Djibouti, 1982

I take great pleasure in congratulating, on behalf of my delegation,

the President on his election to preside over this thirty-seventh

session of the General Assembly. We are convinced that his qualities

as an experienced diplomat and his deep faith in the principles and

purposes of the Charter will enable him to direct the work of the

Assembly successfully. I should also like to pay tribute to the

President's predecessor, Mr. Kittani, of the fraternal country of

Iraq, for the outstanding way in which he led the work of the last

regular session as well as of the special sessions. I also take great

pleasure in paying a particular tribute to the Secretary-General for

his constant efforts to promote international peace and security. My

delegation is pleased to express to him its appreciation of his

struggle to preserve the principles of the Charter and to strengthen

international solidarity for the progress and development of mankind.

229. The thirty-seventh session of the general Assembly is being

held at a time when the international situation is steadily

deteriorating. The harmful world conditions that we are experiencing

encourage the super-Powers to acquire zones of influence and make

their rivalries ever sharper. The super-Powers are using their

economic, scientific and technological advances to achieve their

objectives and designs.

230. In this atmosphere of constant tension we remain concerned

and alarmed at the escalation of tension which is creating several

flashpoints in many parts of the world, especially in the third world.

231. In spite of the constant efforts of the international

community in the quest for peace, we are every day confronted with

increasingly sophisticated wars, wars of attrition and of the

annihilation of nations. Never before in history have there been so

many wars in third world countries, with such great human, financial

and material losses. It is as if by some master plan they are

intended to exchange the natural resources of developing countries

and prevent them achieving their economic take-off.

232. It is an act of treason towards that part of mankind living

in wretched circumstances to tolerate the useless waste of incredible

quantities of financial, scientific, technological and human

resources, when two thirds of the world's population are doomed to

live in dire poverty, suffering grave economic difficulties and

social imbalance. Moreover, there are a large number of refugees on

all the continents, half of them in Africa. Those refugees often come

to an environment where they still have to struggle to satisfy their

most basic needs-food, medical care and shelter.

233. What human wisdom can allow for such waste, whose only

purpose is the destruction of all the best that world civilization

has been producing for the good of mankind? We cannot separate acts

leading to the waste of such immense human and material wealth from

those which are delaying the establishment of a new international

economic order.

234. International economic relations are experiencing in our time

a grave crisis, which is becoming an obstacle in negotiations between

the rich and poor countries, a number of which-the least developed

countries-are living in precarious conditions. It is up to us to

exchange new ideas and co-ordinate our efforts with a view to

striving together towards a better life.

235. After eight years of hard work the Third United Nations

Conference on the Law of the Sea achieved its objective. The adoption

of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea constitutes a

land-mark in the history of mankind. The success of the Conference

has enhanced the prestige and credibility of the United Nations,

which can be an effective framework for dealing with all questions of

vital importance to all States and the international community.

236. The political climate and security in the Indian Ocean area

has gravely deteriorated recently. The littoral and hinterland States

are worried about the increase in tension in the area, as a result of

the rivalries of the great Powers. There is an extremely urgent need

to implement the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace,

pursuant to resolution 2832 (XXVI) of 12 December 1971. The situation

of insecurity and instability prevailing in the Indian Ocean requires

the speedy holding of the relevant conference in Colombo.

237. Since its independence the Republic of Djibouti has expressed

its devotion to international peace and security. The objectives that

it has set itself are national unity, equality and peace.

238. In accordance with our foreign policy, based on dialogue and

co-operation, we have chosen to live in peace with our neighbours,

with absolutely no interference or intervention. Our neutrality is

reflected by a policy of non-alignment, good-neighbourliness and

peaceful coexistence. We urge our neighbours to settle any disputes

peacefully, for we remain convinced that peace and stability alone

can guarantee the emancipation of peoples. Moreover, we urge all

leaders in the Horn of Africa to struggle for the creation of the

right circumstances to foster tolerance, understanding and confidence

among the peoples of the region.

239. We attach great importance to regional and interregional

economic co-operation, and we are prepared to take an effective part

in those efforts, in accordance with the Lagos Plan of Action for the

Implementation of the Monrovia Strategy for the Development of

Africa' and the Charter of National Economic Action, adopted at Amman.

240. In spite of its economic difficulties and its meagre

resources, the Republic of Djibouti takes in a considerable number of

refugees. The situation has worsened because of the devastating

consequences of a prolonged drought, which has displaced a third of

our population who have lost all means of subsistence.

241. The Republic of Djibouti has embarked on comprehensive

programmes of revitalization and modernization of existing sectors of

the service economy as well as on the creation of a sound basis for a

productive, diversified economy through the development of new

sectors in industry, agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries.

242. My Government, which has decided to use every means available

to extricate itself from its socioeconomic difficulties, appreciates

the assistance and aid of friendly countries to help in achieving

those objectives.

243. After 34 years of bloody wars, 34 years of sacrifices, 34

years of tireless and uninterrupted efforts, the international

community has just reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause,

by declaring that no just and lasting solution can be achieved

without recognition of the legitimate, inalienable rights of the

Palestinian people. It is with that in view that concrete proposals

for an overall peaceful solution have been formulated.

244. Unfortunately these peace efforts are still pitted against

the political ambitions of the Zionists, who wish to relegate the

Palestinian cause to historical oblivion so as to promote their

expansionist policy. The Zionists do not wish to accept or tolerate

any talk of national rights for Palestinians; they wished to bury the

natural aspirations of an entire people under the ruins of Beirut. In

order to do that the Zionist war-lords unleashed the most devastating

and the most bloody aggression against Lebanon, using the most

sophisticated weaponry, with the avowed intention of annihilating the

Palestinian people, of liquidating the PLO and destroying its

organizational structure.

245. For more than two months Lebanon has been subjected to the

most merciless destruction. Beirut, besieged, deprived of water,

food, electricity and medicines, constantly bombarded from land, air

and sea, has undergone an ordeal which no city has experienced since

the Second World War.

246. During the first half of this century the Nazis, in their

wanton campaign for racial superiority, arrogated to themselves the

right to determine who should live and who should be deprived of

life. They institutionalized terror and mass killing as means of

achieving that goall.

247. In the second half of this century the Zionist neo-Nazis have

espoused a similar concept, although more limited in scope. They wish

to eliminate the Palestinian people from the land where they have

always lived. For the Zionists, Palestine was a land without any

people awaiting the arrival of Jewish settlers to colonize it.

History has been falsified; the physical characteristics, the

demographic composition and the institutional structures of the

occupied territories are being altered so as finally to leave no

trace of the Palestinian heritage.

248. In spite of that and in defiance of the aims of the Zionist

plan, the Palestinian reality asserts itself more each day, because

the Palestinian people, under the aegis of the PLO, its sole,

legitimate representative, has shown its unshakable determination to

struggle for the life of its cause.

249. Strengthened by that determination, Arab Kings, Sovereigns

and heads of State were at one in making it crystal clear to the

world that just and lasting peace has always been their objective, an

objective that Israel has rejected and continues to reject, wishing

to deprive an entire people of its existence and of its identity.

250. In Fez, the Arab leaders agreed on concrete and realistic

proposals aimed at restoring a just and lasting peace in the region.

These proposals, contained in what is now called the Fez Charter ,

have created a legal framework which, without the slightest doubt,

has aroused hoper in the international community, which is determined

to find a solution to this painful problem.

251. As usual, Begins response was to order the massacre of

children, women and old people. Once again, in defiance of

international public opinion, Israel has revealed its true face. Once

again Begin dashed the hopes of all peace-loving countries and

peoples by organizing the genocide at Shatila and Sabra. These

Zionists have unfortunately made us relive a tragedy which history

wished to bury at Nuremburg and which we thought had been removed

from our memories for ever.

252. In the face of this situation which threatens international

peace and security, in the face of this genocide which definitely

could not have been carried out without the assent and support of a

great Power, in the face of this holocaust of which the Palestinian

and Lebanese peoples are that victims, we reaffirm that a just peace

cannot be established without the recognition of the legitimate and

inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, without the withdrawal

of Israeli forces from the borders of Lebanon as well as from the

occupied Arab territories, including the Holy City of Jerusalem.

253. Lebanon, whose only crime was to grant asylum to the

Palestinians who, because of Zionist terrorism, had had to flee from

their national land, must never again be the scene of these wars and

massacres. The international community must help Lebanon to regain

its sovereignty and its territorial integrity and in its

reconstruction.

254. We note with deep concern the continuation of the Iraq-Iran

war, in spite of the efforts made by the Organization of the Islamic

Conference, by the non-aligned movement and by the United Nations.

255. We hail the positive initiative taken by the Iraqi Government

in withdrawing its forces to the internationally recognized borders

as a sign of a desire for peace and we appeal to these two countries

to settle their dispute peacefully. '

256. The situation in South Africa and in Namibia remains of

concern. Tensions and confrontations will not be eliminated nor will

peace be established in that region so long as apartheid is not

dismantled and the black majority in South Africa is not liberated.

Apartheid must be condemned without hesitation, and all political,

diplomatic, moral and material means must be provided to the

liberation fronts. The peoples of South Africa and of Namibia are

entitled to use all means-including armed struggle-against the

practices of segregation, racism and racial discrimination, genocide

and exploitation.

257. We strongly denounce the policy of baniustanization being

carried out by the Pretoria regime. We condemn also the criminal acts

of terrorism and the acts of armed aggression against independent

neighbouring countries. We state that the front-line countries have

the legitimate right to protection against the repeated acts of

intimidation and aggression perpetrated by the South African regime,

whose sole purpose is to destabilize those States so as to weaken

their moral and material efforts to assist the peoples of South

Africa and Namibia and their national liberation movements.

258. The Pretoria regime has clearly demonstrated its belligerence

by accumulating arrangements and other means of oppression, by

acquiring a nuclear capability and by continuing political, military,

economic and cultural Collaboration with Israel.

259. It is regrettable that South Africa, despite repeated appeals

by the international community, continues to practise apartheid in

defiance and flagrant violation of the Charter and of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights.

260. The question of Namibia remains unsolved because of the

illegal occupation by the South African regime, which is denying the

Namibian people the exercise of its inalienable rights to

self-determination and independence, in spite of United Nations

resolutions. This gravely threatens international peace and security.

261. Through its political, economic and military activities the

racist Pretoria regime is trying to delay Namibia's accession to

independence. The policy of collaboration with the apartheid regime

of South Africa can only harm and betray the legitimate struggle of

the Namibian people to obtain its freedom.

262. It is up to the United Nations to ensure that its decisions

are respected by South Africa. The United Nations must alert the

international community to South African manoeuvres designed to upset

the peaceful initiatives under way for Namibian independence.

263. We applaud the initiatives taken by SWAPO, the sole

representative of the Namibian people, to facilitate the negotiations

under way, as well as its constant readiness to take part in free and

fair elections in Namibia in accordance with the relevant resolutions

of the United Nations.

264. The Republic of Djibouti believes Security Council resolution

435 (1978) to be the only acceptable basis for negotiations on

Namibia's peaceful transition to freedom and independence. We,

sincerely hope that all the parties concerned will make a concerted^

co-operative effort to ensure implementation of that resolution.

265. As regards the issue of Western Sahara, my Government

supports the efforts of the OAU to promote a just and lasting

solution and also welcomes the measures taken to organize a

referendum to enable the population of Western Sahara to express

itself freely and democratically in the exercise of its right to

self-determination.

266. Although we support the principle of self-determination for

the Sahraoui people, we assert that the decision of the heads of

State and Government of the OAU taken in Nairobi is the only

authentic one.

267. Without unity, Africa beset as it is by economic difficulties

and social instability-will remain a prey to foreign influences,

political blackmail and economic exploitation. Lack of un ty will

lessen the ability of the independent countries of Africa to assist

those which are still under the sway of colonization.

268. For a long time now Chad has continued to be the scene of

fratricidal wars that have destroyed its human and material resources

and endangered its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We

therefore urge all the forces concerned to enter into a constructive

dialogue and to make a common endeavour. We believe that to be the

only way that hostilities can be halted and order, peace and security

restored. We hope that the United Nations and the OAU will work

together to achieve that goal and will help in the reconstruction of

Chad.

269. As regards Afghanistan, my Government expresses its great

concern over the military occupation of that country despite the

repeated appeals of the international community for an immediate and

unconditional withdrawal of foreign forces. We reiterate our appeal

for an immediate and total withdrawal of all foreign troops from

Afghanistan so as to enable its people to exercise its right to elect

a government of its choice. We advocate an overall political solution

based on full respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial

integrity and non-aligned status of Afghanistan.

270. The situation in Kampuchea is a problem of concern to my

Government, which is firmly opposed to foreign armed intervention and

to the presence of foreign forces in Kampuchea. The presence of

foreign troops makes it impossible for the Kampuchean people to

express its will through free elections. We therefore reaffirm the

imperative need for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from

Kampuchea. '

271. With reference to the question of Korea, my Government firmly

believes that inter-Korean negotiations constitute the only political

means of solving all the problems that have arisen out of the

political division of that country. The earliest possible resumption

of the dialogue is essential to deal with the urgent need to reduce

the climate of tension, renew mutual confidence and establish lasting

peace in the Korean peninsula, which might finally lead to a solution

acceptable to the Korean people.

272. We are convinced that the United Nations remains the most

appropriate forum for voicing our ideas, because all of us here share

the same concern and undertake the same efforts to preserve the noble

ideals of the Charter, indeed, to defend the Charter of the United

Nations is to defend the cause for which millions of people have

perished; it is to defend the cultural and political expression of

human dignity.

273. Unfortunately, at the present time the world is beset by

grave crises which, if not solved, could threaten peace and security.

The crises are especially dangerous because they seriously diminish

the United Nations system's ability to act; moreover, they challenge

the ideals on which the Charter was based.

274. We have in mind here the Shatila and Sabra massacres; which

has been made into a political alternative; and the occupation of

countries by force. Is not threatening and shooting innocent people

in camps and treating people as subhuman the sort of thing that

prompted the creation of the Organization on the morrow of the last

world war?

275. In conclusion, I wish the Assembly every success at the

thirty-seventh session. Members may be assured of my delegation's

positive contribution. For my part, I remain convinced that all the

nations represented here will fulfil their responsibility by

responding to the hopes of the millions of people who are looking to

us.