Mr. Shamir devoted his address in the annual General Assembly gathering to three main points: the fight against international terrorism and the need not only to fight this scourge but also to prevent it from taking place on a global scale. He rejected the call for an international conference for the Middle East preferring instead direct talks which proved so useful in Camp David process and finally announced that Israel will ensure its "legitimate security needs and make the necessary arrangements in southern Lebanon to protect the people of northern Israel" . He reiterated Israel's readiness to withdraw "all our forces from Lebanon, subject to the above mentioned arrangements" Text:
Mr. President,
It gives me pleasure to associate myself with the warm congratulations offered to you, Mr. President, from this rostrum. They are a tribute to your country, to yourself, as well as to a continent which is playing such a prominent role in this organization.
I hope and trust that under your leadership and guidance, the deliberations of this Assembly will be constructive, positive and responsive to the grave problems that face us.
It is gratifying to observe the family of nations grow from year to year, reinforced with new partners in our common endeavours. The United Nations will either stand or fall on the principle of universality. The only attitude we should disavow is the promotion of narrow, selfish interests which run counter to our common international efforts.
The Goals of the United Nations
Every General Assembly must set out in a spirit of hope that despite the disappointments of the past, we can and should renew our efforts and work for a better world. Forty years ago, the founders of the Untied Nations looked back on a tragic past and undertook to forge instruments that would ensure a better future for humanity. So do we, in accordance with ancient Jewish tradition, look back year after year, upon the disappointments of the past with firm belief in a better future, buoyed by an unflagging hope in the triumph of that human spirit which never deserts us.
Mr. President,
The 40th anniversary of the end of World War II will occur in 1985, as has already been noted from this rostrum. This was a landmark in history and even more so in the annals of my people. Israel and the Jewish people, who still carry so many scars of that terrible war, will commemorate the occasion appropriately. The event will undoubtedly be marked by all nations, as was indeed recommended by the 38th General Assembly which invited Member-States to adopt "measures declaring punishable by law any dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred... including Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist ideologies". The assembly also appealed to all States to accede to the International Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes against Humanity. There are still a few pockets of Neo-Nazism that continue to linger and they should be dealt with firmly. But the true heirs to this inhuman creed are those organizations and governments who continue to this day to deny the right of existence of another state, and strive for its outright destruction. There should be no room in civilized society for such doctrines or for those who promote them.
The Human Dimension
The United Nations concept embraces the whole of mankind. its raison d8tre is the welfare, present and future, of humanity, with special attention accorded to the under-privileged, the disabled and the oppressed.
Our special attention should be focused on the problems of children and of youth, on their appropriate education and training. This should be our central task in building up our nations and societies.
The coming year will be marked by the conclusion of the Decade for Women, with the Conference to be held in Nairobi. Our hope is that this conference will become a high point in women's struggle for equality, and will not be exploited for narrow and barren political interests.
Technological progress holds the promise of providing solutions to some of the most pressing problems of developing nations. But nowhere is it more sorely needed than in the field of agriculture and food production. It is now widely recognized that the international development effort has failed to meet its most important challenge, the production of food for the fast-growing population of our world. Agriculture is the key to the present challenge, but its development and that of the rural society that sustains it have been sadly neglected.
Great strides have been made worldwide in industry, the development of infrastructure, transportation, education and health, but food production has remained deficient. It is a terribly sad comment on our society that in this modern age millions go hungry and die of famine; hundreds of millions, mainly children, suffer malnutrition, their future as productive members of their society endangered. Per capita food production in Africa, for instance, has in fact dropped 15% in the last decade. Countries in other continents required emergency food supplies. Nations that were once self-sufficient have become importers of food and, as a result of their difficulties stemming from the increase in the cost of energy, their true independence has become endangered.
Catastrophe awaits many nations if we do not find the way to assure adequate food for our world's growing population. World security and stability begins with the assurance of basic human needs.
A change of direction is thus urgently needed in the goals of international development. That is the challenge of this decade. This goal can be reached despite the scarcity of arable land and water, and despite the meagre resources that are available in various countries. In fact, Israel has emerged in only one generation from severe austerity and food rationing to self-reliance; we increased our food production twelvefold, and have become a net exporter of food.
Israel recently marked 25 years of her programme for International Development Cooperation. This programme had its beginning in the late Fifties and early Sixties with the emergence of newly independent nations that sought rapid development. Imbued with a pioneering spirit that thrived on successful adaptation and innovation in the development of their own country, the people of Israel considered it a duty to share the knowledge acquired through their own rapid development experience with the peoples of other emerging nations.
Israel calls upon all Governments to set aside political differences and narrow economic interests to join forces in the campaign against hunger. Israel will continue to cooperate with other nations in technology and development and stands ready to join other Governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations in working to meet this great challenge to humanity.
The Jewish Diaspora
Israel is the fulfillment of an age-old dream and prayer for the re-establishment of the Jewish State in the Land of Israel. It is the home of all Jews who wish to make it their home, and it is the defender and protector of all Jews who are oppressed or persecuted because they belong to the Jewish people. These principles are enshrined in Israel's Declaration of Independence, in its laws and in the conscience of its people.
We are aghast at the fact that forty years after eradication of Nazism, rampant anti-Semitism and racial discrimination still exist in a number of countries. The situation of Soviet Jewry has recently taken a definite turn for the worse. From this rostrum, I call upon the Government of the Soviet Union to remove the harsh limitations and restrictions imposed upon Jews who seek repatriation and reunion with their bretheren in Israel. The continued harassment of Soviet Jews has become one of the most pressing humanitarian problems today, a violation of the most basic human rights, as expressed in the Helsinki Accords. Hundreds of thousands of Jews are being systematically denied their rights, and many are forced to live as outcasts, deprived of their livelihood, harassed or imprisoned in jails and labour camps under inhuman conditions.
Soviet Jews are deprived of access to Jewish culture. A systematic campaign is waged against those Soviet Jewish teaching and studying the Hebrew language. Under the ill-concealed cloak of anti-Zionism, officially inspired anti-Semitism is being increasingly manifested in the Soviet media.
We call upon the Soviet Government to change its policy which is unjustifiable. The Soviet Jews are not involved in any anti-Soviet activity, nor are they violating Soviet laws, or working against Soviet interests. Their only wish is to study their ancient culture and their national language and to live as Jews in their historic homeland. It should be recalled that in front of this very Assembly official representatives of the USSR have declared that the Jewish people have a right to a state of their own. Soviet Jewry demands nothing more than to exercise this right.
In our own part of the world, the Middle East, the Jews of Syria continue to suffer under a harsh regime that holds them hostage and refuses to grant them basic human rights, most important of which is the right to emigrate and join their brethren. Periodic killings of Jews either sanctioned or tolerated by the authorities maintain a climate of terror among the Jews of Syria.
In Ethiopia, an ancient Jewish community struggles to maintain its heritage, culture and integrity under dire hardship. We acknowledge the gesture of the Ethiopian Government which has recently enabled Jews and non-Jews from all over the world to visit this community and express our sincere hope that it will take all necessary steps to protect and respect their religious and cultural rights and enable those who so desire to be reunited with their families in their ancient homeland.
The Middle East
On September 13, 1984, a government of national unity, encompassing the overwhelming majority of political parties in Israel was established. Its creation is a reflection of the wide consensus that unites the people of Israel on the main issues on the government's agenda, in the economic, defence and political domains.
In its foreign relations, Israel is dedicated, as always, to the goal of peace and accommodation with all its neighbours. In the north, we stand ready to reach an understanding with Lebanon which will guarantee the security of our common border and thus make possible the withdrawal of our forces from south Lebanon. Syria remains dogmatically opposed to the idea of peace with Israel. Nevertheless, we are adamant in our conviction that there can be no solution other than peace. In the east, we have repeatedly called on the Government of Jordan to join us in negotiations for peace. In the south, of course, we have peace with Egypt, but we are convinced that peaceful relations should be deepened and strengthened in the face of so much rejectionist pressure against peace.
The chances of progress towards further peace and stability between Israel and its neighbours must be appraised, however, in the context of the realities in our region.
The Middle East continues to be beset with violence, bitter conflicts and wars. In a few weeks' bloodshed along the Iran-Iraq border, more men and children die than in all the Arab-Israel wars. Thousands die every year in domestic strife and hostilities entirely unconnected with the Arab-Israel conflict. Yet, as everyone in this Assembly is devoted year after year to a contrived and counterproductive review of the Arab-Israel conflict, the main purpose of which seems to be only to slander Israel.
In the last two decades the violence and oppression that characterize so many regimes in the Middle East have erupted on the international scene in waves of terrorism, hijacking and assassinations. When in 1972 the Secretary-General proposed that the Untied Nations promote measures to counter international terrorism, we were among the first to welcome this initiative. Regrettably, it has been thwarted by states that sponsor and support terrorism. Middle Eastern terrorism, sanctioned by these governments, has been thus allowed, through neglect and indifference, to expand to more and more countries. Today the cancer of terrorism has spread to all continents. The latest form of terrorism and international piracy is the mines that threaten shipping and the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Recently, we were again horrified by the murderous bombing of the American Embassy in Beirut, a calculated and deliberate act of political terrorism.
Terror is a malignant disease that will spread everywhere, if not contained. But at least in one instance concerted international effort has produced results. When terrorism first raised its ugly head in the mid-sixties its prime target was international civil aviation. Planes were hijacked almost daily, aircraft bombed, passengers terrorized and murdered. The proper functioning of civil aviation today is a result of powerful measures taken jointly by many nations to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft and to combat the threat of hijackings. But such successful international cooperation remains an exception. Terrorism is still an item on our agenda, but it is debated ineffectively, shunted aside by vested interests which offer its representatives support and sustenance, even quasi-recognition. As long as the family of nations continues to evade its responsibilities, to appease rather than punish, to pardon terrorists rather than prosecute or extradite them, to afford terrorists diplomatic immunity, the disease will spread and claim yet more victims in our homes and communities.
Whenever a particularly outrageous terrorist attack takes place, as for example the recent bombing of the American embassy in Beirut, a wave of outrage sweeps public opinion in all parts of the civilized world. People naturally demand instant retaliation against such despicable acts and a fitting punishment for the criminal perpetrators.
Permit me to say that while punishment has its necessary place in any system of justice the overriding problem here is not who to punish and how punishment should be delivered. Rather, it is how to prevent terrorism and root it out from the international arena. There is only one way to deal with this problem. Those countries which agree that terrorism must be eradicated should join forces and wage a permanent war on the terrorist organizations. This is the only way to expose, preempt, weaken and finally destroy them. This is a war of self-defence in its true sense, a campaign that the free world should undertake on behalf of its peoples and of the entire human race.
On its part, Israel has been waging an unrelenting war on Arab terrorism and has dealt it a number of crippling blows. The so-called P.L.O., which had established its own mini-terrorist state in Lebanon, from which it carried out and assisted terrorist acts in five continents, was expelled from that country. But Israel cannot be expected to shoulder alone the burden of fighting international terrorism. Since we are all potential victims of terror, we must fight it together. If we do not, terrorism will endanger our basic freedoms and all the standards of civilized behaviour for which this organization stands.
The attitude underpinning Arab terrorist attacks against Israel is the continued denial of Israel's right to exist by Arab states. Translated into wanton attacks on civilians, the ideology is cruel and inhuman. But it has produced the very opposite result. Israel has taken the necessary measures to protect its people and enable them to live and prosper alongside their Arab neighbours throughout the Land of Israel. We have to state with regret that any sign of ostensible moderation in the attitude of Arab governments towards Israel is negated by their sustenance and support of terrorist organizations committed to Israel's destruction, and by their continued attempts at expelling Israel from UN bodies and international organizations. We will welcome a change in the Arab stance if it is given concrete expression, such as a clear-cut disengagement from the so-called P.L.O. and other terrorist organizations and a straightforward statement of readiness to make peace with Israel.
Sadly, such a breakthrough for peace was set back by the United Nations General Assembly's rejection of the Camp David Accords and the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, for no other reason than that certain Arab states reject the idea of peace with Israel. Camp David has been the only ray of light in an otherwise dismal and dark picture of hostility. It will continue to serve as a beacon of hope until its message will be finally accepted by the peoples and governments of our region.
The UN Organization can contribute to peace in the Middle East by a change of direction: It should embrace the idea of peace between Israel and its neighbours, condemn the blatant attacks on Israel, and reject outright the attempts to expel it from international forums. Recently, an attempt at expelling Israel from the Universal Postal Union (UPU) was properly rejected by an overwhelming majority. It is now time for the United Nations as a whole to muster the courage to condemn such behaviour: It will mark an important milestone in rehabilitating the image of the United Nations and its standing in the world community.
Recently, the idea of convening an international conference on the Middle East was resurrected. It is advanced by a state that has no diplomatic relations with Israel and that recommends the participation of representatives of terrorist groups. The Arab-Israeli dispute is not in need of another international forum. There have been more than enough such gatherings and proposals and they have all proved futile. They served as a stage for propaganda and for competition among Arab states in the politics of public confrontation with Israel. A conference such as the one being proposed would strike a blow at the principle of direct negotiations which has proved to be the only means of producing agreements between Israel and its neighbours, from the time of the General Armistice Agreements in 1949 through the Camp David Accords in 1978.
We therefore call on member states that have the interest of peace at heart to bring their influence to bear on our Arab neighbours to the East and North to adopt the only successful and tested path to peace - direct negotiations with Israel.
Lebanon
Such negotiations produced the agreement with Lebanon which was signed on 17 May 1983. That agreement provided for security arrangements against terrorism and an agreed basis for normal relations between our two countries across the recognized international boundaries. It was approved by the legislatures of Israel and Lebanon, but Syria and those who cannot tolerate the idea of peace with Israel destroyed it by the application of sheer, brutal force. The agreement was designed to lead to the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, the restoration of Lebanese independence, and the establishment of security measures along the Lebanese-Israel border.
Today, some 40,000 Syrians troops occupy 65% of Lebanon and show no sign of any intention to leave. The Lebanese Government is dominated by Syria and is not capable of conducting free negotiations that would resolve its problems with Israel. Obviously, Israel will ensure its legitimate security needs and make the necessary arrangements in southern Lebanon to protect the people of northern Israel against any repetition of the terrorist attacks of recent years. I reiterate our readiness to withdraw all our forces from Lebanon, subject to the above-mentioned arrangements.
It should be clear to everyone by now, including the Arab states in our area, that Israel has no interest in maintaining any military presence in Lebanon. But we have to make certain that after the last Israeli soldier leaves Lebanon, the terrorists will not return to attack us.
Let me repeat: anyone, any people or state that is interested in the evacuation of the Israel army from Lebanon must see to it that the terrorist organizations expelled from Lebanon by Israel do not return to our borders to renew their attacks. This is an essential condition for peace. Israel is ready to cooperate in any serious effort toward a fair solution to this problem.
The Camp David Process
Since the conclusion of the Camp David Accords, Israel has repeatedly called on Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Arabs to join in negotiations for an agreement on the autonomy. Unfortunately, Egypt discontinued her participation in the talks, while Jordan and the Palestinian Arabs have refused to join them. Arab rejectionism and extremism continue to have a stranglehold on those who may have been willing to embark on the path of moderation and peace.
Mr. President,
From this rostrum, I turn yet again to our neighbours with the same call. Let us move forward together on a new path. Let us talk to one another. Let us engage in a common effort to resolve our conflicts, rather than perpetuate the negative attitudes which find frequent expression in this building.
Until this call is heeded, Israel will continue to strive for an end to Arab rejectionist attitudes and aspire to mutual acceptance, tolerance, understanding and dialogue, which are consonant with the most basic goals of this organization.
Nuclear Proliferation
Israel is aware of the substantial contribution which the peaceful uses of nuclear energy can make to the well-being of the world and the rights of all countries to benefit from such uses. We support those international arrangements that would ensure the status and inviolability of nuclear facilities dedicated to peaceful purposes.
Israel has long been concerned with the dangers posed by nuclear armaments and has therefore consistently supported the objective of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
We believe that the most credible barrier to proliferation in such a sensitive area as the Middle East is a freely negotiated Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. In this belief, we are encouraged by the Latin American experience, and the recent progress towards establishing the South Pacific as a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
In the vital field of disarmament we are impelled by a permanent moral imperative. progress in this field is indispensable if we are to remove the nuclear threat. It may be commonplace to say that time is running out, but it is nevertheless true. A very recent experience demonstrates that weapons, once they exist, are used. During the current, terrible Iran-Iraq war, new non-conventional weapons, such as gas, have been used. This latest addition to the arsenal of fighting armies, against established international conventions and basic decency, cannot but arouse the deepest anxiety. It should be opposed vigourously by anyone concerned with the future of our civilization. All of us are aware that a moderation of armament spiral, both conventional and non-conventional, will free up huge resources needed for the welfare of mankind, and in particular for those of the developing countries.
A two-fold mission
In conclusion, Mr. President, our mission is twofold. our first task is the improvement of the quality of life in this world, especially for those who are suffering, or lack the means of sustenance. The hungry millions are waiting for us to do our duty. Our second task is to concert our efforts to eradicate terrorism and all other violations of civilized norms from our midst. We must dedicate equal effort to securing both goals. We cannot accomplish our humanitarian task unless we overcome the dangers that threaten our society. Both objectives can be achieved providing we muster the courage and the will to do so. Our reward will be true peace. There can be no greater goal for this Organization.
The vision of the prophets of universal peace was intended for a distant, utopian future. But if we succeed in removing these two formidable obstacles - hunger and terrorism - from our path, the march of humanity toward the fulfillment of this vision will be immeasurably advanced, our stride quickened and our hearts lifted with the promise of better days.