Closing Statement at the Sixth Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly

“The path towards confrontation is a road fraught with imponderable consequences.” – Dr. Salim, January 14, 1980

This statement was delivered by Dr. Salim at the conclusion of the Sixth Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly in January 1980. 

The session was convened following the Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan in December 1979, which triggered widespread international concern and sharply increased tensions between the major powers at the start of the 1980s. 

In his closing remarks, Dr. Salim emphasized the responsibility of the international community to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and warned of the dangers of escalating confrontation. He urged Member States to work toward the de-escalation of tensions and the preservation of international peace and security.