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why the delegation of the German Democratic Republic is in favour of effective measures to combat this crisis. 176. By contrast, economic integration within the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance is developing expeditiously and becoming increasingly effective for the individual members of the Council. This evolution has a bearing on high increases in labour productivity and continuously high rates of growth of production and secures price stability. This is what makes the external economic relations of these countries so dependable and stable. 177. In a few days' time, the people of the German Democratic Republic will be celebrating the twentyfifth anniversary of the founding of their socialist State. The viability of the German Democratic Republic was frequently questioned. However, thanks to its close co-operation with the Soviet Union and the other States of the socialist community, and thanks to the industrious and creative work of its people, the German Democratic Republic has been and is successful in building socialism. 178. These 25 years have, at the same time, been the contribution of a quarter of a century to the struggle for the strengthening of international security, solidarity with the peoples fighting for their national and social liberation, and active support for peaceful coexistence between States with different social systems. 179. The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, Erich Honecker, recently stated that our foreign policy has always been and will remain a policy in support of all those who strive to strengthen peace and of all peoples fighting for their freedom and independence. 180. In this spirit the delegation of the German Democratic Republic is going to contribute to the successful course of the twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly. 18. Mr. ANDERSSON (Sweden): On behalf of Sweden, I wish to join in the congratulations that have been addressed to Foreign Minister Bouteflika on his election as President of the twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly. The high responsibilities entrusted to him testify to the important role of Algeria in international politics today, as well as to his own outstanding qualities as a statesman.

The excellent relations that exist between Sweden and Algeria are an added reason to express pleasure in seeing him occupy this distinguished office. 182. Let me take this opportunity also to thank Mr. Leopoldo Benites for his outstanding work as President of the General Assembly at its last two sessions. 183. Since last year's general debate important, often dramatic, events have occurred which clearly have influenced relations between countries and groups of countries. Those events have illustrated both the possibilities and the limitations of our Organ-

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184. Since this is the first time that I have spoken before the General Assembly, let me confirm the determination of my Government to support, as before, all efforts to strengthen the authority of the

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United Nations and its capacity to further the aims of the Charter. At the same time, Sweden consistently pursues .a policy of non-alignment in peace aiming at neutrality in time of war. 185. These two principles in Swedish foreign policy have the overwhelming support of public opinion in Sweden. They supplement each other. 186. We are deeply aware of the connexion between peace and security in Europe, global detente and disarmament, a more just relationship between rich and poor nations, and respect for the right of all peoples to decide their own future. We have found that the aims of our foreign policy, as I have described them, give rise to expectations that Sweden should make active contributions in these various fields. At times they may also give us special opportunities to act. 187. The Organization should be a forum where all peoples can present their policies and defend their interests. That is also what we need in order to lackle the immense problems which now confront us and which concern all human beings. In this spirit I wish to welcome our new Members, Bangladesh, Grenada and Guinea-Bissau. 188. The sixth special session of the General Assembly, on raw materials and development, became a milestone in the history of the United Nations. I! stressed the increasing interdependence between all countries. I! made clear that co-operation on equal terms between developed and developing countries. is a necessary condition for the progress and development of the world community. This is also true for the fight against world inflation. 189. The gap between rich and poor nations is widening. The world's resources are unequally distributed. They are scarce, and tend to become even more so, in relation to a growing world population that expects at least satisfaction of basic needs for food, housing and employment. A more just world economic order must be created, where the rich countries show restraint in the use of the world's resources. We must be aware of the limits of what the human environment can bear when the world's resources are being exploited at a rapidly increasing pace. 190. The World Population Conference in Bucharest emphasized, in its Plan of Action,' the relationship between, on the one hand, population trends and, on the other hand, economic and social conditions, as well as the distribution of the world's limited resources. 19. Today millions of people suffer from hunger. If we do not succeed in solving the problems of food production, we have to reckon with the fearful prospect of new millions being condemned to malnutrition and premature death. The World Food Conference in Rome must be followed by concrete measures and commitments. 192. The next session of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea must establish conditionsfor the exploitation of the oceans with a view to gparanteeing good management and fair distribution of their wealth.