UN General Assembly
1969

liberate humanity from fear and want. Many of its goals in the social, cultural and economic fields have been realized. To our consternation, however, it has been rendered incapable of fulfilling its basic task of maintaining peace and security in all those instances where the major Powers decline to co-operate, as is the case in Viet-Nam and the Middle East. 143. In Viet-Nam, a small but brave people continues to wage a heroic struggle against a mighty Power whose military resources and strength are entirely out of proportion to their own. At this juncture, when the Paris talks are proceeding, we can only express our earnest hope that the heroic Viet-Namese people will achieve its goal of self- determination and the withdrawal of foreign troops. It is our sincere wish that peace be restored there after a quarter of a century of warfare and enormous sacrifices. 144. Peace is the most cherished goal of all peoples, irrespective of colour or race. But peace comes only when it is based on justice and equity and when the principles of