting peacefully with South Africa. But the continuing influx of refugees into Lesotho, which it cannot stop, will continue to threaten these relations, which are showing signs of improvement.

The illegal occupation of namibia is a separate colonial issue which should be treated as such and not confused with other extraneous matters. South Africa should set a date for implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) and Namibia's independence.

The efforts of small developing nations to restructure their economies are frustrated by the "polarized manipulation" and refusal of the developed countries to accept the new international economic order. Lesotho, as a land-locked and least developed country hit hard by spiralling inflation, is concerned at the stalemate in the North-South dialogue. The international community should work to free the world's financial and trading systems from major banking crises, disequilibrium in external payments, stagnant growth, increasing trade barriers and volatile exchange rates.

Despite the assistance given to drought-stricken countries in response to the Secretary-General's appeal, the situation is not improving. Therefore, Lesotho welcomes the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)--World Bank initiative and hopes the international community will respond generously to requests for aid.

(9 October, A/39/PV.27)

Ernest Eastman, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liberia: only through swift implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978), with the full participation of SWAPO. Apartheid cannot be reformed but must be eliminated. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya will continue helping the people of Azania to achieve majority rule.

The Jamahiriya supports efforts of Indian Ocean countries to turn the area into a zone free of foreign fleets and bases. "Therefore, we call for the evacuation of American troops from the island of Diego Garcia and the dismantling of all the military installations."

The will of the Members of the United Nations should not be at the mercy of the five permanent members of the Security Council, some of whom have abused the veto right. The Libyan Aran Jamarihiya will again submit proposals about amending or abrogating that right and granting more authority to the Assembly.

Jean Bemananjara, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar: The front-line States are being subjected to intolerable blackmail. There should be an immediate increase in support and international assistance to give them the means to face up to aggression. Whatever stratagems may be used, Namibia will become independent. The democratization of political, economic and social relations in South Africa will bring about the day when the black, the white, the racially mixed and Asian populations are free of the apartheid regime and their collaborators. "Southern Africa can be an area of true harmony, peace and cooperation only when an end has been put to the political and economic hegemony of the racist regime and to foreign interference."

There should be a cease-fire and withdrawal of the Moroccan troops from the Western Sahara so that there may be a peaceful and fair referendum. Madagascar also hails the withdrawal of foreign troops from Chad.

Any demonstration or escalation of great-Power presence in the Indian Ocean is likely to jeopardize the sovereignty and peaceful development of States in the region. The convening of the Conference on the Indian Ocean, scheduled for Colombo in the first half of 1985, is the only way of reducing tension in the area.

As to the Malagasy Islands in the Mozambique Channel and the Indian Ocean, their status as belonging to Madagascar has been confirmed by relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the OAU, and by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Madagascar hopes that the recent exploratory talks in Paris will contribute to a solution in keeping with the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and mutual advantage.

The resources of the sea-bed should be the common heritage of mankind. Madagascar deplores any arrangement or mini-treaty that may be prejudicial to the provisions of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.

When the international economic crisis began, the third world countries were urged to carry out economic adjustments, and most of them did so with courage and logic. Their sacrifices, however, have not been recompensed.

South-South co-operation is important. Madagascar's proposal for the creation of monetary funds for the development and stabilization of commodity prices remains as relevant and as urgent as ever. Far from attempting to arbitrarily replace international monetary and financial organizations, the machinery proposed would be complementary to them and represent the contribution of the South to the necessary reform of the current system.

Africa, which is at the very bottom of the scale of development, is now the focus of attention of assistance organizations. There are many programmes of action, and so-called "emergency assistance measures" are proliferating. Madagascar emphasizes the importance of producing in the United Nations a general, consistent and concerted action framework within which to rehabilitate and revitalize African economies.

Alioune Blondin Beye, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Mali: "The world horizon is dangerously uncertain. The international situation is one of growing insecurity, injustice and human tragedy. The monetary and financial chaos, the slowing-down of trade, poverty, social deprivation--particularly hunger--desertification and poor employment prospects for coming generations are the ills which threaten to destroy our international society."

In southern Africa, "we see the deliberate violation of the borders of neighbouring countries and racist confiscation of fundamental freedoms". The "electoral farce" that was quite rightly and widely boycotted by the Indian and Coloured communities is part of the strategy of revamping apartheid in order to make it look presentable. "It is in the common interest to isolate and destroy the hateful system of apartheid by all available diplomatic, cultural, economic and, above all, military means, in keeping with the relevant provisions of Chapter VII of the Charter."

Namibia's independence can never be prevented. Resolution 735 (1978) should be fully implemented. "The presence of South Africa in Namibia is an insult to history, to logic and to the lofty purposes set forth in the Charter."

Morocco and the POLISARIO Front should "engage immediately in direct negotiations to define practical modalities, internationally recognized by the Organization, for a referendum on self-determination in the Western Sahara". Mali also urges the people of Chad to resume the path of negotiations to reconcile their differences. The withdrawal of all foreign forces from that country would make a positive contribution to national reconciliation.

Twenty-five years after independence Africa is the only continent where per capita food production has shrunk. Africa has replaced Asia as the main beneficiary of food aid.

"The economic situation in the developing countries is disastrous." A responsible dialogue taking into account mutual interests should be started to establish a new international economic order that will safeguard the sovereignty of States over their resources. Renewed North-South co-operation is an absolute necessity to maintain peace and understanding in the world. Global negotiations must be continued.

The question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East crisis. The solution lies not in an "augmented arsenal of armaments" but in recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to independence and national sovereignty. Israel must withdraw from the occupied Arab territories. The International Peace Conference on the Middle East should be convened with the participation of the PLO.

Ahmed Ould Minnih, Minister for Foreign Affairs and co-operation of Mauritania: In addition to suffering from the collapse of international economic relations, Sahelian countries are experiencing a drought that has devastated land and vegetation. Mauritania hopes the international community will make special efforts to implement recommendations of the International Conference on Drought and Desertification held in Dakar in July, 1984.

There has been an alarming rise in tension in the Western Sahara this year, dampening the hopes of the 19th African summit conference, which passed a resolution defining a framework for a just settlement of the dispute. It is regrettable that efforts to carry out the resolution have failed so far because one side has refused to implement it. Direct negotiations between Morocco and the Sahraoui Arab Democratic Republic are the only way to bring about a cease-fire and arrangements for a referendum enabling the people to exercise the right of self-determination.

As part of its work for the Arab Maghreb, Mauritania has joined Algeria and Tunisia in a treaty of brotherhood and understanding. Unlike certain agreements in the region, that pact was not dictated by transient interests at the expense of stability of countries and independence of peoples.

In southern Africa, Pretoria continues to consolidate racial discrimination and hinders Namibia's movement towards independece. A solution to the problem depends on complete eradication of apartheid and establishment of a democratic system based on justice and equality. Regarding Namibia, the international community and, above all, the countries that bear special responsibilities under the Charter, should seriously strive to implement United Nations resolutions and end violations of international law.

Mauritania hopes the withdrawal of foreign forces from Chad will mark a new era of national harmony, stability and security in that land.

It also wishes to record satisfaction at the agreement by one of the parties in the Iran-Iraw conflict to enter into peaceful negotiations, and repeats its appeal to its brothers to end the war.

A just and lasting solution to the Middle East question must be based on recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, national sovereignty and establishment of their independent State on their land under the leadership of the PLO, as well as the unconditional withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem. The international community must remain faithful to its positions on Lebanon notwithstanding Israeli practices in the south of that country.

Abdelouahed Belkziz, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Morocco: In the Middle East, Israel has "followed a course of action without precedent in the history of colonization", uprooting the Palestinian people and pursuing a policy of expansion and annexation. The Middle East problem can be resolved by an amalgam of the Arab peace plan adopted by the Arab Heads of State at the Fez summit and the plan proposed by President Reagan of the United States. Any solution alos requires that the Soviet Union be involved in its elaboration. Morocco unreservedly supports Lebanon's demand for the withdrawal from its territory of Israeli occupation forces.

Morocco deeply deplores the continuation of the war between Iran and Iraw. Iraw's attitude, reflected in its decision to abide by Security Council resolutions and respond favourably to mediation initiatives, has been positive. Morocco ardently hopes that Iran will eventually adopt the same stance.

Morocco again declares its willingness to co-operate in the holding of the referendum in the Western Sahara, as proposed by King Hassan II and agreed to at the 18th African summit meeting in Nairobi in 1981. Morocco confirmed its commitment to abide by the results of the referendum, but there have been obstacles to implementing the referendum resolution because of "fear of the inevitable outcome of the vote".

The treaty signed in August establishing the Arab-African Union between Morocco and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya was unanimously approved by the peoples of those countries, who are convinced that it is the first stone in the construction of the Arab Maghreb.

Morocco welcomes the agreement between France and Libya regarding Chad and believes it opens up "broad horizons for all sectors of openion" among the Chadian people to restore peace.

Morocco reaffirms its support for the people of Namibia in obtaining their independence under the leadership of SWAPO.

Africa's problems from drought and desertification can be overcome only by far-reaching international action. Immediate arrangements must be made to aid the stricken countries.

Ten years after adoption of the Lima Plan of Action, the developing countries are still waiting for the industrialized countries to live up to the obligations they assumed to improve investment conditions in the developing countries and guarantee the stability of raw materials prices. Morocco urges the developed countries to make their positions more flexible in order to bring about a new international economic order that would take into account the vital interests of the developing countries.

Joaquim Alberton Chissano, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mozambique: In Mozambique, armed banditry--"a new type of mercenarism"--does not represent an internal political opposition. Its leadership is composed of well-known foreign citizens, who are agents of colonialism. The Nkomati Agreement of non-aggression and good-nieghbourliness between South Africa and Mozambique constitutes an important legal instrument for promoting detente in southern Africa. The existence of colonialism in Namibia and of apartheid and racism in South Africa remains the main cause of tension and war in the region.

The international community should demand the unconditional withdrawal of South African troops from Angola, as well as the cessation of South African support to the armed bandits acting under its command against the legitimate Government of Angola. It should also denounce the policy of bantustanization and the violation of human rights by Pretoria; condemn the so-called constitutional reforms; demand that South Africa end its support for armed banditry; and prevent the strengthening of South Africa's military capability.

The Western countries must clearly dissociate themselves from the apartheid system and join the forces fighting for freedom, justice and peace in South Africa under the leadership of ANC. The international community should see to it that South Africa engages in negotiations with ANC, in order to bring about a democratic society in the country, and with SWAPO to bring Namibia immediately to independence. Linking Namibia's independence to alien issues is intolerable. South Africa must immediately stop executing freedom fighters and take steps for the speedy release of political prisoners in South Africa and Namibia.

Mozambique hopes that recent developments in Chad will bring peace to that country. It urges the POLISARIO Front and Morocco to enter into negotiations to immediately end the conflict in Western Sahara. It demands that Indonesia immediately and unconditionally withdraw its troops from East Timor. The Indian Ocean must be transformed into a zone of peace.

In the Middle East, Mozambique supports the just struggle of the Palestinian people, led by the PLO, for their inalienable rights, including the right to create their own State in Palestine, and the withdrawal of Israel from the occupied Arab territories.

Mozambique stresses the undertaking, as a matter of priority, of joint, co-ordinated action to restructure international monetary and financial systems to ensure the equitable and democratic participation of the developing countries. Global negotiations should be pursued. Measures must be undertaken immediately in favour of developing countries, particularly in Africa.

Ide Oumarou, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Niger: Many African countries "now work solely to pay their debts, to survive, to try to manage their meagre gains". What is needed is "the organization of a dynamic chain of international solidarity to assist the millions of men, women and children threatened by hunger, thirst, disease and death".

"Africa is indeed an integral part of this planet." Continuing to ignore its difficulties could lead to explosive situations. The solution requires greater justice in trade relations through stabilization of the prices of raw materials; judicious monetary reform; a courageous solution to the debt problem of the thrid world; increased development aid--in brief, the search for ways to achieve a new international economic order.

The announcement of withdrawal of foreign troops from Chad gives rise to new optimism only if the parties concerned scrupulously observe their commitments, avoid any impulse to return and preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Chad.

Niger deplores "the damage done to the OAU" by the Western Sahara question. The Sahraoui people's right to self-determination must be respected, and full implementation of resolution 104 of the 19th OAU summit conference "must constitute a decisive step in the right direction".

In the Horn of Africa, instability has become endemic, creating numbers of refugees never before seen by the continent. Only the indifference of the media allows the broad masses to be unaware of the ravages wrought by war and famine there. The United Nations could do more, and Niger urges it to act vigorously.

Chances of achieving a negotiated settlement in Namibia seem slimmer than ever. Therefore, the international community must react more firmly to South Africa's refusal to co-operate with the United Nations. Niger reaffirms its support for SWAPO. As long as apartheid humiliates and dehumanizes blacks, Niger will fight the regime in South Africa.

A just and lasting peace in the Middle East must be based on Israel's unconditional withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, as well as recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to establishment of an independent and sovereign State in its homeland under the leadership of the PLO, and full participation of the PLO in any peace process.

The community of nations must act energetically to end the Iran-Iraq war. Niger wishes for speedy implementation of Assembly resolutions calling for withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan and Kampuchea.

Ibrahim A. Gambari, Minister for External Affairs of Nigeria: The current economic crisis in Africa has immediate as well as medium- and long-term dimensions. The emergency aspect emanates mainly from the devastating impact of the drought, which has spread to hitherto unaffected areas and exacerbated the already inadequate food situation in the region.

The African economy has been the principal victim of the global recession. "For genuine economic recovery to take place in the world there must be willingness on the part of all members of the international community to redress those structural imbalances that contribute and condemn African and other developing countries to a life of poverty and economic underdevelopment." Nigeria appeals to the Assembly to embark on a course that will permit the early launching of genuine global negotiations, so as to accelerate the attainment of the new international economic order.

Those Member States of the Organization which profess a commitment to freedom and human rights have chosen to appease and reinforce the inhuman system of apartheid through their open collaboration with it. "By a sheer war of attrition, by aggression, by sabotage and by every conceivable means of destabilization, South Africa has succeeded in forcing unequal agreements on some of its neighbours." The world community must not allow "an illegitimate regime, which tortures, dehumanizes, denationalizes and engages in numerous other atrocities against humanity to assume for itself the mantle of a regional peace-maker and peace-broker."

In this age of global interdependence no one would be spared the consequences of a racial war in southern Africa. The time for South Africa's expulsion from the United Nations is overdue.

Any attempt to bring about the independence of Namibia outside the framework of the United Nations must not be allowed to succeed. Security Council resolution 435 (1978) must be immediately and unconditionally implemented. Nigeria rejects attempts to establish a link between the withdrawal of Cuban forces in Angola and Namibian independence.

The solution to the Middle East problem lies in a negotiated peace that recognizes the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, to return to their homeland and to establish their own independent State in Palestine. Nigeria also supports the total withdrawal of foreign troops from Kampuchea, and the holding of United Nations supervised free elections.

"Nuclear disarmament and the prevention of nuclear war must ... remain a priority task for the international community, particularly at this time when detente has collapsed and confrontation has become the watchword of the super-Powers." The Assembly must insist that bilateral negotiations be resumed.

Francois Ngarukiyintwali, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Rwanda: Africa, where most of the least developed countries are located, is particularly harshly affected by the effects of the international economic crisis. It is also wrestling with natural disasters such as drought and desertification, and is haunted by the spectre of hunger, which threatens approximately one third of its population.

Global negotiations on international economic co-operation for development remain the appropriate framework for the promotion of the new international economic order. South-South co-operation should be promoted and strengthened.

Rwanda condemns as a ruse "which deceives no one" the constitutional amendments to which the South African regime has resorted in desperation, as well as the "electoral masquerade" in which it has engaged within the framework of a strategy designed to perpetuate its odious policy of apartheid and racial discrimination. Rwanda demands an end to that policy and the establishment in South Africa of a genuinely democratic society based on equality of rights and respect for the dignity of all South Africans.

Rwanda reaffirms its solidarity with SWAPO in its struggle for recognition of the right of the Namibian people to self-determination and independence, in accordance with relevant United Nations decisions and without the imposition by South Africa of conditions extraneous to Namibian independence, "which would constitute unacceptable interference in matters relating to the sovereignty of another country".

In the Western Sahara, Rwanda hopes that Morocco and the POLISARIO Front will begin negotiations to achieve a cease-fire without delay and organize a referendum of self-determination in accordance with relevant United Nations and OAU resolutions.

The people of Chad must overcome the divisions and disputes which fuel "the struggles for power and the futile quarrels". The settlement of the Chad problem is a matter for Chadians, "united in their efforts to achieve the goal of effective and lasting reconciliation and in the search for a political settlement".

In the Horn of Africa the political climate is still marked by continuing tension, which causes grave concern. The paties involved should adopt, "within the context of brotherly dialogue, a strategy that can bring peace, security, detente and stability to this area".

Any solution to the Middle East crisis must be based on recognition of, and respect for, the inalienable, fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to its own homeland.

Rwanda supports the initiatives aimed at promoting gradual normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic "while waiting for the realization of the legitimate aspiration of the German people to regain unity".

Maria de Amorim, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sao Tome and Principe: "The compilation of all the addresses given before this Assembly gives us an idea of the depth of the abyss which exists between the fundamental principles, the generous ideas and the constructive recommendations which are formally proclaimed and the increasingly powerful brakes used to prevent their full implementation".

The rights of peoples to self-determination and independence are flagrantly violated by certain Member States. The unswerving support given by the international community to the determination of the Namibian people to turn Namibia into an independent nation does not prevent South Africa from continuing illegally to occupy that

Territory. The apartheid regime defies the international community through the "brutality of its repressive methods, its disdain for the black population, its travesty of democracy steeped in the most primitive racism and its plan to destabilize the countries of the region".

Despite the relevant resolutions, the peoples of Western Sahara, Palestine and East Timor continue to wage a war of liberation against Moroccan, Israeli and Indonesian forces.

The principles and rules governing relations among States--in particular, those of equal rights, the non-use of force in the settlement of disputes, the right to choose one's own path to development, non-interference in internal affairs--are sometimes disregarded by "those who wish to become the masters of the universe or who harbour dreams of expansion and domination".

The world is far from achieving a new international economic order. It is as if the wealthy countries "extract from the poverty and misery of the peoples of the underdeveloped countries the lifeblood they need to feed their affluence and strengthen their selfishness."

Sao Tome and Principe thinks that it would be more constructive, instead of devoting three weeks to general debate, to use this time for analyzing the most important items on the agenda.

The observance in 1985 of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations will provide a suitable opportunity for more thorough consideration of the role of the Organization and ways and means to strengthen its effectiveness and credibility.

Moustapha Niasse, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Senegal: "The world is currently experiencing an unprecedented economic crisis which must not be viewed as a short-term phenomenon, much less as a cylical occurrence, because it is deeply rooted in the superimposed imbalances and accumulated inequalities which have dominated the international economic system since the 1980s." Senegal appeals again to the international community and to specialized financial institutions to organize a world conference on indebtedness to seek the best ways to study the phenomenon and define remedies.

Senegal urges this Assembly session to help carry out the conclusions of the International Conference on Drought and Desertification, held in Dakar in July, 1984, by adopting a resolution that defines precise measures and appeals to the international community to make increased resources available.

Senegal hopes for a peaceful settlement to the dispute in the Western Sahara, in accordance with OAU resolution 104(1983), which has received the Assembly's endorsement. It also hopes that recent developments emanating from the disengagement agreement of September 1984 between France and Libya will lead to national reconciliation in Chad.

South Africa continues to occupy Namibia illegally, despite United Nations resolutions designed to enable the Namibian people to recover their full right to freedom, independence and dignity. Senegal reaffirms its solidarity with SWAPO and urges the Contact Group to bring direct pressure to bear on the Pretoria Government.

South Africa deserves once again to be condemned by the international community for its abhorrent practice of apartheid. Senegal also repudiates the repeated infringements of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and security of the front-line countries, particularly the constant threats made by South Africa against Angola and Mozambique.

An international peace conference on the Middle East with the full participation of the PLO should be able to solve the Middle East question. "We must, by all legal means, induce the international community to compel Israel to put an end to the settlements." No effort should be spared to obtain total withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967. The inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish a sovereign State on the land of Palestine must be reaffirmed.

Senegal supports the efforts of the Security Council, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to obtain peace negotiations and a rapid and definitive cease-fire between Iran and Iraq.

S. H. Kanu, Minister for Foreign Affaris of Sierra Leone: "Today, the stark economic reality of the African condition is that millions of people are afflicted by hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy and abject poverty." Over the last few years, the economies of African countries have suffered severe declines in growth and output of goods and services, accompanied by a dangerous fall in living standards, mass starvation and widespread decay of the small, but vital, infrastructure.

Primaryreasons for this decline are the recent severe world economic recession and the "stubborn refusal of our trading partners to pay fair and remunerative prices for our commodities and raw materials". those factors have been aggravated by the most severe drought Africa has suffered in this century. And the harsh conditions attaching to third world debt are today hampering economic recovery in many of the afflicted countries.

It is clear that the African people cannot on their own prevent the "imminent economic collapse" that threatens many of their impoverished nations. Reform of existing financial institutions, a reduction in the present crippling rates of interest and liberalization of world trade are imperative.

Population development cannot be divorced from general socio-economic development. All economic activities should be geared towards improving the individual so he can contribute meaningfully to national development. Sierra Leone hopes that the results of the Mexico City Population Conference will generate the "necessary impetus and political will" for co-operation in that domain.

The most dangerous challenge faced by the United NAtions is the accumulation and accretion of nuclear weapons with the attendant danger of nuclear annihilation. Sierra Leone demands an end to the "unprecedented and menacing" arms buildup. It appeals to the USSR and the United States, and all other nuclear Powers, to resume negotiations.

The racist Pretoria regime has continued to kill and brutalize its own people and menace the peace and security of southern Africa as a whole. "That is state terrorism", which the United Nations is committed to oppose and uproot wherever it occurs. Regrettably, the injection of extraneous issues and pre-conditions has held up the independence of Namibia. Sierra Leone calls on all States to condemn the Government of South Africa for its oppressive policy and urges the Security Council to take all measures within the Charter to bring about the abandonment of apartheid policies in South Africa.

Abdurahman Jama Barre, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia: In the Horn of Africa, tension, conflict and human suffering remain endemic. The central destabilizing factor in the region's turmoil is Ethiopia's continued denial of the right to self-determination of colonized people. It was to suppres the liberation struggles waged by the peoples of Western Somalia, Eritrea, Tigray and other areas that Ethiopia called in the forces of a super-Power and its surrogates, making the Horn of Africa once again the focus of super-Power rivalry. Policies of extreme repression, even genocide, have caused the mass exodus of refugees from the occupied territories into Somalia and other countries in the area. Somalis hopes that the necessary political climate will be created to encourage voluntary repatriation.

In the past two years Ethiopia has repeatedly launched military aggression against Somalia. No peace can be achieved in the region unless the Thiopian regime totally and unconditionally withdraws its forces from Somali territory and guarantees to the colonized people of Western Somalia and Eritrea their inalienable right to justice and self-determination. Somalia will continue to make all possible efforts to bring about the peaceful resolution of the problems in the region.

The widespread return in recent years in Africa of catastrophic drought conditions and other factors, including the presence of large refugee populations, have dealt additional blows to economies already weakened by external forces. Africa today stands in need of massive assistance to combat drought and desertification more widespread and devastating than in two previous decades. Food aid for the starving is an immediate, primary need, but more fundamental approaches must also be set in motion. In many cases infrastructures must be strengthened before relief and development projects can be implemented. the easing of debt burdens, the promotion of just and stable commodity prices and the roll-back of protectionism are fundamental remedies to restore the health of African and other third world economies. Significant infusions of international economic assistance remain of vital importance for tiding African States over the present crisis.

The United Nations must continue to insist on the isolation of South Africa until it ends apartheid. The implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) must be vigorously pursued. The Assembly must continue its support for recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people and must demand Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and from all other occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem.

Somalia appeals to Iran and Iraq alike to respond positively to proposals and appeals for negotiations. It hopes that efforts will be intensified for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Aghanistan and Democratic Kampuchea. Somalia supports the principles that underlie the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace.

Hashim Osman, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan: Sudan has responded to the mining of the Red Sea with a sense of "heightened concern" and again calls for a meeting in Khartoum of the foreign ministers of the littoral States. Concerted action is necessary to ensure freedom of navigation. Sudan hopes consultations among those States may be consolidated with curren efforts to transform the Indian Ocean into a zone of peace, "particularly as the Red Sea is one of its most important natural extensions".

Sudan calls on the international community to continue efforts in support of the legitimate Government of Chad, under the presidency of Hussein Habre. Sudan has insisted that the Chadians be left to solve their problems themselves, but continuous foreign interference has undermined that objective.

Sudan is closely watching the Iran-Iraq war, now entering its fifth year, and is saddened by Iranhs "defiance of all appeals and international efforts" of the United Nations, as well as regional groups, to stop the fighting. Sudan commends the "conciliatory attitude" of Iraq.

Natural disasters and severe economic problems are bearing down hard on African nations, Sudan among them. Drought and desertification are taking such a toll on both farm land and livestock that Africa will continue to suffer even if the international economy improves.

The world economic crisis, which is widening the gap between developing and developed nations, remains unresolved. The United Nations system is particularly concerned about the lack of progress towards co-operation among countries to solve the structural problems in the world economy. Sudan regrets that the latest World Bank meeting failed to reach a clear international commitment to provide the necessary economic resources for Africa.

The so-called constitutional reforms in South Africa are really a method of entrenching the apartheid system. Sudan hopes for further international pressure to eradicate apartheid. Continued international action and support for SWAPO are necessary to allow Namibia to achieve independence.

The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating, because of Israelhs intransigence and expansionist policies. The international community, most recently at the Geneva International Conference on Palestine, agreed that a just nad lasting peace in the Middle Eastmust be based on Israel's withdrawal from all Arab and Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and the exercise by the Palestinian people of all its rights, including the right to establish its own independent and sovereign state. The international community should force Israel to withdraw from Lebanon.

Sudan also calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and Kampuchea.

M.M.P. Mnisi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Swaziland: In the face of serious contention in southern Africa, Swaziland remains committed to the principles of "non-racial democracy, non-alignment and complete respect for human dignity, justice and peaceful coexistence with all". The problem in South Africa can be solved only if all concerned, "irrespective of the colour of their skins, their creeds or their ideological affiliations, will come to the negotiating table". Swaziland stands committed to urgent implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) concerning the independence of Namibia.

It commends the "good efforts" of the OAU and the international community in their endeavours to find a genuine and permanent solution to the conflicts in Chad and Western Sahara. All parties should exercise moral and political restraint.

Drought conditions in some 23 African countries, including Swaziland, have led to acute shortages of food and medicines, resulting in the death of millions oe people, especially children and the elderly. Coutries that have food and money are urged to lend a helping hand.

Efforts to restructure the international economic order continue to be thwarted by theories tending to favour the "haves" and not the "have nots". Many of the industrialized countries "hide behind economic theories and monetary policies which place very little or no value on the lives of other people". The harmonious development of Africa and its bargaining power would be greatly enhanced by closer economic co-operation between African States and other third world countries.

The world is in dire need of complete disarmament. The accumulation of dangerous weapons for mass destruction by both large and small nations threatens the very existence of humanity. "While many people are concerned more about a nuclear holocaust of some sort, let us remember that many wars fought in the past, and those that are being waged today, have resulted in the loss of millions of lives by the use of conventional weapons."

Swaziland reiterates its commitment to the settlement of disputes by peaceful negotiation and non-use of force. The United Nations remains the only appropriate international forum for finding solutions to major problems that beset contemporary international relations. (11 October, A/39/PV.30)

Atsu-Koffi Amega, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation of Togo: The South African leaders, seeking to adapt themselves to the upsurge of the heroic struggle of the coloured people against racial discrimination, have seen fit to confer a democratic veneer on the apartheid regime by electing a three-chamber Parliament, associating whites, Coloureds and Indians, but excluding the blacks, who make up 73 per cent of the population. "The impressive success of the boycott by the Coloured and Indian communities of this parody of an election and the recent riots organized by the blacks have set in motion a mechanism of savage repression which reveals the failure and panic of white power."

Togo regards those "expedient modifications" as new manoeuvres by South Africa to mislead international public opinion about the development of apartheid. In fact, the system has not been fundamentally modified at all by those bogus reforms, which ironically are rejected by the great majority of those for whom they were devised.

Togo condemns South Africa's continued nuclear co-operation with Israel, in light of the grave threat it poses to peace and security in Africa. SWAPO has Togo's unswerving support in the struggle for independence in Namibia. Implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) cannot be linked to the withdrawal of Cuban troops.

The crisis in Cahd could move towards a settlement if the recent France-Libya decision to withdraw all troops were to be effectively implemented. With regard to Western Sahara, Togo continues to be open to any new initiatives designed to secure common understanding among the parties to the conflict and self-determination for the sahraoui people.

The international community should mobilize itself to provide urgent solutions for the dramatic problem of drought affecting the developing countries, particularly in Africa. The scourge "afflicts more and more widespread regions and is causing an apocalyptic prospect for the future."

The international economic crisis is the "major challenge of our time". It is heightening the selfishness of the wealthy countries and multiplying the financial difficulties of the developing countries. It is time to "move from the phase of pious wishes to a rational reorganization of the world economy". How, in a world stricken with hunger and drought, can one understand the political blindness of those investing fabulous sums in the arms race? Togo reiterates its appeals to the super-Powers to continue negotiations leading eventually to full-scale disarmament.

The right of Israel to its own state within secure and internationally recognized borders does not exclude the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination within the framework of an independent and sovereign state. The Middle East conflict calls for a peaceful, comprehensive settlement within the frame work of an international conference. Togo also supports any effort to stop "the human and material blood-letting" caused by the Iran-Iraq war. (24 September, A/39/PV.5.)

Beji Caid Essebsi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tunisia: It is disturbing to note the paralysis gripping the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. The "super" arms race is resuming its diabolical course. Militarization of space is today a reality adding a new dimension to the risks of global conflagration. Regional conflicts in the third world are growing rose, and threaten the peace and security of the regions in which they occur, thus opening the way for foreign intervention and super-Power rivalry.

There has been no progress in the situation in Western Sahara, which constitutes a source of uncertainty and instability in the region. Tunisia urgently appeals for a peaceful and lasting solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the OAU.

The continuing war between Iran and Iraq, which threatens to envelop the whole of the troubled region, brings the threat of internationalization of the conflict closer. Hence the urgent need to resume efforts to make the warring parties commit themselves to solving their dispute around the table, either directly within the framework of the United Nations or through mediation.

The Treaty of concord and brotherhood among Tunisia, Algeria and Mauritania is a basis for firm ties governing relations among all the countries of the Maghreb. Tunisia also welcomes the agreement between Libya and France on the withdrawal of their forces from Chad, and hopes it will contribute to the rebuilding of that country.

While reaffirming support for the Fez Arab peace plan, Tunisia believes any effort for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East warrants consideration by the international community, which must call on Israel to withdraw its army immediately from southern Lebanon in conformity with Security Council resolutions 508 (1982) and 509 (1982). Tunisia pledges support to bring about national reconciliation in Lebanon. Efforts must be made to resolve the Iran-Iraq dispute either directly within the United Nations or through mediation.

Security Council resolution 435 (1978) remains the cornerstone of any just and lasting settlement of the Namibian question. The delaying tactics and arbitary pre-conditions set by Pretoria to impede Namibia's accession to independence cannot prevent the inevitable liberation of the Namibian people. A final date for independence must be set.

Global security is not limited to the search for a strategic arms balance; it also has an economic and social dimension. "Concerted action to reduce military spending and the allocation of the resources thus release to development assistance would do more to ensure security in the world than most sophisticated weapons." (1 October, A/39/PV.15)

Albert Picho Owiny, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda: South Africa has unleashed a campaign to undermine the network of solidarity and support which the liberation movements enjoy beyond its frontiers. The recent fraudulent constitutional changes have compounded the problem of the vast majority of the people by entrenching provisions which deny them citizenship in their own country.

Uganda categorically rejects any efforts aimed at rehabilitating the racist regime. "Neither the destabilization of neighbouring States nor the introduction of fraudulent constitutional schemes will save South Africa from the time of reckoning, which is fast approaching. The only way to prevent that otherwise inevitable eventuality is to dismantle the apartheid structures."

The liberation struggle is being waged and led by the people of South Africa themselves and in their own country. Africa and the international community should continue to render them moral and material support until victory.

Uganda totally rejects linkage between Namibian independence and the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola. The United Nations has an obligation to ensure that South Africa is unable to "wriggle out of" its decisions, particularly Security Council resolution 435 (1978).

In Africa, there is a crisis of development whose immediate causes are widespread and persistent drought and the rapidly deteriorating global economic environment. The current drought, which has now spread to 34 countries, is the most severe this century. Serious food shortages have been created, which in turn have triggered famine, malnutrition and related diseases, and loss of human lives and livestock. Africa is today relying on food imports and food aid to feed a large percentage of its population. The present crisis is further undermining the weak economies of African countries.

Uganda remains committed to the legitimate demand of the Group of 77 for a new international economic order based on equality and justice. Global negotiations that envisage economic relations based on mutual respect among nations must be launched without further delay.

Uganda reaffirms its support for the struggle of the Sahraouri people for self-determination, in accordance with the framework formulated by the nineteenth Summit of OAU Heads of State and Goverment.

Uganda supports the convening of an international conference on the Middle East in which the Soviet Union, the United States and all the parties concerned, including the PLO, would participate.

It also supports the efforts of the Contadora Group to find a peaceful solution to the problems of Central America and welcomes the conclusion of the Contadora Act as a positive avenue for peace. (4 October, A/39/PV.21)

Benjamin Mkapa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania: "If the racist [South African] regime is willing to talk peace, it is addressing the request for dialogue to the wrong people. Angola, Botswana, swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique or Zimbabwe do not threaten the South African regime. It is the black people inside South Africa that the regime has to settle with." And it must talk to them throug their national liberation movement.

"The events in southern Africa must continue to be seen in their ture context of South African aggression and not with an assumed image of South Africa as a peacemaker. There can be no peace or accommodation with apartheid, and those who now echo the empty propagandistic pronouncements of the racist regime should know that they are in fact contributing to the undoing of all that has been achieved in the global campaign to isolate apartheid."

The withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola cannot be used as a bargaining chip in the implementation of the United Nations independence plan for Namibia. And the attempt to tie withdrawal of South African troops from southern Angola to a cease-fire between SWAPO and the South African occupation forces in Namibia is reprehensible. The responsibility of the Western Five, particularly the United States, to see that the plan is not further obstructed cannot be overemphasized.

Tanzania regrets that one party to the conflict in Western Sahara -- Morocco -- continues its obstructionist policies and appeals to all parties to facilitate implementation of the OAU resolution. Tanzania also appeals to the leaders of the contending Chadian groups to put patriotism first, and to come together and agree on a future for their country which preserves unity and territorial integrity and militarily excludes foreign interference and involvement.

Tanzania calls on the big Powers to respond positively to the desire of the littoral and hinterland States for implementation of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. Regarding the future of the Comoros island of Mayotte, Tanzania urges the Comoros and France to expedite negotiations for the eventual restoration of the national unity and territorial integrity of the Comoros.

The failure to take appropriate and timely action has plunged the world economy into a deeper crisis and severely strained North-South relations. "And while many developing countries, particularly in Africa, are suffering from an acute shortage of food, the preoccupation in Europe and North America is with reduction of supplies of foodstuffs in order to maintain farmers' incomes." Structural changes in the existing international economic system are imperative. The Assembly should agree at this session to launch global negotiations. (9 October, A/39/PV.26)

Umba di Lutete, Commissioner of State for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Zaire: Apart from the work of its specialized agencies, "the only function in which the United Nations can still take pride is that of being ... the conscience of the world". Its essential role of preventing hostilities and maintaining peace is carried out only in rare cases when the great Powers are not involved. The fortieth anniversary of the Organization will be a good opportunity for establishing new directions and methods to make United Nations actions more credible.

Despite the continued existence of hotbeds of tension in many parts of the world, the current session of the Assembly is opening in more auspicious circumstances that its predecessor. Detente between the two super-Powers would "greatly help matters." Zaire hopes that the Soviet-United States contacts will lead to an understanding and a relaxation in international relations and "not to a conspiracy based on dividing up the planet".

The recent agreement between France and Libya for withdrawal of their troops from Chad seems to confirm the impression of reduced tension. Only Chadians themselves are in charge of their destiny. As for the Zairian troops in Chad, Zaire will settle that question independently with N'djamena. It does not intend to keep its troops in Chad for ever. "We are for peace, dialogue and concord."

Zaire hopes that the Western Saharan conflict, which has long divided the OAU, will meet with a peaceful solution as a result of the recent developments in North Africa. Zaire has always regarded POLISARIO as a liberation movement and not a government.

"The problem of over-armament is crucial because it raises questions that involve the very survival of mankind." "Disarmament or arms reduction must concern all the protagonists. It is meaningless to claim or demand unilateral disarmament." "That would smack of naivety and manipulation and would mean the reign of blackmail."

Despite the interdependence between rich and poor nations, in present circumstances the poor countries are too weak to bring "lasting and effective pressure" on the rich. Assistance to the developing countries barely amounts in most cases to 0.7 per cent of gross national product, and the conditions offered to those countries in the financial market are such that the non-oil-exporting countries are often in no position to pay. The creditors must understand the difficulties of the debtor countries. No sound and genuine co-operation is possible in relationships of subjection.

To maintain itself in power, South Africa has adopted a policy of terror and aggression towards its neighbours. It should make a unilateral declaration to stop that aggression. "Let us hear nothing about interference on the part of the neighbouring countries in the internal affairs of South Africa. Helping the black majority to achieve liberation is not interference. Fighting crime is not interference, for apartheid is an international crime. This is legitimate self-defence. South Africa is remaining in Namibia illegally.

Lameck Goma, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zambia: The situation in southern Africa continues to threaten regional and international peace and security. South Africa has sought to impress the world that it has undergone a change of heart in the past year, but recent initiatives have left intact the root cause of the problems--apartheid. The so-called new constitutional dispensation, which created a tricameral Parliament that excludes the black majority, is in fact "a most reprehensible act of denationalization".

The General Assembly must reaffirm its rejection of the new constitutional set-up in South Africa. The international campaign to isolate South Africa must continue as long as there is no positive change in Pretoria's thinking. Zambia calls on the United States to stop linking Namibian independence to extraneous issues such as the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola and to prevail on South Africa to allow implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978).

The economic problems of Africa are, in part, a result of past colonial exploitation and underdevelopment and, of late, natural causes such as desertification and persistent drought. Zambia, one of 34 countries currently affected by drought, supports the Secretary-General's urgent call for international assistance.

The current world economic outlook is worse than ever. Global negotiations must be launched without delay.

The Assembly should also spare no effort to urge the resumption of meaningful dialogue between the Soviet Union and the United States in the interest of world peace and security. It is imperative that nuclear disarmament be aggressively pursued by the international community.

The Middle East problem can be resolved only through a comprehensive peace initiative involving all parties concerned, including the PLO. Zambia supports the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the PLO, in their struggle for the establishment of a state of their own in Palestine. It demands immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all Arab lands occupied since 1967.

Asia

Most of the 37 speakers from Asia expressed concern about the strained relations between the super-Powers which had triggered an escalation in the arms race and led to a stalemate in disarmament negotiations. The production and stockpiling of nuclear weapons caused particular anxiety. Some countries expressed concern at the possible extension of the arms race to outer space. Several drew attention to the fact that resources spent on armaments could be better used for the development of the poorer countries.

Continuing concern about the international economic situation was expressed by many speakers who noted that despite the recovery experienced by some industrialized countries, the developing countries continued to be severely affected by the currrent world recession, high interest rates and reduced export earnings exacerbated by protectionist measures. There was discussion of the need for a new international economic order and support for convening global negotiations and expanding South-South co-operation. An international conference on money and finance was called for by several countries.

Within the region, most countries considered the turmoil in the Middle East a serious thread to world peace, and urged withdrawal by Israel from the territories occupied since 1967 and southern Lebanon. Some countries reiterated support for the holding of an International Conference on the Question of Palestine with the participation of all parties concerned including the Palestine Liberation Organization. Israel stated, however, that there was continued denial by Arab States of its right to exist and indicated that direct negotiations were the only means of producing agreements between Israel and its neighbours.

The Iran-Iraq war was deemed another major source of tension in the region. A number of countries welcomed Iraq's response to mediation efforts and hoped that Iran would also respond to mediation efforts and hoped that Iran would also respond to international pleas to end the war. Iran, however, said Iraq was carrying out aggression and laws. A few speakers referred to the threat to the freedom of international navigation in the Gulf posed by attacks on neutral shipping and stressed the need for the countries of the region to resolve the problem without outside interference.

Most countries called for withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan and Kampuchea. A few, however, supported the Government of the People's Republic of Kampuchea and deplored the seating of the "Pol Pot clique" in the United Nations. Those same countries also supported the struggle of the Afghan people to defend their revolution. A number of countries expressed hope for a peaceful reunification of North and South Korea and a peaceful and lasting settlement in Cyprus.

Many countries called for implementation of the 1971 Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace and urged the convening of the Colombo Conference on the Indian Ocean in 1985. Several countries supported the idea of a zone of peace in South-East Asia. The possibility of making the Middle East a nuclear-free zone in order to lessen tensions in the region was raised. The recent mining of the Red Sea was also of concern, as was nuclear testing by France in the South Pacific.

[The views of Democratic Kampuchea, Lebanon and Malaysia on these and other issues are reflected in the addresses by their Heads of State or Government on pages 11 to 19.]

Shah Mohammad Dost, minister for Foriegn Affairs of Afghanistan: "Legitimate fear of a complete annihilation of life on earth as a result of an all-out nuclear war has put the struggle for peace and prevention of such a war at the top of the list of priorities on the human agenda." To avert the danger of a nuclear holocaust, all nuclear Powers should positively and effectively respond to the Soviet Union's proposals on the peaceful uses of outer space and on the inadmissibility of State terrorism.

State terrorism has become instrumental in continuing the undeclared war against Afghanistan master-minded by the United States. That conflict constitutes an obstacle to conclusion of an agreement to strengthen peace and stability in the region. The huge imperialist propaganda machinery has resorted to slanders and fabrications in its drive to distort the realities in and around the country.

Afghanistan has conducted earnest and serious negotiations with Pakistan through the Secretary-General's Representative, with a view to finding a negotiated settlement of the problems between the two countries. "Should the other countries involved so desire, they will find us prepared to meet them half-way."

The continued denial of the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine and other occupied territories has reduced to naught the possibility of finding a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem. The failure to bring peace to this war-torn region is mainly due to the unconditional support given to the Zionist war machine by United States imperialism. It is time to facilitate the holding of an International Peace Conference on the Middle East with the participation of concerned parties, including the PLO.

The United States and its allies also should not be allowed to further delay the holding of the conference on the Indian Ocean, how proposed for early 1985.

The burden of debt now weighing on the shoulders of the developing countries is becoming disproportionate as a result of high interest rates and the crisis in the world capitalist system. The imperialist policy of using economic assistance as a means of exerting political pressure on the developing countries has been extensively employed to curtail or stop the flow of international development assistance to those countries which refuse to submit to their diktat. Afghanistan has become a victim of this economic pressure and blackmail as was manifested during the consideration of its country programme by the Governing Council of UNDP.

Shaikh Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain: "Atomic terror, the world food crisis, and peace and stability in the world are problems of a universal nature, which all States in the world should effectively contribute to solving."

The war in the Gulf has taken a dangerous turn recently with attacks on oil tankers belonging to States not parties to the conflict. The Security Council confirmed that such attacks constituted a threat to the safety and stability of the area and had serious implications for international peace and security; it is therefore requested to follow up the implementation of its resolution 552 (1984) to ensure the fre and safe navigation of shipping to and from all ports and installations of the littoral States that are not parties to the hostilities. Bahrain again calls upon Iran and Iraq to settle their differences by peaceful means.

The two super-Powers have disappointed other States by their preoccupation with the arms race, particularly strategic atomic weapons, and the creation of political and military spheres of influence in the world. The Security Council, the organ of the United Nations responsible for the maintenance of peace and security, is often unable to carry out its duties because of East-West rivalry and conflict.

The Middle East has been the scene of recurrent bloody and tragic events since 1948, when the Arab land of Palestine was forcibly seized to establish a Zionist State on it. The root of the Arab-Israeli conflict is Israel's rejection of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights. Bahrain again declares its support and approval of the Fez peace plan for the Middle East. But this plan and all serious initiatives for the solution of the conflict have been rejected by Israel, thereby confirming its identity as an expansionist settler State. The Israeli invaion of Lebanon has complicated the internal situation in that country and increased tention in the region. Israel must be compelled to withdraw from Lebanese territory.

The increase in the debts of the developing countries, now estimated to be over $US 800 billion, was caused originally by the reduction in price of raw materials produced by those countries and the increase in price of manufactured goods imported from industrialized countries. This has had dangerous adverse repercussions on economic and social development in developing countries. "The rich and the poor are individuals of one community and, if the gap between them widens, deprivation will inevitably lead to confrontation." The intensity of the crisis can ony be reduced by the establishment of the new international economic order.

Humayun Rasheed Choudhury, Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh: "It is now universally recognized that a redirection of resources from armaments to development will be in the interest of the developed and developing countries alike." The President of Bangladesh has made a number of important proposals for arresting the arms race which deserve to be examined carefully.

Palestine "is the tragedy of our times". A settlement must be based on total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories and restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to establish a state of their own with Jerusalem as its capital.

As a littoral State, Bangladesh attaches great importance to creating a zone of peace in the Indian Ocean. It also calls for withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan and Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea so that those peoples can determine their destiny without outside interference.

The Declaration and Programme of Action on the Establishment of the New International Economic Order and the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States symbolized the high hopes of the developing countries and provided the blueprint for their integration into the mainstream of the global economy as partners in development. Ten years later their aspirations remain as distant as ever. The proposal for global negotiations, which was adopted by consensus but remains unimplemented, merits serious review by this Assembly.

The actual economic performance of the developing countries since 1980 "has been in stark contrast to the growth parth traced in the International Development Strategy." In Africa every major sector of the economy has suffered a decline, and in Asia, the stifling effects of the recession have been no less severe. The debt problem, which is not confined to Latin America, became a crisis only when the debtor countries' growht in export earnings declined in the face of mounting protectionism. Even existing commodity agreements are now falling apart due to lack of political support by some industrial countries.

The least developed countries (LDCs) lack the wherewithal to withstand prolonged and intensified crisis. Bangladesh hopes that the mid-term review of the implementation of the Substantial New Programme of Action in favour of the LDCs will be broached with "seriousness and sympathy" by developed and developing countries alike. If recovery is to spread to the developing countries, measures must be taken to reactivate their economies.

Dawa Tsering, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bhutan: South Asia is taking a significant step towards further regional co-operation through meetings of foreign ministers, the second of which was held in Maldives last July. The seven member countries--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka--know that orderly development and progress in the region can occur only in an atmosphere of peace, harmony and mutually beneficial co-operation.

The North-South dialogue was a promising beginning to fostering co-operation and finding solutions to the problems the world economy faces. Resolutions were debated and agreed upon, but no action has been taken so far. The negative attitude of a few Member countries amounts to a rejection of international co-operation for development. The negotiations must be revived in the interests of a better future for all.

The past year has recorded some encouraging developments. One was the continued efforts of the Contadora Group to help maintain peace in Central America. Another was the meeting of the Nordic foreign ministers in Reykjavik in September. In their final communique--"an extraordinarily enlightened document by any standard"--the ministers called for disarmament and resumption of detente between the major Powers; urged a comprehensive test-ban treaty; repeated support for efforts to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Middle East; condemned apartheid; and stated the necessity of adopting concrete measures through bilateral and multilateral aie. "The Nordic Group, with its pragmatic, constructive and enlightened thinking, could well serve as a bridge between West and East, and between North and South."

The cementing of an agreement on a comprehensive nuclear-weapon test ban is one practical first step towards peaceful co-existence. In addition, production of chemical weapons must be banned and existing stocks destroyed. Outer space must be kept free of "star wars" scenarios. The trend by each side to harden positions must be reversed.

The international community must do all it can to resolve the senseless and tragic confrontation between Iran and Iraq, and the situation in Lebanon. The rights of the Palestinians must be fully restored, including the right to self-determination in their homeland. The legitimate security interests of Israel fail to justify its occupation of southern Lebanon and other Arab territories.

Bhutan repeats its support for the struggle of the Namibian people for independence under SWAPO and calls for the swift and complete eradication of apertheid. "Apertheid hurts black and white alike; its inhumanity causes suffering to the oppressed and corrupts the oppressor."

U Chit Hlaing, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burma: The situations in Afghanistan and Kampuchea continue to threaten regional peace. Burma hopes for a political settlement in both nations based on respect for their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as withdrawal of all foreign forces. It also hopes for the restoration of unity and a return of conditions in which the people of those two States can work out their destinies free of external interference.

Thirty years of development-related world conferences, summits, strategies and economic expansion have produced few results, while world-wide recessions have had a damaging impact on most developing countries. The central problem of international debt cannot be solved without structural adjustments for a more balanced financial and monetary system and revival of world trade.

The United Nations difficulty in solving problems on the agenda for several years stems largely from seriously deteriorating relations between the super-Powers. It is in their and the world community's interests that they reestablish a working relationship. The Secretary-General's call for a top-level Security Council meeting is timely and important for the development of a common approach to contemporary world problems. It would be a "tremendous boost" to United Nations processes if the permanent members of the Security Council were forthcoming in support of the Secretary-General.

Negotiations between the two super-Powers have stood still since their disarmament talks broke down last November. Daily the arms race intensifies, endangering the survival of mankind. "We see no alternative to negotiations between the super-Powers--and their alliances ... if world peace and security are to be assured." It is also necessary that the foremost space Powers co-operate in the use of outer space to prevent an arms race there.

Prospects for settling the Middle East problem continue to be elusive. Israel should withdraw from the occupied territories and halt the establishment of new settlements in those areas. The Palestinians should state explicitly their willingness to recognize Israel's right to a secure existence. In Lebanon, the overriding concern is the restoration of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.

Recent attacks by both sides on neutral ships show how potentially dangerous the Iran-Iraq conflict has become and point to the urgency of stopping it by peaceful means before events lead to wider confrontation.

Little progress is likely on the Naminia question unless South Africa reverses its position of linking removal of Cuban troops from Angola to its withdrawal from Namibia. South Africa shows no sign of abandoning its policy of apartheid, a move that would satisfy the world.

Wu Xueian, State Councillor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of China: Peace and development "remain the two fundamental questions bearing upon the interests of all the peoples in the world today."

Nuclear stockpiles have reached extremely dangerous proportions. The two super-Powers bear the main responsibility as they possess over 95 per cent of the world's nuclear weaponry. "Should they choose the use only a small portion of their arsenals ... the people of the whole world would be plunged into an unprecendented holocaust." China calls for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all nuclear weapons; an international conference convened with the participation of all nuclear States to work out concrete measures for further nuclear disarmament; and an agreement by all nuclear States on non-first-use of nuclear weapons. A treaty on the prohibition of the arms race in outer space is also necessary. China recently acceded to the Convention on the prohibition of biological weapons.

Instead of respecting the sovereignty of other countries, the super-Powers have pursued hegemonism and even carries out armed aggresiion against weak and small countries. With their support, "certain regional hegemonists" have tried to annex their neighbours' territories by force.

"Vietnam refuses to give up its wild ambition of annexing Kampuchea, despite repeated setbacks on the battlefield." A political settlement of the question must be predicated on the withdrawal of all Vietnamese troops. China calls for withdrawal of United States troop from South Korea and supports the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in favouring tripartite talks.

The development of the third world have become one of the biggest challenges mankind faces today. Economic recovery in the West is still very unsteady, and economic prospects in the developing world remain grim. The difficulties of the least developed countries, particularly the desparate plight of such countries in Africa, deserve close attention. It is urgent that the international community take action in response to the appeal for help from sub-Sahara, where more than 100 million people are plagued by famine.

The debt problem is an urgent issue facing Latin America in particular. The debtor countries should be asked to adopt readjustment policies aimed at promoting their economic growth. The creditor countries should lower high interest rates, improve terms of payment, reduce trade restrictions, increase development aid, and provide credits and loans to reduce the burden of the debtor countries.

China also calls on developed countries to reverse the trend of increased protectionism. "Wthout the economic growth of the developing countries it will be difficult for the developed countries to achieve sustained economic recovery and expansion." The solution of the problems facing the developing countries should be closely linked with the effort to establish the new international economic order. South-South co-operation is not only an effective way for the developing countries to strengthen collective self-reliance but also an important impetus to the North-South dialogue.

"Thanks to their join efforts, the Chinese and British Governments have reached and initialled an agreement on the question of Hong Kong." This settlement will contribute to the reunification of China and to stability and peace in Asia.

George Iacovou, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus: The General Assembly has repeatedly pronounced itself on the Cyprus question by way of resolutions unanimously adopted by the Member States, including Turkey. But the resolutions remain unimplemented, and the illegal occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus continues. In view of the fact that a second round of proximity talks is to take place in October, little more should be said. "A solution can be found if partitionist concepts are abandoned by the Turkish side and a willingness to conform with the provisions of the United Nations resolutions is exhibited."

Failure to achieve progress on disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament, "may lead to confrontation and war, the results of which would effect the very survival of the human race on this planet".

The global economic crisis, which is affecting the developing countries most, has resulted in low growth rates, high unemployment, inflation and mounting external debt. The problems of the system are mainly structural, and the international community has a duty to act urgently and decisively to stimulate the process of global economic negotiations leading to the establishment of a new international economic order. It is imperative for the Assembly to adopt a wise and constructive stand at the current session.

Despite progress in the elaboration of international instruments and standards to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, there remains a wide gap between objectives and realities. The human rights of the Palestinian and Arab population in the occupied territories of the Middle East continue to be violated. To achieve a just and comprehensive peace in that region there must be a total and unconditional withdrawal of all troops from the occupied territories and from Lebanon. Cyprus hopes that Lebanon will achieve national reconciliation.

Cyprus appeals to Iran and Iraq to seek a peaceful, just and honourable solution to the conflict between them.

In South Africa so-called constitutional reforms have been implemented against the wishes of the majority of the population and exclude the 24 million Southe African blacks from any form of political process. Cyprus endorses Security. Council resolution 554 (1984) rejecting the new constitution. It also firmly rejects attempts to link Namibian independence with extraneous issues.

The deteriorating situation in Central America presents a serious threat to peace. Cyprus hopes that the Contadora Group will contribute positively to a negotiated settlement. The sovereign rights of the people of the countries of the region must be fully respected.

Abdul-Aziz Al-Dali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Democratic Yemen: "On the arms race alone billions of dollars are wasted annually, at a time when millions of people are suffering or even dying a hunger in the developing world." Democratic Yemen welcomes the constructive proposals put forward by the Soviet Union and other socialist countries curb the arms race.

The question of Palestine "continues to pose a serious threat and stir the conscience of the world". Israel, which persists in its aggressive racist and expansionist policies in Palestinian and other occupied Arab territories, could not have been successful in achieving its aims without the United States' unlimited support.

A solution in the Middle East can be achieved only by means of an international peace conference within the framework of the United Nations, with the participation of all parties concerned, including the PLO. The United States' objection to such a conference confirms the real intentions of its policy, which will only result in increasing tension and exacerbating the situation.

The United States, by abusing its right of veto in the Security Council, has compromised the rights of independent States and peoples, most recently in the vote on the draft resolution on Israeli practices in southern Lebanon.

Recent mine explosions in the Red Sea cnnot be used as a justification for "imperialistic militaristic intervention". The first requirement for peace and security in the area is the departure of foreign fleets cruising in Red Sea waters under the pretext of mine-sweeping. The Iran-Iraq war must be resolved by peaceful dialogue "so as not to leave room for imperialist intervention."

The efforts by the developing countries to contain the international economic crisis and minimize its damage have met with barriers set up by the Western industrialized countries. Economic recovery in the industrialized countries will not alleviate the crisis unless accompanied by steps to eliminate protectionist barriers, reduce interest rates and resolve the foreign debt problem. The solution lies in the reconstruction of international economic relations and in the rekindling global negotiations with a view to establishing a new international economic order.

Democratic Yemen, as a least developed country, is suffering particularly from price fluctuations of imported manufactured goods and from a scarcity of financial resources, restricting its aspirations to implement development projects.

Ratu Jone Filipe Radrodro of Fiji: "The lack of resolve to undertake negotiations and dialogue as a means of settling disputes between States is seen in the upsurge of terrorism and terrorist activities throughout the world." Fiji condemns such acts of terrorism as the bombing of the American Embassy in Beirut and the attack on the Republic of South Korea's high-ranking officials in Rangoon last year, and urges all States to contribute to the elimination of such acts.

Ever since its inception the United Nations has sought a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. There will be no durable peace until the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to a homeland, and the rights of all States in the region, including Israel, are assured. Fiji's participation in the United Nations peace-keeping operations in Lebanon is a tangible manifestation of its commitment to attaining peace and stability in the Middle East. However, Fiji and other troop contributors feel the financial strain of their participation. This situation would not have arisen if all Member States had met their financial obligation.

Fiji and other members of the South Pacific Forum would welcome an unequivocal affirmation by France of its commitment to the independence of the territory of New Caledonia, in accordance with the wishes of its multiracial population, including its Kanak community.

It is Fiji's hope that the Assembly will provide an impetus to meaningful negotiations on halting the arms race and eventually to arms reduction and disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States. Ultimately, failure to check the arms build-up and thereby avert a nuclear holocaust "will render irrelevant all other issues on our agenda."

One of the major nuclear-weapon States continues to conduct its nuclear testing programme in the South Pacific in disregard of the opposition and condemnation of Fiji and other Governments of the region. France has announced its intention to continue its testing programme in the South Pacific for the next 15 years. In response, Fiji has indicated that if, as is claimed, the testing is safe, it would be logical to conduct it on European soil. The south Pacific Forum leaders, concerned for the safety of their peoples and their environment, have taken a collective decision to work towards the establishment of a nuclear-free zone for the region.

With the limited land area of most island States in the South Pacific, the seas and their resources are of overwhelming importance. Fiji reiterates its request to the United Nations for assistance to small island countries in the region to ensure the optimum and rational utilization of their resources.

Fiji attaches great importance to the Convention on the Law of the Sea and urges Member States to ratify it. When ratified, the Convention will represent an important instrument for international co-operation for the economic and social development of all peoples.

Ram Niwas Mirdha, Minister of State for External Affairs of India: "Governments and peoples all over the world are becoming increasingly aware of the grave threat posed to the very survival of mankind by the development, accumulation and deployment of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems". A fresh and concreted world-wide effort must be made to halt the arms race. Nuclear-weapon States bear the greatest responsibility and must adopt urgent, practical measures to prevent a nuclear war.

The six-Power Joint Declaration signed by India and others urging the five nuclear-weapon States to halt weapons-testing and deployment has achieved the overwhelming support of the international community. Like-minded nations must think of other forms of actions. The proposal for a world conference on disarmament and development deserves serious consideration.

The Colombo Conference should be convened urgently to begin the process of eliminating great-Power military presence from the Indian Ocean.

In Sri Lanka there has been a resurgence of indiscriminate violence and killing by the armed forces, resulting in heavy loss of life and property of the innocent Tamil population. It is regrettable that Sri Lankan leaders continue to make "baseless allegations" that India is providing sanctuary support to Tamil militants.

Sustained economic recovery of the developed countries is dependent on the reactivation of the economic development of the developing countries, but the policies pursued by many developed countries seem to reflect a rejection of the concept of interdependence. The practical effect of protectionist measures, which are steadily on the increase, is particularly intense in sectors like textiles where developing countries are the most efficient producers. "We are thus blamed for our alleged inefficiency and penalized when we are efficient."

Deliberate measures must be taken now to attain more normal levels of growth. Agreement on launching the global negotiations has been impossible to obtain. "We propose in the meantime that at this session of the Genral Assembly serious negotiations take place to provide action-oriented content to the Programme of Immediate Measures".

It has been more than a year and a half since the Heads of State or Government of the non-aligned countries called for the convening of an international conference on money and finance for development. It is now time to move towards serious negotiations on the subject.

In 1985, Member Countries need to consider ways and means by which the United Nations can be strengthened to meet the challenges facing contemporary society.

Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia: The overriding fear of nuclear war today "hangs like the sword of Damocles over all humanity". A new, integrated approach to disarmament should be adopted comprising both quantitative reductions and qualitative restrictions.

While continuing to accord the highest priority to nuclear disarmament, conventional disarmament measures should be pursued simultaneously, especially by the major Powers. The Joint Declaration by Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden and the United Republic of Tanzania of May 1984 stressed that the problem is too important to be left solely to the nuclear Powers.

Indonesia has long advocated the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in South-East asia. The recent annual meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers endorsed this initiative as an essential component in establishing a zone of peace in the region.

Despite many years of effort to implement the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, there has been an unprecedented build-up of foreign forces in the region. "I appeal to the great Powers and the major maritime users to review their positions and allow the conference to take place in the near future ..."

In the Kampuchean conflict, the withdrawal of all foreign troops and the establishment of a Kampuchean Government of the people's own choosing should form the basis for a solution. The ASEAN States hope that Viet Nam will respond positively and sincerely to their appeal to seek a comprehensive political settlement to what is basically a conflict between the Kampuchean people and Viet Nam.

It is critical that the major Powers demonstrate their concurrence and support by participating in the preparations for an international peace conference on the Middle East. Indonesia supports Lebanon's demand for the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

In the developed countries the world economy is generally characterized as well embarked on a course towards recovery. But the economic upswing has continued to elude three quarters of mankind. The developing countries cannot wait for a trickling down of an uncertain recovery. Concerted and collective action by all members of the international community, and particularly by the economically powerful, is indispensable for a sustained, global economic recovery. The aim should be economic interdependence in which the developing countries are active and equal partners and their economies not merely by-products of the economic advances of the North. Although procedural hurdles continue to block the launching of the global negotiations, Indonesia remains convinced of the need for an integrated global approach to the issues of trade, money, finance and development.

It is important that we do not allow the momentum generated at the International Conference on Population in Mexico to dissipate. The recommendations and Declaration adopted there should be vigorously implemented.

Ali Akbar Velayati, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran: Why are the Arab and Islamic worlds going back on their commitments to the oppressed Palestinian people? "In some Islamic countries the super-Powers and their local stooges ... are foolishly playing with the destiny of the Islamic nations." Palestine is still occupied, and the holy Quds is not under our control. The illegal Israeli regime demolishes the houses of Moslems and builds kibbutzim in their places. The regime in Egypt which hoists the Zionist flag in its capital is the shame of the Islamic world; the Government in Morocco which plays host to Zionists is a traitor to Islam; the mercenary regime in Jordan, which has recently re-established relations with the notorious Egyptian regime, is an enemy of Islam.

"The adventure of Afghanistan is a compromise between the super-Powers over the division of the world: While one invades Palestine and Lebanon and other attacks Afghanistan". It is unbelievable that the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries should ignore the fate of a third world country which has been under occupation for some five years, with hundreds of thousands of its people massacred and some 25 per cent of its population made homeless and sent into exile.

It is now the fifth anniversary of the Iraqi invasion of Iran. The Security Council has persisted in being most partial and unprincipled, thereby encouraging the Iraqi regime in its inhuman actions. The latest Iraqi adventure of open participation in hijackings of Iranian civil aircraft and the shooting down of the airplane carrying the former Foreign Minister of Algeria are but examples of crimes committed by the regime ruling Iraq.

The use of chemical weapons by Iraq has shown that if international laws on disarmament are not coupled with appropriate means to prevent violations, the mere signing of such agreements is useless. All countries should unilaterally condemn the use of chemical weapons, then reaffirm their commitment multilaterally in an appropriate international forum.

The economic consequences of arms expenditure cannot be disregarded. Only a portion of the annual military budgets of the super-Powers would meet the basic needs of deprived people and prevent hunger and starvation suffered by millions.

The real meaning of the "debt crisis" is the deprivation imposed on the people of the indebted countries and not the "tremors felt by American banks and the international financial system." Under the present unjust world order the economic prosperity of oppressor countries can only be achieved through exploitation of the developing countries. Global negotiations could be the first step towards alleviating the international economic crisis, but success depends or eradicating super-Powers domination of the third world countries.

Tariz Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq: Iran bears the full responsibility for kindling the fires of war and for continuing it for this long time. The regime in Iran "has arrogated to itself some bizarre privileges which have no basis in international law". It has interfered in the internal affairs of Iraq and other countries of the region and, indeed, the world.

Iraq has tried every means to establish neighbourly relations and avoid confrontation with Iran. But Iran has continued to fan the flames of conflict and has rejected all resolutions on the matter. During the past months the Gulf area has known insecurity, uncertain navigation and escalation of the risks of foreign military intervention as a result of Iran's threats to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait--which are not parties to the dispute--by way of "an aggressive and extortionist military demonstration."

THe policy of "diplomatic tact" has only encouraged the Khomeini regime and other similar regimes in the religion in subversive activities, exporting terrorism and defying the norms of international relations. The best illustration is the joint statement issued by the heads of Iran, Syria and Libya in September, which, for the first time in the history of relations among States, provides for concerted action towards changing the system of government in another State. "This action ... constitutes a flagrant violation of the rules of relations among States and creates a dangerous precedent ..."

To ignore the existence of the Palestinian people, or their inalienable rights, or the fact that the PLO is their sole legitimate representative can only mean alignment with the Zionist aggressors and obstruction of efforts to restore peace and justice in the Middle East.

The world economy continues to experience an acute crisis. It is time for the United Nations to adopt urgent international measures to deal with the deterioration in the economic conditions of the developing countries. The concept of international economic co-operation has suffered a severe setback in recent years because of the failure of the General Assembly to initiate comprehensive economic negotiations. Iraq will support all initiatives aimed at overcoming the present crisis.

Yitzhak Shamir, Alternate Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israel: Terrorism, which leads to such acts as the mining of the Red Sea and the bombing of the American embassy in Beirut, has spread to all continents. The problem is debated ineffectively, shunted aside by vested interests offering support, sustenance and quasi-recognition terrorism's representatives. Terrorism can be defeated if concerned countries unite to wage permanent war on terrorist organizations.

Any sign of moderation among Arab Governments is negated by their support of terrorist groups committed to Israel's destruction and their efforts to expel Israel from United Nations bodies and other international organizations. Israel will welcome a change in the Arab stance if it is given concrete expression, such as a clear disengagement from the "so-called PLO".

The Lebanese government is dominated by Syria, whose troops occupy 65 percent of Lebanon's territory, and is "not capable of conducting free negotiations to solve problems with Israel". Israel is ready to reach an understanding with Lebanon that will ensure the security of the common borde and thus make possible the withdrawal of all forces from southern Lebanon.

A new international conference on the Middle East would undermine the principle of direct negotiations, which has proved the only means of producing agreements between Israel and its neighbours. Past international forums have served only as a stage for propaganda. Israel asks Member States to use their influence on its Arab neighbours to the North and East to negotiate directly with Israel. Israel again calls on Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Arabs to join in negotiations for an agreement on autonomy.

The United Nations could contribute to Middle East peace by embracing the idea of peace between Israel and its neighbours, condemning attacks on Israel and rejecting attempts to expel it from international forums. The General Assembly, which dealt a blow to peace by rejecting the Camp David Accords and the Israel-Egypt peace treaty, spends too much time reviewing the Arab-Israel conflict, "the main purpose of which seems to be only to slander Israel".

The best barrier to nuclear arms proliferation in a sensitive area like the Middle East is a freely negotiated nuclear-weapon-free-zone. Use of new non-conventional weapons, such as gas, in the Iran-Iraq war arouses the deepest anxiety.

Israel is concerned about the situation of Jews in a number of countries, including the Soviet Union, Syria and Ethiopia. Israel acknowledges the gestures of the Ethiopian government, which recently enabled Jews and non-Jews from all over the world to visit the Jewish community, and hopes Ethiopia will protect the rights of its Jewish people and enable those who so desire to emigrate.

Israel hopes that the Nairobi Conference concluding the Decade for Women next year will not be exploited for political interests, but prove a high point in the struggle for women's equality.

Shintaro Abe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan: "The excessive stockpiles of nuclear weapons existing today threaten the very survival of mankind." Japan has strongly urged the Soviet Union to resume negotiations "as soon as possible and without preconditions", especially regarding the intermediate nuclear forces and streategic arms reduction. There was hope recently that talks might start between the United States and the Soviet Union on preventing an arms race in outer space. That hope reflected the desire of all countries for arms control and disarmament negotiations to resume and for East-West relations to improve.

Japan hopes the Secretary-General will continue his efforts to prevent an escalation of the Iran-Iraq conflict. It is essential for those countries to reach an understanding that there will be no future violations of the 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. It is also important to ensure safe navigation in the Gulf.

Japan has consistently supported a comprehensive political settlement of the Kampuchean problem and has made a three-point proposal centring financial support to the dialogue partners for peace-keeping activities. To resolve the Korean questions, Japan strongly hopes that substantive dialogue will be resumed between the North and South as soon as possible.

Japan regrets the Soviet Union's refusal to discuss the deployment of Soviet military forces in Japan's Northern Territories and hopes to resolve that territorial dispute and conclude a peace treaty between the two countries.

"The developing countries continue to face a myriad of difficulties, as may be seen in their cumulative foreign indebtedness and the critical food situation in Africa." Japan proposes that all United Nations agencies be mobilized to draw up a plan of action for Africa and calls upon all Member States for their support and participation.

Today, effective co-operation among countries is indispensable to resolving the complex difficulties afflicting the world economy. The total debt burden of developing countries could wreak havoc on the entire world economy. Trade expansion is vital to any long-term solution; protectionism must be rolled back and the free trade system must be preserved and strengthen. In addition to expanded development assistance and human resources development, a closer and more substantive dialogue between donor and recipient countries is needed to achieve a breakthrough in the North-South problem.

"Drawing upon the imagination and vitality of all of our peoples, we must harness the forces of human creativity to generate a new era of hope for all mankind." Taher Masri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan: "Many States act on the implicit assumption that peace can only be achieved through military superiority and a permanent readiness for war." Planning for war has "overshadowed our capacity to determine the needs of our peoples for security and prosperity and to respond to their concern about their fate and their yearning for peace".

The super-Powers have come to the conclusion that the easiest way to solve their differences is through the acquisition and development of nuclear arsenals. The tendency to place narrow national interests above the higher interest of preserving the stability and advancement of the international system must be curbed.

The Middle East region, comprising States from two continents with peoples of different cultures and schools of thought, has been plagued with a chronic and explosive dispute: the Arab-Israeli conflict. From Israel's rejection of all peace initiatives, it is evident that it wants both recognition and territory. Israel seeks to annex the West Bank and Gaza just as it has annexed the Holy City of Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan Heights. "However, Israel cannot have both that territory and peace."

The security argument evoked by Israel to justify its settlements policy is baseless. Israel has resorted to the myth of an Arab threat in an attempt to rationalize its military buildup.

Israel could not have persisted in its expansionist policy had the international community been allowed to fulfill its responsibilities. The complete bias of the United States in favour of Israel has caused a setback to the chances for peace. A reconsideration of this prejudicial position would enable the United States to regain its effectiveness as a neutral mediator.

Israel is endeavouring to add a new dimension to the Arab-Israeli conflict: southern Lebanon. Jordan repeats its warning that Lebanon is becoming a means to divert attention from the Palestinian problem and a screen for Israel's swallowing up of the West Bank, Gaza and the Golan Heights.

While Iraq has co-operated with all efforts to end the Iraqi-Iranian war, Iran has so far rejected all attempts at mediation. Jordan commends Iraq for its positive response to those efforts and hopes that Iran will hasten to express a similar acceptance.

International disputes are still simmering in other regions of the world--Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and Central America. The first steps to avoid further deterioration are to work for the implementation of United Nations resolutions, facilitate the role of the Secretary-General and put an end to the current state of paralysis in the Security Council.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Information of Kuwait: "Armament in all its form is increasing at a time when hunger, disease and poverty are rampant all over the world." Force cannot settle conflicts; in most cases it tends to inflame them or widen their scope.

The "senseless and aimless war of destruction" in the Arabian Gulf has continued for over four years despite intensive efforts to stop it. But Iran, in defiance of Security Council resolution 552 (1984), has continued to interfere with the freedom of navigation in the Gulf. Kuwait is gratified by Iraq's acceptance of international efforts to reach a just and honourable conclusion to the war and calls on Iran to respond positively to those initiatives.

The tragedy of the people of Palestine is at the heart of the conflict in the Middle East. Kuwait cannot accept the reasons advanced by Israel, the United States and some other Western countries to justify their refusal to participate in an international conference on the question of Palestine; any solution reached without the participation of the PLO would be "a mirage". The basis of a solution to the Palestinian question is total Israeli withdrawal from all the territories occupied since 1967 and the safeguarding of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Kuwait also supports all efforts aimed at national unity in Lebanon and appeals to the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw to the internationally recognized boundaries.

The most outstanding issue on the deteriorating world economic situation is the developing countries' indebtedness, one of the most dangerous problems of the age. Economic co-operation among developing countries is the corner-stone of their efforts to achieve economic growth. When the developing countries reduce their economic dependence on the industrialized countries they will strengthen their negotiating position in the efforts to change the present international economic order. The industrialized countries cannot be relieved of their financial responsibility towards the developing countries. The North-South dialogue must be continued.

Despite the reduction in its revenues owing to fluctuations in the world oil market, Kuwait will do its best to participate in supporting the developing countries.

Phoune Sipaseuth, Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic: The economic crisis and the restrictive trade practices and protectionist measures applied by the capitalist countries have placed the developing countries in an increasingly difficult situation. It is imperative to bring about a radical reform of current international economic relations and establish a new international economic order.

Movements to support disarmament and oppose nuclear war are developing rapidly, involving millions of people from all social strata and on all continents. It is essential to improve relations between the major countries that have a determining role in reducing the danger of confrontation. The Lao delegation supports the consistent peace policy of the Soviet Union, which has undertaken not to be the first to use nuclear weapons.

The question of South-East Asia has been on the General Assembly agenda for nearly five years. During that time the three countries of Indo-China have put forward proposals to normalize relations with China and promote dialogue with ASEAN members to make the region a zone of peace. It is hoped that the current Assembly session will give impetus to those efforts. Australia's offer of Canberra as the site for a meeting between the countries of Indo-China and ASEAN is welcomed.

The most serious event in Lao-Thai relations since the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic is the occupation of three areas of northern Laos by Thai troops. That was not a border incident or dispute but "an act of premediated aggression violating Lao sovereignty and territorial integrity", and a serious violation of joint declarations governing relations between the two countries. It is clear that this aggression enjoyed the support of the Chinese expansionists and resulted from their collusion with the extreme rightist Thai reactionaries against Laos.

Laos has spared no effort to develop fraternal relations between its people and that of Thailand. Thailand, however, has taken advantage of this, and must alone shoulder the responsibility for the present serious deterioration. The just solution to the problem is for Thailand to withdraw its troops from the three villages, to allow the inhabitants forced into Thailand to return to their homelands, to provide fair compensation to the local inhabitants for the loss of human life and property, and to return the situation in the villages to normal. "That would contribute to normalizing relations between Laos and Thailand and to safeguarding peace and stability in South-East Asia."

Fathulla Jameel, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Maldives: "We must not be deterred from continuing to emphasize the immorality of mankind's precious resources being used in the production of weapons of destruction at a time when so much of humanity has a dire need for those same resources to be used in the war against poverty and disease." Maldives urges all Member States, particularly the nuclear-weapon States, to enter into international agreements and arrangements to limit the production and stock-piling of weapons "in order to insure the world against global suicide". The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones would contribute to the reduction of arms and armed conflicts.

The key to any lasting solution in the Middle East is the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to have their own independent homeland. Maldives joins the international community in its repeated condemnation of Israeli aggression against Arab territories and their atrocities in the occupied lands. The invasion of Lebanon under the "cruel pretext? of liquidating the PLO has revealed the "true nature of Israeli policies" in that area.

Maldives supports United Nations mediation efforts in the Iran-Iraq conflict and the Secretary-General's appeals to space civilians.

South Africa's continued illegal occupation of Namibia constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and endangers the security of the entire region. Maldives insists on early implementation of the United Nations plan for Namibian independence. Peace and stability in southern Africa require the total eradication of apartheid.

Maldives is concerned over the escalating tension created by the great-Power rivalry for military superiority in the Indian Ocean and the introduction of nuclear weapons there. It will continue to work with the littoral and hinterland States towards making the Indian Ocean a zone of peace.

Both Antarctica and outer space should be used for peaceful purposes only. Recent proposals for intensified militarization of outer space cause grave concern; measures should be taken for the rejection of such proposals.

While the crisis in the world economy has affected all countries, it has inevitably had the most serious impact on the vulnerable economies of the developing countries. At a recent meeting in Maldives, the Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives expressed concern over the sharply falling commodity prices, deteriorating trade terms, increased protectionism and excessive debt burden. Maldives supports the call for the establishment of a new international economic order through North-South dialogue and global negotiations. Co-operation among developing countries themselves is also vital; the establishment of the South Bank is a practical step in the right direction.

Mangalyn Dugersuren, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia: The extremely grave situation in the world is characterized by the mounting threat of a nuclear war. The United States has taken to turning many parts of Asia into "launching-grounds" for nuclear-missile forces. Intensified efforts have been made to create new military and political alliances. The Washington-Tokyo-Seoul "triangle" is conceived of as the crux of these projected formations. Overt military and revanchist tendencies are making themselves felt in Japan, which is being integrated more and more into the NATO bloc.

The situation in South-East Asia is further aggravated by armed inroads of China on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Viet Nam, and by the hostile actions of Thailand against the popular order in Kampuchea and its recent open armed aggression against Laos. The problems of South-East Asia must be solved by the States of the region through constructive dialogue without any outside interference.

Mongolia supports the proposal of Viet Nam, Laos and Kampuchea for turning South-East Asia into a zone of peace. It opposes any attempts "to use the United Nations as a cover-up" for interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of Kampuchea, which should be granted its legitimate seat in the United Nations. Mongolia also supports the immediate withdrawal of American troops and nuclear weapons from the south of Korea.

The constructive proposals of the Afghan Government pave the way for a political settlement of the situation around Afghanistan created by "the hostile acts of imperialist forces and their accomplices". Mongolia hopes that the dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan through the good offices of the Secretary-General's representatives will yield positive results.

Mongolia condemsn the "expansionist facts" of Israel and the interference of the United States in the Middle East. The settlement of the Middle East problem should be based on respect for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to create its own independent State and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from all Arab territories occupied since 1967. Mongolia favours the convening of an international conference with the participation of all parties concerned, including the PLO, on an equal footing.

"In the nuclear age there is no reasonable alternative to constructive negotiations and the peaceful coexistence of States". It was this stand that prompted Mongolia's 1981 proposal to conclude a convention on mutual non-aggression and non-use of force in relations between the States of Asia and the Pacific. Mongolia also favours the Soviet proposal on confidence-building measures in the Far East and on the development of good-neighbourly relations between the States of that region.

Padma Bahadur Khatri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal: "If there was anything of universal significance in the dismal events of the year that has gone by it was our need to address ourselves to the most pressing problem of our time, the arms race." The competition between the super-Powers to manufacture and stockpile weapons of mass destruction has triggered off an intense race far in excess of the legitimate need for self-defence among third world countries.

Possession of nuclear weapons confers on the major Powers a responsibility to negotiate ways to reduce and ultimately eliminate these weapons of annihilation. Continuing dialogue between the United States and the Soviet Union will not only facilitate progress on all aspects of nuclear disarmament but also have a decisive impact on the general climate of international relations. There is also a need to tackle the problem of conventional weapons, which "have been a major drain on the limited resources of many developing countries which are trying to outdo each other in acquiring them". Nepal supports negotiations to prevent extension of the arms race into outer space.

A comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem must include recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people and the right of all States in the region, including Israel, to live within secure and recognized boundaries, and Israel's withdrawal from the territories occupied since 1967. Nepal also renews its appeal to Iran and Iraq to seek a negotiated settlement.

Nepal calls for a total withdrawal of foreign forces from Kampuchea and supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to facilitate a solution in Afghanistan.

Nepal supports the establishment of zones of peace in the Indian Ocean, South-East Asia and any other region or country. To contribute to the cause of peace and stability, Nepal's King Birenda has proposed that Nepal be declared a zone of peace.

In spite of attempts to strengthen international cooperation, the world continues to face increasing economic difficulties. The much-heralded recovery is limited to a few developed market economies. Nepal is "dismayed that the London summit of the industrialized countries was conspicuously silent on the issue of global negotiations". The deadlock in the North-South dialogue" has reinforced the importance and urgency of South-South co-operation" as an essential ingredient of international co-operation and development.

As a least developed, as well as land-locked country, Nepal is concerned at the lack of progress in implementing the Substantial New Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries and urges donor countries to come forward generously to realize the objectives set out in the Programme.

"A re-dedication to the commitments undertaken under the Charter must mean a clear realizations of the demand for cohesion and co-operation in facing threats--political, security and economic." The mechanisms provided for the maintenance of international peace and security are as valid today as they were at the time of their formulation.

Yousuf bin Alawi Abdullah, Minister of State for foreign Affairs of Oman: "Perhaps one of the most important and complex matters that has faced our Organization since its establishment is the question of the Palestinian people." It is high time for Israel to understand that the only road to peace is through dialogue and negotiation. Israel will not be able to achieve stability or ensure its national interests if it persists in ignoring the interests of the Palestinian people and continues to violate the sovereignty and security of neighbouring States.

Oman endorses the Geneva Declaration calling for the convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East to be attended by all parties concerned.

For the past two years, Lebanon has been subjected to the burden of the Israeli presence in its country. Oman demands that Israel withdraw unconditionally from Lebanese territory.

In the Gulf area, the shelling of oil tankers travelling between the ports of countries that are engaged in the hostilities constitutes a clear attempt to expand the scope of the war between Iran and Iraq. Any violation of the security of navigation in this area of vital economic and strategic importance could lead to super-Power interference in the region.

Oman appeals to Iran to respond to peace overtures initiated by States of the region "in the same positive manner in which Iraq has responded".

The international community should take a strong stand against those who are found guilty of endangering international maritime transport in the Red Sea area. Oman commends the work undertaken by certain States to clear those navigation routes of mines in order to make them safe and navigable.

"The call for disarmament is no longer a political question but, rather, a matter of human survival on this planet." Oman urges all parties to take the initiative in resuming the Geneva disarmament talks, and effectively to eliminate the weapons of mass destruction, "which some claim are of a defensive nature".

The existing systems are incapable of solving the current problems in the global economy. The international economic crisis requires an immediate and comprehensive solution which will take into account the legitimate interests of all States. Collective and constructive dialogue in which all States participate on an equal footing is the best way to resolve the problems, and to identify and adopt long-term measures and reforms.

Sahabzada Yaqub-Khan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan: "Pakistan firmly believes that the security of smaller and medium-sized nations can be assured ini an international environment of peace, stability and progress." This attitude is manifest in Pakistan's efforts to find a peaceful settlement of the situation created by the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan. Pakistan has given refuge to over 3 million Afghans who have fled their country and will continue to provide them with shelter and sustenance until they can return to their homes.

The danger to Pakistan caused by the military intervention in Afghanistan is direct and tangible, as is evident from the continuing violations of its territory, resulting in tragic loss of innocent lives and damage to property. The situation in Afghanistan does not admit of a military solution and can only be resolved through political means.

Tension-free and good-neighbourly relations between Pakistan and India are clearly of crucial importance. Pakistan has assiduously endeavoured to build a climate of confidence, understanding and mutual trust with India, and in accordance with this policy, remains prepared to revive and intensify the negotiations to promote cooperation between the two countries.

As a littoral State on the Indian Ocean, Pakistan is fully committed to the goal of a zone of peace in the area and views the convening of a conference on the Indian Ocean as a step in that direction.

Bilaterally and as a member of the Islamic Peace Committee, Pakistan has made incessant efforts to bring about an end to the Iran-Iraq conflict. On the Middle East question, the international community must compel Israel to respond positively to such initiatives as the Fez proposals, and those of President Reagan and the Soviet Union.

"In this nuclear age disarmament is a moral imperative." Pressure must be maintained to outlaw the further development of weapons of mass destruction and to prevent the extension of the arms race to outer space. Goals of disarmament cannot be achieved in a political environment of tension and conflict.

The developing countries' vulnerable economic and social systems have been ravaged by the international economic crisis, compounded by a deterioration in their terms of trade, reduced demand for their goods, high interest rates, reduced flow of resources and the burden of external debt. The developed countries' apathy towards their plight is reflected in the fact that even the Committee on the Review and Appraisal of the Implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Decade for Development failed to reach any agreement. It is hoped that the current Assembly session will adopt measures leading to the restoration of confidence in international economic co-operation and to the establishment of a new international economic order.

Rabbie L. Namaliu, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Papua New Guinea: "Third world countries have been affected by rivalry between the two super-Powers in various--but almost always destructive--ways." Papua New Guinea, as a newly independent and developing country, attaches great importance to the rights of such countries to be secure. Therefore, it remains strongly opposed to the Vietnamese occupation of Kampuchea; condemns the Soviet presence in Afghanistan; calls for withdrawal of foreign troops from other countries, including Lebanon; and welcomes the recent agreement between France and Libya to withdraw their forces from Chad.

The national boundaries of Papua New Guinea were drawn up, without regard for local geography or custom, by its former colonial rulers. Papua New Guinea has always respected the sovereignty of Indonesia, but it appears that the reverse has not always been the case. Violations of Papua New Guinea's territorial sovereignty include the intrusion of military aircraft, the destruction of a village near the border and the construction of a major highway into Papua New Guinea.

The border situation has also been disturbed by the unprecedented influx of more than 10,000 Indonesians into Papua New Guinea since February. The strain of their presence in camps has been considerable. Border crossers who do not qualify for refugee status in the normal way will be expected to return to their homes in Indonesia. Both Governments appreciate the need for the safety of the returning border crossers to be publicly assured.

Papua New Guinea has regularly protested against Japanese proposals to dump nuclear wastes in the Pacific Ocean and France's continuation of its nuclear-weapons-testing programme in Polynesia. The South Pacific Forum has agreed on the desirability of establishing a nuclear-free zone in the region as soon as possible.

Of the remaining dependent territories, New Caledonia has been of special concern. Papua New Guinea repeats its call to France to bring forward the date for self-determination. As for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea urges Palau and the United States to take measured to enable both the Trusteeship and Security Councisl to determine the status of free association which the Micronesian people wish to have as the basis for their self-determination and independence.

Papua New Guinea cannot help noting that the benefits of economic recovery are becoming immediate and concrete in developed countries while remaining more remote and abstract in developing countries. It must not be forgotten why proposals for a new international economic order, North-South dialogue and South-South co-operation were first included in the United Nations agenda and why they still appear there. Papua New Guinea welcomes the statement by developed countries in May that they intend to "strengthen and improve trade, financial and investment relations with developing countries". More than words, however, prompt and practical actions are needed. Arturo M. Tolentino, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines: The world is n the brink of "a self-imposed holocaust of dimensions so vast it could erase human civilization from the face of the earth". The facts are that nuclear weapons do not confer security; that there can be no limited nuclear war; and that "human civilization as we know it will be effectively exterminated". Will the nuclear super-Powers in the end be responsible for "this absolute, this final, crime against humanity"? All means of negotiation and diplomacy must be utilized to end the nuclear arms race and eliminate nuclear weapons.

The Philippines notes with concern the provisional understanding regarding sea-bed matters concluded by eight industrialized countries in August. The agreement is contrary to the letter and the spirit of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"There can be no real peace without economic security." It is in the interest of all countries that global economic recovery be sustained to halt the debilitating effects of recession on growth and stability.

The developing countries require the liberalization of international trade and the reduction of non-tariff barriers. They also need assistance to augment their industrial output and increase their share in world industrial production. Food sufficiency, including production and distribution, should receive intensive scrutiny. The need to industrialize and produce adequate food suppliers will require an increase in energy supplies. If, however, the cost of energy is prohibitive, the developing countries will be even more seriously handicapped in their development.

Reform of the international monetary and financial system should support a balanced and equitable development of the world economy and accelerated development of developing countries. In addition to encouraging increased official development assistance, the reforms should focus on the external debt of developing countries, now estimated to be in excess of $US 550 billion.

The world picture today seems bleak and discouraging. Pockets of war, unprovoked acts of aggression by more powerful nations against weaker nations, unabated racial discriminaton, growing economic imbalance between the rich and poor countries and spreading hunger and misery among large sections of the earth's population are among the hard realities that must be faced.

(27 September, A/39/PV.11)

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar: The inability of the United Nations to find solutions to intractable problems is "a logical result of the super-Powers' betrayal of the goals and principles of the Charter". States in their orbits and under their protection are encourged to violate international principles. The best example is Israel's defiance and the fact that its protectors always find justifications for it.

The Palestinian question cannot be solved without the restoration of all the occupied Arab territories. Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon is the primary precondition for the success of the Lebanese Government's effort to restore stability and security in the country.

The Iran-Iraw war is a source of continuing and serious concern. Qatar, together with its sister States in the Gulf Co-operation Council, has made every possible effort to find a solution. It welcomes Iraq's response to international pleas and mediation efforts aimed at ending the war and hopes that Iran will also respond. The security of the Arab Gulf region is the responsibility of the States of the region alone: the big Powers should refrain from interfering in their affairs.

"The importance of the discussion in this international body of the crisis in the world economy increases with every passing year". Many less developed countries continue to face the spectres of poverty, hunger and the deterioration of their production sectors. The effects of the current economic situation will not be confined to the developing countries. The developed countries must adopt policies to encourage imports from the developing countries, reduce tariffs and other barriers and stabilize the international monetary system.

The rise in interest rates on the United States dollar has burdened the developing countries with additional interest payments on their debts, confronting those countries with continuing crises in all sectors.

Global negotiations are the proper framework for arriving at appropriate solutions.

(27 September,A/39/PV,11)

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi arabia: "The problem of Palestine constitutes the most serious example of international political injustice." the real impediment and basic obstacle to finding a solution is the "reckless attitude of Israel" to United Nations resolutions and its rejection of all initiatives aimed at establishing peace in the region. Israel still demonstrates through both its conduct of affairs and its aggressive practices that it is seeking land and not peace. "For their part, the Arabs have proved that they seek peace on justice, not a peace imposed by force and oppression."

The basic components of a just solution to the problem are the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, especially Holy Jerusalem.

The meaningless and unjustifiable war between Iraq and Iran continues to rage. Iraq's positive stand in announcing its readiness to accept a cessation of the war should be matched by Iran, and an end brought to this bloodshed between two neighbouring Islamic countries.

Saudi Arabia is committed to the stand taken by the Organization of the Islamic Conference calling for the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan and granting to the Afghani people of the right to self-determination.

In spite of the signs of economic recovery in some major industrialized States, the world still faces a decline in international trade, especially that of developing countries. The discrepancy among States with regard to the size and kind of natural and material resources they posses renders cooperation between the developed and developing countries imperative.

Saudi Arabia has sought to invest a worthwhile portion of its financial means in supporting the developmental drive in developing countries. To achieve the objectives of total development and progress and prosperity for all the peoples of the world, it is necessary for development assistance to continue and to increase. Saudi Arabia believes that a reasonable standard of development in the developing countries can be achieved during this decade when the industrialized countries of both the Eastern and Western blocs meet their financial obligations under the International Development Strategy.

Saudi Arabia supports the idea of global economic negotiations and calls on the industrialized countries to be instrumental in reviving a serious dialogue for the good of the international community. It calls on the developing countries to maintain the momentum in a "realistic and flexible manner".

(28 September, A/39/PV.13)

S. Dhanabalan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore: "As we approach the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations" it is difficult "to identify any political problems or situations where there are prospects for an early settlement..."

In addition to the political problems in the Middle East, Iran and Iraq, Namibia, South Africa, Afghanistan and Kampuchea, the African continent is experiencing a serious economic and social crisis. Effort by the entire international community is needed to reverse a potentially catastrophic situation.

Independence for nations is almost universal but for most countries the future looks no better. "Poverty has made independence a pyrrhic victory." Political independence has not changed the power relationship between big and small, rich and poor, and the great economic powers continue to direct the international economy. They consume a disproportionate amount of the world's resources by keeping the terms of trade to the disadvantage of the poor.

To break out of this cycle of weakness and poverty the poorer countries have relied on international organizations. But the record of such attempts, with few exceptions, is a failure. A second approach is ideological, but ideology, no more than moral outrage or wshful thinking, cannot alter the political structure or exorcise economic realities. "Socialists exploit each other, too."

The Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 encompass "too many diverse and conflicting interests and irrelevant objectives to act decisively or be constructive". To secure a better life for the people of the developing countries "we should first organize ourselves into smaller regional groups which share more similar characteristics and common interests". In addition, the developing countries must participate in the international economic system, learn its rules and use them to best advantage.

That approach has already worked in ASEAN to which Singapore belongs. ASEAN's collective economic diplomacy has influenced the political and economic policy decisions in the industrial centres of the North which affect its interests. "We have done what some have done and what the majority of the international community can also do, if only they can summon up the will to do it."

(26 September, A/38/PV.9)

George Milton Talasasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Solomon Islands: "For us small peace-loving nations, the threat of instant bombing brings the nightmarish realization that our planet will no longer be safe unless a genuine effort is made to bring about peace in all the corners of the world." Disarmament negotiations between the super-Powers should be resumed as soon as possible--not for the attainment of superiority, but for the definition of civilized behaviour in arms control.

The reefs and seas of the South Pacific region are endangered by nuclear testing. The Solomon Islands condemns these activities by France in Mururoa atoll and is opposed to Japan's proposal to dump nuclear waste in the Pacific Ocean. Although japan has heeded these objections, France has shown no signs of doing so.

The establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific is important because the island States of the region depend very heavily on the resources of their seas. The Solomon Islands subscribes strongly to the principles of the Convention on the Law of the Sea and is concerned that certain countries are creating a serious obstacle by their refusal to recognze that Convention in its entirety.

The South Pacific Forum has urged the French government to ensure that an independent New Caledonia "is achieved speedily and peacefully within a shorter time scale tha presently envisaged". France's persistent refusal to reinscribe New Caledonia on the list of Territories to be decolonized reflects a fundamental breach of the principle of self-determination and independence. The people who were actually colonized--the Melanesians, and not the settlers--are the people who are asking for independence. "It is therefore my Government's obligation to put to this Organization the urgent proposal that New Caledonia be reinscribed on the agenda for decolonization during this session."

While economic recovery seems to have taken place in some industrial countries, the developing countries are still struggling and in the process are becoming worse off. There can be no universal economic recovery unless there is a new international economic order to bridge the gap between the industrial countries and the developing countries.

The stalling of the global negotiations is a direct result of the breakdown in disarmament negotiations. The arms build-up which has given rise to economic recovery in certain quarters is a drain on scarce resources that are needed for development in the third world countries, which are the hardest hit by the recession.

(10 October, A/39/PV.29)

A.C. Shahul Hameed, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka: "In a survey of the international landscape, both political and economic, an overall impression of bleakness is unavoidable, making the imperative of international cooperation all the more compelling."

In the economic sphere, there is every reason to believe that the recovery of the last year may not prove to be durable, as it owes virtually everything to unsustainable budget deficits in a single powerful economy. Economic policy elsewhere has been profoundly recessionary, and any recession originating with the developing countries, cannot fail to have damaging consequences for the developed countries as well. The long-term strategy is to strengthen economic linkage within the third world. A third world bank is one solution currently under negotiation within the Group of 77.

Adequate and flexible methods of balance-of-payments financing are required today. That can come about only from long overdue reforms in the Bretton Woods institutions. Other emergency requirements would be an IMF facility to meet the international debt problem and for IMF to create special drawing rights as required.

Sri Lanka welcomes any dialogue and negotiation on the priority questions of disarmament and hopes to continue an initiative for the prevention of an arms race in outer space. A disarmament initiative of special significance for Sri Lanka is the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace.

A natural extension of the Indian Ocean is the Gulf where Iran and Iraq are in conflict. Sri Lanka hopes that that dispute will end speedily.

Only a truly international effort within the framework of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea can ensure development of the "full bounty of the ocean" for all mankind. The Indian Ocean requires special emphasis in that regard. An interagency effort would be timely and invaluable.

No just or viable settlement in the Middle East is possible without the withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territory and the restoration of rights to the Palestinian people. In settling the question, the PLO must participate on an equal footing.

Sri Lanka has been a model of communal harmony for centuries. The disturbances of last year were therefore a tragic development. The President and the Government have been working to find a political solution. Meanwhile a terrorist group constituting only a small minority within the Tamil community "finds refuge, training, sympathy and even encouragement on foreign territory". International co-operation is vital in dealing with international terrorism. Sri Lanka believes that the United Nations "should take effective steps to establish machinery to implement agreed measures against international terrorism".

(24 September, A/39/PV.5)

Farouk Al-Sharea, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic: "While the world is afflicted by many hotbeds of tension and factors of confrontation, the Middle East region remains the most dangerous and most explosive of hotbeds, the most threatening to international peace and security." It is reprehensible to see a "new racist colonialist spirit" reappearing, aimed at fulfilling two dangerous objectives: consolidation and legitimization of the interests of imperialism in the Arab region, and the uprooting of the Arabs and their replacement by settlers.

The inability of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to curb Israel's expansion and bring peace to the Middle East cannot be attributed to shortcomings in the Charter. The United States, as a permanent member of the Security Council, obstructs the process by using its veto whenever the matter is related to Israel's violations.

America goes even further and arms Israel with the most advanced types of weapons, thus transforming Israel's arsenal into the fifth most modern in the world. In the face of those facts, the United States still talks about its eagerness to bring about peace in the Middle East.

Syria supports the call to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East and welcomes the Soviet proposals of 29 July 1984.

Since the abrogation of the accord of May 1983, which was aimed at turning Lebanon into an Israeli protectorate, "the guns have been silent in most of Lebanon". Dialogue has stated among the conflicting Lebanese factions for the first time in 10 years and a national unity Government has been formed. However, Israel's occupation of large parts of Lebanon continues; LEbanese resistance will not subside until all Lebanon is freed from Israeli occupation.

In addition to the severe economic crises of recent years, the international community is encountering more contradictions and disequilibrium owing to the massive expenditures on the production and development of nuclear arms, as well as the resort to economic pressures by the imperialists against developing nations as a means of political blackmail. The prohibition of such means and establishment of economic security are indispensable for building confidence in international economic relations.

The arms race represents a serious obstacle to the establishment of normal international relations based on mutual confidence. The deployment of medium-range nuclear missiles in some Western European countries has aggravated international tension. Syria supports efforts aimed at ceasing production of nuclear arms and destroying stockpiles of such weapons, and opposes the militarization of outer space. It also demands full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the dismantling of military bases and nuclear installations in the Mediterranean region, and the transformation of the region into a nuclear-free zone of peace. Israel's nuclear capabilities and its refusal to ratify the Non-Proliferation Treaty constitute a threat to the security of the Mediterranean countries and the Middle East.

The racist minority regime of Pretoria is still pursuing its evil policy of apartheid and illegitimate occupation of Namibia. The alliance between that regime and the racist regime in Tel Aviv threatens the peace, security and stability of both Africa and the Middle East. Syria stands firmly by its African brothers in South Africa and Namibia just as it stands firmly against the racist Zionist entity in occupied Palestine.

(1 October, A/39/PV.14)

Air Chief Marshal Siddhi Savestsila, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand: "Not only the fearsome spectre of nuclear holocaust but also the ghosts of famine and mass starvation, indiscriminate violence and terrorism continue to stalk and haunt us, and the basic requirements for exorcising them are too often neglected or ignored."

It has long been Thailand's policy to maintain good-neighbourly relations with Laos. In order not to let the "minor border incidents" concerning three small remote villages near the Thai-Lao border stand in the way of improved relations. Thailand has decided to bring about a peaceful solution to the problem by removing its military presence from the villages. On the issues of Kampuchea and Namibia, Thailand's position is identical. It demands withdrawal of the occupying forces without delay.

"There is nothing more symptomatic of our troubled times than the existence of millions of refugees all over the globe." In Africa alone, the refugee populatin is five millin. In numbers, Asian refugees follow closely behind. In addition to the refugees that came to Thailand following the Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea, continued Vietnamese occupation, which has brought about widespread famine and food shortages, has driven another quarter of a million Kampucheans to the Thai border. Not only must the international community do its part in alleviating the burden of the countries of first refuge, but it must also try to deal with the root causes of the refugee problem.

The international community has an important role to play in dealing with drug abuse. Thailand intends to continues its efforts to suppress opium cultivation and trafficking in illegal narcotics. The task is made more difficult, however, by the inability to curb demand.

In view of the unabated escalation of the arms race, disarmament has become more urgent than ever before. Measures to halt and reverse the arms race should be complemented by other initiatives, such as the establishment of zones of peace. In view of the "inhumane and indiscriminate effects" of chemical and biological weapons, Thailand strongly opposes the development, manufacture, stockpiling and use of those weapons in any circumstances.

Protectionism in developed countries has imposed severe constraints on food production and marketing in developing countries, and too little attention has been paid to the impact of trade barriers on the prblem of famine and malnutrition. Thailand is disappointed at the lack of progress towards the launching of global negotiations and calls for their early inauguration. It also endorses the proposal for an international conference to re-examine the present international monetary, financial and trading systems.

(2 October, A/39/PV.17)

Vahit HAlefoglu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey: In Cyprus, there is no excuse for delaying resumption of the direct negotiating process, no matter what still divides the two Cypriot communities. both sides stand to gain much more from negotiations than from propaganda and exchanges of rhetoric. "The time has come for the two Cypriot sides to renew efforts in their challenging task of reshaping their relations as equal partners in a bicommunal, bizonal, federal framework."

Turkey is pleased with the high-level proximity talks that began September 10, and is encouraged by the Secretary-General's news that those talks, in their first session, have been "thorough, serious, businesslike and conducted in a constructive spirit". The positive approach of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the Secretary-General's initiative has been a step in the right direction. This constructive attitude of the Turkish Cypriot side, however, has yet to be reciprocated.

A neighbour of both Iran and Iraq, Turkey is distressed by the loss of human lives and material devastation inflicted by the war between those countries. "The potential in the conflict for unpredictable developments remains high, and there is always the danger of escalation." Turkey again calls on both sides to end the war, and remains prepared to assist and contribute to a settlement mutually agreeable to both.

In the Middle East, Turkey sees its role as one of stability, peaceful change and progress. It believes the opportunities created by the Fez Plan of 1982 and the International Conference on the Question of Palestine last year in Geneva should now be judiciously pursued. Turkey supports convening an international peace conference on the Middle East, with PLO participation on an equal footing and calls for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon and all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem.

Turkey remains deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan, and applauds the Secretary-General's efforts to obtain a negotiated political settlement. The settlement aligned status by ensuring withdrawal of foreign forces. Turkey expresses appreciation to the government of Pakistan, which, despite limited means, provides humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees. Pakistan's approach to a peaceful settlement is positive and co-operative.

The super-Powers bear a special responsibility in the field of arms control. Turkey welcomes recent proposals made by President Reagan in his General Assembly speech and recent contacts between the United States and the Soviet Union as a sign of hope for th future. The two nations should resume, as soon as possible, negotiations on nuclear armaments.

Rashid Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates: The Gulf area has experienced heightened tension because of the destructive Iran-Iraw war, which seriously threatens international navigation. The beneficiaries of the war's continuation are those who exploit regional disputes to extend their influence in the world. The United Arab Emirates has supported all efforts of the Secretary-General, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Movement of the Non-Aligned Countries "for the halting of this haemorrhage". It appreciates Iraq's positive response to the initiatives undertaken and looks forward to a similar reaction from Iran.

Because Gulf nations attach particular importance to freedom of navigation, the United Arab Emirates was gravely concerned over events in the Red Sea and supports efforts to declare the Indian Ocean a Zone of Peace.

The Middle East continues to suffer tension, stemming from Israel's desire to achieve the "Zionist dream" by expansion, the goal of certain States to "play havoc with the destiny of the region's peoples", and the pursuit by those States of policies keeping the Security Council from adopting resolutions to end aggression. The Middle East problem results from failure to settle the core issue, the question of Palestine. A just settlement should be based on recognition of the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine to establish its independent state on its national soil under the leadership of the PLO and Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem.

The lack of a settlement could create numerous new problems like the one that exists in southern Lebanon. The United Arab Emirates regrets that the United States prevented adoption of a Security Council resolution calling on Israel to stop inhuman practices in the south. It affirms the Assembly's call for an international peace conference on the Middle east, and hopes certain major Powers will reconsider their stance on the matter.

The United Arab Emirates condemns the policy of apartheid pursued by South Africa, and supports United Nations resolutions condemning the "so-called new constitution." It affirms continued support for Namibian self-determination.

The United Arab Emirates also calls for withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan and the freedom of its people to establish the regime they choose.

Escalation of the production and stockpiling of nuclear weapons and the stalemate in negotiations between the two super-Powers are matters for deep concern. The United Arab Emirates welcomes the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, including the region of the Middle East, and hopes the international community, especially the great Powers, will view this issue with the importance it deserves.

(3 October, A/39/PV.19)

Sela Molisa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Vanuatu: "The threat of a nuclear holocaust unleashed by one or both of the world's super-Powers is indeed a frightening prospect." Although the super-Powers have some different values, they also have many similar ones. Unfortunately, they seem to prefer focusing on the former. The history of the post-Second World War arms race demonstrates that neither can stay ahead of the other.

Other States "also have their fingers on nuclear, chemical and bacteriological triggers". Too often nations attach more importance to what they destroy than to what they can create. "As if the forces of nature do not take enough lives and cause enough damage, some of us look for new man-made ways to take lives and destroy resources."

Some continue to rationalize and excuse the actions of that "bandit regime", South Africa, which has institutionalized and elevated to State level the very terrorism every nation condemns. "We wish that those who have it in their power to change South Africa peacefully would use that power."

For some States, their denunciations of Israel and South Africa are mere rituals--recitations of politically expedient words. In Vanuatu's region there is such a State. Vanuatu regrets that there is some justification in the Israeli and South African complaint that the international community is selective in its denunciations. There are condemnations of the annexation of Jerusalem and the Golan Heights but silence on the annexation of East Timor; condemnations of apartheid but silence on the plight of the Melanesian people of West Papula.

Decolonizing the Pacific region has been relatively peaceful. East Timor and West Papua are the major exceptions. Some may be surprised to hear of outside intervention, violence and resistance in those Territories because few outsiders or even humanitarian organizations have been allowed to visit. Almost a decade ago in East Timor, journalists from a neighbouring country were murdered while trying to report on the fate of East Timor's people in the face of a massive military intervention. Too often voices of moderation are not heeded until it is too late and colonized peoples have had to resort to confrontation in order to achieve justice, self-determination and independence.

The people of New Caledonia have now asked for the right to determine their own future. The administering Power has recognized that. The members of the South Pacific Forum cannot understand why a referendum on the Territory's future status cannot be held until 1989. Forum members urge the administering Power to move the date forward and to transfer additional powers to New Caledonia to ensure that it is adequately prepared for independence.

To some, the denuclearization of the Pacific is an abstract idea. To Vanuatu, it is crucial for its survival. However, its objections to nuclear activities in the region seem to have fallen on deaf ears, and the testing of nuclear weapons continues. It has been resolved, therefore, to declare Vanuatu a nuclear-free State as a step to establishing a nuclear-free zone in the region.

(11 OctobeR, A/39/PV.31)

Nguyen Co Thach, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam: "The forces of imperialism ... want to destroy Viet Nam economically so that they can teach the Asian, African and Latin American countries the lesson that the peoples of the world may win a war of national liberation but will be beaten on the economic front."

The United States is at present working towards the creation of a military alliance with Japan and South Korea. Japan is on its way to becoming the "unsinkable aircraft carrier" of the United States in Asia. The peoples of Asia and the Pacific are gravely concerned at the increasing collusion between the United States and China and between China and Japan. "Washington has never concealed its intention of forming a NATO-type military bloc in Asia."

The situation demands that the peoples of Asia unite in the struggle for lasting peace in that continent. Viet Nam appreciates the initiative of Mongolia regarding conclusion of a treay of mutual non-aggression and non-use of force in relations between countries of Asia and the Pacific.

During the past 40 years the majority of Members of the United nations have remained silent in the face of the long and most brutal wars of aggression waged against the countries of Indo-China. "And today again the majority are siding with the expansionist forces by recognizing the Pol Pot clique."

During the past six years the People's Republic of Kampuchea has become an "undeniable reality". The Kampuchean people are exercising their right of self-determination, which, for them, is "first and foremost the right to live free from the Pol Pot criminals". The People's Republic of Kampuchea and Viet Nam categorically reject the demand for a unilateral withdrawal of "Vietnamese volunteers" from Kampuchea, a demand designed to bring back Pol Pot. Within five or 10 years, when most of the Vietnamese volunteers will have been withdrawn from Kampuchea, the People's Republic of Kampuchea will be able to shoulder its own defence, and the question of Kampuchea will thus resolve itself. The only way to a solution on Kampuchea is through negotiations on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

A stable situation in South-East Asia depends on the relations between the two main groups of countries--those of ASEAN and those of Indo-China. Their differences must be resolved through negotiations, free from outside interference. Viet Nam, Laos and Kampuchea wish to develop neighbourly relations with Thailand. Thailand must end its interference in the internal affairs of the Kampuchean people and immediately withdraw its troops from the three Lao villages "it has illegally occupied since 6 June 1984".

Normalization of Sino-Vietnamese relations would be in the interest of both peoples and constitutes an important factor for peace and security in South-East Asia. Viet nam reaffirms its willingness to settle with the United States on such questions as the Americans reported missing (MIAs), the Amerasian children and criminals in re-education camps.

(9 October, A/39/PV.27)

Ahmed Mohamed Al-Asbahi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Yemen Arab Republic: "We live today in a world of turmoil, an unstable world, where a state of anxiety and tension exists in relations among nations. This is no doubt the result of the many occasions on which the use or threat of the use of force has been chosen over the settlement of international disputes."

The question of Palestine is the core of the conflict in the Middle East. Foremost among the elements of a solution to the problem is the recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including its right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State on its homeland, under PLO leadership.

It is high time for the international community to put an end to Israeli aggression and arrogance and for the just rights of the Palestinians to prevail. The States that support Israel--foremost among them, the United States--must reconsider their position towards Israel and its policy of aggression in the Middle East.

Yemen calls for the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and wholeheartedly supports the Lebanese people in settling its problems free from external pressures or intervention.

Yemen is gravely concerned by the continuation of the Iran-Iraq war. While commending Iraq's sincere response to all endeavours made to end the tragic bloodletting, it appeals to the officials in iran also to respond positively. Yemen condemns the criminal acts which have endangered navigation in the Red Sea and reaffirms that protection of the security of the Sea is the responsibility of the States of the region.

Yemen also rejects any military presence or bases in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, and confirms the necessity of convening the conference on the Indian Ocean.

Yemen attaches special importance to disarmament and calls on the nuclear-weapon States, especially the super-Powers, to end the production of weapons and reduce stockpiles. The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones in sensitive parts of the world constitutes a practical approach to controlling the nuclear arms race.

Because of the economic imbalance in the world today and the widening gap between developed and developing countries, it is more urgent than ever to establish a new international economic order, as well as new international monetary and economic structures. It is not in the interests of the international community to keep the third world countries in a position of chronic economic deficit where they are unable to provide their peoples with the basic necessities of life. To assist the developing countries in their development plans is not mere generosity but benefits the industrialized States directly in a complex, interdependent world.

(5 October, A/39/PV.23)

Eastern Europe

The 11 speakers from Eastern Europe were concerned primarily with the worsening international situation as reflected in the escalation of the arms race and the danger of a nuclear war. Primary responsibility for the heightening of international tension was assigned by most speakers to the United States and its NATO allies.

Many speakers favoured resumption of Soviet-United States disarmament talks and called on the United States Administration to translate its words into concrete deeds. The normalization of Soviet-United States relations was viewed by those speakers as one of the basic preconditions for the improvement of the international political climate.

Various disarmament proposals of the USSR and the Warsaw Treaty Organization were widely endorsed. Foremost among those were proposals concerning the limitation and reduction of strategic arms and the limitation of nuclear weapons in Europe; a treatyobligation not to be the first to use nuclear weapons; a general and complete prohibition of nuclear-weapon testsf a treaty on the mutual non-use of military force in relations between the States of the Warsaw Treaty and NATO; mutual non-increase of military expenditures and their subsequent reduction; a ban on chemical weapons. Most speakers expressed support for the Soviet proposals on the use of outer space for peaceful purposes and the inadmissibility of the policy of State terrorism.

Problems of European security were discussed by every speaker in the region. There was particular concern about the effects of the deployment of new United States intermediate-range nuclear missiles on the continent. The demand for their immediate withdrawal was voiced. The stationing of Soviet medium-range nuclear missiles in Czechoslovakia and the German Democratic Republic was described by some speakers as "defensive countermeasures".

Most speakers favoured the idea of creating nuclear-weapon-free zones in various parts of Europe and the world at large. The Vienna negotiations on mutual reduction of forces and armaments in Central Europe were discussed by several speakers. The ongoing Stockholm Conference on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures and Disarmament in Europe was widely viewed as an example of a constructive approach to international relations.

Several speakers said there had been a revival of revanchist sentiments in certain Western European countries, and expressed concern over what they say as attempts to revise the post-World War II settlement of Europe.

The majority of speakers stressed the need for the establishment of a new international economic order, citing in that connection a declaration adopted in June 1984 by the States members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance.

Reis Malile, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Albania: "The super-Powers, finding no room for expansion, are acting in such a way as to increase daily the threat of armed confrontation. It is this fierce rivalry for domination and hegemony in the world and their aggressive course of action that pose a serious threat to the freedom and independence of peoples."

The United States and the USSR are using the tense situation in their relations as a justification for intensification of the arms race and war preparations. As they see it, people must accept as inevitable that the future of mankind depends on the future of their relations. Moreover, they attempt to create "a psychosis of capitulation", according to which no country, no people could live outside their "atomic umbrellas".

The deployment of medium-range missiles in Europe is intended to paralyse the resolve of the European countries in defence of their independence and national dignity and to reinforce the control of the super-Powers over their allies. It is necessary to avoid "falling into the trap set by the super-Powers", which, on the one hand, make the deployment of new nuclear missiles in Europe a fait accompli, and, on the other, organize "for purely demagogic purposes" meetings and conferences allegedly to take mutual confidence-building measures to strengthen European security.

Of concern of the Mediterranean countries is the increasing naval presence of the two super-Powers, whose fleets are "brazenly crisscrossing the mediterranean from the Bosphorus to Gibraltar as if it were an American or Soviet lake". The mediterranean countries must dispel those fleets from the region. Also, concrete steps must be taken to bring about the departure of foreign troops and dismantling of foreign bases in the Balkan countries.

The policy of the super-Powers in the Middle East has kept that zone in a permanently explosivie state. For years, a whole series of plans for the alleged "solution" of the Middle East crisis has been presented by the imperialist Powers. But all of them are directed against the interests of the Arab peoples, especially the Palestinians, and favour the continued presence of Israel and the super-Powers.

A negotiated settlement between Iran and Iraq would "deal a powerful blow to the super-Powers and to all those who want to warm their hands in the fires that they have kindled in the Middle East".

The invasion of Grenada and direct provocations against Nicaragua clearly attest to the "unchanging aggressive policy of American imperialism" in Central America. Meanwhile, the Soviet Union "very cunningly" tries to exploit the struggle of those peoples against American oppression to increase its own influence in the region.

Albania continues to support the struggle of the Namibian and other African peoples to liquidate the remnants of colonialism and racism.

It also supports the withdrawal of American troops from South Korea and reunification of that country. The Government of the People's Republic of Kampuchea must occupy its rightful place in the United Nations.

(1 October, A/39/PV.14)

Petar Mladenov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria: "The only sure way to preserve peace and strengthen international security is the immediate cessation of the arms race, the renunciation of attempts to upset the existing military-strategic equilibrium and the taking of decisive steps aimed at lowering the level of military confrontation."

The united States is pursuing a policy of confrontation and escalation of the arms race, striving to secure military superiority and to proceed from a position of strength. It interferes in the internal affairs of sovereign countries and follows a policy of State terrorism against them, endangering the independent development of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Bulgaria regards as extremely dangerous the notion that peace can be safeguarded and international security enhanced through large-scale programmes for "over-rearmament" and the endless escalation of the arms race. The socialist countries have repeatedly emphasized that "the only sensible policy is one of peaceful co-existence among States with differing social systems". They are ready for negotiations to reach agreements based on the principles of equality and equal security.

The current Assembly is duty-bound to contribute to the prevention of nuclear war, non-first-use of nuclear weapons, a nuclear-weapons freeze, a general and complete ban on nuclear-weapon tests and the prohibition of nuclear weapons. Bulgaria supports the USSR's proposals on the peaceful use of outer space and against State terrorism. It calls for talks on the curtailing of naval activities and limitation of naval armaments and resumption of the Geneva talks on nuclear arms limitation in Europe.

The soundest way to settle the Middle East conflict is the one indicated in the Soviet proposal for the convening of an international conference under United Nations auspices, with the participation of all parties concerned, including the PLO.

The growing military presence of the NATO countries in the Persian Gulf further exacerbates tension in that already explosive part of the world. The methods and means of terrorism and violence have been also applied to the problems of Central America and the Caribbean basin.

Outside interference in the affairs of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan should be halted, in order to create conditions for the settlement of the situation surrounding the country on the basis of the well-known constructive proposals of the Afghan Government. Bulgaria supports the proposals of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the withdrawal of foreign forces from the peninsula and the reunification of the country through peaceful means.

Imperialist policies have a negative effect on the development of international economic relations. Exploitation of the developing countries and all forms of trade discrimination based on differences in socio-economic systems must be eliminated.

(1 October, A/39/PV.14)

Anatoly E. Gurinovich, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Byelorussian SSR: The risk of a nuclear conflict has sharply increased as a result of the policies and actions of the United States and some of its closest allies. The course they have taen aimed at securing military supremacy over the USSR and the Warsaw Treaty Organization, an unrestrained escalation of the arms race, power politics and diktat in international relations, and, ultimately, world domination is pushing the world towards universal nuclear disaster.

"How are we to reconcile the statement of the President of the United States that spheres of influence are a matter of the past with his statement that today the world is expecting leadership from America, and America for its part turns its eyes to its Marine Corps?"

Washington now proclaims its readiness for constructive talks with the Soviet Union. Yet in practice, it not only fails to put forward its own constructive proposals, but it is unwilling even to follow the USSR's example and renounce the first use of nuclear weapons. All its talk about negotiations is just "to cover up its hegemonistic designs". The reality is that its policy of using the territory of a number of Western European countries as launching pads for American first-strike nuclear missiles remains unchanged.

If one looks at what Washington has actually been doing--whether in the field of nuclear, chemical or conventional arms, zones of peace or nuclear-free zones, or reductions in military expenditures--"everywhere the picture is the same". The United States is against solving those problems on the basis of equality and equal security.

"We need dialogue, we need talks, but we need an honest dialogue, serious talks. Washington must show by deeds that it really wants talks."

The United States and some of its NATO allies are "virtually conniving with neo-fascist forces that are reappearing and seeking revenge". The socialist countries resolutely condemn any manifestation of a policy aimed at undermining the foundations of the post-war European settlement. It is a cause of serious concern that last summer the Council of the Western European Union, at the request of the Federal Republic of Germany, lifted the ban which prevented that country from manufacturing strategic bombers and long-range missiles. It should be recalled that the FRG is bound by the Potsdam Agreement, which decreed that never again would German soil become the source of a threat to neighbouring countries or the world at large. This prohibition must be strictly observed.

Through so-called "free enterprise" the imperialists are severely exploiting economically weak countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance supports the developing countries' demands for full sovereignty over their natural resources and economic activities.

(8 October, A/39/PV.24)

Bohuslav Chnoupek, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Czechoslovakia: "It is the most reactionary circles of imperialism, primarily those of the United States ... which have been assering ... a policy of force, hegemonism, diktat, State terrorism, striving for military superiority, fanning hotbeds of tension [and] imposing their imperialist demands on other countries."

This dangerous situation has been particularly aggravated by the installation of new United States medium-range missiles in Western Europe. Their deployment has created a completely new military-strategic and political situation. "There was nothing for us and our allies to do but to adopt appropriate defensive countermeasures ... which resulted in the fact ... that the European continent has only offered a loss without making any gain." The balance has been restored at a higher and more dangerous level. The deployment of first-strike United States weapons must be immediately discontinued and the situation returned to the status quo.

International relations have been considerably aggravated by the continued pursuit of plans aimed at achieving strategic superiority and preparing for a nuclear war in outer space. "A war in outer space would not be an alternative to a war on earth, as some people foolishly believe, but rather a prelude to it." The overall state of affairs has been unfavourably affected by "dangerous statements" casting doubt on the post-war arrangements in Europe in connection with the Yalta and Potsdam Conferences.

Averting a nuclear war must become the principal objective of the nuclear Powers' foreign policies, as envisaged in the proposal submitted by Konstantin Chernenko on 2 March 1984. Czechoslovakia advocates an immediate halt to the arms race and the adoption of effective measures to reduce the stockpiles of nuclear arms until they are completely liquidated. An important step towards reaching those objectives would be the freezing of nuclear-weapon arsenals at both quantitative and qualitative levels.

The adoption by the nuclear Powers of the obligation not to make first use of nuclear weapons would help towards confidence building, and a complete and universal nuclear-weapon test ban, would be a "milestone" on the road.

Czechoslovakia supports proposals for the establishment of nuclear-free zones in various parts of the world, as well as the new Soviet initiative concerning the use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes. Czechoslovakia also advocates the speedy drafting of a convention on the prohibition and destruction of chemical weapons, and urges new efforts towards limitation of the conventional arms race. Czechoslovakia supports the Soviet Union's proposal that the United Nations condemn the policy and practice of State terrorism. The efforts of the developing countries to restructure international economic relations on a just and democratic basis deserve support. Czechoslovakia condemns the aggravation of "neo-colonialist exploitation" of the developing countries and the imperialist States' practice of shifting onto their shoulders the burden of the consequences of the current world economic crisis.

(4 October, A/39/PV.20)

Oskar Fischer, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the German Democratic Republic: "We ... are worried when those in certain quarters, in spite of accepted obligations of international law, question the results of the Second World War and ... harp increasingly on an allegedly open German question and talk of 'reunification' ... there is nothing open, nor can there be 'reunification'. The people of the German Democratic Republic have irrevocably opted for socialism. The socialist German Democratic Republic and the capitalist Federal Republic of Germany cannot be merged, let alone reunited. Between the two States there can be relations only on the basis of international law and peaceful co-existence."

The stationing of United States medium-range missiles in Western Europe was the initial step towards a destruction of the approximate military balance between the USSR and the United States, between the Warsaw Treaty countries and NATO. The socialist countries had to take "adequate countermeasures" in order to preserve the foundation on which peace rests in the nuclear age.

Arms buildup, territorial claims and chauvinism have always gone hand in hand when wars of aggression were being prepared. The German Democratic Republic opposes any cancellation of provisions which, in conformity with Allied post-war agreements, imposed arms restrictions on some countries.

The key issue is the renunciation of attempts to achieve military superiority, which presupposes an immediate end to the deployment of new United States missiles on European soil and the dismantling of systems already installed. That would make the countermeasures taken by the socialist countries superfluous and open the way for resuming negotiations.

Of particular importance would be an agreement on certain norms to govern relations between the nuclear-weapon States, including a treaty obligation on non-first-use of nuclear weapons; a ban on nuclear-weapons tests; a prohibition of the neutron weapon; agreement on a programme for nuclear disarmament and proscription of aggressive doctrines of "limited" and "winnable" nuclear war; and a treaty on the mutual renunciation of the use of military force.

The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones would be of great importance. The German Democratic Republic reaffirms its offer to make its entire territory available for inclusion in such a zone, provided that the Federal Republic of Germany is prepared to do the same.

The GDR supports immediate action to prevent the militarization of space and to place States under the obligation to use outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes, as proposed by the USSR, and favours measures to eliminate chemical weapons.

The socialist countries call for a normalization of international economic relations and support the early commencement of global economic negotiations within the United Nations framework.

(5 October, A/39/PV.22)

Peter Varkonyi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary: The deployment in Western Europe of American medium-range nuclear missiles is "one of the gravest developments of the recent past". The Warsaw Treaty States seek no military superiority, but they cannot allow the historically established military balance to be upset. Therefore, Hungary considers the countermeasures taken by the Soviet Union justified. On the other hand, the goal should be to maintain military parity at the lowest possible level.

The course of Soviet-American relations is a determining factor of the international situation. Relations between the two can be normalized only on the basis of respect for the principles of equality and equal security.

It is worrisome that the international forums destined to elaborate disarmament and arms control accords are "doomed to failure" by the unwillingness of NATO to reach substantive agreements. Hungary attaches particular importance to the proposal that every nuclear Power should renounce the first use of nuclear weapons. It also supports the strengthening of security guarantees for nonnuclear-weapon States and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

General and complete prohibition of nuclear-weapon tests would help to curb the arms race. Hungary also supports efforts to hold talks on demilitarization of outer space. It is necessary to hasten talks on the prohibition of chemical weapons.

A constructive response by the NATO countries to the proposal by the Warsaw Treaty Member States concerning the elaboration of a treaty on the renunciation of the use of armed force and on the maintenance of peaceful relations would have a positive influence on the development of the all-European process.

The Middle East situation calls for a comprehensive settlement that would ensure the Palestinian people the right to establish its own State and guarantee that all States of the region could live in peace and security.

Hungary supports efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution in Central America and calls for an end to the intervention of "international reactionary forces" in Afghanistan.

The proposals of the Indo-Chinese countries provide an appropriate framework for resolution of the situation in South-East Asia. International recognition of the Government of the People's Republic of Kampuchea would help that situation.

Hungary calls for the elimination of the vestiges of the colonial system wherever they exist. The policy of the racist Republic of South Africa is the most striking example of gross and mass violations of human rights.

Member States of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance have advocated more intense work for the restructuring of international economic relations on a just and democratic basis. Global negotiations within the framework of the United Nations should be started at an early date.

(3 October, A/39/PV.18)

Stefan Olszowski, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland: As far as the internal causes of the crisis in Poland are concerned, "we are dealing with them ourselves, since Polish problems are the business of Poles alone". The external causes of this crisis should, however, be tackled by the joint efforts of the international community.

In the last few years "hallowed principles of international intercourse have been brutally violated by certain NATO countries in their dealings with Poland". The attempts to use "blackmail, diktat and restrictions" as instruments of political pressure on Poland, "a policy of which the present United States Administration is a driving force, were bound to prove a fiasco."

Poland fully supports the USSR proposal on the inadmissibility of the policy of State terrorism and any action by States aimed at undermining the socio-political systems in other sovereign States.

The world awaits from the United States not merely a change of rhetoric, but a departure from the policy of confrontation.

In the case of Poland, this should mean the lifting of American economic restrictions and the cessation of "propaganda aggression".

The resurgence of "Grossdeutsche ambitions and revisionist currents" in the Federal Republic of Germany cannot be shrugged off by anyone in Europe. As a result of the deployment of new United States nuclear missiles in Western Europe, in particular in the Federal Republic of Germany, the security of Europe has diminished, and the threat to world peace increased.

In the present extremely tense and complex world situation the search for lasting peaceful co-operation among nations should start with improvement of Soviet-American relations, since those two leading nuclear Powers bear an exceptional responsibility for the fate of the world.

Poland attaches supreme importance to averting the nuclear threat and halting the nuclear arms race. This purpose could be served by following up Soviet proposals on disarmament and non-use of force.

Poland supports proposals for a universal, equitable and lasting solution to the Middle East conflict set out by the Soviet Union in July 1983 and condemns "the imperialist policy of aggression, destabilization and intervention" in Central America. It demands the NATO States respect United Nations resolutions on Namibian independence and ending apartheid. Poland avows its solidarity with Afghanistan in its defence of its revolutionary gains. It favours settlement of the disputes in South-East Asia by means of political dialogue between the States directly concerned, without any outside interference, and the immediate reinstatement of the People's Republic of Kampuchea to its rightful place in the United Nations.

The global debt crisis cannot be solved on a long-term basis without profound reforms in the world monetary system, the removal of protectionist barriers to the exports of debtor countries, a substantial cut in effective interest rates and a flow of resh financial resources. Debtor and creditor States must discuss financial problems jointly.

(28 September, A/39/PV.12)

Stegan Andrei, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania: "In a future world war there would be neither vanquished nor victors; nuclear weapons would not take into account differences between social systems; they would destroy nearly all of mankind." European countries on whose territory medium-range nuclear missiles have been deployed must act resolutely to stop the deployment of American weapons, cancel Soviet countermeasures and bring about resumed negotiations between the USSR and United States.

Simultaneous with the resumption of the Geneva negotiations, a consultative commission of countries belonging to the two military alliances should be set up, with the participation of other European States, to consider any proposals put forward and contribute to achieving an agreement between the two sides.

Also, a conference of all nuclear-weapon States should be convened, aimed at ending production of new nuclear weapons and proceeding towards the gradual reduction and eventual elimination of existing ones. The Conference on disarmament should intensify negotiations on banning chemical weapons. Romania also supports the Soviet proposal to begin talks on preventing the militarization of outer space.

A realistic way to achieve tangible progress towards disarmament is a freeze on military expenditures by all states, followed by the reduction of military budgets. The funds thus saved could be channeled to development.

A comprehensive solution in the Middle East must be based on Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories and Lebanon, on the exercise by the Palestinian people of their right to self-determination and to establish their own independent State, and on the safeguarding of the right to a free and independent existence by all States of the region. Romania also calls for an immediate cease-fire between Iraq and Iran, the withdrawl of troops on both sides and a peaceful, negotiated solution of issues between the two.

Implementation of the proposal submitted at the last General Assembly session by Romania and other States to establish within the United Nations a special body for good offices, mediation and conciliation is of the greatest importance.

At the current session, Member States should focus on ways to get real negotiations under way between developed an developing countries to overcome the world economic crisis, solve the problem of underdevelopment and establish a new international economic order. Romania favours the launching of global negotiations within a special committee.

A solution to the problem of the foreign indebtedness of the developing countries should include complete cancellation of debts for the poorest countries and a reduction by a significant percentage of the debts of other developing countries, as well as a general rescheduling of all debts at a reduced rate of interest or even no interest. The international financial system must be reformed on an equitable basis.

(28 September, A/39/PV.13)

Vladimir N. Martynenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ukranian SSR: The current session of the Assembly should focus on the prevention of nuclear war. The solution of other urgent problems facing manking will depend directly on the world's ability to avoid a nuclear holocaust.

The United States bid for military superiority, the stock-piling of enormous nuclear arsenals, and attempts to turn outer space into an arena of the arms race have highly charged the international situation. The United States has made terrorism a State policy, and is trying to turn practically the entire planet into a "sphere of its vital interests". Having deployed its new nuclear missiles in Western Europe, it has disrupted the process of negotiations on the limitation and reduction of nuclear weapons, sharply exacerbating nuclear confrontation on the continent.

The Ukrainian people, having experienced the horros of the Second World War, cannot remain indifferent to the fact that "in some quarters demands are openly voiced" to change existing borders in Europe and revise the treaties concluded by the Federal Republic of Germany. "Delirious ideas of 'reviving the Reich' are being hatched." Revanchism, combined with United States nuclear missiles, poses a very serious threat to international peace and security.

"Recently we ahve heard in certain Western capitals professions of peaceful intentions and of the need to renew political dialogue. Why, then, the delay?" What is needed today is not talk about the usefulness of negotiations, but rather a willingness to conduct them on substantive issues and to reach agreements on the basis of equality and equal security.

The assumption by all nuclear Powers--following the example of the Soviet Union--of the obligation not to be the first to use nuclear weapons would constitute a "decisive contribution to saving manking from nuclear threat". The Ukrainian SSR supports the message by Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, the United Republic of Tanzania and Sweden, which, in essence, constitutes an appeal to freeze nuclear arsenals.

The Assembly should vigorously oppose any plans to militarize outer space and demand that bilateral and multilateral negotiations on that problem be started immediately.

Imperialist States, and above all the United States, are "openly and cynically" pursuing a policy of undermining the peaceful foundations of trade and economic relations between States and blocking the restructuring of international economic relations on a just and democratic basis. They are seeking to shift on to the developing countries the deleterious consequences of economic crises, inflation and other upheavals. Implementation of the proposals adopted by the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance in June would promote international economic cooperation and be a major contribution to consolidating international peace and security.

(5 October, A/39/PV.23)

Andrei A. Gromyko, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Afairs of the USSR: "The world has crossed the line beyond which any further buildup and improvement of [nuclear] arms is not only dangerous but senseless." The USSR favours prompt measures to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons altogether. It was Washington's deliberate intention to wreck the negotiations on nuclear arms--both medium-range and strategic. "Now they rejoice that they were able to begin the deployment of their missiles in Europe, as planned."

The Soviet Union is in favour of serious talks. "Not only are we prepared for such talks, but we are insisting on them." The United States must remove the obstacles it has put in the way.

Raising the level of trust among States and easing international tension is possible and necessary. An effective measure would be implementation of the Soviet proposal, endorsed by the United Nations, for a nuclear-weapons freeze. That could be done first by the USSR and the United States on a bilateral basis to set an example for other nuclear Powers.

Full responsibility for the failure to hold bilateral talks on the peaceful use of outer space rests with the United States. Agreement must be reached on the prohibition and elimination of space attack weapons. The USSR proposes that the item be placed on the agenda of the current Assembly session.

In 1982 the USSR assumed a unilateral obligation not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. It urges the other nuclear Powers to assume a similar obligation. Implementation of the socialist countries' proposal to conclude a treaty on non-use of military force in relations between the States of the Warsaw Treaty and NATO would help dissipate mutual apprehension.

The drafting of an international convention on the prohibition and elimination of chemical weapons should be speeded up. The USSR is ready to take part in multilateral negotiations on limitation of naval activities and armaments and on the extension of confidence-building measures to seas and oceans. Together with other Warsaw Treaty States, the USSR has submitted a proposal to the NATO countries to begin talks on mutual non-increase of military expenditures and subsequent reduction, but so far there has been no response. The USSR has also proposed the complete prohibition of nuclear-weapon tests and manufacture, and supports the idea of establishing nuclear-free zones and zones of peace in various parts of the globe.

The situation in Central America should be settled peacefully on the basis on an unconditioned of the countries of the region. Possibilities for such a settlement have been opened up thanks to the constructive approach of nicaragua and Cuba and the initiative of the Contadora Group.

The facts show that the United States, which relies on "strategic co-operation" with Israel, has no intention of establishing lasting peace in the Middle East. The USSR calls on all parties to the conflict to act with "sober-minded regard for each other's legitimate rights and interests" to facilitate the search for a just settlement.

The way to solve the foreign policy aspect of the Afghanistan problem is "to stop forming, arming and infiltrating into the Country from outside gangs of anti-Government bandits and saboteurs" and not to interfere in the country's internal affairs.

The proposal of the three countries of Indo-China on turning South-East Asia into a zone of peace is constructive.

The United Nations should speak out emphatically in support of the rule of law in international relations. The USSR is submitting to the Assembly an item entitled "Inadmissibility of the policy of State terrorism and any actions by States aimed at undermining the socio-political system of other sovereign States."

The USSR believes in maintaining normal relations with the United States. It is "concrete deeds, not verbal assurances", that can lead to normalizing relations between the two."

(27 September, A/39/PV.10)

Raif Dizdarevic, Federal Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Yugoslavia: "General insecurity and a feeling of growing threat make us increasingly hostage to the fear of self-annihilation." Negotiations and dialogue between the super-Powers and blocs have given way to rivalry and to accusations and counter-accusations. Violence and terrorism are continually used as a means of state policy. The crisis in international economic relations is getting worse.

The greatest responsibility for overcoming the present extremely dangerous international situation is borne by the great Powers. "We cannot accept the imposition of a cold-war ideology on problems and issues of international and bilateral relations."

With each new weapon "we fall behind in the race for peace". Yugoslavia is in favour of the adoption of all proposals aimed at the prevention of nuclear war; a freeze on development, production, stockpiling and deployment of nuclear weapons; the early conclusion of a comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty; and the conclusion of an internationally acceptable agreement giving guarantees to nonnuclear States that nuclear weapons will not be used against them. Yugoslavia also supports all actions aimed at halting the arms race in outer space and banning the use of chemical weapons; the adoption of a comprehensive programme of general and complete disarmament; and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

The debts of the developing countries are at the most alarming reflection of the crisis in economic relations. The practice of shifting the entire burden on to the shoulders of debtor countries alone is unacceptable. The creditors should also have their share in this burden. Yugoslavia fully supports the efforts of the 11 Latin American countries which are proposing ways to surmount the debt crisis in their own interest as well as in the broadest interest of stability and development of the international community.

Lasting solutions to development problems call for profound changes in world economic relations aimed at establishing a new international economic order through global negotiations.

There can be no just, lasting and comprehensive solution to any of the current crisis situations without the observance of the principles of self-determination, sovereignty, independence, teritorial integrity, equality, noninterference, withdrawal of foreign troops from occupied territories and full respect for the right of peoples to choose their own social system.

Yugoslavia opposes any attempt to undermine the positive results achieved by the United Nations in numerous fields and to exclude it from the solution of the major problems of the present day.

(26 September, A/39/PV.9)

LATIN AMERICA

East-West tensions and the global economic crisis, especially as they affect the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, were top concerns of the 23 speakers from the region who participated in the general debate.

There was universal support for the efforts of the Contadora Group to bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation in Central America. The revised Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America was viewed positively by most speakers, some of whom stressed that in order for its objectives to be fulfilled, all countries with interests in the region must sign the additional protocol.

There was continued concern about the involvement of the super-Powers in the region. Some States stressed that the countries of Central America must not become "tools" in the ideological struggles of foreign Powers. Foreign military presence and overt or covert support to groups trying to overthrow Governments in Central America were seen by some speakers as major obstacles to detente. The arms trade was also cited as a growing source of insecurity. Some speakers urged making the Caribbean a zone of peace.

Several countries called for revision of the Antarctic Treaty, while others expressed alarm at any proposed "dismantling" of the existing system. Attempts to undermine the collective arrangements under the Law of the Sea Convention also elicited concern.

Latin America's foreign debt crisis was another major concern to the States of the region. It was widely agreed that both creditor and debtor countries must assume joint responsibility for a solution, and that direct dialogue was the only way to achieve it. The Quito Declaration, Cartagena Consensus and Mar del Plata communique were cited as evidence of efforts by the Latin American countries to take collective action, but North-South co-operation in bearing the burdens of adjustment was urged. Renewed efforts to begin global economic negotiations were considered imperative. The need to revamp international financial institutions was also emphasized.

Greater South-South co-operation was recommended by many speakers, some of whom supported the proposal to establish a third world secretariat for trade and other co-operative arrangements. Several countries welcomed the opportunities for expanded trade and development opened up by the Caribbean Basin Initiative and the initiatives of the foreign ministers of the European Economic Community, Spain and Portugal.

Bilateral issues touched on included the Belize-Guatemala and Guyana-Venezuela disputes. Argentina and the United Kingdom were strongly urged to resume negotiations over the Malvinas/Falklands Islands.

Other matters discussed included the human rights situations in several countries, terrorism and drug control. There was support for the holding of an international conference to combat drug production and trafficking, and for the establishment of a fund to aid developing countries affected by the problem.

[The views of Argentina, Nicaragua, Peru, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Venezuela on these and other issues are reflected in the addresses by their Heads of State or Government on pages 11 to 19.]

Lloydstone Jacobs of Antigua and Barbuda: "It is not sufficient for us to make high-sounding moral statements about the excesses of the regime in South Africa and Namibia without recognizing that many in this Hall are contributors to apartheid's continuance." Apartheid will only end when those nations are "ready to place principle before profit and justice before avarice".

The price of gold -- the crucial element in South Africa's strength -- is maintained artificially by the holdings of several Governments. If even a small portion were released, the total world supply would rise and the price would collapse, bringing the South African regime down with it. "Will the Governments with the power to do so act in the cause of human justice?" Antigua and Barbuda calls on the Assembly to reaffirm its commitment to end apartheid and free Namibia.

South Africa should be excluded from the present Antarctic Treaty; the Consulative Parties should understand that its continuance in the Treaty arrangements will be considered an "act of betrayal" of international opinion. The world has changed vastly since the Treaty was signed in 1959, and it is unjust that the developing countries should abide by decisions made without their involvement. If the status quo continues, there is bound to be a confrontation between the Consulative Parties and the rest of the world. "Antarctica should not be managed by an exclusive club, particularly when the ecology is so vitally important to global climatic patterns."

Antigua and Barbuda proposes that the Treaty be retained as a basis for administering the region and recommends creation of a managing authority with the Consulative Parties and representatives of every region as members. Environmental non-governmental organizations should be observers at the meetings. A system of international taxation and revenue sharing should be set up, with fishing and mining taxes to be placed in a special development fund to be used to maintain the Antarctic environment, to make hard loans to developed countries, and to make soft loans and grants to developing countries.

Much has been made of the close co-operation between the two super-Powers in Antarctica. If they could bring to Central America that same level of collaboration, and concentrate the problems of the region would end. In the meantime, developing countries can offer an example of peaceful settlement of disputes. Belize has offered the hand of friendship to Guatemala; the two Koreas could "strike a blow" for third world dignity by accepting South Korea's proposals for normalizing relations between them.

In the North-South dialouge on development, there has not only been no progress; there has been nothing. The only thing stopping the developing countries from exploding into stopping the developing countries from exploding into violence is that "suffering is the norm" for them. Regrettably, the developed countries will only enter into dialogue when their own economic conditions reach the point of inflicting pain on their peoples. Greater South-South co-operation would be of value, perhaps through a third world secretariat for institutionalizing trade and other arrangements.

(11 October, A/39 PV.30)

Louis R. Tull, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Barbados: The events that began last October with the bloody overthrow of Grenada's Government constitute the "single most traumatic development in the recent political history of our region." Any imposition of "gun rule" on a people in one part of the region strikes at the deepest level of security for all. The shock of that tragedy may turn out to be salutary, however, if it pushes the United Nations to recognize that it owes a particular duty to the smaller States among its membership.

"But the truth is that the Organization has not yet been able to wind its increasingly cumbersome machinery into the proper position to deal with the plight of many of its smaller members. It brings to mind the unhappy image of a great ship incapable of changing course quickly or safely enough to save the man who has fallen overboard." It is particularly heartbreaking to see small developing nations devoting vast sume to military budgets while poverty, hunger and unemployment run rampant. That problem underscores the need for effective international machinery to shore up the security of the small States.

The downturn in the international economy is felt "first and most forcefully" by the small States, and they are the last to benefit from any subsequent upturn. Restructuring of the international economic levels of prosperity. Protectionist financial system must be revamped. It is hard to see how a comprehensive recovery can come about without rapid acceptance of the need to reschedule debts.

Barbados again condemns South Africa's refusal to comply with United Nations resolutions on Namibia and categorically rejects all efforts to link Namibian independence to extraneous considerations.

Resolution of the question of Palestine is fundamental to achievement of peace in the Middle East. Israel must recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and existence as a sovereign State within secure borders. The mining of the Red Sea waterway is also of deep concern. Indiscriminate acts of terrorism encourage even more extreme retaliation and prove self-defeating in the end.

The outlook for peace in Iran and Iraq looks far less promising. Barbados joins the call for a cease-fire and negotiations between the parties. Elsewhere, there is "stalemate after stalemate". Barbados urges both sides in Korea to grasp the opportunity that appears to exist for a peaceful settlement.

(9 October, A/39/PV.27)

Carl Rogers, Senator of Belize: "As a minor actor on the international stage, Belize has no pretensions to considerable influence in the continued existence of planet Earth. All our efforts to fashion a world order would be meaningless in the aftermath of nuclear war. We call on the international community, and the nuclear Powers in particular, not to shirk their responsibility to humanity but to work strenuously to save us all from the unspeakable horrors of nuclear devastation."

As a young nation, Belize wishes to live in peace and harmony with its neighbors. It cherishes the example of good-neighbourliness that characterizes its relations with Mexico and the nations of the Caribbean and Central America.

Belize reiterates it willingness to negotiate in good faith with Guatemala, "which persists in claiming our land", to find a just solution. Such negotiations, however, will not be predicated on any presumption on Guatemala's part that it has any rights over Belize. "The independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize are not for negotiation."

The independence of Belize was not a unilateral grant from the United Kingdom; it was the result of a legal and constitutional process. To perpetuate the fiction that Guatemala is negotiating with the United Kingdom over Belize is unrealistic.

Belize regrets the introduction of an East-West configuration in the Central American region. It welcomes the initiatives of the Contadora Group in the search for peaceful solutions.

As a disadvantaged developing nation, Belize daily grapples with the facts of underdevelopment. It regrets, therefore, the deliberate policy of exclusion that prevents it from participating in the Organization of American States (OAS) and its institutions, as well as in the economic initiatives for Central America and in financial institutions established to assist development in the region. Passive acceptance of that state of affairs by friendly nations in the area contributes to the dealy in Belize's development and runs counter to regional co-operation.

The time for recriminations on Grenada has passed. Belize views positively the announcement of free elections, which are to take place there in December.

It supports Guyana's right to sovereignty over its territory and welcomes the Secretary-General's efforts to help reach a settlement. It also supports the United Kingdom's attempts to settle the Falklands dispute in a way that will not infringe the rights of the people.

Efforts to delay Namibian independence cannot prevent it. Belize supports SWAPO in its liberation struggle. It also condemns South Africa's "sleight-of-hand" and trickery under the guise of constitutional reform.

(9 October, A/39/PV.27)

Paul L. Adderley, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Attorney General of the Bahamas: The national security of small States is a matter of grave concern to countries like the Bahamas, and it ought equally to be of concern to the international community. Given their limited resources, small States cannot afford to maintain the military capacity for self-defence.

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, at their meeting in June, expressed concern at the increasing vulnerability of small State of external aggression and emphasized the need for continuing efforts to document the various forms of threat to States of the region. They called for the early convening of a working group to consider a unified appraoch to the question of economic aggression and the establishment of a mutual assistance scheme.

"Someone once referred to disarmament as 'any plan or system for the limitation, reduction or abolition of armed forces, including their arms and budgets'. It is clear that this approach is not now being followed ..." It is acknowledged that the United States and the Soviet Union have a moral and social obligation to the peoples of the world to curb the arms race. But no State, however militarily insignificant, can shirk the responsibility arising from the fact that "every State is involved directly or indirectly in the web of military arsenals with which we could be destroyed".

Given the economic state of affairs of the world, it is "amazing that a total collapse of the monetary system has not yeat occurred". The new international economic order and global negotiations lie dormant because of the lack of commitment to the concept of interdependence. "Too hands." There must be a broadening of that base if the downward spiralling international economy is to be redignity and sovereign independence. The evolution of a more equitable economic system and the total interdependence of the world requires, paradoxicially, that the road to self-sufficiency and economic independence "is called co-operation".

Drug trafficking is the primary social and moral problem facing the Bahamas, which is a convenient transit country for illegal drugs destined for the large and profitable North American markets. The major participants in the trade are not Bahamian nationals. The problem of international drug control should be given major priority by the United Nations, so that those who contribute most to the traffice--producer and consumer countries--would be required to bear a greater share of the burden of law enforcement and eradication.

It is not enough simply to identify or codify problems concerning youth. National Governments must adopt policies and programmes directed towards the specific needs of this "valuable resource".

(10 October, A/39/PV.28)

Gustavo Fernandez Saavedra, Minister for External Relations and Worship fo Bolivia: The distressing conflict in Central America not only affects sister countries but also threatens to have negative consequences for the whole region. Bolivia has always supported Nicaragua in its "liberating national transformation". The work of the Contadora Group demonstrates the capacity, imagination and will of the Latin American countries to find their own solutions to their problems without the intervention of outside interests.

Deployment of nuclear weapons in the Malvinas Islands is of concern. Bolivia has long recognized Argentina's legitimate right to the Islands and hopes it will resume negotiations with the United Kingdom soon.

Bolivia is pleased to see the beginnings of the application of the Torrijos-Carter treaties, which restored Panama's sovereignty over the Canal Zone, and hopes that the provisions will be honored within the scheduled timetable.

Bolivia's land-locked status has had serious consequences for its economic and political development, limiting access to trade routes and making it dependent on other Powers. Bolivia must recover its own "useful and sovereign coasts and ports" on the Pacific, and a viable land route, to make it a "country linking the great South American basins and not merely the scene of confrontation of conflicting interests".

Drug trafficking and use are also a challenge to the life and health of the peoples of the region and the stability of democratic institutions. Since production responds to demand, the heart of the problem lies in the purchasing countries, where most of the profits remain. An effective solution is the responsibility of the international community, but the principal contribution must come from the consumer countries, which have the "necessary financial and technical resources to fight this scourge".

Development alternatives must be offered to the peasants and other population sectors subsisting on the production and processing of drugs. "It will not be in punitive measures but in economic and social development that we shall find the socially and politically valid answer." Bolivia hopes to host a special United Nations conference on drug trafficking that it has called for along with Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.

Because of "extraordinarily difficult" economic circumstances, Bolivia has temporarily postponed servicing part of its external debt. It is likely to be "quite common" in the near future to see other countries at a similar level of development finding it impossible to comply with their obligations. The solution is not sanctions but "fresh input" to help debtor countries restore production. Creditor countries and the World Bank should assume the costs of adjustment proportionate to their share of responsibility for creating the external debt problem.

(3 October, A/39/PV.18)

Ramiro Saraiva Guerreiro, Minister of State for External Relations of Brazil: "No nation, however powerful, can defy the international community or cut itself off from dialogue with other nations. No single STate can enact laws for the whole world." Whatever affects everyone must be decided by all, particularly in such matters of vital importance as peace and development.

At the Disarmament Conference in August, Brazil endorsed the recent joint declaration of six Heads of State and Government to the nuclear Powers, which states that "it is the primary responsibility of the nuclear States to avert a nuclear catastrophe, but it is much too important a problem to be left solely to those States". Dischargin that task, which is of first priority, requires broad and representative participation by the community of nations.

"Peace must not be turned into a mirage; it must not fade in the spiralling arms race." The dynamics of confrontation only lead to higher levels of terror, not security.

The roads to peace and development are inevitably parallel. The growing tendency towars erosion of internation co-operation in development must be reversed. Because of a recourse to unilateral policies, "debtor countries are led to transfer resources that subsidize the prosperity of wealthy nations". And worse still, the debto countries are seeing their development prospects "stultified under the impact ... of actions taken by the great industrial Power".

The way to a sustained and healthy recovery of the international economy cannot be found in the precarious reactivation of a few economies and an attempt to maintain an economic policy that restricts the development prospects of third world nations.

The developing world has not failed to give clear indications of its willingness to enter into a realistic and constructive dialogue. The Latin American Economic Conference in Quito and the meetings in Cartagena and Mar del Plata emphasized the need for creditors to recognize their share of responsibility in solving the debt problem and bearing the burdens of adjustment. The question of debt requires the burdens of adjustment. The question of debt requires political consideration at the international level, as it has obvious political and social consequences.

Like peace, development threatens to become a mirage in the eyes of the weaker countries. "We can no longer avoid recognizing that if current distortions persists, the existing crisis will culminate in decisively hurting everyone, poor and rich, debtors and creditors alike." Interdependence is not a rhetorical image; it is an historical necessity that demans co-operative action

(24 September, A/39/PV.4)

Jaime del Valle, Minister for External Relations of Chile: There is a "dangerous feeling of disenchantment" with the United Nations that is not totally unfounded. "We have been creating an imaginary world of solutions through agreements and resolutions having nothing to do with the torrent of actions which reality precipitates around us." The problem lies not in principles but in the political incapacity to carry them out.

Lack of international co-operation hinders the extension of economic recovery to the developing nations, thereby affecting their social and political stability. The Latin American countries have made enormous readjustment efforts, but external factors impose impossible restraints. Protectionism is a grave theat that conspires against the recovery of the international economy and adversely affects harmony between States. Solutions must be found that do not turn sole responsibility for resolving the crisis back on the peoples of Latin America.

To ensure peace in the Middle East, it is essential to recognize the right of all States in the region to live within secure borders and the right of the Palestinian people to their own State. Israel must withdraw from the occupied territories.

Chile condemns the violation of the rights of the peoples of Afghanistan and Kampuchea, and calls for the immediate withdrawal of the occupation forces. It supports dialogue to resolve the situation between the two Koreas and hopes to see both as full members of the United Nations.

In Central America, the principle of non-intervention is being openly breached by an extra-continental Power seeking to impose its ideologies. Chile supports the efforts of the Contadora Group towards regional peace.

With the aid of Pope John Paul II, Chile and its neighbour Argentina have made important progress in resolving their differences. Chile also supports the Secretary-General's mediation efforts in the South Atlantic conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

As a country which exercises sovereignty over part of Antarctica, Chile views with special concern measures tending to weaken the Treaty. Initiatives aimed at dismantling the Antarctic system would be a dangerous precedent for the United Nations, opening the door to "penetration of the region by ideological, political, economic and military disputes".

International condemnation of terrorism must be absolute and punishment universal. It is the duty of the United Nations to support all agreed measures to counteract "this despicable and criminal method of warface".

Chile is constantly receiving messages urging it to hasten consolidation of its democratic process. But experience has shown how defenceless democracy can be if those who wish to undermine it are allowed to operate freely from within. "We do not want this to happen again. That is why we are taking a gradual, firm and sure path."

(27 September, A/39/PV.11)

Augusto Ramirez Ocampo, Minister for External Relations of Colombia: Neither armed confrontation nor an internationalization of the problems of Central America is a way to a brighter future for the region. The Contadora Act on Peace and Co-operation in Central America offers the real possibility of an agreement that will enable those States to tackle their own development problems without internal or external threats of war.

Once the draft Act has been signed, an additional protocol will be opened for signature by all countries. It is especially necessary that the super-Powers and industrialized countries adhere to the Act so that its objectives may be attained. "It will be solely ... the political will of the signatory States, free from any interference, that will decide the fate and future of the region."

Latin America, far from having progressed economically, has regressed to 1976 levels. It now transfer 3 per cent of its gross national product ot the developed countries, representing a capital loss over the past three years of almost $50 billion. How paradoxical that seems, considering the commitments made in the 1960's by which the industrialized countries were to transfer one per cent of their gross national product to the developing countries.

The recent meetings in Cartagena and Mar del Plata to consider the political and material consequences of Latin America's heavy indebtedness failed to reach any substantive solutions. Direct dialogue between the developed and debtor countries must be established. Only governmental decisions on all sides can save the world economy from strangulation.

In August, Colombia joined other Latin American countries in declaring that traffic in and illicit use of narcotic drugs were a threat to the health of peoples and to developement. There is a need for a specialized international conference under United National auspices to declare drug trafficking ficking a universal crime, establish action at a world level to combat it and create an assistance fund for producer countries that are endeavouring to eradicate it.

Colombia believes it is making a concete contribution with its proposals on the regulation of the geostationary orbit, and invites the space Powers to explore that path towards harmony and consensus formulas. "We want outer space to be a way of reaching our shared destiny and never a springboard for destruction, hatred and war."

Out of concern over the nuclear threat, Colombia, together with Chile, Peru and Ecuador, has protested against nuclear testing in the South-East pacific. "If, as we were haughtily told, these tests have no effect on the marine environment of those regions, why were they not carried out in the seas near the coasts of those conducting them?" Colombia supports the idea of a nuclear agreement, as proposed by United States President Reagan in his statement to the General Assembly.

Carlos Jose Gutierrez, Minister for External Relations and Worship of Costa Rica: For the first time in the history of Central America, there are three civilian Governments elected by the people, and talk of holding elections in the other countries. The proposals for national reconciliation put forward by El Salvador's President Duarte should be welcomed by all Governments concerned with peace in the region. The newpapers report that representatives of the guerrilla forces have accepted President Duarte's invitation to meet with him.

The Contradora Process has made great progrees. The Revised Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central America aims not only a treducing the sourcs of conflict in the region but also at promoting political, economic and social development. Costa Rica already fully complies with the obligations of the Act because of itts pacifist tradition. "We believe, however, that the verification and control mechanisms provided for in the Act should be improved and strengthened."

A comprehensive regional agreement is a fundamental step. But the great harm caused to the region by the international economic crisis, political upheavals, underdevelopment and war can only be remedied with the continued support of the international community. The San Jose meeting of 12 European foreign ministers demonstrated the readiness of the EEC, Spain and Portugal to help Central American; the United States' concern was reflected in the Caribbean Basin initiative.

Latin Americca is entering its fourth year of econommic recession. Its external debt exceeds $300 billion, representing 36 per cent of its gross domestic product. Servicing the debt absorbs 65 per cent of the region's export income. The countries of the region are facing up to this crisis with proven responsibility; the Quito Declaration and Plan of Action and Cartagena Consensus represent their collective efforts. But is is unjust for the cost of necessary adjustments to be borne exclusively by the debtor countries.

It is now time for the other actors to make a comparable contribution. The industrialized countries must reduce interest rates and combat protectionism. Multilateral agencies must contribute more medium- and long-term resources, and the international banking system must continue to provide commercial credit. The international community must mobilize resources to protect children and other vulnerable groups from the harsh results of fluctuations in the international economy.

Despite the "extraordinary number" of documents, declarations and treaties on human rights, the United Nations does not have a truly effecitve mechanism for defense of those rights. Peace cannot be possible as long as human rights are stifled. Costa Rica also appeals for international solidarity to assist the more than 600,000 refugees displaced because of turmoil in Central America.

Isidoro Malmierca Peoli, Minister for External Relations of Cuba: The world situation could not be more alarming and dangerous. The Reagan Administration has turned the use and threat of force into state policy and relegated the peaceful settlement of disputes to the status of "verbal gymnastics".

Despite the expressed willingness of the Salvadorian revolutionaries and the Sandinista Front to seek a negotiated solution in Central American, the conflict threatens to widen. "The real problem in both Nicaragua and El Salvador results from United States interference and ... no real, lasting solution of the situation ... will be possible without the establishment of mutual commitments, with the participation of the United States."

Swept up in "feelings of triumph triggered by the shameful invasion of little Grenada", the United States is now planning new blows against the free people of Latin America and their national liberation movements. But anyone who decides to send United States troops to invade Central America "must be ready to face their being militarily bogged down ... progressively weakened in an unbridled and massive war, until final victory is won by the peoples of the reion". Anyone who sends troop against Cuba "must be ready to face an all-out war".

In southern Africa, it is the United States' overt support for the apartheid regime that has thwarted peaceful settlement of the Namibia question. Cuban troops are in Angola only at the South African troops and the exercise by the Namibian people of its full sovereignty over all its territory, the cessation of foreign assistance to counter-revolutionary organizations operating in Angola, and the establishment of international guarantees for the respect of its territorial integrity and security will make possible the withdrawal of Cuban troops.

Never before has the imperialist policy of "aggression, blackmail and pressure" been so blatant, brutal or wideranging. "All sorts of political strings" are being attached to the financing of international organizations in order to stem the progress of multilateralism, block the flow of resources to developing countries and encourage bilateralism.

While the United States attempts to militarize outer space, the Soviet Union has adopted a "serious, responsible and constructive attitude", advocating the peaceful use of outer space and a nuclear-weapons freeze--policies Cuba supports fully. "While bringing the world ever closer to a nuclear holocaust", the United States wastes on the arms race enormous human and material resources that could be better used for development.

The failure to launch global negotiations is due primarily to the intransigence of the United States. And high interest rates, which have made debt-servicing virtually impossible for many countries, are causing a flow of capital from the rest of the world to the United States. It should be a priority objective of the current Assembly to lessen the economic burden borne by manking and ensure peace.

Franklin Andrew Baron of Dominica: "The ever-growing arsenals of nuclear weapons in the possession of the super-Powers is alarming, and the desire of an increasing number of nations to acquire a nuclear potential is frightening. The continuous stockpiling of nuclear arms is the single most important problem facing the world today."

Nuclear disarmament and arms reduction must be the goal of all members of the international community. Serious consideration should be given to the establishment of nuclear-free zones as a step towards reduction and eventual elimination of such weapons. The Tlatelolco Treaty in Latin America could serve as a guide in that regard.

The ever-growing trade in conventional arms also leads to regional insecurity. Not long ago, Dominica, along with its neighbours in the Eastern Caribbean, experienced the potential threat to its independence posed by a massive arms build up in a State whose security could not possibly require armaments of the nature and quantity that came to light.

Super-Power rivalry, especially in the Security Council, obstructs the search for solutions to world conflicts, and even more, exacerabates the conflicts themselves, transforming them into "proxy wars". Such is the case in Central America. But conflicts in that region are the products of complex social, economic and historical factors, and the infusion of large amounts of arms is not likely to result in any lasting solution. The efforts of the Contadora Group towards dialogue and negotiation are the only real hope for peace.

There are reports of economic recovery in the industrialized countries, but the benefits are not immediately apparent to the developing countries. High pices for industrial products coupled with decreased demand for third world exports have left the economies of small, island States such as Dominica in a depressed condition, further aggravated by the protectionist policies of the industrial countries. The international debt crisis is of particular concern. Dominica's ability to borrow is limited but the servicing of whatever debt it does have only imposes an additional economic burden on a small State struggling to meet existing obligations.

"The new realism is that those who have very little will have to make do with less, and the social implications have already manifested themselves in some areas." The best hope for the developing countries lies in a concerted effort by the international community to increase concessional aid to those States.

Promotion and protection of human rights is a duty imposed on all United Nations members. But the selective basis on which condemnation is meted out belies the Organization's "pretended concern" for the victims of human rights. Such violations should be condemned whenever and wherever they occur.

Jose A. Vega Imbert, Secretary of State for External Relations of the Dominican Republic: "Negotiation and dialogue are the best instruments in the search for peace." The Dominican Republic has consistently supported the steps taken by the Contadora Group to resolve the Central American crisis and hopes that the Contadora Act will be signed as soon as possible. It is clear that "this final stage of overriding importance requires the full, active and complementary support of the countries of the Latin American region in particular and of the international community as a whole".

Colonial domination, in whatever form, must be rejected. One persistent source of unrest is the disregard of Argentina's legitimate claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas. The Dominican Republic urges Argentina and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations and supports the Secretary-General's good offices in that regard.

The upsurge of terrorism in international life is a matter for deep concern. The United Nations should study the possibility of convening an international conference to determine the best forms of international co-operation to prevent and punish "this odious activity". Similarly, the Dominican Republic concurs with the Quito Declaration against traffic in narcotics in viewing that activity as a crime against humanity and supports the establishment of an international or regional fund to aid developing countries affected by drug trafficking.

Despite some signs of recovery in certain industrilized economies, the international recession persists, and the third world countries, particularly in Latin America, are still beset by stagnation and painful processes of adjustment. The sustained economic growth of a few years ago has halted; purchasing power in strong currencies has dwindled; and world trade is at a standstill. A dramatic shortage of international liquidity is threatening the stability of the world financial and monetary system.

In the face of such serious problems, the Latin American countries have taken collective action. The main objective of the Santo Domingo undertaking, Quito Declaration, Cartagena Consensus and Mar del Plata communique is to achieve an understanding between creditors and debtors that would acknowledge their joint responsibility in finding solutions to the current crisis and lead to a fairer economic order. A follow-up political dialogue, proposed at Mar Del Plata, will provide an opportunity to review the role played by the IMF and World Bank in the international economic order.

The continued postponement of global negotiations is discouraging to the developing countries. The Dominican Republic trusts that the world economic crisis will help to accelerate the informal consultations currently being held towards the launching of global talks.

Edgar Terin-Terin, Minister For External Relations of Ecuador: The primary objective of the United Nations is development, and to attain that, peace is imperative. Disarmament is "not merely a mechanical activity for dismantling war machinery: it must be a moral attitude", which "eliminates the aggressive instinct from the actions and the conscience of man and which curbs the arrogance and desire for dominance of whoever feels strongest".

Nuclear testing anywhere in the world must be condemned. The danger of such tests to the ecological balance of the South Pacific area is of particular concern to Ecuador.

Development must become a shared task of the most powerful countries and the developing world. Global negotiations gain importance daily as a means to move towards co-operation and away from confrontation.

Resolving the foreign debt problem is the common responsibility of debtors and creditors. Such measures as debt rescheduling and the opening of new credit lines alone will not suffice. The solution must come through a restructuring of economic policies, including elimination of protectionism and an opening up of credits, risk-capital flows, direct investment and transfer of technology. Latin America calls on the developed world to abandon the restrictive measures, "inspired by political principles", that have been prejudicial to the region's opportunities for export and foreign trade earnings.

Ecuador is aware of the need for a policy of austerity. "But austerity must not mean the death sentence for Latin American communities." Renegotiation of the foreign debt must leave debtor countries an "essential margin" not only for their survival but also for their progress.

Ecuador supports the withdrawal of foreign forces from all territories, whether Afghanistan, Lebanon, the Middle East as a whole, Cyprus, Kampuchea, Namibia, or Chad. In Central America, it rejects any form of violence, destabilization of States or intervention, as well as deployment of foreign forces, and hopes the actions of the Contadora Group will achieve practical results soon.

Urging the peaceful use of outer space, Ecuador reaffirms the need to use the geostationary orbit for the benefit of developing countries, particularly equatorial ones.

Ecuador is opposed to exclusions of any kind from the United Nations and would be pleased to see the admission of both Koreas--"better still as one unified Korea, if the ongoing negotiations yield successful results".

Fernando Andrade Diaz-Duran, Minister for External Relations of Guatemala: Respect for human rights is of "utmost importance" for achieving individual and collective security and well-being. For that reason, Guatemala has co-operated with the Human Rights Commission's Special Rapporteur in preparing his report on human rights in Guatemala. Human rights problems do not always receive objective, serious treatment from the United Nations. The practice of politicizing the question or dealing with such violations selectively is unacceptable.

Guatemala, like most developing countries, continues to suffer from the current international economic crisis, characterized by such factors as declining commodity prices, increased protectionism, high interest rates, flight of capital and reduced development aid. There can be no political stability without a just and humane international economic order in which each country's sovereignty over its resources is recognized, and trade ties between developed and industrialized countries reflect equality.

Guatemala is actively participating in various efforts at South-South co-operation and regrets the reluctance of industrialized countires to initiate global negotiations. Latin America's high external debt problem requires that the industrialized countries renegotiate the loans on more favourable terms.

The worsening crisis in Central America is also of profound concern. Fortunately, the "creative mediation" of the Contadora Group has led to formulas and machinery aimed at reconciling conflicting aspects of the situation. The revised Contadora Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central America is an "extremely worthwhile document" that can become a binding juridicial instrument if the Governments concerned display the willingness to undertake the commitments contained therein.

Guatemala maintains its territorial rights to Belize, but in order to find a just solution that safeguards the rights and interests of all concerned, Guatemala has been holding informal exploratory meetings throughout the year with representatives of the United Kingdom and Belize. It views with profound concern the fact aht talks between the United Kingdom and Argentian on the Malvinas Islands have been inconclusive because of the reluctance of one of the parties to discuss the sovereignty issue.

In Guatemala, the process of democratization and liberalization is well under way. The recent election, which was observed by representatives of the regional groups and "many other friendly countries", was carried out without any coercion or Government interference. Through various humanitarian bodies, efforts are being made to facilitate the orderly repatriation of refugees who fled from "subversive violence" in various parts of Guatemala in previous years.

Rashleigh E. Jackson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guyana: A state of generalized crisis permeates international relations. The single most disturbing factor has been the sharp deterioration in relations between the super-Powers. The Assembly must call for dialogue to end "this maddening spiral". The Secretary-General should be given an enhanced role in that regard. International efforts must be intensified to stop the arms race.

The situation in the Middle East vividly demonstrates the futility of seeking security by force of arms. Guyana supports the holding of an international peace conference with the participation of all parties, including the PLO.

Reunification of Korea must be undertaken without outside interference. The Democratic Peoplehs Republic of Korea's proposal for tripartite talks has Guyana's support. Guyana also backs the Secretar -General's initiatives in the Cyprus talks; the situation there has been aggravated this year by illegal, unilateral actions by the Turkish Cypriot community. In Namibia, independence cannto be linked to any extraneous issue.

In seeking to resolve the crisis in Central America, external military intervention above all must be avoided. Guyana supports the efforts of the Contadora Group to find a peaceful political solution.

It backs Belize in its efforts to consolidate its independence in the face of threats by neighbouring Guatemala. Guyana reiterates its pledge to co-operate fully in efforts to attain apeaceful settlement of its dispute with its own neighbour, Venezuela.

As the Commonwealth Heads of Government discussed last year, the emphasis in Grenada now should be on "reconstruction, not recrimination". But the Assembly's resolution towards that end remains unimplemented in part.

Despite the clear need for collective action to resolve deep-seated economic problems, resistance to global solutions is manifested in many ways. The North-South dialogue, for example, remains "stymied by opaqueness and obscurantism".

To resolve the debt problem, it is no longer sufficient for individual debtor and creditor countries to meet and agree on general policy guidelines. A consensus must be found within a multilateral framework, with the participation of international banks and financial institutions.

There has been one growth area in international economic relations, however--the progressive development of South-South co-operation. It is regrettable that "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 encouraging such co-operation. It seems inconsistent to contend that the developing countries should do more to help themselves and, at the same time, withhold support from or deliberately obstruct international efforts to assist their self-reliance.

Jean-Robert Estime, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Haiti: "We are convinced that if the rich nations really wished to contribute more effectively to the development of the poor countries, and if they were truly convinced that it was in their interests and that perhaps their survival depended on it, those nations ... would find ... ways to intervene and suitable programmes to wipe hunger, ignorance and disease off the face of the earth."

Strong growth of the rich countries cannot automatically revive third world economies, and adjustment policies advocated by the West involve excessive social cost. The adjustment process must be synonymous with dynamic reconstruction rather than passive restraint. Consequently, it must include creation of new jobs, establishment of new industries and financing of new programmes in key sectors of education, health, housing and agriculture.

Economic recovery also assumes that the rich countries will avoid protectionism, reduce interest rates and provide adequate financing to assist in debt servicing, investment and stimulating exports. Special measures must be taken to maximize aid to the least developed countries by reducing technical assistance and reapportioning those funds to structural investments. Also, there must be programmes to attract qualified personnel back to their countries. And the possibilities of South-South co-operation must be explored.

The present crisis in Central America has its roots in the many socio-economic difficulties affecting the region. Haiti unreservedly supports the constructive approaches of the Contadora Group. The final version of the Act for Peace and Co-operation will have to be adopted soon if a general conflict in the region is to be avoided.

Despite the lesson of the Malvinas, the United Kingdom is pursuing a policy of military expansion in the South Atlantic. Haiti urges the parties to resume negotiations in earnest.

Haiti denounces the "open complicity" of countries lending support to South Africa and calls on them to stop opposing comprehensive sanctions. It welcome the Assembly's rejection of the so-called "new" constitution in South Africa, and opposes any attempts to link Namibian independence with "geopolitical considerations".

Every year the arms race assumes more tragic dimensions. Clearly, the great Powers bear full responsibility for it, and only dialogue and consultation can settle the matter. Haiti calls for the establishment of multilateral machinery that would allow the transfer to international development institutions of the enormous resources that would be released by a general, gradual and balanced disarmament.

Edgardo Paz Barnica, Minister of External Relations of Honduras: Central America is suffering the consequences of unequal and disadvantageous relations with the most developed nations, and of the predominance of economic interests over human ones. The region must ot fall prey to exploitation, intervention or servitude, or the "expansionism of extra-continental Powers that seek to deny for all time its democratic and pluralist future". It is essential to limit the arms race in Central America and begin general disarmament immediately under strict and effective international controls.

Honduras accepts the substantive obligations in the revised Contadora Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central America, reaffirming its readiness to assume all the responsibilities contained therein. Moreover, it is prepared to demand that any State which undertakes the same obligations faithfully fulfill them. It will not tolerate use of the Contadora initiative to "conceal the madness of the arms race, or the preparation of campaigns of domination, or terrorism and sabotage, or intervention, or trafficking in arms".

Honduras does not want a truce that "merely meets the needs of the instant; it seeks rather a solution that meets the needs of a stable and lasting peace based on justice and nourished by freedom". Therefore, it insists on security in any agreement; effective verification and supervision of fulfilment of obligations; and determination of the fate of irregular forces once they lay down their arms and a solution is found to the internal conflicts in which they are engaged. It is now up to the Central American Governments to give legal meaning to the commitments outlined during the Contadora process and to adopt realistic, appropriate formulas for conciliation.

On a discordant note, Nicaragua has accused Honduras of being involved in a supposed invasion of Nicaragua. For three years now, they have been making that same false charge. In contrast to that attitude, El Salvador's President has paid tribute to the efforts of the Contadora Group by inviting the armed opposition in his country to a dialogue of domestic reconciliation.

Honduras appreciates the interest in contributing to Latin American development expressed by the ECE Foreign Ministers at the recent San Jose meeting. The Quito Declaration and the Cartagena Consensus reflect the progressive strengthening of Latin America's capacity to respond to the international economic crisis.

Following the political changes in El Salvador, which now has a democratic, freely elected Government, Honduras has recently provided for the voluntary repatriation of 18,000 Salvadorian refugees. None the less, Honduran borders will remain open to all who feel insecure and seek protection outside their own territory.

Oswald G. Harding, Senator and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jamaica: The "confusion and obfuscation, some deliberate, that now seem to bedevil discussions of international economic cooperation" is a matter for concern. Paradoxes abound. Countries that show no growth are blamed for bad policies and countries that do show growth are met with protectionist barriers. "This Catch-22 belongs in the sphere of fiction from which it emerged, not in international economic relations."

There is ample evidence that the situation of the developing countries in general is worsening. Differences in technology and scientific sophistication, productive capacity and levels of development are certain to increase, not diminish, in the current circumstances.

Mutually beneficial growth must be based on a renewed will to co-operate on the part of the developed countries and on the readiness of the developing countries, many of whom are already making extraordinary sacrifices, to intensify their efforts to achieve, with external assistance, the levels of living to which they aspire. Existing economic structures and institutions such as the IMF and World Bank must be modified to better meet the needs of the developing countries.

A new issue of Special Drawing Rights by the IMF would ease the developing countries' liquidity problem and promote revitalization of trade. Now that private lending has fallen off dramatically and many developing countries are pursuing painful adjustment, the capital resources of the World Bank should be increased.

Neither North nor South has a set of prescriptions to guarantee international prosperity. But a renewed commitment to international economic co-operation requires action at both national and international levels.

"The arms race and the proliferation of weapons require our urgent attention." A comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty is an essential first step towards nuclear disarmament. A chemical weapons convention should be concluded, and regional initiatives should be pursued towards restriction of conventional weapons.

Jamaica urges all countries that have not signed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to do so before the closing date on 9 December, and calls for ratification by signatories that have done so. There can be no viable or legal arrangements for sea-bed mining outside the Convention. The "provisional understanding" concluded in August between eight member States goes beyond its avowed purpose of conflict resolution and contains terms incompatible with the Law of the Sea. Jamaica urges States to resist any selective application of the Convention and any attempt to undermine the arrangements being made for the establishment of the International Sea-Bed Authority.

Jamaica is alarmed at attempts to undermine the Contadora process and hopes the revised Act for Peace and Cooperation in Central America will be signed by all concerned.

Bernardo Sepulveda Amor, Secretary for External Relations of Mexico: In a climate of tension between East and West, it is only natural that regional conflicts are exacerbated and that conflicts between the power blocs are transferred to third world settings. The cause of the current world crisis does not lie in the shortcomings of the United Nations or in the methods of multilateral diplomacy, but there are many who would like to use such limitations as a cover-up for more deep-rooted political realities.

In his speech to the Assembly, President Reagan of the United States "restored hopes and expectations" in stating his country's willingness to undertake constructive disarmament negotiations with the Soviet Union and establish better working relations between the two countries. Mexico appreciates that "felicitous initiative" and hopes it may soon produce optimum results for all, "without exception".

The strengthening of the international order also involves the renovation of regional forums. The efforts of the Contadora Group express Latin America's determination to find a peaceful solution to conflicts. Mexico is convinced that the Contadora Act for Peace and Co-operation in Central America, which aims at reconciling the interests of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, fulfils the requirements for stability in the area. Those Governments are encourage to proceed "with all due urgency" to assume the legal commitments in the Act.

The increased foreign military presence and overt or covert support to groups tyring to overthrow Governments of Central America are major obstacles to detente. Mexico again urges a halt to arms traffic in the region and an end to foreign military bases and advisers.

Mexico was among those countries which on 22 May called on the nuclear Powers to assume their responsibilities in the task of disarmament. In numerous forums it has insisted on a nuclear freeze and gradual reduction of arsenals leading to complete disarmament. Mexico also urges an end to trade in conventional weapons, which diverts scarce capital in the developing countries, erodes trust and increases the risk of war.

The current world economic crisis has sharply emphasized the negative aspects of economic interdependence. Every state is responsible for promoting its own development, but the international community must assume the correlative obligation of establishing conditions that permit the attainment of national goals. Mexico firmly demands the restructuring of world economic relations.

Foreign debt is now the most burdensome economic problem for developing countries, particularly those of Latin America. The solution as set out in the Cartagena initiative, requires a joint commitment by creditor and debtor nations. "The trend that has turned our countries into exporters of capital must be reversed", through elimination of protectionism, stabilization of prices on raw materials and reduction of interest rates.

Oyden Ortega Duran, Minister for External Relations of Panama: The 1977 Panama Canal Treaties failed to satisfy all the legitimate aspirations of Panama, but they demonstrated the feasibility of finding a viable, negotiated solution to a "dangerous and complex colonial conflict" between a small developing country and a major Power. Unfortunately, there have been a number of violations of both the letter and spirit of the Treaties, which have been scrupulously observed by Panama.

The Treaties authorize temporary continuation of United States bases and troops on Panamanian territory until the end of this century, with the sole purpose of contributing to the protection of the Canal as its exists at present. Any activity of those bases and troops going beyond their exclusive mission of protecting the Canal runs counter to the Treaties.

Panama reiterates its protest against the intelligence, planning or military training activities being carried out on its territory against other countries in the region. It again appeals to the international community to ensure that implementation of the 1977 Treaties is followed more closely and that nations friendly to Panama and the United States seek their strict application.

The Contadora initiative has become one of the most important expressions of international political solidarity as well as an effective means for dialogue in Central America. The countries of the region must show their political will by speedily adopting the Contadora Act. Similarly, it is the duty of other Governments with interests in the region to unequivocally support adoption and implementation of the agreement, with full respect for the self-determination and sovereignty of the Central American nations. By subscribing to the Additional Protocol, outside Governments will commit themselves to contributing to peace and cooperation in the region.

The main causes of Latin America's serious trade and financial difficulties are "far beyond our borders and outside the control of our countries". But the major economic Powers continue to ignore the urgent call for North-South dialogue and global economic negotiations, at the same time ignoring the fact that the financial effects of the escalating arms race are speeding deterioration of the economic situation in the developing countries.

In the face of this situation, Latin America continues to show its political maturity, as demonstrated by the Quito Declaration of the Latin American Economic Conference in January and the Cartagena Consensus in June. Since it is the mistaken economic policies of certain industrialized nations and their financial organizations that have brought about the current crisis in Latin America, those creditor nations and institutions must share responsibility for a joint solution that takes into account the interest of both sides.

Carlos Augusto Saldivar, Minister for External Relations of Paraguay: "Our generation has the absurd distinction of having turned man into a beast whose prey is man and of being a generation in which the unbridled forces of terrorism act mercilessly and heartlessly in all countries and in all spheres." The United Nations must consider practical measures for ending terrorism in all its forms.

The arms buildup has entered a dangerous and alarming state. It is essential for countries with no nuclear facilities to be protected against dangers that might stem from the use of such weapons. "The fear of collective holocaust is a daily reality which surely deserves the attention of this Assembly."

The time has come for the United Nations to put an end to interventions in the internal affairs of States, such as in Afghanistan. Nor can the problem of Central America be forgotten. "The undisguised intervention by a major Power from outside the continent, through one of the States in the region, results in imminent danger to peace and security". Thus, "mutual suspicions" have turned the entire area into one of serious conflict.

Paraguay has never recognized the use of force or military occupation as a way of acquiring territory, and urges resumption of bilateral negotiations between Argentina and the United Kingdom to resolve the sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas Islands.

Peaceful reunification of the two Koreas must be achieved through direct dialogue of North and South. Admission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations would be a major step forward towards solution of the problem.

Despite various meetings to consider the world economic situation, there has been almost no effective progress in the North-South dialogue. Payment of the external debt of the developing countries is one of the most urgent problems before the international community today. The United Nations cannot remain indifferent to the situation, which endangers dozens of countries and their economies and keeps them from being eligible for the new funds they need for social and economic progress.

Direct practical measures are needed. Creditor countries and banks must agree to a containment of interest rates and better terms for det repayment. The gap must be closed between the industrialized countries and the countries that produce raw materials.

Now that the Convention on the Law of the Sea is a reality, the developing countries hope that its provisions will come into force soon. The land-locked countries in particular hope that it will enable them to benefit from their legitimate share of marine resources.

Basil A. Ince, Minister of External Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago: There is a need to revitalize international initiatives and machinery to resolve problems relating to peace, co-operation and development. The small States have an important role in that regard. "Small States cannot harbour pretensions to power and military might, even if these were desirable goals." Therefore, in their international relations, they must rely on the force of morality and law.

It was a small State that brought to the attention of the international community the need for collective security and co-operation in the "global commons of the ocean". The result was the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which Trinidad and Tobago views as "evidence of the general endorsement by the community of nations of a new international economic order".

"Systematic dysfunctional economic forces" are frustrating the quest for international order. Among them are: stagnation in global negotiations and the North-South dialogue; increasing protectionist measures; the debt burden of the developing countries; constraints on international monetary and economic reforms; and the adverse effect of all those forces on economic co-operation among developing countries.

"It is not that the world's resources are not adequate to support the needs of its peoples, but rather that these are unjustly distributed. It is not that independent developing countries themselves are not endowed with considerable natural resources and potential wealth, but rather that their utilization of these resources is manipulated by external influences over which they have no control."

International peace cannot be achieved without socio-economic development. The recovery has not yet had a wide-ranging influence on the world economy and has nost eliminated in the developing countries the legacy of difficulties resulting from the outmoded structure of the international finance and trading system. Trinidad and Tobago urges all States to abandon any search for economic national security that leads in the direction of increased protectionsm and calls for restructuring of the World Band and IMF.

Peace and security "continue to elude us". The Middle East is in turmoil" the situations in Afghanistan, Kampuchea and Cyprus remain unresolved. Developments in southern Africa demonstrate that apartheid cannot be reformed; it must be entirely dismantled. In Central America, a potentially explosive war persists, despite the efforts of the Contadora Group.

It is essential that a means be found to strengthen international co-operation and reduce great-Power rivalry, to create a climate conducive to international trust. The small States and developing countries have sustained a moral force against the use and proliferation of nuclear and other armaments. But without the co-operation and commitment of developed countries, "we cannot succeed".

Carlos A. Maeso, Minister for External Relations of Uruguay: The present external debt crisis reaffirms the need to eliminate trade restrictions and protectionist measures and underlines the weaknesses of the international financial system. Added to those problems, which affect all developing countries in varying degrees, is the critical food situation, especially in Africa. Concerted, practical action must be initiated immediately to solve those most pressing problems of trade, finance and food security.

"The Latin American countries have found in the adverse situation a source of unity and co-operation." In Quito, Lima, Cartagena and Mar del Plata, they expressed their readiness for dialogue with the industrialized countries on the economic, social and political consequences of Latin America's external indebtedness, and put forward "solid, just and practical" offers for repayment of the debt.

As Uruguay's President Alvares said earlier this year, "The time has come to abandon sterile diagnoses and to undertake co-ordinated action". Debts must be rescheduled and interest rates reduced so that countries of the region, while servicing the debt, can maintain export levels critical to their economic and social well-being.

Practical negotiations are necessary to solve the most pressing problems. For 20 years, Uruguay has been advocating a peaceful solution to the Malvinas Islands question through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations.

In Central America, the human dimension of the conflict engulfs everything and everyone. The efforts of the Contadora Group deserve strong support. The Act for Peace and Co-operation is inspired by the rich juridicial and political traditions of Latin America. Efforts should be made within the framework of international law to ensure the free exercise of self-determination by the peoples of Central America.

The nuclear Powers have a responsibility to make a substantial contribution to peace and disarmament. The objective should be general and complete disarmament under international control. In the meantime, political support should be sought for halting the arms race. Essential steps in that direction include negotiations between the super-Powers; extension of the nuclear test ban; establishment of nuclear-free zones and zones of peace; and the universalization of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Conventional weapons production and use must also be halted.

Real progress in the field of disarmament could be attained by creating an environment of greater confidence through systematic respect for international law. The powers of the International Court of Justice should be increased, making its intervention mandatory in certain cases.

Uruguay considers multilateral instruments the most effective means for promoting human rights and recommends strengthening the procedures of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and establishing a high commissioner for human rights.

Western European and Other States

The deterioration in East-West relations and increased threat of super-Power confrontation were dominant themes in the statements by 19 representatives of Western European and Other States. Disarmament issues were of concern to every speaker in the region.

Speakers agreed on the urgent need for resumption of negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union. A number of countries referred to the proposals made by United States President Reagan in his address to the General Assembly on 24 September and urged the Soviet Union to agree to a renewed dialogue.

There was support for balanced, verifiable arms reduction, as well as a nuclear freeze and ban on further testing. The continuing importance of the Non-Proliferation Treaty was emphasized by several States.

Many speakers stressed the importance of conventional disarmament, referring in that context to the Vienna talks on mutual and balanced reduction of forces in Central Europe. The need for a chemical weapons treaty and measures to prevent an arms race in outer space was also underscored.

Related matters discussed by speakers in the region included confidence-building measures, such as the work of the Stockholm Conference, and the creation of regional nuclear-weapon-freeze zones. A few speakers spoke of the importance of the Antarctic Treaty and its contribution to stability in that area.

The continuing debt crisis in the developing countries was widely discussed, with many speakers noting that economic recovery in the industrialized countries had failed to improve the situation in the developing world. Some speakers applauded efforts at adjustment already undertaken in a few of the poorer countries, but called attention to the possible negative effects strict austerity measures might have on efforts on encourage the democratization of those States.

The need for increased North-South economic cooperation, including the launching of global negotiations, was emphasized. Some States called for increased official development aid, particularly to countries in Africa.

Human rights issues were also of concern to many speakers. There was support in particular for the draft convention against torture submitted by the Commission on Human Rights, and for elimination or restriction of the death penalty.

[The views of New Zealand, Norway and the United States on these and other issues are reflected in the addresses by their Heads of State or Government on pages 11 to 19].

William George Hayden, minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia: Disarmament and international economic stability are the major pressing issues of our time. Australia urges that more energetic ways to settle these issues, in particular disarmament, should be pursued within the multilateral framework.

Australia has a special right to express concern regarding the unsteady state of relations between the super-Powers, the growth in nuclear arsenals and the deadlock in arms control talks. It has gone to great lengths to convince its citizens to accept the paradox that the existence of its joint facilities with the United States and its role as a major supplier of uranium "make nuclear was less, not more, likely".

Countries of the South Pacific region have accepted Australia's proposal to elaborate a treaty to create a South Pacific nuclear-free zone. Australia has also proposed measures to protect from attack all space satellites which help to preserve the strategic balance and which can contribute to monitoring disarmament agreements, and has suggested that the same protection be given to ground stations essential to operating those satellites.

Australia supports the central role of the IMF in dealing with the indebtedness of the developing countries on a case-by-case basis. "It would be unfortunate if rescheduling attempts now being arranged were to be overrun by any sudden climb in interest rates." Policies for economic recovery and stability should not undermine fledgling social and political reforms in those countries.

The facade of constitutional reform in South Africa has made matters worse. Black South Africans--73 per cent of the population -- have been allowed no part in the alleged reform, and only one Coloured or Indian person in five voted for the new constitution. Australia shares the impatience of African and other nations over the delay of Namibia's independence.

Viet Nam's continued occupation of Cambodia subjects South-East Asia's stability to undesirable strain. Australia remains ready to provide the site and any facilities so the parties involved can discuss ways to reach a settlement. It also welcomes recognition by France of the right of self-determination of the Kanak people of New Caledonia, and calls on France to ensure a speedy and peaceful transition to an independent, multi-racial country.

"We disagree with the disposition in some quarters to accept that [the United Nations] is perhaps afflicted by a kind of premature hardening of the arteries ... Many persons inside and outside the United Nations have become disenchanted with its reputation as a talking shop ... For all its imperfections, the United Nations has developed a range of policies and activities that have brought comfort and even life to people all over the world ... The whole ritual of conference and dialogue has played an underestimated role in dampening down tension and satisfying passion."

Leopold Gratz, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria: "There is abundant evidence of a widening gap between the universally accepted norms of human rights and the dark reality in many countries." All Member States have an obligation to change that situation, which is an affront to human dignity. Two areas in which progress is long overdue are abolition of torture and restriction or elimination of the death penalty.

All human rights are interlinked. "Human dignity cannot be upheld in the absence of adequate economic, social and cultural conditions. On the other hand, adverse social and economic circumstances can never justify the denial of individual rights and freedoms."

Regarding the cdevastating arms race" between the United States and the Soviet Union, Austria feels the world "expects a lessening of tensions and a reduction in the gigantic stockpiles of weapons". The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe is particularly important to smaller European States because it offers them a unique chance to play an active role in shaping their destiny.

"The East-West confrontation is casting its shadow over Central America." Austria feels that a solution to the crisis can be found only by the States of the region themselves.

Increased assistance will be required for the continuing crisis in Africa, a continent facing both the immediate challenge of survival and the long-term challenge of development. "We need a stronger commitment from all sides, irrespective of social systems and historical backgrounds."

The world economic situation requires determined cooperation between North and South to alleviate the plight of the developing countries. The debt burden of these countries reduces their living standards even further. It cannot be dealt with by banking operations alone, but requires a sharing of responsibility by Governments of creditor countries.

In the Middle East, Austria rejects policies based on military superiority and occupation of foreign territories. A solution must be based on Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories, recognition of its right to existence as a sovereign and independent State within secure and recognized borders, and recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to their own State.

Fifteen years after the agreement between Austria and Italy on a new framework of autonomy for South Tyrol, some of its provisions remain to be fulfilled, particularly with regard to the use of the German language. Despite the agreement in principle of May 1983 between the Italian Government and the minority concerned, that provision still has not been implemented. Austria notes with satisfaction, however, the assurance given by Italy regarding establishing an autonomous section of the regional administrative court in Bozen, and is confident Italy will soon take the remaining steps for a mutually accepted and full implementation of South Tyrolean autonomy.

(2 October, A/39/PV.16)

Leo Tindemans, Minister for External Relations of Belgium: Some political commentators have called 1984 "the lost year" in relation to arms control negotiations. While it may not have been fruitful with respect to disarmament and detente, it has not been completely lost for peace. "We should beware of an excessive and unreasonable pessimism."

The most serious threats to peace lie in imbalances and errors of judgement. The strategy of NATO is to ensure that war will never break out; its forces will never use weapons except to react against aggression. Twice the allies have cut down their nuclear arsenals. They have also agreed that only the minimum number of forces needed to support NATO's agreed strategy of deterrence and defence should be retained. Belgium favours a balance at the lowest possible levels for both nuclea and conventional weapons.

Belgium also favours a resumption of the suspended bilateral negotiations, the goal of which should be to turn Europe into an area of peace and security on the basis of respect for freedom and legal and human principles governing the relations between States and peoples. The Atlantic Alliance is willing to enter disarmament negotiations with out preconditions, and Belgium hopes leaders of Warsaw Pact nations will "grasp the hand we hold out to them".

Such contact should not be limited to political issues alone. Increasing and sound economic relations on realistic and mutually beneficial bases, and cultural, technological and scientific relations also have an essential role to play in bringing closer together individuals and communities across borders.

Increases in military budgets deprive developing nations of vital aid, and weigh heavily on developed economies in times of budgetary restrictions. "What makes us want to say 'Enough!' to arms development is the waste that such development implies, the responsibility of the developed countries towards those not yet sufficiently developed, and the danger of nuclear proliferation."

The North-South dialogue must be strengthened, but that dialogue can only be successful if it leads to balanced commitments. Belgium advocates an agreement between the European monetary zone and zones of the yen and the dollar, which would result in a more stable basis for the world economy.

The Second International Conference for Assistance to Refugees in Africa, which showed the commitment of nations to work together to help solve refugee problems in AfricA, stressed the vital importance of the complementarity of aid to refugees and development aid. Voluntary repatriation, the most desirable solution, and resettlement programmes provide long-term solutions.

Belgium favours a dialogue between the two parts of Korea aimed at a peaceful solution to reunifying the peninsula and supports, in the meantime, simultaneous entry of both Koreas into the United Nations.

The San Jose meeting on Central America "will enable representatives of States linked by history and culture to consider the problems of a region torn by crisis rooted in political, economic and social problems".

(25 September, A/39/PV.7)

Joe Clark, Secretary of State for External Affairs of Canada: "Countries like our own must use their influence to reverse the nuclear buildup and reduce the danger of destruction." Canada favours realistic steps towards a comprehensive test ban treaty; discussion and studies on outer space weapons; prevention of horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons; verification measures to encourage mutual confidence; agreement on mutual and balanced reduction of conventional forces in Europe; and a verifiable chemical weapons ban.

The stalemate in nuclear negotiations between the two super-Powers allows other nuclear States to claim impotence in the arms race and could encourage States without nuclear weapons to argue that they have a right to acquire them. Multilateral efforts, led and encouraged by the medium-sized and smaller countries, can help improve the international atmosphere.

Deteriorating relations between permanent members of the Security Council must not be allowed to immobilize it. "We must immunize the Council to the extent that, no matter what the crisis and whatever the state of relations among its members, their representatives will continue to talk." The Council could agree to hold regular sessions, in camera, with the Secretary-General present, to review both their roles in facilitating the solution of current, incipient or potential disputes.

The Secretary-General must have a greater margin of initiative and independence of action. He must have more political backing and be allowed and encouraged to increase his fact-finding capacity and his ability to exercise his good offices in particular situations. "We must also resist the over-politicization that is increasingly infecting the technical parts of the United Nations system, which are neither mandated nor equipped to handle such issues." UNESCO, for example, has been a "serious offender" in recent years. It must be brought back into balance.

Canada favours the proximity talks being held on Cyprus. While peace-keeping forces, such as the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus, can help to reduce the risk of open conflict, lasting peace can be achieved only through reasonable political compromise. Canada regrets the extension to Central America of East-West confrontation and the related militarization of the area. It applauds the initiative of the Contadora Group and welcomes the opening of direct dialogue between the United States and Nicaragua.

Nowhere is human need greater today than in Africa, where many countries face drought and starvation. The problems of refugees, debt and balance of payments are of special concern. Canada devotes more than 40 per cent of its bilateral aid to Africa.

Canada also supports expanding multilateral efforts to stabilize the debt situation, a crisis severely afflicting many developing countries, which affects economic prospects of those nations, the well-being of their peoples, and the health of the international financial system.

As a country heavily dependent on foreign trade and foreign investment, Canada is pledged to maintain close cooperation with its economic partners and to uphold the principles of the open and just multilateral system under which all countries can prosper. National and international action is needed to stem protectionist tendencies.

(25 September, A/39/PV.7)

Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark: "The world has become too small for antagonism and confrontation. Differences and conflicts of interest must be resolved through compromise and co-operation." Denmark hopes the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe will work out concrete measures to strengthen confidence between East and West and consolidate commitments regarding renunciation of the use of force made under the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

All parties should show goodwill and flexibility regarding such high-priority disarmament questions as a nuclear test ban and preventing an arms race in outer space. Denmark regrets the discontinuation of the bilateral talks, and urges their resumption without delay. It also supports a verifiable nuclear freeze and the creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

Little substantive progress towards a peaceful settlement in the Middle East has been made in the last year. All parties concerned should recognize that their maximum aims are unattainable and that negotiations between them are the only way to achieve peace. Denmark advocates a negotiated settlement to the iran-Iraq conflict and strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons there or elsewhere.

A durable solution in Central America requires regional political co-operation, respect for the principles of non-interference and inviolability of national frontiers, and economic and social reforms.

Despite a glimmer of hope earlier this year regarding southern Africa, there is now an imminent danger of a return to last year's deadlock. South Africa continues to lay down extraneous conditions. Namibians must without delay hold free and fair elections under United Nations supervision. South Africa's so-called constitutional reforms are an attempt to consolidate the apartheid system.

Denmark favours improved protection of human rights through international law, strengthening the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur on summary and arbitrary executions, and a return to consensus on future action tocombat racism and racialdiscrimination. It hopes that the draft convention against torture may be adopted at the current session with effective, mandatory implementation provisions.

Obstacles to economic growth in developing countries must be addressed, and ways found to promote development among the large third world populations who have experienced a reduction of per capita income and for whom the concept of recovery remains an abstract idea. Recipient countries must mobilize domestic resources and channel them toefficient and productive use. Donor countries must expand their commitment to Official Development Assistance.

The 1984 Population Conference confirmed that poverty and rapid population growth are linked. Denmark agrees that family planning should be considered a basic human right and that such activities should be pursued with full respect for the free choice of individuals and couples.

(25 September, A/39/PV.7)

Paavo Vayrynen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland: In pursuing its policy of neutrality, Finland stays outside the conflicts of interest between the great Powers and maintains friendly relations with its neighbours and all nations. It seeks to promote peace and stability in the Nordic region, and security and co-operation in Europe and the whole world.

The record of disarmament efforts over the past few years is alarming. In a climate of confrontation, determined efforts to negotiate are particularly important. "The world has the right to expect that the nuclear-weapon States, which have the primary responsibility for disarmament, act decisively to halt and reverse the course of the arms buildup."

Nuclear-weapon Powers could contribute to the success of the Review Conference for the Non-Proliferation Treaty by making tangible progress towards a comprehensive nuclear test ban. Finland is particularly interested in the promotion of nuclear-weapon-free zones and has proposed such a zone in the Nordic region.

Peace-keeping operations are an important way in which the smaller Member States, in particular, can contribute effectively to that collective task. The international community cannot condone the current disregard of Security Council decisions on situations endangering regional and international peace and security.

The key to the Middle East situation is the Arab-Israel conflict, which, together with other developments in the region, poses the most persistent threat to regional and global peace and security. A comprehensive settlement must be based on Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). The situation in Lebanon seems to have improved, even if many major problems remain unsolved.

The United Nations must sustain pressure on South Africa to ensure that Namibia's independence is achieved without delay. Finland condemns apartheid as an abhorrent violation of human rights and dignity. The solutions to the problems of the Central America region lie in maintaining the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs of other States.

The responsibility for ending the deepening economic and social crisis in Africa rests primarily with African Governments, but the international community must support such efforts through increased and improved aid. Finland channels more than half its bilateral aid to Africa.

It h as viewed with increasing concern the failure of efforts to make full use of the United Nations as a forum for negotiations on global economic problems. More forthcoming attitudes towards the task of launching global negotiations are called for, in the northas well as in the South, if progress is to be made. Finland welcomes the establishment in Helsinki of the World Institute for Development Economics Research -- the first affiliated research institute of the United Nations University.

Human rights are closely related to peace, security and prosperity. The role of the United Nations in implementing internationally adopted human rights instruments should be strengthened.

(25 September, A/39/PV.6)

Claude Cheysson, Foreign Minister of France: The peoples of Europe have the desire for and possibility of contributing to the easing of tensions. "Let the right of each to express his own identity and freely to choose his future be recognized, and we shall see new ties developing among European countries of different and even opposing ideologies and alliances." France favours expanding relations among neighbours and thus furthering regional cooperation, as in its rediscovery of a close friendship with its German neighbour, as well as co-operation in all its forms among regions.

The two-super Powers, which have primary responsibility in the East-West confrontation, should re-establish contacts and dialogue. The Stockholm Conference should help restore a certain level of confidence among countries of Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals, in the field of conventional forces. France will be active in the quest for a balance of forces, a prerequisite for peace. Its own military nuclear effort will remain exclusively at the level of defensive deterrents.

Appeals by the United Nations to end the Iran-Iraq conflict must be heeded by the two belligerents, not just by one of them. The use of inhumane weapons should be renounced in order to spare civilian populations. A return to customary freedoms in the area, particularly freedom of navigation, should be brought about.

Human rights are violated by outside intervention or constraints, by the unwanted occupation of foreign troops in such places as Afghanistan, the Middle East, southern Africa, Western Sahara and Cambodia.

There are other serious threats to human rights, too. "We must ask ourselves why the current world economic crisis is so serious and our market economy system powerless to contend with that crisis and resolve the economic disorder that has prevailed in the world for a number of years now." The disorder, particularly catastrophic for the third world, must be replaced by a more stable and predictable situation, especially with regard to currency and raw materials.

Once some order has been re-established, efforts will have to be made to consolidate the financial recovery of the most heavily indebted developing countries, "which are also often those with the most promising future, otherwise they would not have found a lender". Those efforts could include: better integration of debt rescheduling plans in the medium term; strengthened joint action by the IMF and World Bank to ensure a better relationship between adjustment and development in order to link austerity and growth; increased bilateral and multilateral aid; more public and private investment in the third world; and shorter-term capital flows from commercial banks.

"We must inject new hope, or discipline will be painful. We must find means of stimulating recovery that will not condemn the weakest, but that will rather make use of their capacities for progress. Is a world-wide New Deal possible? I want to believe it is."

(26 September, A/39/PV.8)

Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of germany: In Europe, East and West face each other with huge arsenals. Arms control in Europe strengthens peace and stability in the world. Negotiations must take place in respect of all weapons. "No one may consider only his own security interests; the legitimate interests of others must also be acknowledged." The United States and the USSR should resume negotiations without preconditions. The Federal Republic of Germany wants global renunciation of land-based intermediate-range missiles by both and supports a balanced agreement to that end.

"We seek European union ... We German are aware of the responsibility deriving from the history of our country and from our situation at the heart of Europe ... Our political aim is to work for a state of peace in Europe in which the German nation will regain its unity through free self-determination." The Federal Republic of Germany wants co-operation with all Warsaw Pact nations in political, economic, technological, environmental and cultural areas.

North and South must reduce their internal tensions, which obstruct and slow down the dialogue that is needed. The most pressing North-South problem is the debt crisis in many developing countries, particularly in Latin America. Forceful measures of adjustment are required if debtor countries are to recover economically.

Industrial countries with state trading organizations, which absorb only 5 per cent of all exports from developing countries, should open their doors more widely to exports from developing countries and bring their development aid into an acceptable relationship with their economic power and their arms expenditures.

Polluted air and poisoned water do not stop at national boundaries. The Federal Republic of Germany is negotiating with its neighbours in the East and West on joint action to combat pollution. New technological developments should serve all mankind, not be misused as instruments of power. Gene technology, which will provide the third world with new opportunities regarding agriculture and food, must not be used to manipulate human heredity.

The Federal Republic of Germany welcomes the favourable reaction to its proposal for an optional protocol prohibiting capital punishment. The peace-making influence of the United Nations should be strengthened. An effective early-warning system permitting the Security Council and the Secretary-General to act swiftly is needed.

(26 September, A/39/PV.8)

Yannis Haralabopoulos, Minister for Forign Affairs of Greece: "Every country, no matter what its potential, bears a major responsibility in fostering an international awareness of the need for peace, especially in an age where the nuclear-arms race has assumed alarming proportions."

Greece has appealed to the super-Powers to freeze production and development of nuclear weapons. It also seeks a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Balkans. Imbalances regarding conventional weapons are why many countries have resorted to nuclear weapons in order either to defend themselves or to gain supremacy.

Another main goal of Greek foreign policy is peace and co-operation in the Mediterranean. Areas of tension there have not disappeared. "Foreign armies continue to occupy territories which do not belong to them, while trying to hide the face of the conqueror behind the mask of the protector."

The solution to the problem of Cyprus is "very much hampered by outside interference". Its sovereignty is still being violated by the continued occupation of a large part of its territory by armed forces of Turkey. Greece maintains a special relationship with Cyprus because of century-old ethnic and cultural bonds between Greeks and Greek Cypriots. It supports the Secretary-General's efforts regarding Cyprus and wishes the Turkish side to respond in the new round of talks as positively as the Greek Cypriot side, so that progress can be achieved in "this international dispute so fraught with danger."

The withdrawal os Israel from the Arab territories is a basic precondition for a Middle East settlement. Greece also supports the Palestinians' right to self-determination, which includes the right to their own independent state. It also supports without reservation Israel's right to a secure existence within internationally recognized borders. Israel should withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

Greece is concerned at the prolongation of the Iran-Iraq war, particularly because hostilities have spread in such a way as to cause heavy human suffering and material damage, and to endanger significantly the interests of third countries not involved in the conflict, "especially owing to the erection of obstacles to free navigation through the Gulf".

In South America, a significant development has been restoration of democracy in Argentina. The international community should give that Government the support it needs to consolidate the rule of law and to overcome the serious economic difficulties inherited from the military dictatorship. In Central America, only a political solution stemming from the region, without outside interference, will solve the problems of the area.

Vigilance for respect of human rights should not be governed by expedience. A "dismal service" would be rendered to victims of human rights abuse if double standards were adopted and interest were limited to countries or areas where it is politically convenient.

(26 September, A/39/PV.9)

Geir Hallgrimsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland: "Our gravest concern is the relentless arms race and the paradox that military spending this year will reach a trillion dollars while a large part of manking is starving." The leading military Powers should multiple their efforts to limit and reduce conventional and nuclear weapons. Iceland hopes the Soviet Union, for almost a year having been unwilling to continue negotiations on some threatening types of weapons, will reconsider its attitude.

"A comprehensive solution of the disarmament question must be our aim." Partial or regional arms limitation agreements which only lead to the transfer of arsenals to new locations are bound to have limited value and can even create new dangers.

As a country which derives its livelihood from the precarious living resources of the sea, Iceland is also concerned at the acceleration of the naval arms race. Arms control agreements must have effective verification provisions. Confidence-building is the single most important task before the international community.

"The building of genuine democracy among the world's nations--respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the sovereignty of States and peoples' right to self-determination, the rule of law prevailing over the rule of force, and a more just distribution of economic resources--is the overriding pre-condition from which increased confidence will flow."

Each country must first and foremost put its own house in order. "We have no right to expect immunity from criticism if we fail to live up to our commitments" under bilateral or multilateral treaties freely entered into. Apartheid and the treatment in a number of countries of individuals who have been claiming basic human rights for themselves and their fellow citizens cause us the gravest concern. A case in point is the sad affair of Dr. Andrei Sakharov and his wife, Yelena Bonner.

The need to improve the lot of the least developed countries of the world and to strengthen the basis for their economic survival cannot be over-emphasized. Developed countries must open up their markets to products from the third world. Development aid alone will not solve the problem. Industrialized countries should in their overall trade relations eliminate barriers and other protectionist measures, such as Government subsidies, which hamper the normal, efficient division of labour between countries.

"All nations, large and small, have a stake in United Nations efforts to build a better world. Mankind has through experience acquired knowledge of forms of democratic government which, however imperfect, guarantee as far as is humanly possible the well-being of the peoples. Nevertheless, totalitarian, undemocratic methods deny such well-being to large populations on many continents". (24 September, A/39/PV.4)

Peter Barry, Minister for Foreign Affiars of Ireland, speaking on behalf of the European Economic Community (EEC): A renewal and deepening of political dialogue between East and West is an urgent necessity. The Ten will continue to work for a lessening of mistrust and to seek a constructive comprehensive dialogue with the Soviet Union and its allies in Central and Eastern Europe. Full implementation of the Helsinki and Madrid provisions by all States participating in the process of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe would significantly assist the restoration of confidence in East-West relations.

In arms control and disarmament negotiations there is no alternative to achieving substantial, balanced and verifiable agreements. The Ten hope for the resumption of the bilateral talks on nuclear forces in Europe and the initiation of similar talks on an agreement to avert the danger of an arms race in space.

"The continent in which we Europeans live contains the highest concentration of conventional weaponry and forces in the world". The Ten seek a negotiated agreement on militarily significant and verifiable confidence-building and security-building measures, designed to diminish the risk of military confrontation in Europe and, ultimately, to achieve a controlled reduction of armaments.

Dialogue, partnership and co-operation hold the key to promoting more equitable development and would contribute significantly to economic progress for all. Prospects for a continued economic recovery seem favourable. "We need to spread the benefits of the recovery widely, in the industrialized countries as well as to the developing countries."

High interest rates must come down. Progress towards resolving debt difficulties of developing countries depends on many variables, including interest rates, rate of expansion of exports and appropriate economic policies in debtor countries. The costs of continued high unemployment are enormous in terms of lost output and "detrimental effects on attitudes in our societies".

In recent years, the Community and its member States have provided more than half--over $5 billion annually--of the total aid received by African countries. The Ten will continue to provide such assistance and to encourage international co-operation to prevent political conflicts and economic distress in that area. A declaration on Africa's problem should be concluded by the Assembly, as a "signal to the world of the international community's concern at the plight of Africa" and to encourage action to alleviate that plight.

The third ACP-EEC Lome Convention, to be signed in December and covering a whole range of trade and aid provisions for more than 60 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, could create a new model for North-South relations.

The principle of non-interference in internal affairs should not be invoked by States to ignore or reject international concern at human rights abuses on their territory. The Ten welcome Poland's amnesty decision of July 1984 and hope that it will implement the Helsinki Final Act provisions, including those on trade union freedom.

The fundamental principles for a settlement in the Middle East are set out in Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). "Israel, the Arab States and the Palestinians must sooner or later grasp the nettle and come to terms with each other's existence and legitimate rights." Israel and other foreign forces in Lebanon whose presence is not authorized by the Lebanese Government should withdraw.

As for the Iran-Iraq conflict, the Ten condemn without qualification any use of chemical weapons and note with satisfaction that the undertaking by both countries not to attack purely civilian targets is holding up well.

The Soviet union, whose military intervention in Afghanistan seriously affects the stability of the whole region, has shown no willingness to contribute positively to a settlement and has instead intensified its military efforts. The USSR refuses to withdraw its troops--the key requirement for any satisfactory political solution.

The movement towards democracy in South America is welcomed, in particular in Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay. The problems of Central America can only be solved through a political settlement springing from the region itself, not armed force.

South Africa's new constitution fails to meet the aspirations of black citizens for equal treatment. The Ten will continue to press for constitutional arrangements founded on the principle of equality and acceptable to all South African citizens.

Speaking as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland: The report of the New Ireland Forum, published this year, represents the position of the majority of Irish nationalists on the problem of Northern Ireland. It identified 11 "major realities" and proposed 10 requirements as necessary elements of a framework within which a new Ireland could emerge. Three possible models were suggested: the preferred solution of a unitary State, and other solutions along federal-confederal lines or involving a joint authority of the Irish and British Governments in Northern Ireland.

Debate on the report has shown that "there is much that is now common in the British and Irish perceptions" of the problem. It is encouraging that British authorities now acknowledge the importance of the Irish Government's concern for the interests of the minority community in Northern Ireland. Ireland welcomes signs that some spokesmen in Northern Ireland, representing people of the unionist tradition who value their British heritage, are ready to be more open to their fellow citizens of the other Irish tradition.

Should the British and Irish Governments jointly determine in the months ahead to meet the requirements of the problems identified in the report, the support and understanding of the united Nations would be required. "It is my conviction that only such an urgent joint approach can succeed in resolving this tragedy." A lasting commitment on the part of the Irish and British authorities to a realistic settlement will be difficult for both Governments, but the two States can meet the risk involved and bring peace at last to the suffering people of Northern Ireland. (25 September, A/39/PV.6)

Giulio Andreotti, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy: "There is a close link, especially for the two major military alliances, between conventional and nuclear disarmament. Today more than ever it is unrealistic to hope for genuinely significant reductions in one field without parallel progress in the other. The main thing is to prevent war, whether nuclear or conventional, especially since today it is conventional wars that really threaten international peace and security."

Suspension of discussions on nuclear-weapon control and reduction when international relations are going through such a difficult phase causes universal concern. In order to take advantage of scientific advances regarding verification of disarmament agreements, high-level contacts between scientists of different nationalities should be encouraged, to discuss disarmament problems and make appropriate suggestions.

Norms relating to the extension of territorial waters and the rights of States over those waters and the contiguous zone are far from universally respected. Even in that delicate area, the United Nations could work effectively to uphold the law within the framework of existing international provisions and to promote desirable improvements. The United Nations could also effectively intervene in the fight against drugs, a scourage that affects all peoples of the world.

"We have never believed that the crucial problem of economic relations between the industrialized ... and the developing countries can be solved by unilateral measures, taken in a paternalistic spirit." Italy unequivocally supports all initiatives likely to revive the North-South dialogue and has proposed a world summit conference to engage in a comprehensive, organic review of long-term North-South relations.

Only peace in the Middle East can open the way for Israel to the genuine security to which it is entitled and to great possibilities of co-operation with the region. The Palestinian question must return very soon to its rightful central position among Arab-Israeli problems. Italy views positively the process of national Lebanese conciliation, which has resulted in the present Government in which all Lebanese factions are finally adequately represented. Syria's contribution to that process must be recognized.

Italy hopes for negotiations based on United Nations and OAU principles to settle the conflicts in the Horn of Africa. Ethipia and Somalia must rediscover the path of dialogue and co-operation, and free themselves from the crushing burden in terms of human and economic resources which impedes development and the struggle against poverty.

Another step forward in contacts between the two Koreas might be an understanding on their joint participation in the next Olympic Games in Seoul, thus returning to the Olympics the universal character which was missing in the last two Games. (2 October, A/39/PV.16)

Jacques F. Poos, Vice-President of the Government and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg: The arms race has accelerated in a worrying way with the accumulation of unprecedented stockpiles of weapons and their continued sophistication through scientific and technological progress. "Our planet is being transformed into a more and more dangerous powder keg. The extension of the arms race to outer space gives it a new dimension with unforeseeable consequences." Luxembourg supports efforts to reestablish confidence in international relations and to reduce the level of armaments to more reasonable proportions--compatible with the real defense needs of everyone. A resumption of United States-Soviet Union negotiations on missiles in Europe is indispensable.

The maintenance of peace also depends on success in the struggle against underdevelopment, and can be soundly based only on a more just and better balanced economic and social order. The North-South dialogue has been marking time for some years. The political will is lacking for launching global negotiations, and there is no clear prospect of their beginning yet. There is also little likelihood of strengthening commodity prices and returning to growth in international trade in general. Sources of finance are drying up because of the unprecedented size of the international debt; extreme austerity measures are blocking recovery; and protectionism is reappearing. "All these factors together will by the force of events slow down the return of economic growth on a world scale, if we do not succeed in reversing this trend."

Luxembourg will never hesitate to condemn flagrant violations of human rights covenants, wherever they occur and under whatever pretect, for all those violations go beyond the framework of exclusive national competence. "We will not accept either the argument that the respect of economic rights makes it possible to sidestep 'with an ironic smile' any criticism on the subject of respect for political rights."

Luxembourgh welcomes the measures of amnesty in favour of political prisoners in Poland and hopes the authorities will enter into a sincere dialogue with organizations representing the labour movement. That would be a first step towards genuine national reconciliation and a major contribution to improving the general climate prevailing in Europe.

The multiplication in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied territories, of faits accomplis contrary to international law will only delay and further complicate the development of a viable solution. "All those directly concerned should, willy-nilly, consent to meeting around the negotiating table."

Luxembourg also notes with satisfaction a gradual return to democracy in some Latin American countries, and, at least in Colombia, a movement towards the settlement of domestic disputes by peaceful means. It hopes those examples will be studied elsewhere and that in Central America, in particular, the efforts by the Contadora Group will meet with success. (27 September,A/39/PV.11)

Alex Sceberras Trigona, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta: "We cannot feel free and secure as long as our sea remains the playground for the American Sixth Fleet to flex its muscle whenever it desires, as long as the Soviet Navy uses our sea as its backyard, as long as two major navies and a number of smaller ones use our sea as the domain of their ever enlarging war games ... and as long as nuclear weapons beneath and above our waters, and even on the adjoining mainland, remain the frightening daily reality."

The Valletta Declaration, adopted at the first meeting of non-alighed Mediterranean ministers in September, lays down the basis for transforming the Mediterranean into a zone of peace, security and co-operation. That approach involves a commitment by those countries not to use force or the threat of force among themselves; an undertaking never to permit military bases or facilities for great Power presence in their region; and an invitation to other Mediterranean European States to adhere strictly to the principle of non-use or threat of force, and not to allow the use of bases and military facilities against non-aligned Mediterranean members.

All Mediterranean countries are seriously concerned about the security situation in the region and the growing manifestations of super-Power confrontation around them. They are keen to see a resolution of the region's problems, notably the question ... of Palestine and that of Cyprus.

Malta has had to struggle consistently to escape from the shackles of post-colonial tutelage and to eliminate all foreign military presence from its soil, in order finally to be able to adopt the status of neutrality, based on non-alignment. Its internal social and economic policies have been deliberately misconstrued and its expanded relations with other countries "maliciously misinterpreted".

The reckless reliance on increasing armaments, especially nuclear armaments, exacerbates tension, rather than increasing security. "The most outrageous fact of all is that so many resources continue to be poured into the armaments race instead of being devoted to redressing the needs and pressures of development." Regional States themselves should take the leading role in resolving problems of their region, for example, the Gulf Co-operation Council with regard to the Iran-Iraq conflict, and the contadora Group in Central America.

Members of the EEC should accept the hand of cooperation being extended to them by the developing countries of the Mediterranean, and transform "their present tight-fisted and protectionist attitude into policies which open their markets for products of other Mediterranean countries on equitable terms and conditions, and which use resources available in the region on the basis of mutual benefit."

"The existing structures of international trade and technology flows do not facilitate mutually beneficial relationships, but on the contrary favour the strong against the weak." The terms and conditions of international payments are continually manipulated to work against the interests of developing countries. Malta's commercial disequilibrium with Italy has reached alarming proportions and is no longer tolerable. From now Malta will not buy anything from a country which does not buy Maltese products in return. (28 September, A/39/PV.13)

H. van den Broek, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: "The United Nations has rightfully become a major source of hope for the individual who suffers from discrimination, persecution and degrading treatment." Within the United Nations system, there is growing preparedness to criticize human rights abuses which occur in widely divergent geographical and political settings. No State should take cover behind its sovereign rights to reject all forms of international scrutiny. The Netherlands also wants intensified international action to stop the scourge of terrorism.

Further selective mandatory sanctions, such as extension of the existing mandatory arms embargo and a ban on arms imports from South Africa, should be imposed against that country as long as it continues to deny the majority of its citizens fundamental rights.

Every effort must be made to reduce to a minimum the risk of nuclear weapons being used. Netherlands is particularly concerned at the unacceptable superiority of the Soviet Union in land-based intermediate-range nuclear missiles. Should the USSR continue to expand its SS-20 arsenal, the Netherlands would feel obliged to participate in the deployment of such weapons.

Regarding the failure to launch global negotiations, "we should ... ask ourselves whether this concept is not overly ambitious and based on an overestimation of the role Governments can play in shaping world economic and social conditions". Clarification of different perceptions and identification of common ground and concrete objectives is needed.

The Netherlands is especially concerned about the financing of peace-keeping operations and will consider steps to redress the situation resulting from an accumulated shortfall of $200 million in the financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon "which is manifestly unfair to the troop-contributing countries and might in the end jeopardize the peace-keeping functions of the United Nations".

The Netherlands will also propose ways to streamline the United Nations agenda and revitalize the decision-making process. Not every debate must result in a resolution. The best hope of restoring the Security Council's role as an effective instrument of international diplomacy lies in the readiness of Member States to make extensive and constructive use of Charter procedures. The Council needs the full political support of the major Powers in particular.

The Netherlands regrets that the Republic of Korea has not yet been admitted as a full Member of the Organization. Membership should also be open to North Korea if and when it desires it. (26 September, A/39/PV.9)

Jaime da Gama, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal: The ever-widening gap that separates rich countries from less developed countries is a main challenge before the international community today. The launching of global negotiations within the United Nations is indispensable to aiding the poorest countries faced with problems resulting from protectionist trends, increasing interest rates, appreciation of the dollar and the burden of their external debt.

Food shortages in Africa have been dramatically increasing. The drought in Africa and resulting slump in African grain production led to the Secretary-General's appeal for international aid. All must help Africa overcome its most important challenge: the acquisition of economic independence. Portugal supports initiatives to lessen suffering, intensify international co-operation and promote development of areas of the world where deprivation is greatest.

As the European country geographically and historically closest to Africa, Portugal supports African efforts to preserve the identity and genuine independence of the States of the continent.

Portugal hopes realism and a spirit of dialogue will prevail so that political obstacles delaying Namibia's independence will be removed. South Africa should abandon, in favour of negotiations, its policy of confrontation which has led to acts of aggression against neighbouring States, and move towards completely abolishing apartheid and the bantustan system.

The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East problem; security for all States in the area and recognition of the legitimate rights of Palestinians, including their right to a homeland, must be achieved. The situation in Lebanon, a country "on the road to fragmentation", may result in a conflict of even greater proportions than now exists. Efforts should continue to end the four-yera-old Iran-Iraq conflict, which is spreading slowly but surely to the Gulf region, threatening the stability of States of the area and freedom of navigation.

Portugal condemns interference by the super-Powers or others in Latin America. The peoples of the region, free from external pressures or subversion, must find solutions to their own problems. Governments in power should realize that "the elimination of the opposition will not bring peace and that the conflicts among the different countries cannot be resolved by force, but only through a global political and diplomatic solution".

Portugal has agreed to a deferment of Assembly consideration of East Timor until next year and firmly supports the efforts of the Secretary-General. It wants a global solution to the problem of East Timor that respects international and human rights principles.

Arms control and disarmament alone cannot guarantee peace. A climate of confidence must be created and measures adopted to promote "transparency" in the field of military activities, by reducing the possibility of surprise attacks. Portugal urges a resumption of dialogue by the super-Powers regarding balanced and verifiable disarmament agreements. (24 September, A/39/PV.5)

Fernando Moran, Minister for External Affairs of Spain: Present levels of weapons are dangerous as well as costly. "We cannot disregard the general cry, particularly by the young, who call for us to put an end, without further delay, to such shocking escalation." The United States and the USSR should resume their arms talks as soon as possible. All States, whether nuclear or not, should promote disarmament and detente. Confidence-building measures are also decisively important to the disarmament process.

The effects of the current global crisis continue to be felt particularly severely and intensely in less-developed countries. Foreign debt not only is the main hindrance to development for many countries, but also threatens the international financial system. Spain is open to new ideas for solving that difficult problem, without losing sight of the possibilities offered by present avenues for renegotiation, among them the IMF.

Many developing countries have had to face an economic crisis while, at the same time, opening new ways to democratic participation by their citizens. "It is a tribute to the democratic system that the impact of adjustment measures implemented by those countries has not led in many of them to the social and political turmoil that some had predicted. Nevertheless, maintaining these recession-inducing policies for too long could lead to a social explosion whose consequences would be felt throughout the international community." The final launching of global negotiations could be the most appropriate means of finding a lasting solution to the present crisis.

In Central America, the results of unjust economic and social structures and growing militarization could turn the isthmus into an "area of endemic confrontation". Spain supports the efforts of the Contadora Group for a regional agreements and hopes the San Jose meeting will contribute to its goals.

Spain urges the United Kingdom and Argentina to resolve their sovereignty dispute in the Malvanias Islands through negotiation so that the territorial integrity of Argentina may be restored and due account taken of the interests of the population.

Spain hopes that treaties of fraternity between Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania, and the treaty of union between Morocco and Libya will, instead of creating two opposing axes, benefit an increasingly united and peaceful Maghreb.

Spain is continuing its efforts to find a solution to "the anachronistic situation that exists in Gibraltar, the only colony still extant on the continent of Europe." A priority objective of Spain's foreign policy is restoration of its territorial integrity through peaceful means and continued dialogue with the United Kingdom, and it remains committed to respect the legitimate interests of Gibraltar's population. (26 September, A/39/PV.9)

Lennart Bodstrom, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden: Despite recent scientific insights regarding the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war, including the "nuclear winter," both super-Powers are investing in more and more advanced systems. Warning times are becoming shorter, and the risks of a conflict starting by accident are increasing. The current climate of confrontation must be replaced by increased dialogue. That should embrace both the armaments situation and regional conflicts which, under the influence of great-Power rivalry, tend to become increasingly difficult to solve.

"Those with the power to decide on the use of nuclear weapons are not only gambling with the survival of their own countries but also putting our lives in jeopardy ... We who do not posses nuclear weapons must do our utmost to assert our interests and to persuade the nuclear-weapon States to realize that they also have a responsibility to us." Sweden favours a comprehensive nuclear test ban, a nuclear freeze and negotiations to prevent an arms race in outer space.

Violations of human rights are not the internal affairs of individual countries and must be condemned wherever they may occur. Sweden favours work towards abolishing the death penalty and urges increased multilateral efforts to deal with the serious international drug problem.

The United Nations role in managing the earth's common resouces must be strengthened.

A possible way to speed up a settlement in the Middle East would be to convene an international conference under United Nations auspices. Non-implementation of the six-year-old United Nations plan for Namibia's independence is unacceptable.

Only through respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in Central America can a political solution be reached. The United States should act with restraint in the region and use its influence to promote negotiations.

Multilateral dialogue in the field of international economic co-operation must be strengthened. All countries should work to strengthen and expand free trade through a new round of multilateral negotiations. The International Development Association must be ensured sufficient resources to continue to help the poorest countries.

Sweden welcomes the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) regarding children in especially difficult circumstances, such as those living in situations of war.

Co-operation between the Security Council and the Secretary-General could be improved. Ways to deal with conflicts at an early stage should be found. Council meetings at the ministerial level might be held to consider dangers threatening peace and ways to contain them. The universal character of the United Nations must be maintained. Differences of opinion will not be bridged if States are excluded from the Organization. (25 September, A/39/PV.7)

Sir Geoffrey Howe, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom: The current size of the United States' budget deficit and accompanying high interest rates threaten the world economy. Lower world interest rates would ease the burden of debt repayment. Britain has proposed the use of multi-year rescheduling, an enhanced role for the World Bank and its associates, more private investment in debtor countries and more stable long-term finance.

Adjustment policies successfully pursued by many developing countries in face of real social and political difficulties must be sustained and more widely adopted so that international indebtedness can be diminished. Solutions to economic problems must be firmly rooted in political reality if they are to endure.

The need for practical measures to solve real problems is nowhere more urgent than in East-West relations, "not because of what is happening, but because of what is not happening". The "differences between us", although real and substantial, are not as striking as the "similarity of what we say are the basic aims of our peoples". The gap must be bridged, and a more comprehensive dialogue achieved.

The successful negotiation of the draft agreement on Hong Kong's future, a "triumph of good sense," shows how difficult issues may be resolved.

The new Government in Israel provides an opportunity "to turn a new page" in the Middle East. It could halt the illegal settlement policy. Arab countries and the Palestinians could formulate a realistic and common negotiating stand "before it is too late". The role of the United States, which has a unique position of influence with parties on both sides, is indispensable.

Recent events in southern Africa demonstrate the wider dangers of South African policies and underline the urgent need for progress towards a system of government supported by all South Africans.

The problems of Central America "have been explouted and exacerbated by those who care little for regional stability and democratic evolution, preferring to pursue their own political objectives".

While welcoming Argentina's return to democracy, the United Kingdom feels an "important opportunity" was missed when resumed talks on the Falkland Islands ended after Argentina insisted no progress could be made without the certainty of a mechanism to permit negotiations over sovereignty. The fundamental principle of self-determination cannot be overlooked. The United Kingdom will continue its economic and constitutional development of the Islands and its maintenance of the minimum level of forces required to defend them.

The United Kingdom also does not want to see any development that would undermine the Antarctic Treaty, an "excellent model of practical co-operation through international agreement". It is also concerned at the material backing "of a few misguided Governments' for international terrorism and the abuse of diplomatic immunity resulting from the growing involvement in terrorism by Governments and their representatives abroad. (26 September, A/39/PV.9)