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A/35/PV.93

Friday, /2 December /980,at 1/.05 a.m,

NEW YORK

93rdPLENARY MEETING

needed the presence of a sufficient number of repre­sentatives from countries which had themselves onlyrecently gained their independence to put the wholeforce of their experience and convictions into thattext, which was proposed to the General Assemblyby a group of 43 African and Asian delegations.

5. The Declaration on the Granting of Independenceto Colonial Countries and Peoples is indeed a master­piece of lively and forceful language, expressing theaspirations of real human beings and of real nations,free of bureaucratic or propagandistic routine, andI would recommend its study to all new delegatesto the United Nations. I am sure that the thirty-fifthsession of the General Assembly would be adoptingfewer, shorter and better resolutions if we had alwaysbeen inspired by the example of that historic Decla­ration.6. Of course, the end of the era of colonialism wasbound to come even without the Charter of the UnitedNations, and most or even all the countries representedhere today would have gained their national indepen­dence also without the adoption of resolution 1514(XV). It should not be forgotten either that in manyinstances the administering Power was itself enlight­ened enough to encourage the process leading to thefree exercise of self-determination and, eventually,independence. Nevertheless, during all these years thepeoples in the colonial countries were looking to theUnited Nations as the guarantor of their national rightto freedom and self-determination.

7. For all peoples suffering under foreign domination,resolution 1514 (XV) was and is still not merely a textof historic reference but a source of inspiration and anexpression of their hopes. In many cases the debatesand resolutions of the Fourth Committee, of theTrusteeship Council and of other United Nationsbodies created the necessary political climate thatmade possible or at least accelerated the accessionto independence. In this context, we owe a specialtribute to the Special Committee on the Situation withregard to the Implementation of the Declaration on theGranting of Independence to Colonial Countries andPeoples and to all the delegations that have served inthat important body for the work that they haveaccomplished.

8. On this twentieth anniversary, we cannot, and weshould not, limit ourselves to looking back to thestruggles and the achievements of two decades. Thequestion of Namibia still remains to be resolved; theintensive efforts ofthe United Nations over many yearsto promote the right of the Namibian people to self­determination and independence have met withstronger resistance than probably in any other case ofdecolonization. The coming weeks and months may beof particular importance for further developmenttowards a solution of that problem. There should be

1629

Special meeting to commemorate the twentieth anniver­sary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Grantingoflndependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. . 1629

CONTENTS

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President: Mr. Riidiger von WECHMAR(Federal Republic of Germany).

Special meeting to commemorate the twentieth anniver­sary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Grantingof Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

1. The PRESIDENT: I feel privileged and honouredto address this solemn meeting of the General Assem­bly on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary ofthe adoption of the Declaration on the Granting ofIndependence tJ Colonial Countries and Peoples [reso­lution /5/4 (XV)]. There are, indeed, few fields inwhich our Organization can look back to as importanta record of concrete achievements as that of decolo­nization. The era of the end of the Second WorldWar which gave birth to the United Nations was alsothat of the beginning of the revolt of underprivilegednations against foreign domination. The new worldorder which the founders of the Organization wantedto build was firmly based on the belief that subjuga­tion of one people by another must lead to hatredand conflict and that only equal rights and free self­determination for all nations can guarantee peace andprosperity for future generations of mankind.

2. In' Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nationsthey therefore specifically defined as one of thepurposes of the United Nations:

"To develop friendly relations among nationsbased on respect for the principle of equal rights andself-determination of peoples ..;"

3. Chapters XI and XII of the Charter concerning theNon-Self-Governing and Trust Territories described asa sacred trust those responsibilities and obligationswhich the administering Powers accepted by joiningthe Organization.4. It can therefore be said without over-dramatiza­tion that the Charter of the United Nations formallyushered in the era of decolonization. But it was notuntil 1960, the great year of African independence,that the winds of change were felt on the continentmost widely affected by the colonial system. It was notuntil the adoption of the historic resolution 1514 (XV)that the spirit of national liberation from alien domina­tion found its full expression in an international docu­ment specifically adopted for that purpose. It probably

THIRTY-FIFTH SESSION

Official Records

United Nations

GENERALASSEMBLY

tory andensure thstion andis my sithrough ttion 435 (21. Whilmost conwhole intmind thatpeoples tFor manynization irequires tconformitDeclarati22. Asdecolonizfollowedan equitaeconomicwill help tpoverty apleting tlwhich haage.

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community. More importantly, by identifying colo­nialism as a major obstacle to the attainment of theprincipal objective of the United Nations-thestrengthening of international peace and security-itcommitted the Organization to playing a central andactive role in the process of decolonization.

16. Viewed in retrospect, the Declaration marked aturning point in the evolution of the United Nations.It greatly enhanced the capacity of this Organizationto serve as an agent of peaceful change. The germ ofthe aspiration towards the self-determination andfreedom of peoples was, of course, already containedin Article I of the Charter. However, it required theendorsement of the Declaration by an overwhelmingmajority of Member States to translate this into apolitical programme, which the General Assembly andthe various organs of the United Nations have sincepursued with unremitting determination. To colonialpeoples everywhere, the Assembly's action conveyedthe promise of a new world order based on justiceand equal rights for all peoples. This was especiallyso for the millions in southern Africa who, subjectedto intolerable conditions of oppression and exploita­tion, were already beginning a desperate struggle forfreedom.17. In the 20 years which have elapsed since theadoption of the Declaration, the world has witnessedone of the most remarkable developments of moderntimes: no less than 136 million people in 59 Trust andNon-Self-Governing Territories have emerged fromdependent status, and the vast majority are representedhere in the Assembly. The admission this year ofZimbabwe, after so many years of bloodshed andsuffering, was a fitting climax to a period which willno doubt be remembered as the era of decolonization.

18. I think that the international community hasevery reason to be proud of the important role whichit has played in helping the peoples of former colonialTerritories to win their freedom. In this context, wemust express our deep appreciation to the SpecialCommittee, which over the years has succeeded inmobilizing international support for the legitimateaspirations of the colonial peoples. Let me pay a tributeto the great contribution made to these endeavours byMr. Salim A. Salim in his eight years as Chairman ofthe Special Committee and to the continuing efforts ofhis successor, Mr. Abdulah.

19. Today, as a result of the ongoing process ofdecolonization, the United Nations is far more repre­sentative, far closer to the goal of universality andhence a stronger body than it was two decades ago.As such, it is better equipped to provide a collectiveapproach to the other urgent tasks which still confrontthe international community.

20. As we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of theDeclaration, it is important that we should not merelydwell on past achievements: we have to addressourselves to the problems which still remain unre­solved. While it b not over-optimistic to envisage thatthe goal of complete decolonization may be reached inthe not-too-distant future, the time has not yet comewhen we can relax our efforts. The problem ofNamibia, to which the President referred a momentago, rightly remains one of our major preoccupations.Our special responsibility for this international Terri-

General Assembly-Thirty·fifth Session-Plenary Meetings1630

no doubt that the United Nations will do everythingin its power to live up to its special responsibilitytowards that Territory and its people, and that theinternational community will not rest until theNarnibian people have freely exercised those rightsproclaimed in the Declaration which we are com­memorating today.

9. One day-which, I believe, cannot be very farahead-Namibia will have gained its rightful place inthe community of independent States, and the peoplesof the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories inother parts of the world will have freely chosen thepolitical and legal status corresponding best to theirparticular geographic, economic, cultural and socialconditions and aspirations. Will the historic Declara­tion contained in resolution 1514 (XV) then haveachieved all its objectives and, at the same time, havelost its practical importance for the work of theUnited Nations? I believe that the political and moralsignificance and impact of the Declaration point farbeyond the historic phenomenon of colonialism.

10. It may indeed surprise many readers of resolu­tion 1514 (XV) that in the operative text of the Declara­tion itself the words "colonial" or "colonialism" donot even appear. Although the struggle for an end tocolonialism was, of course, their very concrete motiva­tion, the authors of the Declaration also formulatedthe basic principles of equal rights among nations andself-determination.

11. I therefore propose that we should, even afterNamibia's independence and after all other colonialTerritories have reached a full measure of self-govern­ment, continue to keep resolution 1514 (XV) very muchin our minds, because I am convinced that we shallneed that historic Declaration as a major source ofinspiration for a long time to come.

12. On this solemn occasion I should like to announcethat messages have been received from the Heads ofState or Government of the following countries:Bangladesh, Bulgaria, China, Democratic Kampu­chea, Egypt, Ethiopia, German Democratic Republic,Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Mali, Pakistan,Poland, Romania, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,Viet Nam, Yugoslavia and Zambia [A/35/752 andAdd./].

13. I now call on the Secretary-General of the UnitedNations.

14. The SECRETARY-GENERAL: Twenty yearsago, on 14 December 1960, the General Assemblyadopted the historic Declaration on the Granting ofIndependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Itsolemnly proclaimed the necessity of bringing a speedyend to colonialism and declared that the subjection ofpeoples to alien rule is contrary to the principles ofthe Charter and an impediment to the promotion ofworld peace and security.

15. Coming at a time when more than 140 millionpeople in vast areas of the world were still living undercolonial rule, that Declaration, adopted without a singledissenting vote, constituted a landmark in the applica­tion of one of the basic principles of our Organiza­tion-the principle of equal rights and self-determina­tion of peoples. The adoption of the Declaration wasan act of conscience on the part of the international

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tion has resulted in the Assembly's becoming a moretruly representative world forum. Adopted by theoverwhelming majority of Member States-indeed,without a single dissenting vote-the Declaration wasboth an expression of the determination of the com­munity of nations to speed up the process of libera­tion of colonial peoples and a signal of new hope forfreedom and independence to the millions who werestill living under colonial and alien rule.

27. During the 20 years which have elapsed sinceresolution 1514 (XV) came into effect there have beenremarkable developments in the struggle of the colonialpeoples to achieve self-determination and indepen­dence. In these two decades these embryonic be­ginnings have culminated in the attainment of inde­pendence by more than 50 dependent Territories, witha population of many millions. The composition of themembership of the United Nations today is eloquenttestimony to this outstanding achievement-over onethird of the 154 Members are former colonial Terri­tories which have joined the community of nations assovereign States since 1960.

28. During the decade that has passed since theAssembly celebrated the tenth anniversary of the adop­tion of resolution 1514 (XV) we have witnessed aquickening of the pace of the implenentation of theDeclaration with the emergence of some 20 Territoriesas free and independent States. Notable among theseare the former Portuguese Territories-Angola,Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and SaoTome and Principe-and, most recently, Zimbabwe,which attained, after a long, relentless and courageousstruggle, their hardwon independence. Thesepositive developments clearly demonstrate the factthat neither repression, nor violence, nor murder canarrest the historically irreversible tide of the libera­tion struggle and that colonial and alien domination ofcolonial peoples is doomed to irrevocable failure. Theunceasing aspirations of the colonial peoples to free­dom and independence can never be suppressed.Ultimately, it is on the basis of the freely expressedwishes of its inhabitants that the destiny of a colonialTerritory will be decided. Where the way to peacefulsolution is denied, where the peoples concerned areconfronted with arrogant and recalcitrant regimes, itis finally the will, the commitment and the persistentstruggle of these gallant peoples which will enable themto free themselves from the shackles of colonialism.

29. The recent admission to membership of Zim­babwe and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. as wellas the attainment of independence by the NewHebrid . the Republic of Vanuatu, constitute afitting -rical coincidence with the commemorationof the .ntieth anniversary of the Declaration. Forin those cases, as indeed in the case of many of thenew nations in Africa and in the Caribbean and Pacificregions that joined the community of nations after1960, the role played by the United Nations in supportof the inalienable right of the peoples concerned toself-determination and independence has been con­siderable and at times crucial. This important roleplayed by the international community reflects thecontinuing commitment of the United Nations, whichthe Declaration symbolizes. But the world communitycan no longer be satisfied with enunciating the prin­ciple of decolonization: it must, rather, be prepared to

--------_._---------------------------------tory and its people imposes an obligation on us toensure that they exercise their right to self-determina­tion and independence without any further delay. Itis my sincere hope that this goal may be attainedthrough the implementation of Security Council resolu­tion 435 (1978).

21. While a peaceful solution for Namibia is a fore­most concern of the Assembly and, indeed, of thewhole international community, we must also bear inmind that there are 21 other Territories for whosepeoples the Declaration is yet to be implemented.For many of these Territories the process of decolo­nization involves complex problems, whose solutionrequires the co-operation of the parties concerned inconformity with the principles of the Charter and theDeclaration.

22. As we reflect on the historic phenomenon ofdecolonization, we must be mindful that it needs to befollowed and supplemented by the establishment ofan equitable international economic order. Dependableeconomic arrangements need to be instituted whichwill help the developing countries in their fight againstpoverty and ignorance. This is an imperative for com­pleting the great process of human emancipationwhich has been the outstanding achievement of ourage.

-23. The PRESIDENT: I thank the Secretary-Generalfor this statement. I call on the Chairman of theSpecial Committee on the Situation with regard to theImplementation of the Declaration on the Grantingof Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,Mr. Abdulah of Trinidad and Tobago.

24. Mr. ABDULAH, Chairman of the Special Com­mittee on the Situation with regard to the Implementa­tion of the Declaration on the Granting of Indepen­dence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: It is indeeda great honour and privilege for me to participatein this special meeting today to commemorate thetwentieth anniversary of the Declaration on theGranting of Independence to Colonial Countries andPeoples.

25. It is :l day to symbolize the solidarity of theStates Members of the Organization in their determina­tion to hasten the unconditional attainment of freedomand national independence by all Territories underforeign rule. It is a day for Member States to rededicatethemselves to the principles embodied in the Declara­tion: principles which demand the liberation of colonialTerritories from foreign domination; principles whichstem from the purposes and tenets enshrined in theCharter of the United Nations. It is a day for lookingback at past achievements, not in any self-congratu­latory way but rather in order to be better able to layfirm ground for future action with respect to theremaining vestiges of colonialism.

26. It is self-evident that the Declaration has had awide-ranging effect on many aspects of internationallife, particularly on the evolution of the United Nationsitself. The importance of the United Nations as thestandard-bearer in this realm of endeavour was'strengthened by the assignment to it of a central rolein the achievement of one of the fundamental purposesset out in the Charter, namely, to uphold the principleofequal rights and self-determination of peoples. More­over, the progressive implementation of the Declara-

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prehensive sanctions against the apartheid regime ofSouth Africa, under Chapter VII of the Charter.

34. I shall not attempt here to enumerate all themeasures envisaged under the Plan of Action, but itshould be manifestly clear that the aim and resolve ofthe Organization is the ultimate achievement ofsocieties free of any political system which condonesany form or manifestation of colonialism.

35. On behalf of the members of the Special Com­mittee, I wish to reiterate to the Assembly the Com­mittee's resolute commitment and determination, inaccordance with the terms of the resolutions adoptedat yesterday's meeting and of other related resolutionsof the Assembly, to continue its search for the mostsuitable ways and means of fully and speedily im­plementing the Declaration. In that endeavour, the fullco-operation of the administering Powers, particularlywith respect to the sending of visiting missions to theTerritories concerned, is an indispensable factor in thesuccess of the work of the Special Committee, as wasclearly demonstrated by the series of such visitingmissions dispatched to a number of Territories in therecent past. Mention must be made here of the com­mendable action of the Governments of Australia,New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the UnitedStates for their co-operation with the Special Com­mittee, as well as for their readiness to receive furthervisiting missions to the Territories concerned. TheSpecial Committee derives a deep sense of confidencefrom the assurances of, and pledges for, continuedco-operation in its work by the administering Powersconcerned.36. Today's commemorative meeting would havebeen more edifying had it not been necessary to pro­claim a new Plan of Action in order to attain thegoals of the Declaration-for the fact remains thattoday, as I mentioned earlier, there are still more than3 million people in 22 dependent Territories who stilllive under alien rule. Many of these, it is true, inhabitsmall and often isolated Territories, where the realiza­tion of the goal of decolonization presents difficultiesof a technical and economic nature requiring specialsolutions in each case. However, these special factorsshould in no way serve as a pretext for preventing thepeoples of those Territories from exercising their rightto self-determination and independence. Colonialism inany form, in any Territory, must be eliminated.

37. As we' move closer to the day when the lastvestiges of colonialism will be eradicated from the faceof the earth, it is now more than ever necessary thatwe at the United Nations rededicate ourselves toensuring that the genuine interests of the inhabitants ofthose remaining Territories continue to be of para­mount concern. In so doing, we must continue to doour utmost to bring about the completely free andunrestricted conditions which would enable the peoplesconcerned to express their true aspirations and to takesteps to ensure that the national unity and the terri­torial integrity of those Territories are fullv respectedand safeguarded. Any violation of this ~ .d principlewill clearly constitute an open breach . the obliga­tions which Member States undertook in accordancewith the provisions of the Charter. Clearly, as wecommemorate the twentieth anniversary of theDeclaration, we must not only pledge ourselves toovercome the traditional obstacles to the liberation of

1632 General Assembly-Thirty-fifth Session-Plenary Meetings

adopt concrete measures to achieve the goals set forthin resolution 1514 (XV). Thus, although the increasein the membership of the Organization has broughtus closer to the ideal of universality and there hasbeen tangible progress in decolonization, the work ofthe Special Committee, as indeed of the United Nationsas a whole, including in particular the Security Council,can hardly be considered complete.

30. Notwithstanding the positive developments thatwe have witnessed, it is indeed distressing that,35 years after its creation and 20 years since theadoption of the historic Declaration on decolonization,today the lJnited Nations is still considering how bestthe rights l'/more than 3 million people of the remainingcolonial Territories can soon be brought to parity withthose of the rest of the world. This anamalous situationcan no longer be tolerated if we are to live up to thepledge of the Assembly in paragraph 5 of the Declara­tion that

"Immediate steps shall be taken, in Trust and Non­Self-Governing Territories or all other Territorieswhich have not yet attained independence, totransfer all powers to the peoples of those Terri­tories, without any conditions or reservations, inaccordance with their freely expressed will anddesire, without any distinction as to race, creed orcolour, in order to enable then to enjoy completeindependence and freedom."

31. In this respect, the most critical situation iswithout any doubt that pertaining to the internationalTerritory of Namibia. Earlier hopes that this lastbastion of colonialism in southern Africa would bespeedily eliminated have not been fulfilled. The threatto the peace and security of the region which thisdelay occasions is becoming more and more ominous.

32. It is in this context that, at the 92nd meeting,the vast majority of the members of the Assembly,many of which, I must emphasize, consist of coun­tries which were formerly Trust and Non-Self­Governing Territories, approved a series of recom­mendations designed to expedite the final emancipationof the peoples still under colonial and alien rule. Suchan unequivocal commitment on the part of our Organi­zation is clear testimony to the fact that the UnitedNations cannot and will not coexist with or toleratethe remaining vestiges of colonialism.

33. The adoption of the Plan of Action for the FullImplementation of the Declaration [resolution 35/1/8]represents a notable contribution to the process ofdecolonization. In the Plan, the General Assemblyrecommends, among other things, that all MemberStates should render all necessary moral and materialassistance to the peoples under colonial dominationin their struggle to exercise their right to self-determi­nation and independence and should also intensify theirefforts to promote the implementation of the resolu­tions of the General Assembly and of the SecurityCouncil relating to Territories and countries undercolonial domination. In this connexion the GeneralAssembly will intensify its efforts to enlist the activesupport and involvement of the Security Council inthe field ofdecolonization, particularly in respect of thesituation obtaining in Namibia. Thus the Assemblyrecommends that the Council consider imposing corn-

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93rd meeting-12 December 1980 1633

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colonial peoples but also, with no less vigilance, guardagainst any new obstacles.

38. Let us therefore find reinforcement in the Planfor further action to step up the attainment of theobjectives of the Declaration. Let us concentrate ourenergies to work for the full implementation of theDeclaration and for the realization of the goals em­bodied in that historic document.

39. Finally, I should like to pay a particular tributeon this occasion to the Secretary-General for the activeand effective efforts he has undertaken and continuesto undertake in order to assist in the fulfilment of theaspirations of the peoples of the colonial Territories.The positive initiatives that the Secretary-General hasundertaken in a number of instances, including inparticular those regarding Namibia, and the closeattention he continues to pay in that connexion, are asource of encouragement and inspiration. On behalfof the Special Committee, I wish to reiterate to theSecretary-General the assurances of the continuingreadiness of the Committee to work closely with himtowards the full implementation of the Declaration.

40. I cannot conclude my address at this specialmeeting commemorating the twentieth anniversary ofthe Declaration without paying a tribute to thethousands of known and unknown heroes who havesacrificed their lives so that others can live as freemen. Our tribute also goes to those in many countrieswho have been subjected to persecution in theirstruggle for freedom and justice, to the realization ofwhich we all aspire. Let us take this opportunity topledge ourselves to their cause, so that the sacrificesmade by those courageous people shall not be invain-for their cause is that same cause to which wegave our undertaking and our commitment when asMember States we accepted the obligations under theCharter of the United Nations.

41. The PRESIDENT: The next speaker is the Presi­dent of the United Nations Council for Namibia,Mr. Lusaka of Zambia.

42. Mr. LUSAKA, President of the United NationsCouncil for Namibia: The United Nations Councilfor Namibia is greatly honoured to be one of the organsof the United Nations participating in the deliberationsof the General Assembly to commemorate thetwentieth anniversary of the Declaration on theGranting of Independence to Colonial Countries andPeoples. Indeed, it is only fitting that the Council forNamibia should be closely identified with this momen­tous day, because it was seven years after theadoption of the Declaration that the General Assemblygave vivid expression to the decolonization of Namibiathrough the establishment of the Council for Namibia.

43. Since the adoption of the Declaration by theGeneral Assembly, which is contained in resolu­tion 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, the long-delayedaspirations of many of the colonial peoples of the worldhave been met and their thirst for freedom fromcolonialism has been quenched. No less than a scoreof countries have moved from the backyards of othernations and have since taken their rightful placesamongst the community of nations as members of thisAssembly. Their presence here today, as marked bytheir contributions in session after session, has not onlychanged the complexion of the Organization but also

added a new dimension to the political tone of theOrganization.

44. The peoples of the world, as a result of theincrease in the membership of the Organization, havebecome more broadly represented than hitherto. That,we hope, will bring the Organization measurablynearer to the goals and ideals for which it wasfounded-that is to say

" ... to promote social progress and better standardsof life in larger freedom, ... to reaffirm faith in funda­mental human rights, in the dignity and worth ofthe human person, in the equal rights of men andwomen and of nations large and small".

45. As we look back 20 years to the period of theadoption of the Declaration, we see that many nationsand peoples were then locked in a bitter and colossalconflict in their struggle for freedom. That state ofaffairs threatened the very existence of peace andsecurity, as well as the stability of the world com­munities. These regional conflicts and the struggle forfreedom were fraught with dangerous implications ofwider 'conflict that could have engulfed everybodyelse.

46. The General Assembly adopted the Declarationas a preventive measure against conflict and, in itswords, saw the necessity of "bringing to a speedy andunconditional end colonialism in all its forms andmanifestations". It is indeed beyond any shadow of adoubt that the genesis of conflict is primarily andmost fundamentally colonial domination. Oppressionhas always evoked resistance from the oppressed. Theoppressed masses of the world have always held theview that there can never be any form of peacefulcoexistence between the oppressed and the oppressor,between the colonial subject and the colonial master-indeed, between the forces ofdarkness and the forcesof light.

47. It has become imperative, therefore, that thepursuit of peace always be inextricably linked withthe pursuit of justice, freedom and independence.It is for that sole reason that the United NationsCouncil for Namibia, because of its abiding faith infreedom and justice, has since its establishment strivenfor the freedom and independence of Namibia. It mustbe clearly understood that there can never be peacein that Territory unless the people of Namibia accedeto freedom and genuine independence. Many nationshave gone to war for the right to be independent.The independence of a people is not negotiable; inde­pendence is its birthright. What can be negotiated arethe modalities of achieving a people's right to inde­pendence.

48. Many countries have now gained their indepen­dence, and we see no reason why the people ofNamibia should continue to be denied its birthright offreedom and independence. The people of Namibiaalso is entitled to its independence.

49. This commemoration of the twentieth anniversaryof the Declaration must remain a painful reminder toall of us that long before its adoption, the questionof Namibia's occupation by South Africa had been onthe agenda of the Assembly [see resolutions 65(1)and /4/(11)]. Yet Namibia is still not free. The con­tinued illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa

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perhaps be fitting for us to recall what was stated inparagraph 5:

"Immediate steps shall be taken, in Trust andNon-Self-Governing Territories or all other terri­tories which have not yet attained independence,to transfer all powers to the peoples of thoseterritories, without any conditions or reservations,in accordance with their freely expressed will anddesire, without any distinction as to race, creed orcolour, in order to enable them to enjoy completeindependence and freedom."

57. Thirty-five years have elapsed since the Chartercalled for the development of friendly relations amongnations, based on respect for the principles of equalrights and the self-determination of peoples. Twentyyears have passed since the historic Declaration ondecolonization was adopted by the General Assembly.Despite the progress achieved in the field of decolo­nization since then, Africa deems it deplorable andunacceptable that several million people of theremaining colonial Territories have not yet achievedself-determination and independence.

58. In Africa, colonialism is coupled with theabhorrent system of apartheid and racial discrimina­tion. Southern Africa is still a part of the world whereglobal peace and security are being deliberately andstubbornly threatened because of the persistence ofthe racist regime in imposing its will on the majority.It is from that part of the world that the sentencesof capital punishment and the imprisonment of vigilantfreedom fighters come to ring loudly in the ears of thefamily of nations.

59. All the military might of the racist regime ofPretoria cannot silence the cry for freedom in southernAfrica, as Africa is determined to bend events to itsown will and shape the future of its own destiny.That determination was expressed in simple andeloquent words by the wife of a freedom fighter, anoble daughter of Africa, who said a long time ago:

"We want our men to come back and work theland. We want the war to end. But we want to winit because this war gives us hospitals, schools andfreedom, because this war gives us back the landthat belongs to us."

60. It is the intention of Africa to say in this ceremonythat it is high time for these racist, repressive anddespotic policies of the minority regime of Pretoria tobe checked. Several programmes and measures havebeen adopted by various United Nations bodies to curbthe ugliest form of colonialism practised in southernAfrica but none of them has been heeded by the racistregime. What is imperative now is that seriousmeasures must be taken in accordance with Chap­ter VII of the Charter. It is also incumbent upon allthe States and organizations within the United Nationssystem to continue to render assistance to the nationalliberation movements in southern Africa in their juststruggle against apartheid and racial discrimination.Moreover, it is incumbent upon all States to refrainfrom any economic activities in that part of the worldif those activities are viewed by the people undercolonial rule as impeding their accession to self­determination and independence. In that respect Africawishes to express its confident hope that MemberStates which continue to collaborate with the South

and that racist regime's persistence in defying theresolutions of the United Nations and its arroganceand contempt for the Organization should evokefeelings of outrage within the international community.The time is long overdue for the international com­munity to stand firm and resolutely demand that SouthAfrica should withdraw from Namibia without delay,

50. Although the aspirations of the people of Namibiato freedom and independence have been long delayedby the intransigence of the illegal occupation regimeof South Africa, it is still yearning for the pendulumof justice to swing its way-a yearning frustrated bythe vacillation of South Africa. The Council forNamibia is convinced that Namibia will be free andindependent. We are, further, convinced-even in themidst of all the political manoeuvres and delayingtactics by South Africa-that the independence ofNamibia is as inevitable as it is inescapable. No forcecan be mightier than a people determined to be free­and the people of Namibia has amply demonstratedthe will and desire to be a free nation, even againstthe most powerful military force in southern Africa:the South African army.

51. I would be remiss if I concluded my statementwithout paying a tribute to all the freedom fighterseverywhere who have laid down their lives for freedom,justice and independence, who have by sacrificing theirlives made the Declaration of the General Assemblya reality for many countries assembled here today.I should also congratulate the Special Committee fora job well done and, in doing so, I must quickly addthat a number of colonial dark spots still remain tobe cleaned up in Africa, Asia and the Pacific region.Hence, the Committee's job is yet to be completed.

52. The PRESIDENT: I now call on Mr. Abdallaof the Sudan, who will speak on behalf of the AfricanStates.

53. Mr. ABDALLA (Sudan): I am indeed honouredto address this gathering of the General Assembly,on behalf of the African States and on behalf of myown delegation, on the occasion of the twentiethanniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on theGranting of Independence to Colonial Countries andPeoples.

54. The historic adoption of resolution 1514 (XV)by the General assembly in December 1960was indeeda landmark in the history of all the people who hadborne the heavy brunt of colonialism. The resolutionis particularly dear to the hearts of all Africans, whoare among the few to tell the story of the evils andthe sufferings under colonialism. Resolution 1514 (XV)is close also to the hearts of Africans, because Africaconstituted the centre of the global struggle againstcolonialism and the spearhead of the quest for self­determination and independence.

55. Africa is indebted to the authors of this importantresolution for the crucial role that the Declaration hasplayed in its struggle for freedom and independence,and also in mobilizing world public opinion for thecomplete elimination of colonialism in all its formsand manifestations.

56. In that connexion, and while celebrating thetwentieth anniversary of the Declaration, it might

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69. It was on 14 December 1960, 20 years ago and,incidentally, a few short months after my own countrybecame independent, that the General Assembly tookthe historic step of adopting the Declaration on theGranting of Independence to Colonial Countries andPeoples. That Declaration, contained in resolution1514 (XV), and the Universal Declaration of HumanRights of 1948, are probably two of the most importantdocuments promulgated by the United Nationsbecause, despite the lapse of time, they have retainedin toto their validity and remain the guiding light,inspiration and hope of the oppressed peoples of theworld.

70. The 20 years that have passed since the adoptionof resolution 1514 (XV) have been marked by remark­able progress. Every year-and the admission of theRepublic of Zimbabwe and of Saint Vincent and theGrenadines to the United Nations as well as the attain­ment of independence by Vanuatu this year bearswitness to this fact-new nations attain independenceand assume their rightful places as members in theirown right of the international community of nations.It should suffice to recall that at the time of theadoption of the resolution the Organization consistedof only 99 Member States; now it comprises 154,mostly former colonial Territories that have attainedindependence. Well over 100 million people haveachieved freedom and independence. That is indeedan impressive record, especially if it is recalled thatbefore the establishment of the United Nations andthe adoption of the Declaration colonialism and indeedmany forms of foreign domination had been interna­tionally accepted as a political system of administra­tion and as a constitutional legality.

71. This impressive record, however, should notconceal the fact that there are still, in the era of theUnited Nations and of human rights and, consequently,of reason, many countries and peoples that have notyet exercised their inalienable right to self-determina­tion. This right, as expressly stated in article 1 of theInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights[resolution 2200 A (XXI)], encompasses legal, political,economic, social and cultural aspects. The same is alsoreaffirmed in paragraph 2 of resolution 1514 (XV).The International Law Commission, however, in thecourse of its codification work went much further bystating on many occasions that the right of self­determination, as embodied in resolution 1514 (XV),has become a peremptory norm of international lawwhich admits of no derogation. The principle of self­determination has, therefore, the characteristics ofjus cogens and consequently any treaty which con­flicts with that principle is void.

72. There are still 24 Territories listed as Trust orNon-Self-Governing Territories. However, the case ofNamibia stands out as a haunting example touchingthe very core of the United Nations system. If SouthAfrica's intransigence and delaying tactics continue,the United Nations should take more resolutemeasures under the Charter which would allow theindigenous population of that Territory to exercise itsright to self-determination and independence. Theracist South African regime must not be permitted anylonger to make a mockery of the resolutions of theOrganization with impunity.

African Government will heed the urgent appealsaddressed to them in this respect.

61. Through numerous United Nations resolutionsthe international community is called upon to shoulderits obligations and to exercise heavy pressure with aview to enabling the United Nations to implementthe Declaration in resolution 1514 (XV), therebybringing to an end the repressive system of apartheidand allowing the people of southern Africa to exercisethe inalienable right to self-determination and inde­pendence.

62. For its part the African people, guided by theOrganization of African Unity [OA U], will spare noeffort to bring the lofty principles of the historicDeclaration to reality. We in Africa are determinedin our commitment to the just struggle of the people ofNamibia and Azania, until their freedom is achievedand their national aspirations are fulfilled. In thatstance, we are convinced that Africa does not standalone.63. The overwhelming majority of the communityof nations strongly supports the just cause of thepeoples of southern Africa. What is needed is totranslate that international support into effectiveaction.

64. In celebrating the anniversary of resolution 1514(XV), we feel bound to pay a tribute to the men andwomen whose efforts have contributed to the realiza­tion of its important objective, and particularly theSecretary-General and those who have served on theSpecial Committee on the Situation with regard to theImplementation of the Declaration on the Granting ofIndependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples sinceits inception. We pay a special tribute to the Chairmenof that Committee, in particular Mr. Salim AhmedSalim, now Minister for Foreign Affairs of the UnitedRepublic of Tanzania. His tireless and tremendousefforts undeniably contributed effectively to the imple­mentation of resolution 1514 (XV) regarding manyterritories in various parts of the world. Africa is proudthat one of its sons has made a great contributionin a field so closely linked with the aspirations of itspeoples.

65. Africa is looking forward to the day when theUnited Nations celebrates the adoption of resolu­tion 1514 (XV) as the anniversary of a historic resolu­tion that has been successfully and fully implemented.That day, we are confident, is not far.

66. The PRESIDENT: I now call on Mr. AndreasMarvrommatis of Cyprus, who will speak on behalfof the Asian group of States.

67. Mr. MAVROMMATIS (Cyprus): It is customarywhen we commemorate anniversaries to review thepast in order to see the present in perspective. It isequally pertinent to survey the road ahead so that wecan try in good faith to rectify the shortcomings ofthe past.

68. Today it is most fitting that we undertake sucha task because we are commemorating a landmarkin the history of the United Nations. The decoloniza­tion Declaration is indeed momentous because it dealswith the essence of being human, that is to say, withthe fundamental rights, the dignity and the worth of thehuman person.

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81. Over the past 20 years the visage of the worldand of the Organization have completely changed. In1960, to mention but one example, vast areas of theAfrican continent were still under colonial dependence.Since that time more than 60 peoples have gainedtheir national independence. Today we welcome thoseStates as equal members of our international com­munity. In the course of the implementation of resolu­tion 1514 (XV), a large number of young independentStates have emerged which today in this worldOrganization exercise a decisive influence on theimplementation of the purposes and principles em­bodied in the Charter. In the international arena theymake their voices heard when it comes to safeguardingpeace and detente, to taking actions against impe­rialism, colonialism, apartheid and neo-colonialismand to establishing equitable international economicrelations. In this context, we wish to recall only suchforums of importance to international politics as, forinstance, the Sixth Conference of Heads of State orGovernment of Non-Aligned Countries, held at Havanafrom 3 to 9 September 1979. The socialist countriesclosely co-operate with those States in implementingthe common objectives of their foreign policies.

82. Solidarity with the peoples in their struggleagainst colonialism and imperialism has for the socialistStates never been a matter of tactics, but one ofprinciple.

83. In consistently implementing General Assemblyresolution 1514 (XV), they have rendered in the pastand will render in the future any necessary assistance,both material and moral, to colonially oppressedpeoples in their struggle in order to help them to attaintheir right to self-determination and independence.The countries of our Group have actively supportedthe process of decolo-v--tlcn, both politically andthrough diplomatic act within the United Nationsand its bodies, as well .ne international arena andin moral and material term') vis-a-vis the liberationmovements, the legitimate representatives of thosepeoples that are struggling for self-determination. Ourcountries have taken an active part in the elaborationand implementation of the pertinent resolutionsadopted by the General Assembly and the SecurityCouncil. They have resolutely opposed any obstruc­tions, manoeuvres and intrigues by which imperialistcircles have attempted to prevent the attainment ofreal self-determination.

84. By means of new neo-colonialist methods, thosein imperialist circles are seeking to keep those youngStates dependent. It is the same imperialist Powerswhich are responsible for the fact that the Declarationon the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countriesand Peoples has not yet been fully implemented. Thecomprehensive and consistent implementation of thatDeclaration remains today also a crucial issue for boththe peoples in southern Africa and those in the smallcolonial Territories located in the Atlantic, Pacific andIndian Oceans. The remnants of colonialism poison

1636 General Assembly-Thirty.nfth Session-Plenary Meetings---_ __ .--.._------- ----------------------73. There remain also other colonial problems,including those of the small Territories. In this regardwe would again underline what has been repeatedlystated by the General Assembly. Special factors suchas size, geographic location, population or limitednatural resources should in no way impede or delaythe full application of the Declaration. It is, of course,for the indigenous peoples themselves to decide freelythe modalities by which and at what speed they desireto attain independence, since for various reasons someTerritories might opt for a slower pace ofconstitutionaladvancement than others. On the other hand, weshould never lose sight of the fact that the right toself-determination, being an inalienable right, is notnegotiable.74. We should be remiss if we did not avail ourselvesof this opportunity to pay a special tribute to theSpecial Committee for its unstinting efforts to promotethe implementation of resolution 1514 (XV). Since itsestablishment in 1961, it has been in the vanguard,successfully promoting the transition to independenceof a large number of colonies. In so doing, it has alsobeen instrumental in helping the United Nations tofulfil two of its basic goals: respect for the right toself-determination and equal rights for all peoples, andpromotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.75. We should also like to pay a warm tribute toMr. Abdulah of Trinidad end Tobago, the Chairman ofthe Special Committee, for the ability with which hehas guided the Committee's work. Likewise, we extendour thanks to his predecessor and former President ofthe General Assembly, Mr. Salim, now ForeignMinister of the United Republic of Tanzania.

76. Our thanks and appreciation are also extended tothe Secretary-General for his efforts to bring humanitycloser to the end of the colonial era and the member­ship of the Organization to near universality.

77. We also express our gratitude to the specializedagencies of the United Nations, which have taken andcontinue to take laudable measures towards the imple­mentation of the Declaration on decolonization.

78. In concluding, I would express, on behalf of the'group of. Asian countries, so many of which wereformer colonies or Non-Self-Governing Territories inthe not so distant past, the earnest hope that thistwentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declara­tion on the Granting of Independence to ColonialCountries and Peoples marks the beginning of the veryend of the anachronism of colonialism.

79. The PRESIDENT: I call on Mr. Zachmann ofthe German Democratic Republic, who will speak onbehalf of the Eastern European States.

80. Mr. ZACHMANN (German Democratic Re­public): I welcome this opportunity to address theGeneral Assembly in my capacity as Chairman of thegroup of Eastern European States on the occasion ofthe twentieth anniversary of the adoption ofthe historicDeclaration on the Granting of Independence toColonial Countries and Peoples, initiated by the Unionof Soviet Socialist Republics. This basic document ofthe United Nations, which is the most important oneas regards decolonization, has proved to be of extra­ordinary significance for the implementation of thepurposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of

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this within the framework of the United Nations andits organs and they will continue to render all-roundsupport and assistance to the national liberation orga­nizations, the legitimate representatives of the peoplesstruggling for their independence and for the attain­ment of their right to self-determination.

92. The PRESIDENT: I now call on Mr. PizaEscalante of Costa Rica, who will speak on behalf ofthe Latin American States.

93. Mr. PIZA ESCALANTE (Costa Rica) (interpre­tation from Spanish): Both my delegation and I areespecially fortunate that, as Chairman of Latin groupof the American States, I have the privilege and theresponsibility today to represent that Group at thiscommemoration of the twentieth anniversary ofGeneral Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 Decem­ber 1960, which is known as the Declaration on theGranting of Independence to Colonial Countries andPeoples.

94. It is a privilege because I am joining in thecommemoration of one of the most brilliant episodes inthe history of the United Nations and of the interna­tional community as a whole, a moment which issecond in importance only to the adoption of theCharter itself in 1945 and of the Universal Declarationof Human Rights in 1948, documents from which theDeclaration we are commemorating today draws anddevelops crucial principles such as the right to self­determination of peoples, which is both a fundamentalright of freedom and a precondition for the other funda­mental rights and freedoms of man.

95. It is a responsibility, because I am aware of thegreat significance, today more than ever, of being thestandard-bearer of our Latin American region, whosecontribution to the cause of the liberation of peoplesis of such historical depth and soudness. The fact isthat, from the time of the inspired dreams and gloriousdeeds of Simon Bolivar and the other Latin Americanliberators up to the words and actions of the 20 LatinAmerican republics that participated in the founding ofthe United Nations and the 10 republics that have sincejoined the Organization, our continent has alwaysdevoted its best efforts to the service of men andpeoples suffering under subjugation, domination,exploitation, oppression and injustice, as is called forin the Declaration that has now achieved 20 years ofexistence. It has suffered its setbacks and celebratedits victories, and we are proud to share our table withthe 81 new, independent States that have achieved fullmembership in the Organization during its 35 yearsof existence.

96. In this connexion, we can never sufficiently recallthe decisive and determining role which the LatinAmerican republics played in the inclusion in theSan Francisco Charter of the fundamental norms andchapters relating to decolonization and the self­determination of peoples, human rights-of whichthose norms form an inseparable part-and interna­tional action in the economic and social domains,without which the former would be illusory. Nor canwe forget the role that they subsequently played inthe adoption of resolution 1514 (XV) and furtherresolutions which amplified, applied, and sup­plemented it and directed its implementation. In thiscontext, we also take pride and pleasure in the deep

93rd meeting-12 December 1980--------_._-----------_ .._ ..._-_._._-- -----------'--------the international atmosphere and they are a source oftension and conflict.

85. Peoples in southern Africa have achieved signifi­cant successes under the guidance of their nationalliberation organizations. The OAU plays an importantrole in that struggle. Zimbabwe's accession to inde­pendence was a victory for Africa as a whole. Thenational liberation struggle is now aiming at anotherconcrete objective, namely, the achievement of inde­pendence for Namibia and the elimination ofapartheid.

86. The policy of apartheid pursued by the Pretoriaregime in South Africa and its illegal occupation andcolonial subjugation of Namibia pose a direct threatto world peace and international security. This mustbe met by effective measures to isolate the apartheidregime world wide. South Africa's internal policy ofterror and its external aggression must be met bycomprehensive coercive measures pursuant to Chap­ter VII of the Charter. All Member States must strictlyfulfil their obligations originating from the Charter andthe resolutions of the Organization.

87. Those forces which are supporting Pretoria inpolitical, economic and military terms must bearspecific responsibility. It has long been an open secretthat the collaboration of imperialist States and monop­olies with t-he racist regime in South Africa constitutesa major obstacle to the final decolonization of Africa.It impedes the implementation of the peoples' right togenuine self-determination.

88. We fully support the demands contained in thePlan of Action for the Full Implementation of theDeclaration on the Granting of Independence toColonial Countries and Peoples [resolution 35///8].That plan demands, inter alia, the halting of any formof political, military or other collaboration with SouthAfrica. Wc are deeply concerned about the manoeuvreslaunched by South Africa for the purpose of thwartingthe decisions adopted by the Security Council withregard to Namibia. A settlement of the Namibia issuecan only be arrived at on the basis of the relevantSecurity Council resolutions, particularly resolutions385 (1976), 432 (1978) and 435 (1978). The socialistStates 'support and assist the South West AfricaPeople's Organization [SWAPO], the sole legitimaterepresentative of the people of Namibia.

89. As regards the so-called small colonial Territoriesin the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, it is impe­rative that the provisions of the Declaration be appliedfully and unconditionally to them as well. The right ofthose peoples to self-determination must not besacrificed to the military and strategic interests of thecolonial Powers.

90. Today, 20 years after the adoption of the historicDeclaration on the Granting of Independence toColonial Countries and Peoples, the struggle for theelimination of all forms and manifestations of colo­nialism, racism and apartheid forms an integral PCli ~

of the quest by progressive forces in all continentsfor peace, disarmament and social progress.

91. The twentieth anniversary of the adoption of theDeclaration is for the Eastern European socialistStates an occasion to continue and intensify theirefforts aimed at the speedy and final eradication ofthe remnants of colonialism and racism. They will do

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involvement of Latin America in the Special Com­mittee on decolonization, the Chair of which is beingoccupied today in an exemplary fashion byMr. Abdulah of Trinidad and Tobago.

97. Much has been said and much more remains tobe said with regard to resolution 1514 (XV), but nowords could be more eloquent than the facts them­selves. When the Declaration was drafted, 12 newlyindependent States had already become Members ofthe United Nations. In the year that it was proclaimedas a harbinger of new horizons, 17 additional Statesbecame Members-the highest figure achieved at onetime. Since the adoption of the Declaration, andthanks both to its influence and the influence of thenew spirit which it embodies, 52 additional Stateshave become Members, bringing the Organizationmuch closer to the achievement of its goal of uni­versality: 81 new States in all, without counting theoriginal Members and those which were already inde­pendent States but only became Members of theOrganization at a later stage. However, we should notconfine ourselves to a sterile exercise of congratula­tions or forget the fact that there remain today painfulexamples, frustrations, despair and even serious set­backs in the process of liberation and the preservationof the independence of many peoples in all continents.

98. Many peoples filled with creative vitality musteven today bear the yoke of colonialism, neo-colo­nialism and other forms of foreign domination,generally accompanied by the most unthinkable viola­tions of the fundamental human rights and freedomsof their citizens. All of this is dealt with in the Declara­tion which we are commemorating.

99. Many peoples clearly compartmentalized withinmultinational States are even today deprived of theirrights of citizenship including the right freely todetermine their political status, whether it be freeassociation, incorporation or independence, and theright to preserve and strengthen their social and culturalidentity. This, too, is dealt with in the Declarationwhich we are commemorating.

100. Many peoples which arc themselves sovereignand independent are even today subjected to thehumiliation and provocation of colonial, imperialistor military enclaves within their territory. This, too,is dealt with in the Declaration.

10I. Many peoples are even today paying the price ofhegemonistic interests of one brand or another whichintervene and cynically invade them under the pretextof the same right of self-determination, which is thusbeing distorted to disguise aggression, almost alwayswith the complicity of traitorous , puppet Governments.This is also dealt with in the L,:' clararion.

102. Many peoples, too many in fact, have been leftby the international community to the despots whooppress them, sacrilegiously invoking the principleof self-determination and usurping the rights of self­determination and independence, which belong to thepeople and not to them. Resolution 1514 (XV) dealswith that, and with the continuous exercise of thedemocratic, inalienable and non-negotiable rights ofmen and peoples.

103. National and international injustice, poverty,ignorance, disease, insecurity and lack of freedom

continue even today to render illusory the apparentself-determination and independence of many peoples.This is also dealt with in the document we are com­memorating today.

104. Many peoples are still being persecuted, dis­placed and humiliated by racism, apartheid and thewhole gamut of forms of discrimination which keepvast majorities and even entire peoples subjugatedunder thinly disguised systems of slavery. And this,too, is dealt with in our Declaration.

105. Let us therefore celebrate the progress that hasbeen made on the' road to the full realization of theuniversal right of self-determination of peoples, whichserves as the leitmotif of resolution 1514 (XV). Let uscelebrate the fact that the United Nations, armedwith its Declaration, has contributed so much to thoseaccomplishments. But let us also recall the long roadthat remains to be travelled, and let us take thisopportunity to pause along the way to examine ourconscience in the light of the principles embodied inthe Declaration which we are commemorating andreaffirm our commitment to them.

106. That, in our view, is the wisest, most usefuland most human way of commemorating this twentiethanniversary of the Declaration on the Granting ofIndependence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

107. That is what I respectfully propose to my LatinAmerican colleagues and, thanks to the way thecalendar has fallen, what I as their representativetoday would venture to propose on their behalf to theinternational community, represented by the UnitedNations.

108. The PRESIDENT: I now call on Mr. FutscherPereira of Portugal, who will speak on behalf of thegroup of Western European and other States.

109. Mr. FUTSCHER PEREIRA (Por.gaJ): Whenthe Charter of the United Nations was adopted in1945 it was the hope of the international communitythat the new Organization would contribute to theestablishment of a new international world order whoseprimary goal would be to promote peace, justice,prosperity and freedom among peoples and nations.It was indeed obvious that, once the tragedies causedby war were overcome, there were other situationsaffecting a great part of mankind which also requiredthe attention of the international community.

110. A typical example of such situations was thecase of peoples that had not yet been able to exercisetheir right to self-determination-in short, the case ofcolonial situations-and it was but natural that theUnited Nations should take the initiative of launchinga large-scale campaign in favour of self-determinationby the colonial peoples. It should not be forgotten thatthis action was prompted by solidarity and sometimesby political interests which were not always directlyrelated to the degree ofjustice, or injustice, prevailingin each colonial situation; but unquestionably thosesituations constituted a field in which the interven­tion of the United Nations was morally just, politicallyviable and in conformity with the aims of the Charter.

Ill. The action of the United Nations in the field ofdecolonization is not yet completed. Situations stillprevail which require the combined efforts of theinternational crvnmunity. But the end of the road is

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none the less in sight. Thus, it is our belief that, aspassions subside and the events of the past decadesbegin to recede or advance to take the place historyhas reserved for them, decolonization will undoubt­edly be viewed as one of the major achievements ofthe United Nations.

112. We are gathered here today to celebrate thetwentieth anniversary of an instrument, the Declara­tion on the Granting of Independence to ColonialCountries and Peoples, which played a significantrole in that process, and therefore it is appropriate topraise and give it credit for its contribution towardsthe advancement to self-government and independenceof peoples and Territories under colonial rule.

113. In my capacity as Chairman of the group ofWestern European and other States for the month ofDecember, I should like to stress once again thedeep commitment of the members of the Group topromoting the ideals and objectives of that Declara­tion, and to seeking the implementation of the prin­ciple of equal rights and self-determination amongall peoples, in accordance with the provisions of theCharter.

114. We welcome the progress that has been achievedin this field since the adoption of the Declaration andwe note with satisfaction that in the last 20 years46 former Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territorieshave attained independence and joined the Organiza­tion, which is now much closer to attaining its goal ofuniversality.

115. But, as we gather to commemorate this event,we cannot lose sight of the fact that, unfortunately,there are still peoples and Territories that have not asyet been able freely to determine their own future.1 have particularly in mind the people of Namibia, whoare still waiting for the outcome of protracted negotia­tions aimed at reaching an agreement on a frameworkfor the implementation of the plan for the independenceof that Territory.

116. In this context, may I be allowed to refer to thecontribution of five Western Members-Canada,France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the UnitedKingdom and the United States of America-whichhave been involved in this exercise for four years andwhich have not spared any effort with a view toexpediting the whole process.

117. We sincerely hope that the forthcoming meetingbetween all the parties involved, scheduled for thebeginning of next year and sponsored by the UnitedNations, will lead to an immediate cease-fire and theholding of free, fair and democratic elections with theparticipation of all Namibian political forces.

118. We had hoped that on this occasion it would bepossible to reach agreement on a text that a broadrange of Members from different regional groupswould be in a position fully to support. This wouldperhaps have required long and patient negotiations,but we believed it was certainly worth a try so as toarrive at a consensus text, which would be moreappropriate for a commemorative session markingthe twentieth r nniversary of the adoption of resolu­tion 1514 (XV).

119. Whatever reservations and objections membersof the group may have expressed on the resolution

1639

and the Plan of Action adopted at yesterday's meeting,they should not be construed as meaning a slackeningof the commitment to promote the realization of theprinciples and objectives laid down in resolution1514 (XV).

120. Indeed, I should like to conclude by empha­sizing that the members of our group strongly believein self-determination and independence not as a philo­sophical and abstract concept but rather as a corollaryto what we recognize as the right of all peoples every­where to live in peace and freedom, without extraneousinterference.

121. The PRESIDENT: I call on the representativeof Kuwait, Mr. Bishara, who will speak on behalf ofthe group of Arab States.

122. Mr. BISHARA (Kuwait) [interpretation fromArabic]: On behalf of the group of Arab States, I havethe honour to take part in the twentieth anniversaryof the adoption by the General Assembly of its historicresolution 1514(XV). It is appropriate to commemoratethat occasion, for when we speak of decolonizationwe should appreciate the major role played by theUnited Nations in expressing the will of the worldto end foreign occupation and alien domination.

123. When we speak of decolonization we must recallcertain facts. Europe emerged from the Second WorldWar exhausted and incapable of curbing the nationalistmovement, which was led by the middle class inAfrica and Asia, h) put an end to foreign rule. Thatmiddle class led the national movement and was largeiyinfluenced by belief in the fundamental human rightsand the need to exercise the right to self-determina­tion and Western ideas regarding respect for sover­eignty and the concept of statehood.

124. When we speak of decolonization we must goback to the Conference of the Countries of Africa andAsia, held in Bandung from 18 to 24 April 1955.That Conference was attended by the leaders ofpeoples in the struggle for independence, who inspiredthe world with their ideas and emerged as the embodi­ment of the will of nations and peoples to overthrowforeign rule. Present at Bandung were Sukarno, Nehru,Abdel Nasser and Nkrumah. These were leaders whosestruggle was not confined to the frontiers of their owncountries but extended to encompass the whole world.Their battles were waged against the outside world,and they were the rallying point for the struggle of theirpeoples and nations. They were giants, and they defiedEurope that had emerged from the Second World Warweak and exhausted.

125. Regardless of our views of their legacy, it iscertain that they were instrumental in eliminatingcolonialism from Asia and Africa. In this connexionwe should not ignore the role played by some leadersof Europe in accepting the inevitable-namely, decolo­nization. Who can forget Hie role of Charles de Gaulle?Who can forget the statement of Harold MacMillanin South Africa when he spoke of the winds of change?

126. However, the fundamental role in decoloniza­tion was played by the nations and peoples whichstruggled and sacrificed. and by the thousands whogave their Ives because of their faith in the cause ofindependence, self-determination and sovereignty.

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Agenda item 33:Implementation

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Agenda item 34:Chemical and

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The meeting rose at 12.45 p.m,

of every single country to rid itself of economic colo­nization and to attain the means to ensure economicdevelopment without total reliance on Westerncapitals. In every developing capital there is now acry that can be heard for the eradication of eco­nomic colonization. There are also efforts for agricul­tural development and to exploit national resourcesin accordance with the needs of the country itself andnot those of the colonialists.134. However, in our efforts for economic decolo­nization we must be careful not to create strain inthe developing societies. We must also warn againstcultural colonization in the developing world, whichis still sutTering from that type of colonialism. Wemust prepare ourselves to start cultural decolonization.

135. One of the landmarks in the annals of the UnitedNations in its decolonization efforts is the battle ofeconomic decolonization it is now starting throughglobal negotiations. We should spare no effort toachieve economic decolonization, as we did in the pastin our struggle for political decolonization. Dynamismhas been created in Europe, in Africa and in Asia,and that has helped the United Nations in achievingits objective of political decolonization. A similar forcemust emerge in our present struggle for economicdecolonization.136. The battle may be long and may last many years,but in the final analysis economic decolonization willtriumph just as did political decolonization beforei~. In conclusion, it may be appropriate to consider adeclaration on economic decolonization akin to theDeclaration on the Granting of Independence toColonial Countries and Peoples whose twentieth anni­versary we are celebrating today. Let us hope that wewill witness the day when we adopt a declaration.

137. The PRESIDENT: May I express my personalgratitude and appreciation to all those who have takenpart in this important meeting for their contributionand to those others who agreed not to insist on speakingin order to facilitate the work ofthe General Assembly.138. I declare the special meeting concluded.

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127. Who can forget the struggle of the people ofAlgeria, who played an important role in decoloniza­tion in Africa and beyond? Who can forget the role ofJomo Kenyatta, and Sekou Toure? Who can forget therole of the Patriotic Front in Zimbabwe under theleadership of Mugabe and Nkomo, or the struggle of thepeoples of Angola, Mozambique, Zambia andTanzania?128. The role of the United Nations in this strugglehas been a positive one, for it extended political andmoral support. The United Nations also provided theforum through which the world became acquaintedwith the problems of oppressed peoples suffering fromforeign rule. The adoption of resolution 1514 (XV),the twentieth anniversary of which we are commemo­rating, was a translation of that will.129. Tbe record of decolonization is positive andimpressive but at the same time we should not forgetthat there are peoples still suffering under alien domina­tion. We must not forget that the people of Namibiastill live under foreign rule. We should support theirstruggle in order to overcome the domination of SouthAfrica, which is defying the will of the internationalcommunity.130. We must also help the people of South Africaitself to rid themselves ofapartheid, which is an affrontto human dignity and fundamental human rights.

131. We must also help the people of Palestine toexercise their right to self-determination in their ownhomeland and to establish their own independent Stateunder the leadership of the Palestine LiberationOrganization.132. Undoubtedly, those nations will be victoriousone day. No matter how oppressive the forces of evilmay be, the will for independence will be strongerthan the devices of oppression.133. The developing countries are now fightinganother battle following their victory in the fight fordecolonization. The battle has now started for eco­nomic decolonization without which political inde­pendence would be incomplete. If we focus ourattention on each State in Africa, Asia and LatinAmerica, we will witness a struggle within the frontiers

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