International Day of Solidarity – CEIRPP meeting – Verbatim record

COMMITTEE ON THE EXERCISE OF THE INALIENABLE

RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

VERBATIM RECORD OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING

Held at United Nations Headquarters, New York,

on Friday, 29 November 1985, at 3 p.m.

CONTENTS

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE (continued)

The meeting was called to order at 3.30 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE (continued)

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I am pleased to welcome the representative of the International Coordinating Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations on the Question of Palestine, whose members were elected at the international meeting of non-governmental organizations on the question of, Palestine in Geneva in September 1985. I now call on Mr. Donald Betz.

Mr. BETZ: On behalf of the International Co-ordinating Committee of Non-Governmental Organizations on the Question of Palestine, I wish to thank the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its kind invitation to participate in today's commemoration and to address this solemn meeting.

I am here today representing the 117 non-governmental organizations that participated in the United Nations Second International NGO Meeting on the Question of Palestine that was convened in Geneva from 9 to 12 September 1985. In spirit, the International Co-ordinating Committee (ICC) also hopes that it speaks on-behalf of the additional hundreds of non-governmental organizations world-wide which were unable to attend the international meeting but which are working diligently in their respective regions for peace with justice in the Middle East.

We credit and thank the United Nations, the Committee and the Division for Palestinian Rights for assisting us in the building of a global network of non-governmental organizations active on the question of Palestine. Beginning with the preparations for the United Nations International Conference on the Question Of Palestine convened in Geneva in August-September 1983, many non-governmental organizations realized for the first time that there were literally hundreds of additional non-governmental groups world-wide which were struggling to influence world public opinion-on this issue by disseminating information to their respective constituencies. Up to that time there had been little contact and co-ordination among them.

From that moment the initial international NGO network on the question of Palestine began to grow and spread its roots to every continent. Decisively aided by United Nations-sponsored non-governmental organizations symposia and meetings over the past two years, the international non-governmental organizations movement accepted the challenge of identifying other groups in virtually every corner of the globe and bringing them into contact with the network and one another. In 1984, at the United Nations First International Non-Governmental Organizations Meeting on the Question of Palestine, a Non-Governmental organizations Interim Co-ordinating Committee was established; this year it was succeeded by a more permanent 22-member International Co-ordinating Committee. This new Committee is composed of representatives from almost every corner of the globe, including Palestinian and Israeli non-governmental organizations working for justice and lasting peace in the Middle East. The regional symposia organized by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People have greatly assisted the global non-governmental organizations community in making new contacts and establishing regional co-ordinating committees so that the NGO outreach to the world's public can be more effective and more efficient. We thank the Committee for its efforts in securing this programmed and we strongly encourage the United Nations General Assembly to continue its support.

Last year Mr. Ernie Ross, the NGO representative, spoke before this Committee and pronounced the non-governmental organizations' commitment to securing the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and stated that the NGO community, like this august body, was searching for an alternative to war in the region, for a sane path to peace with justice. One of our tools in the search for peace has been the initiation of a global signature campaign, an appeal from the global family to all nation-states to recognize the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood and the right of all States in the region to exist within secure and internationally recognized boundaries. In accordance with United Nations General Assembly resolution 38/58 C, we also have endorsed the convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East to be attended by all parties to the conflict, including representatives of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, Israel, those Arab States parties to the conflict, the United States and the Soviet Union – all under the auspices of the United Nations.

I am here to declare that we are extending our signature campaign efforts for another two years and will focus our world-wide efforts to attract the support of popular organizations with large memberships, parliamentarians and the peace forces in Europe, North America, Israel and other areas. Through our revised structure we intend to increase our co-ordination in achieving our goal.

The International Co-ordinating Committee and the non-governmental organizations it represents firmly believe that we have a unique role to play in securing peace in the region based on a realization of the rights of the Palestinian people. The challenge for us is global; so, then, must be the response.

One of the non-governmental organizations' primary aims is to increase the world's understanding of this issue, for much of the injustice that has been perpetrated against Palestinians is rooted in the public's lack of awareness of the human facts, as opposed to the myths, concerning Palestine. We frame the issue in human terms. The question of Palestine is the question of the Palestinians, and they not to be suppressed by the savagery of conquest or the repressive restrictions military occupation. Nor can they be forgotten once events fade from the headlines as "new facts and realities" are created. Yet for nearly as long as this United Nations has existed, the millions of Palestinians have been relegated to a half-life, to perpetual insecurity without a State of their own. For much of that period the Palestinians have been a faceless, and therefore powerless, fraction of humanity. The world, in particular North America and Europe, needs the facts of .this issue, and this non-governmental organizations world-wide are collaborating to realize this objective.

Since 1948 the Palestinian people have been alternately characterized in the West as either refugees or terrorists. These stereotypes have been eagerly and efficiently reinforced by those determined to deprive the Palestinian people of their inalienable rights. These are prefabricated, pejorative images that resist change and justify, or at least condone, hostile acts. In the West, Palestinians, when their existence has been grudgingly acknowledged, have been reduced to these two self-contained and rigid categories – refugees and terrorists.- The Palestinians have rarely been depicted as a nation, as a people: students, writers, doctors, teachers, fathers, mothers and children. From this perspective Palestinians have been ignored or exterminated, but rarely understood. Unfortunately, few make the quantum leap of logical inquiry and ask the simple question "Why? Why are these people refugees? Why are they involved in the struggles in the Middle East? What is their quest?" As long as the Palestinian people remain one-dimensional images to most of us, we, like myself, in the West, can never accept that they are really like us, motivated by similar human needs, filled with similar aspirations for themselves, their families, and their nation. Such stereotyping has masked the gravest tragedies.

It is vital then, that we non-governmental organizations challenge and change these publicly held perspectives of the Palestinian people. We seek support for ways and means to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their Rights in Palestine. We have undertaken to impact public opinion as a key to policy change in North America, western Europe and Israel. We believe that peace and security for all in the region pivots on the just resolution of the question of Palestine. We are continuing our contacts and developing co-ordination between all non-governmental organizations, with encouraging results. Finding one another has been most beneficial for us, for we know now that we are not working alone. I must reiterate that the United Nations-sponsored regional symposia and international meetings are crucial to this dimension of our programme. Through the central co-ordination of the ICC we believe that the increased information flow among non-governmental organizations worldwide can enhance effectiveness and hasten the realization of our common aim: the self-determination of the Palestinian people.

In her closing remarks to the delegates, non-governmental organizations and the world press at the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, held in 1983, the Secretary-General of that auspicious Conference, Mrs. Lucille Mair, spoke of the unique spirit that had touched many of the participants. She offered special recognition to the work undertaken during those days by the non-governmental organizations. I think she would be proud of the evolution of that network over the past two years.

Each of the non-governmental organization meetings and symposia has helped us develop that network. At each gathering we have had glimpses of a bridge that can be built by decent people, a sense of the world community drawing upon its most fundamental principles and creating a delicate form of hope that must be nurtured. It is a hope that is soberly tempered by the work that lies before us.

The date 29 November reminds us that, thanks in-no small part to your assistance and encouragement, Sir, we have made some progress. The ICC and the non-governmental organization community it represents dedicate themselves to enhancing the process for peace in the Middle East by co-ordinating our efforts and influencing public opinion.

We thank you again, Mr. Chairman for this unique opportunity to address this seminal meeting. Over the past three years non-governmental organizations have come to believe that we share a common vision with the Committee, a vision of positive change, change that will promote peace and security, justice and equity in the Middle East, particularly for the Palestinian people. We look upon our collaboration with you, the United Nations, the Division and the Committee as a singular opportunity to gather our collective energies to realize our common goals.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): As in past years, we shall now hear messages of solidarity sent by Heads of State or Government. I call first on the Permanent Representative of Kuwait.

Mr. ABULHASAN (Kuwait) (interpretation from Arabic): It is an honour for me to read out a message sent by Sheik Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, to the Committee on the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It reads as follows:

"It is a pleasure for me, on the annual occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to convey to you today in the name of the Government and the people of Kuwait these few words greeting you and all participants in this event. We hope that it will contribute positively to the victory of that people and remind the world of its cause, an issue in which tyranny and justice are clear.

"We add our voice to all peoples that cherish freedom, justice and right. At the same time, we urge the international community, including the super-Powers, to give the matter the appropriate. attention and make concerted efforts to help that people restore its. inalienable and legitimate rights and to realize its national hopes and aspirations, by supporting its legitimate struggle to achieve self-determination, sovereignty and independence in its territory and country, which have been usurped.

"Some 40 years have passed since the catastrophe that befell the Palestinian people, a catastrophe unprecedented in history. One cannot but be perplexed by the fact that no progress has been made on the problem in all that time; those who have tried to resolve it have seemed to stumble around in a maze. one wonders why the United Nations has failed to secure implementation of its resolutions and how long the aggressors will continue their oppressive policy, based on the status quo. After usurping the largest and most fertile part of the land, they occupied the remainder. Today they are confiscating more land, constructing illegal settlements, monopolizing water sources and controlling the economy and the lives of the people. The many acts perpetrated by the aggressors include the exile, deportation, killing and mistreatment of innocent people, the demolition of houses, the closing of schools and universities and even the destruction of the image of that people in the eves of the world.

"it is anomalous that all this should be occurring under the watchful eye of the United Nations and the great Powers, on whose shoulders rests the responsibility for the protection and maintenance of world peace and security and human rights. The aggressors who are in flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, as well as the Geneva Conventions on human rights and dignity, have neither been deterred nor punished. What, indeed, has become of the human rights of these people? Do human rights apply only in the case of Jewish immigration to Palestine from. all over the world, while that land's rightful owners, those whose lands have been usurped and who have been expelled from their homeland and dispersed, those who have lost their freedom and dignity, find that their human rights are totally ignored? In the meantime, the aggressor has continued to receive full support from the great Powers and been encouraged in its arrogance something which has added to the complexity of the problem and created a stumbling-block for the implementation of United Nations resolutions.

"Yet we do not lose hope that the world as a whole, and the great Powers .in particular, will come to realize that the prudent course is for it to bear its international responsibilities and adopt a balanced and unbiased stand on the side of truth and justice in support of the cause of the Palestinian people and in working towards the solution of the Middle East problem. In our opinion, the best method to achieve tangible results in this respect is the convening, under international auspices, of a conference in which all the parties concerned – including the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people – will participate.

"Last but not least, we look forward with optimism to seeing the sun of justice shine over that region of the world, and over the world as a whole. may the banner of indivisible peace be raised and security, stability and prosperity prevail, and may your path be one of peace."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the Permanent Representative of Jordan, upon whom I now call.

Mr. SALAH (Jordan) (interpretation from Arabic): I should like to thank the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its unflagging efforts to help the Palestinian people recover their usurped rights and live in their own country in security and peace. It is my honour to convey to the Committee a message from His Majesty King Hussein of Jordan on the Occasion of the observance of this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

"Each year, on 29 November, the General Assembly of the United Nations marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On that day in 1947 a resolution partitioning Palestine was unjustly adopted and a historical precedent was created depriving the Arab people of Palestine of their legitimate rights in their country and in the homeland of their ancestors. Since that time, the question of Palestine and its people and the conflict the Palestinians and the Arabs have been drawn into have remained the main concerns of the Middle East, which for 40 years has been shaken by wars, instability and immense human suffering.

"As I said in my address before the General Assembly on 27 September of this year, 'No issue brought before the United Nations has riveted world attention as acutely as the Palestinian issue. No issue has made as many demands on United Nations responsibilities or posed as great a challenge to its ability to live up to its declared aims as the Palestinian issue. No issue has generated as many United Nations resolutions as the Palestinian issue.' (A/40/PV.12, p. 11)

"No just, lasting and comprehensive solution to that question has yet been found, and no such solution is possible unless it is based on 'General Assembly resolutions 181 (11) of 1947, which stipulated the partition of Palestine, and 194 (111) of 1948 pertaining to the solution of the problem of the Palestinian refugees, Security Council resolution 242 (1967) of 1967, which calls on Israel to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories and reaffirms the right of every State to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries, and Security Council resolution 338 (1973) of 1973, which calls for negotiations among the parties to the conflict under appropriate auspices.' (A/40/PV.12, p. 11)

"We believe that those auspices can be provided only through an international conference, convened by the Secretary-General, that would bring together the five Permanent Members of the Security Council and all the parties to the conflict, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

"In spite of the dangers inherent in the situation in the Middle East and the threat it poses to peace and stability in the region and throughout the world, the problem continues to deteriorate owing to the failure to implement international resolutions on the question of Palestine and the ongoing Arab Israeli conflict. Since there are close historical and geographical links between my country and Palestine, and the Palestinian people, we have always played a prominent role in seeking to establish peace and international legitimacy and to realize the legitimate aspirations of all the parties to the conflict.

"That is why I have undertaken a personal initiative within the framework of Security Council resolution 242 (1967), which emphasizes the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war, affirms the need for Israel to withdraw from all the Arab territories occupied in 1967, and stipulates the right of every State in the region to live in peace within secure and recognized borders.

"Like other countries in the Arab community, my country has made every effort to co-operate with and join in all serious attempts at establishing a just peace in the region. I was a participant in the joint Arab peace initiative that led to the resolution adopted at the Fez Summit of September 1982.

"Unfortunately, despite all the efforts of the Arab countries and international peace efforts, the situation has not changed. The will of the international community has been thwarted by Israel and its supporters and their arsenal of fallacious pretexts and arguments.

"It was our view that the peace process needed to be invigorated. We held consultations with the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and on 11 February an agreement was signed with a view to greater political activity between the Government of Jordan and the PLO and to creating machinery to implement the Arab peace initiative adopted at the Fez Summit.

"That is but one part of collective Arab action to implement United Nations resolutions on the question of Palestine. To that end an international conference with the participation of the five permanent members of the Security Council and of the parties to the conflict should be held, where negotiations to bring about a just and comprehensive peace could be carried out.

"Our current joint action is based on two principles: first, withdrawal by Israel from all occupied Arab territories and affirmation of the right of all States of the region to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders in conformity with United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973); and secondly, the exercise by the Arab people of Palestine of its right to self-determination in the framework of an Arab confederation to be created between the two States of Jordan and Palestine.

"The situation in the region is deteriorating daily as a result of Israel's continuing occupation of Arab lands, which has now lasted for some 18 years. Every effort to exchange land for peace has been frustrated. Israel has annexed Jerusalem and the Golan Heights; it has imposed its administration on more than half of the occupied West Bank; it has established settlements in various parts of the occupied Arab territories. Israeli leaders, members of the Government, have come forward and publicly stated that they do not intend to leave the occupied Arab territories; they hold to extremist policies and act with a view to carrying out aggression and frustrating all peace efforts.

"In the light of the serious increase in violence and extremism, and in view of the fact that the situation in the region is unchanged and indeed continues to threaten world peace and stability, we appeal to the international community to join in our efforts and express its active political will to implement United Nations resolutions on the question of Palestine, in order to establish international legitimacy, based on justice and equity, thus assuring the rights and interests of all parties to the conflict.

"It is my hope that the international community will not miss this historic opportunity to establish at last a just and durable peace in the Middle East, and that efforts will be commensurate with potentialities to achieve that noble objective. Let us be faithful to the principles of the United Nations: justice, freedom and peace. Long may those principles prevail."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call next on the representative of Oman.

Mr. AL-ANSI (Oman) (interpretation from Arabic): It is my pleasure to convey to you, Sir, and the other members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People my delegation's sincerest thanks for your positive, effective and dedicated work in the face of many obstacles to reveal and defend the truth and to set out the facts about the plight of the steadfast Arab people in the Arab and Palestinian territories occupied by Israel.

This Committee is a manifestation of the world's consciousness of the tragic situation of the Palestinians and of the need to find a just and lasting solution to the problem. Its humanitarian role reflects the confidence of the international community. While the activities of the Committee are a source of pride, to be sure, they also provide a glimmer of hope which must be kept alive so that peaceful initiatives may meet with success and the Palestinian people realize its aspiration to live in dignity in its own homeland, like all the other peoples on Earth that enjoy the inalienable rights established, defended and consecrated by all civilized legal systems.

The Government of the Sultanate of Oman appreciates this opportunity to renew its solidarity with the Palestinian people, and in this regard it is a great honour for me to read out the text of a cable addressed to the Chairman by our Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Youssuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah. The message reads follows:

"It gives me great pleasure, on the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to commend your dedicated and unflagging efforts to enable the Palestinian people to exercise its legitimate national right to self-determination and national sovereignty over Palestinian territory. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our faith that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people will be restored, thanks to the solidarity of all nations of the world that cherish justice, freedom and peace.

"By accepting many various peace initiatives, the Palestinians have demonstrated that they are seeking peace. Israel too should show that it is seeking peace and dialogue, the only path to peace and stability for all parties.

"We hope that this Day will be an occasion on which all peace-loving nations and peoples may demonstrate their solidarity with peoples still under the yoke of foreign domination with a view to restoring their right to self-determination and freedom in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the representative of Senegal who will speak also as current Chairman of the Organization of African Unity.

Mr. KANE (Senegal) (interpretation from French): The struggle of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), has inspired in the people and the leaders of Senegal a deep understanding and solidarity, which have led to Mr. Abdou Diouf, President of the Republic of Senegal, addressing to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the following message, which, with the permission of the Committee, I shall now read out:

"The 29th of November will be observed by the international community as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The political background against which this event will be commemorated is marked this year by an impasse in the search for a peaceful solution of the problem of the Middle East and by steadily worsening living conditions for the Palestinians in the occupied territories. This tense situation, exacerbated by the recent Israeli military aggression carried out against the Palestine Liberation organization's offices in Tunis, leads us to greater solidarity and firmness in the support the international community, striving for peace and justice, must bring to the struggle waged by the Palestinian people. It has also strengthened our conviction that the definitive solution of the Middle East question presupposes taking into account the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people through the initiation of a frank and constructive dialogue with its sole authentic representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

"This is for me an opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts constantly exerted by the United Nations through the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for convening an international peace conference on the Middle East at which all interested parties will be represented, including the PLO.

"While most strongly condemning the inhuman practices of the occupying Power, Israel, in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Senegalese people and Government renew their unstinting support for the PLO in its struggle, under the leadership of Chairman Arafat, for the total liberation of the Palestinian homeland."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the representative of Malta.

Mr. AGIUS (Malta): I am greatly honoured on this occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to convey to the Committee the following message from Mr. Alex Sceberras Trigona, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta.

"With the recurrence of 29 November, the day dedicated as a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, our thoughts are drawn not so much to their plight, of which we are reminded every single day of the year, but to the glaring fact that no solution has yet been found to allay their suffering. Since a solution to the question of Palestine is paramount to an overall settlement in the Middle East, it would be proper to highlight today some recent positive developments in the long road to peace in that area.

"First and foremost comes to mind the efforts that are being made to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East with the participation of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) as the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people on an equal footing with other parties. While we cannot but regretfully see the obdurate opposition of those who should be the first to seek a peaceful solution in the area, we must emphasize the growing consensus and clamour of the international community for the holding of such a conference. We must continue along the road until it becomes evident to all that there is no other way to settle such difficult and complex issues except in a forum where the different opinions can be heard and examined.

"We also note with satisfaction, and at the same time we stress, the initiatives taken by both the Palestinian leadership and the leaders of countries in the area most directly affected either by conflict or by a peace settlement. We continue to support and encourage these initiatives.

"The work of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People should be recognized and commended. Malta has devoted and will continue to devote time and energy to this Committee in the belief that the Committee has played and will continue to play an important role to bring about peace for a people which has suffered enough for almost four decades. Although beset by so marry difficulties, we refuse to yield and to abandon hope for a peaceful settlement in the near future.

It is imperative that we all contribute to the peace process; let us act together so that next year will be the year around the conference table.*

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call now on the representative of Afghanistan.

Mr. ZARIF (Afghanistan): I have the honour to read out the message sent by Babrak Karmal, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan and President of the Revolutionary Council of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The message reads as follows:

"The commemoration of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People gives me an opportunity to reaffirm, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, our unswerving support for and solidarity with the heroic and just struggle of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), for the restoration of their inalienable and legitimate national rights, including their right to establish an independent State of their own in their homeland.

"It has become an established fact that the question of guaranteeing the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people constitutes the core of any Middle East settlement. The tragic events in that region have confirmed the fact that there can be no lasting peace and stability in the Middle East unless the Palestinian people are guaranteed the opportunity to exercise their legitimate rights usurped by Zionist Israel. it is regrettable to note that due to Israel's permanently aggressive and expansionist policy, which enjoys the full backing of United States imperialism, the Palestinian people are still being denied their inalienable rights and that the situation in the Middle East has deteriorated further.

"The overt and covert support of the ruling circles in the United States provides encouragement for their Zionist ally in its policy of perpetuating its colonial domination over the occupied Palestinian and other Arab territories and its defiance of the demands of the international community.

"The people the and Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan vigorously condemn Israel for its continuing occupation of Palestinian and other Arab territories and the United States for its all-round support of Israel's expansionist, aggressive and colonialist policies.

"While the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan supports the continued efforts of the United Nations to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Middle East problem, it believes that an early convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East, with the participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is the demand of the overwhelming majority of nations, would he able to bring a durable peace to the long-suffering Palestinians and other Arab peoples living under Israeli occupation rule. We are convinced that the six Point proposal of the Soviet Union put forward on 29 July 1984, for the peaceful settlement of the Middle East problem could serve as a realistic basis for such an international conference.

"I should like once again to reiterate our firm support for and solidarity with the Palestinian and Arab peoples struggling against the inhuman policies of Zionism and imperialism. it is our conviction that the Palestinian people will finally be victorious."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the representative of Indonesia.

Mr. WIRYONO (Indonesia): On the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I have the honour and privilege to read out the following message from His Excellency President Soeharto:

"The Government and the people of Indonesia regard the International Day of solidarity with the Palestinian People as an important occasion to reaffirm our steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. Our participation in this solemn observance is more than a symbolic act of joining with the international community in expressing our collective solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), for self-determination and the establishment of a State of their own on their national soil. We regard it as an opportunity to reinforce the support of world public opinion for the initiatives and decisions of the United Nations to achieve a just solution to the problem.

"Hence, in the light of the coincidence of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations with this year's observance, it is most fitting to underscore that it was through the United Nations that the denial of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people was recognized as the very core of the Middle East problem. In affirming the centrality of the attainment of the national rights of the Palestinian people to the establishment of lasting peace in the Middle East, the Organization at the same time moved to recognize the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people by granting it observer status at the United Nations, and the establishment of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People completed the process of placing the United Nations firmly on the side of the Palestinian people's quest for national independence and a sovereign State. Indonesia is proud of its contribution, in concert with other Members, to the fundamental reorientation of the Organization that those historic decisions represent. We are also honoured to have served on the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People from its inception; it has amassed an impressive record in mobilizing international support for the Palestinian liberation struggle.

"Regrettably, despite those and other numerous decisions and actions taken by the United Nations, the long-suffering Palestinian people are today still forced to endure the injustice and indignities of Israeli aggression, oppression and racial discrimination. Clearly, Israel's appalling record of brutality against the Palestinians is the result of its vain hope to extinguish the fire of Palestinian nationalism and to obliterate the PLO.

However, the valiant Palestinian people under the PLO's leadership have heroically withstood the many years of this merciless onslaught, earning for them the respect and admiration of the international community. Thus, it is beyond question that the PLO has a legitimate and indispensable role to play as an equal party in all efforts and any negotiations leading to an enduring peace in the Middle East.

"In this context as well, Indonesia reiterates its support for the convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East under the auspices of the United Nations. Our support for the peace conference is premised on the assumption that its fundamental goal will be to secure the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people and their right to sovereign and independent statehood in Palestine; to achieve Israel's unconditional withdrawal from all Arab territories, including Jerusalem; and to guarantee peace for the States in the region within secure borders.

"No one can wish away the Palestinian cause; nor can we ignore the plight of the whole Palestinian people whose very nationhood is under constant attack. what is necessary is a renewed determination to break the unending cycle of hostilities that has caused five destructive wars over the course of the past four decades.

"There have been too many missed opportunities for progress in the past, and the time is here and now to seize the opening offered by the international peace conference. For its part Indonesia stands ready to contribute to any plan acceptable to our brothers, the Arab nations, which will assure the Palestinians their right to freedom and independent statehood on their own land.

"May God Almighty bestow His blessings and guidance on all of us."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. WASIUDDIN (Bangladesh): I have the honour to read out the following message from His Excellency Lieutenant-General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November 1985:

"On the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People by the international community I should like, on behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladeshi to reaffirm our total and unflinching support to and solidarity with our Palestinian brothers in their just and legitimate struggle for the restoration of their inalienable rights to freedom and independence under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), their sole and legitimate representative.

"It is now universally recognized that the question of Palestine is at the core of the problem in the Middle East. The present explosive situation in the Middle East is a direct consequence of a historic injustice, when the Palestinian people were forcibly uprooted from their hearths and homes and an alien people were imposed on the Arab world through the creation of Israel. No other issue in contemporary history has evoked so much thought and unleashed such intense indignation as this issue – and yet this tragic problem remains unsolved.

"The United Nations, after a great deal of deliberation, accepted the political entity of the Palestinian people and their rights to establish a State of their own in their homeland. This right is also based on the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter as well as international law and jurisprudence. The developments of the last four decades have demonstrated beyond any shadow of doubt that it is not possible to bring about just and lasting peace in the Middle East unless the legitimate and inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people are fully restored.

"Bangladesh, on the basis of its firm and principled position on the issue, has made sincere and persistent efforts to uphold the just cause of the Palestinian people in all international forums, especially the United Nations. We are firmly and irrevocably committed to support oppressed people all over the world who are waging a just struggle to free themselves from the bondage of colonialism and racism. It is our sincere hope that the international community, on the historic occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, will make a determined effort to achieve early realization of the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.

"I also take this opportunity to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. Massamba Sarre, the Chairman, and the other members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, for their sincere and tireless efforts for the cause of the Palestinian people."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Malaysia.

Mr. TAGAL (Malaysia): I have the honour to read out the following letter from my Prime Minister on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"Once again the Government and the people of Malaysia join the international community in observing this day as a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It remains the sacred duty of the international community to seek justice for the Palestinian people, who have been driven from their homeland and forced to live as refugees. The Palestinian people continue to be denied their inalienable rights and are subjected to political, social, economic and cultural oppression. Generations have grown up without knowing peace. The tragedy and plight of the Palestinian people must continue to be a matter of fundamental concern to all freedom-loving peoples everywhere. Indeed, the international community has overwhelmingly pronounced itself to be solidly behind the Palestinian people in their just struggle. This is illustrated by the many resolutions passed by the United Nations as well as other international forums.

"However, Israel has consistently ignored the pronouncements of the international community, refusing to abandon the path of aggression and expansionism. Despite the seeming inability of the international community to dissuade Israel from continuing on its present course, it is imperative that we remain resolute in our support for a comprehensive, just solution to the Palestinian problem. Such a comprehensive and just solution must necessarily include attainment of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to their own independent homeland. In this context, my Government fully supports the  proposed convening of an International Peace Conference on the Middle East, to which all relevant parties, including the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, should be invited.

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Government and the people of Malaysia reiterate our pledge to continue our support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for justice and their right to their homeland." The letter is signed by Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the representative of Mongolia.

Mr. NYAMDOO (Mongolia): I have the honour to read out the following message from the Chairman of the Presidium of the Great People's Khural of the Mongolian People's Republic, addressed to the Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee on the Exercise of the inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people:

"I should like to request you, Mr. Chairman, to convey my sincere greetings and those of the Mongolian people to the Palestinian people and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is being held in the year of the observance of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations, founded as a result of the great victory of democratic and progressive forces over Fascist and militarist reactionary forces. Over those 40 years the efforts of the United Nations and progressive world public to ensure implementation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people have failed to bring about results, because of a vicious plot by imperialist and Zionist forces of the United States and Israel aimed at the annexation of Arab territories, the disavowal of the existence of the Palestine question and the imposition of their military, political and economic domination in the Middle East.

"At present the situation in the Middle East is dangerously worsening, owing to the escalation of aggressive activities against the Arab peoples – first, the Arab people of Palestine – and the practice of terrorism at the state policy level by the Israeli rulers and their American accomplices.

"The recent barbarous bombing of Tunis suburbs by Israeli planes has once again manifestly revealed the danger of spreading war activities to other regions that emanates from the aggressive policies of the Zionists.

"We are of the view that the United Nations should play an important role and that it should therefore take an active stand in that regard by convening an international conference, with the participation of all parties concerned, including the sole, legitimate representative of the people of Palestine, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), to achieve a just settlement of the Middle East problem and the Palestinian issue, which is at the core of that problem, by ensuring all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and by liberating all Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967.

"On this remarkable Day, the Mongolian people and their Government once again express their militant solidarity with the Arab people of Palestine and wish them great success in the struggle for freedom and national independence against the aggression of imperialist and Zionist forces.

"I should like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that the Mongolian People's Republic will continue its active support of your Committee's work aimed at ensuring the inalienable and legitimate rights of the Arab people of Palestine and a just and comprehensive settlement by political means of the Middle East problem.

"Signed, Jambyn Batmunkh, Chairman of the Presidium of the Great People's Khural of the Mongolian People's Republic, Ulan Bator, 29 November 1985."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Saudi Arabia, upon whom I now call.

Mr. SHIMABI (Saudi Arabia) (interpretation from Arabic): I have the honour to convey to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, as well as to this gathering and to the United Nations, its organs and affiliates, a message from His Majesty King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. His Majesty the King, from the highest position of responsibility and the front line of defence of the foremost problem of the Arab and Muslim peoples – the problem of Palestine – as well as from his vanguard leadership role in support of Arab and Islamic rights everywhere, affirms the Kingdom's principled position and its firm policy in support of righteousness until the word of God prevails over any other in Al-Quds and Palestine, until rights are restored to their owners and until peace and security prevail in the land of the peace. The message from His Majesty the King reads as follows;

"On the occasion of the international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I have the pleasure to express to you, Sir, our profound appreciation for the constructive efforts that are being exerted by this Committee under your chairmanship in support of the just, legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a part of the Middle East region, is affected like other countries by the totality of the situation prevailing in that sensitive region, which has experienced tragic events because of the repeated acts of aggression by the Zionist entity, which is working relentlessly, arrogantly and with unparalleled hostility to undermine all hopes for peace and security in the region by its continued aggression against Palestine and the Palestinian people and by denying the legitimate rights of that people to establish their own independent State on their own land, as well as their right to self-determination under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, their sole and legitimate representative.

"It is regrettable, therefore, that we are commemorating this International Day this year while the Palestinian Arab people are still suffering under the yoke of Zionist colonialism and are still being deprived of the exercise of their legitimate rights. Moreover, they are still being subjected to all kinds of oppression and terror, as well as to numerous types of injustice and deprivation. Here, I should like to make clear that Israel's repeated acts of aggression against the Palestinian people, its continuous denial of the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinians that have been recognized by international law and conventions, foremost among which are the United Nations Charter and its resolutions, as well as its usurpation of their land and properties, are not only aggression against a peaceful people or a mere disregard of human rights and principles and of international norms, but should be considered as a reversion to the law of the jungle.

"The Zionist entity is still determined to pursue its policy of aggression and physical liquidation with regard to the Palestinian people, uprooting them from their land by various methods of torture and oppression and attempting to blemish the history of Palestine and to destroy its cultural, religious and other institutions, as well as to change the demography of its population. All those acts are aimed at completely destroying the Palestinian identity, in total defiance of world public opinion and of the United Nations. That aggression recently exceeded all bounds when the Zionist entity attacked the sister State of Tunisia, a sovereign State and Member of the United Nations, to destroy the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation organization in Tunis.

"The Zionist aggression thus represents the greatest challenge and gravest threat to the objectives for which the United Nations was established. The perpetuation of this challenge and this threat is undermining the effectiveness of the United Nations and belittles the ideals and principles of its Charter. The gravity of this threat could reflect negatively on the credibility of the Organization itself.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterates its firm position that peace and security, in the Middle East and in the world as a whole, will not prevail until a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian problem is achieved based upon the regaining by the Palestinian people of their full and legitimate rights, foremost among which is their full right to establish their own State on their own land under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization, their sole and legitimate representative, and until there is a complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

"I should like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the ever-increasing support being accorded the Palestinian people from all friendly nations within the framework of the United Nations. I hope that the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will become the occasion on which peace-loving peoples and countries express in solidarity their desire that all people subject to foreign domination may exercise their rights to self-determination, freedom and independence in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

"We wish to applaud the Committee's mission, to support its efforts and to wish it every success."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of the People's Republic of China. I invite him to make his statement.

Mr. LI Luye (China) (interpretation from Chinese): I wish to thank you sincerely, Mr. Chairman, for the invitation you have extended to the Chinese delegation on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to attend today's special meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. I should like to inform the Committee that the Chinese Government and people are now commemorating this important Day and that, in addition to the message from Premier Zhao Ziyang to today's meeting, the Chinese People's Friendship Association with Foreign Countries will also hold a reception to mark the occasion. China's news agency and major newspapers will give full publicity to the support of the Chinese people for the Palestinian people through special articles and news coverage. I should now like to read out a message from Zhao Ziyang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, dated 29 November 1985:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, our cordial greetings and highest respects to the Palestinian people, who are engaged in an arduous struggle for the restoration of their national rights.

"The policy of aggression and expansion pursued by the Israeli authorities has brought untold sufferings to the Palestinian and other Arab peoples and has created long-term tension and turbulence in the Middle East, thus posing a grave threat to world peace. In defiance of the sincere desire and efforts of the Palestinian people and the Arab countries for the peaceful settlement of the Middle East question, the Israeli authorities keep to their stand of aggression, continue to persecute the Palestinian and other Arab people and try to sabotage the process of the Middle East peace talks. The Chinese Government and people strongly condemn the Israeli policy of aggression and expansion and appeal to the members of the international community to work together in upholding justice and taking effective measures to implement the relevant resolutions affirming the national rights of the Palestinian people adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

“I should like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Chinese Government and people will, as always, resolutely support the Palestinian and other Arab peoples in their just struggles for the restoration of their national rights and the recovery of their lost territories. It Is our firm belief that the courageous Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, will strengthen their unity, persist in their struggle and finally succeed in realizing their lofty goal of regaining their national rights."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Yugoslavia, upon whom I now call.

Mr. GOLOB (Yugoslavia): On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I have the honour to read out a message sent by the President of the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, His Excellency Mr. Radovan Vlajkovic. The message reads as follows:

“On 29 November, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I would like to express, on behalf of the peoples of Yugoslavia, the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and in my own name# full support and solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), their only legitimate representative, for the realization of their inalienable rights to freedom and independence and their own State on their national soil. The just aspirations of the Palestinian people, a people with a full ethnic, geographic and cultural identity, enjoy the unanimous support of almost the entire international community and of all countries, peoples and, citizens truly committed to the principles of justice, freedom and peace.

"It has been evident for a long time that there can be no comprehensive and lasting solution to the Middle East crisis without a just solution of the Palestinian question. This question must be considered as the core of the solution, as the very essence of the crisis, which has been causing disruptions in the region for years, which has inflicted enormous human losses and destruction, the consequences of which are suffered by the innocent Palestinian people and affect all other peoples in that part of the world a crisis that poses a permanent threat to international peace and security.

"However, by its aggressive and expansionist policy, which Israel continues brutally and persistently, to deny the fundamental rights of that people, it continues illegal construction of the settlements on the occupied territories, mass arrests, torture, forcible transfer and expulsion of the Palestinians. in a word, Israel, despite the broadest international condemnation of such acts and of the policy of fait accompli, is trying to legalize the annexation of the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied by the use of force and to break the resistance of the Palestinian people. It does not even shrink from the most brutal methods and forms of State terrorism, as was the case with the recent attack on the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation organization in Tunisia, which constituted a flagrant violation of the sovereign rights of that peace-loving, non-aligned country, the most fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the norms of international law and code of conduct.

"Therefore, a just and lasting solution to the Middle East crisis and the right of all peoples and countries of the region to independent and secure development must be ensured on the basis of the unconditional withdrawal of Israel from all Arab and Palestinian territories occupied in the 1967 war and subsequently, including Jerusalem. The solution must be based on the realization of inalienable Palestinian rights: the right to return to their homeland, the soil from which they were expelled; the right to freedom and self-determination; and the right to the establishment of their own State on their national soil.

"Together with other non-aligned countries, Yugoslavia has always supported the United Nations as the most appropriate framework for a just and lasting solution of the Palestinian question and the Middle East crisis, believing that they should be solved on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. understandably, the equal participation of the Palestine Liberation organization, the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, in all the efforts, negotiations and conferences where the destiny of the Palestinian people is decided is of crucial importance.

"It is high time for the international community to stop the policy and practice of State terrorism, which prolongs the suffering of one people and jeopardizes the others. Urgent, concrete measures should be taken in order to enable the Palestinian people to realize their inalienable rights and legitimate national aspirations. Those immediate actions which are before the United Nations must include mandatory sanctions in order to compel Israel finally to abandon its aggressive policy and respect the decisions adopted by this world Organization.

"We are deeply convinced that the Palestinian people will persevere in their just struggle for national liberation. In that, I repeat, they can count, as they have done so far, on the most resolute support of the peoples of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In view of this, I avail myself of the opportunity to extend to the Palestinian people, through this United Nations Committee, whose efforts and activity we highly appreciate, our beat wishes."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Yemen, on whom I now call, as representative not only of his country but of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Mr. BASENDWAH (Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic): I wish first, Mr. Chairman, to read out the message sent to you by His Excellency Colonel Ali Abdulla Saleh, President of the Republic, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Secretary-General of the General People's Congress of the Yemen

Arab Republic, which I have the honour to represent. The message reads as follows:

"It is a pleasure to convey to your August Committee meeting on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and through you to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the greetings of our Arab people in the Yemen Arab Republic and my own greetings.

"The General Assembly resolution in which it was decided to commemorate this day every year as an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a demonstration of international support for the struggle of the fraternal Palestinian people to restore all their usurped rights and liberate all their territories occupied by Israel. Your meeting today, which represents a great human demonstration, is clear evidence that the principles of the United Nations Charter are still vibrant and alive, despite the arrogance and tyranny of the Zionist colonialist forces in Palestine and elsewhere today. Yet the continuation of the Palestinian cause without a just solution for four decades and the results of the continued struggle of the Palestinian people, steadfast in their stand, constitute one of the great challenges faced by the United Nations and a real test of its effectiveness and respect for it. It is not surprising that the plight of the Palestinian people grows worse with the passage of time, moves the conscience of peoples everywhere and exposes the lip-service paid by many throughout the world in their so-called sympathy with the Palestinians in their struggle against the Zionist colonialists.

"Israel is foolish to think that all its military power and all the material benefits and strength it gains through killing and uprooting people and through establishing-its settlements will be able to crush the Palestinian struggle and eliminate the Palestinian cause. History is always on the side of peoples, and the victory of legitimacy is inevitable.

"on this annual occasion, the Arab Republic of Yemen takes the opportunity to reaffirm its principled commitment to the cause of the Palestinian people under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), its sole legitimate representative, for the restoration of all its national territory and rights, including the right to establish an independent State.

"Finally, it is our hope that today's meetings will be the starting point for consolidating support for the Palestinian people and its unflagging heroic struggle to liberate its country from colonialism and Zionist occupation and to exercise its national prerogatives and self-determination.

"I wish to convey the greetings of my people as well as my personal regards. I look forward to the victory of the steadfast Palestinian people and wish the Committee every success in its efforts.* I wish now to make a statement on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, over which it is our honour to preside this year. We thank you, Sir, and all the other members of the Committee for your efforts to uphold the Palestinian cause and bring about victory in the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people to gain self-determination and national sovereignty, waged against those who have stripped them of their independence and national freedom. In that connection I take note of the efforts of the Secretary-General in support of the just Palestinian cause.

It is no surprise that the Organization of the Islamic Conference should view the Palestinian cause as a central issue of high priority and devote great attention to it. The Organization of the Islamic Conference is committed to that cause because the 1969 Zionist aggression against the Al-Aqsa mosque – one of Islam's most sacred shrines – only two years after the June 1967 aggression by which Israel occupied the whole of Palestine, seizing the West Bank and Gaza brought the Islamic countries together to sign an agreement establishing the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Yet our interest in the Palestinian cause is not based only on our Islamic beliefs, even though all Muslims are threatened by the occupation of Islamic shrines by the Zionist racists. There is no need to mention the justice of our cause: The Committee is fully aware of the history of the creation of Israel and has seen the development of the situation and the oppression, the murders and the massacres carried out by the Israeli racists and their supporters in South Africa and elsewhere.

Hence, our mother Organization, the United Nations, has since 1947 been adopting resolutions acknowledging the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause. But despite their great number and clarity, those resolutions remain mere ink on paper owing to Israel's arrogant rejection of them, which calls into question the effectiveness and credibility of the United Nations.

The Palestinian people, whose national territory is under occupation – as is that of its brethren in South Africa and Namibia – are enduring unimaginable horrors. They are detainees or prisoners in the huge prisons set up by the Israeli occupation authorities, either in the West Bank, Gaza or other parts of occupied Palestine, which is in the hands of the Israeli leaders. I need not go into detail regarding the practices of the Tel Aviv authorities – their settlements, their ousting and uprooting of the Arab people intended to occupy Palestine and establish Israeli settlements there. I shall not dwell on Israel's invasion of Lebanon, its attack on the Iraqi nuclear reactor and its shelling of a suburb of the capital of Tunisia, killing men, women, children and old people. Israel destroyed the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation organization, thus denying the Palestinian people homes in a foreign land after locking them out of their own country.

Israel raises hell if one of its citizens is killed or wounded, while at the same time trying to liquidate the Palestinian people. As one Arab author has written, "Killing one person in the jungle is a crime, but the murder of an entire nation is a subject for debate and discussion".

Talk without action is mere ink on paper, and can have no effect. We call on all the world's peace-loving peoples to redouble their efforts and their support for the Palestinian people in its ongoing struggle to liberate all its territory and establish a State of its own.

By the will of God, the Palestinian people will soon gain victory, along with the peoples of South Africa and Namibia, and the banners of freedom will once again fly over all occupied territories. Legitimacy must prevail.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call next on the representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Mr. AL-SHAALI (United Arab Emirates) (interpretation from Arabic): I wish to read out the text of a message from His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nabyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, addressed to the Chairman on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

"I wish, on behalf of the Government and the people of the United Arab Emirates, to convey to you and to the other members of the Committee our gratitude and appreciation for your ceaseless, unflagging efforts to help the Palestinian people, which is struggling to achieve its aspirations and the liberation of its nation.

"I wish also to express our support for the methods used in the work towards the achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian peoples including its right to return to its home and its right to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent State on its national territory of Palestine.

"Today, 29 November, has been designated as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. That is particularly important this year because 1985 is the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations itself. Either of those two commemorations would be meaningless without the other: In effect, the question of Palestine was of brought into being by the Organization and has accompanied it on every step its history.

"Unfortunately, it has also been a basic challenge to the credibility of the Organization and to its ability to render justice to peoples which have been the victims of injustice and oppression, foremost among them the Palestinian people, who have been uprooted from their country and deprived Of their homes, and who today are suffering under the physical and psychological domination of the Zionist entity, supported by the forces of evil and aggression.

"It is up to the United Nations to render justice to oppressed peoples and enable peoples like the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights and at long last to establish an independent State of their own.

"In keeping with the principles of the Charter and the numerous resolutions adopted by this Organization, it is the natural role of the international community as represented in the United Nations to exert political pressure on the Zionist entity to terminate its aggression against the Palestinian people and make it withdraw all its troops from all the occupied Arab territories and finally allow the Palestinian people to exercise its right of self-determination.

"While firmly supporting the Committee's efforts to convene an international conference on peace in the Middle East, with the Palestinian question as its essence, we continue to believe that if States, especially major Powers, do not reconsider their policy of supporting Israel – a country which relies on domination by force – it will be very difficult to reach a general understanding and consequently a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine that would enable the Palestinian people to exercise its legitimate rights.

"With that goal in mind, the United Arab Emirates, as a Government and as a people, will continue its support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for the recovery of its rights and freedom, the liberation of its country, and the establishment of an independent State on its own territory under the auspices of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), its sole legitimate representative."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): In my capacity as representative of Cuba, I wish now to read out the text of a message from Mr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State and of the Government of Cuba, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee. The message reads as follows:

"On the occasion of this year's commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I reiterate the continued support of the people and Government of Cuba for the cause represented by this Committee. As the international community commemorates the fortieth anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, it is witnessing the expulsion of the heroic people of Palestine from its land through Zionist aggression, and the violation of that people's rights to life, self-determination, sovereignty and the creation of an independent State of its own.

"Cuba is convinced of the increasing growth of the vast international movement of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Imperialism and international reaction, founded on the powerful media and its ability to manipulate public opinion, are seeking to isolate and slander the fighters and people of Palestine, led by their sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation organization. Pursuing with unmatched cynicism its struggle against 'terrorism', the United States Government attempts to justify – and, we presume, encourages – genuine acts of terrorism and vandalism, such as the attack against Tunis; through its frequent use of the veto, it blocks adoption by the United Nations of appropriate measures in condemnation of the Israeli regime, thereby encouraging it in its policy of fait accompli and preventing the realization by the Palestinian people of its rights.

"We hope that firm resistance and condemnation on the part of the international community will prove able to curb that reactionary policy. In this connection, the Cuban Government attaches special importance to the call for the convening of an international conference on peace in the Middle East under United Nations auspices.

“Moreover, we convey to you our great appreciation of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, over which you preside so effectively, and its struggle to find a just and honourable solution to the Palestinian problem. The Committee's efforts, in our view, are valuable not only as a basic historical duty towards peoples which are the victims of brutal exploitation, oppression, uprooting and dispersal, but also as a contribution to peace in one of the most dangerous hotbeds in one of the most dangerous regions of the world. It is clear that there can be no just and lasting peace in the Middle East without recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, to return to its homeland and to the establishment of a free and independent State.

"For those reasons, I wish once more to assure you of Cuba's firm determination to lend all necessary support to initiatives aimed at implementing this Committee's decisions.

"I take this opportunity, Sir, to greet you most cordially and to wish you further success in carrying out your high responsibilities."

I now resume my functions as Chairman.

I call next on the representative of Qatar.

Mr. AL-KAWARI (Qatar) (interpretation from Arabic): I am pleased to read out the text of a message from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, addressed to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

"Since the establishment of the United Nations, the international organization has been continuously considering the question of the Palestinian people, which is doing no more than claiming its right to a home and to the creation of an independent State in its homeland.

"At last, the international community has acknowledged the justice of that claim, and the United Nations has accordingly adopted numerous resolutions affirming that, like other peoples, the Palestinian people has a right to self-determination and insisting that Israel end its occupation of Arab territories.

"The international Organization has been adopting resolutions for 40 years, but Israel has defied those resolutions, thus showing its lack of respect for the international community.

"Israel has missed no opportunity to commit inhuman crimes: crimes against humanity, moral crimes and religious crimes that have never been perpetrated by any other nation. The idea has been to put down the Palestinian people. Israel has been able to count on those who would help it to continue its aggression, rather than stop it. It has taken over Jerusalem and annexed the Golan Heights; it has invaded Lebanon, a part of which it still occupies; it has escalated its barbarous practices on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, so as to annex them and other Arab territories in implementation of its Zionist expansionist plans in those territories. Israel has outdone itself even in the area of terrorist, crimes it has savagely bombarded the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Tunis, thus, violating Tunisia's sovereignty and the rights of the Tunisian and Palestinian peoples and killing many innocent Tunisian and Palestinian brothers.

"The Arab nation cherishes peace and is committed to the rule of law. Following the Fez Summit in 1982 it offered the world a peace plan for a just and definitive solution of the Middle East conflict, the core of which is the question of Palestine. Since the plan was based on international legitimacy, as spelled out in the relevant United Nations resolutions and international law, it was welcomed throughout the world. However Israel, an enemy of peace, rejected that proposal, and now it continues to perpetrate its aggression.

"In the face of such wanton arrogance, this Committee is meeting for the eighth time now to reiterate its condemnation of that arrogance and to express solidarity with the Palestinian people in its continuing selfless struggle in defence of its country, sovereignty and identity.

“Israel is at the root of this explosive hotbed of tension and conflict, which poses a threat even to its own security and peace and to that of the world as a whole. That is why we appeal to all political leaders and all schools of thought in the world, international organizations, Members of the United Nations, in particular the permanent members of the Security Council, and invite them to have recourse to the most effective means possible to force Israel to end those unprecedented violations of international moral principles.

"The question of Palestine is one of law and justice. History has always shown that, regardless of the difficulties facing a people fighting for justice, no force, however tyrannical, can thwart that struggle. The Palestinian people continues to struggle for its inalienable rights and, with God's help, it will be victorious one day.

"I take this opportunity to reaffirm to this Committee the appreciation of the fraternal people of Qatar for its constant efforts to foster the broadest possible awareness of the question of Palestine and to confirm for that people its inalienable right to recover its freedom and dignity.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the representative of Hungary.

Mr. ENDREFW (Hungary): I have the honour to read out the following message from the Presidential Council of the Hungarian People's Republic to the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO):

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we lend our support to the Palestinian people struggling for their just cause. We are convinced that only a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Middle East crisis, attainment of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian Arab people, and the establishment of their own independent State can guarantee the peace and security of all countries in the region. An international conference to be convened with the participation of all the parties concerned, including the PLO, which is recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, should serve as the framework for the process of reaching a peaceful settlement.

"While reaffirming our solidarity with the Palestinian Arab people, we sincerely hope that the PLO will restore, on a democratic, patriotic and anti-imperialist basis, its unity, strength and joint stand with the forces fighting for a just peace in the Middle East.

"On behalf of the Presidential Council of the Hungarian People's Republic and the people of Hungary, we wish the Palestine Liberation organization and the Palestinian Arab people success in their just struggle."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Mr. VONGSAY (Lao People's Democratic Republic) (interpretation from French): I welcome this opportunity to participate in the special meetings to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. His Excellency Mr. Souphanouvong, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, has sent the following message, which I have the honour to convey:

"on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I have the honour on behalf of the Lao Government and the people to address to you my warmest congratulations and best wishes for success in the accomplishment of the noble task the international community has assigned the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

"The Lao Government and people are following with the greatest attention the unflagging efforts being made by the United Nations to promote the just cause of the Palestinian people, under the determined leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), its sole and authentic representative. It is public knowledge that the Zionist regime of Israel is constantly pursuing its criminal and barbarous policies and practices: aggression, occupation, annexation of Arab and Palestinian territories, repression, massacre of the Palestinian people, forced displacement, expropriation of their property, and establishment of Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian and Arab territories.

"Those policies and practices are being intensified daily, even in Lebanese territory, part of which is still occupied by Zionist troops. We joined the rest of the international community in condemning the Zionist air raid at the beginning of last month on Tunisia and Palestinian civilians living there. That premeditated Zionist act of aggression would not have been possible without the blessing and comprehensive and unconditional support given to Israel by its imperialist protectors. It is highly desirable that during this session commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations the international community should do everything possible to ensure that the long-suffering Palestinian people may exercise its inalienable national rights, including its right to create an independent State in Palestine.

"Moreover, since the question of Palestine is at the heart of the Middle East conflict, it is essential that, as was suggested in the Declaration of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, held in Geneva two years ago, there be convened under United Nations auspices an International Peace Conference on the Middle East, with the participation on an equal footing of all the parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, the United States, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the other interested States, so as to find a definitive solution to the problem.

"The Government and people of Laos wish to reaffirm their unwavering support for, and total solidarity with, the heroic struggle waged by the Palestinian people, under the firm leadership of the PLO, for the triumph of their just and noble cause.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the representative of Egypt.

Mr. KHALIL (Egypt) (interpretation from Arabic): It is a pleasure for me to read out the following message sent by President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak to you, Mr. Chairman, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"The world is today celebrating the foundation 40 years ago of the United Nations, which gave hope of a new dawn of liberty, independence, peace and progress for all peoples and nations. Yet that great event, to which humanity had looked forward for the realization of its ambitions and legitimate hopes of self-determination, has so far proved for the Palestinian people to be no more than a hope, stifled by obsolete theories and faced by obstacles that the world community has been pledged to eradicate since the establishment of the organization.

"The international Organization, which laid down principles concerning the rights and duties of all peoples, without regard to race or creed, today faces a great challenge, in that the Palestinian people, a people with a history of civilization in the Arab East, is deprived of its right to peace and stability, its right to self-determination and self-expression and its right to exercise its great abilities, rights belonging to all peoples.

"Recent events in the Arab East have confirmed that the Palestinian cause is, and will always be, the crux of the conflict in the Middle East. Recognition of the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people is the only way to establish and safeguard a just, comprehensive peace that will give security and stability to all. The participation of the Palestinian people, the party directly concerned, through its recognized legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), together with other interested parties in the peace efforts is indispensable for the achievement of a just, stable and lasting peace.

"We believe that the first requirement for a peaceful settlement is to allow the Palestinian people to implement the right to self-determination and establish its own State on its own territory. It is impossible to imagine movement in efforts to achieve settlement without the participation of the PLO, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

"Egypt has always sought to speed up the efforts to reach a just, lasting and comprehensive peace securing the legitimate rights of all the parties concerned. We believe that the best way to achieve that aim is to convene an international conference with the participation of all the parties concerned, including the PLO, which we insist should be allowed to play a role and shoulder its responsibility. In that connection, we believe that a solid basis for Arab moves is the joint Palestinian-Jordanian position crystallized in the 11 February 1985 accord, which is supported by all the Arab countries directly involved, led by Egypt. One of the basic conditions for the success of any Arab efforts is the maintenance of solidarity between Jordan and the PLO.

"The choice of peace through international legitimacy as an objective of the Palestinian people was again affirmed in the Cairo Declaration issued by the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization on 7 November 1985, which we regard as a historic international document that should receive detailed attention by all parties. We call upon the international community to resist all efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the PLO and its recognized leadership, to distort its image or to deny its right to resist by all legitimate means.

“We look forward to the United Nations, through the Security Council playing an effective role in preparing seriously and properly for an international peace conference on the Middle East to settle the problem have full confidence in your personal support, Sir, and the support of your Committee for those efforts in defence of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in order that that vital area of the world may move forward to an era of security, stability and the long- awaited just peace. may your path be peaceful."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the representative of the German Democratic Republic.

Mr. OTT (German Democratic Republic): I have the honour to read out the following message from the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and Chairman of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic, Erich Honecker, addressed to the Secretary-General:

"The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is another occasion for the German . Democratic Republic to assure the Palestinian people and its sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), of its firm solidarity.

"It must be noted with deep concern that the question of Palestine, the key issue of the Middle East conflict, remains unsolved. Israelis permanent policy of suppression and aggression and the striving of imperialist quarters for predominance keep the Middle East in a situation of explosive tension. Acts to destabilize Governments, which have drawn world-wide condemnation, and the violation of the territorial sovereignty of States are the latest expression of this dangerous policy in defiance of international law.

The special responsibility of the United Nations for a comprehensive, just and therefore lasting settlement in the Middle East requires collective efforts. Such a settlement can be achieved only on the basis of Israel's immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied since 1967; implementation of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including its right to establish an independent State of its own; and the safeguarding of the right of all States of that region to exist and develop in independence.

"The only practicable way to attain this goal is an international Middle East conference under the auspices of the United Nations with the participation of 611 interested parties, including the Palestine Liberation organization. This was again advocated by the States parties to the Warsaw Treaty in the Declaration adopted in Sofia.

"You may rest assured, dear Mr. Secretary-General, that the German Democratic Republic will also in future be committed to this stance. This will include its active co-operation within the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which over the past decade has been strongly dedicated to the just cause of the Palestinian people."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Democratic Yemen on whom I now call.

Mr. SALEH (Democratic Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic). I wish to read out to the Committee a message from Mr. Ali Nasser Mohammed, Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the Yemeni Socialist Party and Head of the Supreme National Council of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

“It is a pleasure, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to send you greetings and to praise the efforts that have been exerted by the United Nations since its establishment on behalf of peace and stability and the upholding of freedom and liberation issues.

"The Palestinian cause has been on the agenda of the United Nations ever since its establishment. For some 37 years the people of Palestine have been subjected to terrorism, to being uprooted and dispersed, to the destruction of their homes and property and so forth, as well as to all sorts of deprivation and the denial of their basic human rights. Palestinians have been uprooted and expelled from their land. Moreover, Israel's Zionist expansionism continues. Ever since the Zionist entity launched its aggression against Arab countries it has been trying to change the demographic character of the Palestinian people through the establishment of settlements and the occupation of territories by force. The present plight of the Palestinian people is the result of the brutal acts and oppression undertaken by the occupying Zionist forces with the help of the United States Administration, which supports the Zionist entity and provides it with all kinds of aid so as to entrench, hegemony in the region in violation of all international law and norms.

“This regime is being resisted by the Palestinian people and the Arab countries and by all peace-loving nations and peoples which oppose imperialist and Zionist plots aimed at separate agreements to undermine the rights of the Palestinian people.

"We in Democratic Yemen express our great appreciation of the efforts exerted by your Committee to defend and uphold the just cause of the Palestinian people, which developments have shown to be at the crux of the conflict in the region. We wish to stress a fact included in all resolutions on the subject adopted by the United Nations: that no comprehensive solution can be realized without the full withdrawal of Israel from occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and implementation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to return, to self-determination and to the establishment of their own independent State on their own territory under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO).

"We renew our affirmation that we stand by the struggle of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, against all imperialist and Zionist plots aimed at imposing separate agreements, including the Camp David accords and the Reagan plan. In this connection we wish to praise the efforts and constructive international initiatives being undertaken, both within and outside the framework of the United Nations, to achieve a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Those initiatives as well as the proposals put forward by the Soviet union are of great importance in ending the state of tension prevailing in the Middle East through the convening of an international conference attended by all parties to the conflict, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. Deliberations at the fortieth session of the General Assembly once again affirmed that those proposals and initiatives form a practical framework within which to maintain peace in the region and contribute to international peace and security.

“We are confident that your solidarity meeting today, which is an international demonstration in support of the Palestinian people, will affirm the position of the peace-loving and progressive nations and peoples in support of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and contribute to the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We hope that this celebration and your efforts will be crowned with success."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Turkey, on whom I now call.

Mr. TURKMEN (Turkey): I have the honour to read out the text of the message from His Excellency Mr. Turgut Ozal, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It reads as follows:

"On the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like to convey on behalf of my Government and on my own behalf the support of the Turkish nation for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and reiterate its solidarity with them. I welcome the General Assembly resolution concerning the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, not only to express our solidarity, but also to evaluate the present stage of the efforts to find a just solution to the question of Palestine and the developments that have taken place during the course of the year.

"I am happy to note that there is growing support and sympathy in the world community for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. In this respect, I wish to commend the efforts made by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to promote wider awareness of the question of Palestine.

"Turkey believes that the recognition of all the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, is a prerequisite for the establishment of a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Furthermore, it is our firm conviction that no settlement of the question can be found unless Israel withdraws from the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem. We support all peace initiatives to that end. In this context, we welcome the Jordan-Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) accord of 11 February 1985 as an important step and opportunity towards achieving peace in the Middle East. I should like to mention here with appreciation the constructive role played by the PLO, under the able leadership of Chairman Yasser Arafat in reaching that accord. I am confident that, with the increasing understanding and support of the international community, as well as with the unity in their ranks, the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the PLO, will succeed in achieving the realization of their legitimate aspirations.

"On this occasion I should like to convey to the valiant Palestinian people the warm feelings and sincere wishes of the people and the Government of Turkey for the early success of their just struggle."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the representative of Brunei Darussalam.

Mr. OMAR (Brunei Darussalam): I have the honour and privilege to convey a message from His Majesty the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mulizzaddin Waddaulah, the Prime Minister of Brunei Darussalam, which reads as follows:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, on behalf of the Government and the people of Brunei Darussalam, I wish to reaffirm our support for, and solidarity with, the just struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights to self-determination in their own State of Palestine, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO), the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

"The continued occupation of Palestinian lands, in defiance of the various United Nations resolutions and in violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, has caused instability in the Middle East region and constitutes a threat to regional and global peace. we urge. the international community, sovereign States and world bodies to put maximum pressure on Israel to end its aggressive, expansionist policies.

"We also wish to reiterate our condemnation of the acts of oppression and aggression perpetrated by the Zionist regime, which have resulted in the death and suffering of thousands of Palestinian people and forced them to seek refuge in the neighbouring countries, leaving behind their own property and homeland.

"We recognize that there cannot be a lasting and just peace in the Middle East without the total and unconditional withdrawal of the Israelis from all the Arab and Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and that a just and lasting peace can be achieved only on the basis of the genuine exercise by the Palestinian people, under the leadership of their legitimate representative, the PLO, of their inalienable right to return to their homes, their right to self-determination without foreign interference and their right to establish their own independent and sovereign State in their national territory.”

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Bahrain, on whom I now Call

Mr. AL-SABBAGH (Bahrain) (interpretation from Arabic): It gives me great pleasure to read out the following message from Shaikh Isa Bin Sulman Al-Khalifa, Emir of Bahrain, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"For many decades the question of Palestine has been considered every year, not only at the United Nations, but in all international forums, where hundreds of resolutions and recommendations have been adopted calling upon Israel and its supporters fully to recognize the rights of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), its sole and legitimate representative.

"The more there are voices calling for peace and for the granting to the Palestinian people of their legitimate, inalienable rights, according to the principles and resolutions of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the more Israel persists in establishing settlements and expropriating property by force in the occupied Palestinian territories. In addition, it is following a policy of suppression, intimidation and displacement practiced daily against the inhabitants of those territories."

"Israel did not stop at limiting its customary intimidation against the Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries; indeed, on 1 October this year, in flagrant disregard of all international norms and laws, it launched an attack against the territory of a peace-loving country and a Member of the United Nations, Tunisia, hundreds of miles away.

"Israel continues to launch repeated attacks on Lebanon, and in so doing it has aroused the fury of world public opinion and once more exposed its aggressive intentions towards the Palestinian people wherever they may be, whether within or outside the usurped territories. We firmly believe that the Palestinian question can be solved only through full and complete recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people. We are confident that the usurped Arab rights will inevitably be regained and that justice will inevitably prevail.

"On the basis of its full belief in the right of peoples to self-determination in keeping with the principles contained in the Charter and the resolutions of the United Nations, Bahrain today reaffirms its full and absolute solidarity with the just and legitimate struggle waged by the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), its sole, legitimate representative. Bahrain calls upon the international community to exert every possible effort to resolve this question justly and in a manner that will enable the Palestinian people to regain their usurped rights and put an end to Israel's continued aggression, which has been going on for more than 38 years and seriously threatens international peace and security.

"In conclusion I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the other members of the Committee for the efforts being made towards regaining the rights of the Palestinian people, and wish you all success in your noble humanitarian task.”

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the Permanent Representative of Algeria.

Mr. DJOUDI (Algeria) (interpretation from French): I have the honour of reading out a message from His Excellency Mr. Chadli Bendjedid, President of the Republic and Secretary-General of the National Liberation Front Party, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

"The commemoration of this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People occurs at a time when the situation in the Middle East has seen a new rise in tension and when the Palestinian people are once again faced with challenges and sustained new attacks on the part of the Zionist occupation forces.

"Given the resistance of the heroic Palestinian people, in the occupied Arab territories, the Zionist occupier is redoubling its violence in carrying out its policy of repression against the Palestinian people and obstinately pursuing the policy of colonization, intimidation and Zionisation of Arab lands in order to rid the occupied Arab territories of their legitimate inhabitants and accelerate the process of annexation of those territories.

"This policy of repression and fait accompli is accompanied by a veritable campaign of genocide conducted against the Palestinian people wherever their exile has led them, even to the Maghreb, at has been seen by the recent act of armed aggression carried out against a sovereign country the sister Republic of Tunisia.

"The international community is today celebrating two anniversaries: the founding of the United Nations and its adoption a quarter of a century ago Of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. In these circumstances, the organization has a particular responsibility and, with a view to bringing to an end the four decades of suffering and sorrow of the Palestinian people, it must bring about the exercise by that people of its inalienable legitimate national rights.

"The framework for a just and lasting settlement of the problem of the Middle East has been clearly defined by the United Nations: the convening of an international peace conference in the Middle East in which all parties to the conflict, including the Palestine Liberation Organization as the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, should participate on an equal footing. All efforts of the international community should accordingly be focused on the convening of that conference.

"On the occasion of the commemoration of this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, let me reaffirm, on behalf of the Algerian Government and people, Algeria's complete solidarity with and firm support for the just struggle of the Palestinian people to recover their freedom and exercise their inalienable national rights, including their right to self-determination and their right to return and to create their own independent State in Palestine, and for the triumph of freedom, peace and justice in the Middle East."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call now on the representative of Pakistan.

Mr. ALI (Pakistan): At this solemn meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, let us rededicate ourselves to redoubling our efforts in pursuing the goal of restitution of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to a homeland, as soon as possible. Let me assure this Committee that the Pakistan delegation will continue to extend to the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People its fullest co-operation and support.

I now have the honour to read out the message from President Mohammad Zia Ul-Haq of Pakistan sent on this occasion. It reads:

"In observing the international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Government and the people of Pakistan join the international community in renewing their pledge of unstained support for and solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters who are waging a relentless struggle for the restoration of their inalienable rights.

"On this solemn occasion we pay tribute to the heroic people of Palestine who have with courage and determination resisted the illegal occupation of their homeland by the Zionist entity. Their great sacrifices for the cause of freedom and justice have won our lasting admiration.

"Israel's policies and actions betray clear contempt for the will of the international community, international law and the norms of civilized conduct. In pursuit of its expansionist aims, Israel has resorted to repeated aggression and ruthless suppression of the Arab and Palestinian population Of the occupied territories. Its recent unprovoked air attack against Tunis provides further evidence of its intention to keep the area permanently destabilized in order to assert its military diktat.

“The Government of Pakistan strongly denounces Israel for its repressive policies against the Palestinian and Arab peoples, which are the root cause of turbulence in the Middle East and pose a threat to international peace and security. It is evident that the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people cannot be suppressed by terror and repression nor can they be held in abeyance indefinitely.

"It is the historic and moral responsibility of the international community to extend full support to the Palestinian people. Concerted efforts must also be made to check and reverse the course of Israeli adventurism and overcome its intransigence through initiatives for a just and durable peace in the Middle East.

"The total withdrawal of Israel from all Arab and Palestinian territories occupied by it since 1967, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and scrupulous respect for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish a State of their own in their homeland, Palestine, remain indispensable elements for any comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Middle East problem.

"Pakistan has always extended its full support to the struggle of the people against colonial and alien domination and oppression. We are committed to upholding the principle of self-determination and the universal values of freedom and justice.

"We reaffirm our total support for and solidarity with the people of Palestine and their representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, in their just struggle for the restoration of their legitimate national rights."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the representative of Tunisia.

Mr. KAROUI (Tunisia)(interpretation from French): I have the honour and privilege to read out the following message from His Excellency President Habib Bourguiba:

"On this solemn occasion when the United Nations is commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I am pleased$ on behalf of the Government and the people of Tunisia, to express our congratulations to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. As a member of this Committee, Tunisia appreciates the tireless efforts it has consistently exerted since its establishment in order to recover for the Palestinian people its inalienable legitimate rights of which it has been deprived.

"This year, on 29 November, the international community observes this Day only a few weeks after Israel's barbarous act of aggression against Tunisia. A peaceful country 2,500 kilometres away was attacked by Israel. In so doing Israel once again showed that it was resolved not to give up its policy of aggression against Arab peoples, particularly the Palestinian people, which it continues to hunt down, persecute and plunder. The Israeli attack is only one link in a chain of reprehensible acts designed to liquidate the just cause of the Palestinians – acts, the international community has unequivocally condemned.

"Tunisia is convinced that, without firm collective action by the United Nations, the Charter, the relevant resolutions and the principles of -international law will continue to be flouted to the detriment of international peace and security.

"The resurgence of tension in the Middle East, the Israeli attempt to extend the area of conflict and its inhuman policies and practices that are the daily lot of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories are so many irrefutable demonstrations of Israel's contempt for the most elementary moral principles on which human rights, international law and the human conscience rest.

“We are convinced that the responsibility for taking firm action to make Israel listen to reason falls principally upon the international community which, under the Charter, is given special responsibility for re-establishing peace and justice., Since we are celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations this year, we have reason to hope that a surge of human solidarity is within the realm of possibility and that such injustice will not continue indefinitely.

For its part, Tunisia reaffirms its conviction that the problem of Palestine is at the heart of the grave situation in this sensitive region of the Middle East and that the Palestinian people, deprived of its elementary rights, is its central element. Any comprehensive solution of the Middle East conflict must necessarily focus on this aspect of the problem.

"In this connection we emphasize that the Fez plan, based on United Nations legality, provides realistic foundations for a lasting and just solution of the problem. We reiterate our support for that plan; and we maintain that any solution, including recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of its own State acceptable to its legitimate representative should not only be duly considered but, above all, be supported by appropriate action on the part of the international community.

“Despite the obstacles and challenges, the United Nations is duty-bound to persevere in the search for a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the problem. The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is on the right path. we wish it all success."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): I call on the Permanent Representative of Maldives.

Mr. HUSSAIN (Maldives): I have the honour to read out the following message from the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Qayoom, to the United Nations on the international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"At a time when human conflict is so widespread and the causes of humanity so numerous, it would be a simple matter indeed for the convictions of the international community to become not only dissipated but also for the individual exponents of such numerous causes to become disillusioned with the apparent lack of progress being made. Given recent events in the Middle East and farther afield, such a circumstance and attitude of mind could well exist on the matter of the restoration of the people of Palestine to the land God gave them and to which, in the face of all those of principle and moral conscience, they have an undoubted inalienable right.

"It is therefore particularly appropriate and timely that, on this Day of international Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the people of Maldives reaffirm its unswerving support for the dispossessed people of occupied Palestine and indeed for their sole legitimate representative body the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) and its courageous leader, Chairman Yasser Arafat.

"Sadly, it would appear that those who through force of arms continue both to occupy Palestine and expand still further their illegal and immoral occupation of Arab lands, together with those who support such acts of aggression, still have to learn the lesson that the spirit of the Palestinians can never be vanquished – even given the vicissitudes of time and fortune and that ultimately the justice of their cause will be seen by the great majority and thus will prevail. To deny that would be to deny the very quality of human will and the very tide of human history. Indeed, the Palestinian cause will prevail not only in spite of hostile acts and hostile propaganda perpetrated by the forces of Zionism and those who so willfully support it but also because it is daily becoming apparent to greater numbers of people worldwide.

"With regard to the heroic and historic struggles of the people of Palestine, let it be known, especially on this International Day of Solidarity with them, that to struggle as they do is to inspire and, thereby, win wider allegiance, and that to remain undefeated – whatever the passage of time and fortune produces – is ultimately to triumph. The Maldives Government and people, believing in that ultimate triumph of justice and human will, takes pride in reaffirming on this very special Day their total allegiance to the people of Palestine and their courageous cause."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of Madagascar, upon whom I now call.

Mr. RABETAFIKA (Madagascar) (interpretation from French): I have the honour to read out a message from Mr. Didier Ratsiraka, President of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, to His Excellency Mr. Massamba Sarre, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

"The commemoration of the international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People affords us an opportunity to reaffirm to you the Democratic Republic of Madagascar's unconditional support for that people in the liberation of its homeland and the recovery of its inalienable national rights.

"The tragedy of the Palestinian people deprived of its rights, stripped of its possessions, driven from its homeland is an outrage to the universal conscience. Despite the efforts of the international community, the Zionist regime continues to occupy Arab and Palestinian territories and to pursue its policy of aggression.

"The Democratic Republic of Madagascar is extremely concerned at the evolution of the situation in that region of the world, which is taking a dangerous turn with the proliferation of plots from every side. At a time when the struggle of the Palestinian people has reached a difficult, if not crucial, stage, we should like to reassure it of the most complete support of the Malgasy people and its revolutionary leadership.

"The establishment of a lasting peace in the Middle East depends upon the Just settlement of the question of Palestine, which is at the heart of the Middle East problem.

"Those two problems form an indivisible whole and cannot be dealt with separately. There can be no question of a partial peace, and any agreement that does not take into account the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people or that is concluded without the participation of the Palestine Liberation organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, cannot be deemed valid.

"Peace must be global and based on respect for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to return, the right to self-determination free from foreign interference and the right to establish an independent and sovereign State, and on the total and unconditional withdrawal from all Arab and Palestinian occupied territories, including Jerusalem. On this connection, the Democratic Republic of Madagascar continues to support the recommendations of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

“We wish to reiterate our tribute to that Committee for its important contribution to the search for a just solution to the question of Palestine.”

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from Spanish): The next speaker is the representative of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), upon whom I now call on Mr. KORA (Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC): On behalf of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), the custodian of the genuine aspirations of the oppressed, exploited and dispossessed people of Azania, permit me, Mr. Chairman, most sincerely to thank the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for extending an invitation to the PAC of Azania to Participate in this special meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Allow me also to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, and the Committee for the work well done and the task so nobly shouldered in upholding and promoting the just and legitimate cause of the dispossessed Palestinian people, namely, their inalienable right to self-determination in their usurped and occupied country, Palestine.

The oppressed and dispossessed people of Azania fully understand the plight, predicament and struggle of the Palestinian people because historically they have been the victims of identical tragedies perpetrated by the same colonial Power. In 1910, the so-called citadel of Western democracy, the British House of Commons, handed political, economic and military power to the settler white community, numbering less than one fifth of the total population in South Africa. The indigenous majority, the rightful owners of the land, were totally excluded. It is that racist and colonially motivated decision by the British in 1910 that is directly responsible for the upheaval currently taking place inside apartheid South Africa today.

Similarly, the same British colonial Power, through the infamous Balfour Declaration, handed over mandated Palestine to international Zionism under the guise of creating a "Jewish homeland. The Palestinian people, constituting an overwhelming majority and the rightful owners of the land, were totally ignored. the indigenous people of Palestine were rendered stateless. Today, it is widely acknowledged that the Middle East is a hotbed of tension. The crux of the contradiction is the usurpation of Palestine by settlers and the forceful removal of Palestinians from their ancestral homelands.

The peoples of Azania, Namibia and Palestine are demanding what the international community has proclaimed an inalienable right of all peoples – the right of self-determination in their own country. In apartheid South Africa the white minority allocated to itself 87.3 per cent of the total land area, although it comprises only one fifth of the total population. The indigenous majority are to be herded into the remaining 12.7 per cent of the land area. That very act is contrary to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, which upholds the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination, for without land there can be no right upon which to exercise self-determination.

The peoples of Azania, Namibia and Palestine are not asking for civil rights. They are not asking for the reform of the racist-colonial systems to which their respective countries are currently subjected. Racism, by and large a product of colonialism in the third world, be it in the form of apartheid or Zionism, cannot be reformed. It must be totally eradicated.

I should like at this stage to dwell briefly on two issues we of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania consider of vital importance. The first is the legitimacy of the oppressed and dispossessed peoples' using all available means to realize their fundamental and inalienable rights. In recent years, due to media manipulation by the Western-dominated monopolies, the victims of aggression and dispossession have been branded as terrorists and the genocidal acts of the settler minority and illegal regimes pursuing blatant racist ideologies are portrayed as law-and-order acts. There exists irrefutable evidence that the process of dispossession in Namibia, Azania and Palestine was carried out through the use of naked violence against the largely unarmed and unorganized indigenous population.

Moreover, the arms used by the settler colonizers were provided by the Western colonial Powers.

* (Mr. Sarre (Senegal) took the Chair)

The oppressed, exploited and dispossessed peoples of Azania, Namibia and Palestine have taken their legitimate cause to all the international institutions and forums in order to seek redress. In terms of principles, those international institutions and forums have upheld the fundamental and inalienable rights of the Azanian, Namibian and. Palestinian peoples. Apartheid has been consistently and internationally condemned, and yet it continues to thrive, with the overt and covert support of the United States, Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany and other western states. The apartheid rulers continue to butcher our people. In the past 15 months alone, more than 1,000 Azanian patriots have been shot and killed in cold blood by the trigger-happy police of the racist regime. In Namibia, the racist regime of South Africa has carried out similar brutalities. The massacre of innocent Palestinians at Sabra and Shatila, the wanton bombing of Lebanon by the Zionists and the recent attack against Tunisia are all aimed at wiping out the Palestinian people. Hence, despite international condemnation of both apartheid and Zionism, the apartheid rulers of South Africa and the Zionists in occupied Palestine continue to kill and main innocent Azanians, Namibians, Palestinians and peoples in the surrounding area. Both the South African racists and the Zionists maintain their entities through the use of brute and naked violence, with sophisticated weapons supplied to them by the Western countries, in particular the united States.

Given the continued arrogance of the South Africa racists and the Zionists in the face of the persistent calls by the international community to dismantle apartheid and recognize the right of the people of Palestine to their homeland, the peoples of Azania, Namibia and Palestine have had no alternative but to organize themselves and to use all means available to realize their universally recognized, inalienable right to national liberation and self-determination, including the use of armed struggle.

It is important that this Committee wage a concerted campaign to educate the international community to distinguish between reactionary violence perpetrated against the oppressed – namely, State terrorism – and the armed struggle waged by a dispossessed people. Today, over 1,000 have been killed by the racist regime in South Africa. Because all of the victims have been black, the international community considers it as a problem zone. As soon as the black people say, "Enough is enough", and begin to retaliate against their vicious oppressors, it will be considered a racial conflict. Hence, our people have decided to deal with the agents and collaborators within the black ranks to demonstrate that we are against the system and all those who uphold and serve it.

The second point upon which we should like to comment is the support these two entities receive from Western . Powers, especially the United States. The Reagan Administration in particular has even had the audacity to support the South African racists publicly through the so-called constructive engagement policy. It is that policy that has encouraged the South African racists to continue their illegal occupation of Namibia and to embark on a genocidal plan against the people of South Africa itself. The recent vetoes in the Security Council by the Reagan Administration and the United Kingdom on the question of Namibia is further proof, if proof is required at all, of the overt and covert assistance the United States and other Western countries give to the apartheid regime. It is quite clear that the Zionist entity is the biggest recipient of financial and material aid in the world from the United States. All the most sophisticated weapons are given to the Zionists to test against the Palestinian and Arab peoples.

Azania under the South African racists is considered a Western outpost by the Western imperialist Powers. Similarly, occupied Palestine is considered a Western outpost in the strategic Middle East. In this global game, the fundamental. rights of the oppressed and dispossessed peoples of Azania, Namibia and Palestine are deliberately and wilfully ignored.

Those who deliberately and wilfully choose to ignore the fundamental and inalienable rights of the Azanian, Namibian and Palestinian peoples are doing so at their own peril, for those rights cannot be denied perpetually.

On this occasion the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania would like to convey to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, both inside and outside occupied Palestine, to the Palestine Liberation organization, to Chairman Yasser Arafat and his Committee, our militant and sincere solidarity. We have admired the courage of our Palestinian and Arab brothers in the wake of Zionist terror, and we remain convinced that a people prepared to sacrifice will eventually triumph.

In conclusion, we of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania are convinced that the vehicle for genuine change can only be the oppressed, exploited and dispossessed peoples and, therefore, their fighting capacity must be strengthened by the international community. Our determination, our courage and our just and legitimate cause will prevail against all else. About this, we are confident.

May we once more thank and congratulate the Committee for the excellent work it is doing.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): The next speaker is the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria, upon whom I now call.

Mr. TSVETKOV (Bulgaria)(interpretation from French): Allow me to read out the following message from, the Council of ministers of the People's Republic of Bulgaria addressed to the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Arab people of Palestine, the Council of Ministers of the People's Republic of Bulgaria addresses to the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) and the Palestinian people as a whole its warmest congratulations and sincerest wishes for success in their just and heroic struggle.

"The People's Republic of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people have always stood with the people of Palestine in their struggle against imperialism, Zionism and reactionary forces and for international recognition of the PLO and the realization of its legitimate and inalienable national rights. We are confident that the leaders of the various detachments within the Palestinian resistance movement will make every effort to overcome the differences that have emerged and restore the unity of the PLO on a patriotic and anti-imperialistic basis.

"Unity within the PLO, the deepening of its links with the countries of the socialist community and the strengthening of its unity of action with the Arab forces and States that consistently oppose Israeli aggression are decisive factors to block the separate solutions imperialism, Zionism and reactionary forces are seeking to force upon the Arab peoples and to bring about the realization of the inalienable national rights of the people of Palestine to self-determination and the establishment of its own democratic State.

"We affirm that it will be possible to achieve a Just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the problem of the Middle East through the convening of an international conference, under the aegis of the United Nations, with the participation of all the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

"As it has always done, the Bulgarian people will continue to give its support to the struggle of the Palestinian and other Arab peoples for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and the strengthening of international peace and security."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on Mr. Ali Mahmoud Sumaida, Deputy Permanent Representative of Iraq.

Mr. SUMAIDA (Iraq)(interpretation from Arabic): It is an honour for me to read out the following message from the President of Iraq, Mr. Saddam Hussein, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on the occasion of the international Day Of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"It gives me great pleasure to start by expressing, on my own behalf and on behalf of Iraq, its people and leadership, our appreciation of the effective role played by your Committee in support of the Palestinian people and for the sincere efforts you make in international forums to emphasize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people under the rules of international law and the principles of right and justice, and in a desire to establish peace.

"Recent events indicate the utmost importance of reaching a durable and just solution of the Palestinian question. This is the basis on which the Committee has continued its efforts with the aim of maintaining peace and stability not only in the Arab region but also in the world at large.

"Despite its preoccupation with the continuous aggression to which it has been subjected for more than five years by the Iranian regime, which threatens its territory, sovereignty and independence, as well as the security, safety and interests of the countries of the region, Iraq cannot ignore the sufferings of the Palestinian people as a result of its being subjected to aggression similar in its logic and expansionist objectives. It calls upon you and all the righteous people in the world to put an end to this suffering, something that can be achieved only through a just solution in keeping with the aspirations of that people, in particular the exercise of its legitimate rights to self-determination in full freedom and the establishment of their State on their own soil.

"We also call upon you to support the PLO, the legitimate leadership of this people, and to stand at its side in the face of acts of aggression and piracy carried out by the Zionist entity, as evidenced by the recent act of aggression against Tunis and the headquarters of the PLO in Tunisia.

"The whole world is aware that the Arab positions are characterized by a positive desire and responsible spirit and look forward to a just and durable solution to the Palestinian question and the Middle East crisis. However, those positions are not matched by a serious response to achieve the peace, justice and stability to which we aspire.

"On this occasion we reaffirm our principled and consistent position in support of the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. We also underline our support for its legitimate leadership against all conspiracies and attempts at dividing the Palestinian people and liquidating the Palestinian cause. This position is based on our sincere belief in the justice of the Palestinian people's struggle and the importance of reaching a just and durable peace.

"In conclusion, I am pleased to affirm our pride in the efforts made by your Committee for the sake of the Palestinian people and their cause, and we wish you every success in all your endeavours."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on the Permanent Representative of Mali, Mr. Seydou Niare.

Mr. NIARE (Mali)(interpretation from French): on the occasion of the international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it is a pleasure for me to convey to the Committee two messages: the first is addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations by the President of the Republic of Mali, and the second is addressed to the Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation.

(Mr. Niare, Mali) The first message, from the Secretary-General of the Democratic Union of the Malian People and President of the Republic, General Moussa Traore, to His Excellency Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary-General of the United Nations, reads as follows:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People I am pleased, on behalf of the people of Mali, its party and its Government and on my own behalf, to address to you as well as to all the peoples that cherish peace and justice my warmest greetings.

"On this memorable day, 29 November, Mali once again forcefully condemns the policy of terror and barbarous repression by the State of Israel and. reiterates its unswerving support for and active solidarity with the Palestinian people in its struggle to recover its fundamental rights. We condemn with equal vigour the occupation of Arab territories and the Zionist actions aimed at sovereign neighbouring Arab countries, such as Lebanon, Syria and, more recently, Tunisia. These actions, which disturb the peace and security of the Middle East and of the rest of the world, are all acts of defiance by the Zionist leaders against the international community.

"I take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its unceasing efforts and the remarkable contribution it has been making for the past 10 years to inform international public opinion about the question of Palestine and the rights of the Palestinian people that have been trampled underfoot. We firmly, believe that positive action on the part of the Security Council on the basis of recommendations approved by the United Nations General Assembly could create conditions conducive to the establishment of a just and equitable peace in the Middle East. That is why we reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and support all its actions aimed at the Implementation of the tasks assigned to it. We are pleased at the results already achieved and we remain convinced that the United Nations, through that Committee, will realize ever more striking successes in its struggle for peace, security, freedom and justice throughout the world. The second message, addressed by the minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Mr. Alioune Blodin Beye, to His Excellency Ambassador Sarre, Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, reads as follows:

“On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People it is my great pleasure to extend to you as well as to the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People my most heartfelt and warmest congratulations.

"On this memorable day, 29 November, Mali vigorously condemns the segregationist and oppressive policy of the State of Israel and reaffirms its unswerving support and active solidarity with the valiant Palestinian people in its legitimate struggle for its fundamental rights. We condemn the occupation of Arab territories and Zionist actions aimed at destabilizing Israel's neighbours, threatening their sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Lebanon, Syria and more recently Tunisia. These damaging actions are all acts of defiance by the Tel Aviv leaders against the international community. That is why I take this opportunity warmly to commend the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which for 10 years now has unceasingly been informing international public opinion about the question of Palestine and the fundamental rights Of, the Palestinian people, rights trampled underfoot by the Israeli Zionist entity.

"We are pleased at the successes already gained and we remain convinced that the actions undertaken by the United Nations Committee over which you preside could create the general conditions conducive to the establishment of a just and equitable peace in the Middle East. Inspired by this conviction, I reiterate to you Mali's commitment to the Committee and my best wishes."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call now on Mr. Mnumzanal representative of the African National Congress of South Africa.

Mr. MNUMZAN (African National Congress of South Africa (ANC)): On behalf of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), its militants and combatants and on behalf of the oppressed and struggling men, women and children of South Africa and their revolutionary army Umkonto We Sizwe, it is my honour to convey warmest greetings to all of you. On this solemn occasion I wish in particular to salute the fraternal and heroic Palestinian people and their sole, authentic national liberation movement, the Palestine Liberation Organization. I wish also to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for having accorded us this opportunity to address this meeting on an issue that is of abiding and utmost concern to all people who cherish freedom and peace. I wish also to thank and congratulate the committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its continuing good work in mobilizing international solidarity with and support or the struggle of the Palestinian people. We are speaking here as fighters against apartheid, a system long since internationally denounced and declared a crime against humanity, a system historically twined to Zionist Israel, that is to say, the people of South Africa, like the people of Palestine, fully understand that nothing can replace a people's right to self-determination, as well as their right to statehood and full citizenship in their motherland. Like the Palestinian people, we know that nothing short of total victory in the struggle for this birthright will suffice. Thus, beyond the fact, that the struggle for freedom and its defence is indivisible, solidarity between the people of Palestine and the people of South Africa is a historical necessity.

Since the imposition of an arms embargo on apartheid South Africa, Zionist Israel has served as a willing conduit for arms from the West to the racist Pretoria regime. The Zionist and the apartheid regimes have jointly developed and acquired an ability to at least assemble at short notice a nuclear-strike capability. Both regimes, through comprehensive programmes of destabilization, wanton acts of military aggression and violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring States, are regional sources of war and conflict and threats to peace and security, as well as obstacles to development and progress. Both regimes, along with their imperialist patrons and allies, seek to divide the forces of freedom and to roll back the advances of freedom, to perpetrate and perpetuate oppression and exploitation.

Today in response to the ANC's directives, the people of South Africa are making apartheid unworkable and the country itself ungovernable. Through their mass united actions and the relentless escalation of their armed struggle, they continue to drive apartheid deeper and irreversibly into economic and political crisis. The Pretoria racist regime has sought to save itself as usual by further intensifying its reign of terror. More than three months ago, it declared a state of emergency under whose umbrella it empowered its security forces to arrest, detain, torture and murder opponents of apartheid without having to give account. It is also systematically striving to eliminate popular leaders and activitists. The death toll as a result of apartheid State terrorism during the period covered by this state of emergency alone is conservatively estimated to amount to more than 900. Yet at every point the people's determination to be free has outmatched apartheid's repression and violence and, as our President Oliver Tambo has said the future is within our grasp.

The fall of apartheid South Africa and the establishment of a free, united, non-racial and democratic South Africa will deprive Zionist Israel of an important ally, so that South African freedom will also be an advance for the just struggle of the Palestinian people, led by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

We wish to restate our steadfast conviction that the continued denial of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to the establishment of a Palestinian State in their homeland is at the root of the conflict in the Middle East. Therefore, no solution which does not recognize that right of the Palestinian people can be just and lasting. Furthermore, any search for a solution which does not allow the Palestinian people, through their sole authentic representative, the Palestine Liberation organization, to participate fully and freely is doomed to fail.

We take the opportunity of this historic day in the history of the Palestinian people to reaffirm our principled and militant solidarity with them, their struggle and their sole authentic representative, the Palestine Liberation organization. We also reaffirm our solidarity with the struggling people of Namibia and their sole authentic representative, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO). We reaffirm our solidarity with all struggles against oppression, dispossession and exploitation of man by man and for a free, prosperous and peaceful future for all mankind.

Victory to the Palestinian people! Victory to the Palestine Liberation Organization! The struggle continues.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I now call on the representative of Cyprus.

Mr. VIKIS (Cyprus): I have the honour and privilege to read out the following message from the President of the, Republic of Cyprus, His Excellency Mr. Spyros Kypoanou, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like to express on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Cyprus our solidarity with the Palestinian people and our best wishes for the achievement of their right to self-determination and independence.

"The international community has for four decades now been deeply concerned with the plight of the Palestinian people. This concern has been expressed and confirmed in numerous resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

"At the same time, the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole and legitimate representative, has been engaged in a long struggle for self-determination and for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State.

"We are convinced that, by upholding the principles of unity and perseverance in their just struggle, the Palestinian people, with the support of all countries and peoples who value human dignity and justice, will be able to realize its inalienable rights.

"I would like to reaffirm on this occasion the wholehearted support of the Government and the people of Cyprus for the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people for full independence and freedom.”

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): The next speaker is the Permanent Representative of the Sudan, on whom I now call.

Mr. BIRIDO (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): It is a great pleasure and honour for me to read out the message sent by General Abdul-Rahman Swareddahabo, Chairman of the Transitional Military Council of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. It reads as follows:

“The celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People provides the international community with yet another opportunity to reaffirm its support for the cause of that militant people and to renew its backing for that people in its valiant battle to regain its legitimate rights and its usurped land. The proclamation by the United Nations of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People reflects how the interest of the international community in the question of Palestine and its struggling people has grown since they were displaced by the Zionist aggression. The celebration of that International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People this year has a special importance in the light of regional and international developments which make even firmer the conviction that the Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East conflict and that if it remains unresolved it will threaten peace and security not only in that critically important region, but also in the world at large.

"It is no secret that Israel, through its aggressive practices, its deliberate, continuous attempts to liquidate the cause of the Palestinian people and obliterate its identity, and its continuous disregard of the will of the international community, is dragging the region to the brink of a very dangerous situation, one in which there, could be an explosion if no deterrent action is taken to ensure its compliance with the will of the international community and bring about the just and lasting solution the question needs.

"The fact that the celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations gives the international community an opportunity to gain a fresh awareness of the continuous disregard of its resolutions and initiatives on the matter, resulting from Israel's intransigence, its gunboat diplomacy and its denial to the Palestinian People of one of the most basic principles of the United Nations Charter – its inalienable right to self-determination. In continuously defying the United Nations as it tries to respond to the aspirations of the States and peoples of the world and to realize the hopes they have pinned on it to make a reality of those aspirations, Israel has also contributed greatly to undermining the prestige and credibility of the international organization. Therefore, it is essential to stand firmly against Israeli policies of aggression, invasion and intimidation if the region is to enjoy tranquillity and stability.

“On various occasions the United Nations has asserted that no just and durable peace can be achieved in the Middle East without Israel's complete and unconditional withdrawal from all the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Holy Jerusalem; enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and return to their homes and properties; and establishing an independent and sovereign State on their national soil under the leadership of the PLO, their sole legitimate representative.

"The convening in 1983 of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine in Geneva reaffirmed those objectives and the framework in which they can be achieved. The principles laid down by that Conference will remain a sound basis for the just and durable peace to which the international community aspires.

"The Sudanese people, through their historic revolution last April, reaffirmed their unswerving support for the cause of the Palestinian people; the Sudanese Government puts the question of Palestine at the top of its list of preoccupations, and the Sudanese people renews its firm resolve to stand at the side of the Palestinian people until it realizes its aspirations under the leadership of the PLO, its sole legitimate representative.

“We take this opportunity to express the Sudan's appreciation of and support for the efforts made by the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and trust that the commemoration of this Day this year will lead to the realization of our cherished objectives."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on the representative Lebanon, Mr. Naii Abouassi.

Mr. ABOUASSI (Lebanon)(interpretation from Arabic): On the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it is a great honour and privilege for me to read out the following message from Mr. Rashid Karami, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lebanon, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it gives me great pleasure to express to you and the members of this lofty Committee our thanks for your efforts to realize the rights and put an end to the oppression of the Palestinian people.

"Lebanon has supported the Palestinian cause since Israel's usurpation of the Palestinian territories and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians as a result of that aggression. Lebanon has given them unequalled freedoms and rights.

"The people of Lebanon – which, like the Palestinian people, have suffered from Israeli occupation and are still suffering from repeated Israeli acts of aggression and inhuman practices – know more than any other people the meaning of sacrifice for the sake of national causes and the just Palestinian question.

"The Lebanese people, as well as all others who live in Lebanon, are subject without any discrimination to the authority of the legitimate Government. Therefore, Lebanon can never accept that anyone who lives in Lebanon is outside the framework of that legitimacy or that any part of its territory would not be under the control of the Lebanese State.

"For decades Lebanon has dealt with the Palestinians in Lebanon the way one brother deals with another. The Lebanese people have shared with the Palestinian people their sadness and joy in all circumstances, and we are still suffering with them in tragic circumstances. It is no wonder that the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples stand together, side by side, against those who try to occupy Lebanon.

"Lebanon reaffirms on every occasion its commitment to the Just Palestinian question, namely, that of a people deprived of the fundamental rights enshrined in international law and emphasized by successive resolutions adopted by the United Nations.

"The fact that Lebanon is taking great care of the Palestinian people stems from our commitment. Lebanon has supported the call for the holding of an international peace conference aimed at putting an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, restore their dignity, and ensure their rights of return, self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign independent State on their national soil. Lebanon will always endeavour to achieve those objectives.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on Mr. Bui Xuan Nhat, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam.

Mr. BUI XUAN NHAT (Viet Nam): I have the honour to read out the following message from His Excellency Mr. Pham Van Dong, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People observed by the United Nations, I should like to convey to you and, through you, to the Palestinian people and fighters the greetings of militant solidarity of the Vietnamese people.

"Instigated and supported by the imperialist and other reactionary forces and in defiance of the strong protest of the world public, the Israeli authorities have been persisting in their policy of aggression and expansion against the Arab peoples, continuing their acts of terrorism and massacre against the Palestinians, dividing the Arab peoples and undermining their unity in an attempt to impede the just struggle of the Palestinian people for their sacred inalienable national rights.

"More seriously, the Israeli authorities recently staged a savage air raid against the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Tunis, which constitutes a flagrant act of aggression against Tunisia and Palestinian patriotic forces, a gross violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, an insolent challenge to public opinion in the Arab countries, and to peace- and justice-loving peoples the world over.

"The people and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam strongly condemn the criminal acts of the Israeli authorities and reaffirm their consistent support for the staunch and courageous struggle of the Palestinian people for their sacred inalienable national rights, including the right to self-determination and the right to return and set up an independent Palestinian State in their homeland. We support the convening of an international conference on the Middle East with the participation of the parties concerned, including the PLO, and consider it the most appropriate way, to find a solution to the Middle East problem.

"We are firmly convinced that, with the strong support of the Arab peoples and peace- and justice-loving peoples throughout the world, the Palestinian people, single-minded and united, are bound to achieve final victory."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on the Permanent Representative of Poland, Mr. Eugeniusz Noworyta.

Mr. NOWORYTA (Poland): On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the President of the Council of State of the Polish People's Republic, General Wojciech Jaruzelski, addressed the following message, which I have the honour to read out:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like, on behalf of the Polish people, the Council of State of the Polish People's Republic and on my own behalf, to transmit to the friendly Palestinian people and its political representative the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) warmest greetings and best wishes.

“The Polish people and the Palestinian people are linked by strong ties of friendship and their profound attachment to peace and progress. The Polish people, owing to its historic fate, knows well the price of the struggle for existence as an independent State and is in solidarity with the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people for freedom, independence and the exercise of the inalienable right itself to decide its fate. It invariably supports the right and just aspirations of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the creation of an independent State. We pronounce ourselves in favour of putting an end to Israeli aggression in the Middle East and for a global solution to the situation in the region by convening an international conference under United Nations auspices with the participation of all the interested parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization. We appeal also for a return to unity within the Palestine liberation movement. We are convinced that unifying the ranks of the Palestinian revolution on a patriotic and anti-imperialist basis, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation organization, would more effectively thwart conspiracy by the enemies of the Palestinian people and other Arab nations.

"I should like to take this opportunity to confirm once again our unswerving respect and support for the just struggle of the Arab Palestinian 'people and express the conviction that it will end with final victory."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on the representative of Guinea, Mr. Ibrahima Toure.

Mr. TOURE (Guinea)(interpretation from French): It is an honour for me to read out the following message from His Excellency Brigadier-General Lasana Conte, President of the Republic of Guinea, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People:

"The celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People gives us an opportunity to express to you, on behalf of the people of Guinea and its Government, as well as on my own behalf, our sincerest and warmest greetings. We are following most attentively the commendable and unceasing efforts of your Committee to ensure respect for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The diabolical manoeuvres of anti-Palestinian circles are inevitably doomed to failure, given the unassailable resolve of that martyred people to free itself of foreign domination. Please be assured of the unswerving support of the Republic of Guinea in the quest for a just solution to that painful problem which has lasted far too long."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call on Mr. Jaroslav Cesar, the Permanent Representative of Yugoslavia.

Mr. CESAR (Yugoslavia): I have the honour to inform the Committee that the Government of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic has sent the following message to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and I now have the honour to read it out:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we send you sincere greetings and congratulations on behalf of the people of Czechoslovakia.

"Proceeding from the long-standing revolutionary traditions of the struggle for the defence of their own national existence, independence and creation of an equitable social system, the people of the Czechoslovak socialist Republic follow with understanding and great sympathy the just struggle of the heroic Arab people of Palestine for the fulfilment of their inalienable national rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of their own independent State on their territory.

"We condemn with deep indignation the efforts of the United States, Israel and the reactionary forces aimed at imposing on the Arab countries a capitulation in the form of separate solutions that would impede an equitable solution of the Palestine question as the core of the Middle East problem and enable Israel to continue its aggressive expansionist policy of repression, massacres of Palestinian patriots and treading upon the rights of the Palestinian people.

"The Czechoslovakia Republic fully supports an equitable, comprehensive solution of the situation in the Middle East by means of convening an international conference with equal participation of the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. We are firmly convinced that overcoming the present difficulties of the Palestinian resistance movement by restoring its unity on a clear anti-imperialist basis and close co-operation and co-ordination of the course of action of the PLO with all progressive and democratic forces of the world, as well as with all Arab countries standing consistently on the principled positions of the struggle against the expansionist policy of Israel and the United States, are a prerequisite for the victory of the Palestinian people in the struggle for the noble ideals of the Palestinian revolution.

"We wish the PLO and all Arab peoples much strength for its successful achievement."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call next on the representative of Ghana.

Mr. SIMPSON (Ghana): Mr. Chairman, on the instructions of the Government of Ghana I have the honour to convey to you the following brief message from Mr. Obed Asamoah, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Provisional National Defence Council of Ghana:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Ghana welcomes the opportunity provided on this momentous occasion to reaffirm its full support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle to reassert fundamental rights denied them for so long. For this reason we regard the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People as an occasion for serious reflection at the highest levels of all the crucial factors for the promotion of a genuine and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict. This involves, inter alia, the restoration of fundamental rights, including the right to a homeland, to the Palestinians. Further, it remains our view that the achievement of a genuine and lasting peace in the Middle East will continue to elude us unless we address ourselves to the Palestinian question, which is the core of the problem.

“In this connection Ghana would urge all parties to the conflict to show greater flexibility and realism and to give current peace initiatives a chance for success."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call now on the representative of Zambia, Mr. Joel Ngo.

Mr. NGO (Zambia): It is a singular honour and privilege for me to read out the message from His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, President of the Republic of Zambia, addressed to you as Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on this important International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

Mr. SIMPSON (Ghana): Mr. Chairman, on the instructions of the Government of Ghana I have the honour to convey to you the following brief message from Mr. Obed Asamoah, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Provisional National Defence Council of Ghana:

"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Ghana welcomes the opportunity provided on this momentous occasion to reaffirm its full support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle to reassert fundamental rights denied them for so long. For this reason we regard the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People as an occasion for serious reflection at the highest levels of all the crucial factors for the promotion of a genuine and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict. This involves, inter alia, the restoration of fundamental rights, including the right to a homeland, to the Palestinians. Further, it remains our view that the achievement of a genuine and lasting peace in the Middle East will  continue to elude us unless we address ourselves to the Palestinian question, which is the core of the problem.

"In this connection Ghana would urge all parties to the conflict to show greater flexibility and realism and to give current peace initiatives a chance for success."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call now on the representative of Zambia, Mr. Joel Ngo.

Mr. NGO (Zambia): It is a singular honour and privilege for me to read out the message from His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, President of the Republic of Zambia, addressed to you as Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on this important International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message reads as follows:

"On behalf of the Party, its Government and the people of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you and through you, Mr. Chairman, to the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People our warmest felicitations on this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. I wish to take this opportunity to stress the importance we attach to the overall question of the Middle East as well as to underline Zambia's commitment to the search for a lasting solution to the question of Palestine, which is the core of the Middle East conflict.

"This solemn meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People assumes a special significance this year. It coincides with the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. This Day, as well as the fortieth anniversary, therefore gives us cause to pause to reflect on the progress that the United Nations has made since it assumed a moral responsibility from the very beginning to ensure that the Palestinian people have a homeland that they could call their own. It is also an auspicious occasion to reflect on the enormous human sacrifices and the accompanying heroism that have virtually become a way of life of the gallant people of Palestine.

"Ever since the question of Palestine was put on the agenda of the United Nations, the General Assembly and the Security Council have adopted numerous resolutions with a view to bringing an end to the conflicts and disputes that have characterized the Middle East region. All the resolutions have, however, to date been dead letters because Israel has ignored them with impunity. In the meantime Israel has not only continued its illegal occupation of Arab territories, but has forcibly annexed expropriated Arab settlements and exported a reign of terror in the region. The tragic bombing by Israel of the offices of the Palestine Liberation organization this year once again brought home with poignant intensity the tragedy of the Palestinian people and the urgent need to seek a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.

"The requisite components for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East are well known. They were restated through the Arab peace initiative of September 1982 at Fez, Morocco. Zambia fully supports those components as a basis for the solution of the Middle East crisis.

"For some time now, the United Nations has repeatedly called for an international peace conference on the Middle East as a machinery to translate the foregoing principles into concrete action. It is Zambia's conviction that such a conference could be a first step to end the cycle of violence and hat have characterized the Middle East over the past 40 years. We therefore reaffirm our support for the proposed conference to be held under the auspices of the United Nations and to be attended by all the interested parties, including the PLO, which should participate on an equal footing.

"I wish, in conclusion, to commend the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its untiring and selfless efforts in the search for a permanent solution to the question of Palestine. I wish also to register Zambia's solidarity with the people of Palestine in their valiant struggle for justice and human dignity in an independent Palestine."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): I call now on the Permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Rajaie-Khorassani.

Mr. RAJAIE-KHORASSANI (Islamic Republic of Iran): It is a great honour or me to read out the message from my President, His Excellency Sayed Ali hameinei on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The text of the message is as follows:

"In the name of God, the compassionate, the Merciful. Glory be to Him Who carried His Servant for a Journey by night from the Holy Mosque to the Mosque of Al-Aqsa, whose precincts we did bless. He is the One Who heareth and seeth all things.

"The Holy Land of Palestine is an inseparable part of the Islamic territory, which comprises the most sacred sanctuaries of the entire Muslim world. The first Kibla, the direction of prayers for the Muslims, namely, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, stands in the Holy City of Quds. This mosque, as the Koranic verse indicated, was also one of the stages of the nocturnal ascension of our holy prophet to the heavens and beyond, a miraculous event well known to the Muslims and probably to the followers of other divine faiths. Had it been only for the two aforementioned reasons, the global Islamic support for Palestine and solidarity of the entire ummah would have been an important religious duty that must be discharged politically, militarily, economically and in every respect.

"The struggle for the liberation of Palestine from the Islamic point of view is an immediate Islamic duty. Every Muslim, regardless of his linguistic, cultural and political background and national predisposition, has essentially a religious obligation towards the liberation of the occupied Holy Land of Palestine, and unless this very important obligation is discharged he will be held accountable in his countenance with the Almighty Allah.

"The cause of Palestine is the genuine cause of every Muslim, and therefore our expression of support and solidarity extended to our Palestinian brothers and sisters is not out of mere generosity, sympathy or altruism simply based on the friendly bonds among nations. It is far more than that. It is rather an attempt towards the fulfilment of a duty that we all owe to Palestine and to the Palestinian people.

"For almost 40 years the brave people of Palestine have carried a burden that all Muslims should have shouldered. They spearheaded the anti-Zionist and anti-imperialist struggle in the Muslim world. They have sacrificed tremendously for our common cause. Many of them have lived for decades in refugee camps and under austere living conditions, whereas Muslims all over the world have been mostly distant spectators of this holy struggle. Of course, some have offered symbolic, political and other support, but many others might have begrudged even that, whereas responsibility from the very beginning should have been on the shoulders of all of us. The time has come for Muslims to wake up to their duties and join the struggle to liberate the lands of Palestine wherein are located some of the most holy shrines and sanctuaries of Islam.

"Mankind's bitter experience of almost four decades of illegitimate Zionist control over Palestine has demonstrated that aggression is an inherent characteristic of the base called Israel and that compromise with such an element does not conform with any logic. The policy of the imperialist, Zionist base in the region is the destruction of the cause of Palestine and the strengthening of the presence of imperialism in the Middle East. We are deeply worried about the recent reports of concessionary gestures by some Muslim rulers. we pray to God that may such shameful reports not be true.

"We believe that the basic solution to the question of Palestine and to the whole Middle East crisis can be found in a sincere effort towards a unified Islamic position and a united Islamic front against global arrogance, Zionism and imperialism. Our earnest hope is that all dignified great nations that are enjoying happy residence in their homeland and have their sovereign States will in return for these divine favours stand beside the people of Palestine and never give recognition to the illegitimate Zionist base occupying Palestine.

"Support for oppression must stop before it comes to our own door. We have, thanks to our Islamic revolution, severed the relations established with the Zionist base by the previous regime and replaced the Zionist Embassy in Tehran by the Embassy of Palestine, symbolizing the replacement of the Zionist base in the region by the State of Palestine.

"The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in conformity with the aforementioned and on the basis of its commitment emanating from the divine teachings of the Holy Koran, declares once again that it extends its unreserved solidarity with, and support for, the rightful and legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to recapture their occupied homeland and thereby to free the lands of Islam from the Zionist usurpers. While sincerely appreciating the global support extended to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, we reiterate that it is primarily the Muslim ummah that must discharge its duties. It is the earnest hope of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the Muslim nations will soon stand in a united Islamic front and in a concerted comprehensive effort, combating all and in every field in order to re-hoist the flag of Palestine over the entire occupied land."

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): We have now reached the end of the list of speakers. In accordance with established tradition in our Committee, I should now like to call upon His Excellency the President of the Department of Political Affairs and Member of the Executive Board of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO).

Mr. KADDOUMI (Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)) (interpretation from Arabic): At the outset, I should-like to express, on behalf of the members of our delegation and on my own behalf, as well as on behalf of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) and the Palestinian people, deepest feelings of gratitude and thanks to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and to you, Mr. Chairman, for the support that has been expressed here throughout this Day and for the efforts you have More to ensure its success.

I should also like to thank Their Excellencies the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, for the statements they made this morning, and I thank the other Members who spoke in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and support-for the Palestinian people and their just struggle to achieve their inalienable national rights.

I should also like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the Palestinian people for the important messages that have been read out from Heads of State and Government on this occasion expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and, their legitimate leadership, the PLO, in their just struggle. Such messages give added momentum to the march towards peace in the Middle East.

The status the Palestinian question enjoys on the political level has been gained through the enormous sacrifices made by the Palestinian people, who have unswervingly insisted on their legitimate right to defend their lives and to struggle for realization of their inalienable national rights in a bloody series of long and arduous struggles. In spite of the vast achievements won through those struggles on all levels and in all areas, and in spite of the hundreds of resolutions adopted by the United Nations in favour of the Palestinian people, hose achievements and resolutions – as is well known – have not borne fruit. They remain a dead letter and have not been implemented.

Needless to say, the stalemate that exists with regard to those international resolutions is due to the veto power the United States of America insists upon exerting against their adoption. The United States of America, which has adopted an inimical position towards the people of Palestine, bears the major responsibility for the status of those resolutions, as well as for the perpetuation of Israeli occupation in our area and the continuation of acts of aggression that jeopardize international peace and security in the world at large. The United States of America does not confine itself, to virulent and misleading propaganda campaigns; it also resorts to physical and concrete measures to arrogate to itself the right to be the leader of international terrorism. Millions and billions of dollars of its budget are given to Israel to support its war machine, to promote campaigns of intervention and aggression and to draw up plans to topple this or that regime through conspiracies against the stability and security of peoples and of sovereign, peace-loving nations. The last in a long series of such actions was the act of piracy over the Mediterranean carried out against a civilian Egyptian aircraft – despite relations that are sometimes called an "an alliance" and sometimes "cordial and friendly".

As President Reagan has stated, the United States of America will not hesitate to resort to such terrorist operations again, thus flouting international law and riding roughshod over other internationally accepted norms. The persistence of such a policy, as well as the stubborn disregard for established facts in the region, factors universally recognized and accepted and reaffirmed by the United Nations in its resolutions concerning the situation in that region and the question of Palestine, do not augur well for the future or allow any glimmer of hope as to the future of peace in the area. On the contrary, they pose a real threat, and that threat is revealed by the widening of the circle of violence and the heightening of tensions in the region to such an unprecedented degree that no one can control the situation.

A few weeks ago the Israeli Premier, Shimon Peres, bemoaned the lost chances for peace in the area in an attempt to mislead his listeners as he advanced the term of Israel's so-called peace initiative and maintained that Israel was seeking peace in the region. He blamed the Palestinian people and the neighbouring Arab States for obstructing the march towards peace by their insistence on rejecting intimidation and terrorism. Israel's policy, which is designed to mislead and. contemptuous of the opinions of others, can quickly be revealed and debunked.

Israel's true position is daily revealed in that entity's barbaric and inhuman practices against our Palestinian and Arab peoples in the occupied Arab territories – in the policies of judaization, of settlement and oppression, of mass punishment and the demolition of dwellings of the confiscation of lands and the imposition of Israel's bulldozer culture to destroy the land. It is also revealed in Israel's displacement of peoples, its control of natural resources and the economy and its changing of the cultural and national character of life, its expulsion of elected municipal leaders and all the other military enforcement measures it is taking and the free rein being given the gangs of Moir Kahane. All such practices against innocent civilians fully reveal the true and ugly face of Israel.

It is an irony of fate that Peres should speak about a lost peace while daily and deliberately implementing a policy aimed at confiscating the national inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, not to mention the flimsy pretext of “security" used to legitimize the annexation of occupied Palestinian and Arab lands. Such a doctrine, concealing as it does the true aggression and expansionism  of Israel, is reflected in its destructive deeds, deeds that reproduce the serious consequences inherent in the Mazi doctrine of lebensraum.

These factors could be gone into in great detail. I have merely mentioned hem. Suffice it on this occasion to refer to the vast files and records in the archives of the United Nations and its various bodies concerning the Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories. Yet, despite all those inhuman and barbaric deeds, despite all the oppressive Israeli practices against our people, the Israeli representative comes here to speak of peace. Israel may attempt to beautify its ugly face, marked as it is by the blood of the Palestinian people, but Peres's words, in reality, call for capitulation, not peace based on justice. Our people thus rejects them and will always reject them.

The legitimacy of our struggle and their absolute right to resist the occupying Power are two issues on which there can be no retreat or compromise of principles. On various pretexts we are being called upon, whether directly or indirectly, to cease our resistance to the occupier. Such demands are tantamount to asking our people to surrender and acquiesce totally with the status of aggression and military might.

In this connection, we would point out the danger of the Israeli-American approach and its destructive result of poisoning the atmosphere and misleading public opinion. I call upon all nations and peoples of the world, and especially those nations that resisted fascism and Nazism in order to liberate their Countries from the forces of occupation and aggression, to counter with a firm resolve that virulent, misleading campaign, which reeks of conspiracy against our people and their right to achieve their destiny. Of all the peoples of the world, the Palestinian people, who have suffered and who continue to suffer the scourge of Israel's aggression against their territory, have the greatest need for genuine peace and for an end to unceasing aggression. our people have always stated, at all levels, their overriding, genuine desire to reach a comprehensive and lasting solution to their tragedy on the basis of justice and international legitimacy. The Palestine Liberation Organization has worked tirelessly towards that end, but our genuine and sincere efforts have met with nothing but intransigence, wanton destruction and contempt from the Israeli enemy. Every sincere call for peace, whether issued by us or by the friendly forces, throughout the world, has been met by Israel with more acts of aggression and escalating military campaigns. The Israeli enemy, by its reliance on time and its physical presence to bring about the assimilation of the Palestinian and Arab territories it has occupied, is pursuing a lost cause that is doomed to failure. The Israeli persistence in ignoring facts with regard to those territories can only lead to an increased and more valiant resistance.

Israel's imposition of settlements and its blackmail of the Palestinian and Arab populations is based on the premise of the existing balance of power and a tilt towards an Israeli-Arab confrontation. Such a confrontation, however, will not lead to peace. Continued aggression and occupation can lead only to more violence and bloodshed and bring about additional destabilization and insecurity, widening the scope of tension in the area.

In spite of our people's afflictions and their plight, which exceed all bounds, the Palestine Liberation Organization has remained steadfast in its efforts to establish and maintain a just and lasting peace. The PLO will continue to pursue that goal, in spite of the efforts and the collusion of the forces working against it.

In pursuit of that noble goal, the PLO welcomes all constructive efforts and initiatives made by the international community. In keeping with that position, we welcomed the American-Soviet communique issued in October 1977. We also welcomed the Soviet initiative of the late President Brezhney. The PLO also contributed to the formulation of the Arab peace plan adopted at the Arab Summit held at Fez, Morocco, in 1982. The PLO participated in the international conference held under United Nations auspices in Geneva in 1983 and it welcomed the resolutions adopted by that conference and what is known as the Geneva Declaration on the Question of Palestine. That international conference also adopted a programme of work for the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Everyone knows the result of the Palestinian-Jordanian effort and the obstacles placed in its path by the United States of America and by the subsequent British rejection. it is high time for everyone to shoulder his responsibilities in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the principles of the international community. The faster, safer and more feasible way to put an end to the plight of our people is to hold an international conference under United Nations auspices, on the basis of all the resolutions concerning the Palestinian question, with the participation of all the permanent members of the Security Council and all the parties involved in the conflict, foremost of which is the PLO. That is the way to establish a just and lasting peace in the whole area.

The struggle of our people to realize its national, inalienable rights will continue undaunted. Those rights include its right to return to its homeland, its right to its own property and its right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on its own national territory.

I thank all those present for their support and solidarity and their efforts to advance a genuine and just peace. May the peace of God be upon you all.

The CHAIRMAN (interpretation from French): In addition to the messages we have heard read out, we have received other messages from the President of the Republic of Seychelles and the Foreign Ministers of Argentina, Greece, Japan and the Republic of Korea. We have also received messages expressing solidarity from the following non-governmental organizations: the German Democratic Republic Solidarity Committee; the Polish Committee for Solidarity with Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America; the Association of Arab-American University Graduates, United States; the Canadian Arab Federation; the Arab Palestine Association, Toronto, Canada; the National Lawyers Guild, Sub-Committee on the Middle East,

(The Chairman) Ohio, United States; the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation, Nottingham, United Kingdom; the World Federation of Trade Unions, Prague, Czechoslovakia; the America Israel Council for Israel-Palestinian Peace, United States; the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding, United Kingdom; and the International Progress organization, Vienna, Austria.

We are coming to the close of our work, during which we have received 35 messages from Heads of State, seven from Heads of Government, four from Foreign Ministers and four from Governments, in addition to those that I have just mentioned, including the statements we heard this morning by the Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly and Chairmen of the main organs of the United Nations. From all those messages and statements one clear point of consensus emerges – that the question of Palestine is today of such vital importance to international peace and security that each of us should do everything in his power to ensure the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, as defined by the United Nations Charter and the relevant resolutions of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, and that if those rights are not restored peace in the Middle East will not be possible and international peace and security will continue to be threatened.

In that connection, we should recall what we have always said at ceremonies of this kind: that each Government needs to assume its full responsibilities to foster peace and enable all the parties concerned and interested to come together and discuss ways and means of restoring peace in the Middle East. It will be recalled that over the years that the question has been on the agenda of the United Nations we have managed through argument and discussion to identify certain criteria, and the means to restore peace have also been identified. All that remains to be found is the political will, which all of us, individually and collectively, must find within ourselves as a catalyst to restore peace in the Middle East. On leaving this meeting we should resolve – each of us at his own level – to make every effort to ensure that the political will is added to that consensus so that peace may return to the Middle East, first and foremost through the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

That is all I wish to say at the conclusion of this important ceremony devoted to the Palestinian cause. I thank you all for having been so kind as to attend in such large numbers in response to the Committee's appeal. Please convey to your Heads of State and your Governments the Committee's thanks. What we heard beginning this morning is a source of encouragement to us all on the Committee.

I also take this opportunity to thank the members of the Secretariat, the interpreters and the translation services as well as the Division for Palestinian Rights, all of whom have assisted us so cheerfully and eagerly during this International Day of Solidarity. I am convinced that we have, to the extent of our capabilities, sought to contribute to finding a just and lasting solution to the problem of the Middle East, which, as I have said, must include the restoration of the inalienable rights-of the Palestinian people.

The meeting rose at 8.30 p.m.

This record is subject to correction.

Corrections should be submitted in one of the working languages, preferably in the same language as the text to which they refer. They should be set forth in a copy of the record.  They should be sent within one week of the date of this document to the Chief, Official Records Editing section, Department of Conference Services, room, room DC2-750, 2 United Nations Plaza.

Any corrections to the records of this meeting will be issued in a corrigendum.