Italy, 1982

Allow me, first of all, Sir, to convey to you, on behalf of the

Italian Government and on my own behalf, most sincere congratulations

on your election as President of the thirty- seventh session of the

General Assembly. We are pleased that this honour has been conferred

on the representative of a nation with such great traditions. Your

vast experience of the workings of the United Nations is a guarantee

of the successful performance of the delicate task entrusted to you.

102. I should also like to express our sincere gratitude to your

predecessor, Mr. Kittani, who fulfilled the mandate entrusted to him

by the General Assembly last year at a particularly challenging time

for the Organization with great dedication and skill.

The deep appreciation of the Italian Government, and my own

appreciation, also goes to the new Secretary-General, Mr. Perez de

Cuellar, who, in nine months since he took office, has so completely

fulfilled the hopes placed in him. A worthy representative of the

illustrious Latin American legal tradition, and particularly the

Peruvian school of international law, he has tackled the difficulties

which the Organization has had to overcome in this period of his term

of office with wisdom, equanimity and, above all, a keen sense of

justice. In his search for the road to peace, in his indefatigable

championing of negotiated solutions and in his firm defence of the

principles of the Charter, the Secretary-General has had and will

continue to have the full support of the Italian Government.

103. The international situation during the past year has been

growing steadily worse: hotbeds of tension, sometimes turning into

violent struggles and wars -with immense losses of human life and

acute suffering-have, in fact, constituted threats to the peace and

security of the world.

104. The United Nations is all too often faced with serious

restraints. Even in its most committed actions, it seems unable to

fulfil the expectation that it should not only be the forum of major

international debates but also the institution capable of acting

effectively to prevent or to extinguish conflicts. This must not

discourage us. It is the specific duty of us all-in taking note of

this disquieting reality-to analyse in depth, with proper realism,

the causes of these limitations, and to give careful but dynamic

consideration to the most effective means of enhancing the role of

the Organization which, in an international situation characterized

by an increase in hotbeds of war, is finding it hard to promote a

more equitable international order and is often powerless to prevent

violations of the peoples' sovereignty, of freedoms and of human

rights.

105. In suggesting this I am fully mindful of the recent detailed

report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization. The

ideas underlying this report naturally elicit a deeply felt and

positive response from my country.

106. In fact, we share, on the whole, the perceptive evaluations

he has made of the causes most frequently responsible for the limited

effectiveness of United Nations action. In particular the slow

recourse of Member States to the mechanisms provided for in the

Charter and the failure to adapt national policies to the specific

provisions of the resolutions adopted, especially those adopted

unanimously, are in our opinion most often and most directly

responsible for the failure of United Nations action.

107. Even though it was signed 37 years ago, the Charter still

provides means for prompt and effective action in order both to

prevent international crises from arising-before situations have

crystallized, sometimes irreversibly-and to ensure the rapid return

to a state of normalcy in the areas concerned.

108. It is therefore not outside but fully within the Charter that

the study I just mentioned would seek ways of restoring active

vitality and decisive effectiveness to the Organization. Such a

conscientious analysis could, in our opinion, give rise to a more

binding system of collective security, the most solid foundations of

which would be constituted by greater understanding among Member

States in general and, in particular, those with seats on the

Security Council.

109. In fact, only the United Nations, constituted and

consolidated around an ethical and normative system of peaceful and

civilized international coexistence, can point out the difficult but

necessary course, not based on the mere reality of the balance of

forces but guaranteed by the rule of law and by considerations of

justice. It is to this goal that our common efforts must be directed,

benefiting from the growing maturity of conscience evident on all

sides, and not forgetting that the initial and the most concrete

means of expressing our will for peace is constituted by a balanced

reduction of nuclear and conventional armaments.

110. Italy is convinced that the way to peace is to be found

primarily through development. Hence the need to allow each country

to pursue the development course best suited to its own requirements,

while respecting its own traditions, and to participate adequately in

the global world process of production and distribution of goods.

111. The recent Toronto meetings marked a positive stage within

the framework of the North-South dialogue. My country, together with

other members of the European Community, has made a concrete effort

to solve the problem of financing the sixth replenishment of the

International Development Association (IDA) and thus to guarantee

adequate aid flows. The understanding concerning the start of

negotiations for the further financing of the seventh replenishment

of IDA also constitutes a major advance. The problem of the Eight

General Review of the International Monetary Fund [IMF] Quotas, even

if not finally resolved at Toronto, now appears in a more favourable

light as a result of the agreements reached there on the

consideration of increased quotas, which we favour.

112. But solution of these and other problems regarding relations

between industrialized and emerging countries requires a more

rational and adequate negotiating framework. That is why we remain

convinced of the urgent need to initiate the global negotiating

process. The important developments of the last few months, as

reflected in the submission of the draft resolution by the developing

countries and in the results of the June Versailles Economic Summit,

should induce us to take the present opportunity to reach an

agreement. More important than the excessive refinement of the text

of a resolution is the setting in motion of a negotiating mechanism

and to begin, together, the global study of North-South relations

with a view to their improvement and development.

113. On the basis of these assumptions, as well as for other

idealistic and humanitarian reasons, my country has decided to make a

particular effort in appropriating, for the three-year period

1981-1983, some $4 billion for development co-operation,

notwithstanding the considerable economic difficulties which we, too,

are facing.

In this context ample priority will be given by Italy to assistance

to the less developed countries, particularly in the agro-industrial

sector. In April of this year a high-level technical meeting was held

in Rome, in preparation for a subsequent meeting at the political

level, to discuss in depth the problems of hunger m the world. That

meeting showed that there was broad agreement on the most suitable

and effective, as well as the most modem, means of action to combat

that scourge. The purpose of this initiative launched by Italy at the

Ottawa Economic Summit meeting of industrialized countries in July

1981 was to promote a set of joint initiatives while broader

discussions would develop in the framework of global negotiations.

118. I would also recall that my country has reached agreement

with UNICEF and WHO on a five-year programme, 1982 to 1986, involving

$100 million that will help to reduce infant mortality in 15

developing countries.

119. I should also like to mention the outline agreement signed in

Washington with the World Bank, whereby the Italian Government will

make available to that institution-inaddition to the regular

contributions already made by Italy-a sum of approximately $400

million in assistance loans and grants over a three-year period.

120. The last specific action, in chronological order, by Italy is

the initiative, in collaboration with FAO, to alleviate the food

problem in eight countries of the Sahel. Altogether this programme

will cost $500 million, to be provided entirely by my country, over a

period of five to seven years.

121. With these initiatives Italy intends to carry out, in the

immediate future, an even more organic policy of co-operation, in

collaboration with United Nations agencies and programmes, based on a

realistic and effective strategy for action that will directly and

fully involve the developing countries themselves as partners.

South-South relations, in which we see the prospect of concrete and

substantial developments in the years to come, should also be

encouraged.

122. Italy will continue to provide financial support for the

growth of the developing countries with a view to attaining even

before the end of the decade the goal of assigning 0.7 per cent of

the gross national product to development, in accordance with the

International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations

Development Decade.

123. The creation of a better international order presupposes the

commitment of all States-whatever political-institutional pattern

they follow, in keeping with their respective needs and traditions-to

respect human rights, which represent the highest value that our

society is required to protect.

124. These are the beliefs of Italy, a nation that can speak in

the name of its ancient traditions as well as its active and highly

dedicated present. It has known 3,000 years of history, difficulties,

disputes and wars, but in the Mediterranean region, from which I

come, in the course of encounters and, admittedly, clashes between

different civilizations originating in three great continents, there

has been growing consideration for the values of the human being, his

rights and his freedom everywhere in the world, and we are proud of

that fact.

125. However, it is in this very area of age-old civilization that

in the last few weeks human rights have been totally ignored and

trampled underfoot. The images of the tragic events in Lebanon are

still vividly and horrifyingly impressed on our minds. Following the

assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel and the entry of

Israeli troops into west Beirut, in flagrant violation of Israel's

commitments, there was a tragic increase in violence. In connection

with the Sabra and Shatila camps one of the most bitter pages in

recent history was written. It revolts the conscience of the world

and it arouses feelings of indignation and the strongest condemnation

against those directly and indirectly responsible for the slaughter,

as well as feelings of pity for the innocent and helpless victims.

This is a lesson which should induce everyone to reflect on the

inhuman and monstrous consequences which await those who repeatedly

take the path of violence.

126. Since in too many areas there is still a disturbing

discrepancy between theoretical affirmation of principles and their

concrete application in regard to human rights, Italy deems it

essential that the United Nations be enabled to have a more direct

and incisive impact on the work of verifying effective respect for

such principles. The lack of a suitable and prompt response to the

intolerable defiance inherent in the persistence, and indeed the

spread, of flagrant and serious violations in many countries is

highly damaging to the prestige of the United Nations.

127. We certainly do not consider that an organizational

adjustment is an adequate response to one of the most serious

problems of our time, the solution of which depends on the ever

increasing maturity of our common sensitivity and on the courage,

never clouded by opportunism, to denounce any violation of human

rights.

128. On East-West relations, Italy continues to pursue a firm,

responsible policy and is therefore always ready to take part in a

constructive dialogue. Detente must be preserved and indeed given a

new impetus. Italy is convinced that there is no alternative;

therefore, wherever possible, it works with the utmost commitment for

the fruitful resumption of the process of detente. Sometimes more

recent and very serious events may make us forget or may divert our

attention from the events which have most affected the increase in

tension between East and West and are decisive elements in the

disquieting international situation facing us today.

129. In view of its gravity, the Afghan problem must continue to

be a focal point of our debate at the thirty-seventh session of the

General Assembly and for United Nations action in general. Three

years have now elapsed since the Soviet invasion, but the resistance

of the proud Afghan people to a regime imposed from outside is

stronger than ever. The tragic odyssey of those long-suffering

people, great numbers of whom have been forced to leave their

homeland and seek refuge in neighbouring countries, troubles us

profoundly. We have to note with deep regret that there has still

been no response to the appeals and the constructive proposals made

by the General Assembly, the non-aligned movement, the countries of

the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the countries of the

European Community with a view to the restitution of the right of the

Afghan people to self-determination and the re-establishment of that

country's traditional status as a an independent, neutral and

non-aligned State. Therefore we fully support continued pursuit of

the Secretary-General's initiative concerning tripartite negotiations

in Geneva.

130. The Polish problem, not only because it is being enacted only

a few hundred kilometres from our borders but also because it

involves our culture, affects us directly as Italians and Europeans

concerned with the construction of an open Europe committed to human

rights, peace and progress. The Italian Government and Italian public

opinion is deeply concerned about the drama of the Polish nation,

whose courageous search for valid and autonomous forms of renewal has

been violently interrupted.

131. Unfortunately even the most recent events confirm that there

has been no significant development in that area, which is still the

scene of a series of challenges to the Polish people's aspiration to

freedom, ranging from the persistence of martial law to arbitrary

arrests, and contacts between the Government and the bodies most

representative of the people have not been resumed. Only a resumption

of dialogue and the participation of all the vital forces of the

nation can give the support of a consensus to economic revival and

social peace.

132. But the situation in Poland is not the only obstacle to the

process of detente, the momentum of which unfortunately diminished

following the signing of the Final Act of Helsinki. Serious blows

have been struck at the foundations of world peace by changes in the

balance of forces to the advantage of the East. These balances must

be restored. That is the firm resolve of my Government. Italy is

ready in this context to make its full contribution to the study and

solution of the problems deriving, above all, from the accumulation

of all kinds of armaments, often in excess of any reasonable or

legitimate national security need. In that spirit and in expectation

of general and complete disarmament under strict international

control, my country participated with hope and commitment in the

second special session of the General Assembly devoted to

disarmament. We are not taking a sceptical view of that session. We

merely say that efforts should be continued and intensified.

133. In this connection, I should like to confirm that my country

considers that the solution must be sought in the direction of the

zero option, with the aim of ensuring the total elimination by both

the Soviet Union and the United States of the lethal and

destabilizing medium-range missile systems. Also, as regards the

strategic arms reduction talks, Italy is determined to make its own

contribution both in the framework of Atlantic consultations and

through appropriate bilateral channels with the two Powers involved.

134. While recognizing the objective difficulties in arriving in

the near future at a verifiable treaty on the comprehensive

prohibition of nuclear tests, I confirm that my country attaches

paramount importance to that objective. However, we must not neglect

the very serious issue of chemical weapons. Italy is also committed

to progress in negotiations on the subject of conventional weapons,

particularly as regards initiatives aimed at limiting and reducing

international transfers of that type of weapon.

135. The crisis in the process of detente unfortunately had

negative repercussions on the follow-up meeting to the Conference on

Security and Co-operation in Europe, held in Madrid, which after

three postponements was approaching a positive outcome. Our concern

for safeguarding the process of that Conference, because of its

world-wide as well as European importance, led us to agree to a

further postponement until the beginning of November, which is now

close. We hope that the General Assembly will encourage the European

countries to create, in keeping with the provisions of the Final Act

of Helsinki, the necessary conditions for the proceedings to be

resumed and to move towards a positive conclusion.

136. Unfortunately, the persistence and aggravation of focal

points of tension in many parts of the world inevitably cause serious

apprehension among the entire international community. The Minister

for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, in his capacity as current President

of the European Community, expressed here, at the 8th meeting, the

anxiety which we all feel over the world situation and identified and

commented in depth and with lucidity on those international problems

which, because of their gravity, must be brought to the attention of

the Assembly.

137. I am thinking first of all of the Middle East, an area of

traditional and direct responsibility for my country, situated as it

is in the centre of the Mediterranean region. A moral and political

judgement on the recent tragic events in Lebanon is not enough. There

must be concrete action if this vicious circle is to be broken. Aware

of this fact, Italy made direct efforts with a view to the adoption

by the United Nations of measures to deal urgently with that

situation. A first important step was the strengthening of the United

Nations observer contingent, decided upon by the Security Council in

its resolution 521 (1982).

138. In view of the gravity and urgency of the situation and

bearing in mind the fact that the consultations held by the

Secretary-General had shown that it would be difficult to reach

agreement quickly on the deployment of an international force, and

also in response to appeals received, Italy decided to take the

initiative in ensuring the speedy reconstitution, together with the

United States and France, of the multinational force for Beirut,

which will act with United Nations observers upon the formal request

of the Lebanese Government and in conformity with the objectives of

resolution 521 (1982).

139. Following wing the most dramatic phase of the crisis, it will

be necessary to proceed rapidly to the complete withdrawal of Israeli

troops and all other foreign forces stationed in Lebanon against the

wishes of the lawful authorities of the country, so that the Lebanese

Government can exercise its authority fully over the entire national

territory. Only thus will Lebanon be able once more to become an

element of stability in the region.

140. We must, however, never lose sight of the comprehensive peace

settlement that we have long advocated, both on behalf of Italy and

in the context of the European approach to the problems of the Middle

East, as the sole solution capable of bringing lasting stability to

the entire region. This can be achieved only by seeking an equitable

solution to the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict, giving equal

weight to Israel's right to be recognized and accepted by its neighbours

and to exist within secure and guaranteed boundaries and to the right

of the Palestinians to see the fulfilment of their national

aspirations. We are thus more convinced than ever of the need to

facilitate a start to negotiations that can involve all the leading

protagonists in the Middle East conflict. It is particularly

necessary that the Israelis and Palestinians should be able to move

beyond the logic of confrontation and violence and become aware of

the existing realities in the area as a prerequisite for reciprocal

recognition, even if it is conditional.

141. Italy looks with interest and appreciation to the

possibilities of a breakthrough and the important pronouncements in

the recent statements made by the President of the United States,

which contain more specific details regarding a solution to the

Palestinian problem and give greater prominence to that problem in

the general context of the Middle East question.

142. The leaders of the Arab countries, meeting at Fez a few days

ago, on the commendable initiative of the King of Morocco, put

forward interesting new ideas based on the Fahd plan, ideas which we

appreciate and which suggest a high degree of restored unity in the

Arab world based on positions which are not extreme but in fact show

a trend towards a certain negotiating flexibility.

143. It must be noted that in the Arab world, Egypt -even at the

cost of isolation-has set a good example, which certainly gives it a

prominent role in those developments. I should like also to mention

the contribution made by Jordan to this greater search for negotiated

solutions.

144. Recent statements by the leadership of the PLO -which, in

Italy's view, continues to be a key factor in future peace

negotiations-statements endorsed by Arafat himself at a meeting I had

with him some days ago in Rome, show signs of an increased awareness

on the Palestinian side. We hope that this development in the

Palestinian position, which we have duly noted, will be further

consolidated so that in the occupied territories it will be possible

to make progress towards the establishment of a Palestinian homeland

through the exercise of a free choice by the Palestinians of their

own destiny made in full awareness of the realities of the area and

the importance of gradualism. This means abandoning any attempt to

dispute Israel's existence or to threaten its security. We are

convinced that the time has come for Israel also to show

determination to enter a new phase of negotiations and peaceful

settlement, rejecting the alternatives of confrontation and military

action.

145. Italy views also with great apprehension the continuation of

the tragic and disastrous conflict between Iraq and Iran. We are

aware of the appalling suffering and destruction which the war has

brought to the two warring countries and we intend to act in all

suitable forums in an endeavour to expedite a peaceful solution to

the conflict, in conformity with the relevant resolutions of the

Security Council and in line with the statement issued by the 10

members of the European Community on 24 May 1982.

146. Close to the area of the Middle East, in the Near East, there

is another crisis-in Cyprus, more limited but for us Mediterraneans a

source of serious concern. On 2 July 1982 I visited that island in

order to contribute to a speedy solution to the Cyprus problem. That

visit afforded a useful opportunity for closer study of the

individual aspects of this question with a view to ascertaining what

concrete openings could be discerned in the long-standing

intercommunal talks. It also provided an opportunity to reiterate

Italy's readiness to assist the Secretary-General and his

representative in Nicosia in their difficult task of mediation in the

negotiations between the two Cypriot communities; their dialogue is

useful in itself because it serves to release much tension. The

positive change in climate in Greek-Turkish relations could also

facilitate rapprochement in the positions of the two sides in Cyprus.

147. Also in connection with the efforts made to create suitable

conditions in the Mediterranean for peaceful and profitable

collaboration between all the coastal States, we should mention the

interest with which the Italian Government views Malta and the

consolidation of its position as a neutral nation, whose development

along lines of genuine non-alignment we welcome and sincerely

encourage.

148. There is another region, the Horn of Africa, with which my

country has strong ties and which unfortunately has not yet overcome

the serious crisis affecting it. Our commitment to the development of

these peoples, both bilateral and multilateral, is growing and in

fact we feel that such development is the basic problem to surmount.

We feel also that, in a spirit of mutual respect and consideration

for the principles established by the Organization of African Unity

[(241/], collaboration and negotiation constitute the means for

overcoming the present crisis in the Horn of Africa. However, in

recent months we have seen a further violation of frontiers-this time

to the detriment of Somalia-which is most worrying and which still

persists. Everyone must shoulder his responsibilities and an end must

be put to those acts of war.

149. To the south on the African continent, despite South African

military initiatives in Angola, which we firmly condemn, efforts to

pave the way for Namibia's independence as provided for by the United

Nations have advanced considerably, although too slowly since 1982 is

almost at its end and that goal has not yet been attained. We hope

that the necessary trust between the parties will grow during this

final stage and serve, among other things, to protect southern Africa

from the impact of world tension.

150. The region of the South Atlantic has also been troubled by a

serious armed conflict in recent months. Ever since the outbreak of

the Anglo-Argentine crisis in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Italy

has actively endeavoured to avoid any deterioration of that

situation-or at any rate to limit its negative consequences- in close

contact with the Governments of the members of the European

Community, with the United States and with many Latin American

countries, which have similarly attempted to divert the crisis

towards a peaceful solution.

151. I recently visited Latin America in the hope that, while

taking account of my country's position in the course of the

conflict, Italy or I myself could help to restore, in the common

interest relations between South America and the European Community.

It is our firm belief that relations, co-operation and understanding

between the countries of Europe and Latin America, which are linked

by common ties of culture, language and civilization, are essential

for world equilibrium.

152. With regard to the specific problem of the Falkland Islands

(Malvinas), Italy's position has been to condemn the act of

aggression; it has been and remains in favour of a resumption of the

dialogue between London and Buenos Aires, naturally without any

pre-conditions concerning the subject under dispute, within the

framework of the United Nations and with the possibility of recourse

to the good offices of the Secretary-General.

153. Another region of the world of concern to our country is

Central America, where, to the local causes of the crisis-found in

the age-old but currently unacceptable conditions of cultural,

social, political and economic deprivation in which the people are

living-have been added recently, following inadmissible foreign

interference, the consequences of East-West rivalry.

154. For our part, we believe that every effort should be made to

take the uphill path to peace and, consequently, we are in favour of

multilateral and bilateral initiatives in this direction, as well as

of the assistance programmes thus far implemented to help the

countries of the region, to which we hope that the European Community

can also contribute.

155. With regard to Asia, the situation in Kampuchea, another

independent and non-aligned country that has fallen victim to

military occupation, continues to interfere with the development of

relations among Asian peoples. My Government considers that the

solution of this crisis must be based on the emergence of a

sovereign, independent and neutral Kampuchea with a politically

representative Government free from any military presence.

156. Also in the context of Asia, I should also like to recall

that, unfortunately, the Korean question remains unresolved. The

Italian Government would welcome the initiation of a dialogue between

the two States aimed at arriving at an agreement guaranteeing

peaceful coexistence with a view to the reunification of the

peninsula.

157. The peoples consider that the United Nations should

eventually become the parliament of concord, peace and co-operation.

That is a most noble undertaking, but certainly a very difficult one.

We, the States Members of the United Nations, wiser through the

painful experiences of our past, which dictate prudent farsightedness

and a responsible imagination on our part, must not dash their hopes.

158. I have already indicated that the current panorama of

international society is very far from reflecting the great ideals of

the San Francisco Charter and that the way in which the machinery it

provided is being used is far from satisfactory. My country is

convinced that, apart from other ways and means we should explore to

remedy that situation, we can take a significant step forward through

more intensive action in the main geographical areas, where it is

possible to confront problems and relax tensions in the light of the

Charter, but also within the framework of common historical

traditions and common economic and social realities.

159. It is on the basis of this conviction that Italy, along with

the nine other countries of Western Europe, is committed to the

construction of a great economic and political community ready to

collaborate with all peoples and capable of being an important factor

for balance and progress in the international society-a community

that wishes to participate fully in the universal dialogue for which

the present forum is the United Nations.

160. With the immediate prospect of new Members, of ever-closer

and interlocking ties between the countries of the Community and of

the strengthening of those ties already existing between them and

groups of countries of other continents, as exemplified by the Lome

Convention, we see how fundamentally important integration effort of

our peoples is to the realization of those higher ideals enshrined in

the principles of the Charter.

161. Despite the difficulties it encountered, and precisely

because of its inherent evolutionary potential, the European

Community has during the past 25 years succeeded in giving fuller

expression on the old continent and throughout the world to the

profound sense of equality, freedom and justice of the Europeans and

to their desire for a constant constructive dialogue with all

peoples. This opening on the world is the comer-stone of the

Community's international action.

162. For those reasons, we view with great satisfaction and

interest the parallel development in other major areas in various

continents of organizations which deal at the regional level with

difficult and often contentious international questions, and which

are united in their assessments and decisions by an awareness of

shared common interests.

163. Action based on peace, justice and the well-being of peoples

which is harmonized at the regional level always has its natural and

preferred epicentre in the United Nations. The time is ripe for the

development of active solidarity capable of enabling the United

Nations to work effectively to translate the progress of the times

into human terms and to organize properly the vast new potential of

civilization and technology.