UN General Assembly
1984

84. As a further step to advance the cause of disarmament, measures to halt and reverse the arms race should be complemented by other initiatives, such as the establishment of zones of peace. Such zones could strengthen the fabric of regional peace and stability and prevent extra regional interference, thereby creating conditions conducive to regional cooperation in economic and social development. In the light of this fact, Thailand and the other countries members of ASEAN will exert every effort to bring about the early establishment of a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality in South-East Asia. 85. In the same manner, Thailand supports an early convening at Colombo of the Conference on the Indian Ocean. My delegation urges that the Ad Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean continue to make determined efforts to overcome the outstanding problems and finalize all preparations for the Conference in a timely manner.