International Day of Solidarity (1982) – Special bulletin

 SPECIAL BULLETIN ON THE COMMEMORATION

OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY

WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

1982

CONTENTS

I.  Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

II. Texts of statements made and messages received on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

COUNTRY/ORGANIZATION – NAME AND TITLE

I. COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

In accordance with operative paragraph 1(c) of General Assembly resolution 32/40 B, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was observed in New York and Geneva on Monday 29 November 1982.

Throughout the week the films "Jerusalem: Prophets and Paratroopers", and "Palestinians Do Have Rights" were screened at the Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium.

The main event in the programme of observance of the Day in New York were two special meetings of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, held at the Trusteeship Council Chamber on Monday 29 November. The Chairman of the Committee, the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council were among those who addressed the meetings. A message from the President of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly was read out by the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The texts of messages and statements received from heads of State or Government, Foreign Ministers, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and others are reproduced below.

II. TEXTS OF STATEMENTS MADE AND MESSAGES RECEIVED

ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF

SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

A.  Opening statements

Statement by the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise

of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People,

H.E. Mr. Massamba Sarré

Each year, on 29 November, we commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This solemn commemoration is part of the mandate entrusted to us by the General Assembly at its thirty-second session.

This event, which is of world-wide significance, serves to focus attention on the plight of the Palestinian people, and it is one aspect of the efforts the international community is making to put an end to the injustice that has been their lot for so many years.

The growing interest in the observance of this International Day shows that the international community is becoming increasingly aware of the reality of this complex problem and increasingly determined to remedy the injustice done to the Palestinian people for so long.

It is clear that the problem cannot be solved if the Palestinian people are not allowed to exercise their inalienable rights in their own independent State. The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People has drawn a programme for the exercise of those rights which has been repeatedly endorsed by the General Assembly of the United Nations. However, because the Security Council has found it impossible to take positive action on them, the recommendations have not been implemented. Any proposal that would claim to solve the Palestinian problem without taking account of the essential elements of these recommendations would be doomed to failure and would leave the region still deeply troubled, thus perpetuating a situation which endangers international peace and security.

Pursuant to its mandate, the Committee continues to follow closely events affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and to spare no effort to promote the implementation of those rights. Our main concern is to arrive at a solution as swiftly as possible, because every day that passes without our moving forward along this path only complicates further an already difficult situation. Indeed, every day Israel establishes another settlement on the West Bank and in Gaza, and every day more measures are taken with a view to the illegal annexation of those territories, in defiance of the international community and in arrogant contempt for the resolutions of our Organization. Nevertheless, the international community remains faithful to its commitments entered into in respect of the process to enable the Palestinian people fully to exercise its rights.

It is against that background that we should view the holding of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, which is one of the important measures that the international community will be taking this year within the context of its tireless efforts to solve the Palestinian problem.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of that Conference in the search for a solution. It will indeed be a concerted effort by the international community to grasp the complexity of the overall problems involved, and thus to make known to the public the facts relating to the question of Palestine. The Committee trusts that all the Member States will participate in that Conference, to be held in August 1983, and that the results will be of great significance for this extremely important problem.

This year the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has special significance. The events of the past few months, since Israel's invasion of Lebanon, which led to tremendous loss of human life and the atrocities perpetrated in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, demonstrate that more than ever before there is urgent need for an equitable solution to the Palestinian problem. Unfortunately, we are still faced with Israel's intransigence, and that justifies our belief that Israel's actions are motivated not only by the desire for national security, as it always claims they are, but also by the desire to conquer new territories in order to give more specific form to its idea of security. It is this intransigence which has brought to naught all the efforts of the international community and all the proposals made in good faith for bringing about a comprehensive solution to the problem.

By its actions and statements Israel has shown that it does not wish any settlement unless its demands are satisfied. Pursuing this design, that country has flouted world public opinion and it is acting in violation of international law and United Nations resolutions. However, it is encouraging to note that the international community is beginning to understand the true intentions of the Israeli Government. It is now time to put a brake on the ambitions of that Government and to enable the Palestinian people to exercise its inalienable rights within its own land.

Another encouraging sign is that the Israeli people themselves are beginning to become aware of the folly of the arrogant policies pursued by their leaders.

For 35 years the United Nations has devoted a great deal of energy to trying to settle the question of Palestine. An entire generation has followed the evolution of this situation, which has gradually led to the most difficult and complicated problem it has been called upon to solve. However, recent events, and particularly the tragedies to which those events led, have caused the world to face the facts. On the one hand, the Palestinian people must be allowed to exercise its inalienable rights in its own independent State, and, on the other, the security of all the States in the region must be guaranteed.

To secure peace and security in the region, the international community must enable the Palestinian people to exercise its inalienable rights in its own independent State. We owe this to the people and we owe it to the innocent victims whose blood has been shed so uselessly. We must also establish appropriate mechanisms that could guarantee the security of the States in that region.

This is the time and the place to pay a tribute to the Secretary-General of our Organization, Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, for his initiatives and his efforts to arrive at a comprehensive solution to this problem. Since taking up his duties the Secretary-General has drawn the attention of the international community to the gravity of this issue and the need to find a just and lasting solution for it. More than that, he has intensified his efforts in that direction. We wish to express our appreciation to the Division on Palestinian Rights, ably and devotedly headed by Mr. Yogasundram, and to Mr. Buffum, Under-Secretary-General for Political and General Assembly Affairs. In the carrying out of its mandate, the Committee has always found them to be extremely understanding and co-operative in our work for peace.

We believe that this problem, which is of such concern to us, can be solved if all the parties concerned demonstrate perseverance and a spirit of justice.  This is a problem created by man, and man can and must find a just and satisfactory solution to it.

Statement by the President of the thirty-seventh session

of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Imre Hollai

As President of the thirty-seventh session of the General Assembly, I welcome the opportunity to participate in this solemn meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This commemoration is in fulfilment of a mandate of the General Assembly and is a reflection of the will of Member States to associate themselves with the endeavour to see that justice is done to the Palestinian people, who have for too long been the victims of gross injustice.

The passage of time has only served to aggravate the situation rather than produce solutions. Consequently the question of Palestine has been before this Organization for a whole generation ─ in fact almost from its inception.

In spite of our best efforts, unfortunately, we seem no nearer to a just solution. On the contrary, we have witnessed an ever-increasing deterioration of the situation.

Over a period of 35 years, several resolutions have been adopted by the General Assembly which provide the key to a solution. However, the failure to implement them and the inexorable tide of events have complicated the issue and have so far nullified all our efforts. Delay merely affords an opportunity for added violence and produces added problems that require solutions.

In the meantime, the tragedy of the Palestinian people continues. The events of the past summer, climaxed by the massacre of civilians in the Sabra and Shatila camps in Lebanon, evoked memories of the worst aspects of the Second World War. It has often been said that mankind's guilt about the horrors perpetrated during the Second World War played a significant role in influencing subsequent events in the Middle East region.

If that is so, it is only natural to expect that the massacre of mid-September this year should stir our consciences to the point where we should insist on a just and immediate solution to the plight of the Palestinian people. We owe it to those unfortunate victims to redouble our efforts to find a just solution. Failure to do so can only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

The international community has agreed on certain basic principles relating to this issue. The principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of foreign territory by force, the inalienable right of the people of Palestine to self-determination and to the establishment of their own independent State and the right of all States in the region to peace and security within recognized borders are but some of the principles of which the international community is overwhelmingly in favour.

Strict application of these basic principles, supplemented by United Nations resolutions based on them, will certainly bring us nearer to a solution and contribute to international peace and security in general.

Today's meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People assumes particular importance when we consider the events of this past summer. It gives us an opportunity to review the plight of the Palestinian people and to remind ourselves that a solution to their problem is one of the utmost urgency if we are to prevent further violence and bloodshed. We are all conscious that as long as the problem of the Palestinian people is not solved, international peace and security will continue to be endangered. In righting the wrongs that have been done to them, therefore, we shall be serving the cause of all mankind. Let us assume the responsibilities that devolve on us under the provisions of our Charter. Let us look upon this Day as one which we assume a commitment to rededicate ourselves to the search for a just solution which ensures the Palestinian people the exercise of its inalienable national rights.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I wish to thank you and your Committee for inviting me to participate in this important meeting and to congratulate you and the Committee on the efforts that you are making to restore to the Palestinian people its inalienable rights.

Statement by the Secretary-General,

H.E. Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar 

This year, the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People assumes singular importance. The momentous and tragic events of the last few months in Lebanon, characterised as they were by violence and bloodshed, bring home to us, most forcefully, the need to find – and to find urgently – a solution for the problem of Palestine that has defied all our efforts for 35 years.

In spite of our best efforts, a solution which would ensure a just and lasting peace in the region, has proved elusive. In fact, the situation has deteriorated to the point where we recently witnessed with horror the massacre of unarmed men, women and children in the Sabra and Shatila Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut. That tragic culmination of the events in Lebanon this past summer underlined once more, and with telling poignancy, the urgent need to seek a peaceful solution.

After so many years of debate, there is general agreement among the international community on certain fundamental elements of such a settlement. In order to reconcile the aspirations and vital interests of all the parties concerned, a settlement must meet the following conditions: the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories; respect for and acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries free from threats or acts of force; and finally, a just settlement of the Palestinian problem based on the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination. In this connexion, the question of Jerusalem remains of primary importance.

The search for a lasting peace in the Middle East is all the more important as the conflict may well develop in such a way as to seriously threaten international peace and security. It is vital, therefore, that all concerned should make every effort to ensure a peaceful, just and durable settlement.

Various peace initiatives in the Middle East have been taken this year, both within and outside this organisation. Proposals have been put forward containing provisions which merit careful study. The fact that they contain elements which are not acceptable to one or the other of the parties involved should not lead us to despair. What is required is bold, imaginative, energetic and effective diplomacy to evolve a common basis for a just settlement.

It is my earnest hope that all the Governments and authorities concerned will now make a new and determined effort to move towards this just and lasting settlement of the Palestine problem and other aspects of the Middle East conflict.

The United Nations, I am convinced, has a constructive and crucial role to play in the peace-making process. I, for my part, reaffirm my willingness to do everything in my power to advance this process and to promote a climate for negotiations.

Mr. Chairman, this Committee, under your able leadership, has worked untiringly on behalf of Palestinian rights. It has played an important role in ensuring that, despite all the difficulties involved, the rights of the Palestinian people are not forgotten. I wish you and the Committee every success, and commend the work that you are doing.

Statement by the President of the Security Council,

H.E. Mr. Ozores Typaldos

Mr. Chairman, I should like to express my thanks to you and the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for having invited me to participate, as President of the Security Council, in the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.

This meeting today is designed to reaffirm once again the commitment of the international community to supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people. This special Day, which continues a tradition established in 1977, serves to underline the world-wide concern for the Palestinian people and the increasing recognition on the part of the international community of the fact that a just solution to the Palestinian problem is of paramount importance, not only for peace and stability in the Middle East but also for international peace and security.

The recent events in that region have made it even more imperative that the international community should come to understand that the quest for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East is closely connected to the settlement of the problem of the Palestinian people. This Committee's work is directed to the attainment by the Palestinian people of their inalienable right to self-determination and independence, a right which has been recognized by the United Nations. The efforts made by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People are directed to promoting an equitable solution to one of the most intractable problems before the United Nations.

For many years the Security Council has focused much of its attention on the situation in the Middle East, aware always of the inevitable Palestinian dimension of the problem and of its centrality to the attainment of a just solution to the question of the Middle East.

Guided by its responsibilities under the Charter, the Security Council will continue its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East for the benefit of all parties concerned, including of course the Palestinian people.

Statement by Mr. Yasser_Arafat, Chairman of the

Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and 

Commander in Chief of the Forces of the Palestinian Revolution 

It is a pleasure for me to express to the Chairman and the Committee, to the Organization and to all people throughout the world our sincere thanks and deepest appreciation for the steadfast positions adopted and the actions taken in this Committee under the courageous leadership of its Chairman in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on Human Rights.

The 29th of November 1982 is the day upon which the United Nations commemorates once again, with the peoples of the world, the International Day of Solidarity with our people in its revolution and its struggle for its inalienable rights to self-determination and to establish its independent State. Thus, in supporting the legitimacy of the Palestinian people's struggle against the aggressor that is occupying its land, and that persists in seizing and annexing it, the world's conscience today condemns the actions taken against our people, the large-scale massacres that have taken place, and the war of extermination and genocide that has been started by the Israeli Administration, supported by the United States Administration.

Our people notes with appreciation the fact that the United Nations, the peoples of the world and world public opinion are more than ever on the side of the Palestinian people in its struggle to recover its rights in the face of the intransigence of the Israeli occupation – and of those who are in collusion with Israel – and that the United Nations wants to find an equitable solution to the problem of the Palestinian people, so as to bring to an end the war of genocide of which it is the victim. This is the only possible way to put an end to this hotbed of tension in the Middle East, which will pose a threat to security throughout the world so long as these explosive elements continue to exist.  

To achieve this goal, the United Nations, supported by the peoples of the world, has proclaimed 29 November as the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. But the Israeli Administration, supported by the United Nations Administration, has shown only defiance. Instead of putting an end to its siege of the occupied territories and removing the spectre of war, the Israelis are widening their occupation. As we see it, we have a new problem here, which is part of the Israeli plan of expansion.

Israel is trying to annex the Lebanese regions and add them to its other occupied territories. On 4 June last, two peoples – those of Palestine and of Lebanon – were the victims of a war of extermination. Israeli air, land and sea forces occupied Lebanon and began a war of occupation, which is still going on today. Thus a large part of Lebanese territory has been occupied. The loss of human life has been in the tens of thousands. There are also many wounded and serious material damage. Thus a siege was instituted against west Beirut, during which the Lebanese capital was totally destroyed, as a result of the air, sea and land bombardment which went on day and night for three months.

The Chief of Staff of the enemy army has admitted that they used the most sophisticated American weapons, including cluster and phosphorous bombs. The destruction of Beirut was the result, as well as immense loss of life among men, women and old people. The Palestinians and the Lebanese have paid a high price as a result of that aggression, which produced these terrible losses. The Palestinians in the south of Lebanon were also the victims of aggression on the part of the Israeli forces of occupation, which reminded us of the crimes of the Nazis and the Fascists.

These occupiers destroyed 14 Palestinian camps, despite the legendary heroic resistance of those in the camps. Furthermore, 32 Lebanese villages and 3 Lebanese towns were destroyed. Hundreds of Lebanese and Palestinians now live in those areas without shelter, homeless.

The occupation forces of Israel do not allow the United Nations to offer assistance to the victims of the occupation and the aggression. The heroic peoples of Lebanon and Palestine faced up to the forces of the Israeli army and resisted them, winning the admiration of the whole world, all the more since they were facing an army using the most technologically advanced and sophisticated weapons of destruction. They worked a miracle, and they deserve our admiration. The two peoples did not waver, because they were defending a just cause. Were it not for the justice of that cause they could never have resisted the siege of Beirut and emerged holding their heads high in determination to win a victory for their cause.

However, after the Palestinian revolutionary forces withdrew from west Beirut in accordance with the agreement guaranteed by the United States and other States, under which the United States committed itself not to allow the Israelis to occupy west Beirut and undertook to protect the Palestinian civilians and their families, the true picture of the problem of the Middle East, emerged, because Israel penetrated into Beirut with armed force, unjustly and illegitimately, occupied and plundered the city and killed the inhabitants or expelled them from the area. The United States forgot its commitment and its obligations and tried to claim that it knew nothing of what was happening, later confining itself to verbal protests instead of taking the specific effective measures required. The result of that occupation of Beirut was the heinous massacre in Sabra and Shatila, in which thousands of men, women, old persons and children, were killed and buried in mass graves. Some of them died as a result of being crushed beneath their houses, which had collapsed on top of them. Terror gripped the camps. The occupation forces transferred prisoners by ferry and threw them into the sea, after torturing them. Later Beirut was plundered, and the plundering continues. The neo-Fascists who committed these crimes did so in total disregard for human rights.

Here I cannot help charging the United States with the responsibility for everything that took place in the camps in vest Beirut once the Palestinian revolutionary forces had withdrawn from them – from the occupation by the forces of Israel and all the subsequent actions, massacres and plunder of all civilian property to the massacres at Sabra and Shatila. The responsibility for these crimes is not only that of the neo-Fascist instruments of execution; it is, above all, that of those who permitted them to enter those camps, namely, the Israeli Government and the Israeli Army. The judicial inquiry that is now taking place shows where the responsibility lies, and it is a condemnation of Sharon and Begin.

We must also recognize the responsibility of the United States Administration, which guaranteed through its envoy, Philip Habib, that such actions would not take place but then withdrew its rapid deployment forces before the two-week deadline that had been agreed on and exerted pressure so that the other forces also would withdraw. If the United States Administration had really been moved by what took place, if it had really not wanted it to take place, its response would have been different, and the words that were used to deceive public opinion would not have been heard. This proves the collusion between Israel and the United States against the Palestinians and even the Lebanese. The strangest thing is that the United States Administration is supporting and promoting Begin's policy and in practice complying with it. This state of affairs is still continuing, and we deplore it.

Thus Lebanon has entered a new phase of terrorism under Israeli occupation.  The Israeli Government tried, with the assistance of the United States Administration, from the beginning to deceive certain Lebanese circles, claiming that the occupation was a cover designed to compel the withdrawal of forces from Lebanon, that it was only in order to get rid of the PLO forces. However, it was clear later that the occupation of Lebanon was the priority objective, with the aim of dismembering Lebanon, allowing the Israelis to take over the waters of the Litani River and provoking a new division in the country based on religion.

Quite rightly, many people do not believe the arguments put forward by the Americans that they want the Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanon. In fact the outcome will be the occupation of Lebanon. If the United States does not take practical steps to prove the truth of its words, its support for the Israeli Army will only consolidate the occupation and increase Israel's arrogance.

This is the evidence before us. This is our experience of the United States. Earlier the United States proclaimed that it approved the 1917 resolution on the partitioning of Palestine, under which two States, a Palestinian state and a Jewish state, were to be established. The United States later voted in favour of resolutions calling on Israel to withdraw from the territories occupied in 1949 and other resolutions calling for the refugees to be allowed to return to their homes. However, at the same time, the United States continued to give assistance ─ financial, informational, political, military, diplomatic and economic ─ to Israel. Naturally Israel's arrogance increased in consequence and it has consolidated its occupation. The result was a seriously deteriorating situation.

Then the occupation of Beirut took place, shattering the credibility of the United States Government and undermining the military honour of the United States, whose troops were part of the multinational force entrusted with protecting Beirut at the time of the withdrawal of the Palestinian troops.

So we must look into the plan proclaimed by President Reagan on 1 September 1982, despite the hesitations I feel and objections that I have to that plan. The plan will only have meaning if real pressure is exerted on the Begin Government. That will prove the plan is well-intentioned; otherwise this new attempt to find a peaceful solution will prove to be only an attempt to neutralize Arab opposition to Israel's crimes in Lebanon, to give the green light to the American Administration regarding the agreement signed by Philip Habib and negate the oath sworn by the multinational forces from the United States, France and Italy.

It seems that the American Administration wants the world to live under an illusion for some time so as to allow Israel to entrench its occupation of a part of Lebanon, to extend it to other Palestinian and Arab territories and to create new settlements in the West Bank, in Gaza and in the Golan Heights. Instead of making efforts to put an end to this situation, the American Administration has tried to compel recognition of the State of Israel as a sine qua non condition for any peace initiative in the region. That is how they keep passing the buck. It is as if they were offering a kind of prize to the aggressors and criminals who have committed these crimes against Lebanon and against Palestinian refugees in the camps. I wonder at this stage whether there exists any more one-sided situation.

Does this not prove that the entrenchment of the Israeli occupation is objective number one of its expansion policy and of the establishment of settlements?

The position of the American Administration regarding what is happening in our area shows that it is totally irresponsible and does not recognize the true interests of the American people, or its world reputation, or international peace and security. If it were otherwise, the Israeli Government could not have defied the whole world.

I should now like to address myself to the American Administration: You cannot sit on the fence, claiming that you want peace in the region, or that you want to find a solution acceptable to the parties concerned, while at the same time your initiatives support the aggressor and confirm its aggression and occupation.

In spite of the attitude of the American Administration, I must nevertheless thank the American people and express my appreciation to it, because it has begun to express support for the Palestinian people and for its just and equitable cause and its rejection of Israel's occupation of Lebanon and Palestine. This noble attitude on the part of the American people during the war of aggression perpetrated by Israel against our people in Lebanon, and more particularly during the siege of Beirut, confirms the fact that the American people – of which Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt are worthy sons – is capable of calling on its Administration to follow its example. I must also express my admiration and my highest appreciation to the American Jews and all the Jewish forces in Israel who have spoken out against Israeli aggression and against the massacres perpetrated by the Israeli army, those who have adopted a position favouring the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of its own State. I wish to say that such positions are an encouragement to us in our struggle for right, equity, humanity and peace in our region and throughout the world.

I also wish to thank and to express my highest appreciation to the people, the masses, who have expressed their support for our cause without any hesitation. I am speaking of the friendly peoples of the socialist States, of the non-aligned countries, of the African countries and of the Islamic countries who have supported us on the basis of their genuine principles and who have officially and spontaneously expressed their support for our people and our revolution, in all forums and at all levels. To those people I say that our people will never forget their noble response and their support for our just cause.

In this context, we note, furthermore, the new position adopted by some countries in Western Europe in favour of the rights of the Palestinian people and its just cause. This positive change that has taken place among those peoples deserves our highest appreciation. It has been expressed in certain official positions that have been taken and in popular demonstrations.

The occupation of Lebanon was not only aimed against the Palestinian revolution and against Lebanon: it was aimed also at dealing a blow against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, trying to intimidate them and undermine their morale, because the primary objective is the liquidation of the Palestinian revolution. As a result of this, the Israeli occupation forces have stepped up their repression, their initiatives and actions against those occupied regions. Thousands of people have been arrested and thrown into prison; many protesters have been killed during demonstrations. We have heard writers and journalists speaking out against these actions, and we have witnessed steps taken recently to expel university professors and lawyers for taking up positions in favour of the Palestinian revolution.

But we have shown that we are stronger than all that and that we are fully aware of the plots against us. Psychological warfare and these plots have not affected our determination; nor have the taking of prisoners or the tortures of which those prisoners have been victims been able to diminish our resistance. We continue our march, in unity, our ranks closed, wherever we live.

Today I turn to those heroes and pay a tribute to their resistance; I hail those who have been thrown into prison. And I bow in prayer to God because women ─ widows and mothers ─ are also struggling. I am certain that the sun of freedom will finally shine on our independent State.

Thanks to our conviction that our cause is legitimate; despite the difficulties we face, the sacrifices we must make, the dangers we run because our rights have been disregarded by the world, and particularly by Israel and its supporters, scores of years of struggle, catastrophe and crisis have proved to us that our unity is our only guarantee of victory over attempts to liquidate us and to eliminate our cause. All our efforts are epitomized in the Palestine Liberation Organization. Our people will fight against any policy which is aimed at harming that unity.

We proclaim here that anyone who wishes to find a solution to the problem of the Middle East must first of all find a solution to the central problem: that of the Palestinian cause. Any solution which neglects the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people cannot be an equitable one. The whole world absolutely must recognize the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and to establish an independent State under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, our sole legitimate representative.

If the Israeli Administration believed that through destruction and massacres, crimes and bloodshed in Lebanon and its siege of Beirut it could make us halt on our path, it was wrong: we have emerged from the situation stronger than ever, more determined than ever to pursue our struggle. The Palestine Liberation Organization has proved to our people that we are capable of continuing our struggle. We have given proof of this heroic resistance: the world can see that we are still holding high the flag of victory.

I should like finally to turn to our Palestinian people, to our Arab and Islamic nation, and say to them, 'Resist a little more; struggle a little longer; be patient a little longer; keep the faith and the conviction that victory is near.' I should like to express my highest appreciation to the United Nations and to all free and independent peoples ─ to the socialist peoples, to the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America, to the peoples of Europe, to the American people for their solidarity with our just cause. Their actions will constitute an important contribution to ensuring that the day of freedom will finally dawn in Palestine.

I address myself most particularly to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to thank him for the sincere efforts he is making to support the equitable cause of our people. I address myself too to the Members of the United Nations, including the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. In this regard I wish to stress that we welcome the resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 1981 calling for the convening of an international conference on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, to be held in August 1983. I thank the Committee for its tireless efforts to support our people and its legitimate and inalienable rights. I also thank Mrs. Lucille Mair, Secretary-General of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, and wish her great success in her activities for the preparation of that Conference.

My greetings and warmest wishes go to all members of your Committee. The revolution will continue until victory is won.

B.  Messages from Heads of State 

AFGHANISTAN

H.E. Mr. 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 

On the occasion of the commemoration of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the full and firm support of the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan for the heroic and just struggle of the Arab people of Palestine for the restoration of their national inalienable rights usurped by Israel with the backing of imperialism.

The evacuation by the Israeli aggressive forces of the occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, is indispensable for the exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable rights in Palestine and for a just and comprehensive solution to the long-standing Middle East crisis.  

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is convinced that the United Nations is to play an important role in promoting a lasting, just and comprehensive solution to the Middle East problem, based on the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israel from the occupied Arab territories and the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization, including the establishment of an independent national State of their own in Palestine.

Considering the Palestinian question as the core of the Middle East problem, the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan believes that collusive deals or partial agreements will not lead to a just solution of the Middle East problem, particularly the Palestinian question. We believe that the best solution to this question could be found through collective efforts, with the full participation of the Palestine Liberation Organization, as the sole legitimate representative of the Arab people of Palestine.

The people of Afghanistan admire the heroic and ceaseless struggle of the Palestinians against the Israeli aggressors, who failed in their sinister scheme to undermine the Palestine Liberation Organization, the vanguard of the Palestinian people. Contrary to Israeli estimates, the political authority and international prestige of the Palestine Liberation Organization on the international scene have increased even further. We reaffirm our strongest condemnation of the Zionists' scandalous and savage actions, which resulted in the massacre of thousands of our Palestinian brothers and sisters and many other innocent civilians in west Beirut and other parts of Lebanon. It is the moral obligation of all justice-loving and peace-loving countries to stand side by side with the Palestinian people until their final victory.

While reaffirming our all-round support for and firm solidarity with our Palestinian brothers, we are confident that their cause will be triumphant and soon they will achieve their rightful goal.

We wish prosperity for the Palestinian Arabs.

BAHRAIN

His Highness Sheikh Isan bin Sulman Al-Khalifa,

Emir of Bahrain 

Bahrain is today commemorating with the rest of the world the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This commemoration is taking place at a time when the cause of that people is in the forefront of world thought. The Palestinians have won the support of all justice-and peace-loving peoples in their struggle to recover their usurped rights and to realize their legitimate aspiration s like all other peoples in the world ─ the right to self-determination and the right to establish an independent State on their national soil.

The tragedy of the Palestinian people has been going on for 35 years, ever since the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution partitioning Palestine in 1947 on this same date. On that date the United Nations through that resolution created the State of Israel in a land that is dear to the Arab people. That aggressive racist entity has been the direct cause of five wars of aggression, destructive wars, the victims of which are countless. The first victims are the Palestinian people, who have lived through one catastrophe after another. This is proof of the aggressive nature of that entity, which violates this Organization's resolutions and human rights.

In 1982 Israel has committed many acts of aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. These acts of aggression are absolutely unimaginable. The aim of the occupation of Lebanon in June was to exterminate the Palestinian people by the use of weapons of mass destruction. Israel's crimes did not end there. Israel engaged in the massacre of civilians ─ innocent, unarmed people ─ Palestinian refugees in the Sabra and Shatila camps. There were hundreds of victims young and old, women and even infants.

The situation prevailing in the Middle East is of considerable importance to the vital interests of the majority of countries in the world. The situation emanates from Israel's continued occupation of the Arab territories and its war of aggression against their peoples. Israel's determination to change the geographical, cultural and physical characteristics of the region and not to recognize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is in violation of all documents, charters and values and the practices of international law.

The international community is commemorating this event so that special attention will be given to the Palestine problem and the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Organization should take a decisive stand so as to prevent Israel from continuing its arrogant and aggressive policy of annexation, to the detriment of the Palestinians and neighbouring peoples. The international community, represented by this Organization, should pool its efforts and compel Israel to respect the resolutions of the United Nations and to restore the usurped rights to their rightful owners. The right to self-determination provided for in the United Nations Charter, should be implemented. The legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people, under the direction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), should be supported. The PLO is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and all peace-loving countries are called upon to support that people in its struggle to recover its rights and realize its aspirations, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

We should put into practice the noble declarations of mankind enshrined in the Charter.

CAPE VERDE

H.E. Mr. Aristides Pereira,

President of the Republic of Cape Verde

On the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like to take this opportunity to reiterate the firm and constant support of the Government of Cape Verde for the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people to recover their inalienable rights, including the right to establish their own State under the leadership of the PLO, their sole legitimate representative.

The recent dramatic change in the situation in the Middle East has revealed the determination of the Palestinian people to survive and to achieve peace, and demonstrated once again that no just and lasting solution can be found in the region without PLO participation on an equal footing with all the parties concerned.

It is our hope that the current discussions on this subject, including the recent results of the Arab summit in Fez, will lead to the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, which has been ravaged for decades by so much war and suffering.

Peace is one of mankind's basic aspirations, and the Palestinian people's will to attain peace in dignity and freedom is assuredly a tribute to the universal conscience, meriting solidarity at all times by the international community at large.

I cannot urge the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People too strongly to persist in its noble endeavour and thus continue to make its contribution to the Palestinian cause, which stems from the cardinal principles that underlie the Charter of the United Nations.

CUBA

H.E. Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State

and the Council of Ministers of Cuba and President

of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries

We are commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people at a time when the pictures of the barbarous results of Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people and the Lebanese patriots are still fresh in our minds. Those acts of aggression constitute one of the most ignominious pages in the history of mankind and a gross violation of the basic rules of international law, the precepts of the Charter of the United Nations and the most elementary principles of civilized conduct.

Earlier instances of similar brutality can be found only in episodes that are a source of shame in the world's history ─ the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis during the Second World War or the aggression in Viet Nam and the savage bombardment of its towns and cities. This time, Begin's régime, in addition to its expansionist objectives, is proposing to destroy the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian nation. It aims at eliminating the Palestinian presence in Lebanon, at liquidating Lebanese patriots and at placing limitations on the sovereignty of that country. However, the heroic resistance of the fighters and leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization and of the Lebanese patriots and the Arab deterrent forces prevented Israel on this occasion from achieving its aims. A new and glorious page has been written in the history of struggle and resistance of the Palestinian people. This has strengthened still more their determination to achieve their inalienable rights and has enriched the fighting tradition of that nation.

The events that took place after the cease-fire in Lebanon, the transfer of the Palestinian fighters and the entry of the multinational force show the cynicism and duplicity of the Western Powers and the Israeli occupiers. Only the unanimous indignation of world public opinion at the massacres of Lebanese and Palestinians prevented a continuation of the genocide in the Lebanese refugee camps. We must ask ourselves: How has it been possible for Israel to implement its policy of aggression over more than three decades in the face of the condemnation of the vast majority of the Members of the United Nations? How has it been possible for the leaders in Tel Aviv to disregard the many resolutions on the situation in the Middle East adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council? Only the massive military, financial and political support provided Israel, particularly by the United States as part of its strategic alliance, and the conditions created in international relations for the implementation of a policy of force and blackmail by the present United States Administration, have made it possible for Israel to pursue this expansionist policy and have encouraged those who decided to carry out this brutal aggression in Lebanon and commit the crimes against the Palestinian people.

Particularly scandalous has been the frequent and wrongful use by the United States of its right of veto in the Security Council in order to prevent Israel from being condemned as it deserves for its international adventurism.

At the Sixth Summit Conference, held in Havana in September 1979, the Heads of State and Government of the countries members of the Non-Aligned Movement reaffirmed the fact that the Zionists' occupation and usurpation of Palestine and the rights of its people were at the core of the conflict in the Middle East and, as a result, they considered that any solution to that conflict would be impossible without the Palestinian people's exercise of their inalienable rights, including their right to return, to achieve self-determination and to establish an independent Palestinian State in Palestine.

The countries members of the Movement are convinced that the question of Palestine and of the Middle East can be solved only in accordance with relevant resolutions of the United Nations and that such a solution, in order to be just, comprehensive and lasting, must ensure that the territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, are restored to the Palestinians and to the Arab countries and that the Palestinian people are guaranteed the exercise of their inalienable rights.

Those who pursue the objective of destroying the Palestinian nation are doomed to failure. Never has it been possible to exterminate a people that was defending a just cause and was determined to fight for it and accept the final consequences.

On the occasion of this International bay, on behalf of the people and the Government of Cuba, and of the Non-Aligned Movement, which I have the honour of chairing, I greet the efforts that you and the Committee you lead are making on behalf of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and I pledge the firm, unswerving support of the non-aligned countries, Cuba among them, to the Palestinian cause.

I beg you to accept my greetings and the expression of my highest consideration.

EGYPT

H.E. Mr. Hosni Mubarak, President of Egypt

On this annual occasion when the representatives of the countries of the world that stand by freedom, justice and right gather here as a symbol of their solidarity with and support for the Arab Palestinian people in its legitimate struggle under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), allow me to convey to you, in the name of Egypt, its leadership and Government, our great appreciation of your sincere efforts and serious contribution to the endeavours of your colleagues in the international Organization to enable the Palestinian people to regain and exercise its inalienable and legitimate national rights to self-determination and the establishment of its own independent State within the framework of justice, international legitimacy, the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of international law.

Recent developments in the Middle East marked a historic juncture fraught with significance in the decades-long epic struggle of the Palestinian people steadfastly and heroically to resist aggression in its most repugnant forms. The Palestinian people has thus been clinging to its right to freedom and a decent life, resisting capitulation to the rationale of force and the policy of faits accomplis.

The significance of the latest developments in the Middle East is quite evident to all: the question of Palestine is the core and the root-cause of the conflict in the Middle East. The whole world, both East and West, must strive to find a prompt settlement ─ a peaceful and just one ─ that will deter the policy of aggression and expansion, and that would satisfy the legitimate national rights and aspirations of the Palestinians, who are in quest of their identity in the land of Palestine.

Egyptian policy vis-à-vis the Palestinian question dates back many years. Indeed, in peacetime and wartime alike, Egypt has been waging a long historic struggle for the restoration of those usurped rights. Despite the challenges and aggression that have confronted us, our belief in the justice of the rights of the Palestinian people has remained unshaken.

Egypt's diplomatic efforts, both bilateral and multilateral, within the Arab and African communities, as well as within the Non-Aligned Movement and within the framework of Egypt's intensive co-ordination and consultation with the leadership of the PLO and the leaders of various Arab countries, all confirm that the withdrawal of Israel from all the occupied Arab territories, including East Jerusalem, is the natural prelude to and essential prerequisite for peace and stability and the avoidance of war and chaos. Similarly, they confirm that recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to the establishment of its own independent State is a sine qua non for a peaceful, just and comprehensive settlement in the area.

All of us in Egypt are convinced that we are on the threshold of a new era in the region's history and that of the Palestinian issue. The peace initiatives taken in the various world capitals have confirmed the justice and the legitimacy of the demands of the Palestinian people. It has been recognized for the first time that it is not a question of refugees but one of statehood. We are of the firm belief that we are on the threshold of new prospects which will meet the challenge but which require patience, courage, insight and adherence to principles.

Egypt's people, its Government and its leadership will as always remain firm in its will, resolve, principles and aims, fully conscious of its bonds with the Palestinian people and in keeping with its national obligations and responsibilities in peace as it was in war to support that people until its national rights have been restored.

Our objective for the area's future, despite the dangers and challenges, will always be peace based on justice and we shall work for stability, freedom and a secure life for all the nations of the Middle East, as well as the entire world.

GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

H.E. Mr. Erich Honecker, General Secretary of the Central Committee 

of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany_and Chairman of the Council of State

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People gives occasion for reaffirming that the German Democratic Republic, pursuant to the fundamental principles governing its socialist foreign policy, will continue to support, in word and deed, the just struggle of the Palestinian people under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The people of the German Democratic Republic resolutely condemns the expansionist policy pursued by the circles ruling in Tel Aviv, especially their bloody campaign of murder and extermination against the Palestinian people. Those responsible for these acts belong before a people's tribunal. A resolute halt must be called to the brutal extermination campaign against the Palestinian people and to the permanent aggression against sovereign Arab States.

This requires collective efforts involving all States. The United Nations Organization is called upon not to look on any more while its own decisions and the norms of international law are trampled upon by one of its members in the Middle East. The present situation demands effective measures against the aggressor.

The German Democratic Republic has for many years stood up most resolutely for a just, all-embracing and lasting solution to the Middle East problem. It renews its demand for the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Israel from Lebanon and all Arab territories occupied since 1967, as well as for recognition of the inalienable rights of the Arab people of Palestine, including its right to form an independent state of its own under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

An International Middle East Conference with the participation of all interested sides could pave the way for this. The German Democratic Republic therefore supports the six-point proposal submitted by the USSR on 15 September 1982 for a lasting peace settlement in the Middle East and commends the resolve of the Arab States manifested at their conference at Fez to make collective efforts for a just solution to the Middle East conflict.

The German Democratic Republic will continue to extend steadfast and active solidarity to the sorely tried people of Palestine and its legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization.

HUNGARY

Mr. Pál Losoncsi, President of the Presidential Council

of the Hungarian People’s Republic

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Arab People, the Hungarian people join me in assuring you and the Palestinian Arab people of our full and consistent support in your devoted struggle for a just cause. The extremist leaders of Israel, with the support of their imperialist allies, continue to pursue their aggressive policy and to evoke the danger of a lasting war in the countries of the Middle East and, disregarding the most fundamental rights of peoples, threaten the Palestinian Arab people with physical annihilation.

The Hungarian people, together with all peace-loving peoples of the world, have deep sympathy for and are in active solidarity with the heroic resistance of the Palestinian Arab people against the Israeli aggressor which attacked Lebanon and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

May I assure you that we continue to render all possible assistance to the just fight of the Palestinian Arab people in their struggle for self-determination and for the establishment of an independent State of their own. We are firmly convinced that a just and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East crisis and the assertion of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian Arab people are the only guarantees for the peace and security of the countries in the region. The settlement of the crisis can only be achieved by peaceful means through negotiations, with the participation of all parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian Arab people.

On behalf of the Presidential Council and the people of the Hungarian People's Republic, may I wish the Palestinian Arab people further successes in their devoted struggle.

INDONESIA 

H.E. Mr. Soeharto, President of the Republic of Indonesia

On the occasion of the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on this day, 29 November 1982, the Government and people of Indonesia reiterate their long-standing policy of unswerving support for all efforts by the international community to achieve the effective exercise by the Palestinian people of their inalienable rights.

The International Day underscores the fact that the Palestinian struggle for the right to self-determination and their homeland, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, has been recognized by the overwhelming majority of member states as the central issue in the resolution of the Middle East conflict. I have, therefore, no doubt that lasting peace can only be established in the Middle East when the question of Palestine has been settled on an equitable and just basis.

The Government of Indonesia views with abhorrence the incessant and brutal policies of the Israeli forces in the occupied territories and beyond, which, inter alia, are designed to destroy the national identity and aspirations of the Palestinians and their sole and legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization. In particular, the Indonesian people wish to express their indignation and deep sorrow over the massive loss of lives and destruction suffered by the Palestinian people following the genocidal assault by Israel into Lebanon and the unprecedented, wanton massacres of innocent Palestinian refugees.

The heroism of the Palestinian people has clearly shown the world that irrespective of the inhuman actions by the Israeli occupier, their determination to achieve their rights cannot be broken. Time and again, Indonesia, in concert with other countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic Conference as well as the United Nations has called for concrete measures and actions to force Israel to cease its repressive measures and to relinquish its illegal control over all occupied territories.

As we reaffirm our solidarity with the Palestinians, my Government would like to reiterate its firm conviction that a just settlement of the Palestinian question is an absolutely essential precondition for solving the problem of the Middle East as a whole. Therefore, Indonesia will always stand by the valiant people of Palestine in their struggle for the achievement of their rights and will continue to support all efforts toward their realization.

IRAQ

H.E. Mr. Saddam Hussein, President of the Republic of Iraq

I have the pleasure to reaffirm at the beginning of this message that we are following with great interest the untiring and sincere efforts being made by your Committee to confirm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and to put into effect the relevant resolutions. We think these efforts are highly laudable. We are also very pleased to pay a tribute to your own efforts in this context.

I have already underlined, in my previous message, the aggressive and racist nature of the expansionist Zionist entity and the challenge it is issuing to the authentic people of Palestine and the Arab nations; by ignoring those rights, it is violating the principle of international law and United Nations resolutions and defying world opinion.

The encouragement given by some imperialist forces is no less dangerous. Support is being given to the expansionist entity. The best diagnosis of the nature of Zionism and its collusion with imperialism is the events in Lebanon, the aggression against its people and the impact of the aggression on the whole world. Zionist aggression, based on hegemony and expansionism, does not shrink from any crimes, any methods, however barbarous, including the war of genocide against humanity. That has been demonstrated by the massive war waged by the Zionist entity against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon and in various parts of Lebanon from the beginning of June until the end of August this year. That aggression resulted in thousands of casualties among innocent civilians – women, children and old people. These crimes culminated in the Beirut massacre by the Zionists, a massacre unprecedented in history and one which shocked the conscience of the world. Of course it would not have been possible for these crimes to be perpetrated without the material, moral, political and military support given to Israel by the United States of America.

In the light of this long and sad list of acts by the Zionist entity and its barbarous practices, the reservations of many United Nations Member States about its membership in the United Nations must be reinforced and taken up at subsequent sessions.

As opposed to the attitude and position taken by the Zionist entity, we view with satisfaction the position taken by the Arab world in the fight of the Palestinian people against Israel and its sincere desire to find an equitable peaceful solution, as evinced by the Arab Summit Conference at Fez. That is why we sincerely hope that all the countries of the world, and particularly the major Powers, will be convinced that this attitude is right and that they will try to ensure that these objectives are attained.

We are certain that the world today is more convinced than ever before of the justice and equity of the Palestinian cause and gives increasing support to the struggle of that brave people, guided by the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole representative. That is particularly true since the expansionism of the Zionist entity was seen in its true light in Lebanon and the Beirut massacre.

We stress the development of the situation in the conflict between Iran and Iraq and the co-operation between Iran and the Zionist entity. Despite the fact that Iraq, motivated by a sense of good neighbourliness, is convinced of the need to engage in negotiations, and wishes to respect the resolutions relating to that conflict and respond to the initiatives to solve this problem the Iranian régime has continued to act arrogantly. That is why during July and October it carried out a series of large-scale aggressive acts against Iraq in an effort to cross international frontiers and occupy Iraqi territory. Although these aggressive efforts were bound to fail, as are the Iranian aims, the Iranian régime continues to follow the same path, against the wish of the international community and General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. It is therefore the only party responsible for the escalation of military activity in that region.

Before concluding, Mr. Chairman, I am very happy to reaffirm our conviction that your Committee will continue to endeavour to restore to the Palestinian people its rights, thereby living up to your responsibilities. We wish you every success.

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA 

Comrade Kim Il-Sung, President of the Democratic People's Republic of  Korea

On behalf of the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Korean people, and on my own behalf, I wish to express militant solidarity and warm fraternal greetings to you and, through you, to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian people, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Today, the Palestinian people and the Palestine Liberation Organization, under your correct leadership, firmly defend the revolutionary cause, continuously waging a heroic struggle against the aggressive manoeuvres ceaselessly perpetrated by United States imperialists and the Zionists. The Palestinian people, who are waging an unyielding struggle on many fronts, with invincible conviction and firm determination, enjoy ever-increasing support and encouragement from the peace loving people of the world. This is a powerful source of strength for the Palestinian people.

The Korean people will stand unswervingly on the side of the Palestinian people until the final victory is von in their just struggle for the restoration of their legitimate national rights, including the right to self-determination, the right to return to their homeland and the right to establish an independent and sovereign State.

I avail myself of this opportunity sincerely to wish you and the Palestinian people greater successes in the struggle for achieving the liberation cause of Palestine.

KUWAIT

His_Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah,

the Amir of the State of Kuwait

It is my pleasure, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, to send my greetings to those who are meeting to express the solidarity of the peoples of the world with the cause of the Palestinian people who have been subjected to the ugliest forms of injustice and aggression.

The tragedy which the Palestinian people lived for more than three decades is in fact a painful reflection of mankind's denial of the basic principles which should be prevailing in the world and permeating relations among various nations, since its cause had not been given the attention needed to secure the simplest legitimate rights given to any people. The injustice, suppression and distortion to which their cause was subjected had never been endured by any other cause.

The cause of the Palestinian people, with all the implications of its various aspects, is the core of what is known as the Middle East Question. And just like any other human cause, there is an aggressor and a victim. The leniency displayed in deterring the aggressor is helping to undermine world peace and security and constituting a violation of the United Nations Charter as well, as its ideals which call for international cooperation needed to safeguard stability and security for all nations.

From this international rostrum, therefore, we call, through you, on all the peace and justice loving nations and every champion of truth, justice and freedom to exert their genuine and concerted efforts in supporting the Palestinian people to attain their human legitimate rights so that their tragedy will not be a token of mankind's denial of the simplest human rights and principles.

We undoubtedly cannot conceive of a society where the spirit of cooperation and lasting peace prevail so long as greed and the infringement on the rights of others are allowed to dominate it and govern relations among nations and peoples.

it is gratifying that meetings like yours are held where one can feel a genuine expression of the spirit of solidarity which binds men together and deepens the human ideals in our people in a way that will keep relations among the peoples of the world far from prejudice and selfishness and let peace and security prevail.

The massacres which shocked the world's conscience perpetrated against the defenceless Palestinian people in their camps in Lebanon, reaffirm their need, more than ever before, to the support of the international community in their confrontation with the continued aggression against them, in removing the injustice they are subjected to and in collaborating to restore their legitimate rights.

In conclusion, I hope that the people of Palestine would get both the support and the fairness it needs from the international community in appreciation of its legitimate human aspirations.

With best wishes for the success of your valued efforts.

LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

H.E. Mr. Souphanouvong, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic 

In commemorating 29 November, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the international community has taken up the struggle by the Palestinian people for self-determination and the creation of an independent State on their own territory ─ a struggle which, over the decades, has suffered great vicissitudes characterized by the insuperable desire to defeat the enemy and by successive victories of international scope.

In the most dramatic period of its history, when the Israeli aggressors, in collusion with and helped by the American imperialists, perpetrated bloody acts of vandalism and genocide against the Palestinian people and other Arab peoples both in the occupied territories and in Lebanon in order to secure their "strategic co-operation", the Palestinian people under the prestigious leadership of PLO, its sole legitimate representative, showed selflessness and made supreme sacrifices in order to halt the criminal doings of the hordes of the Israeli soldiery. This selflessness and sacrifice have won the unanimous support and sympathy of the peoples of the world, including the people of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Realizing that the Palestinian question lies at the heart of all the problems of the Middle East crisis and must be resolved if there are to be lasting peace and security in the Middle East, the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Lao people lend their total support to the Palestinian people suffering martyrdom in the struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian State in Palestine.

On this historic date, we take the liberty of congratulating you warmly and reaffirming our militant solidarity with the Palestinian people's noble cause until total victory is won.

MALDIVES

H.E. Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, 

President of the Republic of Maldives

On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I wish to reaffirm once again in the name of the Government and people of the Republic of Maldives our full support to the people of Palestine and their inalienable rights to self-determination, independence and to the establishment of a national homeland on their own soil.

The annual observance of an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978 is not only a reflection of the genuine concern shown by the international community in the Palestinian cause, but also a striking reminder of the grievous wrongs which had long been inflicted on the Palestinian people who had been forcibly uprooted from their ancestral homes.

The commemoration of this day also provides an opportunity for peoples everywhere to renew their firm resolve to put an end to the inhuman conditions in which the Palestinians have been living for generations.

The recent massacre of thousands of innocent Palestinian men, women and children in the Sabra and Shatila camps clearly shows that no progress whatsoever has been made towards the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people despite the efforts made by the United Nations for the past several years. Therefore, the people of the Republic of Maldives and I personally once again condemn the Zionists for violating the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and various international resolutions on the issue. No one can deny that the question of Palestine is the core of the problem of the Middle East, and it has become increasingly clear that there cannot be a just and lasting peace in the region until the Israeli forces withdraw from the illegally occupied Arab territories and cease the persecution of the Palestinian people.

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate on behalf of the people of Maldives our complete solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for the right of self-determination and independence. We appeal to the entire international community to make a firm commitment to the proper and speedy, implementation of the numerous resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Let us today rededicate ourselves to this commitment.

MALI

H.E. Mr. Mousse Traoré,

General of the Army and President of the Republic of Mali

The holding of your special meeting on the occasion of 29 November, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, affords me a welcome opportunity to address warm congratulations to you on behalf of the people of Mali, its party, the Union démocratique du peuple malien, its Government and on my own behalf.

This Day, 29 November, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, illustrates the progress made by the valiant Palestinian people on the international scene. The Republic of Mali has always affirmed that the Palestinian problem is at the heart of the Middle East crisis and that, until a just and final solution to this problem is found, peace in this strategic region will be in danger. The settlement of this crisis will necessarily involve the realization of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people. Your meeting is being held at a moment when the valiant Palestinian people is going through a particular period. The recent genocide wrought by the Zionist army on the Palestinian camps of Sabra and Shatila, inhabited solely by women, old people and children, has outraged all mankind. This warlike act is not only a violation of the basic principles of international law but also an odious crime against humanity. In wishing you every success in your work, therefore, I assure you of the support of the Malian people, its party, its Government and myself personally for any decision you may be called upon to take in the interests of the Palestinian people.

MONGOLIA

H.E. Mr. Y. Tsedenbal, Chairman of the Presidium

of the Great People's Khural of the People's Republic of Mongolia 

On behalf of the Government and the people of the People’s Republic of Mongolia, I convey to you, Mr. Chairman, and to all members of your Committee sincere greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. I should like to ask you to express our feelings of friendship and solidarity to he Palestinian people and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

To our great regret, this Day is being commemorated this year in conditions in which we see a barbarous policy of genocide by the Israeli militarists against the heroic Palestinian people. People of good will on our planet were deeply shaken and greatly angered by the bloodthirsty acts of the Israeli aggressors in the Palestine refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila.

It is no secret to anyone that the United States of America not only encourage the expansionist aims of the leading circles in Tel Aviv, but also gives them assistance and help of all kinds. The criminal acts of Israel are a direct result of the Camp David deal and also of the so-called strategic co-operation between Tel Aviv and Washington.

Despite another act of aggression against Palestine and the Lebanese people, Israel was unable to defeat the PLO, which was its aim, or physically destroy the Palestinian people, eliminate the Lebanese patriotic forces and put the whole of Lebanon under its control.

Sincere feelings of admiration are aroused by the struggle of the Palestinian people, which, under the leadership of the PLO, is valiantly repulsing the aggressor and giving an example of bravery and staunchness in defending its legitimate rights in the cause of the peace and independence of the Arab countries.

The sacred fight of the Palestinian people enjoys the sympathy and support of the whole world community. This is clearly shown by the fact that at the recent emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly on the question of Palestine 147 States Members of the United Nations voted in favour of the resolution concerning the right of the Arab people of Palestine to self-determination and national independence, and bitterly condemned Israeli aggression.

The People's Republic of Mongolia, like the majority of States Members of the United Nations, feels that the main question in the search for a just and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem is to ensure the right of the Palestinian people to create their national State. Consequently, the People's Republic of Mongolia supports the proposal made by the Soviet Union on 15 September this year and is pleased with the decision of the seventh emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the question of Palestine, to convene an international conference in August 1983 in Paris on that question.

On this historic Day, the Mongolian people once again expresses its unswerving solidarity with the Arab people of Palestine and sincerely wishes it great success in its just fight against the forces of imperialism and Zionism, for its freedom and independence, and for the establishment of a stable and lasting peace in the Middle East.

I take this opportunity to wish you, Mr. Chairman, and your Committee great successes in the noble work designed to ensure the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the implementation of United Nations resolutions on this question.

NICARAGUA

Commander of the Revolution Daniel Ortega Saavedra, Head of State,

Co-ordinator of the Junta of the Government of National Reconstruction 

The commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in accordance with resolution 32/40 B of the General Assembly, is this year taking on special significance. At the same time it constitutes a matter of serious responsibility to which the international community must give prompt and decisive attention.

The tragic events which have taken place during the year that has passed since our last commemoration require such action. Israel's systematic disregard of and contempt for the many resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council make it necessary that we take serious and responsible measures which will allow us to find a just and lasting peace in the region, a peace which will be possible only when the Palestinian people is enabled, under the leadership of its sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, to enjoy its right to self-determination, to return to its homeland and to establish its own State.

The impunity with which the Zionist Government perpetrates the bloodiest crimes against the Palestinians and the civilian population of Beirut, as well as the horrendous acts it has committed or allowed to take place in refugee camps, particularly in Sabra and Shatila, which have aroused consternation throughout the civilized world, must not be permitted to continue, and we cannot and must not stand idly by.

On behalf of my Government and my people and on my own behalf, I would take the liberty of expressing the firmest condemnation of those cruel acts, which jeopardize international peace and security and which are made possible because of the open complicity of a great Power, a permanent member of the Security Council, which by its constant veto prevents the international community from taking the necessary measures to prevent such criminal actions.

As a member of the Ministerial Committee of the Non-Aligned Movement, we are in favour of and commit ourselves to the achievement as soon as possible of a final solution to the problem of this suffering people, so as to conclude once and for all the institutionalized genocide that the Zionist régime is carrying out against it, violating the most basic rules of international law.

As an elected member of the Security Council, a responsibility we shall assume in January 1983, I can guarantee that we shall make the greatest efforts to achieve a final solution to the problem of the Middle East, which cannot be solved until the Palestinians fully enjoy their inalienable rights, which they are now prevented by force from doing. We believe that the time for resolutions has passed, because many resolutions have been adopted and now we need concrete measures to be taken by each of us so as to allow for the real implementation of the resolutions already adopted.

Likewise, I should like to reiterate our solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which sooner or later, in the vanguard of the struggle of its people, will lead it towards its final emancipation.

We also hope that the efforts that you and each of the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People have been making will continue. We know that that work will be arduous in the future because of the intransigence of Israel, which hopes that it will still be able to pursue that policy with the unconditional support of the United States in the Security Council.

PAKISTAN

H.E. General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, 

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people has assumed this year greater significance in view of the recent barbaric

Israeli aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian people and the carnage visited upon unarmed Palestinian men, women and children in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila. The atrocities perpetrated against the Palestinian people and the continuing sufferings to which they have been subjected for over three decades constitute a stigma which shames mankind.

The Israelis have failed in their sinister attempt to eliminate the aspirations of the Palestinians by seeking to liquidate the Palestine Liberation Organization. The indomitable Palestinian people, however, under the dedicated leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, have, through the heroism of their brave freedom fighters, emerged yet stronger and are, in fact, more determined than ever to attain their final goal.

On this day, the Government and people of Pakistan reaffirm their pledge to stand firmly alongside their Palestinian brethren in their valiant struggle against the forces of oppression and injustice. We reiterate our commitment to a just and lasting solution of the Palestinian problem which can only be achieved on the basis of a complete Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and the full restitution of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, and the right to a state of their own in Palestine under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The international community has time and again pronounced itself on these basic issues and affirmed that Palestine continues to be the core of the Middle East problem. In the wake of the gruesome tragedy in Lebanon, we call upon the comity of nations to exert the necessary pressure on Israel to vacate its aggression so as to ensure that right prevails and that the injustices committed against the people of Palestine are finally redressed.

POLAND

H.E. Mr. Henryk Jablonski, Chairman of the Council of State

of the Polish People's Republic

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, commemorated under the auspices of the United Nations, provides an opportunity for the Polish People's Republic and the Polish people to reaffirm our support for the just struggle of the Palestinian people under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Our unvarying position concerning the national aspirations of the Palestinians is coupled with a feeling of deep sympathy and admiration for the heroism of the nation which gives proof of its will to make unlimited sacrifices in defence of its own existence and dignity and of the ideals of freedom and social justice.

The horrible crimes committed in recent months against the Palestinian people evoke in our memories the dark time of Nazi barbarism, so tragic and painful for us Poles. Those memories make us more aware of the suffering of the Palestinian people and strengthen our resolve to oppose together with you the policy of aggression and violence pursued under many disguises by imperialism.

We are confident that your sacrifice will not be in vain, that your people will strive with pride and ever greater ardour for the aim sanctified with their own blood. Developments in recent months have shown the world the real essence of the Palestinian problem, in spite of the attempted falsifications by imperialist and Zionist propaganda. They have also caused the whole world to speak ever louder in condemnation of and in opposition to the aggressive actions of imperialism resulting from its global policy of confrontation and military diktat.

Today, in the international arena, we are witnessing the universal consolidation of the political authority of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Year after year we see more and more States and nations joining the international community in voicing their ever more resolute demand for the establishment of lasting and just peace in the Middle East through a comprehensive settlement of the problem, in conformity with United Nations resolutions which recognize the rights of the Palestinians.

It is for this very solution that we strive, together with all the peace-loving people, in spite of all the imperialist plots. Its achievement will be not only your victory but also the success of all those progressive world forces which today show their solidarity with you.

I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to convey to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the friendly Arab people of Palestine, on behalf of the Polish people, the supreme authorities of the Polish People's Republic and on my own behalf, our heartfelt greetings and wishes for persistence in the struggle which, we deeply believe, will be crowned with the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State.

QATAR

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani,

Prince of the State of Qatar

For 35 years Israel has constantly exerted, with help from outside, all types of barbaric aggression, acts which are constantly increasing. It also carried out the recent violations in Lebanon ─ which went beyond all its earlier criminal terrorist acts. It committed atrocities and genocide, destruction and torture against the Palestinian and Lebanese people on their own territory.

It defies all the divine laws recognized by the international community in its behaviour. This is an unprecedented violation of all legal norms and all the ideals which are so dear to the international community in our day.

Throughout these years the world has taken no effective measure to force Israel to respect the dignity of the Arab and Palestinian people, although the provisions of the United Nations Charter provide measures to be taken to end acts of that nature and provide ways to end Israel's aggression against the dignity of these people. The actions by which Israel has violated all of these principles, norms and standards undermine international morality and the standards and norms of relations among peoples, which should be respected. This tragedy has been, and continues to be, the greatest of our century and represents a very serious danger for international peace and security.

Your Committee meets today to continue its noble efforts to put an end to the tragedy of the Palestinian problem, the very core of the Arab-Israeli struggle, which has kept this problem in the forefront without an equitable solution restoring peace in the region and the entire world being found.

There can be no doubt that this meeting is being held within the framework of an important development in world public opinion, and that is a source of optimism for this cause, which is no longer just an Arab cause but has become one for the entire international community, a cause which is the focus of the attention of the entire world, particularly following the barbaric, criminal massacres carried out by Israel in Lebanon. Through these massacres Israel has proved its intention to continue without limit to exploit the world's silence in order to carry out its aggressive expansionism.

All of this reaffirms the intention of the Palestinian people to commit themselves to defending their national rights to fight and to show the greatest courage and sacrifice. Despite the fact that the Palestinian cause has been shown to the international community to be a just one, and despite the Arab world's efforts to re-establish peace based on justice in that region, Israel rejects that peace, turns its back on it, erects all types of obstacles to its realization.

We know that your Committee will be able to continue its efforts and that they will be successful within the framework of solidarity with the Arab people of Palestine as they attempt to regain their rights ─ their right to return to their homeland, their right to self-determination in complete freedom, and also their right to establish their own independent State on their own soil.

Once again I express on behalf of the people of Qatar and their Government our tribute to the efforts you are making. We highly commend you and wish you success in your efforts.

ROMANIA

H.E. Mr. Nicolae Ceausescu,

General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party

and President of the Socialist Republic of Romania

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People provides an opportunity for me to reaffirm, on behalf of the Romanian Communist Party and the Socialist Republic of Romania, as well as on my own behalf, the warm feelings of friendship of the Romanian people for the Palestinian people and our constant and staunch support for their cause and their struggle to exercise their right to self-determination and the creation of their own State.

This year the manifestation of solidarity with the Palestinian people is taking place in special conditions as compared with previous years. There have been serious developments in the Middle East against the backdrop of conflicts and contradictory international conditions that have affected the security, peace and independence of the peoples of the area and endangered the peace and security of the entire world. Several proposals and plans for peace have been advanced outlining new approaches and expressing the desire to move towards a political solution.

Israel's aggressive actions against Lebanon and the events that have occurred in Beirut, which we have all vehemently condemned, have once again revealed that war can solve no problem; on the contrary, it engenders tremendous human suffering and material destruction and makes the search for solutions ever more difficult and complicated.

We express the conviction that the parties involved in the conflict and the international community understand better today that the only path to be followed is that of a political solution, the path of dialogue, and that, however complicated, negotiations are preferable to military conflict, however limited.

The development of the situation in the area has brought home even more forcefully the truth that the essential element of the Arab-Israeli conflict is the Palestinian problem, without the settlement of which there can be no just, lasting or global peace in the Middle East.

There is increasingly widespread understanding that the foundations for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace lies in Israel's withdrawal from all the Arab territories occupied since the 1967 war, the creation of a Palestinian State, and the guaranteeing of and respect for the independence and sovereignty of all the States of the region.

I take this opportunity also to express the conviction that there is room in the Middle East for an independent Palestinian State and for the State of Israel, both of which should develop relations of peace and good-neighbourliness. The complicated Palestinian problem should be solved through recognition of and respect for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, while ensuring that people's right to live in an independent State of its own. That corresponds to the interests of all the peoples of the area and to those of the peace and security of the entire world.

It is more necessary than ever to demonstrate reason and political wisdom, to look facts squarely in the face and to begin a real and sustained dialogue between all the parties to the conflict, so that we can truly commence an effective process for an effective comprehensive solution to the conflict. It is necessary, first of all, that all the Israeli troops be withdrawn from Lebanon to ensure Lebanon's independence and unity and the Lebanese people's peace and tranquility.

The Socialist Republic of Romania believes that it is necessary at the same time to intensify the political and diplomatic activities, such as the United Nations initiative to organize an international conference within and under the auspices of the United Nations, with the participation of all the States and all the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) ─ the sole authentic representative of the Palestinian people ─ and the Soviet Union, the United States and other countries able to make a positive contribution to the settlement of the Middle East conflict.

The Socialist Republic of Romania and the Romanian people, as they have been doing, will make a contribution to a just and lasting solution of the Middle East problem, to the realization of a global, just and lasting peace in the area and of the legitimate rights of our friends, the people of Palestine, in the interests of peace and co-operation in that region and in the world.

In conclusion, we should like to express the firm conviction that the United Nations can and should play an even more active role in the efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, and to resolve by political means all other sources of tension and conflict in international life, in accordance with the hopes and aspirations of peoples that wish to live in a climate of tranquility and peace, security and co-operation among States and peoples throughout the world.

SAUDI ARABIA

H.M. King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz 

of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

I have the pleasure on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People of expressing to you my highest appreciation for the positive role played by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, under your leadership, and for the sincere efforts made by you and by the members of the Committee to ensure that that people may recover its just and legitimate rights. At this stage I should like to reaffirm the staunch and abiding position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in support of the Palestinian people's recovery and exercise of its inalienable rights, including the right to return to its homeland and to establish an independent State on its own national territory.

On this occasion it is essential to draw the attention of the international community to the aggressive and criminal role played by Israel and to the shameless policy which it is pursuing, as demonstrated by the aggression it committed against a people that was living peacefully in its own land, as well as the occupation of that land, in violation of international principles and rules. The clearest proof of this attitude is Israel's aggression against Lebanon with the objective of committing genocide against the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples. The Lebanese people had agreed to give shelter to their Palestinian brothers, since their land had been plundered by Israel's forces, which had compelled them to flee their homeland and had engaged in the most heinous acts in a war of extermination waged against two peoples, desecrating religious shrines and killing old people, women and children, destroying residential areas and buildings ─ and doing all this openly before the international community and exceeding all acceptable limits in their arrogance.

This intransigence on the part of the Israeli entity, which wishes to reaffirm its presence there, is threatening international peace an d security and has brought about a situation which is fraught with danger. Thus the international community is called upon to support the Palestinian people in order to ensure that Israel's attempts will fail and its defiance of the international community's will and of international resolutions and instruments will be in vain.

I should like to stress, furthermore, that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is convinced that the comprehensive and equitable peace which all Arab States wish to achieve, and which is supported by all peace-loving States and peoples throughout the world, can be established only on the basis of Israel's withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied by force, especially Arab Jerusalem, and of full enjoyment by the Palestinian people of its rights to self-determination, independence and sovereignty.

The Arab States and the Palestine Liberation Organization have expressed their determination to find an equitable, honourable solution to the Palestinian problem in accordance with the principles set forth at the second Arab Summit Conference held at Fez, from 6 to 9 September 1982, principles that are based on resolutions of the United Nations and on international law.

Furthermore, I am pleased to be able to take this opportunity to express the appreciation and pride of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the growing support from all friendly States in the United Nations for the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

I hope that this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will be a propitious occasion for all peace-loving States and peoples effectively to demonstrate their support for peoples struggling to win their inalienable rights to self-determination, freedom and independence, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

SENEGAL

H.E. Mr. Abdou Diouf,

President of the Republic of Senegal

The commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is for the people and Government of Senegal and for me an occasion to reconfirm our determination not to spare any effort to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable right to their own territory, to accede to independence and to achieve freedom.

The commemoration this year takes place at a time when the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, has ─ thanks to the determination, courage and political maturity demonstrated by it in the difficult period it has just lived through ─ won the respect and admiration of the international community more than ever before.

Recent events in Lebanon have made the international community recognize its duty to act firmly in the interests of peace and international security and to intensify its efforts within the context of the United Nations to ensure that the Palestinian people are able immediately to exercise their rights as set forth in the resolutions of this international body. We are convinced that until justice is done to the legitimate cause of that fraternal people, it will not be possible to arrive at a just and lasting settlement of the Middle East crisis, which is fraught with such danger to international peace and security.

Here we should like to pay a tribute to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for the useful and thorough work that it has been doing since it was founded. Through its determination and continued action, your Committee has been able to present the Palestinian question in its true light and has submitted the only programme that can serve as a basis for a solution to this tragic question.

The Government of Senegal and I myself would urge the Committee to continue in its efforts and we assure it of our full co-operation.

We wish the fraternal people of Palestine and their representative, the PLO, every success in their struggle for independence and national sovereignty.

SEYCHELLES

H.E. Mr. France Albert Rene,

President of the Republic of Seychelles

On the occasion of the commemoration by the United Nations of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like, on behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of Seychelles and on my own behalf, to extend to you our warmest best wishes.

In view of recent events, the Republic of Seychelles attaches great significance to the celebration of this Day of Solidarity and it will continue to work for the achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people: its right to return to its homeland; its right to self-determination and its right to establish an independent state in Palestine.

In this connexion, we particularly wish to express the hope that this observance would serve to make the international community better aware of the urgency of an equitable and lasting Palestinian settlement, without which the peace in the Middle East will remain precarious and fragile.

The last few months have marked a crucial turning point in the struggle of the Palestinian people, under the heroic leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, the sole and legitimate representative. They have widened and consolidated the international respect and support for their just cause.

We are profoundly convinced that the international community can build a society of peace and security.

SUDAN

Statement by President Nimeiri of the

Democratic Republic of Sudan

On this important day when the international community, represented by the United Nations, is celebrating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I have the pleasure to express my greetings and respect to the international family throughout the world as that family solemnly and clearly proclaims its solid support for and solidarity with the valiant people of Palestine, a people to which today, as we celebrate their Day and pay a tribute to them, we bow down and which we praise for the important role it is playing as well as for the struggle it is waging and for its courage in fighting to regain its legitimate rights to return to its homeland, to self-determination and to establish an independent State under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole legitimate representative.

On this highly significant occasion I invite the international community and all international and regional organizations to intensify their co-operation and solidarity with the valiant people of Palestine in their fight against the forces of Zionism, aggression and expansionism, forces that have steadily increased in size. I would take this opportunity to appeal to the major Powers to exercise immediately all the pressure they can to force Israel to end its aggressive practices and to abandon its expansionist policy, which represent a threat to peace and security not only in the region of the Middle East but throughout the entire world.

In conclusion, I take pleasure in taking this opportunity to reaffirm the position of principle followed by Sudan in lending its support to the Palestinian people out of fidelity to their just and legitimate cause. We will support them

until their final victory.

TOGO

H.E. General Gnassingbe Eyadema,

Founding President of the Rally of the Togolese People

and President of the Republic

When the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is preparing to hold a special meeting, on 29 November, to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I should like, on behalf of the people of Togo, of its vanguard party, the Rally of the Togolese People, and on my own behalf, to convey to the heroic Palestinian people, its brave leaders and its valiant fighters our best wishes for health and for continued success and our unswerving support for the just cause they are defending.

We should like, on this occasion, once more to repeat our condemnation of and our profound indignation at the cowardly massacres at Sabra and Shatila.

We remain quite convinced that there will be no lasting peace in the Middle East so long as the real parties to the conflict are not all brought into negotiations aimed at mutual recognition and a guarantee of peaceful coexistence as neighbouring peoples that have to live together.

TUNISIA

H.E. Mr. Habib Bourghiba, President of Tunisia

I am happy that the international Organization is celebrating this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and I am happy to express to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People my thanks and gratitude for the efforts made for the restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people and the realization of its legitimate aspirations. We hope that this Committee's activities will end in justice, so that we may move towards the solution of this problem, guaranteeing security for the people of Palestine and for the other peoples of the Middle East.

We must point out that the present situation involves a new phase. The people of Palestine and of the world as a whole have seen radical changes. The Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People this year is different from that of preceding years. We hope that the results of this Day will reflect the changes in the international situation.

The suffering of the Palestinian people over the years is without precedent, and the importance of the situation cannot be challenged.

The racist nature of Israel is such that it tends to seek war and a situation in which might is right. There have been endless aggressive and brutal wars as a consequence, waged by the Israeli forces against Lebanon, and in particular in Beirut.

Israel used the most wretched methods of terrorism and all sorts of weapons, including prohibited weapons of mass destruction, claiming millions of victims among the innocent and destroying thousands of villages, despite United Nations resolutions condemning this practice and despite the fact that the Palestinian fighters had left Beirut. Israel none the less refused to respond favourably to the appeals for peace and appeals to safeguard the lives of civilians against the most frightful and terrifying massacres.

It is the desire of the people of Palestine, represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole legitimate representative, to establish peace. The PLO's determination in fighting against Israel has made it the number one party in the international struggle. It has demonstrated its desire to establish peace in the Middle East. We should pay a tribute to the Palestine Liberation Organization for the determination that it has shown, and should note the way in which it has recognized and accepted the resolutions which can establish peace in the region and restore justice on an equitable basis.

The desire of the Palestinians and the Arabs to restore peace and legitimacy should be pursued if the world is to solve this problem. New opportunities for world peace have opened up and we should all try to implement the appropriate resolutions and plans as soon as possible. We are convinced that the time has come for the whole world to pledge itself to the restoration of peace in the Middle East, because any delay in assuming this historic responsibility will have serious consequences ─ fanaticism and the creation of hotbeds of tension and trouble ─ which will threaten world peace and security even more. Israel regards the Palestinian people's aspiration to peace as something to be rejected, and it uses wretched weapons, arrogance, threats and scorn of international agreements and documents.

That was clearly shown by the most recent decision concerning the West Bank, where settlements have been established in the most brazen manner.

The international community should use all means at its disposal to restore to the Palestinian people its rights, particularly its right to self-determination and to the establishment of its own independent State on its own territory under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole legitimate representative.

In that way, justice can be done to a people which for four centuries has been the victim of hegemony and of racist doctrines and beliefs. Thus, the restoration of peace would mean respect for international obligations, and that would put an end to the notion of might makes right and would recognize the principles of the United Nations, which have been called into question in recent years.

We pin our hopes on the advent of the day when the entire international community will have achieved its objectives. Justice will always triumph.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

H.E. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahayan,

Head of State of the United Arab Emirates 

I wish to convey to you personally and to the members of your august Committee thanks for the continuous efforts you have made in support of the Palestinian people struggling to attain its national aspirations. We also wish to express to you our appreciation of this noble task which you have pledged yourself to performing despite the difficulties and obstacles placed in your way by Israel and the oppressive forces that support it to impede fulfilment of your meritorious task.

Your choice of 29 November of each year as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People reflects the determination and resolve of the United Nations to redress the injustice that has afflicted that people, whose lands were usurped through sheer, wanton force in implementation of imperialist designs the most repugnant results of which were the creation of Israel and the displacement of the Palestinian people, which since 29 November 1947 has suffered further displacement and dispossession while strangers are daily brought to its territories to be settled there to usurp the remaining Palestinian lands.

That plight has not been confirmed to the usurpation of more than half the land of Palestine in 1947 and the displacement of the majority of its inhabitants, their expulsion from Palestine and the confiscation of their homes and property; usurpation has been extended to the remaining land of Palestine, in 1967, and the displacement of more of its people of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which are witnessing all kinds of violations of human rights, including murder, detention, torture and displacement, as well as the confiscation of land and water and the establishment of Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory.

As if all that were not enough for it, Israel has recently started to pursue the refugees of that people in the camps of southern Lebanon and Beirut, incessantly and relentlessly waging a reign of terror against them with a view to eliminating them. The massacres perpetrated by Israel in the Sabra and Shatila camps were but another link in the chain of Israeli terror against Palestinians which started with the Deir Yassin massacre in 1948.

In this respect we regret to see that certain States still have policies of opposing legitimate Palestinian rights. Had it not been for the military, economic, financial and political support of these forces, Israel, the usurping and aggressive State, would not have been able to persist in its aggression and its defiance of the United Nations and its resolutions on the Palestinian question.

Proceeding from this premise, we urge the international community to continue its support of the struggle of the Palestinian people led by the PLO, its sole legitimate representative, in order that it may be enabled to restore all its usurped rights and attain all its national aspirations.

I wish to assure you, Mr. Chairman, that we in the United Arab Emirates will spare no effort in supporting the struggle of that people and in providing all support and assistance to it in the restoration of all its rights.

VIET NAM

H.E. Mr. Pham Van Dong, President 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, I have the honour to convey to Your Excellencies and through you, to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people my warm greetings.

We wholeheartedly welcome the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people and consider it a great encouragement to a nation who has undergone countless hardships and sacrifices, has been waging over dozens of years a staunch struggle for its independence and freedom and is heroically struggling against all perfidious schemes of the U.S. imperialists and the Israeli Zionist aggressors.

The people and Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam consistently reaffirm their militant solidarity with and strong support to the just and certainly victorious struggle of the Palestinian people for their sacred national rights including the right to self-determination, the right to return to their homeland and to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian State; they support the Arab people's struggle for the recovery of all Israeli-occupied Arab territories.

We are of the view that now more than at any other time, the peace- and justice-loving forces of the world should strengthen their solidarity with and increase their support and assistance to the struggle of the Palestinian and other Arab peoples. This struggle should go along with the struggle against the increasing military presence of the U.S. imperialists in the Middle East, for peace, independence and security of all nations in this region and the world.

YEMEN

H.E. Colonel Ali Abdulla Saleh,

President of the Yemen Arab Republic and 

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

I send my greetings to you, and, through you, I recognize the living human conscience that has always sympathized with the cause of the Palestinian people and the plight that has afflicted them ever since their homeland was usurped illegally, by force, and in the absence of international justice. Justice, right and peace have been dominated by wanton force.

The State of Israel, which was established at the expense of the Palestinian people and their inalienable historical, political and human rights, did not confine itself to displacing these people. It pursued them where they had sought refuge. The objective was their annihilation, by employing the latest and most sophisticated methods of murder and destruction, including weapons internationally prohibited, from concussion and toxic bombs, as well as napalm. That precisely is what took place during the latest invasion by Israel of Lebanese territory.

The policy of settler occupation pursued by Israel, which it applies at the expense of the Arab nations and of their rights, represents a renegade movement in the history of the peoples that struggled for so long to free themselves from imperialism, trusteeship and hegemony. Those who employ the latest sophisticated military technology and place it in the hands of the neo-Nazis such as Begin, Sharon and Shamir, must realize that they are contributing to the continual, aggression against the Palestinian people, as well as the peoples of the Arab nations. They endanger peace and stability and the interests of peoples to an unforeseeable extent. 

In the commemoration of the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we see a reaffirmation of the unanimous will of the international community to support the just cause of the Palestinian people and their demands to return to their homeland and establish their independent State.

My greetings to you. I wish you success in your task, which has become ever more important and is a human manifestation that will leave its mark on those who wish to see the values of right, justice and peace triumph in the world.

YUGOSLAVIA

H.E. Mr. Peter Stambolic, President of the Presidency of the

Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would like to express its profound conviction that it is indispensable to undertake urgent and concrete steps in order that the Palestinian people can finally exercise its inalienable rights: the right to self-determination and to its own independent State in its national territory … the natural and legitimate aspiration of all peoples around the world.

The Palestinian people is still denied that right. This problem has been present in the world Organization for over three decades. The Middle East crisis, which has developed in the course of years into one of the most dangerous hotbeds in the world and which constitutes today a direct threat to international peace and stability, calls for permanent action by the General Assembly and by the Security Council. The principles of the policy of non-alignment, to which Yugoslavia consistently adheres, are a firm basis for the belief of non-aligned countries that the solution of this crisis, at the core of which is the Palestinian problem, should be sought within the framework of the United Nations.

The recent aggression by Israel against independent and non-aligned Lebanon, the aim of which was the liquidation of the Palestine Liberation Organization as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, is being increasingly recognized as such in the world and was carried out with unheard-of reprisals against innocent Palestinian and Lebanese civilians. The scenes of brutal massacre in the Palestinian camps of Sabra and Shatila are still fresh in our memories.

The overall development of the situation in the Middle East calls today for efforts by the entire international community. They should be aimed at curbing the aggressive and expansionist policy of Israel and at finding a lasting and just solution to the Palestinian problem, which is the prerequisite for the peace and security needed so much for the progress of all countries and peoples of that region.

Non-aligned Yugoslavia has always considered that the solution of the Middle East crisis should be comprehensive and based on relevant United Nations decisions. This implies the unconditional withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied since 1967, the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, independence and sovereignty within the frontiers of their own State, and the rights of all States in the region to independent development in peace and security.

It is encouraging that today the world is increasingly becoming aware of the fact that without a just solution to the Palestinian problem lasting peace cannot be achieved in that turbulent part of the world. The strong condemnation of Israel's aggression against Lebanon is by itself a confirmation of the resolve of the international community to oppose the policy of force, expansion and acquisition of foreign territories, a policy contrary to the basic norms of international behaviour and to the centuries-long aspirations of peoples to freedom and independence as the lasting values of humanity.

Expressing the solidarity of the peoples and nationalities of Yugoslavia with the Palestinian people, and our full support for its just struggle, the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia takes this occasion to point out again our belief that the international community will undertake resolute action so that the Palestinian people, equally with all other peoples in the world, may live in peace and dignity in their own State.

ZAMBIA

H.E. Dr. Kenneth D. Kaunda,

President of the Republic of Zambia 

On this important occasion, I wish to express, on behalf of the Government and the people of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, sincere thanks to you and your Committee for your initiative which led to the General Assembly to declare November 29, as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Mr. Chairman, Zambia views the commemoration of this day as a very important event. We believe it will help further to raise the international community's awareness and understanding of the suffering and the plight of the Palestinian people. Increased public awareness could help it to appreciate the imperative need to unite and exert maximum pressure on Israel to accept that the solution to the Middle East problem, at the core of which is the Question of Palestine, lies in enabling the people of Palestine to exercise their rights to self determination and independence in their own homeland.

The people of Palestine have been fighting to liberate themselves for a long time. In their search for this noble cause, they have shown unshakeable determination both at the diplomatic and military fronts, to achieve their objective.

In this regard, the Palestinian people need all the support they can get from the rest of the international community. We in Zambia shall continue to support the oppressed people of Palestine for we are convinced that theirs is a struggle for peace and justice in the Middle East.

We call upon Israel to respect the United Nations and its Charter and all other human rights instruments by allowing the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights to self-determination and independence. The struggle for justice will prevail over injustice.

C.  Messages from Heads of Government

BANGLADESH

Lieutenant-General H.M. Ershad, 

President of the Council of Ministers of the

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

On this solemn day when the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is being observed under the auspices of the United Nations, I join the international community in reiterating our support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle for independence and national liberation.

The Palestinian issue continues to be a major test of the credibility of the international community in its efforts to uphold the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations in preserving international peace and security.

No other problem has provoked so much thought, unleashed such a high degree of indignation, and so polarized emotions all over the world. The definite political existence of the people of Palestine is an established fact, To ignore their presence is to discount a reality recognized by the overwhelming majority of nation-States, and indeed by all mankind.

Thus, the fundamental element of a durable and permanent peace in West Asia revolves around the recognition of the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine to self-determination and to the establishment of a State of their own.

I take this opportunity to convey the deep appreciation of the Government and people of Bangladesh to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its commendable efforts in projecting the just cause of the Palestinian people.

CHINA

H.E. Mr. Zhao Ziyang, Premier of the State Council

of the People's Republic of China

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 high respects and cordial greetings to the Palestinian people.

The situation in the Middle East has become increasingly turbulent over the past year. In particular, beginning on 4 June this year, Israeli troops launched an unscrupulous and massive invasion into Lebanon and ruthlessly massacred in cold blood large numbers of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese civilians in an attempt to eliminate the Palestinian armed forces and deny the Palestinian people their national rights. This has aroused strong condemnation by world public opinion. The heroic Palestinian fighters, in defiance of brute force, have waged a valiant struggle, which fully demonstrates the Palestinian people's spirit of dedication and their conviction that they will win the final victory. Their just cause is gaining greater sympathy and support from the international community.

The Chinese Government and people have always sympathized with and supported the Palestinian and other Arab peoples in their just struggle. We have firmly maintained that Israel must withdraw from all the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and that the Palestinian people must regain their national rights, including the right to return to their homeland, the right of self-determination and the right to establish a State. I am convinced that under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, headed by Chairman Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian people, who have stood the test of arduous struggle, will further close their ranks, strengthen their unity with Arab countries and all the other justice-upholding countries and peoples in the world and continue to win victories in their just struggle to regain their national rights.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

H.E. Mr. Sang-Hyup Kim,

Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea 

As the world again observes the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Government and people of the Republic of Korea join the international community in reaffirming full support for the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

While observing this meaningful day, we note with great concern that the situation in the region is still very complex and volatile, causing grave concern over international peace and security in the area.

The whole world still remains shocked by the recent massacre of innocent Palestinian civilians in West Beirut. In this connection, the Government of the Republic of Korea stated that the massacre was an outrageous human tragedy of modern times and most strongly condemned such inhumane and barbaric criminal acts.

The Government of the Republic of Korea wishes to take this opportunity to call upon the international community to intensify its endeavour to assist materially and morally the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. On our part, we are committed to comply with the relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations and ready to do whatever we can to help the just cause of the Palestinian people.

In an effort to implement its commitment, the Government of the Republic of Korea has so far contributed six hundred thousand US dollars to a scholarship program for Palestinian students, the total amount of which will reach one million dollars in 1984.

The Government of the Republic of Korea has also participated actively in various international, conferences and seminars on the question of Palestine held under the auspices of the United Nations. They include regional seminars held respectively in New York, Havana, Colombo, Malta, and Dakar in 1981 and 1982. In this connection, we have noted with interest the decision of the 36th session of the U.N. General Assembly to hold an international conference on Palestine next year in Paris.

The Government of the Republic of Korea, on this solemn occasion, reaffirms its position that the legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination, of the Palestinian people should be respected and that the P.L.O. solely represents the Palestinian people. We also maintain the view that Israel should withdraw from the Arab territories occupied since the 1967 War including Jerusalem.

Finally, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Korea, I take this opportunity to pay high tribute to the Chairman and members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for their devoted efforts to bring about a peaceful solution to the question of Palestine.

LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA

Statement by the Secretary of the General People's Committee

of the People's Bureau for Foreign Affairs

The commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People reaffirms the support given by the international community to the just struggle of that people to recover its usurped rights including the right to self-determination. This commemoration also reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to the consolidation of the Palestinians' struggle to recover their legitimate and inalienable rights.

The commemoration of this Day this year is taking place in tragic circumstances in which the Palestinian people have been exposed to the most odious possible crime, the crime of collective extermination. It is the most odious crime in history and is embodied in the massacres perpetrated by the Israelis against the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. This commemoration is a proof of our condemnation of the racist and expansionist aims of the Zionist entity and shows our belief that the Zionist entity is not a peace-loving State, but one that is a threat to international peace and security.

The continued occupation of Palestinian territory since 1948 and the annexation of the Golan Heights, as well as the massacres of Palestinians that are being committed on a daily basis, require that the international community, as represented by the United Nations, take practical measures to put an end to the aggression and the occupation in order to enable the Palestinian people to return to their homeland. The repeated Zionist attacks could only have taken place with the unlimited support provided to the Zionist entity by the United States Administration in all fields, military, political and economic. Whatever the activities of the Zionist and imperialist forces to eliminate the Palestinian cause may be, including collective massacres of the Palestinian people, who have struggled with rare courage in the past, the Palestinian people will be able to face up to any machinations aimed at preventing them from recovering their legitimate rights, rights that have been recognized by the international community as a whole.

The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya reaffirms its commitment to the Palestinian cause and its absolute support of the Palestinian struggle through all possible means.

I would like once again to express to you, Mr. Chairman, our highest appreciation of the efforts you are making in this cause.

MAURITANIA

Statement by the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania 

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, it is a particular pleasure for me to extend to you our special congratulations and to express our appreciation for the immense work you have done along with the other members of your prestigious Committee to ensure the triumph of the rights of the people of Palestine.

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania stands in full and unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, and states that it owes a debt of gratitude to all countries that refuse to acquiesce in the plunder of the rights of the Palestinian people. The fact is that the implementation of the tenets of Zionism and the immigration of thousands of people from other parts of the world to plunder the Palestinian people are becoming increasingly difficult to accept.

The Palestinian people, which they thought they could easily erase from the memory of humanity, has tenaciously resisted and has refused to retreat, despite the violence of the Zionists' reaction. The Zionists have not been able to achieve all their diabolical ambitions; the conscience of mankind refuses to be an accomplice to their criminal acts.

The courageous position taken and the sacrifices made by the Palestinian people have also constituted a crucial factor in the failure of the global enterprise of the Zionists: global, because they have had their sights set on hegemony in Africa and other parts of the world. The violation of the air-space of many Arab countries, the bombing of the Iraqi nuclear reactor, and acts of aggression against many other peoples and countries are proof of Israel's expansionist ambitions and its genocidal intentions, as demonstrated by the massacres at Sabra and Shatila. All this shows the true face of Israel and its Nazi character.

The apartheid régime is the ally and partner of the Zionists, and pursues a similar policy against Namibia, Azania and the neighbouring African countries.

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania remains convinced that any solution to the Palestinian problem should be based on the generous principles which you and the other members of the Committee have advocated, ceaselessly, vigorously and effectively. My Government will remain faithful to those principles and will work for the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories and for the exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable rights, including its right to independence and to the establishment of its own state on its own land.

I take this opportunity to renew our support for and unswerving solidarity with the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. I also communicate the best fraternal wishes of my Head of State.

D.   Messages from Ministers for Foreign Affairs

ARGENTINA

H.E. Mr. Juan Ramón Aguirre Lanari,

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Public Worship

On behalf of the Argentine Government and people, I wish to express my commitment to the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

On this occasion a pall has been cast over the celebration by the grievous events that have taken place in Lebanon. These have once again revealed the danger to international peace and security posed by the prolonged existence of unresolved conflicts arising out of situations which are unjust by any standard.

The conflict in the Middle East is, without doubt, the most eloquent example of this, and the Palestinian people, like other territorially reduced people, its most touching manifestation.

My country has become convinced that the question of Palestine is the kernel of the Middle East conflict, which turned the region into a focus of world tension three decades ago. A just, comprehensive and permanent solution, reached through negotiations in which the Palestine Liberation Organization, representing the Palestinian people, must take part, cannot, therefore, be put off. The negotiations should culminate in a definitive accord between all parties legitimately concerned, allowing for recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish themselves as a sovereign State as well as the right of all States in the region to live in peace within secure, internationally recognized frontiers, the withdrawal of Israel from all Arab and Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and the recognition of a special régime for the Holy City of Jerusalem in accordance with General Assembly resolution 303 (IV).

The Argentine Republic, inspired by the example of coexistence set by the Arab and Jewish communities within its borders, favours a peaceful solution to the question of Palestine without in any way circumventing or diminishing the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to national self-determination and independence and to establishment as a sovereign State in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the principles and purposes of the Charter. We are truly anxious that the day should soon come when the Palestinian people will take its rightful place in the international community.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 

Statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

of the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic views with great interest and great understanding the situation of the Palestinian problem, a problem crucial to peace in the Middle East. Its Government feels that every measure should be taken that can lead to the solution of that problem in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, supported by numerous resolutions of the Security Council and other bodies.

The Dominican Republic feels bound to the Arab world by strong links because of the large number of Syrians, Lebanese, and Palestinian citizens who have emigrated to our country and enriched it socially, culturally and economically for many years.

For those reasons, we reiterate our determination to co-operate closely for the achievement of peace in that region of the world while striving for the implementation of the political and legal machinery that will enable the Palestinian people to exercise its inalienable rights, including self-determination ─ rights that have been recognized by this Organization.

GREECE

H. E. Mr. Yannis Haralambopoulos,

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The international community, on the occasion of the "Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People" is, once more, concentrating on the suffering and the struggle of this people, expressing its solidarity to them.

Since last year, the international community became more sensitive concerning the Palestinian problem; the new bloodshed and suffering of this people has consolidated the belief that an urgent solution for the long-standing confrontation in the Middle East is more than ever necessary and that peace in this part of the world cannot be established without the fulfillment of the Palestinian inalienable rights.

The Greek Government is strongly convinced that no peaceful solution can be implemented without negotiations among all interested parties, that is with the participation of the P.L.O., sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, aiming at the implementation of the basic right recognized by the international law and the United Nations Charter, the right to self-determination and, hence, the right to a Palestinian State, which will give the opportunity to all states in the area to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders.

The Greek Government will not fail in the future, as in the past, to support the struggle of the Palestinian people until its ultimate success.  

I am convinced, Mr. Chairman, that the Committee you preside will continue its constructive role and valuable contribution to this endeavour, as it has until today.

JAPAN

H.E. Mr. Shintaro Abe, Minister for Foreign Affairs

On this solemn occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Government of Japan, cordial greetings.

This year, the Israeli military invasion of Lebanon violently altered the situation in the Middle East. The massive destruction and the great loss of human lives in Lebanon have changed drastically the conditions in which the Palestinian people live. The Government of Japan notes with great interest that, despite these difficulties, international recognition of the importance of the question of Palestine has been growing, and serious efforts to achieve a realistic solution of the question have been initiated by the parties concerned.

I wish to take this opportunity to confirm the basic position of the Government of Japan on the question of Palestine.

The recent developments in Lebanon have strengthened Japan's conviction that it is essential to bring about an early settlement of the Middle East peace problem, the core of which is the Palestinian question. In order to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, it is necessary that Israeli forces be withdrawn from all the territories occupied in the 1967 war; that the right to exist of all the states concerned be respected; and that negotiations be started between the parties concerned, in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. It is also necessary that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly the right of self-determination, which includes the right to establish an independent state, be recognized and respected, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

I wish to express my appreciation for the initiative President Reagan took in his recent Middle East peace proposal, which squarely confronts the question of Palestine, the core of the Middle East problem. Shortly after President Reagan made his proposal, the Arab summit meeting held in Morocco, adopted its own peace proposal. Japan highly values the fact that Arab countries are united in showing their will for peace.

It is our sincere hope that through peaceful negotiations involving all the parties concerned, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, which represents the Palestinian people, the question of Palestine will be solved, and peace and stability will be established as soon as possible in the Middle East.

JORDAN 

H.E. Mr. Marwan Al-Qasem,

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan

I have the honour to congratulate you on your commemoration of the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Jordan, which has lived and continues to live with this problem, as is its destiny, considers the Palestinian cause as its own cause, as it is the cause of the Arab world and indeed the entire world.

We thus wish to take this opportunity to express our total solidarity with the Palestinian people. So that it may recover all its usurped rights, we will struggle by its side together with all other peace-loving countries to repel aggression against the people of Palestine, basing ourselves on the natural right of that people to a homeland. This is a right that has been set forth in the Charter and in international law, and it is inherent in all the values underlying the United Nations.

In paying a tribute to the Palestinian people on this occasion, I wish to reaffirm our conviction that right will be restored to that people thanks to the solidarity of all the peoples of the world that have faith in justice, freedom and peace.

MALTA 

H.E. Mr. Alex Sceberras Trigona, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People this year is dominated by the widespread sorrow and concern at the terrible events which have recently taken place in Lebanon. In particular, we remember the helpless victims massacred at Sabra and Shatila, the heroic Palestinian fighters fallen in the streets of Tyre and Beirut, the sorrow of the dispersed living who mourn their dead friends and relatives. The horrible events in Lebanon are a tragic and yet a very necessary reminder to the international community of the dangerous potential for disaster which resides in the Middle East conflict, a conflict overshadowed by the struggle of the Palestinian people to obtain a homeland of their own.

Today more than ever before our expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people must constitute a renewed commitment for all of us to work relentlessly to help the suffering people attain its inalienable rights. We must act immediately and without hesitation to curb the arrogance of Israeli aggression, aggression which has brought about untold human suffering and flouted international norms and continuously threatens regional and global peace and security.

Moreover, our distress at recent events must not be allowed to suppress our endeavours to shape a brighter future for the Palestinian people. Each one of us has a role to play in these endeavours and, in particular, we call upon the members of the Western European community to assume their expected role. Malta itself has been very active in seeking to galvanize the European States in the efforts to bring about a lasting and acceptable solution to the Palestinian problem. The Seminar on Palestine organized in Malta in April this year by the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People dwelt expressly and extensively on this issue. In the coming year we have a unique opportunity for progress in consensus-building which presents itself in the shape of the United Nations Conference on Palestine, which will be held in Paris in August next year.

As a gauge of its continuing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Malta pledges itself to work incessantly for the success of this Conference and for the success of all other initiatives aimed at bringing about an equitable and just solution to the problem of the Palestinian people.

OMAN 

H.E Mr. Yousuf Al-Alawi Abdullah,

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs 

On this occasion when the international community is commemorating its solidarity with the Palestinian people, we take pleasure in reaffirming our support for and solidarity with the brother Palestinian people.

The struggle of the Palestinian people to recover its inalienable rights to self-determination and the establishment of its own State in its land is a legitimate struggle for a just cause. It is the cause of anyone who is convinced of the right of all peoples to free self-determination.

The international community, which during this year has witnessed tragic events of which Palestinian civilians, men, women, old people and children, have been victims, knows that these barbarous acts committed by Israel in the bombing of schools and hospitals of Palestinians in Lebanon are unspeakable acts. The international community must not only condemn Israel but exert constant pressure on it to make it refrain from such criminal acts in the future and recognize the fact that the Palestinians too, like all other peoples, have an inalienable right to live in peace under the régime that they choose.

It is time to put an end to this illegal policy practised by Israel in the Middle East, for it is that policy which is a source of constant danger to the stability and security of the region and even to stability throughout the world.

The Fez summit meeting laid down the basic principles of the Arab settlement plan for the Palestinian problem in the framework of a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem. We hope that those principles will be successfully put into effect. In view of the fact that those principles are the same as the principles adopted by the United Nations to this end, their application so as to achieve a just peace in the Middle East would lead to the achievement by the Palestinian people of its inalienable right to establish an independent State on its own land.

To conclude, we would request the representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization, on this occasion, to transmit to the brother Palestinian people the expression of our solidarity and our wishes for success.

SURINAME

H.E Mr. Harvey Naarendorp,

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname

Mr. Chairman, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People I would like to reaffirm on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Suriname our sincere support for the cause of the Palestinian people and our solidarity with them in their just struggle for self-determination.

The commemoration of the international Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people is being carried out in accordance with General Assembly resolution 32/40 of 2 December 1977. This resolution, among others, confirms the right to self-determination. The United Nations is reaffirming the legitimate right to build a sovereign State in accordance with the principles of the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In September of this year we all witnessed a massacre of innocent men, women and children in Lebanon. It is, however, our firm belief that all international disputes should be settled by peaceful means and that the acquisition of territories by force is inadmissible. We are also of the view that a just and lasting solution of this problem is an essential element for any comprehensive peace settlement of the Middle East conflict.

Mr. Chairman, allow me to reiterate the position of my Government on the question of Palestine. First, we are of the opinion that the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, should be fully respected. Secondly, there is no other representative of the people of Palestine than the Palestine Liberation Organization. Thirdly, Israeli forces should unconditionally withdraw from Arab territories occupied since the 1967 war, including Jerusalem.

Mr. Chairman, may I take this opportunity to pay a tribute to you and the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for your unswerving efforts to help solve the question of Palestine, which I may stress once more is essential to the Middle East question as a whole. The aforementioned Committee, which also acts as the Preparatory Committee for the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, should also be commended for its efforts in preparing for this Conference.

Finally, we appeal to all parties to the conflict in the Middle East, Including the Palestine Liberation Organization, the representative of the Palestinian people, to search for concrete ways and means to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution along the lines of the Fez summit in the interests of international peace and security. It is our earnest hope that the Palestine people will soon take their rightful place among the community of nations as independent and sovereign.

TURKEY

H.E. Mr. Ilter Türkmen, Minister for Foreign Affairs

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of "International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People", I would like to convey to the brotherly Palestinian people my sincere wishes for an early success in their just struggle for the recognition of their legitimate and national rights.

The anniversary, this year, bears a very special meaning due to the sufferings to which our Palestinian brothers have been subjected following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Turkey was terribly shocked by the tragic events that unfolded in Lebanon and witnessed with horror the mass killings perpetrated against the Palestinians including women, children and the elderly.

Turkey firmly believes that the invasion of Lebanon and the following developments have once again underlined the urgent necessity for the recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish their own State and for the evacuation of all occupied Arab territories. Recognition and restoration of such rights are the essential, prerequisites for the achievement of a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East. Turkey has steadily reaffirmed these views on every occasion. Furthermore, in conformity with this basic approach, Turkey supports and co-sponsors all the draft resolutions which reflect this line of thinking presented to the United Nations and to the Islamic Conference and takes part as an active member in the work of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

We consider the recent peace initiatives as encouraging developments and earnestly hope that they will pave the way to early negotiations which will result in a comprehensive and lasting solution of the Palestinian question. We commend the valiant and dignified attitude of the leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization.

On this occasion I would like to express once more our sincere desire to see the long-standing sufferings of the Palestinian People come to an end as soon as possible and reiterate my firm belief that the Palestinians shall, sooner or later succeed in attaining their just cause.

E.  Messages from Governments

INDIA

Mr. Khan, Parliament of India 

I bring to you, Mr. Chairman, and to this Committee the greetings and good wishes of the Parliament of India, in which I have the privilege to serve.

Our Parliament and our Government, and the nearly 700 million Indians they represent, all speak with one voice when it comes to the Palestinian cause, in steadfast support of the inalienable rights of the valiant people of Palestine to self-determination and national independence.

We are particularly privileged today to have among us Mr. Farouk Kaddoumi, Head of the Political Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Mr. Shafiq Al-Hout, representative of the PLO in Beirut and a member of the National Council of the PLO. We extend to them a special word of welcome.

The annual observation by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity with and support for the Palestinians. The Palestinian people, who were uprooted from their hearths and homes and subjected to militaristic suppression in their own sacred lands, have been waging a valiant struggle under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization to recover their homeland and to establish their own independent Palestinian State. Their rights have been widely recognized, their plight has evoked widespread sympathy and their cause has been widely championed, but little that is concrete has been done to enable them to exercise their right to self-determination.

I should like to take a moment to pay a tribute to this Committee, whose work is carried out under your competent and distinguished direction, Mr. Chairman.

Over the years it has been striving to focus attention on the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people as well as to protect and safeguard them to the extent possible. However, it is painfully evident to the Committee, of which India is an active member, that its recommendations have remained unimplemented. While reaffirming our solidarity with the Palestinian people today, the Committee should also pledge itself to intensify its efforts to bring about the speedy implementation of its recommendations.

The tragedy of the Palestinians was most dramatically highlighted earlier this year when the virtual destruction of Beirut and the horrible genocide of the Lebanese and Palestinian populations shook the conscience of mankind. It was nothing short of a holocaust, imposed, strangely and ironically, by none other than Israel. The withdrawal of the Palestine Liberation Organization from Beirut to save innocent civilians from further suffering and devastation led later to the massacre of Palestinians in Shatila and Sabra.

Israel's responsibility for ─ indeed, complicity in ─ the massacre of the innocent civilians is too evident to need any exposure. Those who had undertaken to protect the Palestinian and Lebanese civilians must also share the blame for the criminal bloodshed.

We have no doubt that the dispersal of the Palestinians will not weaken their will to fight for their inalienable rights. The continued occupation of parts of Lebanon and other Arab lands will not guarantee Israel's security. The effect of such actions will be just the opposite.

A comprehensive solution, consisting of the withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied since 1967, the establishment of a Palestinian State and a mutual guarantee of security between the States of the region, must be achieved. There now seems to be a greater understanding of the fact that any comprehensive solution will not be achieved without the active participation of the PLO, the representative of the Palestinian people, in any negotiations.

The recent drawing up by the Arab nations of the Fez Charter is a heroic event of special significance. This Committee has reason to feel proud that the cardinal elements of its own recommendations have found a place in the Fez Charter. There have also been other proposals which do not in all respects recognize the imperative need for the uprooted people of Palestine to secure their legitimate rights. We hope that this Committee will continue its relentless efforts to achieve a comprehensive solution in the difficult days ahead.

India's principled and consistent support for the Palestinians goes back to the days of our struggle for national independence. The suffering of the Palestinians has caused concern and anguish to the people of India. We stand ready to contribute our might to the achievement of a comprehensive solution, which the overwhelming majority of Member States of the United Nations desire.

I have the privilege to read out to the Committee the following message from the Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, addressed to this Committee on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, 1982:

IRAN

H.E. Dr. Said Rajaie-Khorassani,

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

At the outset, I deem it most appropriate to recite a few brief verses from the Holy Koran in memory of the Palestinian martyrs, those great men who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Palestine, for the cause of liberating their homeland and the sanctuaries of all Moslems:

My delegation extends its most profound salaams to the Palestinian strugglers, and wishes to thank the Chairman and the members of the Committee for this opportunity to express the solidarity of the Moslem people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the people of Palestine. I have the honour to present to the Committee a message from hujjat al-Islam – sage of Islam – Khamenei, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The message reads as follows:

NIGER 

H.E. Mr. Ide Oumarou,

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Mr. Chairman, I am grateful to your Committee for having invited me to participate in this meeting today, commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. I take this occasion to congratulate that people most sincerely and to say that history will undoubtedly remember its role and its action in the now inevitable settlement of the question of Palestine in justice, honour and equity. As to you, Sir, I must express, in addition to our great friendship, my very frank and deep admiration for the wisdom, devotion and faith with which you have been guiding this Committee since Senegal, your country, whose sincere commitment regarding the question of the Middle East is well known, was wise enough to accredit you to the United Nations.

I should now like to read out the following message to this Committee from Colonel Seyni Kountche, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council and Head of State of Niger:

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Statement by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the people and Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago take the opportunity to reiterate their support for the just struggle of the Palestinian people and its sole and legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The question of Palestine and the struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights has been at the core of the problems and conflicts in the Middle East over the last three decades. While the recent events in Lebanon have highlighted the need for an overall. just settlement of the Middle East problem, it is with deep regret that we recall that they were but a small part of the devastation which has continually been visited on this region.

During this period the conflicts have been seriously draining the human and financial resources of the region, resources which are vital to the social, economic and cultural development of the area. In addition, the Middle East has been transformed into one of the main hotbeds of tension which pose a grave threat to international peace and security.

This solemn occasion provides a timely opportunity for the international community to reflect on its responsibilities in seeking a just solution to the problems of the Middle East and to recognize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to return to their homeland, to exercise self-determination and to national independence, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

Trinidad and Tobago commends the work of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to this end and pledges its support to all efforts to find a just and lasting settlement to the problems of the Middle East.

UKRAINIAN SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC

By decision of the United Nations and the World Peace Council, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was widely celebrated in the Ukrainian SSR on 29 November 1982.

On that day meetings of public representatives took place in Odessa and Kharkov. Participants affirmed their unshakeable support for the just struggle by the Arab people of Palestine for their legitimate national rights, primarily the rights to life and to free, independent development.

Participants in the Odessa meeting commented that the Arab people of Palestine are having to conduct their struggle in extremely difficult circumstances, the situation in the Middle East having deteriorated seriously as a result of imperialist intrigues and Israeli aggression. The rector of the M.V. Lomonosov Food Technology Institute, Professor V.F. Chaikovsky, and other speakers deplored the acts of vandalism committed by the Zionists in attempts to break the will of the struggling Palestinian people, and expressed their belief in the ultimate triumph of the Palestinians' rightful cause.

Representatives of the Palestinian students studying in Odessa who spoke at the meeting expressed sincere thanks to the Soviet Union for its altruistic assistance and support. The solidarity of the Soviet people is inseparable from the peace-loving foreign policy pursued by the USSR, multiplies our strengths and inspires us with confidence of victory, the students stressed.

At the meeting in Kharkov it was remarked that the self-denial and heroism of the Palestinian fighters, who had put up a worthy resistance to Israeli aggression in Lebanon, evoked rapt admiration in Soviet people. The campaigning avant-garde and sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, the Palestine Liberation Organization, whose authority was constantly growing on the international scene, had won enormous respect. The United States plan, supposedly promising a peaceful settlement in the Middle East but in fact implying submission to American diktat, threatened a further deterioration of the situation in the Middle East. The Palestinian people would not be broken. These points were made by the rector of the A.M. Gorky State University in Kharkov, I.E. Taranov, and other speakers.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the public representatives expressed ardent approval and support for the CPSU and Soviet State policy of seeking a prompt and peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Middle East, and the exercise of the Palestinian people's sacred right to self-determination and the establishment of their own State.

Mass information media in the Republic ─ periodicals, radio and television ─ devoted special materials, commentaries and information to the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, providing the public of the Soviet Ukraine with extensive information on the struggle by the Palestinians to realise their legitimate national rights, and on moves by the United Nations to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union

and the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the USSR

I sincerely congratulate you, Comrade Arafat and your colleagues in the Palestinian resistance movement and the entire Arab people of Palestine, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. On this notable day, the Soviet people pay a tribute to the bravery and firmness of the Palestinian people and affirm their unwavering support for its just fight for its national rights. The selflessness and heroism of the Palestinian fighters have dealt a worthy rebuff to Israeli aggression in Lebanon and aroused admiration and sympathy everywhere. The truth is once again being confirmed that one cannot break a nation that is convinced of the rightness of its cause. The international prestige and authority of the Palestine Liberation Organization and its leadership have increased even more.

The Soviet Union will continue firmly to support the fight to ensure that a just and lasting peace is established in the Middle East and that the Palestinian people, under the leadership of its fighting vanguard and sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, achieves its inalienable right to self-determination and to create its own State.

We warmly wish the friendly Palestinian nation further success in its fight against the efforts of imperialism and Israeli aggression and for its freedom and national independence and genuine peace in the Middle East.

F.  Statements by Regional Groups of States at the United Nations

Group of African States

KENYA

H.E. Mr. Wafula Wabuge,

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the African Group and on my own behalf, as the current Chairman of the African Group, I should like to thank you as well as the other members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for organizing this important meeting that gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the cause of the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights in their motherland. The Committee, since its establishment by the General Assembly in 1975, has consistently given us useful reports. On each occasion, the reports of the Committee have been endorsed by the General Assembly and the mandate of the Committee has been regularly renewed. We know that, despite the urgings of the Committee, its recommendations have not yet been acted upon by the Security Council nor have they been implemented. That, however, should not discourage the Committee in its future activities in promoting the cause of the Palestinian people, whose long suffering has been the subject of debate in many international gatherings. We wish to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the other members of the Committee for your tireless efforts in the noble cause of the Palestinian people.

We are here today holding a special meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. We are holding this meeting to reflect on and assess a serious problem that has been with the international community for a long time. For more than three decades the United Nations has been seized of the question of Palestine as a key element in any meaningful approach to a comprehensive solution to the Middle East problem.

For the last three decades we have witnessed the miserable plight of the Palestinian people, dispossessed, dispersed and uprooted from their land, which is currently under cruel Israeli occupation. Although humanitarian assistance has been given to those people in the past years, particularly assistance channelled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the problem, we know, cannot be treated purely as a humanitarian issue. The problem is a political issue and must be dealt with in a political manner. It is an issue that calls for the recognition of the rights of the Palestinians to self-determination, nationhood and a homeland.

The threat to international peace and security from that area is perpetuated by Israeli policies, which result in great human suffering for the people of the region. The Israeli policies towards the Palestinians hinge on two false assumptions: first, that the Palestinians as a people do not exist and, secondly, that they have no right to a homeland of their own.

Based on those wrong assumptions, the Government of Israel has embarked on a policy calculated to destroy the Palestinian entity. The annexation and the Jewish settlements in the occupied Arab territories clearly demonstrate that policy. That carefully planned policy of annexation of the occupied territory is being implemented by the establishment of Jewish settlements and the implantation of Jewish civilians.

In the last 14 years since the conquest, Israel has, in defiance of the world community, absorbed the conquered territories by expelling and subjecting the Arab population to a cruel military occupation. Over international protest, Israel has annexed East Jerusalem; in 1981 it annexed the Golan Heights; and it has declared its intention to extend full sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza.

Needless to say, annexation, expulsion and the creation of settlements are specifically prohibited by international law. The Fourth Geneva Convention in article 47 prohibits the annexation of occupied territory, and the United Nations has repeatedly condemned Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Article 49 of that Convention prohibits the forcible transfer or deportation of residents from an occupied area regardless of motive. And yet thousands of Palestinians have been expelled, while thousands more have been pressured to leave. The Government of Israel, though an occupying Power and as such bound by the international obligation it undertook as a party to that Convention to observe and respect the provisions of the Convention, has been acting in a manner utterly contrary to those obligations.

The plight of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories is marked every day by constant occurrences of serious incidents leading to injuries or loss of lives. Those incidents are the direct result of a long military occupation, which the civilian population has endured for the last 14 years. At every session of the General Assembly, the international community is provided with reports of Israeli behaviour in the Arab territories. These reports confirm what is already known, namely, the systematic policy of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories and the eventual annexation of those territories.

We have on many occasions in the deliberations on this issue made our views known on the rights of the Palestinian people, just as we have spoken out against the racial policies of the South African régime. In South Africa a racist régime, in defiance of the international community, persists with its apartheid policies to oppress and deny Africans their legitimate social and political rights. In the Middle East Israel is seeking to eliminate the existence of the Palestinian people by annexing their land in the hope of frustrating any notion of self-determination and a homeland for the Palestinian people.

The problems in South Africa and the Middle East have undoubtedly occupied a great deal of the time of the international community. They are cases where a group or groups of people seek, purely on a racial basis to dominate and destroy others who do not belong to the same ethnic grouping.

We have stated time and again that peace in the Middle East can prevail only if the following conditions are fulfilled: First, Israel must withdraw from all Palestinian land occupied since 1967. The international community, and indeed international law, are strongly opposed to the acquisition of land by the use of force. It is indeed regrettable that Israel continues its occupation despite numerous calls by the international community to withdraw from those territories.

The second condition is the recognition of the rights of the Palestinians as a people, including their right to self-determination and to nationhood. The third condition is that in all negotiations aimed at solving the problem of the Middle East the Palestinian people must participate on an equal footing with other peoples.

It is our view that as long as the Palestinians are denied their right of nationhood the problem of the region will remain unsolved. To this end, the withdrawal of Israel from these territories is the most important condition for a peaceful settlement of the problem.

We have heard many times from Israel, and from other quarters, that Israel needs these territories for its security, to give it what some other people call secure borders; and it was on this basis of a unique theory of additional security that Israel, brutally and against all norms of international law invaded Lebanon. The invasion and occupation of Lebanon by Israel, with all their shocking consequences, left the entire world community wondering just how far Israel's aggression would go in its search for the so-called additional security. The invasion of an independent State was utterly uncalled for. It left thousands and thousands dead, mostly innocent women and children, not to mention the almost total destruction of Lebanon as a country. Those who have survived the invasion are starving and without shelter.

Israel committed all these acts in complete disregard of the repeated calls by the General Assembly and the Security Council. The invasion and occupation of Lebanon by Israel indeed complicates even further an already complicated problem. The world community must never allow a State to occupy another State on a permanent basis in order to have what may be claimed to be secure borders. If this principle were to be applied, particularly by powerful nations, many of us small nations would simply disappear. No nation can demand, in any circumstances, to occupy another country on the pretext of additional security. There can be no justification for any State to argue that its defence depends on having to occupy another State. Such is simply a policy of expansion and aggrandizement.

We believe the international community has a historic duty and responsibility to render all necessary assistance to promoting the urgent need for the creation and recognition of an independent Palestinian State. We therefore urge the international community, and in particular the supporters of Israel, to recognize this important element for a durable peace in the Middle East. Those who support Israel and have the means of persuading it should assist in reversing the policies of Jewish settlement and the annexation of Palestinian land. Israel must be told in no uncertain terms that the withdrawal from the occupied territories and the recognition of the rights of the Palestinians to nationhood are the only way to a lasting peace for all nations in the area.

Group of Arab States

MOROCCO

H.E. Mr. Mehdi Mrani Zentar,

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

I should like to extend to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the members of this Committee our thanks for inviting me to participate as Chairman of the Arab Group in this special meeting being held today to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

On behalf of the Arab Group, I should like to express our appreciation and admiration to the heroic people of Palestine who for a quarter of a century have constantly struggled, gallantly and with heroism, for their cause ─ their just and noble cause: live in peace, dignity and honour among the peoples.

This special meeting, held every year at the United Nations in expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people, i s recognition of the struggle of the Palestinian people to recover their legitimate rights. This special meeting is also part of the continuous support lent by the international community to the Palestinian people in their just struggle, headed by the Palestine Liberation Organization, their sole legitimate representative, to enable them to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and to establish their own independent State on their land.

Thanks to the struggle waged by the people and thanks to the constant support given them by the international community, the Palestinian cause is no longer just a question of refugees, as it was for some time in the past. It has now been recognized for what it is ─ a basic problem, a solution to which requires recognition of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people to live within their secure and recognized borders.

The international community as a whole has expressed its support for and solidarity with the Palestinian people, and the entire world has appealed for support for the Palestinian cause with a view to finding a peaceful solution to this problem and enabling the Palestinians to live in dignity in an independent Palestinian State. The Israeli leaders, however, still hope to realize their dream ─ that is, to wipe the Palestinian people and their identity off the face of the earth.

There has been a horrible massacre of Palestinians and Lebanese in Lebanon, and that is proof that the Israeli leaders are still continuing their violation of inter nationally recognized norms and that they are trying to exterminate the Palestinian people. The international reaction to those massacres proves that the world's conscience was shaken by what occurred. And now the plots hatched by the Zionist entity have been recognized for what they are.

Israeli troops must withdraw from the occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, so that the Palestinian people, headed by the Palestine Liberation Organization, their sole legitimate representative, may be able to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination and to establish their own independent State on their land.

The Arab nation, which has deeply felt the Palestinian tragedy from the very outset and which regards this catastrophe as a deep wound, is ardently seeking a solution to this problem.

The recent summit conference of the League of Arab States held at Fez, Morocco, was proof of the serious efforts being made by the Arab nation to find a solution to the Middle East problem and to the Palestinian problem, which is at its core. King Hassan II is at the head of a committee of seven established by that summit conference; that committee is working to implement the resolution adopted at the conference, and the initiative it has taken proves that the Arab nation is eager to work together with the international community to enable the Palestinian people to regain its rights.

King Hassan II, speaking before the General Assembly, said that the position of the Arabs and of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has been recognized as internationally legitimate, and that the PLO is the sole representative of the Palestinian people. He further stated that the problem of the Middle East, and of the Palestinian people in particular, must be solved as soon as possible.

I should not like to end my statement without paying a tribute, on behalf of the Arab Group, to this Committee, whose work we greatly appreciate and which has made tireless efforts and continues to work unflaggingly to ensure that the Palestinian people is enabled to exercise its inalienable rights. The important role played by this Committee in making people more aware of the various aspects of the Palestinian people and in seeking solutions to the problem deserves our appreciation and our support.

In this connection, Mr. Chairman, I should like to emphasize the efforts which you yourself have been making since your assumption of the chairmanship of the Committee. Your effective participation on the Committee's behalf in all the conferences and meetings dealing with the problem of Palestine has highlighted the importance of the Palestinian cause. You have indeed been a model and an example of dedication to this issue. You demonstrate to us the serious manner in which we can work to attain the objective of liberating the Palestinian people and enabling it to exercise its inalienable rights.

Group of Asian States

DEMOCRATIC YEMEN

H.E. Mr. Abdalla Saleh Al-Ashtal, 

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

On behalf of the States members of the Asian Group, I have the honour to participate in this annual meeting devoted to the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It is a pleasure for me, Mr. Chairman, to extend to you the appreciation of the Asian Group for your ceaseless efforts in the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to ensure the recovery by that people of its fundamental, inalienable rights, including its right to return to its homeland, its right to self-determination and its right to the establishment of an independent State under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole legitimate representative.

In accordance with the decision taken by the General Assembly, 29 November is set aside each year as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This commemoration is not merely an expression of support for the exercise by the Palestinian people of its inalienable rights and of support for the Palestine Liberation Organization; it also reflects world concern for justice and concern over the injustice meted out to that people. This problem is one of the most important facing the international community and is a result of Israel's violations of human rights and of United Nations resolutions.

Today's ceremony has particular importance because it is a reflection of the close solidarity of peace-loving peoples with the Palestinian people in its just struggle.

In the meantime, Israel and the States which support it are trying to destroy the identity of the Palestinian people and to wage a war of genocide against it. The acts of aggression Israel has committed in Lebanon have resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and made thousands of people homeless. Israel's war of aggression is proof that Israel's policy and ambitions are expansionists. That country has threatened the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. We see Israel stepping up its arbitrary policies of expansion in occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, in defiance of world public opinion's demands regarding those territories, which have been reiterated on many occasions by United Nations bodies, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council.

In many of its resolutions the United Nations has made it clear that the Palestinian cause is at the very core of the Middle East problem. On many occasions the United Nations has stressed that a just and lasting solution to the Middle East problem can be achieved only through Israel's withdrawal from all occupied territories, including Jerusalem, and through a recognition of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including its right to return to its homeland, its right to self-determination and its right to establish an independent State in Palestine under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

But Israel, rather than recognizing the international will, continues to disregard those resolutions and to pursue its policy of aggression, which poses a threat to peace and security in the region and throughout the world. In carrying out that policy, Israel relies on the unlimited support it is given by the United States, which assists Israel to the point where the Security Council is unable to implement its resolutions or to discharge its responsibilities.

The State members of the Asian Group, while reaffirming their support for the Palestinian people in its heroic, just struggle under the leadership of the PLO to recover its rights to return to its homeland, to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent State, would stress that the developments in the Middle East ─ particularly regarding the Palestinian question ─ require greater and more constructive efforts to establish peace and security in the region before it is too late and further deterioration leads to an explosion in the area.

Group of Eastern European States

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

H.E. Mr. Oleg Aleksandrovich Troyanovsky,

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

First of all, I should like to express appreciation to you, Mr. Chairman, for giving me this opportunity to speak at this special meeting in commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in my capacity as Chairman of the Eastern European Group for the month of November.

In the United Nations quite a lot has been done recently in support of the Arab people of Palestine and it has become a good tradition solemnly to commemorate this Day as a mark of solidarity with that people's heroic struggle for freedom and national dignity. A place of particular importance among the decisions of the United Nations is occupied by those fundamental resolutions adopted by the General Assembly in 1974 confirming the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination without outside interference and their right to national independence and sovereignty. The Palestine Liberation Organization was recognized at that time as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

These decisions marked the growing support of the international community for the courageous and determined struggle of the Palestinians for their legitimate rights and in turn they made it possible to raise this struggle to a qualitatively new level. Over the past years the Palestinian people, headed by their recognized vanguard, the Palestine Liberation Organization, have achieved significant successes in the international arena. The overwhelming majority of the world's States today recognize that the Palestine problem is the core of the conflict in the Middle East and that unless the legitimate demands of the Palestinians are satisfied it will not be possible to achieve a just and lasting peace in that region.

Recent events in the Middle East, primarily Israel's armed aggression against Lebanon, which brought new suffering and deprivation to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, have raised with increasing urgency the matter of the need for the swift achievement of a comprehensive Middle East settlement through honest collective efforts on the part of all interested parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization as an equal party to the negotiations.

The socialist countries firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people and their constant struggle for their legitimate rights, freedom and independence. They consistently advocate a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement in the Middle East which must include the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from all the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem; the restoration of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of their own independent State; and the guaranteeing to all countries in the region of a secure and independent existence. It is the deep conviction of the socialist countries that the key to achieving such a settlement is to satisfy the just aspirations of the Arab people of Palestine. Naturally, the United Nations is called upon to make a positive contribution to a solution of the Palestinian problem and the establishment of peace in the Middle East.

I should like to take this opportunity to express our satisfaction with the useful, indeed outstanding, work done by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The socialist countries of Eastern Europe are for their part fully resolved to continue participating actively in the work of that Committee and to promote its efforts in support of the struggle of the Palestinian people for their rights.

In conclusion, I express my conviction that the day is not far off when the just cause of the Palestinian people will triumph.

Group of Latin American States

ARGENTINA

H.E. Mr. Carlos M. Muñiz,

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

As Chairman of the Latin American Group, I should like first of all to stress the basic importance of the fact that on 29 November each year we commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People as a form of recognition of the struggle of that people for its rights and aspirations in accordance with the relevant resolutions and the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

We consider the recent events in Lebanon to be very grave and we very much regret what has happened to the peoples of Lebanon and Palestine as a consequence of the policy of aggression and interference in the domestic affairs of other States and the violation of internationally recognized frontiers. Of course these events are just the latest links in a process of practically uninterrupted violence. They show the need for a just and peaceful solution that would satisfy the legitimate interests of all the parties involved, and in particular those of the Palestinian nation.

The General Assembly, which is a democratic body representing the vast majority of the international community, has frequently referred to the dangers to international peace and security arising from a situation that it has not been found possible to resolve equitably and permanently. It has also shown clearly that it is aware of the suffering which has been experienced by all the people of the region for more than 30 years and which the Palestinian people in particular is now experiencing.

There is no doubt that it has become a historical necessity to put an end to this situation of inequity and violence. The United Nations, which is the expression of the will of the vast majority of the independent States of the world, should be heard and taken into account. The General Assembly has reaffirmed over and over again the basic outlines for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question and they all coincide with the aims established at the appropriate time by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. We must recall here that the General Assembly has expressly recognized the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and national independence, including its right to establish its own sovereign State with full authority on its territory with its natural resources. The General Assembly, as well as the Security Council, has also stressed the need for respect for the right of all States in the region to live in peace within safe and internationally recognized boundaries. It has also demanded that Israel should withdraw from all the Arab and Palestinian territories occupied by it since 1967 and should comply strictly with the provisions of Security Council resolution 465 (1980), on Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.

Moreover, with regard to the status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, the General Assembly has clearly established that it cannot be determined along the lines of circumstantial political or military strategic interests, but only through an assessment of historical and religious values shared by the Christian, Moslem and Jewish communities. The United Nations has an inescapable responsibility and a basic role to play in finding a solution to this question.

In this regard, we are convinced that the International Conference on the Question of Palestine, to be held at UNESCO headquarters in August 1983, could, if the necessary political will of States exists, make a significant contribution to strengthening international consensus and consolidating the basic aspects I have mentioned so that in the not too distant future Palestine and the whole of the Middle East could become an area of justice, peace and prosperity.

G.   Statements by United Nations Committees

SPECIAL COMMITTEE AGAINST APARTHEID

Mr. Vladimir Kravets, Vice-Chairman

of the Special Committee against Apartheid

I wish to extend to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the members of the Committee, on behalf of the Special Committee against Apartheid and on my own behalf, our gratitude for your kind invitation to address the solemn meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The Special Committee attaches particular significance to the observance of this Day and earnestly hopes that this occasion will lead to further efforts to assist the people of Palestine in their struggle to realize their inalienable rights.

The General Assembly and the Security Council have emphasized the need for a comprehensive and just solution to the crisis in the Middle East. There is a consensus emerging within our Organization and all over the world that any viable solution to the crisis of the Middle East must include a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, including the realization of the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine to self-determination, to return to their homeland and to establish their own independent State on their own land.

Peace and justice in the Middle East will contribute to the promotion of world peace and security.

While the quest of the Palestinian people to regain their inalienable rights has the overwhelming support of the international community, the Israeli authorities are resorting to suppression and oppression in order to destroy the liberation struggle of the Palestinian people. Israel is waging a campaign of terror against the Palestine Liberation Organization, the sole, authentic representative of the Palestinian people.

Israel is also escalating its oppressive campaign against the Palestinian people inside the occupied territories. It is confiscating land, closing schools and academic institutions, exploiting the labour force of those territories as a source of cheap labour and pursuing its condemned policy of settlements on occupied Arab territories.

The tragedy of the Israeli occupation of Lebanon and the mass destruction and suffering which accompany that occupation becomes a daily routine. It should be a reminder to the world, and to our Organization in particular, that the realization of the rights of the Palestinian people is an essential step in avoiding further suffering and bloodshed. The solidarity with the Palestinian people and their vanguard, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), is expanding and that organization is recognized all over the world as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Any settlement of the Middle East crisis must include the participation of the PLO on an equal footing, within the framework of United Nations resolutions.

The Special Committee considers the events in Lebanon of serious consequence. The Israeli authorities, relying on military strength supplied by the United States, occupied the territory of the independent State of Lebanon and waged a war of terror against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. The same situation prevails in southern Africa, where South Africa is occupying parts of the territory of Angola and committing savagery and atrocities against the peoples of Angola and Namibia. The Israeli Defence Minister, Ariel Sharon, visited northern Namibia in December 1981. Obviously, the visit involved co-ordination of the criminal designs of Israel and the apartheid régime in their common strategy against the African and Arab peoples. 

The Special Committee is alarmed by the growing collaboration between Israel and South Africa, particularly in the military and nuclear fields. Such collaboration has serious consequences for peace and security in the Middle East and southern Africa. The General. Assembly has condemned such collaboration on several occasions.

Mr. Chairman, I wish to state that the Special Committee against Apartheid is satisfied that with the growing co-operation between our Committees we will continue to serve our common goals, which are the realization of the rights of peoples to self-determination and the elimination of apartheid and racial discrimination.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ISRAELI PRACTICES

AFFECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE POPULATION

OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

H.E Mr. Ignatius Benedict Fonseka, Chairman

Representing the Special Committee to Investigate the Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Population of the Occupied Territories, I consider it a privilege to be asked to speak today to voice our own solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The Special Committee, which has just presented its fourteenth report to the General Assembly, has been another witness of the 15 years of occupation which the Palestinian people on the West Bank and Gaza have endured. During this period the Special Committee has endeavoured to bring before the international community the continuing violations of human rights, in the hope that there would be some remedy, some relief. But, as we have come to know, that has yet to be. In the meantime, the people in the occupied territories have had to contend with violence, with terror and torture and with policies designed to evict them from their homes and their land, resistance to which has sometimes meant death.

This annual observance of a Day of Solidarity is another effort by the international community to keep alive the courage of the Palestinian people.

For the organization of this observance we owe our appreciation to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. You have by your consistent attachment to upholding these rights, in spite of attitudes ranging from indifference to undisguised opposition, if not hostility, kept the international community alive to the urgent need to recognize and restore the rights of that people. We should like to congratulate you on your unremitting efforts and to offer you our support for the organization of the International Conference on the Question of Palestine that is to take place in 1983.

In assuring the Palestinian people of our solidarity at this observance, we must remind ourselves and acknowledge that it has been the courage and persistence of the Palestinian people themselves that have kept their cause alive. In the occupied territories their resistance, against overwhelming odds, has been unrelenting.

Beyond those lands, the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization has, notwithstanding every vicissitude, gained even wider acknowledgement and recognition. The brutal massacre of undefended civilians in Sabra and Shatila has made the world more aware of the right of the Palestinian people to their homeland. The heroism of their fighting men in west Beirut has become a legend in our time.

On this day of Solidarity, the Special Committee would like to assure the Palestinian people of its continuing concern for the human rights of their people yet under occupation.

I should now like to speak in my capacity as the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka. I should like to place before this meeting the text of a message which I have been asked to transmit from my President, Mr. J.R. Jayawardene. The text of the message is as follows:

UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL FOR NAMIBIA

H.E. Mr. Noel Sinclair, Vice-President 

of the United Nations Council for Namibia

I should like to express the thanks of the United Nations Council for Namibia to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for the invitation extended to the Council to participate in this commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The problem of Palestine, like that of Namibia, is one that has for a long time caused anguish to the international community. We in the United Nations Council for Namibia are all very familiar with situations in which peoples are denied their right to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty. We are also familiar with situations in which a single country not only has defied the international community but has also continued to resist the consensus of that community as expressed in numerous resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Without any doubt, the problem of Palestine lies at the core of the Middle East crisis. Its solution would relieve the tension in the region as well as removing from the area a threat to international peace and security. The Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, its sole legitimate representative, is resolved to regain its inalienable rights to dignity and self-determination. The international community will continue to support the cause of the Palestinian people. This support has increased year after year over the past 36 or so years.

In September this year we all witnessed the horrid massacres of the Palestinian people and the continued dispersion of that people. The tragic events of September must convince those who have turned a blind eye to the plight of the Palestinian people of that people's need for a homeland in which it could control its own destiny and safeguard its security and interests.

The Palestinian people will relentlessly continue their genuine and just struggle until these objectives are attained. Those who are engaged in the search for peace in the Middle East should note that it is only by involving the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people, the Palestine Liberation Organization, in all processes of negotiations that the problem can truly be solved. No lasting peace in the Middle East can be attained unless and until the aspirations of the Palestinian people are fulfilled.

The United Nations Council for Namibia reaffirms the General Assembly resolutions on the right of the Palestinian people to return to their homeland, from which they have been uprooted and displaced.

The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, under the able chairmanship of my friend and brother, Mr. Massamba Sarré of Senegal, has done commendable work in response to the difficult situation arising from the Palestinian problem. The work programme of the Committee demonstrates the seriousness with which it approaches its responsibilities.

The United Nations offers an excellent forum for the search for effective ways and means of attaining a comprehensive, just and lasting solution that would bring peace to the Middle East. All parties to the Middle East problem are Members of or observers at the United Nations. Thus, the Organization, in harmonizing their interests, can serve as a focal point in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the problem.

The United Nations Council for Namibia remains resolute in its support for the struggle of the Palestinian people and will continue to work for the restoration of the rights of both the Palestinian and the Namibian peoples.

H.  Statements by intergovernmental and other organizations

with observer status at the United Nations

LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES 

H.E. Dr. Clovis Maksoud,

Permanent Observer to the United Nations

I would like to express to you, Mr. Chairman, and through you to the Committee over which you preside, the deep appreciation of the Arab people for the yeoman work that you have undertaken in spelling out, underlining and communicating the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, the League of Arab States, in welcoming this international solidarity with the Palestinian people, considers that the moral outrage that has been expressed today in this Committee about Israel's usurpation of Palestinian rights and the carnage it has wrought on Beirut, on Lebanon and on the Palestinian refugee camps must be translated, through your efforts and those of the United Nations, into concrete measures that would constrain Israel's proclivity to continue with its plans of usurpation, expansion and annexation.

The Palestinian people, who are united within the framework of the Palestine Liberation Organization which in turn is an active member of the League of Arab States, realizes that the solidarity that has been expressed today by the leaders and representatives of the States Members of the United Nations has a healing function on the wounds that have been inflicted on the children and women who have experienced the most savage bombings and attacks in contemporary history. We appreciate the level of heightened indignation that has manifested itself today at the qualitative increase in the level of aggressiveness which the Israeli invasion of Lebanon constituted. Our normal indignation and outrage must undoubtedly reach an unprecedented level when we witness the sufferings and personal tragedies of the Palestinian people. The summer of agony that mankind has experienced must be a reminder that no aggressor should be let loose to play havoc with the chances of peace and justice.

Therefore, the expressions of solidarity and the efforts of this Committee to articulate the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people are deeply appreciated by every single Arab State and every single Arab people. For Palestine is to the Arabs not only a geographic and historical term, is an area which belongs to the Arab nation. It is not only the homeland of an Arab people long established and now long dispossessed and disenfranchised, bereft of the exercise of its legal, national, natural and inalienable rights. Today, when the votes and the voices of the Member States in this Committee and outside it are raised in the expression of their commitment to the rights of the Palestinians, as well as of their indignation and outrage at Israel's violation of those rights, we consider this to be a healing of many wounds. The barbarism of Israel's deliberate attempts to exterminate the Palestinian people and the Palestinian constituency by means of a two-fold operation the physical destruction of Palestinians in their camps and abodes and the creeping annexation in the West Bank and Gaza and occupied territories ─ is clear. When international attention is focused on one element of Israeli aggression, whether it be their extermination and genocide in Beirut and in the refugee camps or their creeping annexationist policies carried out through legal chicanery in the West Bank and Gaza in order to pre-empt any national and cultural cohesion of the Palestinian identity, then naturally the voice of mankind as represented here today becomes the voice of the world conscience.

That is why we in the League of Arab States are expressing our solidarity with our Palestinian brothers ─ for they are a part of our Arab nation ─ but it is also why we, on behalf of the Palestinians and the Arab people with whom they are organically bound in a unified destiny, extend to you, Mr. Chairman, and through you to those who have expressed their solidarity, our gratitude, in the name of those maimed, wounded, hospitalized, disenfranchised and homeless. What you have said here today can become a healing of the wounds inflicted upon them and give them hope that one day soon their rights will, with your noble efforts, be reinstated and restored.

ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE

Message from H.E. the Secretary-General 

of the Organization of the Islamic Conference

The celebration by the international community of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is of particular significance this year because it provides an opportunity for the countries of the world to pay a rousing tribute to the fighting people of Palestine and to render unflagging support to the glorious struggle it is waging to regain its freedom and independence.

Since last June, this people has been heroically resisting the war of extermination being waged against it by Israel, a war which culminated in the horrifying massacre perpetrated in the Sabra and Shatila camps on 15, 16 and 17 September 1982.

With this crime, premeditated and carried out in cold blood, Israel has disgraced mankind and shaken the conscience of the world.

While Israeli troops dig in on Lebanese territory and practise a policy based on terrorism, destruction and mass arrests directed specifically against the inhabitants of the Palestinian refugee camps, elsewhere Israel is systematically implementing a policy of annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories. To that end, Israel is enforcing all the practices of repression, arrest and expulsion against the Palestinian inhabitants of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

It is, however, evident that neither this invasion, nor Israel's expansionist policy, nor the continuation of the acts of destruction and terrorism which it carries out in the Middle East will succeed in inducing the States of the region to capitulate. Time is not on the side of aggression and its perpetrators.

Mr. Chairman, I should like to reaffirm from this podium the spontaneous and unflagging support of the States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference for the Palestinian people and for the heroic struggle it is waging to regain its inalienable national rights under the leadership of its sole legitimate representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization.

We should like to add our voice to those of the States of the world in this demonstration of active solidarity with the just struggle of a people determined to put an end to the occupation of its territory and to enjoy its right to self-determination on its national soil like other peoples of the world.

We are convinced that this struggle will be crowned with success because of the unshakeable determination of the Palestinian people to resist the Israeli occupation regardless of the sacrifices required.

On this occasion we also salute those who fell on the field of honour under the fire of the occupation forces, thus demonstrating that Israel's aggression and terrorism cannot shake the determination of a people resolved to recover its usurped national rights, a determination which will not flag in the face of this tragic situation which has now lasted more than 35 years.

Mr. Chairman, faced with this Israeli policy which perpetuates war and destruction in the region, the Arab States, at the Fez Summit Conference last September, adopted a clearly thought-out plan to guarantee security and peace in the Middle East. They based themselves on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and on its resolutions in order to produce a plan for a just, and lasting solution to the Middle East problem, at the heart of which lies the question of Palestine.

The States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have warmly welcomed the plan unanimously adopted by the Arab States and have expressed their firm determination to support it at all levels on the basis of the resolutions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Everyone is aware of the dangerous situation prevailing in the Middle East, a situation brought about by Israel's stubborn determination to pursue its invasion and occupation of a large part of Lebanese territory and to create all kinds of difficulties and conditions likely to prolong that occupation.

Furthermore, Israel applies a fait accompli policy in the occupied Palestinian territories in order to annex more of those territories while at the same time imposing on inhabitants unduly harsh living conditions designed to force them to leave and thus abandon their lands and their homeland.

Having annexed the Holy City of Jerusalem, Israel is hastily establishing new Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza in defiance of the resolutions of the Security Council and the General, Assembly of the United Nations and all other international authorities.

It should be stressed that pursuit of this frantic policy of establishing settlements is an extremely dangerous practice which has no other objective than to crush all hope of seeing peace established in the Middle East,

Furthermore, Israel uses the issue of its security as a pretext for achieving its expansionist aims and for prolonging the occupation by force of territory which belongs to others.

For example, the geographical boundaries necessary, according to Israel, for its security are to be stretched every year. A simple comparison between the area of the territory under Israeli control today and that of the territory which it occupied 35 years ago reveals the real Israeli expansionist aims for all the world to see.

Mr. Chairman, we have before us at the present time a genuine desire for peace manifested by the Fez Summit. But underlying that desire is an unshakeable determination to recover the occupied territories and regain the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people in compliance with the principles of the United Nations and its resolutions.

We take this opportunity to launch an appeal from this podium to the States of the world to show solidarity with this move towards peace by lending it support and assistance in order to foil the designs of Israel which is prolonging tension in the Middle East, thereby jeopardizing international peace and security.

We appeal once again to the great Powers and, in particular, to the United States of America to recognize the right of the Palestinian people under the leadership of its sole representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State on its national soil in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

Mr. Chairman, laying the foundations for an equitable peace in the Middle East is a responsibility incumbent on all States of the world and one which requires their sincere and concerted efforts.

I.   Statements by national liberation Movements

AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICA

Mr. Makatini, representative of the 

African National Congress of South Africa

Mr. Chairman, we thank you most sincerely for calling upon us to speak on this important occasion, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Allow me at this juncture to place on record the African National Congress' appreciation of your country's and your own personal commitment to the struggle for Palestinian and black South African emancipation.

The statements and messages of unswerving solidarity by a number of Heads of State, as well as various Governments and non-governmental organizations, with the Palestine Liberation Organization on this occasion have moved us deeply, because they have a special meaning and significance. They have a special significance to the struggling people of South Africa and the African National Congress, because both our peoples are victims of the worst form of settler colonialism, institutionalized terrorism and genocide, made possible by the collaboration of some Western Powers in the economic, military and nuclear fields.

On this occasion we salute the valiant Palestinian and Lebanese peoples' heroism in rebuffing the wanton aggression perpetrated by Israel against them, and for emerging even more determined and united under the far-sighted leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) headed by Yasser Arafat. In expressing again active solidarity with the valiant people of Palestine and its sole legitimate representative, the PLO, the African National Congress salutes their selfless heroism.

We take the position that the world-wide revulsion at and condemnation of the Israeli permanent aggression against the Arab States, and its genocide against the Palestinian people, now calls for concrete action against the Zionist State. We take this occasion to appeal for concerted international action to impose comprehensive and mandatory sanctions against Israel and to demand Israel's unconditional withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories and the establishment of a Palestinian State.

The ANC believes that there is an urgent and imperative need for the Security Council to take concrete action against Israel not only because of the striking resemblance between the doctrine of Zionism and that of apartheid and the conspiracies, designs and strategies evolved by imperialism decades ago that made oppression of our peoples possible, but also because of the alliance that exists between the Tel Aviv and Pretoria règimes, and the relations that these two international pariahs enjoy with the Reagan, Administration.

The urgency we attach to concerted action against Zionist Israel is further underscored by what we see as the unfolding scenario which is evidence of United States support of preparations by the apartheid règimes for Beirut-type aggression and genocide in southern Africa. 

We also seize this opportunity to call on all those countries which have not done so to break diplomatic relations with Israel, whose policies constitute a serious threat to world peace and international security. For its part, and in pursuit of its struggle for the total eradication of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic State in South Africa, the ANC pledges to remain in the same trench as the PLO until victory is achieved in both territories.

PAN AFRICANIST CONGRESS OF AZANIA

Mr. Mafole, representative of the 

Pan Africanist Congress of Azania

On behalf of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, custodian of the genuine aspirations of the oppressed, exploited and dispossessed African people of Azania, we wish to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for having invited the PAC to participate on this occasion marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and their legitimate and indisputable liberation movement, the Palestine Liberation Organization. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our unequivocal support for the inalienable rights of the Arab Palestinian people to national independence and self-determination and their right to their own State.

It is only natural that we should participate in this meeting because the peoples of Azania and Palestine were betrayed and dispossessed of their fatherland by the same colonial Power, Britain, and have had their inalienable rights denied by the settler colonialists. Moreover, the ideologies to which they are subjected and of which they are the victims are also the same, namely, blatant racism ─ called apartheid in occupied Azania and Zionism in occupied Palestine.

In Azania the indigenous and rightful owners of the land have been declared foreigners under the bantustan policy. The Palestinians in Palestine have their equivalent in the Middle East ─ the United Nations Relief and Works Agency refugee camps.

Our country was handed over to the racist settlers by the British through the South Africa Act of 1909. The Union of South Africa, which that Act established, totally excluded the overwhelming indigenous majority from all political institutions and offices. The infamous Balfour Declaration of 1917 repeated precisely the same British pressure. The British handed over mandated Palestine to international Zionism.

When the peoples of Azania and Palestine opposed these arbitrary colonial acts, they were subjected to brutal massacres. In Azania it was at Sharpeville and Soweto, while in the case of the dispossessed Palestinians it was at Deir Yassin, and recently at the Shatila and Sabra refugee camps.

Thus it is clear that apartheid and Zionism are two sides of the same coin. This fact was also stressed by the United Nations when it declared apartheid a crime against humanity and Zionism a form of racism. The close affinity is acknowledged by the racists and the Zionists themselves, by their open collaboration and political, economic, military, nuclear, financial and cultural links.

What, however, surprises us at times is the opposition raised by Western Powers whenever attention is drawn to the similarity and affinity between apartheid and Zionism, when it is obvious to all that the ideologies stem from the racist notion of a chosen people, when they openly co-operate and collaborate, and when they are the illegitimate product of the same colonial Power.

The evidence concerning the similarity and mutual co-operation between apartheid and Zionism is indeed weighty and undeniable. Moreover, it is known to all, even by those who would like to deny it. That apartheid and Zionism are a real threat to world peace and security too is a fact, and widely acknowledged even by those Western Powers which support them militarily, economically and politically. However, they give that support because these two racist entities are imperialist outposts.

The Azanian and Palestinian people are waging a legitimate struggle to have their inalienable rights restored, and restored unconditionally. In the case of Azania and Palestine the Western imperialist Powers have been waging a concerted campaign to coerce the dispossessed people into surrendering their inalienable birthright. The racists and Zionists, with the support of the Western imperialist Powers, especially the United States of America, have been insisting that the dispossessed people renounce their legitimate claim first ─ before their national liberation movement can be recognized and their rightful demands considered. The racist Zionist strategy is “Your house has been occupied, but before your right to your house can be considered, you must give up your rightful claim t o that house". Such is the imperialist and Zionist logic.

We of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania wish to reiterate that only the indigenous majority can guarantee democracy and equal rights. No minority settler clique can. We therefore unconditionally support the just struggle of the dispossessed people of Palestine for the restoration of their usurped inalienable rights. We are confident that the Azanian and Palestinian people, being staunch comrades in arms, will eventually triumph. It is only a matter of time.

Non-governmental organizations

GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE

Mr. Kurt Seibt, President

I have the honour of informing you about the reaction of the solidarity movement of the GDR to the development in the Middle East initiated with the Israeli raid on the Republic of Lebanon. The Solidarity Committee of the GDR can assure with full justification that the statements issued by the Party and government of the GDR, the mass organisations as well as by itself are an expression of the position of our people as a whole that in a wave of indignation as well as of solidarity with the Palestinian and. Lebanese peoples multiplied its activities within the framework of the solidarity movement of our country. In innumerable meetings and protest resolutions sent to us the bloody aggression of Israel was most decidedly denounced.

Also the numerous impressing manifestations taking place during the "Week of Solidarity with the Anti-Imperialist Struggle of the Arab Peoples" from 5th to 11th June 1982 were centred at the accusation against the aggressor and the solidarity with the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples.

This extermination war once again made evident that Israel is disregarding peace and security of the peoples in this region.

Israel had not ventured this violation of international law, if it would not be sure of the full political, economic and military support by the U.S. government.

This aggression once more demonstrated to mankind with all clarity what serious consequences the policy of confrontation and arms build-up originating from the Reagan administration has for the peoples. It is affecting all regions of the world. At the same time it demonstrated the heavy threat to world peace emanating from Israel as the regional major ally of the U.S. government by its pushing on an escalated nuclear armament already. The Israeli aggression and arms policy is only possible, because this state continuously receives a large military and economic assistance by the U.S.A.

The events in Lebanon demonstrate the urgent need to bring about a just and permanent settlement to the conflict in the Middle East, and in its centre, to the Palestinian issue. We entirely support the Six Principles for a Middle East Settlement pointed out by Leonid Brezhnev, Chairman of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet, which we think appropriate to bring about progress in establishing peace in the Middle East and which simultaneously are in conformity with the points which were considered to be imperative by the Arab states at their Summit Meeting in Fez for an extensive settlement of the conflict.

Today it is more evident than ever: the Palestinian people and its only legitimate representative, the P.L.O., are not to be excluded from the efforts for peace in the Middle East.

We welcome that also in Israel democratic forces have raised their voices as forcefully as never before and dissociated themselves from the murderous policy of the Tel Aviv leadership culminating in the massacres of Shatila and Sabra.

Since 6th June 1982 the Solidarity Committee of the GDR has taken various steps to support the P.L.O. and the Lebanese patriots. The financing of these additional actions was enabled by the establishment of a special account on which large contributions of the GDR working people were received. Via plane and ship medicaments, blood plasma, blankets, tents, medical equipment, clothes and food were sent to Damascus. In two charter planes about 100 injured P.L.O. fighters came to the GDR for a medical treatment. Fifty Palestinian children who had been evacuated from the war area spent their holidays in the GDR.

The Solidarity Committee of the GDR also took part in the Meeting of the Commission of Inquiry for the Crimes of Israel in Nicosia on 17th and 18th August 1982 and it will also be represented in the following activities of the Commission. In solidarity with the Palestinian people a special postage stamp the extra charge of which is to the benefit of the Solidarity Account was issued in the GDR. On this occasion I take the liberty of presenting a first-issue cover of this stamp to you and to all members of the Committee.

At the present time our activities are focussed on the 29th November which is observed here with a big mass meeting as well as opening a photographic exhibition about the Palestinian people before and after the aggression.

I believe, Excellency, you share my view that the international solidarity movement with the Palestinian people should make it its main business to further support the P.L.O. using all means to enable it at this difficult stage of its struggle to fully make use of its political possibilities in the sense of the implementation of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people against all attempts to water down these rights.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRESS ORGANIZATION

Mr. Robert Thabit, representative of the 

International Progress Organization

The International Progress Organization, with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, has as one of its most important aims the full realization of human rights, and especially those of the Palestinian people. The world has witnessed the spectre of Israeli benevolence in its attempt to purify Lebanon by eliminating the Palestinian people, a gross violation of human rights which all the world has condemned.

The massacres that followed the Israeli aggression in Lebanon in the humble refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila were merely further evidence of Israeli realpolitik. The genocide of the Palestinian people which took place in 1982 in Lebanon will, we hope, never take place again anywhere, any time, against any people.

We believe that it is time that the world Powers faced the problem of human rights for the Palestinian people, and addressed their right to an independent State in their ancestral home, Palestine. How long must the Palestinian people wait for their human rights to be achieved? Why should one Semitic people have greater rights than another Semitic people? Why cannot both Semitic peoples live with equal rights and with equal levels of security and peace?

The Palestinian people, and their children and grandchildren, have the right to live out their years in positive productive endeavours. The infrastructure the Palestinian people had built in Lebanon was not meant to infringe on Lebanon's sovereignty, but was built to serve the legitimate needs of that people, for education, for work and for reasonable health-care. Much of this was deliberately destroyed by the Israelis, along with the cultural and intellectual efforts of a people. Even yesterday, it was reported that armed men have removed great quantities of drugs and medical supplies from the Palestinian Gaza Hospital in Lebanon. Who will provide medical care for these Palestinians? Or is this another attempt at genocide, by depriving their doctors and nurses from treating the sick and injured? We condemn this callous attitude towards the noble people of Palestine, who are as well educated as any ethnic Arab strain, who work just as hard as any Arab people, and who deserve to live as decently as any other people in the world.

On this day of Solidarity we join with all those who have spoken before us to assure the Palestinians that we shall continue to support their natural right to a State of their own and their natural right to select the Palestine Liberation Organization as their sole legitimate representative. We would appeal to the United States not to continue to insist that the PLO recognize Israel before Israel first recognizes the human rights of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, including an independent State of Palestine. For until the rights of the Palestinian people are secured there can be no peace in the Middle East.

We cannot, on this Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, but condemn the Government and policies of Begin and Sharon, which have brought so much bloodshed to the Middle East, the needless bloodshed of Palestinians and Lebanese people. The Arab peace plan agreed upon at the Summit Conference in Fez and President Reagan's peace plan are starting-points from which a lasting peace could be achieved once the full rights of the Palestinian people are recognized. The Israelis can no longer say that the Arabs and the Palestinians are not prepared to live at peace with Israel. The next logical step is negotiations, but they cannot begin until the Israelis recognize Palestinian rights and the PLO as the spokesman of the Palestinian people. Who can question its popular and democratic support among the Palestinian people, wherever they may be?

Long live the Palestinian people and their representative, the Palestine Liberation Organization, in an independent State of their own, Palestine.

NGO COMMITTEE ON THE EXERCISE

OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF

THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE 

Ellen Chrisman, Acting Chairman

The NGO Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is most grateful to you and to the distinguished members of this Committee for the privilege of addressing you today. The continued and growing concern for the plight of the Palestinian people is shared by our Committee and it was due to this concern that the Committee was formed earlier this year. Although we welcome this opportunity to express our unconditional support for and solidarity with the Palestinian people and the opportunity to offer the assistance of our Committee, we are saddened that these solemn Days of Solidarity continue to be necessary. The NGO Committee seeks to harness the energy and almost unlimited potential of non-governmental organizations to mobilize world-wide public support for the Palestinian people.

At our second meeting, a statement of purpose was approved as follows: 

Mr. Chairman, the NGO Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People is intended to be as broad-based and representative as possible and seeks to involve all organizations which can endorse the statement of purpose.

Non-governmental organizations affiliated with the United Nations fall into two basic categories; those in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and/or a Specialized Agency and those associated or listed with the Department of Public Information. Consultative arrangements, outlined in ECOSOC resolution 1296 (XLIV), are based on Article 71 of the Charter and recognize that non-governmental organizations "provide an important means of furthering the purposes and principles of the United Nations". NGOs associated with the Department of Public Information are charged with redisseminating information about the UN and thereby to encourage support for the purposes and principles of this organization. Our Committee hopes to facilitate and enhance both NGO relationships and through this to encourage more concerted and vocal support for the Palestinian people in the NGO Community.

Our Committee has noted the recommendations contained in the Report of the Seventh United Nations Seminar on the Question of Palestine, specifically that NGOs be enlisted to disseminate information to specific constituencies on Palestinian rights and the "similarities and even identity between zionism and apartheid" and these tasks will constitute a major portion of our work.

Mr. Chairman, I can assure you that a number of NGOs are sincerely concerned with the suffering and struggle of the Palestinian people. For those NGOs and our Committee, I again assure you that you have the complete support of our NGO Committee. As our Committee develops, we hope to be of growing assistance to you in your most valuable work.

ORGANIZATION OF SOLIDARITY OF THE PEOPLES OF

AFRICA, ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA (OSPAAAL) 

The glorious Palestinian people have filled the pages of history of peoples' struggles with patriotism and heroism over since Zionist geography, encouraged by imperialism, expelled that Arab people from their homeland and began the occupation of new lands in the Middle East.

The blood shed since that time by the Palestinian people in their struggle for the just cause of living in their own country has been inexhaustible; the massacres which have cost the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinian and Lebanese victims by the Falangist and Zionist barbarity carried out in conjunction with Yankee imperialism have been innumerable. But nothing has been so devastating, so abominably savage or so shamelessly calculated as the Israeli genocide carried out in Lebanon during the last few months.

The tragedy experienced by the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples is one of the practical results of the political-military alliance of the rulers of Washington and Tel-Aviv, in which US government has laid out its imperialist plan for the region, putting the treacherous Camp David Accords into practice.

However, the Palestinians, in defending their inalienable rights, also defended the homeland of their Lebanese brothers and, together with them, in historic fraternity, rose up as never before and, with the sure leadership of Yasser Arafat, reached the heights of those who have written great and unforgettable epics for humanity.

The Palestinian-Lebanese Joint Forces led by the PLO, the only and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and the Lebanese National Movement, vanguard of the progressive Lebanese forces, have demonstrated to the world an exemplary attitude of determination to fight the aggressor until victory or death. This inviolable commitment, which has been maintained in the defense of Beirut, in the Palestinian combatants' exile, in the struggle carried out in the occupied territories, in the battles still going on in southern Lebanon, are today a battle cry against the invader which clearly shows that the armed struggle continues wherever the Zionist enemy is found, and will come to an end only when the heroic Palestinians regain the right to live in their own free and independent state.

The Palestinian problem is a problem of all peoples. The murderers who carried out the massacres of Deir Yassin, Kofor Kassan, Fakkani, Southern Lebanon, Sabra and Shatila are the same ones who, allied to imperialism, support the Latin American oligarchies, the racist South Africans, the right wing in every corner of the earth. That is why the Palestinian people urgently need the most decisive and active world solidarity.

The Executive Secretariat of OSPAAAL, on the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, calls on progressive and peace-loving humanity to condemn the savage aggression, occupation, torture and plunder by the Nazionist hordes against the Palestinians and Lebanese, and to give our greatest moral and material support to their heroic and exemplary struggle.

PALESTINE CONGRESS OF NORTH AMERICA

Mr. Jawad F. Georges, Executive Director 

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Congress of North America, allow me to express our gratitude for permitting us to present this statement to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

We endorse the significant progress the Committee has made in the search for a solution to the Palestinian question and encourage you to press forward. It is particularly noteworthy that this meeting occurs today to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The commemoration of November 29 this year is particularly poignant today as a result of the recent events both in Lebanon and in Palestine itself.

I come before you as a representative of the Palestinian community which is living in North America. As an individual, I come before you in three contexts:

First, as a Palestinian who proclaims that there is only one representative of the Palestinian people, and that representative is the Palestine Liberation Organization. I come before you as a Palestinian who understands that Israel's objectives are not only to eradicate Palestinian political institutions and political rights, but moreover to eradicate our very existence as a people, because, in the legitimacy of our existence will the world see the illegitimacy of theirs.

Second, as an American, I come before you to decry the unilateral initiatives of my own government to bring peace to the Middle East. By ruling out ipso facto the creation of an independent Palestinian state and by denying recognition of the PLO as the sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, the United States endeavour has fatal flaws that cannot possibly succeed.

Third, as a citizen of the world, I come before you to ask how much longer must we wait. For 35 years the Palestinian people have been living in diaspora. We have witnessed passage of very many U.N. resolutions. When is it that we will go about implementation of the various resolutions? We have seen an arrogant, expansionist Israel defy U.N. resolution after U.N. resolution. The very credibility of the U.N. is in question as a result of Israel's flagrant disregard. It is a time, Mr. Chairman, for action. A time for implementation.

Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, let us get about the business of peace. Let us turn our attention to implementation:

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE SITUATION WITH REGARD

TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION 

ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL

COUNTRIES AND PEOPLE

Mr. Frank Owen Abdulah, Chairman

The decision of the General Assembly to observe this day as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is not only a measure of the international community's deep concern for the Palestinian people but also a reflection of its recognition that a just solution of the Palestinian problem is of overriding importance in the striving for a lasting settlement to the Middle East question. Through this occasion, the General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the Palestinian people for the realization of their inalienable rights and seeks to enlighten and mobilize international public opinion towards the attainment of the objectives of the United Nations on the question of Palestine.

We in the Special Committee attach great significance to the mobilization of international opinion towards the attainment of the objectives of the United Nations on the question of self-determination for all peoples under alien and colonial domination. We are profoundly aware of the power of an alert and informed world public opinion in the struggle against injustice, oppression and alien and colonial domination.

It therefore gives me great satisfaction to join in this effort to enlighten and mobilize international opinion on the question of Palestine before such a representative gathering as in assembled here today.

Despite the best efforts of the United Nations over the past three decades, the search for a peaceful and just solution for all the nations and peoples of the region has continued to elude us. In the recent past, the several steps taken in order to contribute to the solution of the problem of Palestine have not met with unanimous acceptance, so that whatever has been achieved has invariably fallen far short of our objectives. We should not be discouraged, however, by this lack of progress. Indeed, it should serve to inspire us to even greater efforts to achieve a just, secure and lasting peace.

As we are all aware, the situation today remains most critical and explosive as uncertainty, discord and violence continue to prevail in the area. On this important occasion it becomes all the more important, therefore, that we should firmly rededicate ourselves to the promotion of a genuine and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict.

However, the attainment of such an objective will continue to elude us unless the core of the Middle East conflict, namely, the Palestinian question, is resolved. We must therefore work diligently for the realization of that objective and for the creation of all the conditions favourable to a just and lasting peace in the area. These include the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to establish an independent State, the right of all States in the area to an independent existence and the strict observance of the principle of non-acquisition of territory by force.

This important Day provides us with an opportune occasion to reiterate once again our solemn commitment and determination to extend maximum support to the Palestinian people and to associate ourselves with the defence of their cause.

In this context and in keeping with the relevant decisions of the General Assembly, it is incumbent on all of us to work closely and to co-operate fully with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in the discharge of its important tasks to enable the Palestinian people to decide their destiny in accordance with their freely expressed wish and true aspirations.

For only through our collective efforts and through the complete implementation of the relevant decisions of the United Nations can the injustice inflicted for so long upon the Palestinian people be corrected.

Before concluding, I should like to acknowledge with appreciation the very important work carried out by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, under the outstanding and dedicated leadership of Mr. Massamba Sarré of Senegal. I wish also to express my thanks to you, Mr. Chairman, and to all the members of the Committee for the kind invitation extended to me to take part in this important meeting.

WORLD FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, the World Federation of Trade Unions reiterates ─ on behalf of its 206 million members from all continents and social systems ─ its militant solidarity with the heroic struggle of the Palestinian people, under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), their sole legitimate representative, for the achievement of their inalienable national rights, including the right to self-determination, the right to return to their homeland and the right to establish an indepen dent nation-state on their own territory.

The genocidal war waged by Israel, with the full support of the US Administration, and its barbaric crimes against the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples have been strongly condemned by the world public opinion. However, encouraged by the United States, Israel goes on rejecting all the UN resolutions demanding withdrawal from the occupied territories and the recognition of the Palestinian people's national rights.

US and Israeli policy ─ denying the rights of the Palestinian people and attempting to annihilate the PLO ─ and the invasion of Lebanon in pursuit of that aim lie at the root of the general dangerous situation which prevails in the Middle East and which threatens world peace as a whole.

The Reagan plan for the Middle East is only an extension of this policy.

There will be no peace in the Middle East if no solution is found to the Palestinian problem, based on recognition of the Palestinian people's legitimate national rights and of the PLO, their sole legitimate representative.

The WFTU calls on workers and trade unions in all countries, irrespective of affiliation, to further intensify the campaign of solidarity with the Palestinian workers and people and to step up mass pressure on the US and Israeli Governments to force the Israeli troops to pull out of the occupied territories and to bring about the implementation of United Nations resolutions on the Palestinian problem which call for an independent Palestinian State.

WORLD PEACE COUNCIL

Mr. Romesh Chandra,

President of the World Peace Council

I would like on the occasion of November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to convey to this specially convened meeting the warmest greetings of the World Peace Council and the millions of peace fighters represented in it from 137 countries.

The question of Palestine and the struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable national rights has been and continues to be one of the main concerns of the World Peace Council and its national organisations throughout the world. The World Peace Council has always maintained that lasting peace can never be achieved in a world wracked by national oppression and denial of the rights of peoples to self-determination.

For over three decades now the Middle East has been constantly plunged into wars and senseless bloodshed ─ which have threatened the peace and security of the whole world ─ by Israel's expansionism, aggression and obstinate denial of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

The recent Israeli war of aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, and the atrocities committed by the Israeli invading forces, including the bestial massacres at Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, and the continuing Israeli reign of terror in the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, have further revealed the criminal nature of the Israeli plans and the intention to exterminate the Palestinian people.

The United States administration cannot escape its responsibility for the callous behaviour of the Israeli ruling circles. Its continuous economic, military and political support to Israel and its obstructionist attitude preventing effective action against Israel by the United Nations and the international community have all served to encourage the expansionism and aggressiveness of Israel and its continuous flaunting of U.N. resolutions.

The World Peace Council would like to reiterate on this occasion that the just solution of the question of Palestine, on the basis of the United Nations resolutions, is the key to the achievement of a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Israel should be made to withdraw from all Palestinian and other Arab territories it occupied since June 1967, recognise the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent sovereign state under the leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and solve the tragic problem of the Palestinian refugees through recognition of their right to return to their homeland or repatriation.

The World Peace Council has given and continues to give its unqualified support to the United Nations resolutions on the question of Palestine and on the Middle East. It believes that the cause of peace in the Middle East can best be served through the convening of an international conference for peace in the Middle East under the auspices of the United Nations, with the participation of all parties concerned on an equal footing, including the PLO.

The war of aggression launched by Israel against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples has clearly demonstrated the urgency of reaching a just and peaceful settlement to the question of Palestine and the Middle East.

It is the duty of the international community to act without delay to put an end to injustice and to save the peoples of the region the horrors of yet another war.

The World Peace Council in expressing its unreserved solidarity with the Palestinian people's struggle, pledges its full support to all efforts by the United Nations and its Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to achieve a just solution to the question of Palestine on the basis of the United Nations resolutions.

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