Austria

 It is a particular pleasure to congratulate the President on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. His outstanding diplomatic skills and great experience in foreign affairs, as wet as his long association with the work of the United Nations, will considerably facilitate our difficult task during the weeks ahead and greatly contribute to the successful conclusion of this session. 181. I also wish to convey to his predecessor, Mr. Imre Hollai, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, our sincere thanks and high appreciation for his tact, political understanding and tireless personal efforts In conducting the affairs of the General Assembly over the past year. 182. I should further like to welcome most cordially the delegation of the new Member State, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and express our hopes for close and fruitful co-operation. 183. The thirty-eighth session takes place against the background of a serious international situation. The danger of nuclear war casts a dark shadow over the future of mankind. Perennially unresolved conflicts bring untold suffering to many regions of the world. They are often exacerbated by super-Power rivalry. The structural imbalances of the global economy, it conjunction with the present economic crisis, condemn the greater part of humanity to a life of poverty and want. Increasing disregard of human rights, persistent racial discrimination and the repression of people: struggling for their national rights weigh heavily on the conscience of mankind. 184. The stakes are the highest and progress is most urgently required in the area of arms control and disarmament. Tate development of weapons technology combined with changes in strategic thinking threaten to undermine the already precarious balance of terror and increase the risk of nuclear war. These dangerous trends affect the security of all States and all peoples. We therefore believe that everyone and every Government must participate in the struggle against the nuclear threat. In many parts of the world, mass movements are gathering strength and demanding an end to the neuter arms build-up. Austria, a stall neutral country situated between the two military bios in the most highly armed region of the world, naturally shares the concerns and ideals of the peace movement. The ultimate responsibility for halting the nuclear arms race, however, rests squarely with the nuclear-weapon States. Austria appeals urgently to the United States and the Soviet Union to exercise in their talks at Geneva the necessary political will to conclude genuine and substantial disarmament agreements. Let us transform the balance of terror into a balance of reason. 186. After long and arduous negotiations, conducted under difficult international conditions, the Madrid follow-up meeting to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe was concluded successfully. The decisions at Madrid have father developed the 1975 Final Act of Helsinki. They constitute a code for building a more constructive and stable relationship between East and West. In spite of the deep crisis in East-West rotations and the ever-accelerating arms race, all participants in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, including the big Powers, have demonstrated their interest in continuing the process of detente. Austria will spare no effort in contributing actively to the success of this process. We note with satisfaction that the next follow- up meeting will take place at Vienna In 1986. 187. The conclusion of the Madrid meeting proves that sincere negotiating efforts can succeed. Its example must be followed in other areas, in particular disarmament negotiations, on the success or failure of which rests the survival of mankind. Apart from the ongoing negotiations, the Conference on Confidence- and Security-building Measures and Disarmament in Europe, which will begin In January 1984 at Stockholm, wilt offer the best opportunity in this regard. Of course, this requires at cast a minimum of good will and mutual confidence. 188. The tack of these pre-conditions was demonstrated only recently in a frightening manner by title shooting down of a civilian airliner. The Austrian Government unequivocally condemns this act. The international community justly demands a thorough investigation of the circumstances which led to this catastrophe and the punishment of those responsible, as well as appropriate compensation to the families of the victims. We also believe that effective intimation measures will have to be taken to prevent the recurrence of sue a horrible event. 189. The United Nations has an important role to play in the disarmament process. The negotiations in the Committee on Disarmament, title deliberations on arms limitation in other organs and the efforts to build public support for disarmament should be intensified and expanded. During this Genera Assembly session the Austrian delegation wilt pursue its initiative concerning measures to facilitate objective information on the military strength of States. The availability of objective and reliable information would enhance confidence between States and promote the conclusion of disarmament agreements. 190. White the cost of arms race reached $800 billion in 1982, the lives of two thirds of mm kind are still dominated by poverty and hunger. One tenth of the annual expenditure on armaments would be enough to finance the annual debt servicing of at developing countries. After years of recession 'he prospects for an economic recovery have finally improved, but the upswing is as yet initiated to a few industrialized nations and even they do not know how long it will last. It will there/ore be of crucial importance that these trends be transformed into a sustained recovery for all. 9. 1 is convinced that stabilizing factors for a world- wide and lasting economic recovery must be created or recreated, The growth of world trade and production can be built only upon the foundation of predictable exchange rates, open markets unimpeded by protectionism, a balanced development of prices for commodities and industrial goods and a step-by-step increase of resource transfers from the "haves" to the "have-nots". How to create these conditions, these confidence-building measures, for the world economy should be discussed globally. Without a commonly accepted target, no realty fruitful sectoral decision can be made. Laissez-faire is passed. To leave the poorest to the ups and downs of economic power play is as inhuman as it is counterproductive. 192. Peace and well-being can be assured only if at countries in all regions share more equitably in the worlds economic progress, Austria is firmly convinced of the necessity of the North-South dialogue and for its part will continue to Increase the scope of its development co-operation. 193. Austria believes that the observance and promotion of human rights constitute not merely an abstract principle but also practical policy. Such a policy assumes even greater importance in a world beset by armed conflicts, political upheavals and economic crises. Therefore all those individuals and movements that fight against oppression and the denial of their rights everywhere in the world may count on Asia’s friendship. 194. in spite of the coexistence of clear legal norms, grave violations of human rights occur every day in many parts of the world. We continue to witness unjustified arrests, torture, arbitrary executions, religious intolerance and political persecution. 195. The forthcoming thirty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should provide the occasion for all States truly to put into practice the full observance of human rights to which we have all committed ourselves. The United Nations has an important role to play in this context. In our view this role should be strengthened and further developed so as to ensure the effective international protection of human rights. 196. The international situation is characterized by many regional conflicts. 197. The Middle East continues to be one of the most dangerous crisis areas of the world. The implications of this conflict transcend the confines of the region. World peace and international security are nowhere more directly threatened than in the Middle East. The human and humanitarian dimension of this conflict must not be overlooked either. Every day the cycle of hatred, repression and the use of force claims more victims and creates new obstacles to peace. 198. The past year has not brought us closer to a set- statement of the Middle East problem. Lebanon is still occupied by foreign troops and threatened by civet war. Israel pursues its settlement policy on the West Bank leading towards a tacit annexation of those territories. This policy is in contravention of international taw and runs counter to any peaceful solution of the Middle East conflict. The action of tots Extract Government is increasingly resulting in a serious deterioration in the economic and social situation of the Palestinian populations. It thus gives rise to deep concern for humanitarian reasons as wait. 199. Peace efforts in the Middle East have at present come to an ominous stalemate. Many of those involved seem to pursue short-term and narrowly defined national interests, regardless of the dangerous implications for overall development in the region. Austria strongly believes that this attitude must be changed and replaced by a sincere effort to bring about a just solution. Such a settlement can be achieved only through negotiations and dialogue. We reject unequivocally the use of force and alt acts of terrorism, from whatever side, 200. Austria's position on the principles of a just and comprehensive solution of the Middle East problem remains unchanged. The right of at States in the region, including Israel, to exist within secure and recognized boundaries must be respected. The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East problem. As underlined at the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, held recently at Geneva, a solution requires recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to its own State. Austria shares the view that the PLO, as the representative of the Palestinians, must participate in all negotiations. The acquisition of territories by force is unacceptable. Israel must therefore withdraw from all territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem. 201. The restoration of fuel sovereignty and territorial integrity to Lebanon constitutes an essential element of a comprehensive peaceful settlement. No foreign troops should remain in Lebanon without the consent of the Lebanese Government. At efforts must be made in Lebanon to bridge the internal divisions and to achieve national reconciliation. Like those directly suffering from civil war in Lebanon, we are glad that a cease-fire could be implemented, but a political solution must follow immediately. Only on such a basis will it be possible to rebuild a peaceful and independent Lebanon. But this objective too can be reached only if we succeed in finding a aerate solution for those Palestinians living in Lebanon. Where should they go This question is a further? example of the fact that the core proem of the Middle East conflict is the question of Palestine. Unless the Palestinian people can exercise its national rights, there can be no lasting peace, either in Lebanon or in any other part of the region. 202. The war between Iran and Iraq has entered its fourth year. The loss of human life and the waste of resources have reached staggering proportions. Austria appeals to both parties to cease this senseless struggle and to seek a peaceful settlement of their dispute. We watermen and support at mediation efforts that may contribute to this end. 203. The armed intervention in Afghanistan continues to cause immense human suffering and is a serious threat to the stability of the entire region. This persistent violation of fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations also constitutes a major obstacle to the improvement of East-West relations. Austria urges all parties to support the mediation efforts by the Secretary General and his special representative and to muster the necessary polities will to achieve agreement on those key elements whet still remains unsolved. The Kampuchea problem is another matter of serious concern. Here the past year has brought certain signs of greater flexibility, but at the same time the military occupation, tit use of force, the misery of refugees and the dental of title basic human rights have continued unabated. Austria remains convinced that only negotiations between ail parties to title conflict on the basis of the resolutions of the General Assembly and of the International Conference on Kampuchean can idea to a Just settlement which could ensure a better future for the severely tried Kampuchea people. 205. Tate situation in Cyprus underlines the urgency of a comprehensive negotiated settlement. Respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and compete withdrawal of the occupying forces constitute, in our view, an essential basis for such a settlement. Austria still considers the talks between the two communities to be the best means to stave their problems between themselves. We fruity appreciate and support the efforts undertaken in that regard by the Secretary-Genera "tad his special representative. 206. The people of Namibia are still waiting for their independence. Four years of work on the basis of Security Council resolution 435 (1978) have led to a large degree of agreement on the details and the incrimination of the transition plan. Elements which, in our view, do not have direct relevance to the independence of Namibia must not impede that process. We strongly support the Secretary-Genera’s efforts to break the deadlock and finally to bring about the implementation of the United Nations pain for Namibia. 207. The underlying cause for the crisis situation in southern Africa is the policy practised by the South African Government. Austria unequivocally condemns the system as an abhorrent violation of human rights and human dignity. Only a profound transformation of South Africa into a free, democratic and multiracial society could bring genuine stability to the south of Africa, ft. is indispensable that this process be initiated without delay. Only in that way can it be peacefully concluded, as we hope it will be. 208. The continuing serious situation in Central America matter of deep concern to Austria. We consider this crisis closely related to the profound soda change this region is undergoing. Exploitation, injustice and repression throughout centuries are the root causes of the current proteins. Arty approach to the central American crisis which reduces it or primarily to a matter of East-West confrontation or to a question of spheres of influence or competing ideologies without aggravate the situation. A settlement cannot be it posed front outside or by the use or threat of use of force. It must be reached through free negotiations between all parties directly concerned. Austria welcomes, in particular, the efforts by the Contadora Group. Self-determination, non-interference, respect for the territorial integrity of States, the obligation not to use the territory of a State for acts of aggression against another, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use and threat of use of force are indeed title only principles on which a stable and lasting solution can be based. 209. Austria how always put special emphasis on a pock of good-neighbourliness. Over title past year Austria has been able to improve and deepen co-operation with all its neighbours, irrespective of their social and political systems. 210. It our good-neighbourly and friendly relations with Italy present the problem of South Tyrol has a special place. The resolutions of General Assembly led to an agreement between Austria and Italy on a new framework of autonomy for South Tyrol. Among its important provision there is that on the use of the German language and the establishment of an autonomous section in Boxed of the Administrative Court are of special significance for the preservation of South Tyrolean ethnic group. Despite the agreement in principle reached months ago between the Government and the minority concerned, decisions relating to these important measures have still not been enacted. Austria is aware that this is parity due to recent political developments in Italy. However, Austria views with a certain concern the met that competence already transferred to the Province of Bonze has again been eroded by national legislative measures and that acts adopted by the provincial legislature are increasingly rejected by the authorities in Rome. These measures have added considerably to the anxiety and concern already experienced by the population of South Tyrol because of the delay in the implementation of the autonomy provisions. Prime Minister Benedetto Croix has stated recently that the two provisions just mentioned will be implemented in the coming months. The Austrian Federal Government expects this promise to be fulfilled as soon as possible. We are confident that this would create an important pre-condition of early, generally acceptable attainment of autonomy in South Tyrol. 211. in addressing the critical problems of today's international situation States have two basic options: they can exploit the existing problems in the pursuit of short- term national interests or they can seek to solve them through co-operation in the long-term interest of the international community as a whole. This second alternative was outlined 38 years ago in the Charter of the United Nations. The Organization's founders lay down the fundamental rules of co-operation among States and created institutions to translate these primaries into a more peaceful and humane world order. 212. The ideas and Easter approaches of the Charter are as valid today as they were in the past. Yet in our increasingly complex and divided world, the Mute of purpose which was still present in the aftermath of the most? terrible war in human history is waning. Today, violations of the precepts of the Charter proliferate. The collective security system remains unimplememnted. The Security Council, the primary organ for the maintenance of peace, often fails to take decisions on many of the most crucial issues. In cases where resolutions are adopted they are often ignored by the parties to the conflict. Again and again Member States circumvent United Nations institutions or misuse them for their partisan interests. Despite the great services the United Nations continues to provide, and in spite of its great potential to contribute to human progress, we have to recognize that the system of multilateral diplomacy is in a serious state of crisis. 23. The Secretary General, in his annual report has convincingly analysed this crisis and highlighted the grave danger emanating from it for the fate of mankind. His renewed urgent appeal for a collective recommitment to the principles of the Charter meets with General Assembly. The United Nations is, after all, the only forum for the military powerless. Not yeast because of the role of Vienna as one of the United Nations, Austria fees a particular commitment to the objectives of the Charter end is prepared to make an active contribution to the strengthening of the United Nations as a truly effective instrument for peace, freedom and justice.