UN General Assembly
1983

195. The persistence of conflicts and the outbreak of new military clashes in various regions unduly increase tension and endanger international peace. The United Nations cannot remain indifferent; it must act in accordance with the Charter, so that the international community may overcome the risk of widespread conflagrations when there are no regional solutions or when such solutions have not been attempted. 196. With regard to the problems of the Middle East, Guatemala has always had a well-defined position: to recognize and respect the independence of the State of Israel. At the same time, we consider that the aspirations of the Palestinian people to self-determination and settlement in their own territory must be backed by the international community, if we wish genuine peace and security restored to the area. 197. We are concerned and also moved at the suffering of the Lebanese people, which for many years has been