UN General Assembly
1982

occupation of Afghanistan and Kampuchea and the persecution of the trade union movement in Poland. In all these cases clear-cut norms of international law have been violated, resulting in the irreparable loss of human life and considerable material damage. We are deeply concerned at the situation in Central America and at the risk that this region so near to us geographically and so dear to our hearts might become a new arena of international confrontation. The nations of Central America are struggling, each in its own way, to strengthen democracy and promote social change. In that process, which should occur peacefully as a result of self-determination, there has in recent times been resort to the perilous course of ideological extremism, arms buildup and foreign interference. We cannot stand by and let the countries of Central America become a prey to international ambitions and their weak political and economic structures be suddenly threatened by violence and civil war. It is essential to restore peace and, by means of a constructive dialogue, to create the conditions for' peaceful coexistence and development.