UN General Assembly
1982

lowest ranks of criminals. We support a thorough investigation to expose the true nature of this ghastly deed. My delegation was equally appalled at the heavy bombing of Beirut by Israel in order to annihilate the Palestine Liberation Organization. This action on the part of Israel caused the loss of countless civilian lives and the destruction of much valuable property. Israel cannot continue to resort to such use of force to settle disputes with its neighbors. Nor will Israel and its neighbors be able to achieve lasting and worthwhile peace in the absence of dialogue and negotiations. It is also the belief of my delegation that the crux of the problem in the Middle East is the question of Palestine. Israel and others cannot afford to ignore the legitimate and genuine cause of the people of Palestine. My delegation therefore Ally supports the plea of the overwhelming majority of the United Nations membership, a plea that has resounded countless times in this Hall, for the self- determination of the people of Palestine. In order to achieve