Sir, it gives me particular pleasure to extend to you the heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for success on your election to the lofty post of President of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly. 44. I should also like to take this opportunity to express the Romanian Government's appreciation for the activities engaged in by the Secretary-General and to assure him of our Ml support in the discharge of the mandate of great responsibility entrusted to him. 45. The General Assembly at this session is called upon to take up particularly serious problems and questions of vital importance for the cause of peace and international co-operation and the independence and progress of all peoples. , 46. International life is charged with extreme tension. Conflicts are raging in various parts of the world. We see an intensification of the imperialist policy of domination, of spheres of influence and of violation of the sacred right of nations to freedom and sovereignty. The arms race, in particular the nuclear arms race, is being pursued at an unprecedented rate and there is an increased risk of seeing a nuclear war break out, thereby imperilling the very existence of human civilization. The world economic crisis has been exacerbated and the gap between the developed and developing countries is widening. That gap between rich and poor countries is ever more acute and wider in scope, thus increasingly becoming the fundamental contradiction of our times. 47. On the other hand, there is in international life the growing will of peoples to put an end to the imperialist policies of force and diktat, to put an end to the arms race and to proceed to disarmament, primarily, nuclear disarmament. Never before have the aspirations of millions throughout the world to lead a life of dignity, freedom and independence and to co-operate in peace and goodwill been so obvious and achieved such scope. Never before have the protests of world public opinion been so vigorously raised against the arms race, against acts of aggression and interference, against inequity and inequality between States and, in particular, against war, which is the most abnormal way of dealing with international disputes. This awareness of the peoples, their refusal passively to accept a foreign policy doing great damage to their interests and eagerness with which they demand their right to life, freedom, peace and progress constitute a remarkable positive factor, a source of optimism and hope that a better future will dawn and that there will be a more equitable and reasonable world. 48. The solution, in the interests of peoples, of all problems constituting a heavy burden in international life which have caused serious tension in inter-state relations requires that all Governments and peoples unite their forces and co-operate more closely to halt the dangerous course of events in order to resolve, by political means, situations of war and tension and resume and strengthen the policy of detente, co-operation, independence and peace. 49. The highest duty of conscience for all heads of State and Government, for politicians of all persuasions, is to identify with the vital aspirations of their own peoples and of mankind as a whole, to devote their energies to serving them, to become faithful and active interpreters of the peaceful ideals of mankind, to prove themselves dynamic activists for the attainment of those ideals. That is the highest reason that should guide the statesman and politician in their task. It is also their chance to stamp their personalities on the destiny of our age, to go down in the history of these tumultuous times as shining examples of humanism and progress. In the spirit of those major requirements of the contemporary world, Romania and President Nicolae Ceaugescu himself are persevering to improve the international climate, to resolve by political means, in the interests of all peoples, the enormous problems confronting mankind, seeking to establish relations between States on the basis of new, democratic, equitable principles. The frequent meetings and talks by the head of our State with the leaders of other countries and politicans of all persuasions, and Romania's whole foreign policy, are constantly aimed at achieving better co-operation and understanding among States, at combining the efforts of all nations to eliminate force completely from relations among States, and at defending the freedom and independence of peoples and the fundamental right of and nations to live in peace in a world of co-operation and understanding, free from weapons and wars. 33. The course of events has clearly shown that the outdated policy of the use of force and the threat of force, of domination and diktat, of "might is right', is the cause of phenomena which have led to and now maintain the present state of tension in the world, as manifested in various aspects of international affairs. Resort to force is the origin of hotbeds of tension and conflict, of all actions which disregard the legitimate rights of other peoples and the independence and sovereignty of States. It is one of the main reasons for confrontation and armed conflict and for the intensification of the arms race, and one of the main obstacles in the way of economic and social progress and the establishment of a new international economic order. 54. Resolving the major problems of mankind, ending existing conflicts and preventing new ones, therefore demands firm action to eliminate from international life the use of force or the threat of force, and the establishment of a new system of inter-State relations. Any strategy for tackling the problems of today, for striving to establish peace and bring about a new international political and economic order, must be based on the requirement that the use or threat of force must be completely renounced. 55. The complete rejection of the policy of force for the solution of international problems is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Romanian people. The great Romanian diplomat Nicolae Titulescu, Foreign Minister of Romania between the two world wars, whose centenary is being celebrated in many countries this year, said: "War is never, absolutely never, the solution to a conflict." That conviction led him to urge that the "force of law" replace the "law of force". 56. Today more than ever the use of force is a double- edged weapon. Apart from the human losses and material damage that it causes, as well as the opprobrium of world opinion and the vigour with which peoples unite in solidarity with the victims of acts of aggression, the very results of the acts of force turn against those who have perpetrated them. It is true that no people will any longer allow itself to be oppressed and that the brutal external policies of a State and the violation of the norms of international law and of the Charter of the United Nations in the end redound against the nation concerned. Therefore, the saying that a people that oppress other peoples can never be free is still valid, always and in all circumstances. 57. Today, in a period of profound revolutionary transformation, of broad changes and the reshaping of relationships on a world scale, of the establishment of a new balance between States and groups of States, the new system of international relations must be based on the principles of equality, of respect for national independence and sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of other peoples, and the settlement of all international problems and disputes by exclusively peaceful means. We firmly believe that there are no problems, however complicated, which cannot be resolved by peaceful means, by negotiation, if the starting-point is respect for the right of each people to develop in full freedom and independence and in accordance with the general interests of world peace and security. The Romanian Government also advocates, and acts resolutely in favour of, the settlement of all disputes and states of tension and conflict between States solely by political means, through negotiation; the total elimination of the policy of force and interference, and efforts by the States concerned to stifle a conflict as soon as it emerges in order to avoid new military confrontations likely to increase the dangers to world peace and security. As President Ceausescu recently emphasized, no matter how difficult and hard the negotiations, those are the means, and no others, that must be used to solve problems, completely renouncing military solutions and acts of force, which always bring about loss of human life and material damage, causing heavy losses and great suffering to peoples. 58. The talent and genius of statesmen in this field should be proved at the negotiating table, in the subtle and rational analysis of ways to eliminate conflict and promote understanding among nations, in seeking mutually acceptable solutions; there should be compromise between the parties, elimination of factors that provoke confrontation, and the safeguarding of understanding, friendship and co-operation between peoples. That was, is and always will be the great vocation of the real politicians who are destined to go down in history. Negotiations are preferable to even the smallest military conflict, and we must therefore everywhere and in all circumstances follow the normal path of starting negotiations with a view to preventing military actions, not begin peace talks after force has already been used, after blood has already been shed and after serious human and material losses have already been caused. 59. At this period so crucial for the fate of mankind, and for peace, the United Nations should carry out the task entrusted to it by the Charter and make good use of the possibilities open to it in terms of its purposes and principles and its universal character. It should support with its full authority the independence and sovereignty of States and the right of each people to decide its own destiny, as a central pillar for building new international relationships in which the non-use of force or threat of force should become an effective rule in international life. 60. In the light of these considerations, we believe that we must act without further delay, and as resolutely as possible, to resolve all conflicts between States by political means, through negotiations, in order to prevent new disputes and military confrontations. The grave situation in the Middle East, in particular that resulting from the aggressive actions of Israel against Lebanon and the Palestinian population in that country, is a cause of the utmost concern. The Romanian Government has strongly condemned the military invasion of Lebanon by Israel, and in particular the atrocities committed against the civilian population in the refugee camps of west Beirut, following the occupation of that part of the city by Israeli troops. We are strongly in favour of the prompt withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, of the guaranteeing of that country's independence and national sovereignty, and its unity and territorial integrity, and of a broad-based reconciliation of all political forces in Lebanon, in order to permit the reconstruction of the country and to bring about peace and tranquillity. 61. It is now imperative that we step up political and diplomatic efforts to bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the situation. in that area, on the basis of the withdrawal of Israel from the Arab territories occupied as a result of the 1967 war; the solution of the problem of the Palestinian people through the recognition of its right to self- determination, including the establishment of its own independent State; and the guaranteeing of the integrity, independence and sovereignty of all the States of the area. In view of its conviction that the settlement of the Palestinian problem is the key to peace in the Middle East, Romania considers that a Palestinian State must be created alongside the independent Israeli State, and that everything must be done to ensure the peaceful coexistence of those two States and of all the countries of the region, each of them enjoying appropriate guarantees of its security and independence. 62. Romania and its President believe that it would be necessary and useful to convene an international conference under United Nations auspices and with the participation of all interested States and parties, including the PLO as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, as well as other States which could make a positive contribution to the establishment of peace in that region, including a contribution to the solution of the Palestinian problem. 63. A series of proposals has recently been made for the resolution of the conflicts in the Middle East. These contain new elements and positive approaches and set forth a basis for the intensification of political and diplomatic activity in order to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution of the situation in that region. 64. Romania, which maintains relations of friendship and co-operation with both Iran and Iraq, considers that it is necessary to put and end to the fighting between those two neighbouring countries, which has already caused great losses of human life and of property for both parties, and that their troops must be withdrawn to the international boundaries which existed before the outbreak of the war. It is necessary to move on to a political solution of the problems between the two countries. 65. I take this opportunity also to reaffirm Romania's solidarity with and active support for the position and initiatives taken by the People's Democratic Republic of Korea aimed at the peaceful and independent unification of Korea. 66. While working for the elimination of existing conflicts, it is necessary to act resolutely and to adopt measures to forestall the appearance of new conflicts States must renounce all acts of force and settle all their disputes by peaceful means; the United Nations must make a greater contribution in this field. In this connection we have followed with interest, and we support, the Secretary-General's efforts to strengthen the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security, which is an objective of vital interest for all States. 67. At this session the General Assembly is to take a decision on a draft declaration on the peaceful settlement of international disputes, which has been negotiated over the last three years. We believe that the adoption of that text by consensus would constitute an important concrete step towards strengthening the ability of the United Nations to make an effective contribution to the prevention of conflicts and to the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations. 68. Romania considers that, in order to prevent the appearance of new military confrontations and to find viable solutions to existing conflicts, it is necessary to create in the United Nations framework a special body for good offices, mediation and conciliation, which would act closely with the Security Council to organize talks and to resolve differences among States, exclusively by peaceful means. 69. Romania's initiative regarding the strengthening of good-neighbourliness between States is aimed at the same goal of consolidating international peace and security by stimulating the development of relations of co-operation and understanding between neighbouring States. We hope that the consideration at this session of the Secretary-General's report on ways of strengthening good-neighbourliness will constitute a step forward towards the attainment of this important goal. 71. Three months ago it was my honour, on instructions from President Ceausescu and on the basis of the mandate handed down by the Grand National Assembly, to stand at this rostrum, at the 22nd meeting of the twelfth special session, and set forth Romania's position and proposals regarding disarmament problems. 72. That second special session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament highlighted the demand of the world's peoples to put an end to the arms race and to proceed to specific disarmament measures. Halting the arms race and moving towards disarmamentóin the first place, nuclear disarmamentóare the central problem facing mankind. The very existence of life on our planet, and of a civilization which has been built up over thousands of years, is threatened. Never before has the burden of the arms race weighed so heavily on the shoulders of all peoples, on the economies of all States, including the most powerful and highly developed; never before has the impact of the incredible military expenditures on economic development been so sorely felt. 73. Weaponry is a tragic and absurd waste of the resources of our plane and of the work of mankind, a terrible factor in the impoverishment of peoples, and an obstacle on the path of civilization, at the very time when two thirds of mankind can barely subsist. Nuclear catastrophe has become a world-wide obsession, a source of terror for all, and has left its gloomy imprint on future generations. It is high time for all men of conscience throughout the world to unite to put an end to this anomaly, this absurdity. Although at that special session the representatives of States came of strongly against the danger looming over mankind, the Assembly was unable to adopt decisions leading to concrete measures for disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, on the basis of a comprehensive programme. We consider that especially important proposals were put forward during the special session and that those proposals should be taken into consideration to identify common elements which could form the basis for the elaboration of the comprehensive programme of disarmament and which should be taken up by the working bodies on disarmament. 73. Romania is expressing the unanimous will of the Romanian people, which has taken and continues to take broad action for disarmament and peace, by continuing to struggle for the achievement of the vital aspiration of mankind to live in a world free from weapons and free from war. At the special session, my Government for its part put forward a set of specific proposals on disarmament, the stronger for being subscribed to by 18 million of its citizens. 76. We believe that the highest priority must be given to nuclear disarmament and, first and foremost, to halting the manufacture of nuclear weapons and to moving forward to the gradual reduction of existing stockpiles to the point of their total elimination, and to banning completely all nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. That process should begin with the significant reduction of nuclear weapons by the two great Powers, for example a 30 per cent reduction in an initial phase, as a step towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. 77. in order to halt the arms race, Romania has proposed a freeze on military expenditures at 1982 levels, and their subsequent reduction by 40 to 13 per cent by 1983. A portion of the funds thus released would be used to support the efforts of developing countries, the remainder being devoted to the economic and social development of the countries which have made those reductions. Romania intends to act in that direction at the present session, to encourage efforts towards the freeze and reduction of military expenditures and towards the enunciation of principles which could govern the activities of States in this field. 78. Also of particular importance for the maintenance of international peace and security would be the adoption of effective measures for the substantial reduction of conventional weapons and for building confidence among States. Romania is in favour of the establishment of a common agreement on the part of the two blocs and, in general, between the two sides, on as low a ceiling as possible for the principal weapons: aeroplanes, tanks, warships, missiles, heavy guns, and so forth. 79. The implementation of a set of measures for halting the arms race and proceeding to disarmament should be carried out in conditions of reciprocal trust and equal security for all countries, through the achievement of a military balance at levels as low as possible and under suitable international control. 80. To this end, we are in favour of the creation within the context of the United Nations of an international body having the right to inspect and monitor the implementation of agreed disarmament measures. To make real progress towards disarmament it is necessary to do everything to dismantle opposing military blocs. 81. Given the particularly serious situation in Europe, we are resolutely in favour of a halt in the stationing of new medium-range missiles in Europe. We favour the withdrawal and destruction of missiles already installed and the elimination from the continent of all nuclear weapons. In this spirit Romania welcomed the negotiations between the Soviet Union and the United States of America on medium-range nuclear missiles as well as those on strategic weapons and expressed the hope that those negotiations would yield positive results. Since the problem of medium- range missiles is of direct concern to all European nations, we expressed the opinion that in one way or another all States of the continent must participate in the Geneva negotiations. The bringing about of urgent agreements on these questions is of vital importance for all States, since missing this crucial opportunity would mean the opening up of a new long phase of military competition, with incalculable consequences for Europe as a whole and indeed for all mankind. 82. As a European country Romania is constantly endeavouring to bring about security and co-operation on the continent so that when it resumes its work the Madrid session of the Conference can proceed fruitfully and constructively and agree on the convening of a conference on confidence-building and disarmament in Europe and thus contribute to the full implementation of the provisions of the Final Act of Helsinki and ensure continuity in the proceedings of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. 83. As part and parcel of its policy of peace, security and disarmament in Europe, Romania is striving for the comprehensive development of relations among the States of the Balkans so as to transform that region into a zone of friendship, co-operation, good-neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence and a nuclear-weapon-free zone. 84. By its very structure and functions, and because it is a forum for all States, the United Nations must play a particularly important role in an authentic disarmament process. In view of the primary responsibility of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security its role and its contribution to disarmament must be strengthened by bringing about, under its auspices negotiations and the adoption and monitoring of disarmament measures. The extensive demonstrations for peace and disarmament that have taken place recently, and which continue to take place in a number of countries, including Romania, eloquently prove the strength of peoples and their ability to bring about, by acting in increasing unity, the transition to effective measures of disarmament that would stave off the nuclear danger. We believe that these movements must enjoy full support, including support from the United Nations, because in the present circumstances the role of the peoples of the world as a whole is really decisive in the bringing about of disarmament, in guaranteeing the national peace and independence of all States. In this regard a particular role and responsibility devolve on scientists, who know better than anyone the destructive capacity of modem weapons and the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear war. Through United Nations studies and research on disarmament, and conferences, symposiums and seminars organized with the broad participation of non-governmental organizations and the mass media, and with the help of scientists representing world public opinion, the United Nations can make a signal contribution to ensuring effective support for the struggle for disarmament. 85. Broad dissemination, within the framework of the World Disarmament Campaign, of the latest report of the Secretary-General entitled economic and social consequences of the arms race of military expenditures will help to emphasize the extremely harmful consequences of the increasing stockpiling of weapons for the economic and social life of all peoples and for world peace and security. 86. Still within the framework of the World Disarmament Campaign, Romania recently hosted at Mamaia an important meeting of representatives of public opinion with the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations from the majority of European countries, the United States and Canada. They had a constructive and fruitful exchange of views on specific ways to halt the arms race and to bring about disarmament. In the same spirit, Romania proposed the convening of a world conference on the role of the mass mediaóradio, television, the pressóin promoting a climate of understanding, confidence and co-operation that could contribute to peace and disarmament. 87. The present division of the world into rich and poor countries, a result of the long policy of imperialist and colonialist domination, and the persistence of unjust and inequitable economic relations among States have engendered grave economic anomalies and tension in international life and have reduced, sometimes to nothing, the results of efforts at the economic and social level made by developing countries, worsening the economic gap between the developed countries and the developing countries. Unfortunately, the conferences and meetings that have taken place in recent years on the new international economic order have yielded virtually no result. Urgent actions are necessary to bring about the adoption, through international negotiations of effective measures to speed up the economic and social progress of the developing countries, to revitalize economic activity at the world level and to bring about new relations among States on justice and equity and mutually advantageous economic trade through ensuring that the developing countries have broad access to modem technology. 88. In this regard Romania believes that it is particularly important to embark on global negotiations without delay within the framework of a United Nations conference to examine and resolve basic problems concerning international economic cooperation. This is especially important and necessary since the world economy is now on a particularly dangerous slope. 89. The arms race and the economic policies followed by certain developed countries, far from opening up prospects for the overcoming of crisis phenomena and instability, which are proliferating, merely aggravate the situation, with extremely negative consequences for the developing countries. The recession in the capitalist developed countries, the high cost of energy, the excessive interest rates, the protectionist policies and the drop in the price of raw material, coupled with increased prices for manufactured goods, have created obstacles in international economic relations and severely damaged the developing countries, thwarting their efforts to develop their human and material resources. 90. Given the growing interdependence that characterizes the world economy there is a real danger of being plunged into a crisis of devastating proportions. In one way or another, all the peoples of the world are affected by the world economic crisis. All nations are paying for the upheavals which have taken place in the world, and the effects of the continual slide of the economy are unforeseeable. It is in the interest of all States, irrespective of size, social system or degree of development, to act together in joint efforts to eliminate factors that artificially heighten the crisis, to find reasonable solutions to economic conflicts and contradictions, to bring about new and equitable relations among States so that the new international economic order may be established. 91. This present session of the General Assembly must also be availed of to launch comprehensive negotiations, and the sixth session of UNCTAD must be used to translate into reality the programmes of action adopted under the auspices of the United Nations and in general to produce a radical change inthe state of affairs that characterizes the world economy. Proceeding to disarmament is a major imperative in the maintenance of international peace and security, and the establishment on a new basis of economic relations among States is just as vital in the safeguarding of the prospects for progress of all the peoples of the world. 92. In recent years we have witnessed the intensification of the developed countries' practice of recruiting qualified personnel from the developing countries. The exodus of skilled people to the developed countries, which in fact represents an important transfer of human resources, only perpetuates and aggravates the imbalances and difficulties in the economies of the developing countries, with grave economic and social implications. Since it deprives these countries of an important part of their skilled labour forceóan essential factor in economic growth, for the training of which those countries made great efforts, expending important material and financial resourcesósuch an exodus of skilled people acts as a brake on economic and social development and thus contributes to widening further the gap between the developed and the developing countries. That is why Romania considers it necessary that the United Nations assume a greater role in extending international co-operation aimed at stopping this practice, encouraging the return to their countries of origin of qualified personnel settled in developed countries, compensating the developing countries for the expenses they have incurred and assisting the developing countries in training and retaining qualified personnel in accordance with the requirements of their national economies. In present circumstances, we believe that we must expand and intensify efforts staunchly to defend the supreme fundamental right of peoples and nations to life, peace and a free and independent existence. This right should be more forcefully and more Clearly reflectea in the debates and documents of the General Assembly. Priority attention should be given to the solution of problems as important to the human condition as the guarantee of the right to work for all members of society, the effective exercise of the right to education and the assurance of living conditions which permit the full flowering of the human personality. 93. Romania, the Romanian people, affirm their active solidarity with the Namibian people in their struggle under the leadership of the South West Africa People's Organization [SWAPO] to accede to complete national independence, and act consistently to ensure the elimination of the policy of and racial discrimination in South Africa, condemning acts of aggression committed by that country against neighbouring States. We must most resolutely combat the activities and ideologies which foster hatred and violence, while taking every care to protect the younger generations from their baleful influence. 94. The problems facing youth will be thoroughly examined by the General Assembly in the framework of the preparations for International Youth Year, which will be celebrated id 1985 under the motto "Participation, Development, Peace". At its second session, the Advisory Committee for International Youth Year made substantive recommendations concerning the implementation of the Specific Programme of Measures and Activities to be undertaken prior to and during that Year. It is our view that activities undertaken during International Youth Year should be directed at strengthening international co-operation in the solution of the specific problems which are today of concern to the younger generations. We attach great importance to the proposal to draft a declaration on the rights and responsibilities of youth. 95. An important role will also be played by the Organization in 1983 in five regional meetings devoted to youth, including a meeting that the Romanian Government has offered to host in Romania. We believe that all these meetings will provide opportunities thoroughly to consider the specific problems of the younger generations on all continentsand will make a valuable contribution to the preparation for and successful celebration of International Youth Year. The Romanian delegation, aware of the ever greater interest of States in problems relating to youth, expresses its conviction that the General Assembly will approve all the recommendations drawn up by the Advisory Committee for International Youth Year at its second session. 96. If the complex problems confronting mankind today are to be solved it is more than ever necessary to strengthen the role that the United Nations is called upon to play in the maintenance and consolidation of peace and security, the promotion of international law in relations between States and the democratization of international life. 97. In the view of Romania and of President Ceausescu, the United Nations can and must play a more active role in resolving the major problems of the contemporary world in the interest of the peoples. It must act resolutely to establish relations between States on new and democratic bases which guarantee the participation in conditions of equality of all States, irrespective of their system, size or potential, in solving the problems confronting mankind. It is particularly necessary to ensure conditions that will enable small and medium-sized countries, the developing countries and the non-aligned countries to play an increasingly active role in the debate on and the settlement of all problems arising in relations between States. We must not forget that the balance of power has changed radically, that a diversification of the centres of power has occurred, that the so-called third-world countries represent the great majority of the world's population and that, consequently, they must have an important voice in all world policies, in the consideration of controversial issues and in the search for new solutions which meet the interests not only of a group of States but of the international community as a whole. In this respect, we attach particular importance to the drafting and adoption of a universal code of conduct concerning the fundamental rights and obligations of States. 98. In order to obtain those goals, it is necessary to improve the activity of the United Nations, democratize its organs, structures and functions, increase its effectiveness and adapt it to the present and future requirements and realities of the international community. The United Nations must become a dynamic and effective forum for the political settlement of international problems, conflicts and situations of tension among States and for holding multilateral negotiations. 99. In order to enhance the role and the contribution of the United Nations in resolving international problems, it is imperative that each State strictly respect the decisions of the Organization and that the obligations and commitments undertaken during the negotiating process be fulfilled in good faith. 100. In conclusion, the Romanian delegation wishes to reaffirm from this rostrum its determination to co-operate closely with all other delegations in the search for the best way of achieving all those objectives, so that the present session may by its results discharge the great responsibilities with which the United Nations is entrusted in the fulfilment of the aspirations of all peoples to peace and progress.