Page:A PV-2243-EN.pdf/19

177 2243rd meeHng-2S Seplembel'1974

ltates

m in nents I Na.nterI Cothe XV), such wery oples ence, It is or vities gime other te

great vade nterrious bel's. y the time. .king ated. will 'prus

rears tion.land mer; 'ven:here the naincting

prus .pennde:inue try nonpoltegic right stern nent As-

'sembly in the question of Palestine during the years immediately following the Second World War, Time and again basic United Nations principles have been violated in the tense situation that has since then prevailed in that area. Negotiations aiming at a peaceful solution did not prove possible. The way in which the great Powers pursued their interests, often in competition with each other, contributed for a long time to the aggravation of the situation, When they changed their policies in the direction of mutual detente, they left the Middle East problem as deadlocked as before. It was a tragic paradox that a new military flare-up became a pre-condition for the active involvement of the great Powers in bringing about negotiations which might open up prospects for a settlement. The world now waits with impatience for the parties to begin at last substantive negotiations in Geneva. It is obvious that the endeavours towards a lasting peace in the area must be based on certain principles which have gained widespread support among the Members of the United Nations, The acquisition of territory by war is not admissible. The right of the State of Israel to exist must be clearly recognized. All States in the area must be able to live in security. The legitimate interests of the Palestinian Arabs must be satisfied. The responsibility of the United Nations for any solution that may be reached must be clearly stated. 205. The United Nations has been kept out of the problems in a third conflict area, Indo-China; but important principles of the United Nations have been at stake in the Viet Nam conflict. Resistance to a necessary process of decolonization lay behind the many years of cruel and brutal lighting. The Paris Agreement put an end to the extensive and direct great-Power intervention; but lighting is still going on in Viet Narn, and tens of thousands of human lives are being sacriliced. This is because the fundamental political problems have not been solved in accordance with the Agreement. In particular it is obvious that the Saigon Administration has no intention of implementing the provisions of the Paris Agreement. A devastating war is driving Cambodia ever deeper into chaos and misery. The United States still bears a heavy responsibility for the absence of a solution to the problems in Indo-China, It should also be noted that the Paris Agreement provides for international machinery to be put into effect should the Agreement be violated; but this machinery has not yet been used. 206. The continuous debate and pressure of opinion with in the United Nations led to the increasing international isolation of the former Portuguese regime and eroded the basis for its antiquated colonial policy. Within Portugal, strong popular forces carried on a courageous struggle against the dictatorship and its policies. 207. The liberation movements in Africa contributed to creating a new situation. Portuguese soldiers and officers who all too long had been forced to fight a meaningless war without hope decided one day to set their country upon the path of democracy and human rights. Thereby the road was cleared for negotiations on a peaceful liquidation of colonial rule. The new Portuguese Government has shown a constructive attitude which deserves the apprecia-

177

tion of the international community. The African States and the liberation movements have' important tasks to fulIil in the Iinal solution of the problems of decolonization. Guinea-Bissau has already gained independence. Mozambique has taken decisive steps in the same direction. In Angola, it is necessary to create appropriate and effective forms forthe transition from colonial rule to true independence. Sweden has, within the framework of international law, supported and will continue to support the forces striving for decolonization. 208; Our Organization must, now consider how to tackle the problems of Southern Rhodesia, Namibia and South Africa. Great vigilance is called for against any effort to secure or expand white minority rule. The sanctions against the illegal regime in Southern Rhodesia must be made more effective. The Smith regime has every reason to fear future developments. Nor can the white ruling class in South Africa remain unaffected by the ever stronger winds of change. 209. The United Nations must increase its efforts to make South Africa abandon its abhorrent policy of apartheid and respect United Nations decisions on Namibia. The non-white majority in South Africa deserves all possible support in its struggle for liberation. Sweden is prepared to make practical contributions to the efforts of the United Nations Council for Namibia. 210. When the United Nations was founded, problems such as apartheid were considered to be outside the competence of the Organization. Developments since then have meant the rejection of too narrow an interpretation of the expression. in Article 2, paragraph 7, of the Charter, "matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State", 21 L In a similar way, the United Nations has demonstrateda growing interest in human rights, traditional civil rights as well as economic and social rights. which have a decisive importance for safeguarding human dignity and for offering a better life to all inhabitants of the earth. There are still no means available to induce Member States to respect those rights even when they are stipulated in conventions and solemn declarations. A wide gap often appears between legal documents and reality. But public opinion must constantly be mobilized in support of human rights. Non-governmental organizations have an important task to fulIil in this field. Commitments made by Governments must be observed. New commitments must be prepared. This work also serves the cause of peace and detente. Extreme violations of human rights evoke international tension, The campaign of protest against the brutal regime in Chile is a case in point. The new rulers of Chile must be reminded that the exercise of power based on bru te force can only bring misery to the people and dishonour to the country.

212. Only through strenuous work for justice in relations among nations, as well as among citizens in anyone nation, can the United Nations realize the ideas embodied in its Charter. 213. Mt MONTIEL ARGUELLO (Nicaragua) (interpreuition from Spanish): I wish to begin my statement with congratulations, ?n behalf of Nicaragua