I should like, through you. Sir, to extend to Mr. Dante Caputo our congratulations on his election to the important post of President of the General Assembly at its forty-third session and our sincere wishes for all possible success in carrying out his responsible and difficult duties.
I wish to pay a tribute to the representative of the German Democratic Republic, Mr. Peter Florin, for his able guidance of the work of the General Assembly during the past year.
The general debate has been going on for nearly two weeks. The diverse and varied conclusions and assessments expressed by delegations in their statements describing present-day international relations share one common feature: the present state of these relations is characterized as encouraging for the achievement of new, real and positive results. Joint efforts have fulfilled the first prerequisites for limiting the arms race, reducing the threat of nuclear war and settling protracted regional conflicts.
The will and readiness of the USSR and the United States to begin actual nuclear disarmament are of paramount importance.
Progress in nuclear disarmament has undoubtedly given an impetus to the working out of specific measures for the limitation and elimination of other means of warfare. It is impossible to deny the relationship between disarmament and the strengthening of international security. New political thinking is increasingly becoming the dominant reality of today's world and steadily making headway through the barriers of enmity and suspicion.
In his address to the session of the USSR Supreme Soviet on 1 October 1988, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev, said:
"Our policy in international affairs is clear. It is aimed at eliminating the threat of nuclear catastrophe, normalising international relations, establishing equal and mutually beneficial relations among countries and peoples of the world, achieving broad-bas e d co-operation in various areas and ensuring each people the right to a free choice of its future ... We shall continue to follow this policy unswervingly."
While emphasizing the significance of peaceful coexistence as the highest universal principle ensuring mankind's progress in security, we believe that the Internationalisation of the efforts of States faced with global challenges and the joining of their forces for the protection of common human values constitute another pillar of universal security. Ito act from positions of reason and realism and to strive persistently to find generally acceptable solutions, no matter how difficult that may seem - that is the imperative of our time. Pluralism of Interests, the principle of freedom of choice, the priority of shared human values and the primacy of international law cannot be ignored in international affairs.
In this sense, the importance of the United Nations can hardly be overestimated. Throughout the existence of the Organization, the Ukrainian SSR has consistently supported the most effective implementation of its function of maintaining peace and security, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Our delegation believes that the enhanced role and authority of the United Nations will make it possible to move successfully towards a comprehensive system of international security, thus providing for a gradual process of demilitarization, democratization and humanisation of international relations and the achievement of the security of States on the basis of political interaction and unconditional compliance with international obligations in all spheres - military, political, economic, ecological and humanitarian. A comprehensive system of international security should be worked out on the basis of the Charter and in strict compliance with Its principles.
The extensive discussion of these problems in the United Nations testifies to their urgency and importance. The concept proposed by the socialist countries is not a dogma. We are open to all constructive proposals on the subject from any State.
The Ukrainian delegation believes that the forty-third session of the General Assembly can make a substantive contribution to a businesslike discussion of the concept of comprehensive security. We hope that this session will step-up the search for common approaches by states to specific aspects of world security. The objective is to increase the effectiveness of the United Nations and its principal bodies, to enhance the role of the Secretary-General, inter alia in the settlement of conflicts between States through negotiations, good offices and mediation, and to make better use of military observers and United Nations peace-keeping forces. United Nations actions in this area should be developed and expanded. It was with great satisfaction that we learned of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the United Nations peace-keeping forces. We believe that these forces will continue to be worthy of this trust and this honour. We are firmly convinced that the United Nations should play a decisive role in mankind's progress towards a nuclear-weapon-free and non-violent world. It is important to ensure in practice that the United Nations and its bodies are effective in implementing their function of maintaining peace and security. It is our view that the political conditions now exist for the full realization of the peace-making potential of the United Nations in accordance with its Charter.
The main road to comprehensive security lies through disarmament. We note as a very positive sign the emerging understanding of the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to disarmament issues, combining a strengthening of confidence and the establishment of an affective verification mechanism with the preparation of realistic programmes for the reduction and elimination of specific types of armaments, based on a balance of Interests rather than a balance of forces. Nuclear disarmament is the most important part of the disarmament process. An early agreement on a 50 per cent cut in the strategic offensive arms of the Soviet Union and the United States is among the urgently necessary measures leading to this goal. Unquestionably, this problem is not a simple one. It is probably the most complicated problem in the post-war world politics. However, given the necessary political will on both sides, a treaty could be concluded in the near future.
The world community should concentrate on making nuclear disarmament a continuous, ever-growing and deepening process. Only through joint efforts by all States will it be possible to eliminate nuclear weapons completely and guarantee that they will never reappear. We believe that to this end the potential of the United Nations, especially of the Security Council, should be used to the maximum extent, and that better use should be made of all existing negotiating mechanisms, including that most important body, the Conference on Disarmament.
In practical terms, it is necessary to concentrate on implementing United Nations decisions on key problems associated with curbing the arms race - particularly those measures adopted by consensus. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR shares many of the ideas contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization in 1988 and considers particularly pertinent his comment that
"... the great Powers need to show a sensitivity to the expressed wishes of the majority of Member States." (A/43/1, p. 8)
The noble goal of ridding mankind of weapons of mass destruction will remain an empty dream if weapons are not effectively barred from outer space. Therefore, no attempts to establish a need for the strategic defence initiative can be accepted, from either the moral point of view or that of strengthening security. Much has been said, at this rostrum and elsewhere, about its non-defensive and destabilizing nature and its serious dangers for all mankind.
The Ukrainian SSR believes that compliance with the Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems (ABM), signed in 1972, and the commitment not to withdraw from it for specified period guarantee world stability, the successful solution of the problems of strategic offensive weapons and greater international security. It is important that this be reflected in the agreement currently being negotiated in Geneva between the Soviet Union and the United States, in strict conformity with the Washington understanding of 10 December 1987.
We also favour supplementing the bilateral negotiations between the USSR and the United States with effective multilateral efforts, in the framework of the Conference on Disarmament, to prevent an arms race in outer space. Today the interests of common security dictate that we work actively on agreements to ban all anti-satellite weapons, ensure the immunity of artificial earth satellites, and institute an international system to verify that no arms of any kind are placed in outer space.	'
At the same time; international mechanisms should be established within the framework of the United Nations which could specifically address the issue of multilateral co-operation in outer spice. A number of initiatives have been advanced in this regard the task now is to implement them. The proposal to set up a centre for international co-operation on the peaceful uses of outer space on the basis of the Krasnoyarsk radar station deserves special attention.
A ban on nuclear testing is a key aspect of nuclear disarmament. It is necessary to take one more decisive step to achieve an agreement on a comprehensive and total test ban. If the ongoing negotiations between the USSR and the United States are supplemented by appropriate multilateral efforts in the framework of the Conference on Disarmament, this could bring us very close to completion of an agreement in the Interest of all countries. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR believes that a combination of bilateral and multilateral efforts in this manner will lead to an early, successful solution to this important question.
The atom must be used only for peaceful purposes. The socialist countries, rejecting nuclear intimidation, have proposed the concept of using nuclear energy for the benefit of mankind. That concept, in its most concentrated form, is expounded in the programme for the establishment of an international regime for the safe development of nuclear power put forward by the Soviet Union. Implementation of this programme would promote closer international co-operation in the area of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and make the work more systematic and purposeful. In this context, the Ukrainian delegation believes that it is important to strengthen further the existing relevant international instruments, while strictly enforcing non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The international community has come close to resolving the vital question of the conclusion of a universal convention on the complete and comprehensive prohibition and elimination of chemical weapons. This is one of the priority objectives in the field of disarmament. The elimination of chemical Weapons would be a real contribution to ensuring genuine and equal security for States. The delegation of the Ukrainian SSR hopes that the General Assembly, at its forty-third session, will direct the efforts of the negotiators towards the early conclusion of the drafting of the convention, and will promote opposition to chemical weapons and their use.	.
In our view, the process of disarmament becomes pointless if, at the same time as certain types of arms are eliminated, steps are taken to build up military power or introduce so-called compensation measures. This runs, counter to basic logic. That is why, while giving understandable priority to the elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, we favour significant cuts in conventional arms and armed forces.
On the basis of principle, the position of the socialist countries on the issue was formulated as far back as 198S, in Budapest. It was supplemented and made more specific at a recent meeting in Warsaw of the Political Consultative Committee of the member States of the Warsaw Treaty Organization. The documents of that meeting stress that the interests of European and common security make it imperative to move towards significant cuts in armed forces and conventional armaments in Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals. Negotiations on this could get under way this year. Their primary objective must be radically to reduce the military potential of both alliances, and to create in the continent a situation in which the countries of both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Treaty Organization would retain the forces and means necessary for defence, but insufficient for launching a surprise attack or conducting offensive operations.
The more real the disarmament process becomes, the greater the importance that must be given to verification mechanisms, as a vital means of ensuring security. At the third special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament a number of socialist countries put forward specific proposals for the establishment of broad international verification procedures, under the auspices of the United Nations, to monitor compliance with agreements, reduce international tensions, limit arms and review the military situation in areas of conflict. In our view, we should proceed immediately to develop the main parameters of the future verification mechanism.
Confidence and openness are major factors in establishing security in the military sphere. It is necessary to promote a transition from individual confidence-building measures and openness to broad-scale policy in this area. The Ukrainian SSR supports the appeal of the General Assembly to ensure the widest possible dissemination of objective information on military questions. It is time to begin to work out, in the framework of the United Nations, objective criteria and parameters to ensure openness and thus facilitate the process of real disarmament. We actively support disarmament and we believe that demilitarisation will have tangible results for mankind as a whole. Among other things it will help to release vast material and intellectual resources for the purposes of social and economic development.
Finding solutions to regional conflicts is a matter of the highest priority and immediate concern for our Organization. We are pleased to note that in recent months there has been a positive movement in some of these areas.
A genuine breakthrough has been achieved in resolving the Afghan problem. A precedent has been set that goes far beyond the framework of that question. The prestige of the United Nations has been considerably enhanced and its effectiveness and great potential for settling regional conflicts have been demonstrated.
The provisions of the Geneva Agreements elaborated under the auspices of the United Nations must be strictly observed by all parties. As is well known, the Soviet Union fully complies with those Agreements. We expect others to do likewise. The United Nations, and in particular the present session of the General Assembly, is called upon to play an important role in securing a comprehensive and all-round solution to the Afghan problem.
The eight-year-long tragic and destructive war between Iran and Iraq has been halted. Thanks to the efforts of the United Nations, its Secretary-General and the members of the Security Council, it has been possible to begin to implement Security Council resolution 598 (1987). It is our hope that the people of Baghdad and Tehran will never again have to look up to the sky with fear or to hear the sound of artillery fire. We hope that tankers will no longer be going up in flames and that fishermen and innocent passengers will no longer be victims of the concentration of naval forces in the waters of the Persian Gulf. The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic welcomes the readiness of the five permanent members of the Security Council to contribute to settling the conflict, with the mediation of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Serious progress has been made in resolving the situation around Kampuchea. It is based on realistic, specific proposals made by the Governments of the People's Republic of Kampuchea, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Indonesia and other members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, proposals that are aimed at a political settlement of the conflict in the spirit of national reconciliation. In this context, recognition of the Kampuchean people's right to a free social and political choice is of fundamental significance. It is incumbent on all States to promote a favourable political climate for the continuation and fruitful completion of the negotiating process on this issue.
There have been certain changes in the situation in southern Africa. The Ukrainian SSR looks for the successful and early completion of the quadripartite negotiations with a view to settling the situation in the region. The international community should exert pressure on the South African racist regime and ensure the implementation of appropriate United Nations resolutions, ' particularly Security Council resolution 435 (1973). The Ukrainian SSR firmly supports the speedy eradication of the shameful system of apartheid.
The transition from confrontation to the political settlement of conflicts with the active participation of the United Nations could and must become an important feature of the late 1980s.
We believe that during this session of the General Assembly the adoption by consensus of a declaration on the prevention and elimination of disputes and situations that might threaten international peace and security, and on the role of the United Nations in this area, could become a landmark for progress in this direction.
At the same time we must note that some regional conflicts have not yet reached the stage of practical settlement and continue seriously to threaten international peace and security. We are particularly concerned about the situation in the Middle East. The conflict in that region can be resolved only through political means. The International Peace Conference on the Middle East could become an effective instrument for a Middle East settlement and, within its framework, a solution to the key Palestinian problem. The Conference should be attended by all parties concerned, including the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, the PLO, and the permanent members of the Security Council. We call on the world community to speak out unambiguously, in the course of the present session of the General Assembly, in favour of the prompt convening of that Conference.
The situation in Central America remains a complex one. Interference in the affairs of the States of the region obstructs positive trends towards a peaceful settlement on the basis of the efforts of the Contadora Group. The validity of this conclusion is widely recognized throughout the world, including the United States. The main responsibility for tensions in the region rests with the United States Administration. It should indeed give serious thought to this fact, rather than lecturing others on how and which God to worship. The Nicaraguan people must be given the opportunity to exercise their right to a free choice of their path of development.
As in the past, we support the peace-loving initiatives of the Korean People's Democratic Republic. The realization of the Republic's proposals with regard to turning the Korean peninsula into a nuclear-weapon-free zone and with regard to seeking large-scale, stage-by-stage reductions in armed forces and withdrawing United States troops from South Korea would make a tangible contribution to strengthening peace on the Korean peninsula. We strongly oppose intentions of perpetuating the division of Korea.
Today there is no need to prove that the elimination of existing crisis situations and the prevention of new ones is the highest priority task of the world community.
Another imperative of our time is the prevention of irreversible changes in the environment and the preservation of the planet's natural resources for succeeding generations. This has become an urgent matter both for the international community as a whole and for each of its individual members. The Earth, together with Nature and its resources, is a common heritage. That is why it is essential immediately to change ways of thinking and conduct at national and international levels in order to protect the environment.
These objectives could be served by the concept of international ecological security set forth by the socialist countries, which has a clear and practical orientation; to utilize the median ism of the United Nations and begin the elaboration of the norms of ecological behaviour of States and basic guidelines for co-operation in the area. We hope that the United Nations will play a decisive role in mobilizing the efforts of the international common to resolve the task of preserving the environment. The expanding political dialogue on numerous vital problems of concern to mankind creates a rather encouraging background for the development of international economic relations. The state of the world economy continues to be extremely unstable. Of particular concern is the worsening economic situation of the developing countries, which suffer both from their unequal status in the world economic system and from the ever growing volume of foreign debt.
The existence of difficulties in international economic relations, which are being further exacerbated, is indicative of the need to democratise the entire system of world economic ties, to establish a new international economic order and to ensure the international economic security of States.
In the context of the growing internationalisation of world economic ties and the interdependence of national economies, there is a need for joint action by all countries and peoples to develop stable and predictable international economic exchanges   as well as broad co-operation on an equitable and just basis, in order to ensure for all countries a way of life worthy of man. The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic is in favour of intensifying universal dialogue on international economic policies in the United Nations.
The Ukrainian SSR is prepared to co-operate actively with all those who are striving to contribute to the democratization of international relations and to the strengthening of comprehensive security. The profound processes of perestroika, now under way in the Ukraine, as in the entire Soviet Union, envisage intensification of our foreign policy activities on the basis of realism and take into account the diversity of interests and priorities of values common to all mankind. According to First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Ukraine, Vladimir V, Shcherbitsky,
"perestroika ... is exerting an ever-growing influence on developments in the modern world and, primarily, is creating a favourable situation for the strengthening of international security".
We hope that efforts to create a world founded on reasonable and civilized relations between States and peoples will be supported by all delegations. We believe that the forty-third session of the General Assembly will give a fresh impetus to mankind's progress towards a safer future and will help transform the United Nations Into an effective instrument of peace.


On behalf of the delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, I extend to Mr. Dante Caputo sincere congratulations on his election as President of the forty-third session of the General Assembly. I know that his wisdom and competence will enable him to guide the present session to a fruitful conclusion. My delegation also pays a tribute to his predecessor, Comrade Peter Florin whose talents as a diplomat and dedication to peace and disarmament contributed to the success of the work of the General Assembly during a particularly difficult period.
We should also like to take advantage of this opportunity to reaffirm our confidence in the Secretary-General in carrying out his outstanding role in strengthening peace and co-operation among people and his efforts to resolve the very sensitive international problems that have arisen during the past years.
The international situation as a whole has shown signs of improvement. Since the four Soviet-United States Summit Meetings which made it possible to ratify the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles - INF Treaty - signed in Washington, a new era has opened in the history of international relations. The period of the extended cold war between East and West, characterized by mutual distrust, confrontation and the use of force in the settlement of conflicts is drawing to a close and seem gradually to be giving way to a new era in which the primacy of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, namely, those of dialogue and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, is reaffirmed.
In the context of the implementation of the provisions of the INF Treaty, a control and verification commission has been established by the two parties, and it is encouraging to note that so far its work has been extremely satisfactory. Our delegation sees in this a commendable effort by all concerned gradually to achieve nuclear disarmament, which, if it is to be effective, requires other more energetic measures which can make a significant contribution to halting the nuclear arms race. In this context, the Lao delegation hopes for a speedy conclusion by the two great Powers of another treaty on a 50 per cent reduction in strategic offensive weapons, thus opening the way to the creation of a new, safer, non-nuclear world, as proposed by the Soviet Union on 15 January 1986 in its programme for the progressive elimination of all nuclear weapons by the end of the century.
The disarmament process is extremely complex. While the danger of nuclear war continues to be the most serious threat to mankind, other categories of weapons of mass destruction also threaten the security of peoples. We are thinking of chemical weapons and, in particular, binary, neutron and radiological weapons. In this regard, it is urgently necessary that greater progress be made in the Conference on Disarmament in working out a convention prohibiting the production and use of such weapons.
It is true that the third special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament, held in New York last June, did not achieve the expected results, because of the lack of political will on the pact of certain imperialist Powers. Nevertheless, it provided an opportunity for the international community to become more aware of certain new, positive developments in the world situation and, consequently, to agree to devote greater efforts to achieving the desired objective, namely, general and complete disarmament under effective international control.
The world of today, whether we like it or not, is becoming increasingly interdependent. In the nuclear and space age, security can be conceived only comprehensively, and must be equal for all countries and peoples regardless of their size, their social and economic system and their level of development. It is therefore essential for the international common to contribute actively to exchanges of views and frank and constructive discussions on ways and means to achieve the formulation and establishment of a general system of peace and international security designed to cover the political-military sphere as well as the economic, humanitarian and ecological spheres. The Lao Government reaffirms its full support for both the concept and the effective implementation of that system.
The favourable international atmosphere created by the Soviet-American summit meetings has undoubtedly made a positive contribution to the search for solutions to certain regional conflicts, including some of the roost complex of our century. However, obstacles to the equitable settlement of certain other conflicts continue to exist.
In southern Africa, following serious military setbacks in Angola since the beginning of the year, the myth of the military invincibility of the Pretoria Government has become untenable. Faced with such a situation and given the strong pressure being exerted by the international community. South Africa has had to beat a retreat with regard to its criminal policy of apartheid, without, however, renouncing its fundamental desire to persecute the black majority of the South African population, its continued illegal occupation of Namibia, or its acts of aggression and destabilization against independent, sovereign front-line States. The racist regime has had to agree recently to a series of negotiations with the representatives of Cuba, Angola and the United states aimed at reaching a lasting political solution to the Angolan and Namibian problems. The Lao Government reaffirms its full solidarity with the oppressed peoples of South Africa and Namibia in their heroic struggle under the leader chip of their respective national liberation movements to regain their right to self-determination and independence in accordance with the spirit and letter of the relevant United Nations resolutions.
In the Maghreb, a climate of understanding has been established recently, thus opening the way to the settlement of the conflicts in the region. In this context, our delegation welcomes the efforts made by the United Nations Secretary-General, in carrying out his mission of good offices, to achieve a just and final solution to the problem of Western Sahara. We favour a speedy settlement of this problem, that guarantees the exercise by the people of Western Sahara of its inalienable right to self-determination and independence, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
In the Indian Ocean region, the imperialist Powers continue to maintain their military presence, thus causing a permanent threat to the independence and security of the coastal and hinterland States. It is essential that in the interest of peace and international co-operation, the International Conference on the Indian Ocean be convened in Colombo at an early date, and in any event not later than 1990, in consultation, as proposed by the General Assembly, with the host country.
In the Middle East given the policy of oppression and barbaric Zionist aggression the heroic Palestinian people, both in the occupied territories and outside Palestine continues to struggle for recognition and the recovery of its fundamental inalienable rights including that of founding its own State in Palestine. The international community can only welcome the resolutions of the Arab summit meeting held last June in Algiers and its insistence on the need urgently to convene an international conference peace in the Middle East, with the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on an equal footing with the other parties involved.
There has been an important new positive development in the situation in the Persian Gulf following the establishment of the cease-fire concluded under the aegis of the United Nations between Iran and Iraq. Mow that prospects for peace seem to be emerging in the region everything possible should be done to ensure integral implementation of the provisions of Security Council resolution 598 (1988).
The Lao Government and people are gratified by this and consider it an important step towards the definitive cessation of this terrible conflict. They support the sincere and tireless efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General in the search for a just and honourable conclusion to this war which has lasted too long. Moreover the Lao delegation calls on the great Powers immediately to put an end to their military presence in the region a presence which up to now has served only to' aggravate the situation. The withdrawal from the Gulf of foreign military force would in our view create favourable conditions for the integral implementation of Security Council resolution 5S8 (1988).
In Central America and the Caribbean the peoples of Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina and other countries are continuing to wage their determined struggle to preserve their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to recover their inalienable rights to self-determination and genuine independence. The Lao Government deems it its duty to support that struggle in order to thwart and stop in time any manoeuvres based on aggression, intimidation, destabilization and sabotage undertaken by the imperialist circles of a certain great Power regarding the regional peace process.
The Lao Government and people welcome and firmly support the tireless efforts of the coastal countries of the Mediterranean to transform this strategic region into a zone of peace, security and co-operation. Thus they are following the development of the situation in Cyprus with concern and sympathy and express their full solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Cyprus in the struggle they are waging to preserve their independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and the non-aligned status of their country, by demanding the immediate cessation of all separatist actions and by actively encouraging the Secretary-General of the United Nations in his mission of good offices in order to achieve a just and lasting solution to the grievous problem of Cyprus.
The international community welcomed with satisfaction and hope the agreements concluded in Geneva on the Afghan problem but for the time being it would seem that its greatest concern is focused on their sincere application by all signatory States. While up to now the Soviet Union and the Republic of Afghanistan have correctly and rigorously applied them, it is regrettable to note that other parties to the agreements have not fully honoured the commitments they have undertaken. The international community must therefore encourage and urge them scrupulously and sincerely to carry out those agreements.
A situation of tension still prevails in the region of Asia and the Pacific because of the neo-globalist policy pursued by an imperialist super-Power. The Lao People's Democratic Republic reaffirms its support for the constructive proposal of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea regarding the gradual reduction of armed forces of the two parts of Korea and opposes any attempt to push through the admission of the two parts of Korea to the United Nations, which would hamper efforts aimed at the peaceful and independent reunification of that country.
Another highly relevant proposal, advocated by the People's Republic of Mongolia, the goal of which is to promote a climate of peace and co-operation in the region, provides for the establishment of a regime of non-use of force in relations among the countries of the region. My Government firmly supports that proposal.
The situation in South-East Asia has developed in accordance with general world trend towards the search for the settlement of conflicts through negotiation. Following the proclamation last year by the Government of the People's Republic of Kampuchea of its policy of national reconciliation, the President of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Hun Sen, and Prince Sihanouk held two series of important talks in Paris. In addition to the informal meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Mr. Hun Sen once again put forward on behalf of his Government a seven-point proposal to find a political solution to the Kampuchean problem. That proposal attests to the growing development, maturity and political wisdom of the Government of the Peopled Republic of Kampuchea. The Lao People's Democratic Republic greatly appreciates the results of that meeting and firmly supports the joint position adopted by the latter, namely, that the. problem of Kampuchea must be resolved by political means leading to the building of an independent Kampuchea, a sovereign, neutral and non-aligned country, on the basis of national reconciliation and respect for the right to self-determination of the Kampuchean - people, and that the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea must proceed  together, with the non-return to power in Kampuchea of the Pol Pot clique, which practises a policy of genocide and with a guarantee of the cessation of foreign interference in the internal affairs of Kampuchea as well as of military assistance to the opposing Kampuchean forces. Ito move forward the encouraging results of their Informal meeting, Mr. Hun Sen and Prince Sihanouk have taken the wise decision to meet again in Paris at the end of this year.
We also welcome the positive initiative recently taken by the current Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement for a technical meeting in Heir are to discuss the question of Kampuchea and to establish for that purpose an ad hoc committee of the non-aligned.
The Lao Government is firmly dedicated to the fundamental principle of settling all disputes between States by negotiation. We believe that on the basis of the Bandung Principles, the 1971 Kuala Lumpur Declaration of the countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the seven-point proposal that the Lao delegation put forward at the Jakarta Informal Meeting in July, the countries of the region will be able to consult regularly to bring their points of view closer together and to strengthen mutual understanding in order to transform South-East Asia into a zone of peace friendship and co-operation thus meeting the legitimate aspirations and interests of their respective peoples.
In this context it is regrettable that the border dispute between my country and Thailand has not yet been resolved. The two rounds of negotiations which took piece last March in Bangkok and Vientiane have not yet yielded concrete results. The third round of negotiations could not be held in Thailand because of the recent political crisis in that country. Following general elections a new Thai Government has been established and since then exchange visits of delegations at different levels between the two countries have been carried out in a genuine search for better mutual understanding. Given that atmosphere we believe it is high time for the two countries to open new negotiations as the Lao side has proposed. The Government of the Lao people's Democratic Republic is ready to do everything in its power to settle the border dispute between it and Thailand immediately and finally.
Since the forty-second session of the Assembly the lot of the peoples of the third world has not notably improved. Poverty, hunger, sickness and backwardness are still the daily plight of the great majority of them.
The restrictive macro-economic policy pursued by certain market-economy developed countries has only aggravated the effects of the world economic crisis, and it is the developing countries, particularly the least developed, that have suffered the most. The resurgence of protectionist measures, high interest rates, the deterioration of the terms of trade and the crushing burden of the external debt, which has continued to grow over the years, are all major reasons for the gravity of the situation.
My Government believes that in the struggle to establish a more just and equitable new international economic order the strengthening of collective autonomy must take pride of place. The Lao Government sincerely welcomes the first results of the implementation of the process of co-ordination and harmonization of programmes of action for economic co-operation between the non-aligned countries and the other developing countries. In the light of its growing Interest in International co-operation for development, and in order to make its participation in the struggle to establish a new international economic order more effective, the Lao Government recently announced its new economic policy, which includes a law on foreign investments, under which it intends to develop and expand its economic and trade relations with all other countries.
The present session of the General Assembly is taking place in a climate that is both encouraging and alarming. Numerous challenges continue to emerge on the way to a new era of a non-violent world free of nuclear weapons. However, it is encouraging that there is unanimity in the Assembly in favour of peace, thus attesting to the unquestionable desire of Member States to live in universal understanding and full security, lb achieve that objective and thus meet the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of the world, our Organization must undertake enormous, complex task which requires of us all a sense of responsibility and common political will. The Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic reaffirms its unswerving dedication to the cause of peace, peaceful coexistence and international co-operation and will associate itself with the efforts of the
international community to attain that common goal.


On behalf of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and my delegation I would like to present our warmest congratulations to Mr. Dante Caputo on his election as President of the forty-third session of the General Assembly. His election is certainly a testimony to the high appreciation that his country, Argentina, deserves from the international community  and an additional acknowledgement of his well-known qualities as a diplomat and statesman. I would like to assure him of the complete co-operation of my delegation in the fulfilment of his mandate.
Allow me also to take this opportunity to congratulate his predecessor, Mr. Peter Florin, on the highly satisfactory results achieved during his presidency of the forty-second session.
Allow me to express my most profound admiration to the Secretary-General, for his dedication and dynamism in handling the questions under consideration by our Organisation and for his enlightened,· dedicated and courageous actions in search of solutions to some regional conflicts affecting the world.
We note with satisfaction that the United Nations is currently experiencing a fruitful period; its role and the role of the Secretary-General are considered to be important, I would even say indispensable, by all countries. As the culmination of this universal acknowledgement of the relevant action of the United Nations, the peace-keeping forces were awarded the Nobel Peace Prise, a highly significant event. We note that all countries, including the super-Powers, which is an important point, by virtue of their position and above all by their behaviour, define the United Nations as a place uniquely suited to the multilateral examination at political level of issues that are crucial to the future of humanity. In this context, the United Nations will be better able to operate more efficiently towards achieving the objectives and principles on which it was founded and will, it is to be hoped, be able to promote peace and security in the whole world and international co-operation for the multilateral development of all peoples.
Indeed, peace and development are the two main concerns of the world. Regarding peace, we have lately witnessed promising developments, thanks to the new relationship now existing between the United States of America and the Soviet Union, and to prospects for a peaceful solution of the various conflicts that exist in the world.
Indeed, 1988 has been marked by events that constitute a crucial turning-point in the panorama of international politics. There is a climate of relaxation, of detente, between East and West which does not seem to be only temporary. It does not seem to be a cyclical phenomenon such as we have so often observed in international relations during past decades, which often disappeared under the stormy waves of ideological and expansionistic conflicts.
This relaxation is based ultimately on a rational approach to the opposition between the two main socio-political systems of the world. There is a new awareness of the absurdity of entertaining ideas of military supremacy in order to impose one's ideology upon others, since, in the nuclear era, that would be an irreversible path which not only could lead to the complete destruction of everything man has built, but might also mean the end of all forms of life on the surface of the earth.
However  it is clear that as long as there are people and ideas competition must serve as an important factor in progress, both through the improvement necessary to maintain competitiveness and through the progressive integration of opposed theses into a global synthesis. But peaceful competition is the only option.
We may say that a new political and military mentality is emerging at the international level  creating the possibility of true coexistence among nations in a contradictory but interconnected and interdependent world  coexistence based on the principles of a "humanized" international law which really takes into consideration the interests of all countries and peoples of the world.
Respect for the equality of the rights of States  for national independence and sovereignty, for the principle of non-intervention in internal affairs and for the right of peoples to choose the social and political system best suited to their specific characteristics ~ that will be the possible outcome if this new political mentality prevails as a palpable reality and not as mere rhetoric. If it does triumph  we will see peace flourish and international co-operation broaden, to the great benefit of all the peoples of the world.
In December last year Washington became the unique arena for events which brought hope to the world  events such as the historic landmark represented by the signing by American and Soviet leaders of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles, the IMF Treaty.
This significant event, interpreted as a precursor of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament - the great aspiration of all the peoples of the world - means in our opinion the final elimination of the obsolete cold war, and indicates the beginning of an era in which confrontation is replaced by co-operation in the relationship between the United States of America and the Soviet Union, with important and very positive results, not only for their respective peoples, but also for the entire international community.
The four Reagan-Gorbachev summit meetings confirmed the existence of a dynamic favourable not only to positive progress on the path towards disarmament, but also to the stabilisation of Soviet-American relations. For developing peoples, if this dynamic continues to consolidate until a world without weapons and without violence may be built, there is the possibility of seeing the enormous amounts absorbed by the arms race being used for man's development and happiness.
If universal human values finally become a priority in relations among States and nations, there would be some hope of putting an end to the regional conflicts which bathe our countries in blood and destroy them, causing misery, hunger and suffering.
We note this evolution with satisfaction: it has led to specific results in the search for peaceful solutions to the conflicts in various regions of Ά© world. In some of those conflicts, recourse to the principles and mechanisms of the United Nations has been decisive.	'
Evidence of this development is to be found in the peace agreements signed in Geneva with regard to Afghanistan, in the cease-fire between Iran and Iraq and the consequent beginning of direct negotiations between the parties with a view to the implementation of Security Council resolution 598 (1987), and in the progress currently being made in finding a peaceful solution in Western Sahara, Central America, Kampuchea and south-east Africa.
In southern Africa, in our solidarity with the People's Republic of Angola, we are following with deep interest the progress of the quadripartite peace negotiations and the prospects opened up for the implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). We praise the constructive, discerning and courageous spirit with which the Government of the People's Republic of Angola is seeking a peaceful, fair and permanent solution to the conflict.
In spite of these new prospects for negotiation, the international community must intensify its efforts to exert pressure on South Africa, with a view to speedy implementation of the process of independence for Namibia end to the establishment of a democratic and multiracial society in South Africa.
The positive evolution observed in the approach to the above-mentioned conflicts is, unfortunately, not seen in other regions of the world. This is especially true in the Middle East, where only Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories and recognition of the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to self-determination will permit the achievement of a just and permanent solution to the conflict.
We reiterate once more our belief that the International Conference on the Middle East should be convened as soon as possible, with the participation of all the parties involved, including the Palestine Liberation Organisation, as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
Moreover, we cannot but express our concern regarding the continued aggression and occupation of East Timor and the fact that it is impossible for its people to enjoy their legitimate rights to self-determination end independence.
We appeal to Indonesia, in the light of its historic tradition as a founding member and champion of the principles of the Movement of Hon-Aligned Countries, to co-operate with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the continued efforts being made within the framework of General Assembly resolution 37/30 to bring about a just solution of this matter.
Since the beginning of the 1960s, special emphasis has been laid on the need to make changes in international economic relations, especially in the areas of trade and price mechanisms for raw materials, with stress on the principle of reciprocity of advantages in international trade. In this regard, a number of initiatives have been widely debated, and important decisions Have been taken by the United Nations and the various specialised agencies in the United Nations system. By examining the various agreements and resolutions, however, we may conclude that there have been too many partial solutions and too many broken promises.
The economic crisis besetting the developing countries does not allow them even to solve their food deficit. At the same time, all of them are in a situation in which they cannot comply with their foreign debt obligations and the servicing of that debt, the majority are becoming increasingly dependent on elements outside their region, and their development is accordingly blocked. In this context, the urgent convening of an international conference on the African foreign debt, in accordance with the decision of the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), is of the highest importance to our countries.
These measures have not contributed effectively throughout the years to narrowing the gap between developed and developing countries, or to diminishing the economic and social imbalances existing in the world.
If, in the past, industrial countries could not, or did not want to, face up to the deep structural imbalances observed in the economic situation of the world, today it is no longer possible to continue to ignore the need to take a number of joint decisions if we wish to address the whole problem of underdevelopment effectively.
The interdependence of all countries and the global nature of current problems are not compatible with short-sighted egoism, which seeks to ignore the fact that the development of all peoples is a fundamental condition for international peace and security.
Since each country has the responsibility of designing and choosing the model of development which is most appropriate for its specific characteristics, it is important for the international community to undertake a joint project for all countries, accepting international co-operation as a complement to everyone's individual efforts based on the democratic principles of solidarity and mutual interest.
Among the fields in which international co-operation is required, we can also mention the protection of the environment. Today, the relationship between environment and development is unquestionable and It has become urgent for us to take a global approach to the problem, which should lead to appropriate follow-up action.
We cannot fail to denounce the criminal complicity of certain economic agents of the West and some of their corrupt African allies, who are trying to use Africa as a depository for toxic and radioactive waste, and we hope that the analysis of the question during this session will culminate in a vigorous condemnation of those practices.
At this session the General Assembly will examine, among other items, the results of the application of the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development adopted in 1986 at its thirteenth special session. The recent meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole of the General Assembly entrusted with the assessment of that Programme completed its work here in the United Nations with satisfactory results, since it provided an opportunity for the parties concerned, two years after its adoption, to make an in-depth analysis and to consult with each other in an attempt to find the best ways of enhancing co-operation between Africa and the international community and of bringing about recovery in the impoverished African economy.
While acknowledging the fundamental role to be played by African Governments in the elaboration of strategies for the implementation of the programme and taking into consideration the current serious economic situation in Africa, the meeting rightly emphasised the need for the international community to take urgent measures to speed up implementation over the next few years, especially by increasing the financial contributions to our countries on a predictable and sustained basis, thus supporting the efforts of the continent, especially in the field of agriculture.
In order to overcome underdevelopment, we need to be clear and consistent in our analysis and denunciation of, and our battle against, factors brought about by our own mistakes. We must recognize that co-operation and solidarity among developing countries have not been taken sufficiently into consideration; it might even be said that they had been neglected. We must take specific and decisive measures towards the improvement of South-South co-operation and mutual assistance as an essential element in the establishment of a new international economic order.
In the case of the African continent, there are various initiatives towards subregional economic integration that absolutely must be consolidated so that we may overcome the current balkanization, which is one of the reasons for our difficulties in achieving endogenous and self-sufficient development.
On the other hand, we must have the courage to recognize the relationship between political power as it is exercised in many of our countries of the third world and underdevelopment. It is incontestable that development is essentially a cultural phenomenon, which requires the active participation of conscientious and responsible citizens. We must fight for the generalisation and consolidation of democracy, without which there can be no flowering of the people's creative spirit, which is the foundation that supports true development.
In Sao Tone and Principe we are promoting an experiment in the involvement of the people in the political, economic and social life of the nation and the society, an experiment that we hope will be successful. After thorough, open, critical and outspoken debate on the problems that slow down our economic development, we decided that the State must withdraw from the management of productive units and that the citizen must bear the main responsibility for initiatives designed to bring about the economic recovery of the country. At the same time we took a historic step tower· з wider democratisation of our political life when we decided to grant freedom of expression to all political tendencies within the sole party. And we do not reject the idea of future evolution towards a plurality of parties, when the social, political and cultural contest justifies this.
While this situation of democratic tolerance in our small country, as witnessed by Amnesty International when it visited Sao Tome and Principe a few weeks ago at our invitation, is a comforting reality for us, we cannot but be concerned about what is happening in more than half the countries of the world with respect to civil and human rights, as revealed by that same organisation a few days ago in its report, in the very year in which we commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This historic Declaration acknowledges that respect for the inalienable rights of all the members of the human family is the basis of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

Although the objectives established by the Declaration may have seemed too ambitious for its tine, the progressive translation of its principles into rules of international law is today a reality which, in many parts of the world, stimulates and inspires all those who are fighting for respect for the inherent dignity of all human beings.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, aware of its responsibilities in this field and wishing to participate in the international movement to safeguard and protect human rights, has recently ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in the belief that all human rights are indivisible and interrelated.
I conclude by wishing this Assembly every success in its work, so that it may contribute effectively to the establishment of understanding among men and among nations, and to the material and spiritual progress of mankind.


It gives me particular pleasure on behalf of the President of the Socialist Republic of Romania, to convey to you, Mr. President, as well as to the Secretary-General, cordial greetings and best wishes for success in your highly responsible function; strengthening the role of the United Nations in, and its contribution to, the solution of crucial issues of our world.
It is my great privilege, on the instructions of the President of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu, to present his thoughts and proposals on the main issues of international life, which are to be found on the agenda of the current session of the General Assembly. Romania considers that, although in the year which has elapsed since the preceding session some steps have been taken in the direction of nuclear disarmament and the solution through negotiations of international disputes, the situation in the world continues to be particularly grave and complex. No radical turn has been achieved towards peace, security and co-operation, the increase of mutual confidence, respect for equality between States, non-interference in their internal affairs, and respect for the independence and sovereignty of each State.
The quantitative and qualitative arms race has continued unabated, stimulated by research and the development of new nuclear weapons. Grave conflicts are continuing in some parts of the world, constituting potential threats to world peace and security. The world economic crisis, which has particularly aggravated the condition of the developing countries, has resulted in deepening the gap between the rich and the poor countries and has become a real obstacle to the progress of all States.
In view of the danger that the arms race presents for the present and the future or mankind, Romania submitted to the third special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament its considerations and proposals on disarmament issues and on the course of action that States should take for their solution.
As members know, the special session concluded with no decision, thereby disregarding the wishes and expectations of the great majority of the peoples of the world. Nevertheless, it strongly demonstrated the almost unanimous decision of all States and peoples to put an end to the harmful policy of armaments and to proceed resolutely, before it is too late, with concrete disarmament measures.
The interests of world peace and security require the United Nations to make full use of the many proposals and ideas put forward by all States at the special session, in order further to increase its role in multilateral negotiations. In view o£ present international conditions and proceeding front the reality that the intensification of the arms race, especially the nuclear across race, constitutes a grave danger for international peace and security, Romania submits to the attention of this world forum the following measures which it believes should be taken: the adoption by the United Nations of a comprehensive programme for nuclear and general disarmament, which would take into account the proposals submitted by all States at the recent special session; the adoption by the General Assembly of a call on the Soviet Union and the United States of America to conclude the treaty on the 50 per cent reduction of their strategic weapons at the earliest possible time; the prohibition of nuclear-weapon tests and the curbing of the development of all such weapons, as well as of new military technologies and weapons of mass destruction; the prevent л of the extension of the arms race into outer space and the adoption of measures conducive to the renunciation of the militarization of outer space, which should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes; the prohibition and elimination of chemical weapons, along with actions aimed at reducing and eliminating nuclear armaments; the reduction of military budgets, including the adoption of unilateral measures and the basis setting of mutual examples; the undertaking of measures conducive to ε sizeable reduction In the number of troops and conventional armaments and military expenditures - in this respect, negotiations on conventional disarmament In Europe should start later this year; encouragement by the United Nations of the creation of zones free of nuclear and chemical weapons in the Balkans and in other regions of the world; the strengthening of the role and the capacity of the United Nations to act in the field of peace and disarmament, as well as the role of the Geneva Conference on Disarmament.
Among the actions to be taken in order to proceed with the implementation of concrete disarmament measures, ate the finalization and adoption by the United Nations of the principles to govern the negotiation and conclusion of agreements on the reduction of military expenditures. Likewise, we propose the adoption of the report on the economic and social consequences of the arms race and military expenditures, prepared by the Secretary-General with the assistance of a group of experts. The report should be brought to the attention of States, negotiating bodies and public opinion.
We also believe that, in order to promote peaceful solutions to disputes and conflicts, the General Assembly should prepare a mandate that would enable it to bring to a successful outcome the initiative submitted by Romania at previous sessions on a procedure to establish a commission of good offices, mediation or conciliation for the peaceful settlement of disputes. At the same time, we believe that work should be continued to identify and clarify the elements which are to constitute the background for an international document on the development and strengthening of good-neighbourly relations among States.
The creation of a climate of durable peace and security requires resolute action by all states to educate peoples, including the young generation, in the spirit of mutual confidence and respect, and of the need for co-operation among peoples. It also requires repudiation of any action that would contribute to discord between nations.
With this in mind, Romania requested the inclusion of a new item on the agenda , entitled "Responsibility of States to ban in their territory, and to refrain from instigating or supporting in the territory of other States, chauvinistic, racist and other manifestations that may cause discord between peoples and involvement of Gov err n ¡cents and the mass media in combating such manifestations and in educating peoples and youth in the spirit of peaceful co-operation and international entente} and evaluation of the implementation of the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples".
Tb this end, Romania submits the following
United Nations programmes should provide that Governments will not permit such manifestations and activities and will not instigate or support such acts on the territory of other States. At the same time, United Nations programmes should emphasize the need to promote measures to educate peoples and the young generation in the spirit of the noble ideals of peace, mutual respect and understanding among peoples.
The United Nations should address a call to all States for the adoption of concrete measures against those political circles and groupings which promote chauvinism, racism and apartheid and which foster an atmosphere of mistrust between States, discord between peoples and misinformation vis-à-vis international public opinion.
We believe that the Commission for Social Development should be entrusted with the task of reviewing the Implementation of such measures and submitting a report thereon to the General Assembly at its next session. Taking into account the fact that the year 1990 will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption  at the initiative of Romanian of the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples, it would be useful to evaluate the practical results of this international document.
A dramatic reality of our days, which deeply affects the health and the environment of our planet and of its-peoples  is the continuous proliferation of ail sources of pollution of the atmosphere, soil, marine environment and outer space. At the same time, in some countries large quantities of toxic radioactive and polluting substances and wastes continue to accumulate. Lately there has been an increase in attempts to transfer such wastes abroad and deposit them on the territories of other States, usually in less developed countries, or dump them in international waters.
In order to eradicate this phenomenon, Romania requested the inclusion on the agenda of a special item entitled: "Responsibility of States for the protection of the environment and prevention of environmental pollution as a result of the accumulation of toxic and radioactive wastes, and strengthening of international co-operation for the purpose of resolving the problem." To this end, we submit the following.
A system of universal norms should be established aimed at preventing, by all possible means, such practices and at prosecuting those responsible for such offences. Specific rules should be adopted which would establish the concrete responsibility of States under whose jurisdiction activities resulting in radioactive and toxic wastes are taking place, as well as the responsibility of the producing firms, for the damage caused by fraudulent trans-boundary movements and the dumping of wastes on the territories of other States or in international waters.
A group of experts should be established, within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme, which would consider the question of adopting certain guidelines and mandatory norms to be observed by all States.
Preparatory work should be started with a view to convening, in 1992, a Second United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, which would lay the groundwork for broad international co-operation in the field of environmental protection, taking account of the concerns and proposals of all States.
Romania is deeply concerned about the world economic situation, which continues to deteriorate, and the worsening condition of the developing countries, whose external debt exceeds one trillion dollars. The problems of the world economy cannot be resolved by a few countries alone, however developed they may be. It requires the active participation of all States. In this light, we submit the following.
The United Nations should make a thorough assessment of the way in which the principles and the essential provisions of the Declaration and of the Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International Economic Order, as well as of the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States, have been implemented. Such an assessment could be done next year, in view of the fact that, in 1989, 15 years will have elapsed since their adoption. It should result in the preparation of some guidelines for United Nations action in the field of the world economy until the year 2000.
In this regard, particular attention should be paid to finding ways and means for resolving the external debt crisis of the developing countries; to revitalizing the world economy and ensuring conditions for reviving the active role of the developing countries in the general process of economic growth; to restructuring the monetary and financial system and to democratizing international financial organizations to eliminating discriminatory practices and barriers from world trade; to refraining from the imposition of trade embargoes and other measures of economic coercion on political grounds} and to ensuring unrestricted access by all States to science and technology.
The General Assembly should call upon all States to assume a greater responsibility for the present state of the world economy and to engage fully in genuine negotiations on those issues within the framework of the United Nations. Such negotiations should be attended by all States, both developed and developing, and pursue the objective of reactivating the international economic dialogue. They should be aimed at solving the serious problems of the world economy, eliminating underdevelopment and restructuring international economic relations on a new, more just and more equitable basis.
A special body should be established within the United Nations to deal with the problem of external debt, and a corresponding organizational structure should be set up within the United Nations Secretariat, through redistribution of existing personnel. Such a body would consider the various aspects of the external debt problem and elaborate specific proposals for solving it, in the multilateral framework offered by the United Nations system.
In line with its general policy of peace and broad co-operation with all countries, Romania advocates elimination of the use or threat of force in international relations. It upholds the solution of conflicts and disputes in all parts of the world solely by political means, through negotiations and strict observance of the right of each people to independence and free development, without any interference in its internal affairs and with full respect for its vital interests. Along these lines with regard to the situation in the Middle East, it would be of particular importance to convene as soon as possible a conference under the auspices of the United Nations, in which all interested countries should participate. Including the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel, as well as the permanent members of the Security Council.
He welcome the cessation of the war between Iran and Iraq and we hope that, in the framework of the negotiations which started under the auspices of the United Nations, all necessary efforts will be deployed - by each of the two sides - to find mutually acceptable solutions leading to a final settlement of the Gulf conflict. Thus a dangerous hotbed and a threat to peace and security in that region and in the world as a whole would be eliminated.
Romania has been actively supporting the national liberation struggle of peoples and is firmly in favour of the elimination of any neo-colonial policies and strict observance of the right of every nation to assert itself according to its own aspirations. In this spirit, we support the efforts made, in accordance with Security Council resolution 435 (1978), for the accession of Namibia to independence, which would eliminate one more remnant of colonialism. Likewise we support all initiatives for the peaceful settlement of other problems in the south and west of Africa, as well as in other regions of the world.
We also reiterate our solidarity with and active support for the initiatives of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea and its political and diplomatic efforts and actions aimed at the peaceful, democratic and independent reunification of Korea.
The evolution of international events makes it necessary, today more than ever, that the United Nations act with all resolve to strengthen its role and its contribution, as well as to increase the efficiency of its decisions, in solving the crucial problems of our world. That would fully respond to the aspirations of all peoples for peace, co-operation, independence and social progress.
To attain that goal we support the need to improve and simplify the machinery of the United Nations Secretariat and to reduce budgetary expenses. This should be done, however, in such way that the basic political and economic activities of the United Nations are not diminished and its democratic structures not affected.
To that end we should consider whether a larger part of the United Nations activities could not be organized on a voluntary basis, without financial implications for the budget of the Organization. We believe that the General Assembly's decisions to cut the staff from 15 to 25 per cent could be implemented at a more speedy pace and that expenses for existing staff be given a more rational basis.
In our view, consideration should also be given to the possibility that a State whose nationals in the Secretariat exceed the quota allotted to it be requested to cover the expenses incurred for that part of its personnel above the quota.
The final result of the implementation of such measures would be to cut administrative expenses in half. A part of the resources thus saved could be allotted to setting up funds intended for specific activities of the United Nations, mainly for the support of the developing countries, or for other fundamental objectives incumbent upon the United Nations in solving the major issues of international life.
While submitting these considerations and proposals, the Romanian delegation is ready to act in close constructive co-operation with all other delegations, in a spirit of mutual receptivity, so that the decisions adopted fully respond to the trust placed in the United Nations by peoples all over the world. Our actions should respond to their aspirations for the cessation of the arms race and the elimination of under-development, for a better world.
As President Nicolae Ceausescu recently emphasized: "Although the world situation, as a whole, is complex and serious, we share the confidence that the peoples and the progressive political forces, have the necessary strength to change for the better the course of events, to ensure and impose disarmament, peace and a new economic world order.”
From this rostrum I would like to reaffirm the unflinching resolve of the Socialist Republic of Romania to act along with the rest of the international community, within the framework of the United Nations, for peace, co-operation, disarmament and security in the world.


I bring greetings from the Government and people of my country. My delegation joins. Sir, in the many expressions of esteem, felicitation, confidence and goodwill addressed to you as you assume the high office of President of the forty-third session of the General Assembly, to which the world looks with high expectancy and fervent hope for abundant success.
Additionally, grateful appreciation is extended to your immediate predecessor, Mr. Peter Florin, Deputy Foreign Minister of the German Democratic Republic, for his skilful and expeditious conduct of the historic forty-second session of the General Assembly.
My delegation wishes to place on record its pride in and gratitude for the outstanding contribution that the Secretary-General is making to the international community through his sound, skilful, judicious, committed and unobtrusive leadership.
It is no accident that in many areas of the world peace appears to be springing forth. This can be attributed to the realization that there is nothing to be gained by the indefinite prolongation of conflicts within and among nations. On the contrary, so much is lost in terms of human lives and scarce resources that if conflicts are allowed to continue indefinitely, there can be neither winners nor losers in the end.
The wind of change that is blowing in the direction of peace in the international community provides a favourable climate for its enhancement. The Secretary-General, a tireless disciple of peace, in his report on the work of the organization, dated 14 September 1988, said of the United Nations "the small boat in which all the people of the Earth were gathered seemed to have caught a light but favourable wind." (A/43/1, p. 2). Continuing that nautical metaphor, permit me to quote the words of the immortal William Shakespeare: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; emitted, all of the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries." (Julius Caesar, IV: ill) The pieces of peace - if I may be permitted this clumsy pun - that are breaking out in certain regions of the world, afford the international community, whose prestige is on the rise, the opportunity to sail with the flood tide in the pursuit of peace.
Grenada reaffirms its unswerving commitment to the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, the Caribbean community and all other regional or international organisations which assist us in achieving our foreign policy objectives, the centrepiece of which is peace.
My delegation notes with profound satisfaction the new detente and rapprochement between the super-Powers, whose relationship has for so long been a cause of concern in the international community. We hope that the improvement in relations will continue and serve to reduce tensions around the world. We take this opportunity to congratulate President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev on their contributions, and to urge them to continue their dialogue so that the process now begun may lead to a significant and internationally acceptable level of arms reduction, both nuclear and conventional - the kind of contribution to international peace and security that the world so desperately needs.
Against this background, the international community notes with pleasure the strides made in the past months to secure peaceful solutions to seemingly intractable situations in certain regions of the world.
In Afghanistan, the Geneva Accords, negotiated under the auspices of the Secretary-General and guaranteed by the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, afford the region the first real opportunity for the peaceful resolution of the conflict, which can provide the basis for self-determination by the Afghan people.
The cease-fire, on 20 August, in the long and costly Iran-Iraq war, followed by face-to-face talks five days later in Geneva between high level representatives of the two countries, with the Secretary-General as mediator, gave hope to the world that at long last a long and costly conflict would finally come to an end. I wish; however, to remind the Assembly of the continuing plight of the members of the Bahai faith in Iran. They continue to suffer persecution and death because of their religious belief. The continuance of that problem will always be a hindrance to the attainment of peace and stability in that country, and I again call upon this body to take such steps as would cause the Iranian Government to grant to the Bahais their God-given right to the sacred freedom to worship God in their own way.
The quadripartite discussions taking place among Angola, Cuba and South Africa, with the United States as mediator, offer some hope that with goodwill, good judgement and, whenever possible, resort to non-confrontational and non-adversarial positions, the independence of Namibia may be possible without further bloodshed or delay.
In the interval between the last session of the General Assembly and the present, the situations in Cyprus, Kampuchea and Western Sahara have shown encouraging signs of peaceful resolution through political and diplomatic negotiations. There remain, however, other regional problems of concern to the international community. In the Middle East the festering relationship between Israel and the Palestinians has been further exacerbated by recent events on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip. It is the hope of my delegation that those who preside over the destiny of nations, espousing first as individuals peace in their own hearts, will be capable of devising a formula that will be acceptable to all parties, that is to say a formula that satisfies the quest of the Palestinians for a homeland and protects their right to self-determination and recognizes the existence of Israel as a sovereign, independent State and also its right to exist within secure and recognized boundaries.
The situation in Central America, where it was hoped that the signing of the Guatemala Procedure in August 1987 by the five Central American Presidents would quickly bear fruit, remains a matter of cautious optimism.
Nevertheless my delegation views with a tremendous measure of satisfaction the efforts of the people of the region collectively to assess and define their security needs and to minimize the threat to the peace and stability of the area. We laud the leaders of the region for their initiatives to resolve their problems within the framework of consultation, co-ordination, co-operation and joint endeavour.
The fate of the Korean peninsula - basically one family, now divided into two parts as a result of the Second World War - is a perfect example of the futility, Idiocy and tragedy of war. This dichotomous arrangement has resulted in prolonged human suffering of the roost heart-rending kind, where families related by affinity, consanguinity and spiritual relationship have been torn apart with only occasional opportunity to visit one another.
My delegation spoke in the general debate last year. We expressed the view that, through the universal medium of sports and through the universal language of music, the world stood the best chance of attaining the universal goal of brotherhood. My delegation is still of that opinion. This reference was made in connection with the XXIV Olympiad recently completed in Seoul. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for successfully hosting the twenty-fourth Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, substantially free from politically motivated boycotts and tragedies.
Moreover, it is the prayer and hope of my delegation that the inclusion of the item entitled, "Promotion of peace, reconciliation and dialogue in the Korean peninsula", in the Assembly's agenda at this session will be debated constructively, rationally and in the spirit of conciliation, to the end that a satisfactory resolution of the Korean dichotomy might appear on the horizon. In the case of the Korean peninsula, as in the case of so many areas of conflict, we need to explore the many hidden similarities in our apparent diversity. Let us concentrate on our collective strength rather than on our individual frailty.
In view of the recent successes of the United Nations in mediating disputes in the international community, the time has come for us to consider seriously whether or not the objective of attaining national reunification between North and South Korea through dialogue and negotiation would be realized if both countries were granted full membership of the United Nations. We have a moral obligation to attempt to ensure that peace, stability and reconciliation do not continue to elude the people of the Korean peninsula. I therefore wish to propose that this question of membership be given immediate consideration so that the over 70 million people of the peninsula could be accorded their right to representation among the membership of this Organization.
I crave the indulgence of delegations to speak a few words with respect to my country, Grenada, five years after it was rudely and abruptly thrust upon the national and international some following the execution of the Prime Minister and a number of innocent citizens as a result of a vicious intra-party struggle for power. This dramatic and cataclysmic episode took place on 25 October 1983. After law and order were restored, an interim administration was created. Its main term of reference was to create the climate and prepare the country for general elections and the return to pluralistic, participatory, parliamentary democracy, which Grenada had always enjoyed except in the period 1979 to 1983, when ideological bigots came into power, having overthrown the elected government by force. In the general elections one year later, in December 1984, the people of Grenada elected my party by an overwhelming majority. I am happy to report to this fraternal forum of the United Nations that today Grenada is at peace and that human rights and individual freedoms are scrupulously guaranteed.
A few cardinal principles inform and constitute the basis of our conduct within the global family, that is, equality, respect for the sovereignty and independence of States and for their right freely to choose their social and economic systems. Grenada does not subscribe to reproach and recrimination in pursuit of its international relations.
My delegation wishes to refute as utter nonsense the propaganda of a few disgruntled members of this fraternal forum to the effect that there are still foreign forces in my country. The few countries which persist in this course of conduct have neither a democratic experience nor a democratic culture. I am pleased to report that the ballot-box replaced the gun as the ultimate instrument of political discourse in Grenada and to state boldly, categorically and without fear of challenge that there are no foreign troops in my country and that this has been so since 1985.
Grenada shares the concerns and suffers the consequences of the vulnerability of island developing countries, in particular, and of developing countries, in general. With regard to the question of the specificity of the problems of island developing countries, the destruction recently visited upon Jamaica by Hurricane Gilbert also brings into sharp focus the vulnerability of islands to natural disasters.
It is to be hoped that in devising a strategy of emergency assistance to Jamaica the international community would bear in mind the fragility of island economies. Moreover, under agenda item 82 (b), the General Assembly is being called upon to countenance a series of measures that could alleviate the problems experienced by this specific category of developing countries.
My delegation issues a call to United Nations agencies and individual nations to respond more favourably to our valid appeals for special consideration.
The General Assembly should also be cognizant of the threat to the ecosystem of island developing countries posed by coastal pollution resulting from the dumping of wastes at sea. Indeed, the recent unpleasant experiences of marine pollution in several parts of the world have highlighted the deleterious effects of resorting to the ocean as a giant dumping-ground. Thus, over and above the concerns being addressed under agenda item 64 (k), it is imperative that a programme of action against all types of dumping of harmful wastes at sea - be they nuclear, industrial or medical - be devised, thereby saving future generations from potential environmental suicide.
In the matter, of the effective functioning of the United Nations my delegation would like to register its concerns regarding the financial situation of the Organization. The fact that there are in essence two agenda items which address the issue, items 50 and 116, is indicative of the paramount importance of the question. It is to be hoped that any revision of the scale of assessments will adhere to the principle of "equitable apportionment" and will respect the capacity of Member States to pay. There should not be the anomaly of developed countries benefiting from a reduction in their scale of assessed contributions, while certain debt-distressed developing countries are burdened with an upward revision of their financial obligations to the Organization.
The external debt problem with its adverse global economic consequences, especially in the developing countries, is a perfect example of how international peace and security can be threatened by a situation which can have dire social, political and economic consequences,. Debt repayment and debt-servicing pose a hardship for, and stranglehold on, the economies of many developing countries, akin to a millstone around their necks. While the repayment of debt is a legal and moral responsibility of the debtor, debt relief should be a humane and moral consideration of some of the creditors, who, in the context of the present global situation, may be practising simple justice, by putting back into the good earth a little of what has been taken out. History is replete with examples of how exploitation and injustice could have contributed to the debt problem.
To the least developing countries, whose social and humanitarian programmes are held in abeyance because of debt repayment and debt-servicing, the cynicism mingled with humour of a socio-economist can be applied, namely that the inherent vice in some economic systems is the unequal sharing of blessings, while the inherent virtue in others is the equal sharing of miseries. In the final analysis, if the external debt problem is allowed to remain unsolved and unmitigated the economies of both developed and developing countries stand to suffer.
An area of global interest and common concern is the illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances which, like the plague, is spreading over the face of the earth and gnawing at the very fabric of society. Concomitant with the craze for these dangerous substances is the proportionate increase in the level of violence which is fast becoming a seamy sub-culture in some societies. It is generally believed that drugs and international terrorism have a direct relationship. This twin menace is growing bolder every day and wreaking havoc on innocent and unsuspecting people. We favour a multidimensional approach to the tackling of this awesome problem involving the agencies of education, health and law enforcement in the three crucial areas of the production, trafficking and consumption of drugs.	'
Another area of global concern is the rapid spread of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which, like a scourge, is approaching pandemic proportions. In this regard the United Nations prestigious world Health Organization (WHO) should continue to focus on the aetiology, prognosis and therapy for this health hazard, which has dangerous social consequences.
The odious and pernicious practice of racial hatred, apartheid, in South Africa remains the greatest impediment not only to peace in southern Africa but to world peace generally. This institutionalized and systematized phenomenon of racism attempts to place a stranglehold on democratic advancement in southern Africa and continues to deprive the black man of his rights to freedom and self-determination.
If our response is to apply pressure on the South African Government to dismantle the apartheid system, then towards that objective ray delegation favours the employment of collective, comprehensive, mandatory sanctions against South Africa, we are not persuaded by the arguments advanced by a few influential actors in the international community that sanctions will adversely affect the black majority in South Africa. We observe with interest that the imposition of sanctions is a potent and attractive option which is applied selectively as a punitive measure or as one designed or calculated to draw concessions. In any event, it is folly and presumptuous on the part of other countries to attempt to speak on behalf of the black majority of South Africa. Rather, their concerns should be reflected in concerted appeals to the authorities in South Africa to initiate negotiations with the legitimate leaders of the people.
If it is determined that a spokesman is required, then pressure should be directed at the South African Government to release  unconditionally, the most articulate and authoritative spokesman of the black cause. Nelson Mandela. This drum major for justice in South Africa has been imprisoned unjustifiably for 26 years. We call upon the Government of South Africa to free him now so that he may be able to participate effectively in shaping the destiny of his country and his people.
We call on South Africa to suspend armed intervention in the front-line States and to respect their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tremendous progress towards a peaceful and amicable resolution of the regional conflict could be achieved with the speedy implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 435 (1978) for the independence of Namibia which, in my delegation's view, constitutes the only real basis for the attainment of this objective.
Finally, the curtain has risen on the forty-third session of the General Assembly under favourable auspices. The contours of peace are beginning to appear in many regions, the erstwhile battlegrounds of ideological conflicts and actual war. Just as we know in the physical sciences that to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction which can be measured quantitatively, so too, to a limited extent, we can extend the same idea to the social sciences in which peace is central, by applying a qualitative measurement of the promising peaceful events taking place in many regions of the world. The centrifugal forces of discord and disquietude are beginning to yield to centripetal forces of peace and concordance within nations and among nations.
The Washington and Moscow summit meetings between President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev and the signing of the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles, with verification provisions, are factors which we hope will contribute further to long-term global peace. My delegation wants to believe, however, that the triad of disarmament, development and solidarity, which have a syllogistic relationship, affords humankind the best hope of attaining the universal goal of peace and brotherhood for which the world has been waiting so patiently and so long.
May God bless us and guide us as we continue our deliberations in pursuit of these lofty aims.