Sir, my first words will be to offer you my personal congratulations and those of my country on your election to the distinguished office of President of the General Assembly and to tell you of the hopes this gives us for the success and the efficacy of our work.
105.	A few months ago, in this very Hall, you participated actively in the special session on raw materials and development. Your election to the presidency of this twenty-ninth session rightly confirms the importance of the role you have played, and since virtually all international relations now fall within the realm of our debates, it provides you with an arena commensurate with your abilities and experience as a statesman. In honoring you, the community of nations is also honoring your country, Algeria. Everyone can understand why France has special reasons to welcome this.
106.	I should also like to pay a special tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Benites, who had the rare privilege during the past 12 months of presiding over two sessions of the Assembly, during which he displayed outstanding qualities as a statesman and jurist and was thus able to crown most prestigiously a career that had been so closely linked to the work of our Organization for so many years.
107.	Lastly, I should like to greet Mr. Kurt Wald heim, with whom I have enjoyed a longstanding friendship. I should like to tell him of the trust and high esteem in which he is held by the French Government for his tireless efforts and for the competence and effectiveness he has shown in carrying out his extremely important and difficult tasks.
108.	This is the first time that I have had the honor of speaking on behalf of France before this Assembly, a privileged forum in which to recognize that there is a basic truth which characterizes the modern world and will dominate our common destiny with increasing severity, regardless of the degree of development or the political philosophies of the societies to which we belong.
109.	In this "little corner of the universe" -to quote Pascal- on this earth which the human eye has been able to contemplate in its entirety for the first time in its history a blue ball, an oasis of life in the blackness of space, a planet which scientific and technological progress has shrunk and at the same time unified by subjecting it to accelerated and profound change men, peoples and States arc dependent on each other and are becoming increasingly interdependent. The death knell will sound for everyone it we fail to appreciate this interdependence, if selfishness, fanaticism, the lust for power and domination threaten the possibilities for a sincere effort to seek together gradual and well-balanced solutions to the difficulties of our times, difficulties which our very progress only serves to accentuate.
110.	The fine name of the United Nations thus takes on renewed significance. The enemy that we must confront together is underdevelopment; it is the tragedy of poverty and hunger which the past year, alas, has shown to be distressingly present; it is the turmoil that inflation is causing in international economic relations; it is disorder, inequality and injustice in all their forms; it is the remnants of racial discrimination; it is everything that still exists to hinder the full recognition of and respect for the rights of the individual and the rights of peoples.
111.	Need 1 stress before this Assembly of nearly 140 nations-and I doubt that anyone can remain indifferent to a reminder of the great universalis! traditions of my country and the message it brought to the world almost two centuries ago that France, with the legacy of the French Revolution, is determined to strengthen the liberal nature of its diplomacy, to be in the vanguard of the peaceful struggle to give the world greater liberty, greater equality and greater fraternity?
112.	I should like to recall here the words spoken by the President of the French Republic last June when the Paris diplomatic corps was presented to him:
"This change signifies, lastly, that France, reaffirming and emphasizing her liberal mission, will do everything in her power to contribute to the dawning of a new era in international relations based on mutual esteem and respect and on a spirit of understanding and liberty, and, Under pressure from the peoples of the world, to ensure that the bastions of constraint and intolerance are toppled. She thus hopes to introduce into relations among States a greater measure of simplicity, trust and, may I venture to say, optimism."
113.	The essence of the "liberal" philosophy which France advocates and which must, in our opinion, be applied by everyone to international relations is this: that order and justice are in no way contradictory but, rather, are complementary; that only progress towards political and economic order, coupled with consideration for the interests of each State, is likely to guarantee our international society the minimum of stability without which there can be no lasting progress for anyone.
114.	This joint effort and the transformation it entails must, of course, be made without losing sight of the ultimate goal of our Organization. The intention to ensure peace and security by gradually eliminating the causes of conflict, whether political or economic in nature, must be matched by the constant concern to eliminate any desire for, or any possibility of, not only conflict but even confrontation.
115.	The two basic principles which my country long ago initiated and advocated -namely, detente and cooperation - must therefore be implemented more and more at the international level.
116.	In the midst of the alarming turmoil of today's world, it is sometimes difficult to perceive practical ways of implementing these principles. However, a closer look reveals a few breaches in the wall, a few rays of light of unmistakable brightness. We are living in a world of light and shadow. Perhaps it might be useful for me to state how France and the French Government currently view the causes for concern and the reasons for hope.
117.	You will not be surprised if first, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, I turn my eyes to Europe. As current President of the Council of the European Economic Community, I can testify to the aspiration of our peoples gradually to organize themselves so that from their age old civilization there can emerge little by little a new political organization based on pluralism but capable also of unifying what must be unified.
118.	This organization of Europe involves, first and foremost, for my country and for its partners in the Community, the creation in the western part of our continent of a coherent entity that will be capable of confronting the problems of our time; one that will be able to make a genuine contribution to detente and cooperation which are so necessary for our world if it is to survive; and, I might say, one that will serve as a model. The task begun nearly 25 years ago, right after a war which we decided would be the last, is not a simple one. But the leaders of our countries are determined not to miss the rendezvous with destiny which history has scheduled for our generation.
119.	That is why you will hear the voice of the European Economic Community becoming more and more distinct. It will speak the language of peace, justice and reconciliation. For, although this Community must of necessity actively pursue its own development, it cannot and it never would wish to turn in upon itself. By virtue of its mission and by necessity as well, the Community is open to the world, alive to the hopes and needs of the underprivileged, aware of its responsibilities in international balance and progress. That is why it intends, through concrete and innovative action, to make its contribution to the necessary effort to restore order to economic, financial and, hence, political relations among the countries of the globe.
120.	The Community is faithful to its traditional friendships, first among which is its friendship with the United States of America and Canada, a friendship which is even stronger now that it is yet better balanced and which is constant and indispensable to peace. And yet it does not forget the role that geography and history have allocated to it in the Mediterranean and in Africa, nor the close ties it has maintained with the Soviet Union and all the countries of Eastern Europe, whose contribution to our civilization is so important and with which we hope to foster genuine detente in the Old World. In this spirit we are taking part, as you know, in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, well aware of the scope of the undertaking and thus of the need to work towards the desired goal with great patience and wisdom.
121.	Another source of comfort and confidence in the future stems from a new and important step our Organization has taken towards its goal of universal representation, which we are now close to achieving. We are happy to welcome in our midst during this twenty-ninth session the representatives of Bangladesh, Grenada and GuineaBissau.
122.	After the trials that marked its birth, Bangladesh, despite serious economic difficulties, courageously is embarking on the path that should lead to reconciliation and cooperation on the subcontinent. May the efforts made by the States concerned achieve the results that we all are hoping for.
123.	There are two reasons why we can be pleased with the decolonization that is under way in the Portuguese Territories of Africa: first of all, because it has come about in connexion with a return to democracy in a country that is a friend of France, and secondly, because it is being done for the benefit of a whole group of courageous peoples that have long had many reasons to ask themselves why they were deprived of the independence which their neighbors enjoyed.
124.	I should like to hail the delegation of the Republic of GuineaBissau and convey to it our best wishes and congratulations. I should also like to pay a tribute to its members and to the representatives of the new Portuguese Government, a tribute that the political wisdom evidenced during the recent fruitful negotiations in Algiers rightly deserves. The European Economic Community, deeply committed to the values of the democracy on which it is founded, can only welcome any agreements which result in the practical application of the principles of selfdetermination on the continent of Africa. It feels that recognition of these principles will soon be extended to Mozambique and then to Angola. It welcomes in particular the agreement that was just concluded at Lusaka.
125.	Allow me to add at this point that France, which was one of the first Powers to foster self determination for many countries that are now influential Members of our Organization, is currently completing its own endeavors in this domain by preparing, with the agreement of the freely elected leaders of the Comoros, the accession to independence of these islands. The French delegation will in a few weeks be pleased to give further information which will emerge from the bill providing for an early referendum in the Comoro Archipelago.
126.	Other aspects of the world situation are, however, more disturbing.
127.	The situation in Africa is still troubled by tensions and the injustices which persist in the southern part. I would like to record once again here France's complete disapproval of the policy of apartheid. Furthermore, France regrets that the efforts made by our Organization to begin a dialog with the Government in Pretoria with a view to leading Namibia to self-determination and independence have remained fruitless.
128.	The situation in the Middle East is still marked by dangerous uncertainty. Following upon the tragic events which have taken place since our last session, disengagement agreements have been concluded thanks to the wisdom of the parties to the conflict and to the tireless diplomacy of the Secretary of State of the United States. These agreements and the stabilized situation on the battlefield, thanks to the control of the United Nations, are the first encouraging steps. However, we must not permit the momentum of peace to grind to a halt. The basic problems have not been settled. The situation is still precarious and it is therefore imperative that the negotiations should be resumed so that an equitable settlement can be reached as soon as possible, one that can be endorsed by the international community, that is to say, the Security Council.
129.	France for its part is still in favor of a settlement based on Security Council resolution 242 (1967), confirmed by its resolution 338 (1973), which provide for Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories, as well as for commitments to peace giving each State the right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.
130.	France believes it is high time for the international community to recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, which this settlement should take into account. It is ready to contribute to the quest for a settlement based exclusively on the genuine interests of the peoples of the region and acceptable to the parties concerned -each and every one of them- among which my country is far from forgetting Israel.
131.	Although the crisis which broke out in Cyprus on 15 July and which was singularly exacerbated on 14 August had the highly positive effect of promoting a return to democracy in Greece -and I would like in passing to pay a tribute to the courageous efforts of Mr. Caramanlis- it is yet one more example of the serious difficulties we face this year.
132.	In the first place, the crisis concerns the United Nations which, after trying to promote a settlement to the conflict by sending an international force to Cyprus in 1964 and more recently by sponsoring enlarged talks between the communities, must now do everything in its power to prevent the crisis from deteriorating and to facilitate a speedy settlement.
133.	It is for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities in this matter, which it did as the tragic events unfolded by adopting resolutions that my country helped to draft, as was its duty. We remain convinced that respect for these resolutions by the parties concerned is still the indispensable basis for an equitable settlement.
134.	Troubled by this dispute and anxious to restore harmony in Cyprus and between two countries linked to the European Economic Community by the same tie, the nine members of the Community have felt it to be their duty, during the course of several meetings, to add their efforts to those of the Security Council.
135.	The most serious problem in Cyprus today is, without question, that of the refugees. We feel that permitting these people to return to their homes freely is consistent with both justice and public international law. We therefore believe that we should make an urgent appeal on this point in the hope of preventing the inception of another tragic refugee problem such as those which, unfortunately, we have already had, which are poisoning the international atmosphere. The problem in Cyprus can be resolved only by negotiation, without recourse to force. In this respect, we consider the talks now under way between the leaders of the island's two communities to be encouraging. I hope that these talks will pave the way, if the necessary gestures are forthcoming, for the negotiations that we should like to see started among Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, countries to which we are bound by longstanding ties of friendship.
136.	There is another region where war continues to wreak havoc in various but no less cruel ways, and that is SouthEast Asia. We welcomed the Paris agreements on VietNam and the hope that they engendered. Can it be said today that those agreements are really being respected? I am fully aware of the difficulties encountered by each of the parties; but how can one fail to hope that they will have the strength to overcome the legacy of the past and ultimately to achieve peace with understanding and reconciliation?
137.	Faced with these highly contrasting pictures, we can probably say that at least the danger of world confrontations involving the fate of all mankind seems to be less threatening than it was a few years ago.
138.	Detente is still fragile. The protective net that it could cast still hangs too slack. Detente obviously remains -and will long remain - linked to a sustained defense effort.
139.	France, for its part has, over the past 15 years, halved the proportion of its gross national product destined for military expenditure. But France has not neglected the need to ensure its security and independence by the means that others have already adopted. As a country that was the battlefield of two world wars, France is profoundly aware of the duty incumbent upon it to be capable of defending its independence. Having noted the refusal, and perhaps even the inability, of the greatest Powers to renounce their nuclear weapons, France has resolved, to its regret, to acquire them itself.
140.	We too have had to conduct nuclear tests in the atmosphere, which, in terms of number and size, can in no way be compared with the tests previously carried out by others in the same field. We went ahead with our tests only when we were sure that they would cause no harm; and this was verified by our own controls and by those of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. We have now reached a stage in our nuclear technology that makes it possible for us to continue our program by underground testing, and we have taken steps to do so as early as next year.
141.	If, given the present state of the world, no country can renounce the means of ensuring its defense, it is obviously in the general interest gradually to lighten the burden necessarily imposed by the arms race on our economies and, by the same token, on the opportunities for development. Therefore the French Government wishes solemnly to reaffirm that it is prepared to participate immediately in any undertaking designed to lead to genuine disarmament, that is to say, to the effective, gradual and controlled destruction of all existing arsenals. It was in this spirit that France gave its support to the idea of convening a world conference which, if it were to include the five nuclear Powers, might create the conditions under which real progress could be made and might strengthen the foundations for the lasting peace that is the highest aspiration of all peoples.
142.	After this brief review of the world picture as it is today, I should like now to come to what is doubtless the basic issue. I refer to the present state of international economic relations and the outlook for those relations. This vital problem does not appear on our agenda, but is should be, quite clearly, the focal point of our concerns, all the more so since the situation which prompted the convening of a special session of the General Assembly this spring has deteriorated markedly in the last four months.
143.	Insecurity is spreading far and wide. The most striking example of this is inflation, which is becoming rampant and to varying degrees affects every country with its attendant woes. All the elements of a world crisis are already present.
144.	The developing countries, those which are not producers of oil or of important raw materials, are obviously those most affected by the rising prices of the products necessary to economic activity. But the majority of the industrialized countries have also been seriously affected, at least for the time being, There are only two or three major countries among us that are sure of having the resources indispensable to the survival of their economies and their populations, come what may, because those resources exist in their own territories. But although such States, unlike the others, do not have to fear strangulation, none, I repeat, none of the Members of our Organization can remain blind to the serious threats to the mechanisms of the world economy, to the flow of production and trade, and therefore, ultimately, to world peace.
145.	The events we are witnessing are, of course, not lacking in positive features. The general redistribution of trump cards held by the highly industrialized nations and the developing nations begun by still disorganized courses of action will be described in history books as a decisive turning point of the era in which we live. This will be true if this redistribution proves itself eventually to be a transition to a new world order, better balanced and more just, and the prelude to an original and fruitful common effort.
146.	Such a redistribution was both necessary and inevitable. My country, which in the past has constantly warned against the dangers inherent in the progressive deterioration of the terms of trade and in the growing gap between the industrial societies and the less favored countries, is the first to recognize that it would have been unhealthy and, ultimately, detrimental to everyone to cling to a system of inadequate remuneration for basic commodities. The prolongation of this system was doubtless one of the causes of the recent price rises.
147.	This puts me in an even better position to say frankly to this Assembly that none of us can allow himself to ignore the urgency and gravity of the problem which the somewhat random nature of those increases presents not only to my country but, I believe, to all of us. Our world community can withstand the severe disruption of equilibrium that has just occurred only if we make a combined effort, on the one hand, to halt the trends towards a breakdown that are beginning to emerge, and, on the other, to achieve a new world order based on mutual consultation and cooperation.
148.	In the spirit of the Charter, which for 30 years has encouraged us to cooperate in order to ensure economic and social progress for our peoples, appreciable efforts have already been made along such lines. The texts adopted on 1 May by the General Assembly during the sixth special session [resolutions 3201 (SVI) and 3202 fSF/j] are in keeping with this tradition of the Organization. Their significance and importance, I feel, lie not so much in the Program of Action that was outlined as in the clear and precise affirmation of the interdependence of all the elements of the world economy.
149.	That the growth of the world economy is currently being compromised and with it the opportunities for development is so obvious as to make it superfluous to stress the need to open up new vistas in cooperation among our States. Together we must define the main lines along which the world economy must operate. In this connexion, the right of the third world countries not only to receive a fairer share of the fruits of economic and world progress but also to influence the choices on which this activity depends cannot be contested. I would add to this the hope that international aid, which is still indispensable, will gradually give way to structural reforms in which the less favored countries should have a voice.
150.	Although the very great majority of the States that we represent have no intention of withdrawing into themselves, they reject the mechanisms of laissez faire, which are erratic and merciless to the weak, and my country, which has championed international cooperation for many long years now, cannot but give them our complete approval on this point. The march towards a better order is, however, incompatible with disregard for economic realities and laws, the solidarity which unites consumer and producer, and, especially, the basic consideration that no one, no matter how powerful he may be, can be sure of gaining lasting advantages by means of unilateral decisions.
151.	Within a country, when one group in society tries to increase its share of the national income and when, on the other hand, other groups try to prevent their share from being reduced, inflation becomes rampant and restores, after a fashion, an often unjust and precarious balance between the claims of each group. Today this is also what is happening in the world's economy. The free rein given to market trends, the exploitation of strong positions, and the setting up of a sliding scale mechanism or of automatic indexing can lead only to a speeding up of the inflationary spiral. Among nations, as within each nation, nothing can take the place of dialog and negotiation among all the parties concerned. The natural framework for this dialog is, of course, the United Nations, and one can only regret that six months after the sixth special session no serious discussion on setting the world's economy in order has been initiated.
152.	The United Nations, and not only its specialized bodies, has a general competence in this matter and is particularly qualified since it both anticipates and reflects the world community of the future to arrive at a truly "integrated" concept of our planet's economy. But this is a tremendous task and the adjustments to be made are numerous and difficult. The "global" approach within the United Nations must be supplemented by efforts at cooperation and consultation on a regional scale which should, of course, take place within an international framework.
153.	It is in this spirit that the member countries of the European Economic Community have, as representatives know, just embarked on what we both call the EuropeanArab dialog with the 20 countries of the League of Arab States. Of course the undertaking is still in its early stages and it would be premature to specify its goals, but I think it is quite natural for me to mention it today in this forum, especially since you, Mr. President, have played and are continuing to play an important and even decisive role in the conception and application of this undertaking.
154.	The new type of cooperation that we are trying to establish between the two groups of countries does set an example and is promising. It is a question of working together, with all the participants on an equal footing, towards social and economic progress, towards entente and rapprochement between the member countries of the European Economic Community and the member countries of the League of Arab States. It is also understood that the undertaking must not interfere with the interests of any country. On the contrary it must, when the time comes, extend its benefits beyond the European Arab group, especially to the regions close to Africa and the Mediterranean.
155.	My hope is that it will be possible to present some results of this undertaking at the forthcoming session of the General Assembly. However, it might be useful, if our partners in the League of Arab States would agree, to inform the United Nations before that time of what developments may have emerged.
156.	It is in the same spirit of cooperation that the European Economic Community participated in the ministerial conference which took place at Kingston, during which a fruitful dialog emerged between the countries of the Community and the Caribbean, African and Pacific States on the major political trends of their future association. The conference also set an example. Innovative formula were introduced which, I have no doubt, will help to create a new style in relations between industrialized and developing nations, and even in the drafting of a new strategy for development.
157.	The European Economic Community and the United Nations are quite clearly called upon to cooperate more and more often. This is why my delegation, speaking on behalf of the Community [A 19701], has asked for an item to be included on the agenda for this session relating to the granting to the Community of observer status within the Organization.
158.	Another example of this cooperation is quite obviously the Community's offer to participate, together with other States, in the urgent measures advocated by the General Assembly at its sixth special session.
159.	Let me say a word about the Organization to conclude my statement. The Charter assigns it the mission of maintaining peace and contributing to the emergence of a world that is more stable and more equitable. Let us not be complacent; the distance we must still travel before this ideal becomes a reality is great. But let us learn to apply to ourselves the severe judgments we sometimes bring to bear on the shortcomings and plodding of the United Nations. The Charter in itself possesses no magic formula, and no change could give it one. The work of the Organization depends primarily on the determination of the Governments represented here.
160.	One cannot reproach the United Nations for having failed to discern the great issues at stake in today's world or for failing with respect to the great questions of the day because of a lack of imagination or indifference. The problems of development, hunger, the sea and population have been dealt with in four world conferences held under the auspices of the United Nations this year. Let us note, however, that the conclusions drawn from these major international meetings sometimes leave us dissatisfied. This is not only because it is difficult to reconcile so many interests and differing viewpoints, even when goodwill is present. It is, perhaps, also because our methods and our procedures could be improved by concentrating on the most important issues and on the search for effective action.
161.	While these international meetings have the advantage of exposing all points of view, the size and number of the meetings pose problems of organization, method and procedure that are quite different from those the smaller, earlier conferences had & solve. There is a great temptation to use certain stratagems in order to finish more quickly, and it is noticeable that States are in no hurry to put into practice recommendations that have not evolved through the conventional process. Let us then try to act in concert genuinely, in the sole interest of the common good. We can do so within the context of the present Charter, whose potential could be more fully realized.
162.	We are living in an age of transition. All around us we find hope, efforts being expended, and the first stages of entente and union, but at the same time we see opposition, and conflict. Which trend will finally prevail? The one that will inevitably lead to our organizing ourselves and unifying ourselves or the one that will lead, albeit temporarily I hope, to hostility, violence and division? Which will prevail?
163.	The future of this world never before so conscious of its potential unity, never before so torn by real divisions is still uncertain. The task of our Organization is to guide it in the right direction, but that is also and primarily the task of each of the States represented here. The choice is either organization and reason, or passion, violence, rivalry and confrontation, and eventually, chaos and misfortune for us all. The simple statement of this choice is sufficient to explain our determination and our faith in the emergence of universal reconciliation.


At the outset, allow me to express the sympathy of the Government of Oman for the Governments and peoples of Honduras and Peru for the natural disasters which have struck those two countries recently.
23.	Mr. President, I should like, on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, to express to you our heartfelt congratulations and our full satisfaction on your election as President of the General Assembly at its twenty-ninth session. The long years of experience which you have acquired as Minister for Foreign Affairs of our sister country, Algeria, undoubtedly have, and will be, fully appreciated by the representatives here; and I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to assure you of our full support and cooperation in the conducting of our deliberations at this session.
24.	Allow me, Mr. President, to extend, on behalf of my delegation and my Government, our feelings of appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Benites, for his skill, ability and wisdom, and the excellent way in which he led the Assembly during its twenty-eighth session and the sixth special session.
25.	My Government extends a hearty welcome to Bangladesh, Grenada and GuineaBissau as new Members of the United Nations, and we are quite happy and satisfied to see the representatives of those countries take their places among us here. Their presence here will undoubtedly add strength to the future steps to be undertaken by this international Organization. My delegation looks forward to full cooperation with the representatives of those countries. Meanwhile, we wish to take this opportunity as well to express to the Governments and peoples of the new independent countries all wishes for success and prosperity in the future.
26.	In conformity with its firm foreign policy of supporting the rights of peoples to freedom and independence and the eradication of colonialism an d racial discrimination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Oman has actively participated in supporting the struggle waged by the peoples of Africa in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It is our earnest hope to see the peoples of those countries take their rightful places among us in the Organization in the very near future.
27.	The free peoples of Africa have always resisted military invasions and colonial suppression. In their long struggle for freedom there are striking examples of sacrifice that call for our admiration. The Government of Oman has never failed to support the lawful and just struggle of all peoples for freedom, independence and self-determination. In so doing, Oman has lived up to its deep rooted respect for the dignity of the human being as evidenced by its noble and glorious civilization and its profound belief in man as the ultimate end of all endeavors.
28.	As a country of the third world, committed to a policy of neutrality and nonalignment and of respect for and a deeply rooted belief in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Oman fully supports and favors the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace [resolution 2832 (XXVI)]. We declare also our firm support for the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the region of the Middle East, the objective of which would be to eliminate the crisis prevailing in the area and to prevent it from reaching uncontrollable dimensions.
29.	Ever since the creation of the State of Israel, the situation in the Middle Fast has been continually exploding in a series of crises, in many cases reaching a point where it threatened international peace and security. This can only be attributed to the obstinacy and arrogance of Israel, its policy of aggression in the area and its continuous barbaric and brutal crimes perpetrated against the peaceful inhabitants of the area.
30.	The policy of terrorism and intimidation which has prevailed and upon which Zionist policy has been based ever since Israel was created has been made clear in a series of acts of aggression against the land and people of Palestine, beginning in 1948. That policy has now reached an unprecedented degree of violence and brutality. The aggression perpetrated in 1967 by Israeli forces against three Arab States, Members of the United Nations, led to the deaths of thousands of innocent people. We are still witnessing repeated bombings and military attacks against Lebanese territory, all aimed at the liquidation of the Palestinian people.
31.	It is not surprising that the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Population of the Occupied Territories [AI98I7], established by virtue of General Assembly resolution 3005 (XXVII), emphasizes Israel's repeated refusal to comply with United Nations resolutions and its insistence upon and persistence in a policy which is in defiance of those resolutions. The report proves once again that Israel is continuing the policy of aggression which it has always followed since its creation in 1948. Israel still persists in activities which are in flagrant contradiction with the fundamental principles of international law. It continues to expropriate the land in the area and to expel citizens from their homes. The refusal of the Israeli authorities to cooperate with the Special Committee constitutes yet another defiance by Israel of the resolutions of the General Assembly.
32.	The tragedy of Palestine and the agony and sufferings of its people compel us to demand that the Geneva talks be resumed immediately, so that lasting peace and security, based on justice and acceptable to the countries of the region, particularly Palestine as represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization [PLO], may be restored.
33.	As far as the problem of the Sahara is concerned, my Government fully supports the agreement reached by Morocco and Mauritania to refer that issue to the International Court of Justice. We appeal to the Spanish Government to accept that agreement and to cooperate in finding a solution to the problem through negotiations and within the framework of the friendly relations that exist between Spain and the Arab world.
34.	The Middle East is now facing another serious crisis which has stirred and disturbed the international community. I refer to the problem of Cyprus. My country, as a member of the nonaligned group, firmly believes in the urgent need to protect the independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus and to ensure full respect for its sovereignty, without any interference in that country's internal affairs.
35.	The developing countries which are producers of raw materials are attempting, through unity, to reach an agreement and understanding with the developed countries. That, of course, necessitates their continual insistence on their right to own and exploit their own natural resources. That is why the countries of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries [OPEC] have affirmed their right to establish the prices of oil in the world. For years oil had been sold at very low prices, while the prices of all the commodities exported by the developed to the developing countries had been reaching astronomic levels. That is why the developing countries producing oil decided that it was fully within their right to raise the price of oil in order to meet the rising prices of the commodities they needed. The increase in the price of oil was not aimed against the economic interests of any country, developed or developing; it was aimed at reestablishing the situation on a basis of justice, where injustice had long prevailed.
36.	The world is now facing a severe economic crisis such as it has never experienced before. Oman supports the principle of international economic cooperation and regards the resolutions of the sixth special session of the General Assembly as a basis for such cooperation between the industrialized and the developing countries. The economic interdependence of the international community makes international cooperation essential as the only means of averting the impending starvation and misery of all mankind. Oman firmly believes in the importance of the role of the United Nations in ensuring stability and security, which are the fundamental requirements for economic and social progress throughout the world.
37.	We also believe in the importance of preserving the natural resources of land and sea, and, in conformity with that belief, my Government has concluded an agreement with the Government of Iran on the delimitation of the continental shelf in the Straits of Hormos and the neighboring waters, in accordance with the principles of international law and the aims and principles of the United Nations. We believe that the happiness of the people of the area and the achievement of a better standard of living for them will come about only through such joint efforts. Moreover, in an attempt to preserve our marine environment and in the furtherance of our public, social and economic interests, on 3 August 1974, my Government promulgated the Marine Pollution Control Act.
38.	Awareness of the importance of the sea and its role in the development of national economies prompted my Government to make a positive contribution in the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, held in Caracas from 20 June to 29 August 1974. The importance of that Conference is evidenced by the participation of some 150 countries in an effort to find solutions to various interrelated problems. The high percentage of participation in the Conference on the Law of the Sea is again evidence of the awareness of the international community of the importance of the sea and its resources in the development process of national economies and the ever increasing importance of reaching binding agreements on the use, exploration and exploitation of the sea and its resources. We followed with great interest the views presented at Caracas, and we declare here that, within our means, my country will assist and actively help and cooperate to bring about a definitive formula acceptable to all.
39.	Because we believe in the collective responsibility of States in the efforts to achieve international peace and security, Oman joined the group of the nonaligned countries. We firmly believe in (the principles which guide the nonaligned countries and fully share the point of view of that group. Furthermore, we are fully convinced that no sacrifice on OUF part will be too great for the cause of peace and development and the well being of all humanity.
40.	The steps being undertaken for an open and direct dialog between the Arab States and European countries for the purpose of defining a firm basis for cooperation also have our full support. Such cooperation indicates the awareness of all parties concerned of their mutual dependence. We hope that such cooperation when it does come about will also not only include economic and political aspects but also be a step forward for full ArabEuropean cooperation at every stage and in every field.
41.	I have tried to clarify my country's position as regards various issues facing the international community. Allow me to add here that the United Nations and the specialized agencies, in our view, have a greater role to play in resolving all these problems. I avail myself of this opportunity to reaffirm here our assurances that the Government of Oman will not hesitate or refrain from offering its help and from doing what is necessary to establish international peace and security in conformity with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.


Mr. President, the delegation of the Mongolian People's Republic wishes sincerely to congratulate you, an outstanding Government leader of friendly Algeria, on your election as President of the General Assembly and to express the hope that the present session, under your skilled guidance, will make a new contribution to the cause of strengthening peace and co-operation.
530. The delegation of the Mongolian People's Republic is deeply satisfied that justice has at last prevailed and the People's Republic of Bangladesh has taken its legitimate seat in the United Nations.
131.	We are also happy to welcome among us the representatives of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, whose people have attained national independence through persistent and valiant struggle.
132.	We extend our greetings to the new State of Grenada and congratulate it on admission to membership of the United Nations.
133.	As we see it, the dominating feature of the present international situation is determined by the progressive deepening of the process of detente. As a consequence of the consolidation and extension of positive changes in the world arena, the principles of peaceful coexistence among States with differing social systems are increasingly gaining firm ground in international relations.
134.	A fundamental positive shift in the relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States of America, the two mightiest Powers, representing two differing socio-economic systems, has undoubtedly become an important factor leading to the improvement of the world situation as a whole. The positive outcome of the third Soviet-American summit meeting gave a new boost to the further relaxation of international tension and to the practical implementation of the principles of peaceful coexistence and broadened the prospects of finding solutions to many of the burning contemporary issues. We submit that the agreements concluded between the Soviet Union and the United States aimed at lessening the danger of war and curbing the arms race represent a constructive contribution to the cause of consolidating universal peace and security.
135.	The ongoing process aimed at normalizing the situation in Europe holds a prominent place among efforts to improve the international atmosphere. A whole system of treaties and agreements concluded among the European States with differing social systems has already yielded fruitful results. This demonstrates that there always exist genuine possibilities of solving the most complex and thorny international problems. The holding of the final stage of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe at the highest level, successful negotiations on the reduction of armed forces and armaments in Central Europe, and other measures, would undoubtedly represent an important step in the direction of turning Europe into a continent of lasting peace and mutually beneficial co-operation.
136.	The development of events in other parts of the world is .promising, as a whole, despite existing attempts to aggravate the situation. As is well known, the termination of war and ,the restoration of peace in Viet Nam were a welcome start towards the removal of one of the most dangerous sources of international tension.. The Paris Agreement on Viet Nam and the Agreement on Restoration of Peace and National Accord in Laos have created favorable prerequisites for strengthening peace and stability, not only in Indochina but also on the Asian continent as a whole. Nevertheless, the complete normalization of the situation in IndoChina has not yet been achieved. The provisions of the Paris Agreement on Viet Nam have been violated systematically by the Saigon regime. The situation of conflict in Cambodia still persists. All this poses a serious obstacle to the attainment of true peace and security in the area.
137.	The Government of the Mongolian People's Republic resolutely condemns the actions of the Saigon authorities and their patrons directed at sabotaging the Paris Agreement on Viet Nam. The political realities prevailing today in South Viet Nam should find a proper reflection in this Organization too. We therefore deem it necessary that the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Viet Nam be granted permanent observer status at the United Nations and in its specialized agencies.
138.	Certain progress has been achieved in removing the roots of dangerous tension in the Middle East. However, the situation in that part of the world continues to give rise to serious concern because of the aggressive intentions and policies of the ruling circles of Israel, backed by imperialist and reactionary forces.
139.	The Mongolian People's Republic holds the view that only complete withdrawal by Israel from all occupied Arab territories and full vindication of the legitimate national rights of the Arab people of Palestine will pave the way to the settlement of the Middle East conflict. The interests of peace and good neighborliness in that region require the early resumption of the Geneva Peace Conference on the Middle East, with the participation of all States directly concerned and the representatives of the Arab people of Palestine.
140.	An important question concerning the withdrawal of all the foreign troops stationed in South Korea under the United Nations flag is on the agenda of the present session of the General Assembly [item 104 (A)]. AS is well known, new opportunities for the constructive solution of the Korean problem are being created, thanks to the initiatives of the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, aimed at the peaceful, democratic reunification of Korea. The united efforts of socialist countries and all peace-loving forces augment the possibility of that development.
141.	We should note the positive fact that at the last session of the General Assembly a decision was adopted on the dissolution of the so-called United Nations Commission for the Unification* and Rehabilitation of Korea.3 What the United Nations should do now is decide to withdraw immediately all foreign troops stationed in South Korea under the flag of the United Nations so as to enable the Korean people to decide their own destiny by themselves without any outside interference.
142.	My delegation considers that the tripartite meeting of representatives of .India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is one of the important recent initiatives. In our opinion, the agreement signed during the tripartite meeting has created favorable ground for the further normalization of the situation on the Indian subcontinent.
143.	All those positive changes in international life have taken place thanks to the persistent struggle of the countries of the socialist community and all the progressive forces fighting to strengthen peace and security. At the same time, one cannot help but note that the opponents of peace and detente are trying, in particular, to create new hotbeds of international tension. Among others, the recent events in Cyprus testify to that. The crisis in Cyprus demands that we take urgent and effective measures to curb and root out the conspiracy of certain circles within the NATO bloc against the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, a State Member of the United Nations.
144.	The criminal acts of the Fascist military junta in Chile, where fundamental human rights are being flagrantly violated, arouse profound indignation and protest around the world. The Mongolian people resolutely demands that the savage repression against Communists and other representatives of democratic and progressive forces of the country be halted.
145.	Our delegation would like to stress the importance of ensuring peace and security in Asia on a collective basis and the development of friendly co-operation among the States of the continent.
In that respect, the idea of creating a system of collective security in Asia which meets the vital interests of all peoples now assumes even greater significance.
146.	Ensuring security in Asia requires the patient and persistent efforts of all Asian States, their good will to consolidate and bolster friendly relations among themselves on the basis of the principles of respect for sovereignty, inviolability of frontiers, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of the use of force, equality and mutually advantageous co-operation. The creation of a system of collective security in Asia, the largest continent of the world, where more than half of the world's population lives, will undoubtedly promote the improvement of the international situation as a whole.
147.	The appeal of the General Assembly at its twenty-eighth session for constant and urgent implementation of and adherence to all provisions of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security and for an expansion of the area of detente so that it will spread all over the world [resolution 3185 (XXVIII)] sounds very timely.
148.	In the present circumstances, when the nuclear and conventional arms race has not been checked, there is an especially pressing necessity for all States to pledge themselves not to use force in international relations and simultaneously to prohibit permanently the use of nuclear arms. The Mongolian delegation would like once again to emphasize that the Member States of the United Nations should strictly observe that principle and, furthermore, that the Security Council should as soon as possible elaborate the relevant provisions to make that a compulsory principle. That would represent an invaluable contribution towards the cause of strengthening world peace and international co-operation.
149.	Detente cannot be stable unless concrete and practical steps are taken in the field of arms limitation and disarmament. In the view of my delegation, the reduction of the military budgets of States is an effective means of limiting armaments. At its twenty-eighth session the General Assembly considered and adopted the proposal of the Soviet Union on the reduction- of the military budgets of States permanent members of the Security Council by 10 per cent and utilization of part of the funds thus saved to provide assistance to developing countries [resolution 3093 (XXVIII)]. The implementation of the decision of the General Assembly with the participation of all permanent members, of the Security Council would promote the efforts of States to limit armaments. That would make a real contribution towards the goal of accelerating the economic and social progress of developing countries.
150.	The Government of the Mongolian People's Republic considers that the time has become ripe to start practical preparation for the convening of a World Disarmament Conference. The conference would give a new impetus to international detente and would play an important role in solving one of today's pressing issues general and complete disarmament. In view of the useful work done by the Ad Hoc Committee on the World Disarmament Conference, we deem it necessary to expand the mandate of the Committee so that it may undertake effective steps for the actual preparation of the conference.
151.	We consider it abnormal that, in spite of the time that has elapsed since the adoption of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, it has not yet come into force because of the halting pace of its ratification by Member States, In that connexion, we should like to recall the request of the last session of the General Assembly to the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament, which stressed the need to reach, as soon as possible, an agreement on* the prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of all kinds of chemical weapons and their elimination from the arsenals of alt countries [resolution 3077 (XXVIII)].
152.	The Mongolian People's Republic stands firmly for the complete prohibition of all means of chemical warfare and, together with other socialist countries, has proposed a draft resolution to that effect to the Conference of the Committee on Disarmament in Geneva.
153.	In the present circumstances of international detente, the ratification of the Geneva Protocol of 1920s by those countries that have not yet ratified it assumes even greater importance. The Mongolian delegation, guided by the sincere desire to see that all States subscribe to the high principles of the Convention and strictly adhere to it, calls on all countries that have not yet done so to sign the Protocol and/or ratify it in 1975 in commemoration of the historic fiftieth anniversary of that important international agreement.
154.	It is most regrettable that complete prohibition of all tests of nuclear weapons by all States has not been agreed upon despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of the countries of the world stand in favor of it. The provisions of the 1963 Moscow Treaty on the prohibition of tests of nuclear weapons in three environments continue to be violated. The people and Government of the Mongolian People's Republic resolutely protest the continuation of nuclear weapons tests in the atmosphere and demand an immediate end to such tests.
155.	The Mongolian delegation would like to stress the necessity of strict observance of all agreements that have been already concluded in the field of arms limitation and disarmament. We believe that the conference to be held in 1975 which will consider the progress of the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will play a positive part in further strengthening peace and international security. The success of the conference will be greatly facilitated if all countries, including nuclear Powers and those possessing considerable military potential, participate in it.
156.	The Government of the Mongolian People's Republic considers that the new proposal of the Soviet Union entitled "Prohibition of action to influence the environment and climate for military and other purposes incompatible with the maintenance of international security, human well-being and health" deserves serious attention and thorough consideration at the present session of the General
Assembly. This Soviet initiative serves lofty humanitarian goals of precluding the use of achievements of modern science and technology for military purposes that have a harmful influence upon the natural environment, life and people's health. In this connexion we consider it necessary to elaborate and adopt a relevant international convention that would serve the lasting interests of all mankind.
157.	The delegation of the Mongolian People's Republic considers that the interests of further normalization of international relations dictate the elimination of all vestiges of colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination that continue to be one of the constant sources of tension and conflict in the world.
158.	Since the twenty-eighth session considerable changes have taken place in the process of decolonization. The recognition by the new Government of Portugal of the right of the Portuguese colonies to self-determination and independence; the admission of Guinea-Bissau to membership in the United Nations and other developments contribute to the acceleration of the process of the final liquidation of colonialism.
159.	The Mongolian People's Republic adds its voice to the demands for scrupulous implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The international community must redouble its efforts towards the implementation of the comprehensive program for the struggle against vestiges of colonialism and racism adopted by the United Nations General Assembly [resolution 2621 (XXV)], and should render effective assistance to the liberation movements of Africa and to efforts to compel discontinuation of any outside support to colonial and racist regimes. Mongolia is one of the first States to have signed the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid [resolution 3068 (XXVIII), annex].
160.	The thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations will be celebrated in 1975. That anniversary coincides with the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The delegation of the Mongolian People's Republic considers that our Organization should celebrate those significant anniversaries in a distinctive manner and take concrete and effective steps to secure the complete realization of the goals and principles of the above Declaration.
161.	The political detente in the world creates favorable conditions for the positive solution of problems of international economic relations, particularly the problem of the economic development of the developing countries. The outcome of the sixth special session of the General Assembly, where the problems of raw materials and development were discussed, demonstrated once again the Close link that exists between economic and political problems. Our delegation has supported the anti-imperialist and anti-colonial spirit of the Declaration on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order [resolution 320/ (S-Vl)] and the Program of Action [resolution 3202 (S-VI)], which set out new and important principles of international economic relations.
162.	The falling off in food supplies, the monetary and financial crisis and skyrocketing inflation in the capitalist world not only undermine the economy of the developing countries and exert a negative influence upon the terms of international trade, but also contaminate the international political atmosphere. That is why we believe that concern for the improvement of international economic relations should go hand in hand with concern for the further normalization of the international situation as a whole. The time has come to put an end to discriminatory practices in economic and trade relations imposed by imperialist and colonialist domination and to reshape the structure of international economic relations in the interests of promoting truly equal and mutually beneficial co-operation among States.
163.	Mongolia, which this year celebrates its auspicious jubilee, the fiftieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic, has always pursued the policy of peace and friendship among nations. The people and Government of the Mongolian People's Republic will continue to exert tireless efforts for the consolidation of peace in the world. The Mongolian People's Republic welcomes the positive contribution of the United Nations to solving the acute international problems that threatened world peace and security.
164.	The Mongolian People's Republic advocates enhancing the role of the United Nations in tackling international problems on the basis of the strict observance by all States of the provisions of its Charter. The United Nations, which in its activities reflects the ongoing positive changes in international life, should intensify its efforts to consolidate and promote the spirit of detente in order to make it global and irreversible.
165.	We express our hope that the twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly will mark a new step towards the further strengthening of international peace and security.


I am very happy to extend my whole-hearted congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly. I take personal satisfaction in the honor that has been done to you and, through you, to your country, Algeria.
3.	I should also like to tell the Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, how much we appreciate the intelligent and effective work he has been doing for years without respite.
4.	My country welcomes the admission to the United Nations of Bangladesh, Grenada and Guinea-Bissau. The United Nations has thus taken a further step to-wards the ideal situation, which would be the presence of all the countries in the Organization.
5.	As is clear from the statements already made here by heads of delegations during this general debate in which each year we draw up the balance-sheet of the world situation, there are really not very many grounds for general optimism, even if in some regions of the world for instance, the Middle East there has been a relaxation of international tension and a more favorable atmosphere for the quest for peace has been created.
6.	We pay a tribute to all those who, displaying great realism, have during the past year contributed to the lessening of tension in the Middle East, to the point where today one can again hope for a peaceful settlement of the conflict which has been weighing on international relations for a quarter of a century. While only too often people seem to feel that they should criticize the role of the United Nations, I take pleasure today in emphasizing the fundamental contribution of the United Nations forces in the' disengagement of the belligerents, thereby making a decisive contribution to the maintenance of the cease-fire.
7.	The United States Secretary of State, Mr. Kissinger, who has not spared himself in leading us step by step to this partial relaxation of the situation, realistically reminded us in his statement here on 23 September that progress can be made only in steps, but he said that "Each step forward modifies old perceptions and brings about a new situation that improves the chances of a comprehensive settlement [2238th meeting, para. 55]. It is therefore only logical to draw the conclusion that we must not lose the momentum thus gained, for to do so would mean that the situation could again be aggravated and the temptation to use force could become stronger. I think I can say that there is a general desire to see the Organization play a paramount role in the next phase of the negotiations, whatever form they may take, and I am gratified to be able to note that fact.
8.	The countries of the European Community, of which Luxembourg is a member, have been deeply concerned with the situation in the Middle East, a region to which they are bound by many ties woven by geography and history and with which they wish to maintain ever closer relations. Hence, they thus have been led to define their position on the conflict and have called, essentially, for the observance of the following fundamental principles: the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force and the need to end the occupation of territory resulting from the 1967 conflict; respect for the sovereignty, the territorial integrity and independence of each State in the area and its right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries; the necessity of taking into account the legitimate rights of the Palestinians in the establishment of a just and lasting peace.
9.	I am convinced that the observance of those principles will facilitate the search for a stable solution and thus will enable all the countries concerned to devote their best efforts to the economic development of the region rather than to the purchase and use of ever more costly and ever more lethal weapons.
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10.	Only a few weeks ago we witnessed another tragic event, this time in the eastern Mediterranean. There was a coup d'etat in Cyprus, launched by irresponsible elements. It resulted in a series of murders and military actions, the displacement of thousands of persons and immense destruction in a country which had never been among the richest of the world. Despite prompt action by the competent bodies of the United Nations the Security Council, the Secretary-General and the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus, and despite prompt diplomatic intervention, it was not possible to avoid the creation of this new hotbed of tension, not to say war. I think that a solution to this painful conflict must be found by negotiations between the parties directly concerned. There must not be a repetition of the mistakes which have made us lose so many years in the Middle East. Of course, it is permissible, and possibly even useful, for the parties to the conflict to make clear what they cannot accept, but they should not at this stage pose their requirements as pre-conditions. For there is the risk that, in placing certain conditions on the resumption of negotiations, one becomes locked in an impasse that can lead to the broadening of the forum of the discussion without necessarily increasing the chances of success.
11.	With regard to the solution to this critical situation, I fully share the opinion expressed here a week ago by Mr. Callaghan, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom [2245th meeting]. I, too, hope that the negotiations between the leaders of the two Cypriot communities will soon lead to positive results.
12.	It should surprise no one that the head of Government of a small State linked, through the European Community, with both Greece and Turkey, and also with Cyprus, is much more concerned with the independence of Cyprus and the sovereign will of the Cypriots than with the desires and preoccupations demonstrated in other capitals, in Europe and else-where.
13.	On the humanitarian level, the international community as a whole is invited, once again, to con-tribute generously to alleviating the suffering and repairing the damage. It goes without saying that we shall not be remiss in fulfilling our duty of international solidarity.
14.	In my opinion, our Organization can learn several lessons from the events in Cyprus.
15.	In the first place and Mr. Waldheim quite rightly highlights this important point in the introduction to his report on the work of the Organization the United Nations can effectively intervene in conflict situations only if it has the support of all its Members in the application of the decisions of its principal organs, and particularly the decisions of the Security Council concerning the maintenance of international peace and security [A I96011Add. I, sect. VII]. It goes without saying that in that respect the support of the permanent members of the Council is particularly vital.
16.	In the second place, the two conflicts 1 have just mentioned show that mankind clearly remains more skilled in the art of war than in the art of restoring peace, as we can see if we compare the funds spent on. increasing war arsenals with those actually devoted to the quest for and the establishment of peaceful relations. The United Nations has a fundamental mission to perform here, one which is fully in accord with the primary objective of the Charter, namely, the maintenance of international peace and security.
17.	The United Nations forces, in accomplishing their task in the Middle East and in Cyprus, have fulfilled with distinction the mission entrusted to them, and I bow my head in memory of the 40-odd members of the United Nations forces who made the supreme sacrifice, not as heroes of war, but as defenders of peace. These forces cannot, of course, be a substitute for real negotiations, which alone can create a new viable political situation.
18.	For some time a great deal has been said about detente. Several speakers have already referred to the favorable development in the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, and this is obviously a source of satisfaction for all of us.
19.	Furthermore, let us recognize that for many years discussions concerning disarmament have nevertheless been carried out within the framework of our Organization and other international forums, and yet only modest progress has been achieved in this field.
20.	We must regrettably note that, despite the existence of immense war arsenals which can eradicate all life on earth, the general arms race continues at a devastating pace and the budgets to this end increase regularly. Ever more sophisticated weapons are continually being produced and made available to an ever-growing number of countries.
21.	At the report of all those armament policies there is a feeling of suspicion: none dares trust a potential adversary. Yet it is clear that this arms race cannot go on indefinitely, because it increasingly absorbs wealth which is essential for humanitarian purposes. Further-more, the risk of a fatal accident with incalculable consequences cannot be excluded.
22.	In my view, the problem must be approached realistically. While complete disarmament must and should be considered as the ultimate goal, it is nevertheless more realistic on a short-term basis to consider an effective and controlled reduction of a given proportion of weapons. In this field as in others, the best is often the enemy of the good. It is in this spirit that my country participates in the Vienna talks on the reduction of arms in Central Europe.
23.	I referred earlier to the importance of trust and I remain convinced that without effective control it will be impossible to instill the trust that is needed to arrive at effective disarmament.
24.	We believe that a general conference on disarmament might bring us closer to our desired objective, provided that it is preceded by an adequate preparation, bearing particularly on effective means of achieving that goal.
25.	The rather poor record of this year nevertheless includes a most satisfying development, namely, the radical change in the policy of the new Portuguese Government in regard to its overseas territories. The distressing Guinea-Bissau affair has now had a happy outcome. Furthermore, Lisbon has accelerated its negotiations with the liberation movements in its other territories, and those negotiations have already produced agreements.
26.	Favorable developments of this kind are, unfortunately, not yet in prospect in South Africa, Rhodesia and Namibia. These areas will doubtless be the last on the planet openly to suffer from a policy of racism. We must hope that the wisdom of all men will finally put an end to this suffering.
27.	Two European countries, Portugal and Greece, are preparing to rejoin the family of truly democratic countries. For me, this is another positive factor of great importance which I cannot fail to welcome warmly from this rostrum.
28.	Together with this, there is the very difficult evolution of the nine countries of the European Community towards economic and political .union. I shall not deny the complexity of this evolution, but it moves ahead relentlessly because of the determination of its sponsors, the originality of its approach and its very promising nature.
29.	As was emphasized so eloquently the other day by the President of the Council of the Community, Mr. Sauvagnargues [2238th meeting], this Community will be both internally and externally a valuable guarantor of peace and justice and a powerful factor for progress and co-operation. Conscious of the dignity to which all peoples aspire, and aware above all of the needs of the least endowed, it feels that it must contribute substantially to the creation of a more just world order, one which is better balanced and able to meet the multiple challenges which face us all, taking realistically into account all of the factors and resources which condition our common survival beyond the short term.
30.	It is with such an approach and with a view to a more effective universal co-operation that the nine members of the Community have requested the status of observer within this Organization.
31.	More than a quarter of a century has gone by since the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is the fundamental charter for safeguarding human dignity. In this respect I fully agree with the ideas expressed from this rostrum by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belgium [2244th meeting] and by other colleagues.
32.	We are alarmed by the frequent reports which describe recent cases of the use of torture, arbitrary detention or other degrading treatment, and we fully support any action taken to condemn and abolish such reprehensible practices. It is in cases of armed conflict that human rights are most often disregarded and populations subjected to great risks. One notes with growing frequency, however, that similar injustices are perpetrated in times of peace as well, in defense of so-called "higher interests or ideals". May those in authority in every country realize that no ideological consideration can justify recourse to torture, and that those who resort to  dishonor themselves and deserve to be placed outside the pale of mankind. Seizing innocent hostages who are alien to any conflict can never be justified anywhere, and those who still indulge in such abominable and cowardly acts can no longer lay claim to an ideology or popular cause. They are simply common criminals. If our collaboration in the United Nations is to have any meaning, all Member States here should, without exception, agree to abolish, as swiftly as possible, international gangsterism.
33.	In our times, economic and social problems have acquired a growing importance, both nationally and internationally, since economic difficulties, as we all know, frequently generate political tensions.
It is therefore natural that international organizations, and particularly the United Nations, should concern themselves more actively with these questions.
34.	The world economic situation has deteriorated in the course of the last year because of increased inflation, a shortage of certain primary commodities, and because of important changes both in trade balances and in balances of payments. It is symptomatic that economic growth should be negative in several industrialized countries which have to meet very high deficits in their balance of payments. As a reaction , too many countries have had as a reflex action the protection of their immediate national interests, without taking into account the needs of their neighbors. What could follow is a large-scale economic crisis. International co-operation has never been as necessary as it is today because interdependence is such that no country, even the wealthiest, can be sheltered from a world crisis.
35.	The sixth special session of the General Assembly shed new light on these major economic and social problems which have accumulated over several years. It has made it possible to see a little more clearly what are the renewable and non-renewable resources of the earth.
36.	The last year has nevertheless shown that the world economic system is not able to absorb too many sudden shocks, such as the quadrupling of the price of one raw material, oil, within a year. If one goes too far or too fast in isolated sectors without taking into account the whole economic picture, there may be breakdowns or violent reactions harmful to all to all, I emphasize.
37.	Doubtless, in the past the industrialized countries have not given all the assistance which they could and should have given to poorer countries, and an additional effort can legitimately be demanded of them. But that entails the obvious need that their own economies should not be imperiled by ill-timed rises in indispensable primary commodities.
38.	Furthermore, it is essential that all countries concerned clearly realize that if the world were to have an economic and financial crisis because of new exaggerated rises on so essential a product as oil, for example, the super-Powers would be the first to come out of such a crisis, and even come out of it strengthened economically and politically, while the lesser industrialized countries, like the developing countries, would feel the full weight.
39.	As for the Special Program, under the Pro-gramme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order [resolution 3202 (S-Vl)], to give emergency assistance to the countries most seriously affected by recent movements in international prices, the European Community is going to make a concrete and substantial contribution. For that operation to be really successful, all potential donor countries, of both East and West, and the countries which have a wealth of raw materials, should agree as soon as possible to exceptional and universal aid.
40.	Among the major problems, we must still, alas, include famine in certain African and Asian regions. One of the main tasks of the forthcoming World Food Conference in Rome in November 1974 will be to consider this problem in depth, and recommend medium- and long-term measures so as to prevent shortages of all kinds in the future, particularly of fertilizers. But we must not lose sight of short-term needs, and must provide sufficient food for countries in urgent need of it. Countries in the drought zone of Africa are among those suffering most.
41.	Furthermore, the World Population Conference held a few weeks ago in Bucharest drew world attention to the growing importance of the problems of population growth. It goes without saying that one cannot expect final conclusions in so vast and complex a field. The World Population Plan of Action which was adopted by the Conference could not, by the nature of things, go beyond certain general guide-lines.
42.	Bearing in mind the considerable decline in the birth-rate in most industrialized countries, they may soon have to face a serious problem of depopulation. This is the case in my country, where a certain balance is maintained only because of migration. On the other hand, many developing countries have a high rate of population growth, together with a substantial economic and geographical potential. Such a situation certainly presents problems, but stimulating problems whose solution appears promising. But it would be absurd to claim that an over-populated country with meager resources can ensure its development despite a high birth-rate.
43.	It follows that a world population plan of action cannot be uniform. It is not a question of reducing the number of human beings at all costs everywhere, or, on the contrary, of believing that the more people there are, the more power, and indeed wealth, there will be. The main purpose of that world plan of action should be to ensure a better proportion between available resources and their present and future users.
44.	Next year we shall celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. Our world Organization was the result of the aspirations of mankind, which had endured the agonies of a devastating war and which placed its hopes in the attainment of a peaceful world that would enable all States to co-operate fully in order to ensure a better life for all peoples. In the course of that period, the fundamental objectives enshrined in the Charter have successfully stood the test of time and all the pro-gramme of international co-operation which has resulted will continue to constitute an indispensable framework and an essential condition for genuine international co-operation to flourish.
45.	However, it is not enough to support the United Nations with words alone. We must learn to make better use of the vast possibilities offered by our Organization and to develop them further so as to enrich our common heritage as much as possible; as the representative of the Netherlands said this morning so eloquently [2252nd meeting], we must make use more fully than in the past, of the many channels of international co-operation within our Organization.