Text of the Speech made by Mr. Jawad (Iraq)] in the Security Council Meeting No. 774 held on 21 February 1957

Text of the Speech made by Mr. Jawad (Iraq)] in the Security Council Meeting No. 774 held on 21 February 1957

The submission of a new draft resolution by the delegations of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States clearly shows the deep desire by the Powers concerned to lay down a basis for a settlement of the Kashmir dispute and the spirit of realism shown with regard to the urgent need for taking positive steps with a view to lessening the tension in the region and to establishing conditions of a durable peace. We highly the spirit which motivated the three Powers in trying to prevent a break in the continuity of the search for a solution of the Kashmir dispute. We believe that the new step which has been taken by the three Powers expresses a desire for progress by those who are anxious to see a rapid settlement of the dispute. It also reflects their conviction that there is an urgent need to bring the two parties together, thus promoting conditions for peace in that general region.

The draft resolution is characterized by its spirit of conciliation and realism. Its general terms offer a great opportunity for taking the different points of view into account, while at the same time it leaves ample latitude for the President of the Council to make an appraisal of the situation as it appears at the present time. This approach will still permit the Council to take appropriate action in accordance with its previous decisions and in the light of the findings of its President,

The central point in this draft resolution which deserves special emphasis is that it will enable the President of the Council to examine, with the Government of India and Pakistan, any proposal which might, in his opinion, contribute to a settlement of the dispute. The assistance and collaboration of the two Governments concerned is therefore extremely important, and it is to be hoped that such assistance will be provided in the spirit of the Charter and without any reservations. We have every reason to hope that the two Governments will avail themselves of this opportunity to demonstrate, in acts as they have done in words, their desire to settle their differences in the interests of their peoples and the people of Kashmir, in conformity with the principles of law and justice. Since this draft resolution has, so to speak, been freed from all elements to which objection has been raised by one side or another, we sincerely hope that it will receive the assent of the Council.