Mr. President, my delegation is pleased indeed to see someone of your unquestioned competence and wide experience in the President's chair, and we are confident that we can depend on your skill and wisdom to help us through the session ahead.
64.	My delegation also welcomes this opportunity to extend our thanks, through you, to your predecessor, Mr. Riidiger von Wechmar of the Federal Republic of Germany. We were extremely fortunate to be guided by his firm but always fair hand throughout a far from easy session. His quiet and determined conscientiousness, his sensitivity and his unfailing charm and courtesy will assure his fond remembrance by us all. We wish him well in his new post.
65.	The SecretaryGeneral has again worked tirelessly over the past year, and we should like to pay a tribute to his ceaseless devotion to duty and his determined efforts in the cause of peace.
66.	We are delighted to welcome the two new Members, Belize and Vanuatu. Both countries are fellow members of the Commonwealth, and we look forward to working with them in this forum also. Of course, Vanuatu's membership has special meaning for us, as we of the region felt strongly for Vanuatu during its sometimes troubled path to independence. We are especially proud to see how, with patience and perseverance, its people have found their rightful place in the international community. We know that the contributions that both those countries will make will, like their actions throughout their independence struggles, be the sort of fair-minded and carefully considered contributions that can only benefit the Organization. The admission to the United Nations of two small developing countries, which have the obvious economic weaknesses that many of us face but also a fierce determination to be their own people and to grapple for themselves with the problems of the future, is a further manifestation of the triumph of the human spirit and a tribute to the enlightened international community that has fashioned the climate for it to become a reality. Justly, like all of us, they are justly and rightfully proud of their nationhood and political independence. But they, and many of us like them more so perhaps than others in the world community will feel more keenly the reality that we cannot exist as nations without each other. The fact is that not even the large and resource-rich countries can go it alone today and still maintain for very long what they now enjoy.
67.	Perhaps in the past we in Samoa, removed from much of the turmoil and strife in the world, have viewed events from afar with a certain detachment, secure in our remoteness and the peacefulness of our region. But those days have gone. The world grows ever smaller, and all of us even the most geographically remote in some way feel the effects of events elsewhere and the actions of others around the world. The reality of interdependence in the world today demands genuine and urgent efforts on the part of all to recognize and to understand the problems and difficulties of others around the globe. Nowhere is that more true than in the economic sphere, and the sooner all countries, even the most seemingly self-sufficient and economically well-off, realize that, the sooner we can begin the fight to ensure that the world as we know it will survive.
68.	We cannot continue to go our separate ways. No one country can be so self-centered as to insist that things be done its way and only its way, regardless of the views or the situation of the rest of the world. Such attitudes are, to say the least, not helpful in the world of today. We must work together on practical measures to solve problems such as inflation, energy costs, trade imbalances and foreign exchange difficulties.
69.	We have heard much condemnation of protectionism, but in practice few remedies or meaningful accommodations have been found. We are grateful to those who have made the effort to assist in the Pacific in this? regard. The treaty with Australia and New Zealand to give Pacific island countries nonreciprocal duty-free access to the Australian and New Zealand markets for many of our products and other assistance in this area is a move which we welcome. Also, our relationship with the European Economic Community through the Lome Convention is extremely beneficial and important to us.
70.	But however helpful those concessions may be, in the larger scheme of the world economy they are piecemeal measures. Other economic realities are fast overwhelming us, leaving the weaker economies, and especially the very vulnerable among them, like the least developed countries, the landlocked and the small island countries, in increasingly desperate situations. The plight of these countries is well known. They have the weakest economies in a world economic system which seems uncannily to ensure their perpetual disadvantage. In many cases they depend on a narrow range of products whose prices not only fluctuate wildly but slide backwards quite relentlessly relative to the prices of manufactured goods and other necessary imports. Sadly, this seems to have become the heritage of primary producers in the world market. Some of our countries are now facing chronic balance of payments problems which will surely undo the development efforts of the past and possibly even threaten political stability.
71.	The United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries held in Paris last September attempted to focus on measures to launch the least developed countries on the path of sustained growth. Although the Conference could not be described as a resounding success, we applaud the encouraging attitudes and efforts of some of the developed countries at that Conference. The implementation of measures identified at that Conference holds out the only hope for the revitalization of the economies of the least developed countries. None of those measures, however, can be of lasting benefit to the least developed countries, or to anyone else, if they are not accompanied by international willingness to fashion a more just basis for international economic relations. We like to think that such an endeavor is not beyond the spirit of cooperation or the courage of a world that has grown so intricately interdependent. We very much hope that the International Meeting on Cooperation and Development at Cancun will provide the impetus necessary for the resumption of meaningful global negotiations on economic issues.
72.	The law of the sea is another area in which the absolute necessity of mutual cooperation is illustrated. We are a global community, and in such a community the collective interest must be paramount. Many of us are heavily reliant on the sea for resources. We beg(tn the law of the sea negotiations many years ago on the noble assumption that a fair sharing of the sea's resources was possible and it seemed that, at long last, a convention that would provide as equitable a settlement as possible was within our grasp. Some had compromised on what they had felt they were justly entitled to in order that consensus for the good of the whole might be reached. The delay in the law of the sea timetable is therefore most dispiriting. We feel a tribute is due to the President of the Conference of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea for his energetic efforts to keep the whole process afloat. That there was some measure of achievement at the last two sessions of that Conference was due in large part to his tremendous energy, as well as to the patience of the many countries that have committed themselves to the successful conclusion of this unique undertaking.
73.	As in the economic area, where the sharing of resources and the exchange of goodwill have become fundamental necessities, so in the political sphere we must share in the search for solutions. The United Nations must provide the main impetus towards such solutions.
74.	In Namibia, South Africa must surely soon bow to the inevitable and abandon its posture of arrogant disregard for the world's opinion. We sincerely hope that common sense will prevail, for obviously South Africa cannot hold on to Namibia indefinitely, nor can a system that provokes worldwide horror continue without eventual bloody consequences. We deplore South Africa's stubborn refusal to abolish apartheid, and we feel its recent incursion into Angola it be an insult added to injury, for which South Africa must eventually pay. We look to a solution of the Namibian question based on Security Council resolution 435 (1978), and we urge the five Western countries to intensify their efforts to bring freedom to Namibia.
75.	In the Middle East, the guidelines contained in United Nations resolutions are also clear. We believe in Israel's right to exist. We also believe in the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and a State of their own, should this be their wish. It is clear that all those involved must talk. Soliloquies and endless polemical slanging matches are nonproductive, whereas dialog can produce genuine communication and perhaps bring new perspectives to bear on the situation. Israel's recent actions, however, have not been conducive to dialog and have certainly not led to an improved general atmosphere, which might make eventual consultations possible. The policies of continuing settlements, altering the status of Jerusalem and the recent bombing of the Iraqi nuclear plant are deplorable acts.
76.	In Lebanon, ceasefire after ceasefire has given way to hatred and violence. Innocent civilians have* suffered. In addition the United Nations peacekeeping forces have sustained many casualties. This senseless violence must cease. My delegation earnestly hopes that the present ceasefire will be the last, but this can only happen if those who use the situation in Lebanon to further their own ends refrain from so doing. UNIFIL must be allowed to do its job.
77.	The situation in Afghanistan remains one of critical concern to the international community. The increase in foreign troops in Afghanistan during the past year and the growing number of refugees in Pakistan make the need to find a peaceful solution all the more urgent. The people of Afghanistan must be allowed to decide on their own leadership and to choose for themselves the political system they consider appropriate, without outside interference. The refugees have a right to return to their country without fear of reprisals.
78.	We are disturbed to see that fighting continues between Iraq and Iran, two Islamic neighbors with much in common. Their quarrel must surely lend itself to a solution through discussion and negotiation rather than bloodshed and destruction. Surely, too, they are making unusable some of the very facilities over which they are in disagreement.
79.	In Cyprus, as well, continued dialog is the preferred path towards a solution, and we commend the Secretary-General efforts to keep the inter-communal talks alive. We are encouraged that the prospects for progress in those talks appear brighter.
80.	The tragedy of a people bitterly divided against itself remains unsolved in the Korean peninsula. We hope that the Koreans can begin to bring peace to their land through discussion and mutual accommodation.
81.	On the Kampuchean situation, my delegation supports the initiatives taken by the countries of the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations to bring this matter to resolution. We feel that the proposals contained in the declaration of the recent International Conference on Kampuchea suggest a useful framework for negotiation towards a settlement which would guarantee the Kampuchean people the right to select a government of their own choice, free from any intimidation, and allow the safe return of all refugees who wish to return. We sincerely hope that all parties to the conflict will eventually come to the negotiating table to restore stability to the SouthEast Asian region. We continue to be gravely concerned for the Kampuchean people, who have suffered so grievously in the past at the bloody hands of Pol Pot and his henchmen and who now labor under foreign domination. We earnestly hope that they may finally achieve a life free from fear, famine and fighting which have plagued them for so long.
82.	We are pleased to see progress in one trouble spot of the world: Western Sahara. There, dialog has brought results, and at the last session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, decisions were taken that provide for a referendum that will enable the people of Western Sahara to determine their own future [see AI36I534, annex II, AHGI Res. 103 (XVIII)]. We are encouraged by this move towards a peaceful settlement.
83.	All our efforts to improve our world by sharing those things that better our conditions whether they be our wealth, our resources, our cultures, or our solutions to political problems will be empty of meaning if nations continue to share in the inexplicable desire to increase military establishments and armaments. Tension between the superPowers has increased as they continue their race to produce super-weapons. Indeed, one such weapon is said to be so superior , and so refined that it can completely erase human beings without razing buildings or destroying other things considered to be of value.
84.	We urge the superPowers to intensify their efforts to halt the arms race and eventually to move on to the progressive dismantling of existing weapons of destruction. We welcome their decision to discuss next month at Geneva the limitation of theater forces, and we look forward with hope to meaningful discussions between them in the future that would lead to overall balance and parity at the lowest possible levels, with the goal of effective reduction a future possibility. Mutual confidence is essential to the success of any disarmament talks, and we see confidence-building measures, however small, as steps in the right direction for the disarmament of both the big Powers and the third world. For let us not decry the big Powers as the only villains: many third world countries, much to our dismay, appear to put military priorities ahead of the health, welfare and education of their populations.
85.	When priorities in the world are that askew, our chances for ultimate survival seem dimmer and dimmer. But it is of little help to sink into the slough of despair. We must instead concentrate on possible measures that, however slowly, can start us on the road back to sanity. Such measures include the strengthening of the Treaty on the NonProliferation of Nuclear Weapons [General Assembly resolution 2373 (XXII)] to prevent the further spread of nuclear arms; the conclusion of a chemical weapons convention; security :guarantees for nonnuclear States; the creation of nuclear-weapon-free zones; and, something of particular importance to the countries of the Pacific region, a comprehensive test-ban treaty so that all nuclear testing in any environment is stopped. Testing in the Pacific Ocean and the possibility of nuclear waste being dumped in our Ocean or any other have caused us great concern, both for the health of our peoples and for the purity of our environment. We wish those activities to cease.
86.	If we can make progress on any of these matters at the coming special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament we shall have taken a satisfying step towards the preservation of our world.


1.	 Mr. President, your well-deserved election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly is a tribute to your personal qualities and, through you, it constitutes unanimous recognition of the important role that your country is playing on the international scene. I am pleased, therefore, on behalf of my delegation to join those who preceded me on this rostrum in addressing to you our warmest and most sincere congratulations. We are convinced that, thanks to your qualities as a statesman, as well as your profound knowledge of international affairs, you will be able to conduct our proceedings to everyone's great satisfaction. It is my sincere wish that the high mission which has been entrusted to you will be completely successful. I should like to assure you of my delegation's full and frank cooperation.
2.	On behalf of my delegation I should also like to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Rudiger von Wechmar of the Federal Republic of Germany, who displayed his typical wisdom, devotion and dynamism in directing the work of the thirty-fifth regular session, as well as that of the eighth emergency special session, devoted to the question of Namibia.
3.	It is particularly gratifying for me to reiterate the deep appreciation of the Government of the Rwandese Republic to the SecretaryGeneral for the skill and devotion with which he has discharged his noble and onerous mission. The tireless efforts which he continues to make to further the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations have always claimed my country's attention and deserve our gratitude.
4.	May I also avail myself afthis auspicious occasion to welcome among us the representatives of the Republic of Vanuatu and of Belize, whose admission to membership of the United Nations undoubtedly strengthens the universality of the Organization and contributes to achieving one of its fundamental goals, that of freeing peoples from the yoke of colonialism.
5.	The current session is being held at a time when the international political situation does not give much ground for optimism in view of the continuing factors of tension and instability, which we have already had occasion to deplore last year.
6.	Furthermore, the international economic situation is continuing to deteriorate to the detriment of the least-developed countries, and the multilateral negotiations to establish a new international economic order are still deadlocked.
7.	Over a year ago we welcomed from this rostrum the independence of the people of Zimbabwe and their entry into the great family of the United Nations after a long and heroic liberation struggle. At that time, it was our opinion that Zimbabwe's accession to independence represented a further step towards decolonization, and at that time we expressed the hope that it would provide encouragement for other peoples still subject to colonial oppression and domination.
8.	Although there are reasons today for being pleased at the progress which has been achieved in the field of decolonization we cannot, at the same time, fail to observe that, unfortunately, many peoples are still suffering from the aftermath of colonization and are the victims of domination and racial discrimination. This is particularly true in Namibia, South Africa, Western Sahara and elsewhere where obsolete conditions continue to exist and dangerously threaten international peace and security.
9.	Therefore, we deeply deplore the present situation in southern Africa resulting from the arrogance and intransigence of a regime which has raised colonialism, racism, aggression and repression to the level of government policy in contempt of the Charter and resolutions of the United Nations, which has unambiguously condemned apartheid as being a crime against humanity, and has unreservedly expressed moral, political and economic support for the oppressed people of Namibia and South Africa.
10.	In Namibia the racist and regressive Pretoria regime continues to defy the international community by refusing to implement the United Nations plan for that Territory's accession to independence in accordance with Security Council resolution 435 (1978). The efforts which have been undertaken continuously in many quarters to put an end to South Africa's illegal occupation of Namibia have always come Up against Pretoria's dilatory tactics and intransigence.
A/36/PV.21
11.	The aggressive posture adopted by, the .South African Government, which is the root cause of the failure
of the pre-implementation meeting on Namibia, held at Geneva in January 1981, the barbaric oppression of the Namibian people, the illegal exploitation of the natural wealth of that Territory, as well as of barbaric aggression against independent African countries in southern Africa, particularly the People's Republic of Angola, Botswana and Mozambique. The international community is duty bound to. condemn these acts unambiguously and vigorously.
12.	Rwanda fully supports the Namibian people's right to self-determination and independence. It cannot be sacrificed on the .altar of the selfish interests of certain States Members of the United Nations which, despite the repeated appeals made to them, continue to cooperate with South Africa in economic, military, nuclear and other areas, thus encouraging the racist Pretoria regime to continue to hold the decisions of the international community in contempt.
13.	The Rwandese Republic continues to believe that the Western countries belonging to what is known as the contact group still have a primary role to play in ensuring the success of the United Nations efforts to compel South Africa to withdraw from Namibia and to secure that Territory's .accession to independence. My delegation once. again solemnly appeals to the Assembly and to the entire international community to do everything possible to impose the enforcement measures needed to compel the racist South African regime to slacken its grip on Namibia.
14.	The delegation of Rwanda would like to reaffirm its unstinting support for the valiant people of Namibia who, under the leadership of its sole authentic representative, the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO], are waging an heroic struggle for the liberation of their country.
15.	We should also like to reiterate our support for our brothers of the African front-line States for the sacrifices which they are continuing to make to help the freedom fighters in southern Africa in their struggle to free their territories.
16.	In South Africa itself the racist regime of Pretoria continues its ignominious policy of apartheid and racial discrimination, which strikes at the black population in particular, and sees fit to defy the resolutions of the United Nations enjoining it to put an end to that inhuman and criminal system.
17.	The acts of violence and of oppression which have been perpetrated by those in power in South Africa, the barbaric .massacres of innocent people who are only claiming their right to life, freedom, equity and human dignity, are not merely a flagrant violation of human rights and a crime against mankind, but also a factor making for instability in the region, as well as a real threat to intern^?' peace and security.
18.	My allegation remains firmly convinced that all countries which cherish peace and justice should exert strong pressure, both political and economic, to force the Pretoria regime to put an end to its racist and oppressive policy and to its illegal occupation of Namibia and to end its flagrant violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring African States.
19.	Still in connection with Africa, the question of Western Sahara is no less a matter of concern to the Rwandese Republic. In recent years the international community has made every effort to find a solution to that problem, which, in the view of Rwanda, is one of decolonization.
20.	The Rwandese Republic, which continues to give its unflagging support to the just cause of the Sahraoui people, hopes that, since Morocco, at the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity held at Nairobi in June 1981, accepted the idea of organizing and holding a referendum in Western Sahara, the Sahraoui people will this time be able fully and without impediment to exercise their right to self-determination and to choose their future freely,
21.	Elsewhere in Africa the persistence of fratricidal conflicts and the proliferation of hotbeds of tension dangerously imperil peace and stability in the regions affected. They often provide fertile ground for foreign interference.
22.	In the case of all these conflicts, my delegation remains convinced that strict respect for the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and in that of the Organization of African Unity [OAU] should induce the parties concerned to seek a solution to their disputes.
23.	For more than 30 years the Middle East has been one of the most dangerous hotbeds of tension, constantly threatening international peace and security because of the aggressive and expansionist policies of Israel, which stubbornly refuses to recognize the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
24.	The recrudescence in recent months of barbaric attacks by Israel against its neighbors has made the situation even more explosive in that part of the world and provides grounds for disquiet.
25.	The Rwandese Government remains convinced that no settlement of the Middle East problem as a whole can be achieved without the full association of the Palestinian people, who, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], their sole and authentic representative, are seeking to recover their legitimate rights.
26.	In this connection, I should like to say again, on behalf of the Rwandese Government, that a just and lasting peace will only be achieved in that area when Israel has unconditionally withdrawn from all the Arab territories it has occupied since 1967, including the city of Jerusalem, and has recognized the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination and to set up their own independent and sovereign State.
27.	The situation which at present prevails in Lebanon is a matter of serious concern to my delegation, because the threat hanging over that country's unity and integrity, exacerbated by Israel's aggressive actions against Palestinian camps in Lebanon, constitutes a factor of instability in the region and a serious threat to world peace. We hope that the efforts of the international community to restore peace to that country, so sorely tried by years of fratricidal wars, will lead to lasting results and that the Lebanese people will one day recover the peace and tranquility they need in order to devote themselves to the arduous task of national reconstruction after so many years of suffering.
28.	Turning to the delicate problem of Cyprus, which sees its unity and territorial integrity threatened, my country deplores the fact that the numerous resolutions adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly with a view to restoring peace to the island have not so far yielded all the expected results.
29.	We appeal to the consciences of both communities on the island and urge them to find ways and means of helping to promote the reestablishment of peace in the country and the consolidation of the unity and territorial integrity of that State, the nonaligned status of which should be respected.
30.	Rwanda cannot remain indifferent to the situation which persists in Afghanistan and the tensions which prevail in SouthEast Asia. The persistence of such hotbeds of conflict remains a factor of instability and a serious threat to peace and security in that region.
31.	Therefore a political solution should quickly be found on the basis of the withdrawal of foreign troops and respect for the sovereignty, national independence and territorial integrity of all States in the regions affected.
32.	The Korean question is of the greatest concern to the international community. The Rwandese Republic follows with interest and strongly supports the efforts made by the parties concerned to bring about a peaceful and independent reunification of the Korean nation. This approach to the problem presupposes the complete withdrawal of foreign troops from that area to enable the Korean people freely to solve their problem of reunification.
33.	The Government of Rwanda has constantly made known its views on the subject of divided nations. It has always believed that the peoples involved have the inalienable right to find ways to end such a tragic situation.
34.	That being so, we are gratified by the spirit of detente which prevails in relations between the two Gem&*? States. It is our earnest hope that the cooperative relations established between these two States will be exploited as thoroughly as possible in attempts to find a peaceful and freely agreed solution to the problem of the reunification of the German nation.
35.	'	Among the major items on the agenda of the present session is disarmament. The first special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament succeeded in alerting the international community to the dangers threatening mankind because of the proliferation of weapons of all kinds, and particularly nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Following that session a number of important initiatives were seen, such as the signing by the two major Powers of the SALT I and SALT II agreements on the limitation of strategic arms.
36.	Unfortunately, three years after that special session little progress has been made towards disarmament, and detente has given way to rivalry and the intensification of the major Powers' games of influence, thus gravely compromising peace and security in the world.
37.	My country has always expressed its grave concern about the growing danger inherent in the spiraling arms race and its damaging effects on the economic and social development of all countries, and particularly the poorest. I; is scandalous that while two thirds of mankind live in abject poverty fabulous sums are being spent each day on the manufacture of arms and on building up arsenals of weapons for the destruction of human life.
38.	The Rwandese Government repeats its appeal that those sums should rather be devoted to increasing assistance to the least developed countries to improve the standard of living of their peoples.
39.	The increased foreign military presence in the Indian Ocean, despite the General Assembly Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace [resolution 2832 (XXVI)], also causes great concern. Rwanda would encourage any initiative designed to make the Indian Ocean into a zone of peace.
40.	That is why we are among those, who believe that an international conference on the Indian Ocean should be held, with the participation of representatives of the major Powers and of the littoral and hinterland countries of the Indian Ocean region, in the hope that this will make possible specific measures to make the Indian Ocean a genuine zone of peace.
41.	I should like to make some remarks about the present international economic situation, which is characterized by recession, unemployment, deterioration in the terms of trade, inflation, disorder in the international monetary system, the growing indebtedness of the developing countries and the depletion of energy resources, not to mention the food shortages which so seriously affect some parts of the world.
42.	The economic situation and the economic outlook are particularly gloomy for the developing countries. The deficit suffered by all the non-oil-producing developing countries continues to increase and according to certain experts could well reach $100 billion in 1982. At the same time, off Jul development aid is no more than 0.27 per cent of the gross national product of the wealthy countries, whereas the target decided upon during the Second United Nations Development Decade was 0.7 per cent.
43.	The result of such a situation is stagnation indeed, a slump in the economies of the developing countries, whose populations are condemned to malnutrition, sickness, poverty and deprivation. This persisting sickness in the international economic system is not a purely transitory phenomenon. It is, rather, the symptom of deep, underlying, structural imbalances, which call for bold reforms in certain important and vital areas, such as food, energy and development aid, and the reform of the international monetary system and the primary commodities system. An effective remedy for the serious international economic situation would be the active participation of all countries, and particularly the developed countries, in the restructuring of international economic relations, but, unfortunately, it must be said that the attempts made so far have been doomed to failure because of the selfishness and lack of political will of certain wealthy countries.
44.	TVvo United Nations Development Decades "have passed without achieving the targets set. Similarly, the negotiations initiated after the sixth special session of the General Assembly, which were intended to provide a new foundation for international economic relations, have not yet enabled us to glimpse the possibility of a new international economic order.
45.	the action plans which were drawn up successively at Lima, Buenos Aires, Vienna and New Delhi, in the framework of UNIDO and UNCTAD conferences, have not yet even begun to be implemented. More than a year ago the eleventh special session ci the General Assembly, which was intended to initiate the resumption of the global negotiations in the NorthSouth dialog, ended its work without having been able to reach agreement even on matters of procedure.
46.	Today, & we enter the second year of the Third United Nations Development Decade, the economic situation is deteriorating more and more for the developing countries, which are the hardest hit by the effects of the international economic crisis.
47.	In view of this list of failures and the grave dangers which threaten the world because of the inequality and injustice which are characteristic features of the present international economic 'situation, the developed countries should evince greater realism and understanding. They should realize that the future of the world cannot be built without taking into account the developing countries, which make up two thirds of mankind. On the contrary, the time is now ripe for solidarity, for cooperation based on justice and equity and for interdependence among all nations. It is high time for the developed countries to reaffirm, today even more than in the past, their political will to work in harmony with the nations of the third world to bring about a new international economic order.
48.	Rwanda, for its part, vigorously supports the continuance of the negotiations which are at present under way within the United Nations with the aim of bringing about a new type of international economic relationship. It is our belief that those negotiations should be of a comprehensive nature and should focus particularly on important issues such as development aid, energy, basic raw materials and the reform of the international monetary system. It is our sincere hope that during the present session the General Assembly will be able to remove the last of the obstacles which have hitherto stood in the way of a NorthSouth dialog, so that global negotiations may be initiated without delay.
49.	In the course of such negotiations, special attention should be paid to the least developed and landlocked countries, one of which, unfortunately, is Rwanda itself. Those countries, above and beyond the difficulties which they experience because of the present international economic situation, also have to overcome other problems which are due particularly to their enclaved location.
50.	In this connection, we were very pleased by the convening of the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Plans from 1 to 14 September 1981. It is our sincere hope that the measures drawn up by that Conference with the aim of promoting the in interests of that category of countries' will be transformed into concrete action which will enable them to tackle their own specific problems.
51.	Although we welcomed the special measures adopted by the United Nations in favor of the landlocked developing countries, today, unfortunately, we can only express regret that it has taken so long for those measures to become operational. I am thinking particularly of the United Nations Special Fund for Landlocked Developing Countries, which lacks sufficient contributions fully to play the role for which it was created.
52.	Similarly, Rwanda is following very closely the negotiations taking place within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, although we regret the fact that certain issues have been reopened, thus impeding the work of the important Conference. My delegation would like once again to emphasize that the right of landlocked countries to access to the sea and freedom of transit through third countries should be reaffirmed and guaranteed in the international convention which will result from the negotiations on the law of the sea.
53.	Furthermore, my country welcomed the convening of the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy at Nairobi from 10 to 21 August 1981. It will provide us with some food for thought as to how to pursue the search for new sources of energy.
54.	In the light of the present international economic crisis, which affects all countries but more specifically the developing countries, it is imperative that the developing countries initiate action in order to achieve collective autonomy.
55.	In this connection, the Rwandese Republic will continue to give active support to all initiatives which are designed to promote economic cooperation among the developing countries, because this is the only hope of salvation in the face of continual obstruction by the wealthy countries, which hitherto have paid very little attention to the claims of the countries of the third world regarding the establishment of a more just and equitable new international economic order.
56.	It is for this reason that Rwanda has very close links of cooperation with neighboring and fraternal countries in both regional and subregional organizations.
57.	Similarly, Rwanda considers the Lagos Plan of Action to be the vital and unanimous expression of the political will of African countries to undertake, step by step, concerted action to ensure endogenous, self-sustaining development leading between now and the year 2000 to the creation of an African common market, which would be the prelude to an integrated African economic community.
58.	Finally, we are very pleased that specific links have been established between the European Community and more than 50 countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Those links will undoubtedly provide a model for viable and positive cooperation between developed and developing countries.
59.	To guarantee international security, to work to promote peace, to foster economic development and to help colonized peoples to find their freedom these are all noble objectives to which the Organization has devoted itself with faith and perseverance for 36 years. My delegation is convinced that the United Nations is without any doubt the ideal framework for negotiations in which we can reconcile our differing viewpoints, resolve conflicts and develop a spirit of solidarity and interdependence among peoples despite their ideological and other differences. I should therefore like to reiterate the unshakable faith of my country in the Organization.
60.	The Rwandese Republic recognizes that the United Nations has a unique part to play in maintaining peace and justice and in the struggle to ensure the wellbeing of people throughout the world. We shall never fail to support its efforts in the search for solutions to the various problems of our time.


On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I should like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Kittani on his election to the presidency of the thirty-sixth session of the General Assembly. I am confident that with his abundant experience in the United Nations and his manifest wisdom this session of the Assembly will prove to be a most fruitful one. The delegation of Japan, which shares his Asian heritage, will spare no effort in cooperating with him in the performance of his important duties.
105.	I should also like to express our deep appreciation to the President of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Riidiger von Wechmar, for his extraordinary accomplishments. We have been greatly impressed by his decisiveness and outstanding leadership throughout his tenure as President.
106.	At the same time, I should like to pay a sincere tribute to the SecretaryGeneral. It was a great pleasure for me to be able to invite him to my country last June for an exchange of views on various questions with which the United Nations is engaged.
107.	I wish also to take this opportunity to extend a most cordial welcome to Vanuatu, a friendly country in the South Pacific, on its admission to the United Nations. My country looks forward to promoting relations of friendship and cooperation with this new Member State, both within and outside the United Nations.
108.	Today's world is characterized by flux and instability in political situations as well as in international economic relations. I should like to take up, first of all, the question of disarmament  as a means of reversing the trend of world instability and setting the international community on a more solid foundation.
109.	The awesome development in recent years of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems could lead to the danger of instantly bringing mankind to the brink of total annihilation. It is the most urgent task for the sake of world stability and development to halt the arms race and achieve disarmament, including the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
110.	Today, while the dialog between East and West is stalled, nuclear testing continues to be conducted, the production of nuclear weapons accelerated, their sophistication and diversification further promoted, and their deployment rapidly increased. Indeed, the total strength of the nuclear arsenal in the world today is said to be equivalent to about one million Hiroshima bombs. And yet there seems to be no cessation of the nuclear arms race. This situation gravely threatens mankind. Japan strongly urges all nuclear-weapon States to recognize their grave responsibilities to future generations and to make utmost efforts, from a broader perspective, towards the promotion of nuclear disarmament for the peace and security of the world.
111.	In particular, Japan implores both the United States and the Soviet Union to be mindful of their crucial responsibilities and to make every effort in promoting negotiations aiming at the limitation and substantial reduction of strategic weapons. In this connection, I welcome the recent indications that negotiations may begin between the United States and the Soviet Union on the limitation of theater nuclear forces. It is my earnest hope that the two countries will take advantage of the opportunity to promote the dialog for strengthening World peace and stability.
112.	In my statement on the occasion of the tenth special session of the General Assembly, the first devoted to disarmament, in 1978, I made an appeal to the effect that: "If we wish to move towards the realization of general and complete disarmament, there is no way open to us other than to keep this ideal always in mind and to proceed step by step with concrete and feasible measures". [9th meeting, para. 116.]
113.	While the attainment of general and complete disarmament is the common goal of all mankind, at the same time disarmament is inseparable from the maintenance of the security of each State, and therefore, needless to say, it is difficult to promote. It should be frankly admitted that in the present international community, the balance of power among countries, whether on a regional or a global scale, constitutes a basis for the maintenance of international peace and security.
114.	However, in order to place the international community on a more stable foundation in the long run, Japan considers it essential to pursue genuine disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, so that peace and security can be secured at a lower level of armament while maintaining the balance of power. Keeping this goal in mind, we should make efforts, step by step, towards disarmament measures accompanied by effective means of verification. I earnestly hope that resources will be released by disarmament efforts and reallocated for promoting international cultural exchange, and for contributing to a solution of the NorthSouth problem as well as to the development of the world economy.
115.	Japan is of the view that a comprehensive nuclear test ban constitutes the first step in halting the nuclear arms race: it is the most urgent task among all concrete disarmament measures and should be realized as soon as possible. I also strongly urge that negotiations be expedited towards the prohibition of chemical weapons which, like nuclear weapons, are weapons of mass destruction.
116.	Japan sincerely hopes that the second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament to be convened next year will impel the international community to halt the continuing arms race which threatens mankind with unthinkable catastrophe, and initiate serious international efforts towards the ultimate elimination of all types of nuclear weapons. In this regard, Japan expects the second special session, to review the factors which have obstructed developments in the field of disarmament since the first special session and to conduct concrete and constructive deliberations on ways and means of making progress towards general and complete disarmament. Japan, strictly upholding the three nonnuclear principles of not possessing nuclear weapons, not producing them and not permitting their introduction into Japan and wishing to promote disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, is resolved to play a positive role towards this goal.

117.	It goes without saying that a stable and expanding world economy is indispensable if those forces unsettling the world today are to be eliminated and peace and prosperity are to be achieved. Since the two oil crises, many countries have been confronted with difficulties: severe recessions, increased unemployment, accelerated rates of inflation and a disequilibrium in their balance of payments. On the other hand, as the economies of nations become increasingly interdependent, the bond is becoming stronger between developed and developing countries, which are passengers sharing a common fate on the great ship of the world economy.
118.	Under these circumstances, the one and only direction in which NorthSouth relations can proceed is towards cooperation and mutual reinforcement by donor and recipient countries to improve the world economy and intensify the quest for world peace. We firmly believe that NorthSouth confrontation must cease, and that the new relationship between North and South, in this period of transition into a new era, should be based on a spirit of interdependence and a mutuality of interests.
119.	On the basis of this belief, Japan intends to deal vigorously with NorthSouth problems and contribute to the promotion of a constructive NorthSouth dialog.
120.	As is known, Japan supports the launching of the global negotiations at the earliest date possible as part of this NorthSouth dialog. With regard to the International Meeting on Cooperation and Development to be held next month at Cancun, Japan will strive to make the most of this important opportunity to promote a North South dialog based on the recognition of our interdependence and mutuality of interests. I earnestly hope that one result of that meeting will be the creation of a favorable climate for the launching of the global negotiations.
121.	Japan has been actively promoting economic cooperation in order to contribute to the solution of the NorthSouth problem and also to the maintenance of peace and stability in the world.
122.	Japan therefore attaches great importance to the expansion and improvement of official development assistance, and in 1978 set as its medium term target the doubling of its official development assistance within three years. In 1980, the final year, Japan surpassed that target in its official development assistance disbursements. In January of this year we established a new medium term target, and, in striving to achieve that target, Japan will continue to improve its ratio of official development assistance to gross national product, and will make an effort, in the five-year period beginning in 1981, to more than double the total official development assistance disbursed in the five-year period 19761980: in other words, more than $21.4 billion over the next five years. Despite its strained financial situation, Japan is sparing no effort to expand and improve its official development assistance.
123.	In the implementation of assistance, Japan intends to continue to place emphasis on such areas as rural and agricultural development, development of energy sources, aid for basic human needs and cooperation for the development of human resources, since it is in those areas that a direct contribution can be made to the stabilization of the livelihood and improvement of the welfare of people in developing countries.
124.	In the trade area, Japan decided this year to extend the application period of the Generalized System of Preferences for another 10 year period in order to help promote the trade efforts of developing countries. In addition, since April 1980 there have been in effect such special measures as free preferential rates of duty and the abolition of ceilings with respect, as a rule, to all products covered by the System originating from the least developed countries.
125.	With regard to the Common Fund for Commodities, to the finalization of which Japan actively contributed, Japan became a party to the Agreement Establishing the Common Fund in June of this year in the hope of facilitating its early inception. We believe that the Common Fund, which was agreed upon after long and difficult negotiations as a means to achieve the stabilization of the prices of the primary commodities developing countries produce, is a noteworthy achievement in the history of NorthSouth relations. It is our strong hope that Member States will expeditiously become parties to the Agreement so that it can come into force by the target date of 31 March 1982.
126.	Now I should like to take up the major problems which have brought about instability in the present international situation, and to present the views of my Government.

127.	In considering the unstable situations in the world today, Japan, as an Asian nation, must first of all take up the situation in Kampuchea, which has gravely affected the peace and stability of SouthEast Asia. The core of the Kampuchean problem lies in the fact that foreign military intervention has led to the denial of the Kampuchean people's right of self-determination and that, as a result, SouthEast Asia's peace and security have been threatened and its stability and prosperity disrupted,
128.	In this connection, we were gratified that, as a first step towards the solution of the Kampuchean problem, the International Conference on Kampuchea was convened last July in accordance with General Assembly resolution 35/6, with the participation of two thirds of the States Members of the United Nations, including a large number of nonaligned countries. My delegation sincerely welcomed the adoption by consensus of the Declaration and the resolution of the Conference on Kampuchea.13
129.	I strongly appeal to all countries concerned that they respect the principles and concrete measures contained in the Declaration of the Conference, which reflects the voice of the international community and aims at a comprehensive political solution of the Kampuchean problem. Also, we urge that negotiations be started promptly for the withdrawal of foreign forces and the holding of free elections under the supervision of the United Nations.
130.	Japan, as an elected member of the Ad Hoc Committee established by the Conference, will contribute to the best of its ability to the earliest possible restoration of peace in Kampuchea.
131.	In the process leading to negotiations on the solution, I believe it might also be useful if, for example, the SecretaryGeneral, in close contact with the Ad Hoc Committee, would send to the countries concerned, including those absent from the Conference, a special representative who would convey to them the results of the Conference and explore means of facilitating negotiations for a comprehensive political solution.
132.	I should also like to take this opportunity to express my deep sympathy to Thailand, which is bearing a heavy burden imposed by the influx of Indochinese refugees, including those from Kampuchea. The Government of Japan pays high tribute to the efforts of the United Nations in providing relief assistance to the Indochinese refugees and in expediting their voluntary return to their homelands, and further earnestly hopes that the Organization will play an even more effective role in the future. Japan has been actively extending relief assistance to the Indochinese refugees for humanitarian reasons and also in the hope of reducing the heavy burden borne by the nations of SouthEast Asia. However, in solving the refugee problem it is of urgent importance, not only to provide relief assistance to refugees, but also to find ways to eradicate the root cause of the refugee problem. Japan therefore renews its appeal to those countries from which refugees are fleeing to make further efforts to restrain their outflow.
133.	I should like to say a few words about the Korean peninsula. I firmly support the proposal made recently by the Government of the Republic of Korea that a dialog between the South and North be resumed, for example by exchanging visits between the top leaders of both sides. It is my earnest hope that continued efforts will be made for the.realization of such a dialog. The United Nations has so far played an important role in restoring and maintain
ing peace in the Korean peninsula, and consideration should be given to utilizing the SecretaryGeneral's good offices to enable South and North Korea to resume a dialog.
134.	<1 cannot help noting that serious events which have resulted in the destabilization of the international situation have centred on the SouthWest Asian region as well as the Middle East.
135.	The Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan an armed intervention by foreign troops denying a nation its right of self-determination is an undisguised challenge to international justice and to the Charter of the United Nations. It can in no way be condoned. On this occasion, I should like once again to appeal, in the strongest terms, to the Soviet Union to heed the repeated calls of the international community and immediately withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and respect the Afghan people's right of self-determination.
136.	My country fully sympathizes with the Government of Pakistan, which is experiencing manifold difficulties in receiving refugees from Afghanistan. It intends to continue for humanitarian reasons, as .well as from considerations of regional peace and stability, to extend positive cooperation to relief activities through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as well as through other organizations.
137.	We are deeply concerned by the continued fighting that unfortunately broke out between Iran and Iraq last year. I should like to urge those two countries to cease fighting as soon as possible and to settle the conflict by peaceful means in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Moreover, I should like to appeal to them to cooperate so that the conciliation efforts of the United Nations, through the SecretaryGeneral's representative, may be successful.
138.	The peace and stability of the Middle East are essential to the peace and prosperity of the world. Japan strongly hopes that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace will be achieved in the region by peaceful means and at an early date. It is of the view that such a peace should be achieved through the complete implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), and through recognition of and respect for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right of self-determination under the Charter.
139.	Japan further believes that in order to achieve a just solution to the question of Palestine, which constitutes the core of the Middle East question, it is necessary that both the Palestinian people's right of self-determination and Israel's right to exist be mutually recognized and that the PLO, which represents the Palestinian people, participate in the peace process.
140.	TUrning now to the situation in Lebanon, it was most gratifying that the efforts of those involved resulted in a ceasefire last July. The Government of Japan, as a sponsor of Security Council resolution 490 (1981) calling for an immediate cessation of all armed attacks on Lebanon, sincerely welcomed that achievement.
141.	We consider it of the utmost importance that that ceasefire be maintained and that international efforts be made to move from that first step towards the solution of the Middle East question as a whole. I should like to appeal to all those concerned to exercise restraint and to refrain from any acts which would destroy the atmosphere in which such international efforts can be made.
142.	The Government of Japan will continue to support strongly the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations, which are playing a vital role in the maintenance of peace in the Middle East. Moreover, it urges all parties concerned likewise to extend their support to those operations.
143.	In June of this year, Israel undertook the outrageous step of bombing an Iraqi nuclear reactor, violating international law and the Charter. That act also constitutes a challenge to the efforts of countries promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy while committed to nuclear nonproliferation. Japan strongly condemns that act and calls on Israel humbly to comply with Security Council resolution 487 (1981), which was adopted unanimously and which represents the minimum demand of world public opinion.
144.	Destabilizing situations unfortunately still persist in Africa. That the practice of racial discrimination in South Africa has not yet been eradicated is a particularly serious problem. Japan strongly urges the Government of South Africa to eradicate immediately the policies of apartheid, which run counter to the principles of the Charter.
145.	Furthermore, it is utterly deplorable that, owing to the intransigent attitude of the Government of South Africa, free elections under the supervision and control of the United Nations have not been held in Namibia, nor has Namibia achieved its independence. Japan reaffirms its view that the question of Namibia should be solved on the basis of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) and wishes to express its earnest hope that the countries concerned will make further efforts towards an early solution of that problem.
146.	Japan has declared its readiness to participate actively in the United Nations Transitional Assistance Group and hopes that the Group will begin its operations and that Namibian independence will be achieved at the earliest possible date.
147.	I cannot help expressing deep concern at the current situation of the rapidly increasing number of refugees in Africa. At the International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa held in April of this year, Japan declared its intention to extend positive cooperation to that problem. I believe that every country should continue to extend maximum assistance for the relief of those refugees, who are suffering from starvation and disease.
148.	Based on the fundamental position of the pursuit of peace and the refusal to become a military power, it is the consistent policy of the foreign relations of my country to contribute to the building of world peace and prosperity. We are determined to work actively for world peace and. prosperity, particularly at this time of global instability. For that purpose, we shall endeavor to promote relations of friendship and cooperation with other countries throughout the world.
149.	In accordance with that policy, my country sincerely hopes to develop relations of friendship and cooperation, based on true mutual understanding, with the Soviet Union, one of its most important neighbors. However, there still exists between the Soviet Union and Japan an unsettled territorial issue. The Northern Territories, reversion of which Japan has always demanded from the Soviet Union, comprise the islands of the Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashiri and Etorofu. It is clear from the historical as well as the legal viewpoint that those islands are not included in the Kurile Islands, to which Japan renounced its title under the Peace Treaty signed at San Francisco on 8 September 1951. A peace treaty has not yet been concluded between our two countries because the territorial issue remains unsettled. This constitutes a major obstacle to the development of our relationship on a stable basis. I must also point out that we have been confronted with an extremely regrettable situation whereby the Soviet Union has recently deployed and strengthened its military forces in the Northern Territories.
150.	The Government of Japan demands that this situation be promptly rectified, and strongly urges the Soviet Union to come to the negotiating table with a view to settling the northern territorial issue and thereby concluding a peace treaty. I firmly believe that further development of relations of true friendship between Japan and the Soviet Union upon the settlement of this issue will contribute to the peace and stability of Asia and to that of the world as well,
151.	Incidentally, the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union in his statement today [7 th meeting] made a reference alleging that Japan is getting involved in the establishment of military cooperation between the United States and China. I must state clearly that this is an entirely groundless allegation.
152.	It is my conviction that in order to enhance the stability and prosperity of the international community the United Nations should be utilized in a more positive way as a means of reversing current trends in the world situation. A number of difficulties and limitations certainly confront the United Nations in the actual performance of its functions. We must not forget, however, that the ability of the United Nations to play an effective role in settling the problems before us depends precisely on our attitude as Member States.
153.	In establishing the United Nations mankind entrusted to if its hope for world peace and prosperity. I consider it extremely important today for each Member State to remember this original ideal. In order to revitalize its functions, the role of the United Nations must be considered not in a passive way by asking what can be expected of the Organization but in a positive way by seeking to utilize it effectively in solving problems.
154.	I believe that in today's international community, where the interdependence of States and of regions continues to grow, important world problems can never be resolved without international effort. As mankind's only universal international Organization, the United Nations should be utilized in an effective way as a forum for the promotion of such international endeavors.
155.	I should like to conclude my statement by appealing not only to the world's most powerful nations but to all Member States to make joint efforts to eliminate the destabilizing elements in the world and thus attain the common goal of lasting peace and prosperity for mankind.