They accepted it as a general statement of how things were in the past.

Where it's not needed specifically then we can have a very general statement probably after the.

I am no expert and cannot make any general statement.

"Is it supposed to be a general statement about reality?"

I can make the general statement, but you should answer the questions.

But as a general statement it has been made by the authorities.

They can make a general statement, and everyone leaves them alone.

"I made a general statement that we would be happy to have additional support," he said.

I'm just making a general statement that we think competition is good.

However, this general statement is only true for main group elements.