Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the course of my brief intervention, I would like to deal with two aspects of the debate; one naturally deals with the foreign policy matters but ultimately foreign policy in way, is a reflection of internal political and economic policy as well. I will be dealing with both the subjects together.
As far as the important matter referred to in the speech of the president is concerned, I think, we have practically taken a review of the entire world situation. We have tried to refer some of the positive aspects and positive positions that are developing in the world today. And we have also made a reference to certain elements or forces which can be said to be of a negative character. In regard to the positive points, we have welcomed the successful culmination of the Helsinki Conference where the European countries had met to consider problems of their security. We have welcomed it as one the very positive elements among recent developments in the world, where two groups of Powers have accepted the principle of peaceful co-existance. They have committed themselves to make an effort to relax the tension both in political and economic matters as also to seek areas where they can cooperate with each other. Looking to the history of the last two decades, this is certainly a very positive development which we have welcomed. The other important development in the world situation is the successful end of the people’s struggle in South-East Asia, particularly the people’s struggle in South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos which have struggled for decades without the help of any big power. It was, really speaking, a demonstration of the very inherent strength of the people against the forces of imperialism and colonialism, when they depend on themselves and not on any other outside force. It has been demonstrated that if people fight with determination and patriotism, they can ultimately succeed. This certainly is some thing not only good for the people themselves in those countries, but it certainly gives a sense of confidence to the people at large. I would say that it gives a sense of confidence to the suffering humanity, that they certainly could have a bright future, provided they depend on their own strength, on their own strategy and on their own efforts. This is one more A important development that we see there. Another major political event to which we have made a reference is the African continent. There, the process of de-colonization started after, I would say, the defeat of fascism in Portugal itself. So, as a matter of fact the process of de-colonization started at home in Portugal; and then, this wave of de-colonization started in the African continent and we see that in a number of countries - mention of that has been made in the speech of the President - have declared their independence and have come into their own, which is a positive factor.
