UN General Assembly
1979

7. A year ago while addressing the General Assembly, I had the honour of stating the views of the Government of Suriname on the grave and menacing problems of our day. I said on that occasion that the thirty-third session of the General Assembly was unfolding against the grim backdrop of increasing political and economic tensions, leaving little room for optimism. 8. During the past year, those tensions have not diminished. Once again we meet at a time of profound international anxiety. Though people the world over want real peace and tranquillity, they seem as far as ever from attaining these goals. 9. The situation in several parts of the world—Southeast Asia, southern Africa, the Middle East—has not changed for the better since we met in September of last year.