Haile Selassie

“ We are happy to note that the Seventh Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government is being convened in an atmosphere of increased understanding in Africa as well as in the rest of the world. In various parts of the world, efforts are being made to resolve some of the outstanding issues of our time by negotiation and conciliation, based on the understanding and accommodation of each other's interests. This new international climate of understanding is a development of the utmost importance to the peace, well-being and progress of mankind. ”

“ At the United Nations, our struggle this year will have to be more intense and persistent than ever before. The time is due for all small nations to take a concerted stand in defence of the principles of the charter, for we cannot afford to have that body made a mockery of by its less enlightened members who are intent on making it ineffective. ”

“ As you all know this session of the United Nations also marks the Tenth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. We should, therefore, seize this opportunity and prepare ourselves for the task that lies ahead. It is obvious that during our deliberation this week we will be concerned with many problems and we will inevitably have various views on them. It is natural for forty-one nations to have differing opinions and different problems. ”

“ The Bonn-Moscow accord which begins to settle some of the problems of World War II is of special significance not only to Europe but to the world as well. This accord will no doubt create a conducive atmosphere for the two nations to settle their differences by peaceful means, thus providing their talented and industrious peoples the opportunity of greater heights of achievement and excellence by co-operation in many fields of human endeavour. ”

“ The Western Powers, who unfortunately support these regimes, have not, despite the avalanche of appeals from freedom-loving peoples of the world, thus far ceased from rendering material assistance to these regimes. As regards Portugal, despite the great efforts Africa has exerted to persuade this Government to abandon its colonial policy, the continued shedding of innocent blood has made the colonial war not only the concern of Africa but also of the entire world. ”

“ Middle East The drawing up of a long-awaited peace plan in the beleaguered area of the Middle East should have the support and encouragement of all "peace-loving peoples of the world. It is in this spirit that Ethiopia has welcomed the peace plan initiated by the United States of America to settle the Middle East Crisis within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolution of November 1967. ”

“ UN Action Needed We must therefore be prepared to make all issues affecting our continent figure prominently and persevere in our efforts to have the United Nations reassert its historic obligation to liberate territories still under foreign domination. In this context, the United Nations must strive to have all its adopted resolutions implemented, so that the decisions of the majority would prevail and that the minority of its members would not be able to flout them. ”

“ Turning Deaf Ear While this past year has been a year of co-operation and understanding among Member States, it has however been one of frustrations and set-backs in our attack on colonialism and racism. In Southern Africa, the pernicious alliance of colonialism and racism has created problems of ominous dimensions. ”

“ The settlement of the border dispute between Algeria and Morocco has ushered in a new era of understanding and co-operation for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two sister states and of the Maghreb region. The signing of an agreement between Kenya and Ethiopia, demarcating their common borders, is another example of what can be achieved by peaceful means. It is in this light that We invite all the countries faced with similar problems to emulate the above-mentioned examples as a basis for solving their differences. ”

“ South Africa has elevated its inhuman policy of racial discrimination and exploitation of the African people and has extended its apartheid policy to the international territory of Namibia. Portugal has intensified its colonial wars in Mozambique, Angola and Guinea Bissau. ”

“ We trust that this accord, which has brought closer two adversaries, would serve as a reminder to those who doubt the possibility of peaceful solutions to seemingly insurmountable difficulties .
At no period in history has there been a century like this one when man has lived under the heavy shadow of complete annihilation. ”

“ We should like to stress, in this context, the vital roles the Economic Commission for Africa and the Organization of African Unity are playing for the realization of these goals.
Stockpiling Armaments We cannot pass without stressing the fact that the vast majority of the nations of today still remain economically under-developed. In the light of this, it is unfortunate that so much is spent on stockpiling armaments, the utility of which is limited to their capacity for destruction. ”

“ Now that the crisis in Nigeria is over, it is our fervent hope it shall leave no after-effect among the members of this family, We are convinced that it is in the interest of our beloved peoples to begin a new era of close and fraternal co-operation amongst all Member States by closing all aspects of crisis at this Session. ”

“ At this junction We should like to reiterate the paramount importance of increasing our assistance to freedom fighters in their struggle to regain their inalienable rights. To meet these challenges, We are convinced, no independent African country will take lightly its responsibility. In this regard, since we are not novices in the struggle for freedom, our continued endeavour will no doubt be crowned with success. ”