Mr. President, may I first of all address to you, on behalf of the delegation of Romania, our most cordial congratulations on your election to the lofty post of President of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. To see the Chair occupied by a representative of socialist Poland, with which Romania maintains brotherly relations and co-operates fully in every field, is for us a matter of particular satisfaction. I wish you complete success in the discharge of the lofty mission which has been entrusted to you and I wish to assure you of the complete co-operation of the delegation of Romania.
30.	At the same time, I should like to express the appreciation of the delegation of Romania to your eminent predecessor, Mr. Adam Malik, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.
31.	I also wish to avail myself of this opportunity to tell the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, of our great respect for him, and of the esteem we have for him because of his activities in the service of strengthening the Organization and increasing its role in international life.
32.	I should also like to pay a tribute to U Thant for his untiring efforts and his devotion to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
33.	The participation of the Socialist Republic of Romania in international activities is based on a scientific analysis of the major changes taking place on the world stage and of the shifts occurring within the social and political forces which shape the development of the world today.
34.	Indeed, an objective analysis of inter-State relations reveals an increase in the strength and the prestige of the socialist countries, the ever-growing affirmation of the States engaged on the road of independent development and of other peace-loving countries, and the rising influence of peoples and public opinion on international events. At the same time, we cannot neglect the significant changes taking place in the relative share of various countries in international life as a result of the technological and scientific revolution. The participation of small and medium-sized countries is being intensified. Those countries are highly interested in an effective participation in debating and solving the major world problems for the benefit of all peoples. All these changes convincingly show that the old imperialist policy of force and diktat is consistently losing ground and that there are ever better prospects for bringing about a new policy and new relations between States so as to avoid a conflagration and to establish a lasting peace. To lay a new and democratic basis for relations between States implies the recognition and integral application at all times by all States in respect of each and every one of the fundamental principles of international law, that is to say, complete equality of rights, national independence and sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs, mutual benefits, non-recourse to force or to the threat of force and the right of peoples freely to decide their own destiny.
35.	The entire foreign policy of Romania consistently reflects those principles. Our country places at the center of its policy the intensification of friendly relations and all types of co-operation with socialist countries. It is constantly widening its co-operative relations with countries that have embarked on the road of independent development and it is broadening its relations on many levels with all States in the world.
36.	In the conditions of our contemporary world, all nations have the right to participate and have an equal interest in the solution of the major problems which confront mankind. This makes it imperative that possibilities be created so that all States, irrespective of their strength, size, potential or social system, may directly participate in choosing the ways and means of doing so and in implementing measures capable of ensuring the general progress of mankind in an atmosphere of peace and understanding. Harmonizing efforts towards the achievement of these common goals requires the establishment of broad co-operation among States and the continuous improvement of forms and methods of co-operation and of their efficiency.
37.	In this respect, the United Nations and its specialized agencies have a particularly important role to play, as bodies called upon to stimulate co-operation, to work out standards to govern relations between States and to ensure their implementation.
38.	It is undeniable that for some time we have witnessed a process of increasing the role of the United Nations in international life. That is an eminently positive development which should be welcomed by all of us. Nevertheless, one cannot fail to note that, at the same time and many events bear witness to this there is a growing demand on the part of Member States that the United Nations role be further strengthened. Sometimes disappointments as well as justified apprehensions are felt in connexion with a certain erosion of the prestige of our Organization. It is a matter of public notoriety that many resolutions that have been adopted in this forum have not gone beyond a declaration of intent and have not led to effective measures that have a determining influence on the course of international life. Obviously, this is a very disturbing situation, since, given the responsibilities that we have towards peoples, we cannot afford to meet every year to discuss fundamental problems while the results of those discussions are minor and often lack in finality and effectiveness.
39.	From this high rostrum the Government of the Socialist Republic of Romania addresses to all States and Governments of the world a pressing appeal to contribute their best to increase the effectiveness of the United Nations and to raise its role in building a world of peace and coexistence based on understanding, friendship and international co-operation free from the specter of animosity and suspicion.
40.	As stated by the President of the State Council, Nicolae Ceausescu:
"Romania has always felt that the United Nations is called upon to act in such a manner as to favor multilateral co-operation among all nations of our planet, to promote in international life relations based on full equality of rights, which would exclude the use or the threat of force in relations among States. In our opinion, in present circumstances the United Nations can exercise a more important role in this regard."
41.	Is is precisely these imperatives of our time and the responsibility that is incumbent upon us as Members of an Organization in which peoples have placed so much hope that prompted the Government of Romania to request inclusion in the agenda of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly of an item entitled, "Strengthening of the role of the United Nations with regard to the maintenance and consolidation of international peace and security, the development of co-operation among all nations and the promotion of the rules of international law in relations between States". We wish to express our satisfaction at the fact that, thanks to your support this proposal has become an item on the agenda of the plenary Assembly [item 24].
42.	Our initiative proceeds from the widely recognized need for the United Nations to act more firmly for the achievement of the goals inscribed in the Charter and for the observance and universal implementation of the fundamental principles of international law, and to see to it that all States refrain in their relations from the use or threat of force, from any pressure or constraint. The initiative also proceeds from the need to encourage the settlement of existing or potential disputes between States exclusively by peaceful means.
43.	It is absolutely imperative that, in the fulfillment of its essential task to maintain and strengthen peace, the United Nations should contribute effectively to preventing and eliminating hotbeds of tension and conflict, to securing the conditions required for the free and independent development of all Member States, and to preventing the violation on any pretext of the sovereignty of any of them.
44.	Any infringement of the independence and sovereignty of a State must be regarded as incompatible with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and as entailing appropriate consequences and measures. The Organization is also bound to contribute in a more substantial way to the achievement of disarmament, the liquidation of colonialism and neo-colonialism and the reduction of existing gaps, and give greater support to the efforts of the developing countries with a view to ensuring their economic and social progress.
45.	In the last decades there have been deep transformations in the configuration of our contemporary world. The effectiveness of United Nations action depends to the largest extent on the Organization's ability adequately to express the realities of our time. Consequently, the forms of activity and the very structure of the Organization should reflect these new realities. It is in this context that the need is felt to ensure the widest possible participation of States, by virtue of the principle of universality, in the elaboration and implementation of decisions relating to problems of general interest, in all the activities of the Organization, and in securing a more judicious representation of all States in United Nations bodies. This approach, we are convinced, is fully in accord with the spirit and objectives of the United Nations Charter.
46.	The delegation of Romania is convinced that consideration in plenary meetings of the item proposed by our country will provide an opportunity for a full debate on the most effective ways and means to strengthen the role of the United Nations in promoting international peace, security and co-operation. With that purpose in mind, the Romanian delegation is willing to work together with other delegations so that by joint efforts we may reach specific conclusions and suggest concrete measures apt to promote the achievement of the above-mentioned goals.
47.	The Government of Romania, as is well known, attaches particular importance to the problem of strengthening international security. As we see it, consideration of this item at the present session should give new impetus to the implementation of the Declaration on the Strengthening of International Security [resolution 2734 (XXV)] in all its provisions and, at the same time, should lead to the consideration and adoption of new measures capable of securing the elaboration of a common code of behavior to guide the members of the international community.
48.	Bearing in mind the specific mutations and phenomena of our time and the most pressing requirements of international life that make indispensable the strengthening of international legality, Romania' believes that it is an imperative necessity to reach an agreement of a universal nature to consecrate the higher commandments of conduct and actions in inter-State relations, as well as the fundamental rights and duties of States. In our opinion, such a code should firmly proclaim the need to respect the sacred right of each nation to free existence, to sovereignty and independence, to peace and security; should reaffirm the obligation of all States to respect the right of each nation freely to decide its own destiny according to its interests and without any outside interference; should recognize the right of all States to self-defense by all means, including military means, against any attempt to violate their sovereignty and national independence; should recognize and establish the principle that no problem of interest to different States can be settled without the direct participation of and respect for the interests of all parties concerned; and should proclaim that any violation of the principles which should govern international relations and any interference in the affairs of other States would be regarded as acts contrary to peace and as offenses against the cause of international co-operation. All countries must solemnly reaffirm their obligation not to resort to the use or threat of force against another State. The Powers possessing nuclear weapons should undertake a commitment not to use or threaten to use those weapons against any State or in any circumstances.
49.	At this session we are pleased to note an evolution towards detente that is asserting itself in an ever more manifest manner throughout the world. We are witnessing a process of a vast increase, on all continents, of international contacts, meetings and negotiations, in which States that for a long time had no dialog whatsoever are also participating. Thus we come to the conclusion that mankind is more and more aware of the fact that the only way to settle disputes is to negotiate with a view to reaching political solutions to all problems, no matter how difficult they might be.
50.	Despite this positive development, it would be dangerous to be misled by the illusion that the problems facing mankind today have been or are on the way to being finally settled. We cannot afford to ignore or underestimate the gravity and the degree of harmfulness of certain military conflicts and hotbeds of tension that still persist in the world.
51.	The Romanian Government resolutely demands that the flames of war in IndoChina be extinguished, that United States intervention against the heroic VietNamese people cease, that the bombings and other military actions stop and that United States troops be totally withdrawn, so as to enable this people, as well as the Cambodian and Laotian peoples, freely to solve their problems without any outside interference.
52.	We support the declaration of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Viet-Nam of 11 September 1972, a document also widely supported by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Viet-Nam, which represents a new, constructive initiative aimed at the political settlement of the VietNamese problem within the framework of the Paris talks. We likewise support the initiatives of the Royal Government of National Union of Cambodia and those of the Patriotic Front of Laos.
53.	While expressing its deep concern regarding the persistence of the state of tension in the Middle East, Romania favors a political solution of that conflict on the basis of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), requiring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied Arab territories and assuring the integrity and sovereignty of every State in the area. At the same time, we consider we must act so as to find a solution to the problem of the Palestinian population in accordance with its legitimate interests and ensure appropriate conditions for its independent development.
54.	The Romanian Government reasserts its position that no State has the right to raise territorial claims over other States under the pretext that this corresponds to its own needs of security and sovereignty. The security and sovereignty of a State cannot be ensured by territorial conquests but solely through a policy of friendship and peace with all neighboring States.
55.	Romania highly appreciates the political initiative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea which makes it possible to reach agreements that open up the road to normalization of relations between North and South Korea, to their peaceful and democratic reunification without any outside interference and to a unitary development of the Korean nation. Our Organization must also reach appropriate conclusions and act in support of this process.
56.	In keeping with the fundamental interests of all peoples, Romania attaches particular attention to the achievement of general disarmament and in the first place of nuclear disarmament.
57.	In view of the seriousness of this problem we are bound to state that, unfortunately, the negotiations that have been going on in Geneva for years have not produced results on a level with expectations. Without underestimating the significance of certain agreements on partial or collateral problems, we consider that too little has been achieved as far as the implementation of real measures of disarmament is concerned.
58.	The Romanian Government is of the opinion that we must resolutely strive towards effective actions with a view to stopping the arms race, freezing and gradually reducing military budgets, establishing a concrete program to ban the use of thermonuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, halting the production, and liquidating the stockpiles, of such arms, adopting effective measures to dismantle foreign military bases and to secure the withdrawal of troops from the territories of other States. Furthermore, we must take these practical steps leading to a gradual reduction of national armed forces and the abolition of military blocs.
59.	Romania has constantly urged the convening of a world disarmament conference and is resolutely working for this. We conceive of such a conference as a high governmental forum with general competence in the field of disarmament for debates and negotiations on the basis of universal participation. The Romanian Government considers that it would be appropriate for the General Assembly at its present session to adopt a decision on the convening of the conference under the auspices of the United Nations and that preliminary organizational provisions should be adopted so as to pave the way for practical preparations and for convening the conference at the earliest possible time.
60.	In addition, the Romanian Government believes that the entire activity of the Geneva Conference of the Committee on Disarmament should be improved and expanded, made democratic and submitted to effective control on the part of world public opinion.
61.	The evolution of political life in Europe has brought to light in the last few years the possibility of establishing new relations among the States of that continent and of achieving European security. As a European country, Romania has made its contribution to the improvement of the political climate on the continent, and has supported the positive steps taken towards recognition and respect for the realities in Europe and towards complete normalization and multilateral development of inter-European relations.
62.	These positive trends should be continued and extended by establishing normal relations, in accordance with international law, with the two German States, as well as between the two German States themselves, and by admitting the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany as Members with equal rights to the United Nations and other international bodies.
63.	It is the view of the Romanian Government that European security requires the setting up of a system of clear obligations on the part of all States, and the adoption of concrete measures aimed at ruling out any act of the use or threat of force, pressure or constraint in relations among States in Europe. Such a system should guarantee the free and independent development of all countries, in accordance with the will of their peoples, as well as wide co-operation devoid of any barriers, on the basis of the principles of international law.
64.	It is with those aims in mind that adequate preparations should be made for a conference on co-operation" and security in Europe, to be convened as early as possible. That conference must be a democratic forum for all interested States to discuss and must adopt measures aimed at setting up new relations on the European continent, establishing appropriate conditions to overcome the present division into opposing military blocs, and creating a climate of understanding, good neighborliness and co-operation in every field of political, economic and social life.
65.	It is in that context that efforts have been made towards closer co-operation among the Balkan States. Romania, which since 1957 has submitted proposals to this end, considers that it would be useful to prepare a meeting of representatives of the Balkan countries to discuss the question of transforming the Balkans into a zone of peace, co-operation and good neighborliness, and to reach agreement on the principles of economic, political, scientific and cultural co-operation among the Balkan countries.
66.	The establishment of a European security system, as well as the conclusion of agreements on a subregional level, would open the way to the establishment of new relations on the continent. It is our belief that such relations would constitute a significant contribution to the general cause of strengthening peace and security in the world, and would have a considerable and particularly favorable effect on international life as a whole.
67.	The Romanian people follows with feelings of deep solidarity the just struggle of the peoples of Africa and other continents for the preservation of their national entity and the abolition of the vestiges of colonial domination.
68.	The resolute and consistent way in which Romania has always sided with peoples fighting for their liberation or concentrating their efforts on achieving political and economic independence enjoyed significant recognition in the warm and enthusiastic welcome given to the President of the State Council of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu, on the occasion of the visit he paid this year to eight African States. That welcome eloquently demonstrated the feelings of friendship, esteem and solidarity binding the Romanian people and the peoples of the great African continent. That visit enabled the Romanian messengers to see for themselves the magnitude of the energy resources and creative capacity of those peoples, and the influx of fresh and constructive forces they can bring to the community of nations.
69.	Romania grants active political, diplomatic and material support to the national liberation movements of the peoples of Guinea (Bissau), Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and other Territories, and to the anti-colonialist struggle of peoples to conquer and consolidate their independence as States. We consider that new actions should resolutely be taken in order fully to implement the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 1514 (XV)]. To that end, international recognition of the national liberation movements and the drawing up of concrete programs by the United Nations and its specialized agencies so as to give those movements material support would be of particular significance. It is also necessary for the United Nations to condemn in no uncertain terms the repression by the colonial Powers of the national liberation movements and to draw up practical measures for the prompt cessation of colonial domination and the proclamation of the independence of oppressed peoples.
70.	We resolutely condemn the policy of apartheid and racial discrimination practiced by the racist minority regimes of South Africa and Rhodesia. We are in favor of the adoption of effective measures aimed at eliminating all forms of propagation of racism, prohibiting the instigation of hatred and discord among peoples, and banning propaganda against peace and humanity.
71.	Underdevelopment represents one of the most important and grave problems bf contemporary society, one on whose solution the peace, progress and prosperity of the entire world depend.
72.	The problem of eliminating the wide gap between the industrialized and the developing countries has at present acquired a world-wide dimension. For many long years we have been witnessing the tragic situation of a world where underdevelopment continues to worsen while vast material resources are wasted for military ends.
73.	The international community, the United Nations and its specialized agencies are called upon to undertake action and to carry out programs to support more energetically the efforts of developing countries in order to ensure maximum development of their natural and human resources.
74.	The multiplication of international economic relations and the development of exchanges of material and spiritual values among all States of the world in a spirit of equity and irrespective of their level of development or their social-political systems respond to an objective necessity of the contemporary age and constitute a fundamental prerequisite for universal progress.
75.	Bearing in mind these realities, Romania, in view of the fact that it is itself a developing socialist country, consistently declares itself in favor of the intensification of international co-operation, which can accelerate the economic and social progress of all countries and, in the first place, of the countries which strive to liquidate the heavy heritage of the past. My country gives it support to all constructive actions undertaken within the framework of the United Nations and to the recommendations of UNCTAD.
76.	My country, on whose initiative the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples was adopted in 1965 [resolution 2037(XX)], continues to believe that a major concern of the international community should be an in-depth consideration of the complex problems of the young generations and the establishment of the necessary structures in order that youth may take an effective part in the economic and social development of peoples and have the possibility to express its opinions on all the essential questions of contemporary life.
77.	These are the guiding principles and the fundamental options of socialist Romania in foreign affairs. It is in this spirit that Romania will ceaselessly work in order that the United Nations may make an increasingly active and effective contribution to the common endeavors of peoples to build a world where all nations, free and equal in rights, will be able to fulfill their legitimate aspirations to peace, well-being and progress.


Mr. President, on behalf of my President, and therefore of the Government and the people of Malawi, I wish to associate myself with the warm tributes and sincere congratulations addressed to you on your election to the high office of President of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly. From what we know of you, from what we have seen of your ability and from what we have witnessed of your exemplary performance in directing and supervising the debates and the discussions that have taken place so far, I can say with honesty that we could not have chosen a better President for this session than yourself. Naturally we are happy and delighted that a candidate whom we supported succeeded in being elected. The Malawi delegation will therefore continue to render every assistance and to co-operate with you in the very important task that lies before you.
240.	I should like to pay a tribute to your predecessor, Mr. Adam Malik, who has finished his term of office and returned to concentrate his many talents on the affairs of his great country, Indonesia. My delegation watched with appreciation and admiration the high standard of direction of last year's session, when Mr. Malik was its President. Once again I wish to pay our most sincere tribute to him for a good job very well done.
241.	May I also take this opportunity to pay a further tribute to the former Secretary-General, U Thant, for his modesty, integrity and unassuming character which, among other things, greatly contributed to making him an ideal international civil servant. His devotion to duty and his relentless search for solutions to puzzling problems deserve our unreserved praise. Although he is no longer with us, I can assure him that we wish him continued health and much happiness in the years that follow his well-earned rest and retirement.
242.	To the new Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for his performance which, so far, has revealed that his ability and experience as a former diplomat and Foreign Minister of a medium-sized neutral country is, indeed, an added asset to his credentials. He can count on our co-operation and support in the discharge of his duties, as his country did when he was being considered for election.
243.	We are meeting here in the Assembly to try and find solutions to the many problems facing the world today.
The very fact that we are meeting and airing our views contributes very considerably to reaching a stage where different points of view can be listened to, considered, analyzed and decided upon. Clearly what decisions we arrive at in regard to the many problems we will discuss may represent no more than a consensus of views and ideas from different human beings exposed to different environments, circumstances, philosophies, and so on, all of which are factors influencing their thinking. It is in that context that all that I shall say with regard to the problems we are currently facing should be viewed.
244.	Malawi is in southern Africa. It lives with the problems that are inherent in the political climate and situation that prevail in the region. What we are going to say here is not based on what we have heard and read from expatriate scholars or journalists who are regarded by most non-Africans as specialists or experts on African affairs, but on what we have seen and experienced.
245.	The Government of the Republic of Malawi wishes to associate itself with Member States in expressing sincere appreciation for the manner in which the United Nations has continued to address itself to the chronic problems of southern Africa. It is a matter of deep concern to us that, despite those efforts, southern Africa, remains a problem area and, as such, a continual threat to international peace and security. As one of the countries that believe that international peace and security are necessary prerequisites for the economic development and social progress of any nation, Malawi will continue to exert its efforts towards the achievement of peace and the creation of a political climate that is conducive to economic development with its concomitant social progress and the resultant happiness for mankind.
246.	We believe that, basically, the problems of southern Africa have been those of decolonization and racial discrimination. Although our Organization has discussed and debated those problems for the past two decades or so, so far little conspicuous success has been achieved that could directly be attributable to the rhetorical efforts of the United Nations. It was as a result of that realization that we began an earnest search for a possible solution that could be either supplementary or alternative to all previous attempts at resolving the problems in question.
247.	Malawi's approach to the question of racial discrimination has not changed. We are as opposed to it as any Member State here present. However, we are convinced that the most effective and positive way to combat such policies is to seek changes in people who hold such attitudes by example, by persuasion and by social contacts, as well as by diplomatic exchanges. It is in an attempt to initiate those changes that Malawi has formulated and consistently followed the policy of contact, dialog and association with the rulers of southern Africa. Indeed, it was in that spirit that my President paid a State visit to the Republic of South Africa in August last year-a visit that was reciprocated in March this year.
248.	During these visits much was discussed about what diplomats term "matters of mutual interest". What these matters were must be left to diplomatic discretion but suffice it to say that some aspects of them involved discussions of problems between black and white South Africans from all walks of life. We followed this method of approach because we feel that it is more effective to tell Governments about one's thinking concerning their policies through contact and quiet diplomacy than through mere rhetoric from a distance. Indeed, we are happy to say that, since we embarked on our policy of contact at different levels of the political and social strata, the racial situation in South Africa has shown some signs of slow but conspicuous change. This method may be slow in producing appreciable results, but we feel that it is more positive, more effective and more peaceful than are isolation, denunciation and force, which would lead to bitterness and long-lasting hatred among all the parties concerned.
249.	On the future of the Trust Territory of South West Africa, we welcome the major break-through that has been made through the efforts of the Secretary-General in opening up a dialog with the Government of the Republic of South Africa. The fact that South Africa is willing to talk to representatives of the United Nations is in itself a positive development towards finding a solution to the problems of southern Africa. In wishing the Secretary- General's representative every success, we sincerely hope that a just and equitable solution will be found which will lead to the attainment of self-determination under a government acceptable to the majority of the people of that Territory.
250.	As for the Portuguese Territories in Africa, Malawi has continued to have discussions with the Government of Portugal, particularly in regard to Mozambique. We believe that only by talking to Portugal, by persuading the Portuguese Government that its lasting interests lie in a Portuguese commonwealth formed of tree and inter-dependent sovereign States, and by proving that what happened in Brazil can easily be repeated in Africa can a greater impact be made with regard to changing the attitudes and mentality of Lisbon.
251.	It is not without significance that some change of attitude is taking place in Portugal's colonial policy. I know that in some quarters the change has been interpreted as a token gesture to quell criticism. But our Organization would be doing the Government of Portugal an injustice if it did not recognize this change as a political step with great potentialities.
252.	By "changes", I am referring to the recent constitutional legislation which the Government of Portugal has just promulgated in its Organic Law.  It has been learned that, according to these changes, the Portuguese Territories of Angola and Mozambique will no longer be referred to as "provinces" but as "states", which implies organic separation from metropolitan Portugal. In addition, legislatures are said to be in the process of being established in each State, with the membership of the legislatures to be drawn from all races of the local population. It is probably plausible to argue that for the first few years the elections to these legislatures may not meet the basic tenets of the principle of "one man, one vote". However, we hope that whatever qualitative standards Portugal may prescribe as a prerequisite for membership in the legislatures will be such that they will be able to be improved to a point where Angola and Mozambique can become cosmopolitan States in the style of Brazil , that people of all races can in those countries genuinely regard those States as their own.
253.	On the question of Rhodesia, it is a matter of great concern that the deadlock still continues. But in reaffirming our conviction that the Rhodesian problem is primarily a British responsibility, we wish to express the hope that the door to negotiation will remain open and that all efforts will be made to induce the two sides to come to the conference table again.
254.	There is no dispute among States Members of this Organization that what is required in the Rhodesian problem is a constitutional arrangement which will prove to be acceptable to the people of Rhodesia as a whole and which will eventually lead to the attainment of democratic independence. There are those who still register their impatience because force has not been used by Britain against Rhodesia. They insist that only boycott, isolation and force will bring the Smith regime to its knees. In this regard, Malawi's position has.not changed. We are still opposed to the use of force against Rhodesia, both from a practical point of view and from a consideration of simple military logistics. Similarly, economic sanctions are not very effective unless they are comprehensive, mandatory, effectively supervised, and complied with by all States. Indeed, isolation and boycott have only helped to make the Smith regime more intransigent, and the victims of this have been mainly our African brothers.
255.	Malawi believes that different tactics should now be used if the Rhodesian crisis is to be solved. We remain convinced that the responsibility of everyone who would like to see an acceptable solution to the Rhodesian crisis is to assist the British Government in every possible way in its search for constitutional changes acceptable to the majority of the Rhodesian people.
256.	If we move from southern Africa and come to the next area to the north of us, we arrive in Uganda, where a lot has happened recently. While we respect the right of the Government of that country to initiate and execute its policies in the way it sees fit, I think most of us are agreed on the fact that the hardship and the distress now being experienced by Ugandan Asians holding British passports must be a matter of concern to humanity at large, in the context of some of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
257.	I am making this point because during the eight years that we have been privileged to be a Member of this Organization we have heard time and again that, while certain Governments in southern Africa have the right to legislate on matters that concern their countries and territories, the effect of their legislation and the practices arising therefrom are matters of concern to the whole world. Surely, what is unjustifiable in respect of one country must equally be unjustifiable in respect of any other country. If we in Africa are not to be accused of double standards, we must view world problems in an objective perspective and act accordingly. It is for this reason that we in Malawi did not consider it proper to comment on what the Government of Uganda found it necessary to do but, nevertheless, we found it desirable to open the door of our small country to some of the suffering members of humanity, so that the modest resources at our disposal could be utilized by some of those people who we believe, and sincerely believe, were in need of help.
258.	We are also aware that problems that seem localized in nature have in reality great implications for international peace and security. The problems of the Middle East and South-east Asia, and the German question, are such that this Organization cannot afford to disregard them. In the Middle East, we would like to see Security Council resolution 242 (1967) implemented. This is because one of the most important aspects of that resolution is that the parties concerned were asked to establish contacts, under the auspices of Ambassador Gunnar Jarring, in order to achieve a peaceful and accepted settlement. Although these efforts by the Organization have so far not been as successful as originally anticipated, we feel that through contact it will be possible to come up with some acceptable compromise if the parties concerned avail themselves of Mr. Jarring's services. We are not underestimating the seriousness of the problem in the Middle East, but if the States in the area are to live in peace with each other, it is essential that contact and dialog be established between the two groups.
259.	With regard to South-east Asia, Malawi has always maintained that the parties involved should together find ways and means of coming to acceptable answers to the problems that prevail in the area. We are pleased to note that the Paris peace talks on the question of Viet-Nam are still going on and that North and South Korea are slowly establishing contacts aimed at solving their mutual problems. It is our hope that these efforts will not have been made in vain, but that some solutions will be found to the almost chronic problems of the area. We are as anxious to see a solution to these problems as are the parties concerned.
260.	The German question has been with us a long time now. However, this does not mean that the world has lost hope for an answer to the problem. It is gratifying to know that the Quadripartite Agreement on Berlin was signed last year and was aimed at lessening the tensions created by a divided Berlin. We feel that this was a landmark agreement that may be a remarkable beginning towards finding answers not only to the question of Berlin and Germany, but also to some of the most pressing questions on the continent of Europe.
261.	Last but not least, we appreciate all the efforts being made by some of the major Powers in an attempt to make this world a safe place for mankind. We hail with great enthusiasm the contacts established between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. We welcome the continued dialog between the Soviet Union and the United States. Indeed, we cannot remain indifferent to problems that affect the well-being of humanity.
262.	These problems involve international peace and security. If the United Nations is to devote ample time to the problems of colonialism, discrimination and other conflicts, it should operate within a world that is relatively free from the dangers created by such things as the arms race. This is why my Government regards the question of the arms race and disarmament as one of the most important prerequisites for the maintenance of international peace and security. Thus Malawi has followed the progress of the various conferences and talks on disarmament with great interest.
263.	Malawi would like to see progress in respect of bilateral as well as multilateral agreements leading towards complete disarmament. There is, indeed, a great need for more information and publicity regarding the question of disarmament so that Member nations could be kept informed about developments that are taking place. We are aware that, although this Organization and a few other well-intentioned nations are striving hard to reach an agreement over the question of disarmament, there are still obstacles to an acceptable agreement for complete disarmament. Malawi would like to appeal to those concerned to rethink the matter and to align themselves with the wishes of all mankind for the sake of peace and security, which would eventually create a favorable atmosphere for the implementation of measures dealing with the problems of disease, hunger and poverty. We believe in a policy of contact and dialog in order to achieve this end. Malawi believes that a settlement can be achieved not through the show of arms, but through peaceful coexistence for the maintenance of peace and security, the cardinal principles of this Organization.
264.	Malawi has also noted with satisfaction the destruction of bacteriological weapons by some Member nations and hopes that many of those which own such dangerous and destructive weapons will do the same. It is hoped that the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction [resolution 2826 (XXVI)] will help to make many nations destroy what they already have and completely stop the manufacture of such weapons.
265.	We welcome the progress made by the United States and the Soviet Union on the bilateral Strategic Arms Limitation Talks for the limitation of the production of certain arms and the destruction of at least some of the stockpiles of such dangerous weapons. We hope that reason will prevail. It is time that mankind began to be convinced of the futility of the existing arms race.
266.	I should like to state also that Malawi would like to see the observance by all nations of the .Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons [resolution 2373 (XXII)]. For this Treaty to be fully meaningful, all of its provisions must be fully implemented and the proliferation of nuclear weapons must stop. Greater efforts should be made towards the application of nuclear energy for peaceful uses as well as for the exploration of outer space for the benefit of all mankind.
267.	Before I come to the end of my address, I want to thank the Assembly very much for its patience in listening to my country's views on some of the most pressing problems of our time. On my part, I wish to put on record that my delegation has been enriched by the deliberations and will continue to benefit from the views of representatives gathered here during this session. May the spirit of contact between nations and the communication of ideas practiced here in this Assembly find an echo in the world that we by our joint efforts represent!


Mr. President, it is particularly pleasant for me to express to you on behalf of my delegation om- warmest congratulations on your outstanding election to preside over the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly. Your abilities and the experience that you have acquired in the course of a long career entirely devoted to the service of your country made you a natural choice to play the eminent role the General Assembly has entrusted to you. Thanks to your well-known ability and competence, we are sure you will preside over our debates wisely and effectively and thus ensure the final success of our work.
2.	In a world that is more and more shaken by violence, our Organization more than ever has the imperative duty to find and propose to the community of men the ways and means that will lead to detente and peaceful coexistence. That is why, Mr. President, your role is one of vital importance, for from the results of our work will be born either hope and light or doubt, pessimism and fear. This shows that your task, although noble, is very difficult because of the complexity and gravity of the problems we have to confront. We have no doubt that you will be successful in carrying out this exceptional task with your enlightened judgment and your realism and with the assistance and full co-operation of all the Members of this Assembly.
3.	My delegation is also gratified to be able to pay a sincere tribute to the outgoing President of the twenty- sixth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Adam Malik, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. Our last session registered important successes, thanks to the work of Mr. Malik, who showed great patience, a spirit of co-operation and effectiveness.
4.	I shall only mention, among the most significant events of the twenty-sixth session, the following: the admission of new Member States, the entry of the People's Republic of China into our world Organization and the election of a new Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, who succeeded U Thant.
5.	The Government of Gabon would like to address to our former Secretary-General, U Thant, a very special tribute for the invaluable work he did at the head of our Organization during a period of 10 years. Because of his total devotion to the cause of peace in the world, U Thant has earned the thanks of our Organization.
6.	To our new Secretary-General, Mr. Waldheim, we would again express our hopes for full success in leading our Organization. His talent, his authority and the diplomatic ability he has constantly shown in the course of the first year of his mandate are an earnest of success for the future.
7.	A few months have elapsed since the holding of two very important international meetings: the third session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD], held at Santiago, Chile, from 11 April to 19 May 1972 and the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held at Stockholm from 5 to 16 June 1972.
8.	In Santiago the representatives of the third world once again denounced the increasing gap between the wealthy and the poor nations and again appealed to the industrialized countries to try to reverse that dangerous trend which is so perilous for the future of mankind.
9.	In Stockholm the representatives of the developed countries expressed alarm at the great danger to nature and to the human species from modifications of the ecological balance caused by the frantic and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources to satisfy ever-increasing needs.
10.	On the one hand are the poor nations suffering from poverty and hunger, and on the other hand are the wealthy nations complaining about the damage caused by the excessive exploitation of natural resources.
11.	As can be seen, the concerns of one group are not necessarily the same as those of the other, and the exchange of views between the wealthy and the poor nations might well be a dialog of the deaf.
12.	In Santiago recently the third session of UNCTAD pronounced the failure of the first United Nations Development Decade, on which so many hopes had been based.
13.	The transfer by the industrialized countries of 1 per cent of their gross national product to the development of the third world has never been achieved. Indeed, assistance for development has decreased both in volume and in real purchasing power, in view of the depreciation of the value
of money. The prices of raw materials, produced basically by the developing countries, are becoming lower and lower, whereas the prices of the manufactured goods exported by the wealthy countries are attaining a record level. This system of trade relations can only benefit the industrial nations, which can become even richer by it.
14.	The Second United Nations Development Decade that was solemnly proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 2626 (XXV) was supposed to follow up the first, and was expected to achieve, if not exceed, the objectives that had been set in order to intensify and improve trade relations so as to provide the third world with resources with which to confront the problems of development. But if attitudes do not change and if morality is not introduced in relations of all kinds between the wealthy and the poor countries, then the Second Decade will end as did the first in bitter and inevitable failure. Such a change of attitude and approach was not manifested in Santiago. The two camps confronted one another: the third world, with its miseries and sufferings, calling for justice and understanding; and the industrial countries, unwilling or unready to accept the idea of a more equitable distribution of the profits derived from trade. This attitude of the wealthy countries can only give rise to doubts and skepticism regarding their willingness to help the developing nations by placing greater resources at their disposal, resources of both a financial and a technological nature.
15.	The fact is that the industrial countries are devoting their wealth and their energies to the arms race, which, whatever may be said, has never been so intense or feverish. The Stockholm Conference warned of the grave risks that nature and mankind are running, as the constant utilization in different regions of the world of weapons of mass destruction and chemical weapons has effects which are as pernicious and dangerous as those of atomic weapons. My Government must most vehemently denounce the use of force entailed in the arms race and the stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction. The United Nations must devote itself, first and foremost, to putting an end to that dangerous situation and impose general and controlled disarmament on the world. But this disarmament must not only be limited to nuclear weapons. It must also cover chemical weapons, since the use of these latter must immediately be condemned and prohibited in those regions where armed conflicts are at present going on.
16.	The limitation of armaments will not only permit the saving of important resources that might then be devoted to development and to the welfare of peoples, but also will make possible a true relaxation of tension in the relations between opposing blocs and ideologies. It will allow us to put out the fires of conflict and will permit the dawning of an era of peaceful coexistence in freedom and in the full exercise of the sovereign rights of individuals. It is that freedom, it is these rights, that the peoples of the third world are fighting to achieve, particularly in Africa, which still suffers from colonialism and racial discrimination.
17.	In Angola, in Guinea (Bissau) and in Mozambique, Portugal, defying the decisions of the General Assembly and world public opinion, still persists in maintaining its domination over African territories, against the will of the peoples to which it refuses the exercise of their right to self-determination and independence. Surely the time has come for the Portuguese leaders to recognize the legitimacy of the people's aspirations and honestly and courageously to find the ways and means, with the leaders of the liberation movements, that will allow Guinea (Bissau), Mozambique and Angola to enjoy their right to self-determination and accede to independence.
18.	In Rhodesia, as in Namibia, the situation is no less disturbing since the dignity of the black man is being flouted. In Rhodesia the Zimbabwe people should have their voice heard and should acquire legitimate rights as citizens. As far as Namibia is concerned, once again we have to express the hope that the Government of South Africa will prove its willingness to achieve peace and show its spirit of conciliation by making concrete and constructive proposals that will lead to the full enjoyment of the right of self-determination by the people of Namibia as a whole.
19.	That will to peace, that spirit of conciliation, are more necessary today than ever, in the light of the efforts being made to find equitable solutions to the conflicts that at present exist. The recent attitude adopted by North and South Korea to find a peaceful solution to the problem of the country's reunification constitutes a clear manifestation of a new spirit. Through their Red Cross organizations these two countries together, without intermediaries and without outside pressures, have decided to undertake negotiations, which we trust will lead to an equitable settlement and an honorable end to the conflict that pits one country against the other, and thus extinguish this source of tension.
20.	So, in the case of the Middle East, the Secretary- General, through his Special Representative, should bring about the resumption of conversations. We believe that the best basis for discussion lies still in Security Council resolution 242 (1967). That resolution was unanimously supported in the General Assembly, and the parties concerned in the conflict publicly agreed with the recommendations contained in it. It is only the full and scrupulous implementation of that resolution that can lead to an equitable solution of the question, thus putting an end to another dangerous situation whose persistence may well lead to a general explosion.
21.	While the third world is involved in a battle without quarter against development, now that mankind is aware of the need to ensure defense of its natural environment, which, if disturbed, might threaten the very survival of mankind, man should not spend his energies and capacities in futile armed struggles which are so anachronistic and obsolete. Man must once and for all outlaw the use of force as the means of solving conflicts between nations. Man must mobilize his genius and his resources to claim a decisive victory over the enemies of the modern world, those enemies that are called hunger, want, pollution, racial discrimination and injustice.


Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to express to you, Sir, on behalf of the Government of Bahrain, heartfelt congratulations on your election to your high office. I feel confident that you will guide our proceedings in a manner that will enable us to solve the difficult problems that face us at this session.
2.	May I extend my thanks, too, to our outgoing President for his patient and wise conduct of the work of the last session, without which our task today would have been more difficult.
3.	I should also like to thank our Secretary-General for the zeal and vigilance he has shown in carrying out his duties during the short time that he has been in office, and for the valuable and informative report he has submitted to us on the work of the Organization [A/8701 and Add].
4.	Since Bahrain's admission to the United Nations during the last session, my country has pursued with interest and satisfaction the many useful activities of the Organization and its various organs and bodies in the economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, health and other fields. The advances made by the Organization in harmonizing international co-operation in these various fields through the dispatch of missions, the opening of regional offices or the convening of conferences have facilitated the study of world problems and the communication of technical knowledge and assistance to those who need it most in the developing world. The assistance and succor given to refugees and victims of racial, colonial or military aggression have reflected the awakening conscience of peace- loving nations and their desire to stamp out from world society the evils of racism, opportunism and exploitation.
5.	One of the outstanding achievements of the Organization this year was the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment which was held in Stockholm. My Government attaches great importance to the recommendations of that Conference  which, we hope, will gain wide support.
6.	The outcome of the third session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTADJ, held at Santiago in April and May 1972, gave rise to disillusionment and disappointment in the ranks of the developing countries, which had hoped that the developed countries would agree to the implementation of convergent measures that would bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. It is a sad fact of international life that millions continue to live below the minimum levels required for decent human existence. The problems of the least developed among the developing countries have become so urgent that they require immediate and effective remedies. Other, advanced, countries must co-operate to make the concept of international development a reality so that the United Nations may fulfill its promise of ensuring a better world for all peoples.
7.	The General Assembly has included in its agenda an item on measures to prevent international terrorism, including a study of the underlying causes of acts of violence, which are rooted in misery, frustration, grievance and despair [item 92]. This is indeed an important item because, in a sense, it reflects the failure of the United Nations to implement its own resolutions and mete out justice for all. In the United Nations there is still a wide gap between words and deeds, between decisions and enforcement measures, between ideals and reality. It behoves the United Nations, while debating this item, to examine its own record and draw a moral from its own shortcomings. It is not my intention to condone terrorism or acts of violence, which are alien to our history, civilization and culture. But while studying the underlying causes, we should avoid applying double standards and we should not allow this item to be used as a means of undermining liberation movements, challenging basic human rights, or exonerating from blame those States which, by their disregard of political and human rights, have driven some people to despair.
A/PV.2047
8.	Israel, for instance, expelled the people of Palestine from their homeland and seized all their land and worthy belongings. It also occupies the territories of three Arab States and commits periodic attacks on Arab countries, during which atrocities are committed against civilian populations and innocent people. Who should be condemned: the perpetrator of those acts or the victim, who may sometimes react by imitating the methods that have been used against his own people.
9.	Some may say that the United Nations lacks the physical power to take enforcement measures under Chapter VII of the Charter. It is common knowledge that the Charter envisaged the creation of a world force, and such force would have been established but for the disagreement among the great Powers. But if physical measures are wanting, do we lack other moral and material forces to implement our decisions and ward off any threat to international peace and security? We honestly believe that the United Nations can marshal enough moral and material force to coerce the aggressor and oppressor to return to reason and to abide by the common will of the international community. How can we say that we have done everything we can, when we see in the Middle East that one party namely, Israel has been excessively armed to wage short and aggressive wars against neighboring countries which are Members of the United Nations. It has occupied parts of three Arab countries and replaced the lawful occupants by hastily drawn immigrants from abroad, contrary to the decisions of the United Nations and to the very letter of Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter. All appeals to the aggressor to comply with the resolutions of the United Nations calling upon it to vacate land illegally occupied and to restore the lawful rights of the dispossessed Arab people of Palestine and extend to them proper humanitarian treatment have been continuously ignored and rejected.
10.	Would I be asking much if I requested us to call upon those Powers that unceasingly supply strategic and offensive weapons to the aggressive forces of Israel to help them fulfill their expansionist policies and kill innocent women and children, among their other victims, to reconsider their policy and desist, for the sake of peace and humanity? Or would it be much to request, further, that the United Nations use all available means, including sanctions, as provided for in the Charter to put pressure upon the aggressor to comply with Security Council resolution 242 (1967) and all other resolutions of the United Nations pertaining to the restoration of the rights of the people of Palestine.
11.	I think I should ask for your forbearance and indulgence if I happened to have dwelt a little too long on a problem which is of the utmost importance to my country. This does not mean that I am unconcerned with other problems and questions facing us and the world at large. We live on this small planet as one family of nations, and any act of injustice or oppression committed in any part of the world is of concern to us all and should call for our collective action to redress the wrong and suppress the oppressor.
12.	Bahrain, therefore, condemns all policies of racism, discrimination and apartheid followed by the Government of South Africa and other sectarian and authoritarian regimes, and gives its whole-hearted support to all measures taken to alleviate the sufferings of the victims of such policies and their eventual liberation from their oppression.
13.	We also support all measures taken or to be taken to liberate people who still live under colonial regimes and to assist them to obtain their freedom and exercise their right to self-determination, in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations.
14.	In pursuit of its policy of peace and prosperity for all nations, the State of Bahrain proclaims its support for the disarmament of the Indian Ocean and the creation of a zone of peace in that area with the agreement of the States concerned. Such a step would tend to eliminate the dangers of war and strengthen world peace and security. We call for similar measures to be extended to all other seas and gulfs where littoral States and lands would be within the reach of destructive naval and aerial forces.
15.	In the field of the human environment, my country, as I have already mentioned, participated in the Stockholm Conference, and looked forward to further measures to be taken to develop the study and protection of the human environment, particularly in the interests of smaller countries which lack the technical knowledge and expertise to protect their people and material resources from environmental pollution or contamination.
16.	Those are the views of my delegation on some of the problems and questions placed on the agenda of this session. Our stand on other matters and questions before us will be revealed during the coming discussions and proceedings of this session.


Mr. President, on behalf of the delegation of Thailand, I should like to extend to you our congratulations on your unanimous election to the presidency of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly. Your dynamism, your experience in the negotiating field and your perseverance are among the qualities that will ensure the effectiveness of the present session. You indeed represent the finest attributes of the great Polish nation.
35.	My delegation also wishes to pay a tribute to Dr. Adam Malik of Indonesia, the immediate past President, whose devoted services to the General Assembly have contributed greatly to the successful conclusion of the twenty-sixth session.
36.	The past 12 months have been replete with politically significant events in many areas of the world. Fortunately for the international community, these events and measures all have one aim that is, the reduction of world tensions. As the twenty-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly is being convened, we may perhaps allow ourselves a little feeling of euphoria that prospects for international peace and security have been enhanced by last year's series of contacts, talks, agreements and treaties, both bilateral and multilateral. Whether or not this development will lead to the attainment of a durable peace is still a matter of conjecture.
37.	The starting point for this eventful year a year of detente was no doubt the entry into the United Nations of the People's Republic of China during the twenty-sixth session of the General Assembly. Since then, the People's Republic of China has been represented increasingly in United Nations organs and bodies. Its participation in all these meetings and more is yet to come has certainly added a new dimension to the discussions and deliberations on the complex issues facing the world. It is our belief that its involvement in international affairs has had and we are confident it will continue to have a salutary effect on the councils of the world.
38.	One such beneficial effect was to move the world off dead center and to provide a momentum for further dialogs among those who had been in deadlock for too long a time on some bilateral and multilateral problems. Thus the new and positive relationship of the great Powers has slowly emerged.
39.	The meeting of the leaders of the most powerful nation on earth, the United States of America, and the most populous nation, the People's Republic of China, helped to set the scene for other meetings of similar purpose. Relaxation of tension, bilateral or otherwise, seems to be the agenda of the day. While the concrete results of the conversations in Peking might have been limited and there was naturally no meeting of minds on the complex issues of war and peace, the fact that the meeting took place at all, and in a friendly and business-like atmosphere, was in itself a triumph of international understanding.
40.	President Nixon's journey to Peking was followed closely by-another historic visit to Moscow. Here again, the leaders of the two mightiest Powers showed great statesmanship and a determination to create a more stable world. A string of agreements reached between the Soviet Union and the United States, affecting their respective security and economic interests as well as international peace and stability, could not but augur well for the future.
41.	Elsewhere in Europe, additional steps, particularly a Treaty on Questions of Surface Transport, relating to Berlin, entered into by the divided States of Germany on 26 May 1972, to strengthen the fabric of peace in that continent, are also to be commended. Such measures gave an impetus to a trend which brought about an important agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and Poland. It is our hope that this step-by-step process will generate sufficient confidence in the minds of European leaders and will eventually pave the way for the convening of a conference on European security.
42.	In Asia, rays of hope have also appeared on the horizon. The tragic situation in the former East Pakistan, during which millions of people endured suffering and hardship, led to an armed conflict between India and Pakistan and resulted in the emergence of a new nation, the People's Republic of Bangladesh. While the birth of that nation took place in unhappy circumstances and the birth pains may be slow to heal, the existence of Bangladesh with its 75 million people, recognized by many nations, including Thailand, cannot be simply brushed aside. My delegation sincerely believes that in due course the statehood of Bangladesh will have to be given due recognition by the international community as a whole.
43.	The war on the Indian subcontinent has left a bitter legacy to the people of the three countries. Yet there are increasing signs that the responsible leaders of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan have not lost sight of the realities of the situation and the advantages of eventual peaceful coexistence and co-operation in the region. Real problems, such as that of prisoners of war, still exist and will not be solved overnight, but, given the goodwill and understanding evidenced by the Simla Agreement of 3 July 1962, we are hopeful that they will be able, with renewed vigor and imagination, to overcome the obstacles and open a new era of peace and harmony in south Asia.
44.	Indeed such vigor and imagination have already been detected in another part of Asia. The visit of the Prime Minister of Japan to Peking last week has helped to ease the strained relationship between the two countries which has existed for several decades. We hope that a new beginning has been made and the antagonism of long standing has now given way to better understanding and co-operation.
45.	The recent opening of serious dialog in the Korean peninsula is to be welcomed by all peace-loving peoples of the world. The initiatives taken by the Red Cross societies of North and South Korea to discuss and arrive at a solution to the problem of divided families have won admiration from all quarters. It is the hope of the Thai delegation that the talks will be successfully concluded and their success will give an impetus to a future dialog on the questions of peace and security in the area and peaceful reunification of the divided country.
46.	In this connexion, my delegation believes that the talks between North and South Korea should proceed in a tranquil and constructive climate, uninterrupted by outside interference and not sidetracked by discussions in other forums. It took the two sides more than 20 years to have direct conversations, and both should be given every encouragement and support, so that they may continue to rely on their own efforts to reach a political settlement. Any move in the United Nations, however well-intentioned, may have the unfortunate effect of disrupting the current talks or jeopardizing the prospects of a successful outcome of the meetings. It was, therefore, gratifying to my delegation that by a clear-cut majority the General Assembly decided, at its 2036th meeting, to defer consideration of the question of Korea to the next session.
47.	There are, however, two other areas in Asia where the chances of attaining peace are still remote. The Middle East situation continues to be a source of grave concern. Troops in occupied areas have not been withdrawn. The Jarring mission appears to be at a standstill and to be in no position to break the deadlock which has existed for quite some time. It is, however, our hope that Ambassador Jarring will continue to pursue his efforts to bring the contending parties to a negotiating forum, taking full account of Security Council resolution 242 (1967). The recent military activities on the ground have broken the precarious cease-fire which had been in effect for some time. The operations have, unfortunately, added another link to the chain of violence and reprisals, and the task of achieving peace with justice and security has been made more difficult.
48.	The situation in South-East Asia also remains one which is fraught with danger. The invasion of South Viet-Nam by North VietNamese regular forces through the demilitarized zone last May has brought untold suffering to the people of South Viet-Nam. While the onslaught met with failure, the military operations had the effect of prolonging and enlarging the war, thus lessening the chances for a political settlement.
49.	Laos and the Khmer Republic continue to be subjected to interference by outside Powers, and the presence and military activities of the North VietNamese regular troops against the legally constituted Governments of the countries are in violation of the United Nations Charter and relevant international agreements.
50.	We in Thailand also have suffered from the terrorist and subversive activities which are supported, financed and directed by sources outside the country. It is, however, our earnest hope that those foreign sources will begin to see the wisdom and practicability of peaceful coexistence and co-operation on the basis of the principles enunciated at the African-Asian Conference, held at Bandung in 1955. Under such circumstances will the peoples of South-East Asia have a real opportunity to attain their common goal of turning that region into a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality free from any form or manner of interference by outside Powers. This objective embodies our long-term interest as perceived by the Governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and enunciated in the Declaration of the Association of South-East Asia Nations [ASEAN] of 27 November 1971. It also represents our determination to bring about a relaxation of international tension and our desire to achieve a lasting peace in South-East Asia.
51.	It goes without saying that, while wars continue to rage in the region, it is difficult to realize such a regional objective. On that basis, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN at their last meeting in July agreed on a set of proposals and requested the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Dr. Adam Malik, to ascertain the reaction of the parties concerned.
The results have not been forthcoming as we would have wished, but the efforts will be pursued relentlessly.
52.	The magnitude of the internal and external problems of economic development has already been stressed by previous speakers. The widening gap between the rich and the poor countries has been mentioned time and again in this as well as in other forums. However, when it is recalled that the basic issues involved are so complex and vital to human welfare and progress, one realizes that repetition is unavoidable and even necessary.
53.	The deterioration in the terms of trade of the developing countries continues to be aggravated by fluctuations in the prices of their basic exports and by inflationary pressures in some industrially advanced countries.
54.	Further international efforts are needed also in improving access to markets for certain primary commodities. However, it is heartening to note that some industrialized countries have opened their doors to certain products from developing nations on an equitable basis. It is hoped that such doors will open even wider for further access to a broader range of products from the latter. After all, trade and not aid should be the primary concern of both developed and developing countries.
55.	These and other problems were discussed at the third session of UNCTAD in Santiago, Chile, early this year. Although the meeting did not fully accomplish what it set out to do, it enabled the developing countries to reach a consensus on the direction in which they should proceed in order to achieve for themselves more equitable treatment and a larger share in the making of important economic decisions affecting their interests. The Conference at that session also provided them with the opportunity to air their legitimate grievances on such matters as shipping conferences, trade barriers that hinder their exports, the inadequate transfer of technology, and foreign control of their natural resources. The real and ultimate problem, however, remains one of translating the resolutions adopted at Santiago into action benefiting mankind. Much work still lies ahead of all of us, and we should all recognize that tangible achievements can only result from self-reliance and international co-operation.
56.	The problems of economic development must be considered and their solutions found in the light of man's aspiration and need to live in a healthy and harmonious environment. My delegation notes with satisfaction the successful outcome of the recent United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm and hopes that satisfactory agreement will be reached at the present session of the General Assembly on the various recommendations of the Conference. In the final analysis, the success of this tremendous venture lies in the hands of the Governments of the States Members of the United Nations themselves, for they alone have the political will and the power of decision necessary for the effective implementation of those recommendations.
57.	The problems of economic development and the human environment are linked by a common factor, namely the desire of human beings to live a decent life. It is, therefore, patently clear that, as the world population grows, such problems become increasingly important as well as difficult to solve. It is fitting in this context to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the United Nations system to a better understanding of these related problems and to attempts to find solutions for them.
58.	My delegation derives satisfaction from the progress made in the construction of the permanent headquarters for the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in Bangkok, Thailand. The formal ceremony to mark the laying of the cornerstone is scheduled to be held at the site on United Nations Day this month. The complex of buildings will also provide accommodations and facilities for the other United Nations offices situated in Bangkok.
59.	The delegation of Thailand would like to reiterate its strong condemnation of the policies of apartheid and racial discrimination. It is a matter of grave concern that, despite continued manifestations of outrage by the world at large against such immoral practices, and despite repeated efforts on the part of the United Nations to achieve a just solution, little change can be expected in the near future. If this trend were permitted to continue, the area would undoubtedly become a hotbed of turmoil and conflict. Therefore, persistent endeavors by the international community are essential now to prevent such an event from happening in the future.
60.	The efforts of the world Organization to fulfill the deep yearnings and legitimate aspirations of the peoples of Namibia, Southern Rhodesia and other parts of southern Africa have also failed to yield the desired results. It is indeed deplorable that the international will has been and continues to be frustrated, to the detriment of the people concerned. In regard to Namibia, it is to be hoped that the Secretary-General's laudable initiative on behalf of the international community will bring about a just solution in accordance with the United Nations principle of self-determination and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
61.	It has become increasingly apparent that international peace and security demand an early establishment of rules and guidelines governing the preparation and conduct of peace-keeping operations. In this important area where inactivity has lasted for too long a period, a solution has at last been found on the organizational questions affecting the Special Committee on Peace-Keeping Operations. Since peace-keeping constitutes a principal function of the United Nations, the Thai delegation thus joins in appealing to the principal members of the Special Committee to demonstrate the necessary degree of co-operation and a spirit of accommodation and compromise in order to enable the Committee to perform its appointed tasks.
62.	The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is beset with a financial crisis which will affect the work of that Agency in alleviating the sufferings of the Palestine refugees, whose continued plight should be the concern of all human beings. In this connexion, the Government of Thailand was recently pleased to add its contribution in kind to the relief of these unfortunate people. We hope that ways and means will soon be found to enable the Agency to continue its humanitarian work with adequate financial support and without further fears of insolvency.
63.	On the question of international terrorism, the Thai delegation wishes to commend the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, for his initiatives in paving the way for an international discussion of this complex and multi- faceted problem. In deciding to take up the question, which has understandably given rise to differences of opinion, the Organization has focused the attention of the world on this important problem. My delegation is ready to participate in the consideration of the item on international terrorism with an open mind and all due objectivity.
64.	The Thai delegation has consistently shared the widespread feeling of abhorrence at actions which endanger the safety of innocent aircraft passengers and threaten to reduce the benefits of modern air transportation. It wishes to reiterate its conviction that such actions are self-defeating in purpose and must be discouraged at all costs. Thailand is party to relevant international agreements, and it is taking further steps to strengthen its contribution to the international efforts against air piracy.
65.	With the problems confronting the United Nations, my delegation takes comfort in the fact that our Organization has a highly dedicated and skilled diplomat as its Secretary-General. During the short time that has elapsed, his energetic efforts to try to solve the difficult administrative and financial problems of the Organization, which have had some encouraging results, have won our sincere admiration. His courage in facing up to certain other issues has invested his office with an aura of moral strength, and evoked our respect as well as our best hopes for the future of the United Nations. He has thus continued the fine tradition set by his predecessor, UThant, who has left a distinguished record of achievement and a countless number of friends among the members of this Assembly. My delegation's good wishes are extended to both U Thant and the Secretary-General for their continued good health and success.