Austria, 1983

 It is a particular pleasure to

congratulate the President on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. His outstanding diplomatic skills and great experience in foreign affairs, as

wet as his long association with the work of the United

Nations, will considerably facilitate our difficult task

during the weeks ahead and greatly contribute to the

successful conclusion of this session.

181. I also wish to convey to his predecessor, Mr. Imre

Hollai, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary,

our sincere thanks and high appreciation for his tact,

political understanding and tireless personal efforts In

conducting the affairs of the General Assembly over the

past year.

182. I should further like to welcome most cordially the delegation of the new Member State, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and express our hopes for close and fruitful co-operation.

183. The thirty-eighth session takes place against the

background of a serious international situation. The

danger of nuclear war casts a dark shadow over the future

of mankind. Perennially unresolved conflicts bring untold

suffering to many regions of the world. They are often

exacerbated by super-Power rivalry. The

structural imbalances of the global economy, it conjunction with the present economic crisis, condemn the greater

part of humanity to a life of poverty and want. Increasing

disregard of human rights, persistent racial discrimination

and the repression of people: struggling for their national

rights weigh heavily on the conscience of mankind.

184. The stakes are the highest and progress is most

urgently required in the area of arms control and disarmament. Tate development of weapons technology combined with changes in strategic thinking threaten to

undermine the already precarious balance of terror and

increase the risk of nuclear war. These dangerous trends

affect the security of all States and all peoples. We

therefore believe that everyone and every Government

must participate in the struggle against the nuclear threat.

In many parts of the world, mass movements are gathering strength and demanding an end to the neuter arms build-up.

Austria, a stall neutral country situated between

the two military bios in the most highly armed region

of the world, naturally shares the concerns and ideals of

the peace movement. The ultimate responsibility for

halting the nuclear arms race, however, rests squarely

with the nuclear-weapon States. Austria appeals urgently

to the United States and the Soviet Union to exercise in

their talks at Geneva the necessary political will to conclude genuine and substantial disarmament agreements.

Let us transform the balance of terror into a balance of

reason.

186. After long and arduous negotiations, conducted

under difficult international conditions, the Madrid

follow-up meeting to the Conference on Security and

Co-operation in Europe was concluded successfully. The

decisions at Madrid have father developed the 1975 Final

Act of Helsinki. They constitute a code for building a

more constructive and stable relationship between East

and West. In spite of the deep crisis in East-West rotations

and the ever-accelerating arms race, all participants in the

Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe,

including the big Powers, have demonstrated their interest

in continuing the process of detente. Austria will spare

no effort in contributing actively to the success of this

process. We note with satisfaction that the next follow-

up meeting will take place at Vienna In 1986.

187. The conclusion of the Madrid meeting proves that

sincere negotiating efforts can succeed. Its example must

be followed in other areas, in particular disarmament

negotiations, on the success or failure of which rests the

survival of mankind. Apart from the ongoing negotiations, the Conference on Confidence- and Security-building Measures and Disarmament in Europe, which

will begin In January 1984 at Stockholm, wilt offer the

best opportunity in this regard. Of course, this requires

at cast a minimum of good will and mutual confidence.

188. The tack of these pre-conditions was demonstrated

only recently in a frightening manner by title shooting

down of a civilian airliner. The Austrian Government

unequivocally condemns this act. The international community justly demands a thorough investigation of the

circumstances which led to this catastrophe and the punishment of those responsible, as well as appropriate

compensation to the families of the victims. We also

believe that effective intimation measures will have to

be taken to prevent the recurrence of sue a horrible

event.

189. The United Nations has an important role to

play in the disarmament process. The negotiations in

the Committee on Disarmament, title deliberations on

arms limitation in other organs and the efforts to build

public support for disarmament should be intensified

and expanded. During this Genera Assembly session

the Austrian delegation wilt pursue its initiative concerning measures to facilitate objective information on the

military strength of States. The availability of objective and reliable information would enhance confidence

between States and promote the conclusion of disarmament agreements.

190. White the cost of arms race reached $800 billion

in 1982, the lives of two thirds of mm kind are still dominated by poverty and hunger. One tenth of the annual

expenditure on armaments would be enough to finance

the annual debt servicing of at developing countries.

After years of recession 'he prospects for an economic

recovery have finally improved, but the upswing is as yet

initiated to a few industrialized nations and even they do

not know how long it will last. It will there/ore be of

crucial importance that these trends be transformed into

a sustained recovery for all.

9. 1 is convinced that stabilizing factors for a world-

wide and lasting economic recovery must be created or

recreated, The growth of world trade and production can

be built only upon the foundation of predictable exchange

rates, open markets unimpeded by protectionism, a balanced development of prices for commodities and industrial goods and a step-by-step increase of resource

transfers from the "haves" to the "have-nots". How to

create these conditions, these confidence-building

measures, for the world economy should be discussed

globally. Without a commonly accepted target, no realty

fruitful sectoral decision can be made. Laissez-faire is

passed. To leave the poorest to the ups and downs of

economic power play is as inhuman as it is counterproductive.

192. Peace and well-being can be assured only if at

countries in all regions share more equitably in the worlds

economic progress, Austria is firmly convinced of the

necessity of the North-South dialogue and for its part

will continue to Increase the scope of its development

co-operation.

193. Austria believes that the observance and promotion

of human rights constitute not merely an abstract principle but also practical policy. Such a policy assumes even

greater importance in a world beset by armed conflicts,

political upheavals and economic crises. Therefore all

those individuals and movements that fight against oppression and the denial of their rights everywhere in the

world may count on Asia’s friendship.

194. in spite of the coexistence of clear legal norms,

grave violations of human rights occur every day in many

parts of the world. We continue to witness unjustified

arrests, torture, arbitrary executions, religious intolerance

and political persecution.

195. The forthcoming thirty-fifth anniversary of the

adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

should provide the occasion for all States truly to put into

practice the full observance of human rights to which we

have all committed ourselves. The United Nations has an

important role to play in this context. In our view this

role should be strengthened and further developed so as

to ensure the effective international protection of human

rights.

196. The international situation is characterized by

many regional conflicts.

197. The Middle East continues to be one of the most

dangerous crisis areas of the world. The implications

of this conflict transcend the confines of the region.

World peace and international security are nowhere more

directly threatened than in the Middle East. The human

and humanitarian dimension of this conflict must not be

overlooked either. Every day the cycle of hatred, repression and the use of force claims more victims and creates

new obstacles to peace.

198. The past year has not brought us closer to a set-

statement of the Middle East problem. Lebanon is still

occupied by foreign troops and threatened by civet war.

Israel pursues its settlement policy on the West Bank

leading towards a tacit annexation of those territories.

This policy is in contravention of international taw

and runs counter to any peaceful solution of the Middle

East conflict. The action of tots Extract Government is

increasingly resulting in a serious deterioration in the

economic and social situation of the Palestinian populations. It thus gives rise to deep concern for humanitarian

reasons as wait.

199. Peace efforts in the Middle East have at present

come to an ominous stalemate. Many of those involved

seem to pursue short-term and narrowly defined national

interests, regardless of the dangerous implications for

overall development in the region. Austria strongly believes that this attitude must be changed and replaced by

a sincere effort to bring about a just solution. Such a

settlement can be achieved only through negotiations and

dialogue. We reject unequivocally the use of force and

alt acts of terrorism, from whatever side,

200. Austria's position on the principles of a just and

comprehensive solution of the Middle East problem

remains unchanged. The right of at States in the region,

including Israel, to exist within secure and recognized

boundaries must be respected. The Palestinian question

is at the core of the Middle East problem. As underlined

at the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, held recently at Geneva, a solution requires recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people,

including the right to its own State. Austria shares the

view that the PLO, as the representative of the Palestinians, must participate in all negotiations. The acquisition

of territories by force is unacceptable. Israel must therefore withdraw from all territories occupied since 1967,

including Jerusalem.

201. The restoration of fuel sovereignty and territorial

integrity to Lebanon constitutes an essential element of

a comprehensive peaceful settlement. No foreign troops

should remain in Lebanon without the consent of the

Lebanese Government. At efforts must be made in Lebanon to bridge the internal divisions and to achieve

national reconciliation. Like those directly suffering from

civil war in Lebanon, we are glad that a cease-fire could

be implemented, but a political solution must follow

immediately. Only on such a basis will it be possible to

rebuild a peaceful and independent Lebanon. But this

objective too can be reached only if we succeed in finding

a aerate solution for those Palestinians living in Lebanon. Where should they go This question is a further?

example of the fact that the core proem of the Middle

East conflict is the question of Palestine. Unless the

Palestinian people can exercise its national rights, there

can be no lasting peace, either in Lebanon or in any other

part of the region.

202. The war between Iran and Iraq has entered its

fourth year. The loss of human life and the waste of

resources have reached staggering proportions. Austria

appeals to both parties to cease this senseless struggle and

to seek a peaceful settlement of their dispute. We watermen

and support at mediation efforts that may contribute to

this end.

203. The armed intervention in Afghanistan continues

to cause immense human suffering and is a serious threat

to the stability of the entire region. This persistent violation of fundamental principles of the Charter of the

United Nations also constitutes a major obstacle to the

improvement of East-West relations. Austria urges all

parties to support the mediation efforts by the Secretary General and his special representative and to muster the

necessary polities will to achieve agreement on those key

elements whet still remains unsolved.

The Kampuchea problem is another matter of

serious concern. Here the past year has brought certain

signs of greater flexibility, but at the same time the military occupation, tit use of force, the misery of refugees

and the dental of title basic human rights have continued

unabated. Austria remains convinced that only negotiations between ail parties to title conflict on the basis of

the resolutions of the General Assembly and of the International Conference on Kampuchean can idea to a Just

settlement which could ensure a better future for the

severely tried Kampuchea people.

205. Tate situation in Cyprus underlines the urgency of

a comprehensive negotiated settlement. Respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and compete withdrawal of the occupying forces constitute, in

our view, an essential basis for such a settlement. Austria

still considers the talks between the two communities to

be the best means to stave their problems between themselves. We fruity appreciate and support the efforts undertaken in that regard by the Secretary-Genera "tad his

special representative.

206. The people of Namibia are still waiting for their

independence. Four years of work on the basis of Security

Council resolution 435 (1978) have led to a large degree

of agreement on the details and the incrimination of

the transition plan. Elements which, in our view, do not

have direct relevance to the independence of Namibia

must not impede that process. We strongly support the

Secretary-Genera’s efforts to break the deadlock and

finally to bring about the implementation of the United

Nations pain for Namibia.

207. The underlying cause for the crisis situation in

southern Africa is the policy practised by the

South African Government. Austria unequivocally condemns the system as an abhorrent violation of

human rights and human dignity. Only a profound transformation of South Africa into a free, democratic and

multiracial society could bring genuine stability to the

south of Africa, ft. is indispensable that this process be

initiated without delay. Only in that way can it be peacefully concluded, as we hope it will be.

208. The continuing serious situation in Central America matter of deep concern to Austria. We consider

this crisis closely related to the profound soda change

this region is undergoing. Exploitation, injustice and

repression throughout centuries are the root causes of the

current proteins. Arty approach to the central American

crisis which reduces it or primarily to a matter of

East-West confrontation or to a question of spheres of

influence or competing ideologies without aggravate the

situation. A settlement cannot be it posed front outside

or by the use or threat of use of force. It must be reached

through free negotiations between all parties directly

concerned. Austria welcomes, in particular, the efforts

by the Contadora Group. Self-determination, non-interference, respect for the territorial integrity of States, the

obligation not to use the territory of a State for acts of

aggression against another, the peaceful settlement of

disputes and the prohibition of the use and threat of use

of force are indeed title only principles on which a stable

and lasting solution can be based.

209. Austria how always put special emphasis on a pock

of good-neighbourliness. Over title past year Austria has

been able to improve and deepen co-operation with all

its neighbours, irrespective of their social and political

systems.

210. It our good-neighbourly and friendly relations

with Italy present the problem of South Tyrol has a special place.

The resolutions of General Assembly led to an

agreement between Austria and Italy on a new framework

of autonomy for South Tyrol. Among its important

provision there is that on the use of the German language and

the establishment of an autonomous section in Boxed of

the Administrative Court are of special significance for

the preservation of South Tyrolean ethnic group.

Despite the agreement in principle reached months ago

between the Government and the minority concerned, decisions relating to these important measures have still not been enacted. Austria is aware that this is

parity due to recent political developments in Italy. However, Austria views with a certain concern the met that

competence already transferred to the Province of Bonze

has again been eroded by national legislative measures

and that acts adopted by the provincial legislature are

increasingly rejected by the authorities in Rome. These

measures have added considerably to the anxiety and

concern already experienced by the population of South

Tyrol because of the delay in the implementation of the

autonomy provisions. Prime Minister Benedetto Croix

has stated recently that the two provisions just mentioned

will be implemented in the coming months. The Austrian

Federal Government expects this promise to be fulfilled

as soon as possible. We are confident that this would

create an important pre-condition of early, generally

acceptable attainment of autonomy in South Tyrol.

211. in addressing the critical problems of today's

international situation States have two basic options: they

can exploit the existing problems in the pursuit of short-

term national interests or they can seek to solve them

through co-operation in the long-term interest of the

international community as a whole. This second alternative was outlined 38 years ago in the Charter of the

United Nations. The Organization's founders lay down

the fundamental rules of co-operation among States and

created institutions to translate these primaries into a

more peaceful and humane world order.

212. The ideas and Easter approaches of the Charter are

as valid today as they were in the past. Yet in our increasingly complex and divided world, the Mute of purpose

which was still present in the aftermath of the most?

terrible war in human history is waning. Today, violations

of the precepts of the Charter proliferate. The collective security system remains unimplememnted.

The Security Council, the primary organ for the maintenance of peace,

often fails to take decisions on many of the most crucial

issues. In cases where resolutions are adopted they are

often ignored by the parties to the conflict. Again and

again Member States circumvent United Nations institutions or misuse them for their partisan interests. Despite

the great services the United Nations continues to provide,

and in spite of its great potential to contribute to human

progress, we have to recognize that the system of multilateral diplomacy is in a serious state of crisis.

23. The Secretary General, in his annual report

has convincingly analysed this crisis and highlighted the grave danger emanating from it for the fate

of mankind. His renewed urgent appeal for a collective

recommitment to the principles of the Charter meets with

General Assembly.

The United Nations is, after all, the only

forum for the military powerless.

Not yeast because of the role of Vienna as one of

the United Nations, Austria

fees a particular commitment to the objectives of the

Charter end is prepared to make an active contribution

to the strengthening of the United Nations as a truly

effective instrument for peace, freedom and justice.