UN General Assembly
1982

of force. Otherwise the safety and well-being of smaller and weaker nations will be constantly threatened. For instance, in South-West and South-East Asia, military might has been used to intervene in the internal affairs of weaker nations. On grounds of principle, we cannot endorse the presence of foreign troops in the countries of these regions. Such troops must be withdrawn and the sovereign, independent and truly non-aligned status of the countries concerned restored. My delegation had hoped to see a sovereign independent Namibia by now. However, in spite of numerous resolutions of the United Nations, South Africa continues to occupy this international Territory. My delegation now hopes that the Western contact group will soon be able to conclude negotiations and ensure Namibia's independence within the framework of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). In South Africa itself, the despicable practice of apartheid, condemned by every nation in the world, still persists. The rights of the majority have been denied. The authorities in Pretoria must soon realize their folly and right the wrongs being done.