Albania

First of all I should like to convey to you, Sir, the congratulations of the delegation of Albania on your election to the office of President of the Assembly. It is a pleasure for me to take this opportunity to greet the Secretary-General and to wish him every success in the accomplishment of his important tasks. 103. An objective analysis of the world events that have taken place since the last session of the General Assembly shows that the present international situation is very tense and fraught with dangers for the peoples' freedom and world peace. The aggravation of this situation and the grave economic, political and social crisis which has the capitalist and revisionist world in its grip have increased the danger of war. 104. This situation is a direct result of the expansionist and neo-colonialist policies pursued by the imperialist Powers, and above all by the two super powers. At present there is no area in the world that is not affected by or subject to their predatory ambitions. Both super-Powers obstinately continue their expansionist policy of establishing world domination, which is seen also in their unceasing race to achieve political and military superiority the one over the other, to attain new strategic positions, and so on. It is this aggressive policy and the rivalry between the two super-Powers that further complicate the various situations and make them more tense and fraught with dangerous consequences. 105. The efforts of the United States imperialists to impose their will on various countries impose their expression in United States persistence in an ever more aggressive foreign policy which relies increasingly on military force. The same intensification of aggressiveness is also seen in the foreign policy of the Soviet social-imperialists. At the present time all- round militarization of the country's life and the exercise of pressures and military force against other countries characterize that policy. 106. United States interference in Iran and the stationing of its aggressive military forces in the Middle East, the occupation of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, the incitement of conflicts on the African continent, intervention in Latin America and Southeast Asia along with the political, economic and military threats and blackmail in regard to many countries by the two super-Powers, all go to show that they are pursuing a policy of oppression and aggression. There is no area in international relations where one does not encounter their policy from a position of force; there is no armed conflict or hotbed of tension that, directly or indirectly, the super powers do not have a hand in. More than ever before, they are arming their war machines by adding to their arsenals of new, sophisticated weapons. The propaganda clamor about disarmament by the superpowers is nothing but a maneuver to cover up their frenzied arms race. And at the same time as they are arming themselves, they are engaging in an arms traffic which has become a business of immense scope, from which they reap fabulous profits and which increases the political and economic dependence on them of various countries. 107. In order to conceal their true aims and to deceive the peoples, the super-Powers make a big demagogic fuss so as to present their actions as being in favor of safeguarding peace. To that end, they have set up a number of commissions and machinery dealing with various problems: from the strategic arms limitation talks to European security, from the reduction of troops in Europe to the demilitarization of outer space. All this aims to create the false impression that something is being done, that the key to peace lies in their agreements and their initiatives. AH this demagogy also has the aim of imposing on the peoples the idea that they should not take any action but should inevitably yield to the big Powers. 108. The situation continues to be very serious on the European continent. The events which have occurred in and around Europe clearly indicate that the political and military blocs headed by the United States and the Soviet Union, their policy of an "atomic umbrella" and of spheres of influence, constitute the source of discord, tension and confrontation between various countries. 109. The statements that the signing of the Helsinki Final Act would eliminate political, ideological and military tension and that the Madrid meetings on European security would strengthen peace in Europe have showed themselves to be a bluff. The insecurity of Europe has grown even greater. 110. The two super-Powers with their rival aggressive blocsóNATO and the Warsaw Pactóhave strengthened their military power with the most modem weapons, accumulating an unprecedented war arsenal. They are filling Europe with missiles and nuclear weapons so as to use them as a means of threat, and blackmail against the countries where they are stationed and against other European countries. Military maneuvers of an aggressive character have grown in intensity and have assumed greater proportions. The presence in the Mediterranean of big naval fleets belonging to the super-Powers has turned that basin into a militarized sea; that presence constitutes a serious threat to the freedom and independence of the coastal countries of that basin as well as to peace in Europe and in the world. 111. The Albanian delegation believes that real security and co-operation in Europe can be attained only by the European countries strengthening their independence and sovereignty, by opposing the policy of both super-Powers, by liquidating bases and blocs of NATO and the Warsaw Pact and by driving foreign military forces, together with their missiles and Other nuclear weapons, out of their countries. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania will never allow the stationing of foreign military bases and forces on its territory. It has declared that fact publicly and has endorsed it in its Constitution. 112. The situation in Europe is also reflected in the Balkan region. The two imperialist super-Powers have not renounced their goals and are aiming at turning the region into a permanent powder keg. They strive to prevent the normal development of relations between the Balkan peoples and countries, to revive did hostilities and quarrels, to encourage and mcite chauvinist sentiments and passions and to imbue then With a sense of confrontation. Such attempts are fraught with danger for the peoples of this area and run counter to their sincere desire for the establishment of mutual confidence, understanding and genuine co-operation. 113. In its relations with neighbouring countries, the people's Socialist Republic of Albania has, since its very inception, always been guided by a policy of good neighborliness. Its desire and aim have always been that the Balkan countries might live in peace and friendship without interference in each other's internal affairs, implementing the fundamental principles of mutual co-operation and respect. We are convinced that this is the correct way to forge fruitful and lasting relations which serve the cause of peace and security in the Balkans. The leader of the Albanian people, Comrade Enver Hoxha, has said: "The People's Socialist Republic of Albania believes that at present the genuine aspirations of the Balkan peoples and peace and stability in this region can best be served by preventing the imperialist super-Powers from interfering in the internal affairs of the countries of our region and by taking concrete and constructive steps with a view to the positive development of relations on the basis of the policy of good neighborliness. The situation in the Balkans would be greatly improved if the Balkan countries were to undertake officially not to allow the super-Powers to use their territory in order to threaten or endanger neighbouring countries. In the future, as in the past, socialist Albania will consistently adhere to this policy and will make every effort to ensure that mutual respect and genuine understanding prevail in its relations with neighbouring States." 114. In the Middle East, the situation has deteriorated further. Fifteen years after their aggression, the Israeli Zionists continue to hold the occupied Arab territories. In an arrogant and unrestrained manner, and under the protection of the United States, they have undertaken new invasions. The crimes and massacres committed by Israel against the civilian Palestinian population, which surpass even those committed by the Hitlerites, have aroused the indignation and profound hatred of the peoples of the world. The events which have occurred in the area this year are a consequence of the situation imposed by the super-Powers. They show how the peoples pay with blood and extraordinary sacrifices for the intrigues and plots hatched behind their backs. 115. The peoples of the world, and above all the Palestinian people, see clearly that this barbarous Aggression constitutes one of the most flagrant expressions of the agreements and intrigues concocted between the United States and the Soviet Union fbr concessions and mutual recognition of the aggressions they have committed or are about to commit. It is also the expression of the bargains they have struck with each other against Iran, Afghanistan, the countries of the Persian Gulf, the Midtue East and other States in various regions of the world. 116. Washington's emissaries offer various plans for the alleged settlement of the Middle East problem, but in the final analysis; all of them boil down to the Camp David agreement and aim at liquidating the Palestinian question, denying the Arab peopled their rights and annexing the territories occupied by Israel under the false pretext of guaranteeing "secure boundaries" 117. The Americans and the Soviets, through their imperialist policies, are responsible for the shedding of the blood of the peoples and are the main culprits. We note with indignation that Governments which could have acted to stop the hands of the murderers did not even raise a finger to avert the Israeli onslaught against Lebanon And the Palestinians, to stop the barbarous massacres and genocide committed against the martyred Palestinian people. 118. I could speak here in diplomatic terms, but that would be of no value. I am going to speak in a different fashion, openly; I shall say what our people think. If the aggressive thrust of the United States imperialists and the Soviet social-imperialists is not stopped, the world will find itself on the verge of a third world war. But that cannot be stopped by words and protests. I would recall that the Security Council resolutions and its protests on the most burning issues have yielded no result. The Israeli war and the genocide against the Arabs, and against the Palestinians in particular, continues, as does the aggression and oppression against Afghanistan, and the list is longer. 119. The situation in the Middle East is fraught with the danger of an imperialist war and of bloodshed and oppression for the Arab peoples. In our view it should be clear to anybody that it is the United States imperialists and the Soviet social-imperialists that puM the strings in all the plots against the freedom and independence of peoples; it is they that shamelessly divide the zones of influence between them and play with the fate of peoples: it is they that incite hostility among the peoples and organize the networks of agents and putsches to pave the way for their expansionist and hegemonist ambitions that situation is intolerable fbr the people and we therefore believe that it should be resolutely opposed and exposed. 120. The difficulties that may be created for the brave Palestinian people will never put an end to their just struggle. Recent developments in that region have shown the Arab peoples that the great mission of their national liberation and the defense of their freedom and independence can be carried out only by them. The unity of the Arab peoples against Zionism and the plots of the super-Powers is a basic factor in their struggle in their just cause. 121. The Albanian people and Government strongly condemn Israel's barbarous aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, its monstrous crimes and the genocide it has committed. In the future too we shall fully support th5e just struggle of the Palestinian people to have, like any other people, their own homeland and State, and the efforts of the Syrian people and other fraternal Arab peoples to drive the Israeli aggressors out of the occupied Arab lands. Lebanon must be an independent and sovereign country and the aggressive Israeli troops must withdraw immediately. 122. Our country, Albania, has taken all the necessary measures and is ready to defend itself and overcome any aggression by its enemies. But, being a small country, we are not able to render material aid to oppressed peoples fighting imperialist domination. What we can do is unmask the aggressive policy of United States imperialism and of Soviet social- imperialism and the policy of subjugation. This we are doing and shall continue to do, come what may. 123. The situation in the Gulf area, where, since the victory of the Iranian revolution, the great Powers have intensified their policy of plots and blackmail, remains serious. In spite of the shameful defeat which the United States imperialists suffered in Iran, they never give up their efforts to regain their lost privileges and positions, while the Soviet social-imperialists are trying to exploit the situation in their own interests. The courageous Iranian people have successfully overcome the numerous difficulties created for them after the victory of the anti-imperialist revolution, and are safeguarding the freedom and independence of their homeland. 124. The Albanian Government holds that it is in the interest of Iraq and Iran to end their conflict and settle their disputes through negotiation so that the two peoples may live in peace and friendship. This would also be in the interests of the people of the region and their welfare and progress; and it would be a blow against the policy of the super-Powers, the aim of which is to see various countries pitted against each other. 125. We support the courageous Afghan people who for three years now have been continuing the fearless struggle against the Soviet occupation forces to regain their national independence. 126. Only a few months ago in the Malvinas Islands the British imperialists, with the support of the United States, put into effect their gunboat policy. Once again the Latin American peoples saw the true face of United States imperialism and understood the value of the treaties and agreements concluded with that country. Notwithstanding the manner in which the events unfolded, no one can deny Argentina its right to exercise sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. The sovereign rights of nations and peoples cannot be violated or proscribed either by force of arms or by treaties and agreements concluded to the detriment of peoples. 127. The countries of South-East Asia, which for decades have suffered from cruel colonial oppression and exploitation and have been subjected to imperialist aggression, are still under the political and military threat of the United States, the Soviet Union and China, which are doing their utmost to pit them one against the other, to pave the way for their interventions and to safeguard their hegemonistic positions. As in the past, Albania supports the right of the peoples of those countries to settle their internal problems themselves and to decide their own future without foreign interference. No one has the right to infringe their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, no matter what the pretext. The countries of that region have the right to be fully independent, free and sovereign under the tutelage of none. 128. The situation in the Korean peninsula continues to be tense because of the presence of the United States occupation forces in South Korea. The Albanian people and Government support the just struggle of the Korean people to drive United States troops out of South Korea and for the independent reunification of their homeland. 129. The African countries and peoples which have just freed themselves from savage colonial oppression and exploitation have intensified their efforts and their struggle in defense of their sovereign rights against all-out imperialist and neo-colonialist interference. They are constantly faced with the policies of the super-Powers, which keep alive conflicts and hotbeds of tension and encourage African countries to fight against each other, in order to pave the way for their further penetration into Africa, expand their zones of influence and plunder the vast natural resources of that continent. This policy and activity encourage the racists of South Africa to continue the occupation of Namibia and the oppression of its people. The barbarous oppression, ruthless racial discrimination and odious apartheid policy carried out by the Fascist Pretoria regime against the indigenous population, together with its serious acts of aimed provocation against neighbouring countries, constitute a permanent threat to the African peoples. The Albanian people is in complete solidarity with the peoples of Azania and Namibia and other African peoples and resolutely supports their just struggle for liberation, to uproot colonialism and neo-colonialism and to foil the intrigues and prevent the interference of the imperialist Powers. 130. A significant factor which cannot but have a negative effect on the present world situation is the general crisis gripping the capitalist-revisionist world. It has exacerbated the inter-imperialist contradictions and the economic, political and military rivalries. It has led to economic stagnation, a continuous fall in production, inflation and price rises, unemployment and the constant deterioration of the well-being of the working masses. Many countries have witnessed the growth of terrorism, anarchy and political and moral corruption. Social relations and inter-State relations have deteriorated. The crisis has made domestic and international tensions more acute both in the West and in the East. Typical of this is the critical situation in Poland, where the people are suffering the consequences of the capitulationist and opportunistic line dictated by Moscow. We support the resolute opposition of the peoples to oppression, plunder and financial manipulations flowing from the imperialist Powers' policy aimed at increasingly shifting the burden of the consequences of the grave economic crisis on to the backs of the working masses. 131. Today the peoples' struggle throughout the world against the policy of aggression and oppression as practised by the imperialist Powers, primarily the two super-Powers, is gaining in strength and scope. In Asia, Africa, Central and South America and elsewhere the peoples are struggling for national liberation, their independence and sovereign rights and their economic and social emancipation. Their struggle has gained irresistible momentum, thus becoming a significant factor in the process of world development, and winning the support of progressive mankind. 132. Albania resolutely supports the struggle of democratic States and peoples in defense of their national sovereignty and their legitimate rights and interests. It supports efforts to establish just international economic relations and to combat colonial exploitation. The gap between industrialized and developing countries is becoming ever wider. This is the direct result of the intensive exploitation which exists in various forms. Colossal profits are reaped by the capitalist monopolies from the toil and blood of the peoples of developing countries, burdensome credits and the imposition of very low prices for raw materials as compared with those of manufactured goods. The tactics of the imperialist Powers concerning the so-called North-South dialogue are nothing but efforts to perpetuate the old unjust economic relations and further to intensify exploitation. Countries and peoples have every right to exercise sovereignty over their national assets and to use them for the benefit of their national development and progress. 133. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania follows a consistent and independent foreign policy based on principleóa policy of friendship and sincere co-operation with all peoples and countries that love freedom and peace. That foreign policy, which is guided by the principles of proletarian internationalism, is free from the slightest sign of narrow nationalism, chauvinism or national exclusiveness or any tendency to underrate others. It has always been and continues to be against the policy of aggression and oppression of the two super-Powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, with which we neither have nor ever will have relations or lint s of any kind. United States imperialism and Soviet social- imperialism have been and remain the greatest enemies of the freedom and independence of peoples. We are against their attempts to create the psychosis according to which the world can only find stability under their tutelage. We have never accepted that international policy should be the monopoly of the super-Powers. 134. Proceeding from the well-known principles of equality, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of others and mutual benefit, our country has extended and strengthened its relations of friendship and co-operation with other States, with all countries that love freedom and peace. It has diplomatic relations with some 100 countries from all continents and trade and cultural relations with a large number of them. We are in favor of conducting normal and free trade exchanges without discrimination or restrictive measures, and against maneuvers and attempts by anyone to exploit them as a means of pressure and to impose their own will and political views. We also favor exchanges in the fields of art, culture, science and so on and believe that these should be expanded and enable the peoples to acquaint themselves with each other's achievements. 135. This year the Albanian people will celebrate an important event in its historyóthe seventieth anniversary of the proclamation of independence, which was the culmination of their century-long struggle for national independence. They had to make innumerable sacrifices and shed much blood to win genuine freedom and independence, to become sovereign masters of their own homeland and to open the road to development and progress. For our people have always valued national freedom and independence above all else. Hence, national oppression and practices of national discrimination, wherever they occur and in whatever form and no matter what the pretext or justification, are alien to us. We are against any policy of denationalization, against restrictions in and obstacles to the protection and free development of the national culture, art, language and education, against the negation of traditions and history. Every people, big or small, has the absolute right to preserve and affirm its national identity. Respect for national dignity and values and with the other rights flowing from the principles of the Charter of the United Nations creates conditions in which the peoples can live in friendship and States can have normal relations with each other. 136. Socialist Albania, without stretching out its hand to anyone for aid or credits, has ensured an independent and vigorous development in all fields of life. It has averted the destructive consequences of the world economic and political crisis and created favorable conditions for the constant improvement of the welfare of the working masses of the country. The new price cuts which came into effect in June this year in Albania, at a time when everywhere else the opposite was happening, were a clear demonstration of the vitality of our socialist order. 137. There are those that accuse Albania of being isolated and cut off. This is not true. We are vigilant because we are alert and know that enemies are hatching plots against socialist Albania, because we see clearly and a familiar with their methods and the plots they direct against other peoples. 138. It does not bother us if some journalist writes an article alleging that Albania is a closed and a poor country. We find such propaganda worthless. Our people are satisfied with their own political and economic situation. They have everything they need and are sure that they will have much more in the future. It is to that end that they are working and struggling, relying entirely on their own resources. We would like to inform those who are supposedly concerned about the well-being of our people that in the part of the world where, according to them, abundance and well-being prevail, there in fact exists an incurable economic crisis that has thrown millions of unemployed persons into the streets, and that in their countries prices continue to rise and drugs and vandalism run riot. In socialist Albania, which they regard as a poor country, such phenomena do not exist. Perhaps those critics would enjoy seeing us too becoming prey to such phenomenaóbut that will never happen. Such things will never be condoned in our country; there is no room for them there. Albania has kept its door closed to such things in the past and will continue to do so in the future. But it has opened and will open its doors to its many friends and well-wishers who exist among the peoples and to whom we are grateful. 139. The Albanian delegation will spare no effort to make its modest contribution to the proceedings of this session of the General Assembly so that its work may take a proper course that with serve the interests of peoples and of peace.