UN General Assembly
1982

journalists. On that day, before the eyes of a world that was half indifferent and half amazed, the people of El Salvador rejected violence, totalitarianism and terrorism and opted for the exercise of self-determination by peaceful and rational means as a solution to our many problems. The country chose the formula of pluralism and a multi-party system. The present Government thus joined the political forces that represent 92 per cent of the electorate and, acting in keeping with the aspirations of the people, adopted the basic platform of government known as the Pact of Apaneca, which emerged from the common objectives of the various political parties as expressed in the electoral campaign. Those basic objectives are peace, democratization, human rights, the consolidation of social reforms, the establishment of a climate of institutional and juridical confidence, the strengthening of international relations and economic recovery. Naturally, since we are aware that good declarations are the framework of great actions, and that at the present time pragmatic steps that can achieve visible results are called for, my Government