EUROPEAN POLITICAL COOPERATION …aei.pitt.edu/5586/1/epc_statement_1984.pdfEUROPEAN POLITICAL...

EUROPEAN POLITICAL COOPERATION

STATEMENTS OF THE FOREIGN MINISTERS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

1984 Speech by the Foreign Minister of France at the opening session of the Stockholm Conference on Confidence and Security-Building Measures and Disarmament in Europe

17 January 1984

Statements on Lebanon, Iran-Iraq, South Africa and press statements on East-West relations and Latin America

27 February 1984

Declarations on East-West Relations, Lebanon, Middle East, Iran/Iraq, Latin America, Cyprus

27 March 1984

Statement on Chile 9 April 1984 Statement on the death of Ambassador Pedro De Asristegui 17 April 1984 Statement on Afghanistan 14 May 1984 Statement on Poland 23 July 1984 Statement to the European Parliament by the Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs on political cooperation

26 July 1984

Statement on terrorism and diplomatic immunity 11 September 1984 Statement on South Africa 11 September 1984 Statement on Hong Kong 25 September 1984 Statement by the Foreign Minister of Ireland at the 39th General Assembly of the United Nations

25 September 1984

Statement on Chile 12 November 1984 Press statement on the fourth report on the Code of Conduct for European Community companies with subsidiaries in South Africa

20 November 1984

Fourth Community analysis of the implementation of the Community Code of Conduct by companies with subsidiaries in South Africa

20 November 1984

Declaration on the London Guidelines for the Export of Nuclear Material, Equipment and Technology

20 November 1984

Statement on Bolivia 28 November 1984 Statement to the European Parliament by the Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs on political cooperation

12 December 1984

Statement on Afghanistan 27 December 1984 The European Council issued other statements. See the conclusions of the Brussels (19-20 March 1984), Fontainebleau (25-26 June 1984) and Dublin (3-4 December 1984) meetings. Citation “Bull EC” is the Bulletin of the European Communities.

46. Speech by Mr. Claude CheyssonPresident- in-Office of the Counciland Foreign Minister of France, atthe opening session of the Stock-holm Conference on Confidenceand Security-Building Measuresand D.isarmamentin Europe (CDE)

(Stockholm, 17 January 1984 , ex-cerpt)

We, the Foreign Ministers of the 35 countries who partici~pated in the Helsinki Conference, are meeting here todayto debate questions of disarmament and security inEurope. History has shown that hatred and war are con-tagious. Confidence and peace can be so too. The mem-bers of the European Community are convinced that aharmonious debate at this conference will have a favour-able effect on the most problematical negoti.ations of ourtime. But they also know and confirm that this conferencewas not intended as a substitute for others, especially theGeneva Conference, where the Americans and theSoviets have been discussing nuclear weapons. Therewould be no point in trying to tackle those problems here;indeed, to do so would hamper the CDE in carrying out itsmandate.The Ten feel it is important to recall three objectives inthis connection:First, all 35 countries wish primarily to follow the coursedadopted.at Helsinki. At the CDE the princip.les laid downin the Final Act and precisely formulated at the conclu-sion of the Madrid Follow-up Conference will be fully ob-served. Its work will remain free from bloc~inspired disci~

pline , but of course the existence of the alliances cannotbe ignored. Like the CSCE, of which it is a part, the CDEencompasses all parts of the continent from the Atlanticto the Urals. The spirit of the CSCE requires us to seek alasting improvement in relations among all European na-tions , constantly to reaffirm the right of every nation to

173Source: European Political Co-ope:t:'ation~ fi;f.th editiop.~

Press and Information GUice , Federa!l, Repub;J,ic . 9f Germany, B9t\t\~ 1988

determine its own fate, to intensify our .contacts, and to

defend the individual and collective freedoms of all citi-zens. Europe cannot and should not cease to pursue itsreunification as a cultural community. Recent history hasdivided our continent. The wound is deep, nonethelesswe must again learn to live in harmony. This undertakingrequires the balance of power to be restored for every-

one s peace of mind. This is essential for security andpeace. Ways will have to be found to enable all societies,

from the Atlantic to the Urals, to develop without coer-cion and with their own identity being fully preserved, be-

, cause there would be little chance of progress towardsgreater security in Europe if the agonizing social, culturaland human differences between the two sides were topersist and could grow worse at any moment. It isnecessary that the nations of our continent should con-sistently and patiently seek co-operation and open theirsocieties to one another. As in the case of the Final Act ofHelsinki, the global approach is essential if we are tostrengthen confidence and peace on our continent. Innegotiations on arms control and security we cannot letour thoughts stray from the path of political reality. It is

the normal and right course forthe CDE to develop within

the framework of the CSCE.Second, we are looking for a new perspective for improv-iog security in Europe. It will be important to proceed stepby step. The realistic attitude called for in the present cir-cumstances exists. Confidence cannot be restored in aflash; itis not something that can be prescribed. In view

of the fear and the psychological barriers that have arisenthroughout Europe because of the possible deployment

of armed forces, we shall attempt gradually to establishconditions which will make it possible to dispel thoseconcerns and suspicions. It is therefore encouraging tonote that , following three years of difficult negotiations in

Madrid, a step by step approach has been agreed upon.

First, there is to be less secrecy in order to avoid surpriseattacks; the fear of unexpected and unforeseeableattacks is to be reduced and eventually eliminated al-together; also, an attempt will be made to prevent demon-strations of strength for purposes of intimidation; andthen, in a second phase of the conference, efforts will be

174

made to restore the conventional balance of arms at thelowest possible level by means of suitable, adequatelycontrolled disarmament measures. At this stage of our

deliberations we should have the courage to recognizethe truth. Can anyone believe that confidence among theEuropeans, which has been so badly shattered, can berestored simply by declarations of good faith? Who

would dare maintain that new legal and political commit-ments which merely repeat what has been said so oftenbefore will provide the necessary reassurance and foster

new trust? Our 35 nations have already.solemnly underta-

ken not to use force when they signed the United NationsCharter, when they adopted the Final Act of Helsinki

, and

on many other occasions. If we want to live up to the ex-pectations of our citizens we shall now have to

go beyond

that. New declarations, however solemn they may be, are

not wanted. We shall have to follow a different course ifwe want to bring about a state of security.And third, it is important that we establish clarity about

the first phase of our undertaking as soon as possible.The proposals to be examined during the first phase ofthe CDE will be in keeping with the Madrid mandate andconcern confidence-building measures. These in them-selves must represent progress. They will relate to

the

prevention of surprise attacks and the use of force forpurposes of intimidation. They will help ensure that no

dangerous conclusions will be drawn from militry move-

ments and activities relating to the continent. Their pur-pose must also be to ease the gradual transition to thefollowing stage, that of controlled disarmamentmeasures. Thus the road will have to be paved for negoti-ated solutions to the most complex problems, those relat-ing to reliable verification of commitments already en-tered into. This, as we know, has been an obstacle to allprevious efforts. The nature and mobility of modern

weapons magnify those difficulties. If military activitiescan be made more transparent and if all concerned areless secretive and provide one another with more in-

formation, such activities will be.easier to interpret and at

the same time comparable with normal conduct. Thiswould also establish the necessary foundation for futuredisarmament efforts. There is broad scope for our negoti-

175

ations. Our nations could agree to inform one another .regular intervals about the identity and location of theirmilitary units, about their plans for exercises and ma-noeuvres, about significant military activities in goodtime, and also agree to exchange observers. In order toensure that this system will increase mutual confidence,they can lay down procedures by which to establish clar-ity in cases of doubt. They can install technical facilitiesfor mutual communication and introduce effective pro-cedures for making contact with one another. These sug-gestions are by no means exhaustive. My last remark con-cerns the procedure for the next few days. A decision willhave to be taken as to the best way of dealing with the

I various proposals. The ten members of the EuropeanCommunity favour a pragmatic approach , drawing on theworking methods developed in the course of the CSCE.With these methods we were able to counteract therationale of the bloc system without in any way damagingthe interests of anyone country.These are the aims we have set ourselves for Stockholm.We hope they can be attained by the spring of 1986. Itwould then be possible at the CSCE Follow-up Confer-ence due to take place in Vienna in the autumn of 1986 toassess progress in accordance with the Madrid decisionswhich were confirmed at the preparatory meeting in Hel-sinki , and consider the transition to the second phase,provided the necessary conditions have been fulfilled.The Stockholm Conference is faced with an importantand complex task. It will have to beware of extreme situa-tions. It must not develop into a discussion among ex-perts on security issues. It must not aspire to become thenucleus of a collective security system in Europe. It mustsimply establish what can be done under the presentperilous circumstances to set in motion a dialogueamong the 35 States who are directly interested inEurope s security, a dialogue that starts from an appreci-ation of the problems and the situation of each country. Itmust thus , at its regional level, pave the way for subse-quent measures of conventional disarmament and in thisway help mitigate the danger of actual conflict.France wanted and proposed this Conference. The tenmembers of the European Community wanted it pursuant

176

European political cooperation

2.4.1. Community Foreign Ministers mee-ting in political cooperation in Paris on 27February adopted press communiques onLebanon, the war between Iran and Iraq,and southern Africa.

Lebanon

The Ten:

(i) express concern at the recent events in Leb-

anon which have been characterized by a renewalof armed confrontation and a struggle between theLebanese political forces and which threaten toperpetuate the division of the country and thepresence of foreign troops in its territory;

(ii) call on all the parties concerned to reach alasting and effective ceasefire agreement;

(iii) hope that the international community will

urgently fulfil its responsibilities in regard to peace-keeping, in particular by installing in the Beirut

conurbation with the agreement of all the parties

concerned a United Nations force which would

take up position following the departure of the

Multinational Force on the basis of the mandate

to be entrusted 'to it by the Security Council;

Bull. EC 2- 1984


'tV) recall that the re-establishment of the territo-Hal integrity and sovereignty of the Lebanese Statetc::quires Lebanese reconciliation as a precondition~nd indicate their firm conviction that the processihitiated during the Geneva conference should beresumed under conditions corresponding to the'~spirations of all the political and religious In-ferests;(y) note that this objective involves also the with-urawal of all foreign troops except those whosepresence is agreed to by the Lebanese Government;

~yi) consider that the various Lebanese move-fuents should be able to agree on a definition ofthe external status of their country which takesi"to account both its position in the Arab world3nd the desire of its population to no longer beexposed to the coO!.equences of a conflict whichhas already caused it so much suffering.

The Ten subsequently dealt with the unresolvedproblems of the Middle East with which the eventsin Lebanon are closely linked, without prejudice tothe discussion of this subject which the EuropeanCouncil could have on 19-20 March.'

Iran-Iraq

~.4.2. 'The Ten have noted with great regret and(;oncern the latest developments in the conflictbetween Iraq and Iran which are marked by heavyfighting at the front and renewed attacks withr()ckets , shells and bombs against civilian targets.This situation risks leading to new levels of escala-tion of the war and a dangerous crisis in the region.

The Ten therefore appeal to both parties to complywith the relevant resolutions of the Security Coun-cil and to renounce all activities which could leadto an escalation of hostilities or endanger the free-dom of navigation in the Gulf. They renew theirappeal to search for ways to a peaceful solutionwhich is acceptable and honourable for both sides.They request the Secretary-General of the UN totake up again his mission to find a peaceful, just

and lasting solution of the conflict. They are prepa-red to cooperate actively with the means at theirdisposal.

At the same time the Ten appeal to the warringparties to observe carefully the international rulesand conventions concerning the protection of thecivilian populations and the treatment of prisonersof war. They support the efforts of the Interna-tional Committee of the Red Cross to ease theheavy burden which the war puts on both sides.

Southern Africa

4.3. 'The 10 member countries of the EuropeanCommunity, who have shown for a long timethe greatest concern for the situation in southern

Bull. EC 2- 1984

Africa, welcome recent initiatives aimed at endingthe conflicts in that region.

They note with satisfaction the agreement reachedin Lusaka on 16 February 1984 on the strengthen-ing and monitoring of the military disengagementin southern Angola and commend the efforts of allparties concerned to bring about increased securityand stability in the region. They also welcome therecent understanding between South Africa andMozambique.

The Ten urge continued restraint and hope thatthese developments will contribute to the climateof mutual confidence which will facilitate the im-plementation of UN Security Council Resolution435. The Ten will call upon all concerned to seize thisnew opportunity to implement the UN settlementplan without further delay. They continue to sup-port and encourage all parties, as well as the Secret-ary-General of the UN , in their efforts to reach ajust and peaceful solution to the Namibian ques-tionand they express their readiness to assist in thedevelopment of a free and independent Namibia.'

2.4.4. The Ministers also discussed East-West relations and the situation in LatinAmerica, and Mr Cheysson, the FrenchMinister for External Relations, explained

the outcome to the press:

East-West relations

5. Ministers had noted that their viewson East-West relations were broadly in line:the Soviet Union was continuing its tradi-tional policy, and the search for politicalcontact had to be kept up, while the Tenmaintained their positions of principle, es-

pecially on disarmament. Representation atministerial level at the opening of the Con-ference on Disarmament in Europe, whichwas itself largely due to the efforts of theTen, was an important sign.

Latin America

2.4.6. The Ten confirmed their supportfor the initiative of the Contadora Groupand hoped to provide assistance in all coun~tries of Central America. The Council re-cently asked the Commission to look how relations should be structured.

Ministers reviewed the situation in a num-ber of Central American countries, includ-

ing EI Salvador, where elections are to takeplace shortly, and Nicaragua. They notedwith considerable satisfaction that electionsin Argentina represented a major step .for~

ward. The attentions of the EuropeanCouncil would be drawn to this event andits implications for Latin America as awhole, with a view to a statement beingmade.

Political and institutional matters


Foreign Ministers ' declarations2.4.1. Community Foreign Ministers helda political cooperation meeting when theCouncil met on 27 March and adopted thefollowing declarations prepared at theEuropean Council on 19 and 20 March.

Declaration on East-West relations2.4.2. The Ten have a responsibility in regard topeace and stability in Europe and to the securityof their populations. They consider that the pro-cess of European integration which they have laun-ched and which they intend to pursue resolutely isof primary importance in this regard. They declare

their determination to maintain and intensify theircontribution to the improvement of relations be"tween East and West. They appeal to the SovietUnion to cooperate in progress towards genuinedetente on the basis of a balance of forces, ofrespect for the interests of all States, of the faithfulimplementation of the Helsinki Final Act in all itsaspects and of the renunciation of the use and

threat of force. In this connection, the Ten recalltheir position on the question of Afghanistan.

The Ten emphasize the particular importance ofthe implementation of the Helsinki Final Act forpeace and security in Europe. Having made adecisive contribution to the creation of the CSCEprocess, which seeks to overcome the division ofEurope, they will pursue their efforts aimed atconducting a constructive dialogue with the SovietUnion and its allies in central and eastern Europe.They hope to develop cooperation with each of

Bull. EC 3-1984


them on a stable and realistic basis in all concretefields. They consider that, if it is to have its fullsignificance, cooperation between States must ben-efit the individual citizen. They favour freer con-tact between people in both parts of Europe, in

particular between those of the two German States.The Ten wish to see the success of arms controland disarmament negotiations and the resumptionof those which have been broken .off. For theirpart, they are determined to make every effortrequired in order to ensure progress in the negotia-tions in which they are taking part, in particularthe Conference in Stockholm on Disarmament inEurope where they consider that positive resultscan be attained.

They set as their objective the establishment of astate of peace and security in Europe in whichman s right to unrestricted self-fulfilment and theright of peoples to self-determination will be recog-nized and respected. They assert that it is possibleto make progress towards this objective by peace-ful evolution. Convinced that all the Europeanpeoples wish to live in peace, they appeal to thegovernments of the Soviet Union and its alliesin central and eastern Europe to work for moreconstructive East-West relations in a spirit ofequality and of respect for the legitimate securityinterests of all concerned. The Ten , for their partare determined to make their own contribution , inthe interests of Europe and of peace in the world.

Near and Middle East4.3. The Ten are intensely concerned by the

three conflicts in the Near and the Middle EastLebanon , the Arab-Israel dispute and the war

between Iraq and Iran-which are serious both inthemselves and in the effect which each has on theothers.

LebanonThe ten Heads of State or Government recall thefundamental importance of the re-establishment ofLebanon in its independence, sovereignty, unityand territorial integrity. The Ten hope that, fol-lowing the Lausanne Conference, progress towardsreconciliation in Lebanon will prove possible.They hope that the Lebanese Government and allpolitical forces will continue their efforts to bringabout national unity and establish a lasting peacethroughout the country by reaching a just solutionto its internal problems which respects Lebanesesovereignty and the desire of the population of

that country to escape from the suffering inflictedon it by the Middle East conflict. They underlinethe need to initiate without delay processes whichwill lead to the withdrawal of foreign forces fromLebanese territory.

Bull. EC 3-1984

They express the hope that the international com-munity will shortly be in a position to give theLebanese Government any help it requests in orderto maintain peace in the country.They undertake to participate actively at the ap-propriate time in the work of reconstructing Leb~anon.

Middle EastFollowing decades of confrontation in the MiddleEast, the need for a settlement guaranteeing peaceamong all the States of the region is universallyrecognized. The Ten consider that this settlementshould include the right to existence and securityof all these States, including Israel.Likewise, all the parties concerned have concededthat a settlement must take account of the legit-imate rights of the Palestinian people. In the viewof the Ten, this entails acceptance of the right ofthe Palestinian people to self-determination, withall that this implies.Finally, it has been universally acknowledged thatall the problems which exist between Israel and itsneighbours must be resolved in accordance withthe principles recognized by the international com-munity, including non-recourse to the use of forceand non-acquisition of territory by force. For theTen , this means that, in accordance with Resolu-tions 242 and 338 of the Security Council, Israelmust put an end to the territorial occupation whichit has maintained since the conflict of 1967.

The Ten call on all parties to draw the conse-quences from these principles and to start thenegotiations which are necessary for their imple-mentation.

A negotiated settlement will require the continuingand independent expression of the will of the Pal-estinian people; the PLO must be associated withthe negotiations.

In the Ten s view , furthermore, a process of negoti-ation presupposes mutual recognition of the exist-ence and the rights of the parties in the conflict.The Ten express their concern at the collapse ofthe hopes engendered in September 1982 by certainconverging and promising peace initiatives andthey declare that the absence of all progresstowards a negotiated solution since then exacer-bates antagonisms and entrenches the positions ofthose who favour confrontation.They note, however, that certain recent develop-ments, such as the meeting of the Islamic Confer-

ence in Casablanca and the resumption of thedialogue between Jordan and the Palestinians,have been encouraging. They request all parties tomake sincere efforts to re-examine their positionswith a view to reducing the gap between them


taking particularly into account elements contain-ed in the Reagan Plan and in the Fez Declaration.They also call upon .all parties to renounCe the useor threat of force and upon the Government ofIsrael to put an end to its policy of establishingsettlements in the occupied territories.

They undertake to support any constructive stepwhich might be initiated by the parties.

They recall that the United Nations Security Coun-cil can playa significant role in the pursuit of asolution to the Middle East conflict negotiatedbetween the parties.

They stress their wish to develop the activity ofthe European Community on behalf of the popula-tions of the occupied territories.

The governments of the Ten, both individually

and collectively through the channel of the presi-dency, will maintain such contacts with the author-ities and personalities of the region as could beuseful in bringing the various positions closer to-gether and contributing to the removal of the

obstacles which stand in the way of a process ofnegotiation.

lran/lraq

The Heads of State or Government emphasizethe gravity of the risks which continued warfarebetween Iraq and Iran poses for the region of theGulf, for the entire Middle East and for interna-tional peace and stability.

Recent developments have increased the sufferingsof the peoples of both countries and could openthe way to new and dangerous escalation in theintensity and spread of the conflict.

The Ten wish to record their distress at the allega-tions of the Use of chemical weapons. They hopethat following the United Nations inquiry the fulltruth of the matter will be brought to light. Theyrecall their unqualified condemnation of any useof such weapons.

The Ten call on the parties to comply with theprinciples and provisions of humanitarian interna-tionallaw in armed conflicts.

The Ten hope that each of the parties will finallyagree to comply with the Security Council resolu-tions and heed the numerous appeals addressed tothem by the international community. They hopethat the parties will cooperate in the search for .peaceful solution , honourable for them both.

They hope that the United Nations Secretary-Gen-eral will intensify his efforts for the restoration ofpeace and are ready to lend him their support tothis end.

Latin America

The Ten affirm their desire to maintain and dev-elop their historical relations with South America.They deem it important to welcome the progressmade by democracy in this region. This remark-able progress has been achieved at a time of seriouseconomic difficulties, due partly to the burden offoreign debts.

The Ten express, in particular, their profoundsatisfaction at the restoration of democracy inArgentina following the elections of 30 October1983. They welcome the steps taken by the newGovernment of President Alfonsln to re-establishthe rule of law in the country.The Ten hope that Argentina s return to a systemof pluralist democracy will encourage a similarevolution in other South American countries wherehuman rights continue to be subjected to .seriousviolations.

Reiterating the position which they expressed onCentral America in their Stuttgart declaration of19 June 1983, the Ten confirm their appreciationfor the continuing efforts of the Contadora Group.

They hope that these efforts can contribute to areduction of tensions and to progress towardspeace, respect for independence, the establishmentof pluralistic democracy and the solution of theeconomic and social problems of the countriesconcerned.

Cyprus

The Ten reiterate their statement of 16 November1983.1 They support Security Council Resolution541/83, which should be used as a basis for restor"ing the territorial integrity and unity of the Repub-lic of Cyprus. They regret that Turkey has recog-nized the self-styled 'Turkish Republic of NorthernCyprus . They call upon the Turkish Governmentto withdraw this recognition and to exercise theirinfluence on the leaders of the Turkish-Cypriotcommunity so that they should rescind their deci-sion. They pledge their support for the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the pursuit of hismission of good offices in accordance with SecurityCouncil Resolution 541.

CSCE: Athens meeting on thepeacefu I settlement of disputes2.4.4. As part of the follow-up to the Ma-drid meeting of the Conference on Security

Bull. EC 11- 1983, point 2.4.

Bull. EC 3-1984

Political and institutional matters

Political cooperation

2.4.1. The Foreign Ministers met in Lux-embourg on 9 April. They issued the follow-ing statement on Chile:

The Ten have been disturbed to learn of the tragicincidents which marked the eighth day of protestorganized in Chile by all the opposition move-ments and which caused at least five deaths, all

civilian. They deplore the suppression of thesedemonstrations, which provide the Chilean peopleunder present circumstances with the only effectivemeans of expressing their democratic aspirations.They regret the prosecution of political leaders,including Mr Almeyda, the chairman of the MOPthe continuing restrictions on the press and theaccelerating cycle of repression and violence inChile.

The Ten wish to see a resumption of the dialoguebetween the authorities and the democratic forcesin Chile with a view to the early restoration. of civilliberties following the formation of .a governmentbased on free elections.'

It was also decided that the Ten wouldmake a formal approach to the Chileanauthorities concerning the extradition ofWalter Rauff, in accordance with the wishesof Parliament. 1

The Ministers also discussed East-West rel-ations and the situation in the Middle Eastincluding the question of exports of chemi-

cals to Iraq and Iran. They took note ofnational arrangements and decided to com-pare procedures and the products covered.The Permanent Representatives Committeewas asked to consider this question, notablywith regard to the Community aspects.

2.4.2. On 5 April a meeting was held atministerial level in Paris , on the troika pat-tern, with the Chinese Foreign Minister, MrWu Xueqian. The Commission was repre-sented by Mr Wilhelm Haferkamp. It wasthe first meeting with China at ministeriallevel, previous contacts having been be-tween officials (China s ambassador in thecapital of the country holding the presi-dency).

The participants held an exchange of viewson the major issues of international policy(East-West relations, the Middle East).

Bull. EC 4- 1984

They highlighted the exemplary nature ofthe meeting, the first contact between Chinaand the Ten at political level.

De la part du Secretari at GeneralServi ce " Information des dE!leaations

Supp lement au telex hebdom.adaire 1"10 378 du 21 avrH adresse a l ' ensemble desdlHegat;ot'ls exterieures et services de presse at d'information dans les paysti ars.

Bruxalles, le 18 avril 1-989

COOPERATION POlITIQUE EUROPEENNE : lIBANLe 1 avr Les Douze. ont randu publ que la declaration suivante suite a mort de l' Ambassadeur d' Espagne a Beyrouth. En void Le texte en fran!;ais €Iten anglais :

Les Douze, profondement emus par la tragique parte de l' Ambassadeur Pedro ARlSTI;GUI ... representant de la presidence BeYJ~Qu.t.h,- condamnent cette mortil'l nocE:!nte causee par le bombardement ;nd; $crimine de la population civi Le.

leg Douze reiterant avec la pLus grande fermete leur appel a toutes lesparties, Y comprise la Syrie, a thabl ir un cessez-le-feu ains; que cessation immediate des bombardements.

Cat evenement tragique reaffirme l'imperieuse necessite d' une solution. negociee de La crise lib~naise, tel qu exprime dans les declarations reitereesdes Douze sur La situation tres grave de ce pays mediterraneen.

La Comrnunaute €It ses Hats membres expri ment Leur disponi bil ite a poursuivreune aide humanitai re d' urgence adressee a toute La population l i bana;se, quipermette de sou lager Le plus vite poss;bl~ ses actuelles souffrances

. liThe Twelve deeply moved by the tragic death of Ambassador P!:/)RO DEARISTEGUI representative of the Pres; dency in Be; rut, condemn the tak ;ng ofthis innocent l He as a result of the indi scriminate bombardment of thecivilian population~

The Twelve reiterate with the greatest fi rmness their appea l to all partiesincLuding Syria, for the establishment of a cease-fire and for an immediateend to shelling.

This tragic eVent confirms the absolute necessity of a negociated solution tothe ' Lebanese crisis as stated repeatedly by the Twelve in their statementson the very grave situation in this mediterranean country.

The Community and its Member States express their readiness to continue toprovide emergency humanitarian aid to the Lebanese population withoutdistinction and to rel ;eve the present suffering as rapidly as possible


2.4.1. Community Foreign Ministersmeeting in political cooperation in Brusselson 14 May adopted the following statementon Afghanistan:

For several weeks, Soviet forces have been carry-ing on a large-scale offensive in various provincesof Afghanistan, and especially in the Panjshir area.The Ten consider that the intensified or newmethods being employed in this offensive, in par-ticular hign-altitude bombing, can only add tosuffering and destruction without shortening aconflict to which there is no military solution.These attacks can only lead to an increase inthe number of homeless and refugees. Indeed thisincreased resort to force confirms the stubbornessof the resistance and the difficulties being encoun-tered in overcoming it.

In these circumstances , the Ten must reiterate theirattachment to the principles set out in the resolu-tions of the General Assembly of the United Na-tions and recently recalled on the fourth anniver-

sary of Soviet intervention , namely that the with-drawal of foreign troops, self-determination by theAfghan people, the voluntary return of the refugeesand the non-alignment of Afghanistan are the con-ditions for an honourable, just .and lasting settle-ment for all the parties concerned. The Ten callon the Sovi.et union once again to follow this

104

course and support the efforts being made to thisend by the Secretary~General of the United Na-tions. '

Bull. EC 4-1984, point 2.4.

Bull.EC 5- 1984

European politicalcooperation

Statement by the Foreign Ministersof the Ten on Poland

2.4.1. On 23 July the Foreign Ministerswho were together for a Council meeting,adopted the following statement:

The Ministers recall the long-standing concern ofthe Ten about the situation in Poland, to whichtheir peoples are linked by many hi&toric ties.

The Ten welcome the decision of the PolishGovernment to release those who had receivedprison sentences for their political activities andthose detained awaiting trial.

It is the hope of the Ten that the Polish Gov-ernment s decision reflects a desire to meet the

aspiration$ of the Polish people for dialogue andreform and that the amnesty announced will befollowed by further measures of a kind whichcould help to promote national reconciliation.

The Ten recall that it has consistently been theirwish to return to a more normal relationship withPoland as actual developments in that countrypermit.'

Bull. EC 7/8-1984

26. 7. 84 Debates of the European Parliament No 2-315/75

Barry

Speech to the European Parliament byPeter Barry,

Irish Minister of Foreign Affairson European Political Cooperation

(Excerpts)26 July 1984

Annex to the Official Journal of theEuropean Communities No. 1-315

Mr President, please allow me now to speak on theprocess of political cooperation among the Ten.

Ireland takes over the Presidency at a time of consi-derable uncertainty in international affairs. Rapidlychanging political realities around the world , and thevolatility inherent in situations of crisis , do not make iteasy to chart a clear course through this terrain. Thetask of reconciling national viev.rpoints and of promot-ing a common European perception of world eventsbecomes a particularly onerous one under these cir-cumstances. It is, nonetheless, a task which the IrishPresidency intends to tackle with energy and determi-nation. It is our conviction that, now more than ever, astrong and coherent European voice must be heard inthe international arena and that practical political

cooperation among the Ten should be directedtowards this end.

(Applause)

During the second half of this year, the Ten will needto address themselves in European Political Coopera-tion to a host of complex and difficult issues.

The tragic conflict in the Lebanon and in the MiddleEast generally will continue to claim our sympatheticattention. Continued careful reflection will be requiredon the manner in which the legitimate rights and aspir-ations of all the States and peoples in the Middle Eastcan best be safeguarded. The ongoing war betweenIran and Iraq poses a further serious threat to the sta-bility of the region and , indeed , to international secur-ity. The pursuit of a comprehensive and lasting settle-ment to the various problems of the Middle East willremain an overriding concern of the Ten over the nextsix months.

The overall picture of East-West relations is notencouraging at present. Under the Irish Presidency,the Ten will do all in their power to reduce tensionsand to promote a more stable and cooperative rela-tionship between East and West. It will be our objectto work towards the restoration of international confi-dence and so strengthen the pros?ects for peace andstability on our own continent anrl in the world gener-ally.

The situation in Poland is viewed by the Ten withparticular concern. The recent amnesty to political pri-soners has been greeted by the Ten as an encouragingand positive gesture. We shall continue to followdevelopments closely and take appropriate opportuni-ties to underline the importance of reconciliation anddialogue between all sections of the Polish population.

Regarding the ongoing CSCE process, it will be theTen s concern to ensure that all provisions of the Hel-sinki Final Act and the Madrid concluding documentsare fully implemented. We attach importance to theConference on Disarmament in Europe and will workto ensure the cohesion of the Ten both in that forumand at other meetings due to take place in the CSCEcontext in the coming months.

Conscious of the wide range of human , economic andcultural ties which exist between Latin America andthe 10 countries of the European Community, the Tenunder the Irish Presidency will be considering ways inwhich dialogue and cooperation with Latin Americacan be strengthened. In regard to the situation in Cen-tral America, the Ten will make the fullest possiblecontribution to the search for a durable political settle-ment, in particular by lending their support in as con-crete a way as possible to the peace initiative under-taken by the Contadora group of countries.

The Ten will also continue to follow developments inAfrica with close attention and will endeavour to

No 2-315/76 Debates of the European Parliament 26.

Barry

ensure that independence and stability are achieved inSouthern Africa.

It will be an important objective of the Irish Presi-dency to continue and expand , at the 39th Session ofthe United Nations General Assembly, the successfulcoordination of the Ten on a wide variety of politicaleconomic and human rights issues which has been characteristic of previous sessions.

The theme of human rights , of course, is one which isnot confined to the General Assembly but is echoedacross the full range of international relations in oneform or another. Under the Irish Presidency, the Tenwill be prepared to show concern at violations ofhuman rights whenever they occur and to defendhuman liberties whenever they are threatened.

Mr President, let me assure you that I look forwardwith great pleasure to the opportunities I shall haveover the next six months to report at each of yourpart-sessions on developments in the field of politicalcooperation. I shall be honoured to continue the dia-logue with the Members of this Assembly in the var-ious forms open to us. I look forward , in particular, towelcoming the members of the Political Affairs Com-mittee to Dublin for one of our two colloquies laterthis year.

Mr President, my report to the Parliament this morn-ing on the work programme for the Irish Presidencyhas necessarily had to be confined in the time availableto an outline , an identification of the most importantareas to which we wish to give priority and where wewould wish to see significant progress made in thecoming months. In our efforts to achieve this progresswe intend to keep in very close touch with the Euro-pean Parliament, and , of course, with your Presidentto whom I would like to extend my warmest congratu-lations on his election.

The institutional system established by the Treatiesand by practice has demonstrated the importance ofrelations of trust between the European Parliamentand the Council in many areas. I spoke at the begin-ning of my address of the intention of the Irish Presi-dency that the Presidents of the various specialistCouncils should come to committee meetings of Par-liament to outline to them the work in progress andthe work planned. For my own part , within the limitsimposed by other duties I must carry out as Presidentof the Council , I shall ensure that I visit the Parliamentin each part-session.

(Applause)

The climate , Mr President , in which this newly-electedParliament is starting its term of office is not an easyone. The same is true, of course , for the climate inwhich Ireland is taking over the Presidency of theCouncil. By striving to combine our efforts we canhope to bring about changes in a number of features

of that climate and so contribute to the achievement assoon as possible of prosperity and full employment forour people. This is essential if the internal and externalpeace of the Member States is to be maintained andsafeguarded.

Go raibh maith agar.

2.4.1. On 12 November the Foreign Min-isters issued the following statement onChile:

The Ten deplore the increase of violence in Chile.They are firmly convinced that the dialoguebetween the Chilean Government and the demo-cratic opposition is the way to achieve a consensusin the country. They strongly denounce the aban-donment of that dialogue in favour of measureswhich seriously prejudice fundamental individualliberties contained in the United Nations Declar-ation of Human Rights.

The proclamation of a state of siege deprives Chi-lean citizens inter alia, of the protection of the

judicial system as well as of a transition to plural-istic democracy.

The Ten express their profound concern aboutthis sitUation and its victims and express theirconviction of the necessity for the establishment

at the earliest possible moment, of all democraticliberties in the country.

The Ten are also concerned at the restrictionswhich the Chilean Government has placed on thereturn to their country of a very large number ofChileans. They hope that the Chilean Governmentwill reconsider its policy on this matter and reviewthe cases of those citizens forbidden to retUrn to

Chile.

Bull. EC 11- 1984

20 November:' 1984

Press Statement

Soutn I\frica - Code of C~m""""""

Fourth Community Analysis of National Reports on theimplementation of the Code of Conduct for European Community

Companies with subsidiaries in South Africa

July 1981 - June 1983 ,

The Ten discussed ' the ' fourth' Comm.uni ty analysis. of nationalrepocts on the implementation of the Code of Conduct byEuropean Community companies with subsid iaries in ' SouthAfcica. They decided to transmit the analysis

tol the EuropeanParliament. The reports cover per iod s from July 1981 to June1983.. In all, the cesponses of 224 companies employing 141, 679black worke rs are . arialysed.

Since the Code of Conduct was adopted ih 1977 importantdevelopments have taken place in labour practice in SouthAfrica. The racial features have been removed from parts ofthe legislation dealing with labour matters ' and f.reedom ofassociation has been extended to all black workers.Accord ingly the influence of reg iscered and non-regia teredblack trade unions has inct:eased markedly. The growth of tradeunion activity in e:. C. companies w.as a notable feature of thepe r iod under rev iew and "the Ten are pleased to note that- e:. C.companies again showed an increased willingness to recogniseblack unions. The Ten rega rd a cone ilia tory and encourag ingattitude to unions by ~mployers as important if progress is tobe made towards the achievement of internationally acceptedtandards 0 f i~dus tria 1 rela t ions.

The Ten noted tha~ there had been a sLlgnt fall in thepercentage of workers paid above the level re~ommended in theCode 0 f CQnduc t. Th is is appare n tly due to reces s ion in theSou tIT Afr ican economy. However, they also no ted tha t the lotof the lowest paid workers appeared to have improved, al:houghthere is still scope for persuading companies which have notyet done so to observe the guidelines recommended by the Code.

The Ten welcome the contribution which companies can make red ress Lng in part the inequ i ties of the educa t ional sys tern inSouth Africa. They note that training and educationalactivities could be expanded and could enable ~lac~ workers tooccupy skilled positions which are, at present, belng filled byimportation of workers from abroad. The ttn:ee members of the Ten whose companies have mostsubsidiaries in South Africa have appointed attaches to theirembassies in Pretoria who have specific responsibility forlabour matters related to the Code of Conduct.

4. rmplementation of CommunityCode of Cond uct by compa n ies withsubsidiaries in South Africa

Fourth Community analysis July 1981to June 1983

3.4.1. At a political cooperation meeting on 20November the Ten adopted the fourth Communityanalysis (July 1981 to June 1983) on the implemen-tation of the Community Code of Conduct forcompanies with subsidiaries in SoUth Africa. Thetext is reproduced below.

Introduction

Trade union membership among blacks increasedsubstantially during the period under review. TheILO estimates that by the end of 1982 there were545 000 blacks in trade unions, an increase of over50% on the figures for the previous year. Thisincrease has taken place despite a rise in unemploy-ment among blacks.

Changes in industrial relations matters during theperiod include the elimination of ' job reservationsin the Labour Relations Act, although discrimi-nation on grounds of race continues to be a featurein the Mines and Works Act. Also, the SupremeCourt found in a binding decision (i) that theGovernment had erred in insisting that unionsregister on a racial basis and (ii) that unions wereentitled to register on an open basis catering forall races.

Despite these changes, trade unions still encounterserious difficulties in organizing their activities.Union leaders have been imprisoned without trialand one, Dr Neil Aggett of the African Food andCanning Workers Union , died in detention in Feb-

ruary 1982. At the subsequent inquest, evidence oftorture was adduced. In the Ciskei, the SouthAfrican Allied Workers' Union was banned follow-ing amendments to legislation there and manytrade unionists Were arrested and tortured.

The number of strikes and the number of workersinvolved increased during 1982. According toofficial figures, the number of working days lostincreased by over 50%. Most strikes concernedwage disputes while dismissals and layoffs werealso significant causes.

Among developments in the Ten, it is worth notingthat the Governments of the Federal Republic ofGermany and the Netherlands appointed socialattaches to their embassies in Pretoria with

responsibility for increasing contacts with com-panies and trade unions. The United Kingdom hashad a social attache at its embassy for a numberof years.

Analysis of reports

In the third Community analysis of nationalreports on the implementation of the Code ofConduct, the periods covered ranged from mid-1980 to the end of 1981. In 1983 the Ten began aprocess of harmonization of the reporting periodsso that all reports will eventually cover commonperiods from 1 July to 30 June each year.

This fourth analysis is of reports covering periodsfrom July 1981 to 30 June 1983. A summary of thenational reports analysed is given in the tablebelow.

Country Period covered Numbers of company Numbers of blackreports analysed employees

Belgium 1.7. 1982-30. 1983 not stated

Denmark 1.7. 1982-30. 6. 1983 204Germany(FR)2 1.7. 1981-31.12. 1982 21 100

Greece 1.7. 1981-30. 1982France 1.7. 1982-30. 1983 2230Italy 1.7. 1982-30. 1983 1050Netherlands 1.7. 1981-30. 1982 4468

1.7. 1982-30. 1983 4060United Kingdom 1.7. 1981-30. 1982 130 134 000

1.7. 1982-30. 1983 139 113 000

Total at 30. 1983 224 141 679

Ireland and Luxembourg do not have companies reporting under the Code.The first report from the Federal Republic of Germany to adopt the standard reporting period will cover the period to 30 June 1984.

3 The Greek report is also valid to 30 June 1983.

Bull. EC 11- 1984

Code of conduct for European companies in South Africa

Reports were filed by over 90% of companiesexpected to do so. The present analysis reports onconditions in 224 companies employing approxi-mately 141 679 black workers. The Governmentsof the Ten are encouraging those firms which havenot yet done so to submit reports under the Code.

The national reports of Denmark, the FederalRepublic of Germany, the Netherlands and theUnited Kingdom are publicly available.

Relations within companies

The increased importance of trade unions and theincreased readiness of Community companies tocooperate with them is apparent. The numberof German companies reporting cooperation withtrade unions rose from 7 to 15. The number ofUK companies now giving formal recognition toindependent black unions or established registeredunions has risen to 39, a substantial increase fromthe 1981 figure of 17 and the 1982 figure of25. Thenumber of British companies prepared to negotiatewith registered or unregistered trade unions alsoincreased from 38 in 1982 to 55 in 1983.

Twenty-two German companies , employing 65%of the workforce in German enterprises, informedtheir employees that they were prepared to cooper-ate with unions. Among the 15 German companiesat present cooperating with unions , union activitieswere facilitated in a variety of ways including:

allowing meetings during working hours;

assistance in preparing union information;

partial or full exemption from work for shopstewards;

deduction of union dues from wages.

The Netherlands reports note that Dutch firmsaccept the principle that employees are entitled todetermine their own form of representation andthat they were generally willing to negotiate withunionized employees. In addition, six Dutch firms,including the five which employ 400 or more blackworkers , state their willingness to negotiate withunregistered trade unions where these could showthat they had sufficient support in the workforce.

The two Greek firms report that the employees ofone firm , a bank , do not belong to any union, norhave they expressed any wish or made any requestto belong to one. No trade union caters foremployees in the other firm s business-an airline.

Both of the reporting Danish companies fully rec-ognize the right of blacks to membership of atrade union. In the seven French companies union.membership is open to all employees. The fiveBelgian companies also recognize the rights of their

Bull. EC 11- 1984

workers to a free choice of trade union. One Italiancompany reports that its employees are unionizedand the same company also liaises with itsemployees through a workers committee.

The liaison committee remains the predominantform of organization for employees although itsrole in some companies is being superseded bytrade unions. Seventy-seven British firms nowreport liaison committees, compared with 91 in1981 and 99 in 1982. The workers in 24 of the51 German companies are represented by suchcommittees, as are the employees of both Danishfirms and two of the French firms. Liaison commit~tees are also active in many Dutch firms, particu~larly the larger ones.

Migrant labour

Migrant labour is used by a minority of companiesreporting under the Code. The Danish , Greek andItalian companies employ no migrant workers.The workforce of the only Belgian company usingmigrant labour consists entirely of migrants. Of thetwo French companies employing migrant labour,one is situated close to a 'homeland' whence theworkers travel daily. Two Dutch firms reportedusing a small number of migrant workers. Of the15 German firms employing migrants, six firmsemployed 90% of the total; and one British firmaccounted for over 70% of the migrants employedby the 42 British companies using migrant labour.

In many cases migrant workers receive the sametreatment as permanent staff, while several firmsprovide extra facilities such as subsidized trans-port, extra leave , etc., to alleviate the problems ofmigrants. Some firms have stated that they intendto phase out the use of migrant workers.

Pay

The Code recommends that all employers shouldpay minimum wages at least 50% above theamount required to meet the minimum needs of afamily.

The reports indicate that most employees are paidwages above this minimum level and that mostcompanies abide by the Code s recommendation.Firms encompassing 69% of workers in all Germansubsidiaries pay their employees above the rec-ommended level; 90. 1% of blacks employed byBritish firms and 85% of those working for Dutchfirms are also paid above this level. One Danishall Belgian and six French companies also pay alltheir employees above the recommended level.

Code of conduct for European companies in South Africa

There was , however, a slight fall in the percentageof employees of German and British Hrrns whowere paid above the recommended norm. In thecase of British firms, this appears to have beencaused, at least in part, by the recession in the

South African economy.

One hundred and thirty-five employees (3.3%) ofDutch companies and 1 400 employees (1.3%) ofBritish companies received wages below theamoUnt considered adequate to meet the needs ofa family. Over 60% of the British employed wor-kers in this category are in a single company. Inmany cases these employees, mostly in the mining,construction, agricultural and service sectors, werenew recruits or trainees. Some of the employeeswere women who were not the sole income earnersin a family.

Wage structure and black Africanadvancement

The overwhelming majority of companies acceptthe principles of equal pay for equal work andequality of job opportunities. There were only 6firms which either did not accept them or else didnot state their policy.

However , equal access by blacks to job opportuni-ties is often circumscribed by their lack of qualifi.cations or skills as a result of inferior educationand training. Many companies seek to remedy thisdeficiency by the provision of suitable trainingeither on the job or in institutions outside thefirm. Most of the Dutch companies provide suchtraining, as do 131 British, 31 German, 6 French1 Belgian and all the Italian and Danish firms.Approximately one third of the companies whichfiled reports increased the training offered in theperiod under review. One Italian company andthree German firms reported the construction ofnew training centres. Several firms reported thatthey provided scholarships to university, technicalcollege or other third-level institutions to some oftheir employees.

Many companies said that they had a deliberatepolicy of advancement of black Africans and citedinstances of such promotion. However severalcompanies also perceived a shortage of skilledlabour and recruited skilled workers and managersfrom abroad to fill particular needs, but the num-ber is declining.

Fringe benefits

Almost all companies reported providing fringebenefits in addition to wages. The majority ofcompanies contribute to pension and insuranceschemes and provide assistance to employees to

100

purchase accommodation. The range of benefitsprovided by different companies includes contri-butions to study costs, subsidized travel, low-costmeals, bonus payments, sports facilities and legaladvice. Several companies report their involvementin community projects, whose benefits are notrestricted to their own workforce.

Desegregation at places of work

A majority of companies report that partial orcomplete desegregation had been achieved at theworkplace. Desegregation of social and worksamenities was reported by a smaller number offir~s, which nevertheless constituted a majority.Among the reasons cited for continued segregationare unchanged statutory provisions and controls,the nature of older buildings and the preferences

of employees. However, some progress has beenmade during the period by many of the firmswhose facilities are still not fully desegregated.

Conclusion

A rapid increase in the growth of trade unionmembership has been a feature of the period underreview. There has also been a welcome increase inthe preparedness of subsidiaries of companies inthe Ten to recognize and negotiate with both regis.tered and non-registered trade unions. Given theambivalent attitude of the South African authori-ties to the development of trade union rights forblack workers, it is considered that employers willhave to maintain a conciliatory and encouragingattitude if progress is to be made towards theachievement of internationally accepted standardsof industrial relations.

The recession in the South African economy hasbeen partly responsible for the slight drop in thepercentage of workers paid above the level rec-

ommended in the Code of Conduct. However, therelative lot of the lowest-paid workers appears tohave improved slightly although there still remainsa small percentage who are paid wages below whatis regarded as the poverty level , i.e. the minimumsubsistence requirement for a family. It is cleartherefore, that there is still scope for persuadingcompanies which have not yet done so to meet thewage guidelines recommended by the Code.

Because of the inequity of South Africa s edu-

cational system, training and education providedby companies plays an important role in upgradingthe skills of black workers and in enabling themto compete on equal terms for available job oppor-tunities. The further room for improvement intraining and development of black workers is dem.onstrated by the shortage of skilled workers, whichcompanies have continued to meet by recruitmentabroad.

Bull. EC 11- 1984

The Community at the United Nations

Extracts from the address givenon behalf of the Communityand the Member States byMr Peter Barry,President of the Council, to theUnited Nations General Assemblyon 25 September

3.4.1. ' ... The United Nations is now almost 40years old. The European Community is youngerthan that by 10 years. Both Organizations wereborn out of the same experience-the agony anddestruction of the Second World War-and bothhave one essential aim in common to prevent

the recurrence of war. Surveying the internationalsituation over the past 40 years we can take satis-faction from the fact that the continent of Europehas escaped another large-scale war and that theworld has avoided global conflict which in a nu-clear age would have disastrous consequences forthe future of mankind. But our satisfaction mustbe tempered by the realization that even thoughglobal war has been averted, millions have per-ished in regional conflicts and civil strife; millionsmore continue to suffer under tyrannical and re-pressive regimes; and in a wealthy, scientificallyadvanced and resourceful world millions of ourfellow men are subjected to poverty, malnutritionand disease. Beyond these injustices are the growthin nuclear and conventional armaments; the lackof success in arms control; and the state of ,hepolitical relations between the super powers. Nonethe less there are hopeful signs, notably the forth-coming meeting between the President of the Uni-ted States and the Deputy Prime Minister andForeign Minister of the Soviet Union. In this con-nection also the Ten were encouraged by the toneand content of the address given to this Assemblyyesterday by President Reagan.

Despite these encouraging signs the internationalcommunity and the Ten must remain concernedat the persistence of negative trends in inter-national life. For this reason they will persevere intheir efforts to halt and reverse them.

The principles uderlying the Ten s approach tointernational issues are clear. They may be simplystated.

First, we are committed to promoting the purposesand upholding the principles enshrined in theCharter of the United Nations. In recent years theinternational community has been subjected to aseries of crises which has tested the will and ca-pacity of this organization to keep the peace anddeter aggression. Moreover, there has been dead-lock on a number of international and regionalissues of fundamental importance. The United Na-

Bull. EC 9-1984

tions has not responded to these challenges as wellas it might; and Member States have not soughtto use the Organization as they should. For theirpart the Ten will continue to promote the UNwhich, because of its universal character, is a un-ique forum for the resolution of conflict. We willcontinue to support also the endeavours of theSecretary-General to increase the relevance of theOrganization and to improve its functioning.

A second set of principles, linked to the first,derives from our commitment to the rule of lawand to dialogue in international relations. TheEuropean Community is itself constructed on theseprinciples and the Ten wish to see them appliedmore thoroughly and effectively in all areas international life. In this connection we believethat a renewal and deepening of political dialoguebetween East and West is an urgent necessity urgent and necessary because of the awesome levelof military forces; urgent and necessary also toprevent miscalculation or misunderstanding in sen-sitive areas of the world escalating into an inter-national crisis- We are ready to extend our dia-logue and cooperation with all States and regionalgroups.

Third, the Ten recognize and respect the rightof all States to security, independence and thedetermination of their own destiny. These prin-ciples, which have informed the work of the UnitedNations since its foundation, are central to the

Ten s approach to international issues. We believethat all States should be permitted to develop theirhuman and natural resources free from externalthreat, in accordance with their own history andtraditions, and without interference in their in-ternal affairs.

Fourth, the Ten believe in the fundamental import-ance of human rights and in the need for States torespect, in deed as well as in word, internationallyagreed human rights standards. I shall have moreto say about human rights later in my statementbut at this point I wish to emphasize that theprinciple of non-interference in internal affairsshould not, indeed cannot, be invoked by Statesto ignore or reject international concern at humanrights abuses on their territory.

Fifth , the European Community and its 10 MemberStates are committed to the promotion of the econ-omic and social advancement of all peoples, toworking for the elimination of poverty, hungerand disease throughout the world, and to the al-leviation of the plight of displaced persons. believe that dialogue, cooperation and partnershiphold the key to the promotion of more equitableand more even development which would also

The Community at the UN

contribute significantly to economic progress forall.

The principles I have just outlined underpin andgive coherence to the work of the Ten on the majorissues facing the world today.

East- West relations

Nowhere is the need for dialogue and cooperationmore evident than in the area of East-West re-lations. These .relations have continued to undergoconsiderable strain in the past year. The Ten regretthis. Earlier this year they declared their determi-nation to maintain and intensify their contributionto the improvement of relations between East andWest. They appealed to the Soviet Union to coop-erate in progress towards genuine detente on thebasis of a balance of forces, of respect for the

interests of all States , of the faithful implementa-tion of the Helsinki Final Act in all its aspectsincluding effective abstention from the threat use of force. They recall in this connection theirposition on the continued military build-up by theSoviet Union and on the question of Afghanistan.

The Ten have sought to keep open all possiblechannels of dialogue with a view to contributingto an improvement in East-West relations. Despitethe difficulties, the Ten will persist in their effortsto return these relations to a more stable andpredictable basis. They will continue to work fora lessening of mistrust and to seek constructive andcomprehensive political dialogue with the SovietUnion and its allies in Central and Eastern Europe.They will seek wherever possible to build on exist-ing cooperation with each of these countries. Butto bear fruit the efforts of the Ten to improveEast-West relations will require to be reciprocatedin the same spirit.

As European countries, the Ten attach greatweight to the CSCE process as a forum for contactsand negotiation which gives all participatingStates , large and small, possibilities for contribu-ting to a dialogue on matters of vital importanceto them. The CSCE process this year has acquireda new dimension in the Stockholm Conference onConfidence and Security-Building Measures andDisarmament in Europe. Full implementation ofthe Helsinki and Madrid provisions by all Statesparticipating in the CSCE process would signifi-cantly assist the restoration of confidence in East-West relations. It is disturbing to note, one yearafter the conclusion of the Madrid meeting, andwith a CSCE experts' meeting on respect for hu-man rights and fundamental freedoms due to takeplace in the first part of next year, an increase inthe disregard by some participating States for theprovisions agreed to at Helsinki and Madrid these areas , including freedom of religion.

It has been a consistent wish of the Ten to returnto a more normal relationship with Poland asactual developments there permit. In this regardthe Ten welcomed the Polish Government's am-nesty decision in July last. The Ten hope that thePolish authorities, in a spirit of national reconcili-ation and tolerance, will follow this decision withfurther measures designed to meet the aspirationsof the Polish people for dialogue and reform, andthat all of the provisions of the Helsinki Final Actand the Madrid Concluding Document, includingthose on trade-union freedom, will be implementedby Poland.

Disarmament and arms control

For the 10 members of the European Communitythe achievement of balanced and verifiable armscontrol and disarmament agreements, as well asthe full implementation of such agreements, is amatter of the highest importance. We shall con~tinue to work for such results and to lend supportto the .efforts of others to achieve them.

The problems of achieving effective agreements onarms control and disarmament are difficult at anytime. The pursuit of such agreements is made allthe more difficult in a climate of mistrust andstrain in political relations. None the less, thereis no alternative to determined and painstakingpursuit at the negotiating table of concrete resultsin the form of substantial, balanced and verifiablearms control and disarmament agreements. In thefield of disarmament, statements of good inten-tions are not enough, and declaratory undertakingsare a poor substitute for specific, concrete andverifiable measures. When one takes account ofthe continuing growth in armaments, certain po-tentially destabilizing technological advances inweaponry, and the grave social and economicconsequences of the arms race, it is evident thatall countries, including the nuclear powers, shouldhave a strong common interest in the negotiationof effective measures of arms control and disarma-ment resulting in stability at lower levels of forces.The Ten profoundly regret the suspension of thenegotiations between the United States and theSoviet Union on intercontinental strategic nuclearweapons and intermediate nuclear fgrces. We con-sider that these vitally important negotiationsshould resume and be pursued actively with a viewto reducing nuclear weapons to the lowest possiblelevel.

Measures to curb and reverse the nuclear armsrace should be complemented by efforts to main-tain and improve the effectiveness of the non~proliferation regime, which has served the inter-national community well since it was instituted inthe 1960s. In this context those members of the

Bull. EC 9-1984


Ten which are parties to the Non-ProliferationTreaty will work actively for the successful out-come of the Third NPT Review Conference in1985.

The danger of an arms race in outer space is amatter of deep concern to the membership of thisOrganization. Given the pressing need for agree-ment on steps to avert this danger, the Ten canonly regret that bilateral talks between the leadingspace powers, the Soviet Union and the UnitedStates have not yet taken place. They hope thatsuch talks will commence without delay. In paral-lel, multilateral consideration by the Conferenceon Disarmament of questions relating to the pre-vention of an arms race in outer space is alsodesirable. At the same time, we must take full account ofother aspects of the disarmament equation; con-ventional disarmament and arms control is alsonecessary if the common desire for peace andstability is to be satisfied. The continent in whichwe Europeans live contains the highest concen-tration of conventional weaponry and forces in theworld. This is one of the main reasons why theTen, in conformity with the mandate agreed for theConference on Confidence and Security-BuildingMeasures and Disarmament in Europe, which be-gan work in January last, are seeking negotiatedagreement in a first stage on a set of militarilysignificant and verifiable confidence and security-building measures. These measures would be de-signed to diminish the risk of military .confron-tation in Europe, and thereby pave the way to asecond stage of the Conference where the par-ticipating States would continue their efforts forsecurity and disarmament in Europe in particularby controlled reductions of armanents.

Those members of the Ten participating in theVienna negotiations on mutual and balanced forcereductions consider that the submission last Aprilof a new proposal which seeks to resolve some ofthe most basic issues of these negotiations shouldpermit real progress to be made towards agreementon conventional force reductions.

The Ten will continue to support realistic andconcrete disarmament efforts at the sole multilat-eral negotiating body-the Geneva Conference onDisarmament. We attach particular importance tothe successful conclusion of negotiations taking

place at the Conference on a convention to prohibitchemical weapons. Member States of the EuropeanCommunity have contributed actively to this work.In this connection, we welcome positive develop-ments which have taken place this year; the UnitedStates has tabled a draft Convention to outlawthese weapons and the Soviet Union has acceptedthe principle of on-site inspection of destruction of

Bull. EC 9-1984

stocks of chemical weapons. Although importantdifferences remain to be resolved the Ten hopethat it will be possible to move towards the con-clusion at an early date of a convention to elimin-ate chemical weapons.

The importance of the relationship between dis-armament and development has been underlinedin the deliberations of the United Nations Dis-armament Commission this year. The Commissionagreed that the world economy, and particularlythat of developing countries, would benefit fromappropriate international action that takes intoaccount the close relationship of disarmament anddevelopment. The Ten hope that it will provepossible to reach a broad measure of agreement atthis session of the General Assembly on how theimportant question of giving concrete expressionto the relationship should be pursued.

Middle East

The Ten have an historic concern for, and interest, peace and stability in the Middle East. We have

spoken out consistently on the problems of thearea and how they might be resolved in a fair anddurable way. Individually and collectively we havecontributed to attempts to make and keep peacein the Middle East.

It is appropriate here, at the headquarters of theUnited Nations Organization, to note its involve-ment in the area over the years and the experienceand expertise that it has developed. The UN hasa vital role to play in establishing and maintainingpeace in the Middle East. The Ten will continueto encourage and assist the activities of the UN tothis end.

Conflict and tension continue in three areas inparticular: between Israel and the Arab States; inLebanon; and in the Gulf. Each dispute hasbrought its own toll of human suffering and .de-struction; each also poses wider threats in theregion and to international peace and harmony.The international community, notably through theUN Security Council, has at various times set downguidelines for the solution of these problems inpart or in whole. What is needed now is movementby the parties concerned in each case, with thesupport and assistance of the international com-munity to negotiate peaceful solutions in accord-ance with the guidelines.

With regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict, Resol-utions 242 and 338 of the Security Council setdown fundamental principles for a settlement ofthat conflict. The Ten believe that in essence sucha settlement must further take account of both theright to existence and security of all States in theMiddle East, including Israel, and the right of the


Palestinian people to self-determination with allthat this implies.

A negotiated settlement requires the continuingand independent expression of the will of the Pale-stinian people; the Ten have repeatedly said thatthe PLO should be associated with the nego-tiations. The resolution of the problems betweenIsrael and its neighbours should be based on theprinciples, widely accepted in the internationalcommunity, of non-recourse to the use of force andthe inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory byforce. For the Ten, this means that, in accordancewith Resolutions 242 and 338 of the Security Coun-cil , Israel must put an end to the territorial occu-pation which it has maintained since the conflictof 1967.

For some time now, because of events on bothsides and developments elsewhere, there has beena hiatus in attempts to find a settlement of the

Arab-Israeli conflict. The Ten regret this. Eachyear that passes without a solution makes itsachievement more difficult. Attitudes of hostilitybecome more entrenched and the problems arisingfrom the long occupation become more serious.Outside parties, including the Ten, can play .part in facilitating negotiations and can assist andsupport constructive steps by the sides. A numberof proposals have been set forth, and remain on thetable, which could be helpful for a comprehensivesettlement. But it cannot be escaped that the partiesthemselves-Israel, the Arab States and the Palesti-nians-must sooner or later grasp the nettle andcome to terms with each other s existence andlegitimate rights. The Ten urge those involved totake steps in this direction. We believe that a startcould be made with the renunciation by all partiesof the threat or use of force and with the abandon-ment by Israel of the policy of establishing settle-ments in the occupied territories contrary to inter~national law.

The Ten regard the progress which has been madetowards reconciliation in Lebanon under theGovernment of Prime Minister Karame as encour-aging and worthy of support. But violence never-theless continues to flare up and fundamentalproblems remain to be addressed if the goal of anindependent, sovereign country enjoying territorialintegrity, affirmed so many times by the UN andendorsed by the Ten , is to be achieved.

Israel remains in occupation of a considerable partof the country, which is a cause of a great dealof human suffering and economic disruption inLebanon. In the view of the Ten Israel shouldwithdraw its troops in accordance with the call ofthe Security Council. In this connection we notethat in his address to the Knesset the new PrimeMinister of Israel said that one of the main objec-

tives of the new government is an .early return ofIsraeli forces from Lebanon. The Ten also believethat other foreign forces on Lebanese soil whosepresence is not authorized by the governmentshould also be withdrawn. The Ten, some ofwhom contribute to observer and peace-keepingoperations in Lebanon, reaffirm their willingnessto assist that country towards peace and normality.They take this opportunity to express their ap-preciation of the work of Unifil, aimed at carryingout its mandate, and its efforts to maintain stableconditions and protect the population in' its areaof operations. They support the renewal in Oc-tober of Unifil's mandate and hope that the con-ditions will be created which will allow the Forcefully to carry out its tasks.

The Ten are concerned at the continuation ofconflict between Iran and Iraq and the resultantincreased tension in the Gulf area. There has beengreat loss of life on both sides among combatantsand the civilian populations. Enormous materialdamage has been done. Shipping in the Gulf, in~cluding traffic to and from States not parties tothe conflict, has been subjected to attacks. Ofparticular concern was the report in March of thisyear by an expert team dispatched by the Secretary-General which ascertained that chemical weaponshad been used in areas inspected in Iran. The Tencondemn without qualification any use of chemicalweapons and earnestly hope that they will not beused again in this or any other conflict. We callon both sides to comply with the principles andprovisions of humanitarian international law inarmed conflicts. We have underlined to Iran andIraq the importance we attach to freedom of navi-gation and commerce in international waters andwe recall that the Security Council has more thanonce addressed this question.

More positively it is noted with satisfaction thatthe undertaking by Iran and Iraq not to attackpurely civilian targets is holding up well. We com-pliment the Secretary-General on bringing thisabout and on his work and that of the observerteams in maintaining it. A certain willingness tocompromise and thus spare the civilian populationfrom further suffering is an encouraging sign. Oneof the possibilities offered by the UN has beenutilized. The Ten urge both sides to extend thisprocess, leading to a general cessation of militaryactivities in accordance with the relevant SecurityCouncil resolutions and numerous appeals of theinternational community. Negotiation could thenbegin aimed at finding a peaceful solution, honour-able for both sides. Many intermediaries have of-fered their good offices in this area. The Ten hopethat these efforts and those of the UN Secretary~General will be continued and intensified and theyare ready to support them.

Bull. EC 9- 1984


Cyprus

The situation in Cyprus remains an importantmatter of international concern. The Ten onceagain express their unconditional support for theindependence, sovereignty, territorial integrity andunity of Cyprus in accordance with relevant UNresolutions. In particular, they reiterate their rejec-tion of the declaration of 15 November 1983 pur-parting to establish an independent State withinCyprus. They deplore the fact that neither thisdeclaration nor the subsequent purported ex-change of ambassadors between Turkey and theTurkish Cypriot leadership has been withdrawnin disregard of Security Council Resolutions 541and 550.

The Ten attach particular importance to the mis-sion of good offices of the Secretary-General andthey call .on all concerned to cooperate fully withthe Secretary~General in his current efforts to bringabout constructive dialogue aimed at a just andlasting solution to the problems of Cyprus. .

Afghanistan

It is now almost five years since the Soviet militaryintervention in Afghanistan. It remains a source ofgreat concern to the whole world and continuesseriously to affect the stability of the regian. TheTen remain deeply concerned at the continuingoccupation of that traditionally neutral and non-aligned country and at the violation of its indepen-dence. Despite repeated calls from the inter-national community to respect the UN Charterand UN resolutions the Soviet Union refuses toheed the appeals to withdraw its troops, which isthe key requirement for any satisfactory politicalsolution. The Ten regret that the Soviet Union hasshown no willingness to make a positive contri-bution to a settlement based on successive UNresolutions but has instead intensified its militaryefforts against the resistance forces which haveresulted in many civilian casualties and furthersuffering and destruction in a country already rav-aged by war.

The Ten are also deeply concerned that Pakistanicivilians and Afghan refugees have been killed inattacks on Pakistani territory from within Afghan~istan and they deplore these violations of Pakis-tan s border.

There can be na military victory in Afghanistan.There can only be a political solution which willensure the immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops,the restoration of Afghanistan s independence andnon-aligned status and the right of the Afghan

people to self-determination. In this regard theplight of the refugees must not be forgotten. Theexodus of more than a fifth of the Afghan popu-

Bull. EC 9-1984

lation driven from their homeland and forced toseek shelter in neighbouring countries is a tragedyof immense proportions. Any solution must enablethe refugees to return home in safety and honour.

The Ten are committed to supporting any initiat-ive which aims at a lasting and principled solutionbased on successive UN resolutions to the problem.of Afghanistan and recall their proposal of June1981 in this regard. We continue to follow withinterest the efforts of the UN Secretary-General'representative in his search for a political settle-ment within the UN framewark and we regret thatthese efforts have not to date met with significantsuccess.

Kampuchea

The Vietnamese .occupation of Kampuchea con-tinues to threaten the peace and stability of theSouth-East Asia region. The failure aver the lastfive years to make any progress towards.a compre-hensive political settlement, which wauld bring anend to the suffering of the Kampuchean people,lies in Vietnam s refusal to comply with the rel-evant UN resolutions. The Ten consider that thebasis for a just and lasting salution is contained inthe declaration of the International Conference onKampuchea which calls for total withdrawal ofVietnamese troops, the right .of the Kampucheanpeople to choose freely their own destiny, respectfor the independence, neutrality and non-align-ment of Kampuchea, and the commitment of allStates not to interfere in its internal affairs.

The Ten are prepared to support all constructiveefforts to bring about a peaceful settlement to theproblem of Kampuchea. This cannot be achievedwithout the participation and cooperation of allthose concerned with the conflict. We believe thata solution can be reached which accommodatesthe legitimate security concerns of all the States ofthe region.

Korea

The unresolved Korean question still constitutes apotential danger for the peace and stability of theregion. The Ten reiterate their belief that a peace-ful reunification of Korea should be pursued bymeans of dialogue and negotiations, based on thecommunique of 1972 between the South and theNorth. The Ten believe that the Korean peopleshould have their place among the countries rep-resented at the United Nations.

Latin America

The Ten hope that democracy and full respect forhuman rights will be established throughout Latin


America. They welcome the movement towardsdemocracy in South America which has been es~pecially noteworthy over the past year. This pro-gress has been achieved at a time of great economicdifficulties. They particularly welcome the resto-ration of democracy in Argentina following theelections of October 1983 and the achievements ofthe government of President Alfonsin in consoli-dating democracy in that country. Elections havealso taken place elsewhere in South America andthese have served to strengthen the democratic

process. Our hope is that those remaining coun-tries in South America where democracy has notyet been restored will in the near future follow asimilar evolution.

The Ten welcome the recent steps towards na-tional reconciliation in Colombia arid are follow-ing with interest the process of democratization inUruguay where elections are scheduled for No-vember of this year. I regret that, on the otherhand, the repeated appeals of the internationalcommunity to the Chilean authorities to takemeaningful steps to restore democracy to theircountry continue to fall on deaf ears. Violent inci-dents continue. These have their origin in thedenial of democratic freedoms to a people whichhas a long experience of democratic government.

The Ten continue to be deeply disturbed by thesituation in Central America, especially in certaincountries where murder and other atrocities areperpetrated, particularly on the civilian popu-lation, by the armed forces and by irregular armedbands, and where social and economic injusticecontinues to undermine the political consensuswhich is a condition of peaceful stability. TheTen have on many occasions expressed their fullsupport for the efforts of the Contadora Group toachieve a peaceful solution to the problems of theregion. I wish to reiterate our support for theseefforts , which are based on respect for the indepen-dence of sovereign States, the right of States tofreedom from outside interference, the inviolabilityof frontiers, the establishment of democratic con-ditions and the strict observance of human rights.

The Ten are convinced that the problems of Cen-tral America cannot be solved by armed force butonly through a political settlement springing fromthe region itself. The Contadora initiative offers aclear opportunity for such a settlement, and theTen urge all those in positions of political responsi-bility in Central America to work towards a finalsettlement on the basis of the Contadora pro-posals. In this connection the Ten consider thatthe elaboration of the Contadora Act is a signifi-cant and hopeful development.

The Ten note recent developments which havebrought some degree of hope to the Central Amer-

ican region such as the statements made after hisele!:tion by President Duarte of his intention topromote respect for human rights in EI Salvadoras well as the forthcoming elections in Nicaraguawhich it is hoped will lead to the establishmentand consolidation of a genuine democracy in thatcountry.

The Ten look forward to the meeting in San Jose,Costa Rica, later this week of the Foreign Ministersof the Ten, Central America, the Contadora coun-tries, and Spain and Portugal. This meeting willmark the commencement of an intensified politicaland economic dialogue between the Ten and Cen-tral America.

Africa

The Ten are deeply concerned at the many prob-lems confronting the African continent.

In South Africa the black majority continues to

suffer the injustices and indignity of apartheid withno real prospect of change in its political status.South Africa s new constitution fails to meet theaspirations of black South Africans for equal treat-ment and the demands of the international com-munity for justice. The black majority is com-pletely excluded from the political process andonly.a small number of coloureds and Indians wereprepared to participate in the recent elections. Thesense of alienation and frustration of the blackpopulation was demonstrated by the \ iolencewhich surrounded those elections. There is an ur-gent need for an early move towards the full andequal involvement of all citizens in the politicalprocess if further conflict and violence are to beaverted. The Ten will continue to press for consti-tutional arrangements founded on the principle ofequality and acceptable to all the citizens of SouthAfrica.

During the past year, the South African Govern-ment has continued to implement its homelandspolicy. Families and entire communities have beenforcibly removed from the homes which they haveowned and developed over many generations. Inthe process many South Africans through theirremoval to the Bantustans have been rendered

exiles in their own land and deprived of the liveli-hood they once possessed.

The Ten have individually and collectively ex-pressed their abhorrence of and opposition toSouth Africa s actions. We reject the homelandspolicy, as all other aspects of apartheid, and weshall continue our pressure on South Africa toabandon the apartheid system.

The Ten have noted with satisfaction the agree-ment between Angola and South Africa reached in

Bull. EC 9-1984


Lusaka on 16 February on the strengthening andmonitoring of the military disengagement in Sou-thern Angola. They have also noted the Nkomatiaccord between Mozambique and South Africa.They have commended the efforts of all partiesconcerned to bring about increased security andstability in the region. They stand ready to wel-come other positive moves. However, genuine andlasting peace must be founded on justice andguaranteed by the removal of the fundamentalcauses of conflict. The recent agreements can haveonly limited impact if they are not accompaniedby early and substantial progress in the eliminationof racial discrimination and by independence forNamibia.

The Ten hope that the southern African agree-ments will contribute to a climate of mutual confi-dence which would facilitate the implementationof Security Council Resolution 435. We regretdeeply that our hopes for an early settlement re-main unfulfilled and that South Africa continuesits illegal occupation of Namibia. The Ten do notaccept that the UN plan should be delayed or setaside for extraneous reasons or for arrangementsinconsistent with Resolution 435. We shall con~tinue to work for the immediate implementationof Resolution 435 because it alone embodies auniversally accepted framework for a peacefultransition to independence ina manner which isguaranteed by this Organization to be free andfair.

The European Community and its Member Stateswill also continue their aid to the Namibian peopleparticularly through their support for the UnitedNations Institute for Namibia. They reaffirm theirreadiness to assist in the development of a free andindependent Namibia.

The Ten hope that peaceful solutions can be foundto the situation in the Horn of Africa. They believethat such solutions should be based on the prin-ciples of the UN Charter and of the Organizationof African Unity.

Throughout Africa , the Ten continue to cooperatewith governments , regional organizations and theOrganization of African Unity in their efforts topromote stability and economic and social ad-vancement. The OAU plays an important role inthe promotion of peace on the continent and theTen support in particular its efforts to find peacefulsolutions to the problems of Chad and WesternSahara.

The problems caused by the severe drought whichhas struck large parts of Africa, together with theconnected problem of desertification and otherfactors , have contributed to the deterioration ofthe continent s economy and its ability to producefood. The European Community and its members

BulL EC 9-1984

are conscious of the necessity to assist the victimsof this calamity and they shall continue to providesubstantial emergency and development assistanceto alleviate its effects. The Ten endorse the effortsof the international community to alleviate thesituation of the 4 million refugees in Africa. Theirsufferings evoke our concern as do the many prob-lems which confront those States which give themshelter. The Ten and the Commission of the Euro-pean Communities have already stated at the Se-cond International Conference on Assistance toRefugees in Africa that they will continue to pro-vide assistance to African economies to help theireconomic and social structures to cater effectivelyfor refugees and returnees. They will also continueto support and encourage international cooper-

ation to prevent the political conflicts and econ-omicdistress which are among the primary causesof refugee flows. The problem of refugees is ofcourse a world-wide phenomenon. The Ten expectfruitful results from the work of the group ofgovernmental experts on international cooperationto avert new flows of refugees.

Human rights

I referred at the outset to the Ten s commitmentto human dignity and to the defence of humanrights as a principle underlying the Ten s approachto international issues. Many of the political prob-lems I have just described derive from failure torecognize the dignity and worth of the humanperson and to uphold the rights and freedoms setout in the UN Charter, in the Universal Declarationof Human Rights, in the Human Rights Coven-ants, and in other international human rightsagreements. Our task as the Ten and the task ofthe United Nations is to ensure that States adhereto their obligations to promote and protect allcategories of human rights--civil and political aswell as economic, social and culturaL The Tenbelieve that all these rights form an integral part ofa global system for the protection of the individual.They are indivisible and interrelated and must allbe defended. The promotion and protection of onecategory of rights can never excuse a State frompromoting and protecting other rights or exemptit from its obligations in this regard.

Unfortunately, the obligations entered into byStates are too often broken. Numerous reportsand surveys testify to the continuation of torture,political imprisonment, disappearances, arbitraryarrests, summary executions and racial and re-ligious discrimination as instruments of State pol-icy. The failure to match our aspirations withachievement weakens the human rights system socarefully and painstakingly developed over the past40 years and calls into question the seriousness ofour commitment. It is difficult to imagine the

The Community atthe UN

impact on those who suffer injustice and repressionof the feeling that the world is indifferent to theirplight and has abandoned them to their fate. Fortheir part the Ten will continue to speak outagainst violations of human rights whenever theyoccur, to work for the protection of the victims,and to promote international agreement on stan-dards and procedures.

In this connection the Ten welcome the progresswhich has been made on the Draft ConventionAgainst Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman andDegrading Treatment or Punishment. We lookforward to the adoption of the Convention atthis session of the General Assembly. Effectivemeasures to enforce the prohibition on torture arenecessary. Torture and .other forms of ill-treatmentaffront the principles of the Universal Declarationand undermine the primary aim of internationalcooperation on human rights~the achievement byeach human being of a life of freedom and dignity.

While the Ten are convinced that internationalcooperation contains the greatest potential to

eradicate abuses of human rights they are alsoconscious of the important role played by individ-uals and groups. It is a matter of grave concernthat the most serious abuses are often inflicted onthose who actively work to expose violations andremedy injustice. The Ten believe that the inter-national community has a special duty to protectthose who risk their life, health and liberty indefence of the rights and freedoms agreed by all.

International economic questions

The beginning of this decade saw the worst re-cession since the 1930s. Recently, there has been arecovery which has been strongest in some of thelarger industrialized countries and particularly inthe United States. The effects of this recovery arenow beginning to be spread more widely. Last yearthere was a resumption of growth in world tradewhich has apparently been al:::celerating further in1984. However, uncertainty remains concerningthe likely evolution of the international economicsituation.

Nevertheless considerable progress has been madein reducing rates of inflation in almost all theindustrialized countries. Despite the uncertaintyI have mentioned the prospects seem generallyfavourable. In addition, significant progress hasbeen made recently in adjusting fiscal and externalimbalances in many countries, both developed anddeveloping. Many non-oil-producing developingcountries have achieved a remarkable adjustmentin their balance-of-payments positions.

As was noted in the communique of the LondonEconomic Summit, a continuation of the recovery

requires unremitting efforts. We need to spreadthe benefits of the recoVery widely, both in theindustrialized countries, as well as to the develop-ing countries, especially the poorer countries whostand to gain considerably from a sustained growthin the world economy. Progress has been made inlaying foundations for sustained growth, but in thefuture we shall need to work for greater financialstability, notably in interest rates and exchangerates, and to make further efforts to liberalize tradeand to combat protectionism. The very high levelof real intet:est rates isa matter of particular con-cern. This dit:ectly affects economic activity, dis-torting exchange rates and capital flows and ex-acerbating indebtedness problems. To ensure thecontinuation ofa strong and sustained recovery

is essential that interest rates internationally comedown to more acceptable levels. At the same timeit will be essential to ensure adequate transfer ofresources to developing countries.

In assessing the el:::onomic outlook no one canafford to be I:::omplacent. There are sizeabledispa-rities in fisl:::al policy and growth performanceamong industrialized countries. There is growingimbalance in the current-account positions of somemajor countries. There is the weakness of growthin many developing countries and the associateddecline in their real per capita incomes. And thereis the still prel:::arious financial position of manyheavily indebted I:::ountries.

The debt problems of developing countries haverightly been the focus of attention at a number ofrecent international gatherings. These are prob-lems of crucial importance. Progress has beenmade but developing country indebtedness is likelyto be prominent ' on the international el:::onomicagenda for some time to come. It is clear thatprogress towards resolving debt difficulties de-pends to a large extent on the evolution of interestrates and the rate of expansion of exports of thedeveloping countries, and on the evolution of someother variables. All countries should work to createthe conditions in which the key variables can movein the right direction, and here we should notoverlook the importance of appropriate economicpolicies in the debtor countries. We do of courserecognize that there is a link between adjustmentand development, and the efforts of developingcountries to adjust their economies should be sup-ported by the international community.

The very high level of unemployment in developedand developing countries is a major source ofconcern. This is so particularly in Europe wherewe are undergoing a difficult period of structuraladjustment. We must urgently tackle the lack ofemployment opportunities for the millions ofpeople who are willing and anxious to obtainemployment. In the Community and worldwide

Bull. EC 9- 1984

The Community at theU N

we must devise a consistent strategy which, whileresisting inflationary pressures, aims to reduce themassive unemployment problem. Medium-termprojections, on the basis of present policies, indi-cate that we in the European Community canexpect no significant reduction in unemploymentfor some time to come. The costs of sustainedunemployment at present levels are enormous notjust in terms of lost output and incomes but alsoin terms of their detrimental effects on attitudes inour societies.

In all these problems we are hound to recognizethe increasing degree of interdependence betweendifferent countries and areas in the world economyand the consequences of economic policies pursuedby individual countries or groups of countries fordevelopments in other parts of the world. At thesame time we should be aware of the inter-relation-ships of different policy areaS , which all too oftenin the past have been considered separately. Giventhe uncertain economic environment in which weare operating, it is important that we retain flexi-bility in our economic policies and that we beprepared to act to counter any threat to worldrecovery.

In the Community we feel that the problems ofdevelopment should be tackled in an integratedway and over the longer term. It is against thisbackground and in this spirit that the Communityhas approached the various issues raised duringthe year in the framework of the North/Southdialogue. Many of the issues considered still re-main unresolved and are on the agenda of thisGeneral Assembly. In this connection the Com-munity recalls its position in favour of global nego-tiations, which should of course be on a basisacceptable to all.

The review and appraisal of the international de-velopment strategy for the third development dec~ade is another issue for the General Assembly.Despite considerable efforts in the framework ofUnctad, at Ecosoc and here in New York, this

important exercise is not yet complete. The recenteconomic recession has held back progress towardsthe growth and development for which we allhoped and planned in 1980. The review shouldallow us to take advantage of the improving econ-omic climate and give a new impetus to the im-plementation of the strategy for the remainder ofthe decade. On behalf of the Community may Isay that we, for our part, firmly hold to ourcommitments made in the context of the inter"national development strategy. In particular, wereaffirm our commitments to maintain and wherepossible increase the levels of official developmentassistance, especially in favour of the least de-veloped countries.

Bull. EC 9-1984

I have already spoken of the concern of the Euro-pean Community at the terrible problems of Af-rica, in particular sub-Saharan Africa, wheredrought and desertification have exacerbated analready difficult situation. I would like to underlinethat in recent years more than 50% of the totalaid received by African countries, that is overUSD 5000 million a year, came from the Com-munity and its Member States. We heartily wel-come the growing determination of African coun-tries themselves to further engage in concrete ef"forts to come to grips with the various problemsbesetting their .economic and social development.

We regret that it was not possible to reach agree-ment at Ecosoc on a declaration drawing attentionto Africa s problems. We have confidence, how-ever, that this General Assembly will successfullyconclude the negotiations on the declaration. Webelieve that such a declaration will be a signalto the world of the concern of the internationalcommunity at the plight of Africa, and will encour-age action to alleviate that plight.

We recall that at the meeting of the World Banka few days ago the Committee for Developmentexpressed strong support for the proposed actionprogramme contained in the Bank's report, empha-sizing that its implementation will require the con"certed and sustained efforts of African govern-ments? bilateral donors and international organiz-ations.

At the fourth General Conference of Unido the

world community considered the relatively limitedprogress of industrialization in the developingcountries since the second General Conference ofUnido in 1975. In the Community s view, faster

progress in industrialization worldwide is necess-ary, and the benefits of industrial growth shouldbe spread more widely among the developing coun-tries. We regret that it was not possible to reachagreement on the chapeau text at Unido IV al-though we were near to achieving a consensus.We are pleased that the conference provided anopportunity for a thorough examination of prob~lems facing the developing countries in their effortsto industrialize. It concluded with a consensusagreement on nine resolutions aimed at helpingthe developing countries to overcome these prob-lems and at defining the role of Unido.

We in the Community welcome the opportunityto give further consideration to the two resolutionswhich were not agreed and which are transmittedto this General Assembly. We hope it will possible to achieve consensus agreement on them.We believe it appropriate that on the eve of theconversion of Unido to a specialized agency theindustrialization of developing countries should

The Community at the

continue to be in the forefront of our attentionhere.

The effect of demographic patterns, in particularthe rapid growth of the world's population , ondevelopment and the utilization of resources con-tinue to be .cause for concern. The second halfof the 20th century stands out in history for itsunprecedented population growth. Growth r3:tes;ire still very high in many developing countries.Even though the global rates have now begun todecline, the result, combined with the rapid growthof previous decades, will be a doubling of theworld population over the course of the next 50years, which will add to the difficulties of overcom-ing the obstacles to economic and social develop-ment. This will necessitate increased internationalattention now and in the years to come to theproblems of improving the balance of resourcesbetween the peoples of the world. The Inter-national Population Conference was held in Mex~ico City in August against this backgr~und. Inreviewing and refining the world populat~on pl~nof action, the Mexico Conference provided, mits recommendations adopted by consensus, manyuseful guidelines to governments in both developedand developing countries.

For the Community s own part, and in the contextof strengthening our links with the developingcountries, Our efforts have been largely devotedthis year to negotiating a third ACP-EEC conven~tion. As in the case of its predecessors, Lome IIIwill cover a whole range of trade and aid pro-visions with over 60 African, Caribbean and Pacificcountries. We take pride that this cooperationconvention represents an unprecedented effort tocreate a new model for relations between Northand South , encompassing almost half of the inter-national community, including most of the poorestnations. The negotiations have now entered theirfinal stage and it is envisaged that the new agree-ment will be signed in December in Lome, thecapital of Togo. We do not claim that thisconven-tion will provide definitive solutions to all thedevelopment problems of the African , Caribbeanand Pacific countries. It is however a contrIbutIOnbased on a number of fundamental principles,which should enable both the Community and theACP countries to continue to build the kind cooperation that will be beneficial to both sides.The objectives of the convention make that clear.We have agreed that we will support and promotethe efforts of the ACP States to achieve self-deter-mined, self-reliant and self-maintained develop-ment. Our efforts take account of local needs andlocal resources. Development must be encouragedfrom within and not imposed from without.Finally, I would like to refer briefly to the Conven-tion on the Law of the Sea. The CommunIty and

its Member States believe that this Conventionconstitutes a major effort in the codification andprogressive development of international law

various fields.

This Convention has been signed up to now by fiveMember States of the Community. Some concernpersists with respect to the deep sea-bed miningregime of the Convention and should be dealt ~ithin such a manner as to make the ConventIonuniversally acceptable. In fact we attach great im-portance to the work o~ the Preparatory Co';TI-mission for the InternatIOnal Sea-Bed Authontyand for the International Tribunal for the Law ofthe Sea.

I hope that the Convention will become a usefulinstrument for the promotion of cooperation andstable relations between all countries in this field.

Concluding remarks

The Ten appreciate the importance of the Non-Aligned Movement to which over two-thirds this Assembly now belongs. The Movement exer-cises a considerable influence on international af-fairs. We believe that genuine non-alignment cancontribute significantly to international stabilityand to the peaceful settlement of the problemswhich face the international community.

These problems , some of which I have touched onin this statement, and most of which feature onthe agenda of this Assembly, present a distressingcatalogue to those who believe that the UN couldand should playa more important and decisiverole in international life. It is therefore entirelyappropriate and necessary that the Secretary-Gen-eral should again this year in his third annual

report draw attention to the da~gerous ?reakdownin the multilateral approach to InternatIonal ques-tions. The Ten agree with the Secretary-General'diagnosis of the problem. We also agree with hisprescriptions for a solution. We hav~ supportedhis efforts in the past. We shall continue to helpin whatever way we can to restore respect forthe Charter and to strengthen confidence in theOrganization.

As the UN enters its 40th year there is an evidentneed for a recommitment to a multilateral ap-proach which would draw on ~he energy, on ~heimagination, and on the potential for cooperatIonof the majority of this Assembly. Other approacheshave been tried and failed. The Secretary-Generalin his annual report has sounded a warning aboutthe risks of continued failure. We ignore it at ourperil. ..

Bull. EC 9- 1984

51. Statement by the Ten on Non-Pro-liferation(Brussels, 20 November 1984)

The Ten, meeting within the framework of EuropeanPolitical Co-operation (hereafter referred to as the " Mem-ber States- Mindful of the rights and obligations arising from the

membership of the Member States of the EuropeanAtomic Energy Community;

- Recording their support for the objective of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons;Referring to the various undertakings regarding thepeaceful use of nuclear energy and control which theMember States have made respectively, especially theTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weaponsand the agreements concluded between the MemberStates, the European Atomic Energy Community andthe International Atomic Energy Agency for the appli-cation of safeguards within the Community;

- Noting the adoption by all the Member States of theGuidelines for the Export of Nuclear Material , Equip-ment and Technology, in the capacity of unilateralundertakings as published in circular INFCIHC/254 ofthe International Atomic Energy Agency (hereinafterreferred to as the "Guidelines

1. Take note that the principles of the Guidelines form abasic common discipline for Member States for their nu-clear exports.

2. Take note that, with due regard for the the Treaties ofRome and within the framework of the competence of theMember States, transfers of nuclear materials, equip-ment or technology may take place without restrictionbetween the Member States, subject to the following ad-ditional detailed rules:

1. Until they are used, separated plutonium and greaterthan 20% enriched uranium shall be stored by the Mem-ber States at the place where it has been separated or

188 Sou:t:'ce: Eu:t:'opean ?olitical Co~operatiQn, fifth editionPress and Information Office , Fede:t:'al Republic ofGerman, Bonn , 1988.

enriched to more than 20% orat the place of manufactureof fuel containing plutonium or greater than 20% en-riched uranium or at a storage place set up and adminis-tered by a Member State or at a place decided upon byjoint agreement by the Member States concerned.

1. Plutonium and greater than 20% enriched uraniumshall be transferred by the Member States on submissionof a consignee certificate specifying the ultimate destina-tion, the quantity, the approximate delivery timetable, theuse timetable, the form in which delivery will take place,and the use of such material for one or other of the follow-

ing purpose:fuelling any functioning power reactor or researchreactor or one that is in the course of construction onthe territory of a Member State or under its jurisdic-tion;

- processing on the territory of a Member State or underits jurisdiction for fuelling the above-mentioned reac-tors or, subject to the detailed rules laid down in para-graph 2. 3., for fuelling any reactor situated on theterritory of a third State;research and development in any laboratory situatedon the territory of a Member State or under its jurisdic-tion. Subject to the detailed rules of paragraph 2.the material may also be transferred to a third Stateunder the framework of co-operation in the field of re-search and development;

- use in any other facility relating to an energy pro-gramme or one of research and development or situ-ated on the territory of a Member State or under itsjurisdiction;

including the intermediate storage required for the

smooth functioning of the above-mentioned opera-tions.

2. The Government of the Member State to which theconsignee belongs shall certify the information given inthe certificate referred to in paragraph 2.

3. Plutonium and greater than 20% enriched uraniumshall not be re-transferred to a third State without the

189

mutual agreement of the Member State which separateditor enriched it to more than 20% and of the MemberState wishing to effect a re-transfer, without prejudice toany other rights of prior consent which might exist.

1.4. Paragraphs 2. , 2. 2. and 2. 3. above shall notapply to:- plutonium with an isotopic value in plutonium 238

greater than 80%;- special fissile products used .in quantities of onegramme or less as a sensitive component of measuring

instruments;

.;...

transfers which do not exceed 50 grammes in effectmade in the course of one year to a given MemberState;re-transfers which do not exceed 50 grammes in thecourse of one year to a given third State, without pre-judice to any other rights of prior consent which mightexist.

5. The foregoing detailed rules shall be reviewed bythe Member States should a system of internationalplutonium storage be set up under the auspices of theInternational Atomic Energy Agency.

2. Facilities and technology for reprocessing, enrich-ment and heavy-water production or facilities set up onthe basis of the said technology may be transferred tak-ing into account the nclture and development of the nuc~lear programmes of the consignee Member States.

3. No enriching facility transferred from a MemberState , nor any facility set up on the basis of the technol-ogy of such a facility, shall be designed or operated forthe production of greater than 20% enriched uraniumwithout the agreement of the supplier Member State.

2.4. When sensitive facilities or technology are beingtransferred, the Member States will observe the provi-sions relating to protection of confidentiality.

190

5. The prior agreement of the supplier State shall berequired forany re-transferoffacilities, major critical com-ponents or reprocessing, enriching or heavy-water pro-duction teChnology andfor any transfer offacilities or ma~jor critical components derived from the said articles.The said re-transfers and transfers between MemberStates may take place after consultation with the MemberState of origin taking into account the nature and devel~opment of the nuclear programme of the consigneeMember State.

3. Take note that the Member States shall apply to thenuclear material under their jurisdiction measures ofphysical protection that are at least equal to the levelsfixed by the Guidelines.

4. Take note that , under the above-mentioned conditionstransfers between Member States of nuclear materialequipment or technology shall take place in a mannercompatible with the requirements of non-proliferationand of free movement.

2.4.5. On 28 November the Ten issuedthe following statement on the situation inBolivia:

The Ten are following with conCern the presentpolitical situation in Bolivia. They reaffirm theimportance which they attach to the maintenanceof democratic government in that country.'

Bull. EC 11- 1984

No 2-320/116 Debates of the European Parliament 12. 12.

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Speech to the European Parliament byPeter Bany,

Irish Minister of Foreign Affairson European Political Cooperation

(Excerpts)12 December 1984

Annex to the Official Journal of theEuropean Communities No. 1-320

Mr President, I would like now to review the workundertaken during the Irish Presidency in the field ofEuropean political cooperation. During this periodthe Ten have continued to consult and coordinateeffectively on the major international issues whichconfront them. Common positions have been elabor-ated on a wide range of complex topics. While ourtask has not always been an easy one , we have endeav-oured to speak out qn international developments witha single European voice.

Under the Irish Presidency the Ten have marked theirparticular concern for peace and stability in the Mid-die East. We availed ourselves of a relative lull indiplomatic activity in the region to engage in a carefulanalysis of the situation there. At its meeting in Dublinlast week the European Council reaffirmed the Tenpolicy in regard to the Arab/Israeli conflict. In contin-uation of this policy, and having consid ered a reporton the Middle East situation , the European Councilalso considered that contacts should be developed withall the parties with a view to seeking ways to improvethe situation in the region. The Ten have also reas-serted their commitment to the sovereignty, indepen-dence and territorial integrity of Lebanon and havecalled for the withdrawal from Lebanon of all foreigntroops , expect those whose presence was agreed by theLebanese Government.

The beginning of the recent Israeli/Lebanese talks hasbeen a welcome development. We hope that an agree-ment will be reached enabling an early withdrawal ofIsraeli forces from the Lebanon.

The Ten s position on the Iran/Iraq war remainsunchanged. We have continued to express our pro-found concern at the loss of life and material damagecaused by this conflict. We have pressed for a nego-tiated solution to bring an end to military activity. Wehave also called on both sides to comply with the prin-ciples of humanitarian international law in armed con-flicts.

When I addressed this House last July, I said that theoverall picture of East-West relations was not encour-aging. I promised that the Ten would do all in theirpower to reduce tensions and to promote more stableand cooperative relations between East and West.During this difficult period the Ten sought consis-tently to keep open all possible channels of dialoguebetween both sides and also supported the efforts of

12. 12. 84 Debates of the European Parliament No 2-320/117

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others directed to this end. In this connection , we wel-come very much the forthcoming high-level confer-ence betWeen the United States and the Soviet Union.In our view, sustained dialogue both between theUnited States and the Soviet Union, and betWeenEuropeans in East and West is indispensable and com-plementary in the pursuit of improved East-West rela-tions and the consequent enhancement of internationalsecurIty.

During our presidency the Ten have made clear theimportance they attach to the achievement of balancedand verifiable arms control and disarmament agree-ments. We have consistently supported the resumptionof the vitally important negotiations betWeen theUnited States and the Soviet Union on intercontinen-tal strategic nuclear weapons and intermediate nuclearforces.

In view of the urgent need to avert the danger of anarms race in outer space, we have also advocated theinitiation of talks on this subject between the two lead-ing space powers. We therefore welcome theannouncement of the meeting between Mr Schulz andMr Gromyko in January in Geneva and hope verymuch that this will lead to agreement on how to carryforward negotiations between the United States andthe Soviet Union on these various questions.

The Ten also attach great importance to the CSCEprocess which has a central place in East-West rela-tions. We have continued to urge full implementationof the Helsinki-Madrid provisions by all CSCE parti-cipating States in order to bring about more securemore cooperative and more humane relations inEurope. Under the Irish Presidency there was closeeffective and fruitful coordination among the Ten at anumber of meetings held within the CSCEJramework.At the Stockholm Conference on security-buildingmeasures and disarmament in Europe, the Ten havebeen working towards achieving negotiated agreementon concrete measures which would increase confi-dence in security by making military behaviour moreopen and military intentions more calculable.

The Ten also cooperated successfully at the CSCEseminar on Mediterranean cooperation which washeld in Venice recently and at a meeting held in Buda-pest to prepare next year s CSCE cultural forum inthat city.

We have continued to pay close attention to events inPoland. On 23 July we welcomed the announcementby the Polish Government of an amnesty for politicalprisoners. We expressed the hope that the govern-ment s decision reflected a desire to meet the aspira-tions of the Polish people for dialogue and reform andwould be followed by further measures designed topromote national reconciliation. We recalled that ithas consistently been our wish to return to more nor-mal relations with Poland as soon as developments inthat country permit.

More recently, however, we were shocked by the mur-der of Father Popieluszko which we roundly con-demn. We have noted the stated intention of the Pol-ish authorities to pursue the perpetrators of this atroc-ity.

As regards nuclear non-proliferation, I should men-tion that the 10 Foreign Ministers recently adopted adeclaration of common policy on the consequence ofadoption by the 10 Member States of the LondonGuidelines which represents a common discipline withregard to nuclear exports.

Mr President, turning to the situation in CentralAmerica, which has been a source of continuing con-cern for the Ten, I would like your permission to res-pond to Oral Questions Nos 042/84 and 045/84 the subject of the Ministerial Conference held in SanJose , Costa Rica on 28 and 29 September in which theEuropean Community and its Member States partici-pated , along with Spain and Portugal , the countries ofCentral America and the countries of the ContadoraGroup. The aim of the Ten at this conference was togive practical support, both political and economic, tothe efforts of the countries of Central America them-selves to bring peace, social justice , economic develop-ment and respect for human rights and democratic lib-erties to the region. We were conscious throughout the intimate connection betWeen underdevelopmentand inequitable social and economic structures on theone hand , and political instability and violence on theother. It is for this reason that the final communiqueof the meeting reflects both Europe s political supportfor peace-making efforts, particularly those of theContadora Group, and Europe s firm intention tointensify economic cooperation with Central America.

The Community records the agreement of both sidesto continue the political dialogue begun in San Josethrough further meetings at regular intervals in thefuture. Both sides also declared themselves ready tostart discussions as soon as possible with a view tonegotiating an interregional framework economiccooperation agreement. At San Jose all the participantsexpressed their firm conviction that the problems ofCentral America cannot be solved by armed force.They can only be solved by political solutions spring-ing from the region itself. In this connection, affirmed our support for the Contadora process whichprovides the best opportunity to achieve a solution ofthe crisis. The Community recognized that the reviseddraft Contadora Act is a fundamental stage in thenegotiation process for peace in Central America. TheCentral American countries we hope, will shortly

reach full agreement on a final text of the Con tad oraAct.

The Ten have also been following with concern thedeteriorating situation in Chile. In a statement of11 September we expressed preoccupation with theacts of violence and repression which had followed

No 2-320/118 Debates of the European Parliament 12. 12.

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political demonstrations aimed at the restoration ofdemocracy to that country.

Political developments in Africa have also continuedto claim our attention. The situation in South Africawas the subject of a declaration on 11 September inwhich we expressed concern at the arrest and deten-tion of those involved in the boycott of the recent elec-tions to the Coloured and Indian Assemblies in SouthAfrica. Later we formally expressed this concern to theSouth African authorities and sought the immediaterelease of those detained without charge.

While further improvements have still to be made, it isclear none the less that the code of conduct for Euro-pean Community companies with subsidiaries in SouthAfrica has had a positive effect on conditions for blackworkers there. On 20 November the 10 Foreign Min-isters approved the fourth Community analysis of theMember States ' national reports on the implementa-tion of the code of conduct.

Under the Irish presidency the Ten developed still fur-ther their relations with the Association of South EastAsian Nations. I attended the ASEAN post-ministerialconference with the dialogue partners in Indonesia lastJuly. In addition , the fifth EEC/ ASEAN ministerialmeeting was held in Dublin on 15 and 16 November.In the joint declaration following that meeting theForeign Ministers of the Ten and ASEAN expressedtheir satisfaction with the wide degree of consensusreached in current international , regional and politicalproblems. We paid particular attention to the twomajor threats to peace and stability in Asia , namely thesituation in Kampuchea and Afghanistan. Discussionson the economic part of the agenda focused largely onthe EEC/ ASEAN Cooperation Agreement. Agree-ment was reached on the importance of increasingEuropean investment in the ASEAN region and it planned to study the means whereby this may achieved. It was also agreed to convene a special meet-ing of relevant Community and ASEAN Ministersearly in the New Year for 'the purpose of reviewing theoperation of the cooperation agreement to date and

examining ways in which the cooperation might bestrengthened to our mutual benefit.

Again during our presidency the Ten continued anddeveloped their coordination of a wide variety ofissues within the framework of the United Nations.On behalf of the European Community and its10 Member States, I delivered a statement at the39th United Nations General Assembly in which Iout-lined the Ten s policy on the leading internationalissues. Within the United Nations framework we havealso maintained our close coordination on humanrights issues. In my statement to the 39th GeneralAssembly I underlined the Ten s determination to con-tinue to speak out against human rights violationswherever they occur and promote international agree-ment on standards and procedures with which humanrights can be defended. We also adopted a set of prin-

ciples in relation to the increasingly serious problem ofinternational terrorism and the abuses of diplomaticImmunity.

I have been asked by Parliament to respond in thecourse of my address this morning to a number of oralquestions put down by members on the subject ofWestern European Union. It will, I trust, be under-stood that as only seven of the Ten are members of theWestern European Union, the Ten as such cannot take a position on discussions which may take place in theWEU framework. Discussions within the WEU arenot a matter for European political cooperation.

Furthermore , it is appropriate that I should recall thesignificance which the Ten have attached under theIrish presidency to their dialogue with the EuropeanParliament on matters arising in the framework of pol-itical cooperation. This dialogue, in our view , was richin benefits for both sides and can no doubt be furtherdeveloped. As President- in-Office I have availedmyself of the various channels open to me to keepParliament fully informed of developments and engage in a wide-ranging exchange of views withMembers on the various political issues with which theTen have been confronted. Speaking personally, can Isay that I greatly value the opportunity I have had tohear the views of Members on these issues. I havedrawn the attention of my colleagues in political coop-eration as a matter of course to resolutions adopted byParliament on political topics. The formally expressedviews of this House are thus fed directly into the deli-berative process of the Ten, and indeed made important contribution to our work.

In conclusion , I would suggest that the Irish presi-dency has made considerable efforts to reach agree-ment on solutions to outstanding Community prob-lems. We have in fact, as I have detailed , succeeded inbringing a number of important issues to a successfulconclusion. But the essential task of relaunching theCommunity in all its elements remains uncompleted.This task of course would be beyond the scope andcapacity of any one presidency, but I think we havemade our contribution. However, the work of theunfulfilled mandate of Stuttgart must continue. I canassure this House that Ireland will continue to playfull and responsible role in meeting this formidablechallenge.

(Applause)

Political cooperation

4.1. The conclusions adopted by theEuropean Council at its Dublin meeting 0113 and 4 December included a number ofitems relating to political cooperation.

2.4.2. On 27 December the Ten issued thefollowing statement on Afghanistan:

Five years ago today, Soviet forces invaded Afgh-anistan. The Ten , together with the overwhelmingmajority of UN Member States , condemned thisviolation of international law and of the SovietUnion s obligations under the UN Charter. Theyremain deeply concerned about the continuingillegal occupation by the Soviet Union of thattraditionally neutral and non-aligned country.They condemn the continuing violations of humanrights in Afghanistan and, in particular, the exten-sive shelling and bombing by Soviet forces of civ-ilian areas , in their efforts to suppress the resist-ance, which have resulted in widespread destruc-tion and loss of life. They are concerned at reports

of food shortages, malnutrition and high infantmortality in rural areas of Afghanistan resultingfrom this policy. The Ten reaffirm their concernabout the continuing attacks on Afghan refugees

and civilians in Pakistan and they condemn theseviolations of Pakistan s sovereignty. They appreci-ate the generous attitude of the Pakistani Govern-ment in giving refuge to 3 million Afghans.

The Ten reaffirm the urgent need to seek a justand lasting solution to the Afghan problem inaccordance with successive UN resolutions. Sucha solution would require the immediate with-drawal of Soviet troops , the restoration of Afghan-istan s independence and non-aligned status, theright of the Afghan people to determine their ownfuture without outside interference and enable themillions of Afghans who were forced to flee theirhomeland to return in safety and honour. Theynote that 119 members of the General Assemblyof the United Nations have recently endorsed sucha solution.

The Ten remain prepared to support any initiativewhich seeks a just and lasting solution to theproblem and recall their proposal of June 1981 inthis regard. They attach great importance to theefforts of the Secretary-General's representative inhis search for a political settlement within the UNframework. They welcome the positive contri-bution made by the Government of Pakistan tothese efforts. They regret that the Soviet Union hasnot yet made the necessary positive contribution toenable these efforts to succeed. In particular, theyare concerned that no progress has been made onthe question of the withdrawal of the occupationforces , which remains the key requirement of anysolution.'

Bull. EC 12-1984 111

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