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The Herald, April 19, 1980
NEW YORK. – The United Nations Secretary-General, Dr Kurt Waldheim said in a letter issued here that he expected United Nations membership for Zimbabwe and offered the new nation material support.
Dr Waldheim is in Salisbury for the independence celebrations. The congratulatory letter was delivered to Mr Mugabe after Zimbabwe became independent from Britain.
The Secretary-General wrote: “I look forward to welcoming the Republic of Zimbabwe into the United Nations when it too, can make its full contribution to the cause of international peace and harmony based on the principles of equity and justice.”
He assured Mr Mugabe “of the full support and co-operation of the United Nations family of organisations in the challenging tasks of reconstruction and development”.
He told Mr Mugabe he wanted to express his appreciation to all who contributed to bringing about a “peaceful transition to independence”.
“That Zimbabwe is attaining independence through peaceful and constitutional processes under a government which has clear support of the majority, offers a sound basis for the future wellbeing of your country and its people.
“I feel sure that a free, prosperous and united Zimbabwe will contribute greatly to the strengthening of peace, co-operation and progress in Southern Africa”.
Dr Waldheim expressed satisfaction at witnessing “this historic moment which marks a great step towards one of the principal goals of the United Nations” – the exercise of the right to self-determination and independence by all colonial peoples.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- Rezvani, David A in “Surpassing the sovereign state: The wealth, self-rule, and security advantages of partially independent territories”, notes that international recognition plays a vital role in the political, security, legal, economic and socio-cultural development of states. It enables states protection under international law, access to multilateral bodies and the possibility to develop diplomatic and trade relations with other states.
- The coming of independence enabled the new nation to join the league of nations, and also enabled it to get the much-needed support for the new Government to implement its policies and push ahead with the total transformation of the country.-
- The admission of Zimbabwe into the UN family enabled it to play an active role in geo-political affairs at a global level, instead of being a mere observer.
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