Call for negotiations for peaceful, definite resolution of Falklands (Malvinas) issue.

Call for negotiations for peaceful, definitive resolution of Falklands (Malvinas) issue

The General Assembly on 27 November asked Argentina and the United Kingdom to initiate negotiations with a view to finding the means "to resolve peacefully and definitively" the problems pending between them, "including all aspects on the future of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations".

Resolution 40/21 was adopted by a recorded vote of 107 in favour to 4 against (Belize, Oman, Solomon Islands, United Kingdom), with 41 abstentions. The draft was sponsored by Algeria, Brazil, Ghana, India, Mexico, Uruguay and Yugoslavia.

Before adopting the text, the Assembly had rejected two draft amendments proposed by the United Kingdom. One--which would have inserted the words "and the right thereunder of peoples to self-determination" following the words "in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations"--was rejected by a recorded vote of 36 in favour to 57 against, with 47 abstentions.

The other--which would have inserted a new preambular paragraph--"Reaffirming that in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations all peoples have the right to self-determination and by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development"--was defeated by a recorded vote of 38 in favour to 60 against, with 43 abstentions.

The Assembly also asked the Secretary-General to continue his renewed mission of good offices to "assist the parties" in complying with the request made to Argentina and the United Kingdom, and to take the necessary measures to that end. The Secretary-General was requested to submit a report to the General Assembly in 1986 on progress made in implementing the resolution.

Developments: The Secretary-General, in reporting (A/40/891) on recent developments, said the positions of both Governments remained basically unchanged from those outlined in 1984 (A/39/589). (See UN Chronicle 1984, No.10/11.)

The United Kingdom felt that the 1982 conflict, which had ended negotiations, had created a new situation. While emphasizing its attachment to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the United Kingdom was not prepared to enter into negotiations on sovereignty over the islands. It had reiterated its resolve to fulfil its commitments to the Territory's people and to continue to resist any attempts to deny the islanders' right of...