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Disarmament DocumentationBack to Disarmament Documentation UN General Assembly General Debate, September 21 - September 30, 2004: Excerpts on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & International SecurityUnited Nations General Assembly, 59th Session, General Debate, September 2004, last updated, October 1, 2004. Notes: the President of the 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is Mr Jean Ping, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Gabonese Republic. See also:
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UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, September 21'Rule of Law at Risk around the World, says Secretary-General in Address to General Assembly', UN Press Release SG/SM/9491 GA/10258, September 21. ...today, more than ever, the world needs an effective mechanism through which to seek common solutions to common problems. That is what this Organization was created for. Let’s not imagine that, if we fail to make good use of it, we will find any more effective instrument. This time next year you will be meeting to review progress in the implementation of the Millennium Declaration. By then I hope you will be ready to take bold decisions together on the full range of issues covered in the Millennium Declaration, helped by the report of the eminent Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, which will be available before the end of this year. As I said a year ago, we have reached a fork in the road. If you, the political leaders of the world, cannot agree or reach agreement on the way forward, history will take the decisions for you, and the interests of your peoples may go by default. Today I will not seek to prejudge those decisions, but to remind you of the all-important framework in which they should be taken - namely, the rule of law, at home and in the world. The vision of “a government of laws and not of men” is almost as old
as civilization itself. In a hallway not far from this podium is a replica
of the code of laws promulgated by Hammurabi more than 3,000 years ago,
in the land we now call Much of Hammurabi’s code now seems impossibly harsh. But etched into its tablets are principles of justice that have been recognised, if seldom fully implemented, by almost every human society since his time: Legal protection for the poor. Restraints on the strong, so that they cannot oppress the weak. Laws publicly enacted, and known to all. That code was a landmark in mankind’s struggle to build an order where, instead of might making right, right would make might. Many nations represented in this chamber can proudly point to founding documents of their own that embody that simple concept. And this Organization – your United Nations –- is founded on the same simple principle. Yet today the rule of law is at risk around the world. Again and again, we see fundamental laws shamelessly disregarded – those that ordain respect for innocent life, for civilians, for the vulnerable – especially children. To mention only a few flagrant and topical examples: In In In northern In Beslan, we have seen children taken hostage and brutally massacred. In And all over the world we see people being prepared for further such acts, through hate propaganda directed at Jews, Muslims, against anyone who can be identified as different from one’s own group. No cause, no grievance, however legitimate in itself, can begin to justify such acts. They put all of us to shame. Their prevalence reflects our collective failure to uphold the rule of law, and instil respect for it in our fellow men and women. We all have a duty to do whatever we can to restore that respect. To do so, we must start from the principle that no one is above the law, and no one should be denied its protection. Every nation that proclaims the rule of law at home must respect it abroad; and every nation that insists on it abroad must enforce it at home. Yes, the rule of law starts at home. But in too many places it remains elusive. Hatred, corruption, violence and exclusion go without redress. The vulnerable lack effective recourse, and the powerful manipulate laws to retain power and accumulate wealth. At times even the necessary fight against terrorism is allowed to encroach unnecessarily on civil liberties. At the international level, all States – strong and weak, big and small – need a framework of fair rules, which each can be confident that others will obey. Fortunately, such a framework exists. From trade to terrorism, from the law of the sea to weapons of mass destruction, States have created an impressive body of norms and laws. This is one of our Organization’s proudest achievements. And yet this framework is riddled with gaps and weaknesses. Too often it is applied selectively, and enforced arbitrarily. It lacks the teeth that turn a body of laws into an effective legal system. Where enforcement capacity does exist, as in the Security Council, many feel it is not always used fairly or effectively. Where the rule of law is most earnestly invoked, as in the Commission on Human Rights, those invoking it do not always practise what they preach. Those who seek to bestow legitimacy must themselves embody it; and those who invoke international law must themselves submit to it. Just as, within a country, respect for the law depends on the sense that all have a say in making and implementing it, so it is in our global community. No nation must feel excluded. All must feel that international law belongs to them, and protects their legitimate interests. Rule of law as a mere concept is not enough. Laws must be put into practice, and permeate the fabric of our lives. It is by strengthening and implementing disarmament treaties, including their verification provisions, that we can best defend ourselves against the proliferation – and potential use – of weapons of mass destruction. It is by applying the law that we can deny financial resources and safe havens to terrorists – an essential element in any strategy for defeating terrorism. It is by reintroducing the rule of law, and confidence in its impartial application, that we can hope to resuscitate societies shattered by conflict. It is the law, including Security Council resolutions, which offers the
best foundation for resolving prolonged conflicts – in the And it is by rigorously upholding international law that we can, and must, fulfil our responsibility to protect innocent civilians from genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. As I warned this Assembly five years ago, history will judge us very harshly if we let ourselves be deflected from this task, or think we are excused from it, by invocations of national sovereignty... The Security Council has just requested me to appoint an international
commission to investigate reports of human rights violations in The African Union has nobly taken the lead and the responsibility in
providing monitors and a protective force in Darfur – as well as seeking
a political settlement, which alone can bring lasting peace and security
to that society. But we all know the present limitations of this new-born
Last month, I promised the Security Council that I would make the Organization’s work to strengthen the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies a priority for the remainder of my tenure. By the same token, I urge you to do more to foster the rule of law at home and abroad. I ask all of you here today to take advantage of the arrangements we have made for you to sign treaties on the protection of civilians – treaties that you yourselves negotiated – and then, go back home, and implement them fully and in good faith. And I implore you to give your full support to the measures I shall bring before you, during this session, to improve the security of United Nations staff. Those non-combatants, who voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way to assist their fellow men and women, surely deserve your protection, as well as your respect. Throughout the world, Excellencies, the victims of violence and injustice are waiting. They are waiting for us to keep our word. They notice when we use words to mask inaction. They notice when laws that should protect them are not applied. I believe we can restore and extend the rule of law throughout the world. But ultimately, that will depend on the hold that the law has on our consciences. This Organization was founded in the ashes of a war that brought untold sorrow to mankind. Today we must look again into our collective conscience, and ask ourselves whether we are doing enough. Each generation has its part to play in the age-old struggle to strengthen the rule of law for all – which alone can guarantee freedom for all. Let our generation not be found wanting. Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2004/sgsm9491.doc.htm Afghanistan: H.E. Hâmid Karzai, President of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, September 21'Statement by H.E. Hâmid Karzai President of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan', September 21, 2004. "...We have also taken steps towards disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating private militias. Nearly all of the heavy weapons have been collected from the city of Kabul, and thousands of former combatants have been disarmed in various parts of the country..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/afgeng040921.pdf Albania: H. E. Mr. Fatos Nano, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, September 21'Address by H. E. Mr. Fatos Nano Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania to the General Debate of the 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly', September 21, 2004. "...Determined to give its contribution to the regional and global security, the Albanian Government has considered the country's integration into NATO as one of its major objectives. The Istanbul Summit last June hailed the progress made by Albania on the path to the implementation of its national program and encouraged the deepening of reforms. It welcomes the country's contribution to the regional stability and cooperation and expressed its commitment to assess the further progress of the country at the next NATO summit, in which we hope to start negotiations for becoming a full member of the Alliance. We believe that the commitments set up in the framework of the Adriatic Charter are also contributing to meet the NATO standards and to the regional stability. "The Albanian Government has been constantly committed to making its contribution as an active member of the international coalition against terrorism. It has its peace keeping troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has signed and ratified, and now is implementing the 12 United Nations Conventions and Protocols against terrorism. It is doing the same with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, cooperating closely with the structures established under these resolutions and presenting regular reports to them. The Albanian Government salutes the decision of the Security Council to play an active role in the fight against threats coming from possession and trafficking of weapons of mass destruction. It supports the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 of 2004. Albania has, on the other hand, taken all measures for the implementation of the Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources of the IAEA, convinced that this international instrument is extremely important to prevent threats stemming from misuse of radioactive materials. Albania has already taken the decision and in the coming weeks will sign the Additional Protocol to the Safeguards Agreement of the IAEA. "This year Albania also joined the Proliferation Security Initiative whose aim is to identify, through a set of principles, concrete steps to prevent trafficking of WMD, their launching systems and materials used to produce them... "The Albanian Government has welcomed the unanimous adoption of the Security Council Resolution 1546 of 8 June on Iraq, approving the provisional government of Iraq and transferring over to it the authority and sovereignty, the independence and territorial integrity of Iraq, the control of the Iraqi Government of the armed forces and the holding of democratic elections in January 2005 . The progress made in Iraq is due to the cooperation between the Iraqi government forces and those of the coalition. We would wish however to see a lowering of tensions and stop to violence, increased security to bring about stability and establish a democratic society. We condemn the strategy of violence and hostage taking to achieve political goals sometime cloaked under a religious veil, and join the voice of the international community to immediately stop these acts. The Albanian Government supports the efforts of the United Nations in providing the assistance necessary to build national democratic institutions in Iraq and the holding of free and democratic elections early next year..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/albeng040921.pdf Andorra: H.E. Mr Marc Forné Molné, September 22"...we are living with considerable concern in a world which is becoming more and more violent, where terrorist attacks are met by a military response and these military responses seem to generate new terrorist attacks. It would seem that we are caught up in a terrible settling of scores, in a spiral of hate, fanaticism and senseless bloodshed... "the notion of preemptive war has shaken us all. The principle of "attack before you are attacked" is no new invention. But it seemed that it was a tribal memory or a type of behavior more proper to other times which were none too remote in the history of Europe itself. "The big questions are: What justifies a preemptive attack? Which country or countries pose a sufficient threat to allow taking such a risk? Why attack one country and not another, perhaps equally dangerous one? Are the sufferings of some people more meaningful than the sufferings of others and consequently more deserving of action? Should the conventions of international law be cast aside by members of the United Nations as well as by lawless terrorists? "...For the countries with a deep respect and admiration for the history of freedom of the United States - and Andorra counts itself among these countries - it is a source of consternation to note that the doctrine of preemptive attack has generated a level of distrust among governments and peoples. After the worldwide outpouring of sympathy which followed the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, this altered perception is profoundly troubling... "We need to address the causes of terrorism, to comprehend the forces that give it power, in order to respond, together, within the rule of law... "To allow each member of the international community to realize that what happens to others can also happen to us creates a basis for tolerance and understanding. How much stronger could we become in fighting terrorism by truly acting together, all the countries represented at the United Nations. A Security Council strengthened by a common will to root out terrorism could do much more than single actions supported by few governments." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/andeng040922.pdf Australia: H.E. Mr. John Dauth, Chairman of the Delegation, September 30"The proliferation of WMD is another urgent concern. "Unless we act firmly and with unity, terrorist groups could one day acquire WMD with disastrous consequences. As a threat to international security the issue of WMD proliferation falls squarely within the Security Council’s mandate. "We welcome adoption of UNSCR 1540 as a demonstration of the Council’s willingness to engage on WMD proliferation, including the risk of WMD terrorism. "We hope that with adoption of this resolution the Council will take a firmer and more active stance on WMD issues. "As part of our commitment to combating the risk of nuclear terrorism, Australia will host an Asia-Pacific Ministerial conference in November on nuclear safeguards and security. "And, in this year’s First Committee, we – along with Turkey and Argentina – will introduce a resolution on “Prevention of the Illicit Transfer and Unauthorised Access to and Use of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS)”. "We hope for consensus adoption of this resolution, which encourages states to take concrete steps to prevent MANPADS falling into the hands of non-state end-users. " Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/austraeng040930.pdf Austria: H.E. Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria, September 23"Austria feels honoured and privileged to host one of the UN's headquarters. This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Vienna International Centre, home to many UN-Institutions. The work of these organizations with respect to nuclear non-proliferation, the IAEA and the CTBTO PrepCom, as well as UNIDO's development cooperation, as well as the fight against `uncivil society´ by the UNODC, contribute substantially to the international community' s efforts to confront the world's new security threats... "The proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to be a serious threat to human security. The UN-Programme of Action against the illicit trade of those weapons must be strengthened. First steps have already been taken with regard to the problem of marking and tracing of weapons, steps that may lead to a legally binding regime. "Austria is honoured to chair the first Review Conference of the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention in Nairobi later this year where the International Community will chart a course for the solution of the landmine problem in the coming years. The Mine Ban Convention has become a true example of a successful and effective multilateral approach to address a global problem. I encourage all States to participate at the Nairobi Summit at the highest possible level... "I would like to announce today that I have launched a discourse on the role and function of the Security Council in the strengthening of a rules-based international system. As a first step, we will organize a panel of international legal experts during the "International Law Week" at the UN here in New York in November of this year, which will analyze the increasing law-making tendency of the Security Council." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/auseng040923.pdf Bahamas: H.E. The Honourable Frederick Mitchell, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Public Service, September 30"I wish also to highlight the region's efforts to designate the Caribbean Sea as a Special Area in the context of sustainable development. We also reiterate our grave concern over the serious threat posed to the security and economic development of Caribbean countries by the transshipment of nuclear waste through the Caribbean Sea, and continue to call on States involved in transshipments to desist from this practice." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/baheng040930.pdf Bangladesh: Mr. M. Morshed Khan, M.P Honourable Foreign Minister, People's Republic of Bangladesh, September 23"We believe that the UN provides an essential political and diplomatic framework for actions of all its members including the most powerful. Bangladesh has refused to be drawn into the debate over the relevance of the UN. International law and legitimacy cannot be anything but relevant. Use of force without the authorization of the UN Security Council cannot render the UN meaningless. The events in Iraq vindicates this. We laud the UN for its strong advocacy against unilateralism in the interest of a just global order... "We believe that there is a direct relationship between disarmament and development. Bangladesh is party to all major international Conventions and Treaties on disarmament. We have denounced all weapons of mass destruction. Our geographical location makes nuclear weapons a direct and legitimate cause for concern for us in the South Asia region. Bangladesh therefore, supports all measures partial and otherwise towards arms control, conventional and nuclear disarmament." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/baneng040923.pdf Belarus: H.E. Mr. Sergei Martynov, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Belarus, September 29"On March 1, 2004 the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction entered into force for our country. We have the world’s seventh largest arsenal of such mines which we inherited from the former Soviet Union. We do not produce, export or use antipersonnel land mines. Yet, guided by common interests, we have ratified the Ottawa Convention and count on the assistance of the international community in destroying this mine stockpile. "In a day we will deposit our instruments of ratification and accession of the Republic of Belarus to such important international instruments in the sphere of security as the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition Supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime... "Our country also plays a major role in the Eurasian transit of energy resources. From this rostrum, we propose to all our neighbors, to the NATO and to the European Union to engage in regional cooperation to secure critical infrastructure installations: oil and gas pipelines, electrical and nuclear power stations... "Affected and still experiencing the effects of the Chernobyl disaster, Belarus acutely realizes that mankind should not ignore the problem of radiation safety. The aftermath of radiological disasters is out of proportion – in its scale and duration – if compared to a human life span. The UN should by all means preserve its focus on the problem of overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. It is necessary to develop further international Chernobyl cooperation, to provide UN support to the national initiatives and to improve coordination mechanisms of Chernobyl cooperation. "We support the activity of the International Agency on Atomic Energy aimed at maintaining nuclear non-proliferation regime, strengthening of nuclear and radiation safety. A look into the future and a search for ways of providing people living in the contaminated areas with normal living conditions will be the main subject of the international conference planned to be held in Minsk in 2006 on the eve of a tragic anniversary of Chernobyl disaster. We invite all interested states and international organizations to take part in preparation and proceedings of this conference." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/belaeng040929.pdf
Belgium: H.E. Mr. Karel de Gucht, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Belgium, September 24"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses a serious threat to world security. "The regime of non-proliferation is jeopardized. "North Korea must regain its place within this regime without delay. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is located in a region full of tension and its security concerns are legitimate. The International Community should take this into account. "On their part, the Iranian Authorities must cooperate entirely with the AIEA and cease all activities linked to the enrichment of uranium. "Iran will thus contribute significantly to the stabilization and the prosperity of the region." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/beleng040924.pdf Belize: H.E. Mr. Stuart Leslie, Chairman of the Delegation, Belize, September 30"In our own community of small states, we face the most serious threat to our peoples' security caused by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons that claim the lives of so many of our people daily; arms that come from countries that must be called upon to live up to their responsibility to cooperate with us to stem the flow of these lethal weapons and enter into legally binding agreements for the effective registration and monitoring of transfers of these weapons of widespread destruction. An International Convention to achieve this must be put on our urgent agenda." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/belieng040930.pdf Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inàcio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, September 21"The profound causes of our insecurity are complex. The necessary fight against terrorism cannot be conceived strictly in military terms. We must develop strategies that encompass both solidarity and firmness, while strictly respecting international law..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/braeng040921.pdf Cambodia: H.E. Mr. HOR Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, September 27"Cambodia continues to support the peace talks, particularly the Six-Party Talks convening by China and the ongoing dialogue between North and South Korea. Cambodia also welcomes the talks between the People's Democratic Republic of Korea and Japan on the sideline of the Six-Party Talks. Cambodia believes that constructive dialogue and consultation among the parties involved are the only choice for a peaceful resolution of the problem." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/cambeng040927.pdf Canada: the Right Honorable Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada, September 22"...The primary responsibility for the protection of a state's own population lies with the state itself, and we are not arguing for a unilateral right to intervene in one country whenever another country feels like it. It is always preferable to have multilateral authority for intervention in the affairs of a sovereign state. What we seek is the evolution of international law and practice so that multilateral action may be taken in situations of extreme humanitarian emergency... "The Security Council should establish new thresholds for when the international community judges that civilian populations face extreme threats; for exploring non-military and, if necessary, proportionate military options to protect civilians. The responsibility to protect is not a license for intervention; it is an international guarantor of political accountability. "The second area is the Responsibility to Deny"; it encompasses the need to ensure that weapons of mass destruction do not spread to states or terrorists prepared to use them under any circumstances, and especially against innocent civilians. Non-proliferation and disarmament remain fundamental pillars of the UN's commitment to international peace and security. "In both cases multilateralism has been challenged by dramatic changes in the security climate, and there is a clear need to make our systems stronger and more responsive. Strict verification is the key. "The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, needs stronger tools and political support. We need more rigorous controls on sensitive nuclear technology, and the Security Council must be prepared to deal with noncompliance effectively. The fact is that determined proliferators such as North Korea have been able to circumvent their treaty obligations. Iranian nuclear ambitions represent a serious proliferation risk. We need a multilateral watchdog to assist the Security Council in resolving weapons-related issues in states of concern. "The UN should establish a permanent inspection and verification mechanism that can reinforce and supplement existing verification systems. "More generally, and to show how far we have to go on the disarmament agenda, and on the responsibility to deny, the UN Conference on Disarmament, charged with the responsibility for negotiating new multilateral instruments, has not even been able to agree on a work plan since 1998. The conference must get back to productive work... "Space is our final frontier. It has always captured our imagination. What a tragedy it would be if space became one big weapons arsenal and the scene of a new arms race. "In 1967, the United Nations agreed that weapons of mass destruction must not be based in space. The time has come to extend this ban to all weapons..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/caneng040922.pdf Chile: H.E. Mr. Ricardo Lagos Escobar, President of Chile, September 21"Last year, with regard to Iraq, we said that only the United Nations could give the necessary legitimacy for the use of force and for dealing with threats to peace in an effective and united way... "If we wish to strengthen multilateralism, reform of the United Nations is becoming increasingly necessary. While its ideals and founding purposes remain valid, the structure of power upon which the Organization was built at its inception corresponds to a world that is very different from today's world. "We need not only to expand the Security Council to make it more democratic. Comprehensive reform of the Organization is also needed. "In addition, the United Nations needs specialization, not a proliferation of similar institutions. It needs greater accountability and a more transparent system of recruitment. It needs to derive the maximum benefit from every last cent that it spends... "The world today needs more and not less United Nations. More and not less multilateralism..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/chileng040921.pdf China: H.E. Mr. Li Zhaoxing, Minister for Foreign Affairs, China, September 27"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses a threat to world peace and security. Non-proliferation efforts, therefore, require participation of all members of the international community. It is likewise important to discard unilateralism and double standards and give full credit and full play to the role of the UN. "China takes an active part in multilateral non-proliferation efforts and firmly defends the international regime of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties. China holds that multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation processes be steadily promoted so as to further improve the international non-proliferation regime... "China will, as always, work to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and talks in the interest of peace and stability on the Peninsula. Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/chieng040927.pdf Costa Rica: H.E. Dr. Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, President of Costa Rica, September 21"As pointedly noted by Dr. Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace prize, "the billions of dollars spent every year on weapons and on military contingents deprive the world's poorest peoples of the chance of fulfilling their basic needs." "In this regard, Costa Rica fully supports the draft Framework Convention on International Arms Transfers. That project, based on the obligations already undertaken by states, seeks to regulate the export of weapons, their marking and tracing, in order to prevent any arms transfers to terrorist and rebel groups and to those states that breach international humanitarian law or basic human rights principles. "I respectfully urge all UN states member to adopt this international law instrument. I am convinced that it will contribute substantially to our struggle against the illicit traffic of weapons around the world..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/coseng040921.pdf Croatia: H.E. Dr. Ivo Sander, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, September 22"...Equally dangerous is the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We must resort to all means required to prevent the proliferation of these vehicles of death. If synergized — terrorism and WMD - they could bring upon mankind a level of destruction of an unforeseeable scale. "Therefore, we must not relax our efforts in the fight against global terrorism. Nor can we neglect the fatal impact of weapons of mass destruction. This has to remain at the top of our priorities; any hesitation to address these issues in a timely and appropriate manner could have unforgiving consequences. "Croatia commends and fully supports the ongoing activities of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and welcomes its recent reform. However, the Committee has to improve its outreach in order to provide a comprehensive and truly effective multilateral response to this precarious scourge. We equally recognize the importance of the Security Council Committee established by the Resolution 1540 with the goal of stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and expect to see all countries submitting their first reports on the matter... "My country considers arms control to be a pivotal instrument of its security policy. I would like to reiterate our continued support for the further strengthening of major international disarmament and non-proliferation instruments, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). We expect concrete results from the upcoming NPT Review Conference in 2005. "Croatia has consistently supported bringing into force the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and we call on those that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT as soon as possible. My country believes that particular emphasis should be placed on establishing and refining effective verification mechanisms for the CTBT and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. "We encourage those countries that have not signed or ratified the Ottawa Convention to do so without delay. As a country that has directly experienced the disastrous effect of landmines, Croatia is particularly concerned with the continuation of their spread. "Equal importance should be given to efforts to prevent illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. Their uncontrolled proliferation not only fuels regional conflicts, but also plays a considerable role in terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime. Croatia has achieved commendable progress in this field and is prepared to assist others, both in our region and beyond..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/croeng040922.pdf Cuba: H.E. Mr. Felipe Perez Roqeu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cuba, September 24"General and complete disarmament, including nuclear disarmament, is Impossible today. It is the responsibility of a group of developed countries that are the ones that most sell and buy weapons. "However, we must continue to strive for it. We must demand that the over US$ 900 billion set aside every year for military expenditures be used on development..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/cubeng040924.pdf Denmark: H.E. Dr. Per Stig Moller, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, September 23"Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are serious threats to peace and security and impede progress towards stability and prosperity... "...we must strengthen international agreements to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Denmark therefore supports Security Council resolution 1540, and looks forward to its full implementation." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/deneng040923.pdf Djibouti: H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, September 22"...While there exist enough examples of state terrorism, terrorism has become essentially stateless, and is able to melt away at a moment's notice while enlisting participation across borders, nationalities and inclinations. Although there is no disputing the fact that it must be confronted promptly and vigorously, the knee-jerk reaction of crushing it militarily fails to address its many manifestations, or get at its roots and causes... "Conflict, of course, requires weapons; and reducing this peril calls for a halt in arms shipments. These shipments divert vital resources from other critical needs. The countries of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa spend some $ 22 billion for arms each year, more than two thirds the value of arms deliveries worldwide... "Action "by all means" must increasingly come to mean through the United Nations. This is the only path that confers a degree of legitimacy for any actions taken. UN action usually means Security Council approval..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/djieng040922.pdf Dominica: H.E. Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, September 24"In the Caribbean region, as well as other regions of the world, we are witnessing the devastating impact of the proliferation of small arms. As a consequence, crime rates are increasing and civil conflicts are on the upsurge, which threaten the stability and security of developing countries such as mine. "We therefore call for early conclusion of the negotiations of a legally binding international instrument to control the indiscriminate supply of small arms and light weapons to non-state actors." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/domeng040924.pdf Egypt: H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Egypt, September 24"The main threat to the Middle East, and perhaps adjacent regions as well, flows from the continued acquisition by some of nuclear weapons. While we all agree on the dangers of those weapons, and the need to halt their proliferation, as a step towards their elimination and ridding humanity of the threats they pose, the international community continues to be selective in addressing the question of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). The international community seeks to impose a firm regime to monitor the imports of all the member states of the non-proliferation regime, among them are all the Arab states. The same international community, however, turns a blind eye at the continued stockpiling of nuclear capabilities by one party in the region . "I invite all of us to ask with me, or to answer if we will, if it is acceptable for the dangers of the nuclear proliferation to continue to prevail in the Middle East. I leave it to all of you to decide whether the international approach in addressing this question is fair or is it one of double standards? Whether such an approach is capable of addressing those dangers and threats? Whether we are in urgent need for a radical change to the current approach? "The continued application of double standards will lead not only to the aggravation of the risks of nuclear proliferation and to the weakening of the conviction of the seriousness and centrality of the international regime governing this question, but will also lead to the fueling the tense situation in the Middle East. Therefore, and in order to ease that tension and to avert those dangers, President Mubarak launched in 1990 Egypt's initiative to create a Middle East a zone free from WMDs." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/egyeng040924.pdf Finland: H.E. Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland, September 21"...Before the war in Iraq, the international community failed, however. Conflicting national interests prevailed over common will. There was not enough commitment to act within the boundaries of Security Council resolutions. Some nations resorted to use of force, which was not compatible with international law." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/fineng040921.pdf France: H.E. Mr. Michel Barnier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of France, September 23"Global threats require a strong, and always collective, response. The threat of proliferation, which is liable to merge with terrorism, calls for resolute and sustained action. The nonproliferation regime has been seriously undermined by the combined action of certain states and non-state actors. That is why strengthening the existing instruments is essential. The NPT review conference in 2005 will be an opportunity to do so... "In Iraq, violence is exploding. Only when the Iraqis themselves take control of their future and when the political process provided for by the Security Council continues will the country be able to escape the chaos which is destabilizing the entire region. France, as everyone knows, did not approve of the conditions in which the conflict was unleashed. Neither today, nor tomorrow will it commit itself militarily in Iraq. However, it reaffirms its willingness, with its European partners, to assist the Iraqi people in rebuilding their country and restoring their institutions." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/fraeng040923.pdf Georgia: H.E. Mikheil Saakashvili, President of Georgia, September 21"Today more than ever before, I want to underscore Georgia's readiness to work more closely with President Putin and the Russian Federation to combat and remove this common threat [of terrorism]... "This means finally coming to grips with the need and necessity to close outdated Russian military bases, left over from a period that no longer exists. "And here let me be clear about one point, Georgia does not plan to have any new foreign military bases on its territory..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/geoeng040921.pdf Germany: Joschka Fischer, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, September 23"there are threats to national and global security such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the nuclear threat, the danger posed by failed states or, as we all painfully remember in this city, by terrorism... "Against this backdrop the question arises whether the structures given to the United Nations on its foundation almost sixty years ago are still suited to this mandate, whether its work enjoys the international acceptance it needs. In particular the disputes concerning the Iraq crisis highlighted this problem once again. " Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/gereng040923.pdf Holy See: H.E. Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for Relations with States, Holy See, September 29"Of immediate relevance to the supreme good of peace is the theme of total and general disarmament. If it is true that the production and sale of arms to other countries endangers peace, it follows that severe and effective international controls are needed. The commitment of the UN in this area is attested by the various Conventions it has supported with reference to weapons of mass destruction as well as conventional weapons. But we are only at the beginning of a long process, with huge economic interests as obstacles along our path. "The problem of weapons of mass destruction is clearly to be distinguished from that of conventional weapons; but the latter have a terrible and unending contemporary relevance in the numerous armed conflicts that stain the world with blood, and also in terrorism... "Then there is the Iraqi conflict. The position of the Holy See concerning the military action of2002-2003 is well known. Everyone can see that it did not lead to a safer world either inside or outside Iraq. The Holy See believes it is now imperative to support the present Government in its efforts to bring the country to normality and to a political system that is substantially democratic and in harmony with the values of its historic traditions." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/holeng040929.pdf Hungary: H.E. Mr. Gábor Brodi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hungary, September 29"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery continue to be a clear and present threat to international peace and security. New discoveries of large-scale nuclear weapon programs, networks of illicit trafficking in nuclear material and technology and the ill-conceived policies of denial and deceit about their purpose and nature, remain a most serious concern to the international community. There is a growing recognition, shared by Hungary, that these programs imply most serious risks of proliferation as well. The danger of having nuclear, biological and chemical weapons in the hands of rogue states, terrorist groups or for that matter any other non-state actors that are a menace to our world, represent new major security challenges. In this regard, we must act together in a decisive manner both regionally and globally. "In this respect, Hungary strongly supports the implementation of Security Council resolution 1540, calling on all states to establish effective national export controls. We call for the full implementation of this resolution. In addition to that, we are prepared to assist others in doing so. "In our fast-changing security environment worldwide, the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons /NPT/ is and should remain the cornerstone of the universal non-proliferation regime. Along with our EU partners, we are committed to safeguard the authority and the integrity of the Treaty. It is also in this context that we are looking forward to the 7th Review Conference of the NPT next year." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/huneng040929.pdf India: Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, September 23"Let us turn to other challenges we face today, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. There is an increasing reliance on restrictive regimes and the use of punitive action to confront this threat to international peace and security. While India is opposed to proliferation and has an impeccable record in this respect, we believe that it is only a global consensus of willing nations that would ultimately prove to be more effective in this regard. "The Chemical Weapons Convention is a good model to follow in respect of other weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons. It is through representative institutions rather than exclusive clubs of privileged countries that we can address global threats posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. "As far back as in 1988, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had outlined a series of specific steps in an Action Plan, whose central proposition remains valid – that progressive steps towards the elimination of weapons of mass destruction must be based on a balance of obligations between those who possess such weapons and those who do not It is quite evident today that a global discourse is required for evolving a more cooperative and consensual international security order. India believes that this consensus must differentiate between States whose actions strengthen non-proliferation and those that weaken its objectives." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/indeng040923.pdf Iran: H.E. Mr. Kamal Kharrazi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran, September 24"Extremism has two distinct and yet interconnected faces: violence and terrorism of nonstate actors and unbridled militarism of states. The former leads to increasing insecurity and the latter to increasing lawlessness. Insecurity is manifested in the horrendous acts of extreme violence and terrorism; whether it is in Iraq, Afghanistan or in Russia. Lawlessness is manifested in going outside of the law among nations and the UN Charter, relying on the glorification of force and the brute use of the military might. Lawless militarism of the powerful has given rise to increasing violence and terrorism and is also marketed as the panacea to them... "The increasing lawless militarism, the second face of the challenge we encounter, is the use of brute and un-sanctioned military force to achieve some political goals, albeit desirable goals. A clear example of this lawlessness is the attack against Iraq. Attack against Iraq was illegal. I wish to thank our distinguished Secretary-General for making this statement a few days ego and courageously defending the Charter of the United Nations and the rule of law. If we, in this august body, do not collectively defend the rule of law, we have helped to send the U.N. Charter to oblivion in the interest of domination and militarism. "...one particular area that requires resolute action by the international community is the existence and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As the only victim of the unbridled use of these weapons in recent years, Iran feels very strongly about the absolute imperative of a collective and rule based multilateral campaign to eradicate all these weapons and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons as an interim measure. This must be done by the universal application of disarmament and non-proliferation instruments in a comprehensive and nondiscriminatory manner. The relevant multilateral instruments must become truly universal and the rights and obligations of all must be scrupulously enforced. Access to technology for peaceful purposes is the only true incentive for the universality of these instruments. At the same time, the legitimate disarmament and non-proliferation concerns of the international community must be addressed through transparency and vigorous application of monitoring mechanisms. Iran has always been prepared to contribute actively to this global effort. While we insist on our right to technology for peaceful purposes, we have and will leave no stone unturned in order to provide assurances of our peaceful intentions. "Iran has been in the forefront of efforts to establish a zone free from weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. This initiative which has received the repeated approval of this august Assembly and the Security Council has been systematically obstructed by Israel's intransigence and its rejection of all multilateral instruments, regrettably with impunity. All countries of the region and beyond are unanimous in considering Israeli arsenal, including its weapons of mass destruction, combined with its policy and record of aggression and state terrorism as the single greatest threat to regional and global peace and security. Israel cannot hide these facts behind smoke screens. It is time for the international community to show its resolve to maintain the credibility of multilateral disarmament instruments by taking action to compel Israel to comply..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/iraneng040924.pdf Ireland: Mr Brian Cowen, T.D., Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, September 23"The proliferation of conventional weapons is causing enormous death and destruction. Concerted International action is required to effectively tackle their devastating impact on societies worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It is a sobering statistic that annual global spending on defence is estimated to be in the region of €950 billion. We need to progressively reallocate the world's resources towards more peaceful and developmental purposes. "This year we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the Ottawa Convention on Landmines. I look forward to the first Review Conference in Nairobi which will not only provide an opportunity to measure progress made but also to consider how to achieve universal respect for the principles and application of this important Treaty. Here at the United Nations, I welcome the progress made towards the negotiation of an Instrument on tracing and marking small arms and light weapons, an instrument which I hope will be legally binding. "Weapons of mass destruction, chemical, biological and nuclear, give rise to a unique fear - a fear of widespread annihilation. This fear is itself a source of instability, and a clear threat to international peace and security. That such weapons might fall into the hands of terrorists is an appalling prospect. "During the period of this General Assembly, we will meet to review again the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Ireland and its partners In the New Agenda Coalition are determined to strengthen the Treaty, and to ensure respect for its provisions, and we call on all States to make this a key priority. The possession of nuclear weapons by States outside the Treaty, and non-compliance with its provisions by States Parties, is a grave concern. "Ireland is convinced that disarmament and non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing and that both must be vigorously pursued. We need therefore to build on the outcome of the 2000 Review Conference, which, in thirteen practical steps, provided a realistic and coherent blueprint for achieving nuclear disarmament A firm commitment to, and a clear prospect of, nuclear disarmament, combined with a rigorous control regime, would help to strip nuclear weapons of the attraction that they now possess for some States. Let us therefore rededicate ourselves to the task of consigning nuclear weapons, and all weapons of mass destruction, to the dustbin of history. It is an ideal, but one worth striving for." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/ireeng040923.pdf Israel: H. E. Silvan Shalom, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, September 23"There was a time, when the problems of terror, Islamic fundamentalism and Iranian nuclear ambition, were seen as local problems — Israel's problems — not challenges which threatened the community of nations as a whole. Today, however, our community of nations is more united than ever in the battle against terrorism, whose sole objective is to undermine everything that we seek to build - peace, stability, prosperity and opportunity for all. "Today we are also more united than ever in opposition to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The international community now realizes that Iran - with missiles that can reach London, Paris, Berlin and southern Russia - does not only pose a threat to the security of Israel, but to the security and stabilty of the whole world. "Indeed, Iran has replaced Saddam Hussein as the world's number one exporter of terror, hate and instabilty... "I call on this Assembly to end its obsession with Israel and to ensure that UN resources are allocated more equally and more effectively. Our United Nations must provide solutions to the global challenges of hunger and poverty, of disease and weapons proliferation, of drug trafficking and sustainable development... "I call on this Assembly to address head-on the active involvement of Iran and Syria in terrorism, and Syria's continued occupation of Lebanon. There can be no place in the community of nations for those who promote the killing of children..." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/isreng040923.pdf Jamaica: H.E. The Honourable Keith Desmond Knight, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica, September 27"Small countries face particular dangers in maintaining stability and security. I am referring to the increasing production, distribution and proliferation of small arms and light weapons and sophisticated ammunition. These represent our greatest security threat. Small states do not produce these weapons but have become the principal victims. The influx of these weapons through various illicit channels is fuelling civil conflict and criminal violence, the extent and intensity of which beleaguer and often overwhelm national security forces. It is estimated in the 2004 Small Arms Survey that the proliferation and misuse of small arms contributes annually to approximately 200-270,000 civilian deaths, 40% of which are concentrated in the Latin American and Caribbean region. "Equally disturbing to us is the insufficient appreciation of these dangers by those countries which are the producers and source of the weapons. We maintain that such states have a duty to prevent illicit transfers beyond their borders. Additionally, we need more effective co-operation to regulate and restrict the movement of these weapons and to have an effective registration and monitoring of transfers operating within a framework of legally binding obligations. For this reason, it is urgent that we move to conclude the negotiations for an International Convention to achieve these objectives. "We make this demand for action on the basis of the principle of the equal right to security for all States. The threats and dangers we face are as valid as those arising from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These also demand collective action and in this Jamaica has been unrelenting in its support of effective measures for curtailing the spread of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/jameng040927.pdf Japan: H.E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, September 21'A New United Nations for the New Era', Address by H.E. Mr Junichiro Koizumi Prime Minister of Japan, September 21, 2004. JUNICHIRO KOIZUMI, Prime Minister of Japan... Today, the international community is striving to meet challenges that the founders of the United Nations could not have envisioned some sixty years ago. The fight against terrorism and efforts to ensure non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are just a few examples of these challenges... Weapons of mass destruction, missiles and terrorism threaten international security in the world of today. Japan is the only country ever to have suffered nuclear devastation. As such, Japan has been at the forefront in promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Japan hopes to achieve a peaceful and safe world free of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, Japan has collaborated with other countries to prevent states of concern and non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction... The nuclear and missile issues on the Korean Peninsula present a serious challenge to the peace and stability of Northeast Asia and to the international community as a whole. Japan is determined to continue to seek comprehensive resolution of the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue in line with the Pyongyang Declaration. The Six-Party Talks must go forward. The benefit that the DPRK would receive by resolving these issues would be substantial. There is no benefit in continuing to pursue its nuclear program... Source: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, http://www.mofa.go.jp. Kazakhstan: H.E. Mr. Kassymzhomart Tokaev, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kazakhstan, September 24"In our view, there is an urgent need to coordinate the efforts of the entire international community in the area of disarmament and arms control. "We call for an early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test Ban Treaty and urge the governments of those states that have not yet ratified that instrument to display political will and genuine commitment to nuclear disarmament. "As one of the few states that have voluntarily gave up their nuclear weapons, Kazakhstan is concerned by the current status of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty. That important treaty has been seriously eroded because of destructive actions on the part of a number of known states. We should recognize that the non-proliferation regime faces a formidable threat and that there is a real possibility of an uncontrolled spread of weapons of mass destruction and, most importantly, of terrorists getting hold of them. In view of that, we consider that the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in Central Asia is a very important and timely proposal. "We believe that the negotiation process within the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva should be reactivated. In our view, the potential of that important forum is far from being tapped to the full extent. "The Government of Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the consistent implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, as discussed at a regional conference in Almaty in March of 2004... "We also urge the international community to reactivate fruitful cooperation in the solution of social and economic problems facing the population around the former Semipalatinsk nuclear testing ground. The people of the region, unwittingly, have been victimized by some five hundred nuclear-weapon tests conducted in the heat of the global arms race. We are grateful to the governments of Japan, the United States and other donor states for due attention being paid by them to this screaming problem: yet we believe that in this particular case multilateral cooperation would have been more effective. The framework for such cooperation is already in place in the form of a relevant General Assembly resolution, whose potential has not been used to the full extent." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/kazeng040924.pdf Kenya: H.E. The Honourable Chirau Ali Mwakwere, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, September 27"Let me turn to an issue of great importance to the international community. The production, stockpiling, transfer and use of anti-personnel landmines is a problem of major proportions which has caused untold suffering to populations world-wide. With respect to this problem, Africa is the most mine-affected continent. Kenya has been bestowed with the honour to host the First Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Landmines and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention). The Conference, also known as the "Nairobi Summit 2004 on a Mine-Free World", will be held from November 29 to December 3, 2004. Among the scheduled events will be Pre-Conference Ceremonies on November 28, 2004, presided over by the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Honourable Mwai Kibaki who has extended invitations to World Leaders to attend the Conference. I take this opportunity to welcome each and everyone of you to participate at the highest possible level at the Conference. I encourage you to take advantage of your presence in Nairobi to sample Kenya's hospitality and particularly the world famous Safari and the sandy beaches along Kenya's Coast... "Long running conflicts in our sub-region have led to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which constitute major security concerns to my country and others. For this reason, Kenya has been at the forefront of regional initiatives to combat the menace. In March 2000, Kenya hosted the First Ministerial Conference, which produced the Nairobi Declaration on the problem of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa. In April this year, Kenya hosted the Second Ministerial Review Conference of the Nairobi Declaration, which adopted the Nairobi Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons. These efforts are intended to consolidate a regional framework within which to deal with the problem of proliferation in order to improve security to enable the people of the region to re-direct their energies and resources towards meaningful economic activities." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/keneng040927.pdf Kiribati: H.E. Mr. Anote Tong, President, Kiribati, September 28"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continue to threaten international security. We must be unified in our approach to addressing these challenges effectively through the strengthening of multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements, and through closer regional and international cooperation. Kiribati is supportive of all nonproliferation efforts and in this respect is party to, among others, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/kireng040928.pdf Laos: H.E. Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lao People's Democratic Republic, September 27"Today, weapons of mass destruction, whether chemical, biological or nuclear, all pose major threats to peace and security at the regional and global levels, and are far from being totally eliminated. Therefore, we should all work collectively to ensure that these inhumane weapons disappear from the face of the earth... "We commend the efforts deployed towards finding a peaceful solution to the Korean Peninsular issue through the convening of the three rounds of six-party talks. We hope that all parties concerned will pursue these talks so as to achieve a permanent peace and security in the Korean Peninsular thus creating a favorable condition for a peaceful reunification." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/laoeng040927.pdf Latvia: H.E. Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia, September 22"...Frequently countries facing terrorist attacks have been using vastly superior military capabilities to strike hard at real or perceived terrorist targets. "Too often, however, these strikes have had an undesirable side-effect of their own: the further wounding and killing of civilians, and the additional destruction of property. Such strikes have done nothing to diminish the deep-seated feelings of resentment by disaffected populations. The events of the past few years, and indeed of the past few decades, point to the stark and sobering reality that the military option alone has not been effective in rooting out terrorism, and that terrorism has not been an effective means for achieving political aspirations." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/lateng040922.pdf Libya: H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalghem, Secretary of the General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, September 29"As the 60th Session of the General Assembly draws closer, Libya is presenting a unique, bold and strong initiative involving the elimination of its programs of weapons of mass destruction, chemical and nuclear weapons, and the handing over of such equipment to the International Atomic Energy Agency... Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/libyeng040929.pdf Macedonia: H.E. Mr. Branko Crvenkovski, President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, September 24"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remains one of the major threats pending over global peace and security and Is closely related to terrorism. We welcome the adoption of the Resolution 1540 on the Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by the UN Security Council, whose implementation supplements the existing complex set of instruments and consolidates the role of the Security Council in this area. "The suppression of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and full prohibition of anti-infantry mines is also a very important issue, due to the size of the problem and the number of victims they cause. Such activities will immensely contribute to conflict prevention and successful peace keeping and peace building throughout the world, including our region. At the end of last year the Republic of Macedonia conducted a successful action of collecting small arms and light weapons. The action was supported by the UNDP and the activities in this field are on-going. "We expect from the first Review Conference of the member countries of the Ottawa Convention that will be held in Nairobi, to see a summary of results related to the implementation of this extremely important instrument that will pave the way to the creation of a world free of land mines. The Republic of Macedonia destroyed the mine stockpiles and is working on the demining of affected regions. UNMAS together with the ITF helped a lot in these demining activities." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/maceng040924.pdf Malaysia: H.E. The Honourable Dato’ Seri Haji Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister, Malaysia (in capacity as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement), September 27"Iraq is still in turmoil. Although the UN Security Council Resolution of June 2004 had enabled the return of sovereignty to the people of Iraq, conflicts continue without relent in that country. The same Resolution had also renewed the mandate of the Multinational Force but the reality on the ground suggests that the existing arrangements cannot stabilize the situation there. "It is quite clear that the situation in Iraq calls for the United Nations to be given the lead role, particularly for establishing stability in preparation for the elections scheduled for January 2005. An orderly conduct of the elections is critical to the process of reestablishing a truly independent and sovereign government in Iraq. "The United Nations has the best credentials to create the right conditions to enable member states to take part in peace-building and the reconstruction of Iraq. The international community owes it to the people of Iraq to summon its collective resolve and political will to allow all these to happen. If we collectively succeed in assisting Iraq to seize the moment, we would also succeed at the same time in bringing a closure to the bitter divisiveness which was brought about, in the beginning, by unilateralism over this same issue." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/malayeng040927.pdf Maldives: H.E. Mr. Fathulla Jameel, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maldives, September 30"The disappointing impasse on global disarmament and the dreadful odds of further proliferation of weapons of mass destruction make the world ill at ease, and lose hope for a peaceful world." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/mald040930.pdf Malta: the Honourable Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister, Malta, September 23"Over the last months an important development took place in our region in the context of disarmament. Libya's decision to renounce its programme on weapons of mass destruction has been welcomed by all. As a long standing friend and close neighbour of Libya, Malta has particular reasons to welcome this development and the increased opportunities it now creates for Libya to play a significant role in the process of Euro Mediterranean security and cooperation. "It is reasonable to argue that the framework of regional stability and cooperation provided by the EuroMed process was one contributory factor towards Libya's decision to renounce its programme. Nevertheless, problems relating to the development of weapons of mass destruction still exist in other regions of the world. The role which initiatives encouraging regional stability and economic and social development can play in the resolution of these problems should not be underestimated. "It is also necessary to look at the problems raised by the threat of new weapons of mass destruction as part of the wider issue of disarmament in its many aspects. The continuing commitment to the major multilateral treaties and increased efforts to intensify measures of verification and compliance are of paramount importance in this regard. Equally important is the need to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty into force without further delay. "The problem of proliferation of weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction, has in our day assumed a new and frightening dimension in its possible linkage with terrorism. In this regard, as the Secretary General points out, the effective implementation of Security Council Resolution 1540 adopted earlier this year should complement ongoing efforts to strengthen existing multilateral and non-proliferation regimes. Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/malteng040923.pdf Marshall Islands: H.E. Mr. Kessai H. Note, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, September 22"An ongoing issue of the utmost concern for the people of the Marshall Islands is that of nuclear weapons testing. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted a series of nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, which included the detonation of 23 atomic and hydrogen bombs. On March 1st this year, we commemorated the 50 th anniversary of the Bravo test at Bikini Atoll. The Bravo blast was 1,000 times more powerful than Hiroshima, and its fallout spread radioactive debris across the neighboring islands. "Today, many of our people continue to suffer from long term health effects, while others remain displaced from their homes because of ongoing contamination. We urge the United States government to fully address the issue of adequate compensation for populations affected by the nuclear testing program, and to fulfill its responsibilities for the safe resettlement of displaced populations. "On broader issues of disarmament and non-proliferation, we urge the international community to retain a focus on disarmament by the nuclear weapon States, as well as non-proliferation measures. We look forward to next year's Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and we hope that the Conference will produce substantial progress on the Thirteen Steps towards complete nuclear disarmament." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/mareng040922.pdf Mauritius: H.E. The Honourable Jaya Krishna Cuttaree, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Regional Cooperation, Mauritius, September 28"Notwithstanding the potential threat posed by nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, it is a matter of serious concern that we still have not been able to find common ground to initiate a process leading to complete disarmament. "Significant differences still persist among Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. We once again appeal to all Member States to translate their stated commitments to the cause of disarmament into action. "Mauritius supports and implements fully the international disarmament treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention and has always supported various UN resolutions which tend to consolidate these regimes, including Resolution 1540 which focuses on non-proliferation issues. "Along with our fight against weapons of mass destruction, we should also stay the course against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons which have been the weapons of choice in recent conflicts, particularly in Africa." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/maureng040928.pdf Mexico: H.E. Mr. Luis Ernesto Derbez, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mexico, September 24"We will also follow closely the cooperation initiatives and regimes that are geared to control the supply of nuclear materials; and we will insist in gathering new momentum on the efforts in the urgent cause of disarmament." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/mexeng040924.pdf Micronesia: H.E. The Honourable Sebastian Anefal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Federal States of Micronesia, September 29"As neighbors and fellow islanders, we have saddened by the inability of the people of the Republic of Marshall Islands, after almost fifty years, to secure full compensation for the death, sickness and destruction suffered by them as a consequence of nuclear weapons testing. Recently declassified documents make it clear that original settlements were not based on the full story of what happened to the Marshallese people, and other peoples of the former Trust Territory as well. We join other Members in calling upon the United States to meet its responsibility in full." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/miceng040929.pdf Moldova: H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Moldova, September 28"The Republic of Moldova fully supports the current efforts oriented towards conclusion of a Convention for the Suppression of Acts ofNuclear Terrorism as well as of a Comprehensive International Convention on International Terrorism. In particular, we believe that with the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention, some very sensitive and complex political and legal issues will be solved and, consequently, the existing gaps in the legal regime of the anti-terrorist cooperation will be filled. It is only through developing and implementing the network of anti-terrorist instruments that the international community can effectively ensure that terrorists find no safe heaven by which they can continue their criminal activities... "This region remains an area of illegal production and trafficking of arms. Given the "transparency" of the Transnistrian section of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border there are no guarantees that the illegally produced or trafficked armaments will not reach in the future other conflicts zones. Under these conditions I would like to reaffirm our strong belief that the deployment of an international monitoring mission under the auspices of OSCE and EU along the border between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine will substantially contribute to the prevention and elimination of such risks and will facilitate the identification of a solution for the transnistrian problem. "At the same time we encountered the biased attitude on behalf of involved parties, reflected in the support of smuggling and obvious violations of existing bilateral and international agreements. We deem it necessary to modify the components of peacekeeping mechanism and to replace it with a new one under international mandate. "Considering that the interests of regional stability and security require an objective and impartial approach, it is necessary to ensure full respect for international law and democratic standards and, more importantly, the abandonment of any geopolitical and geo-economical interests and designs through maintaining a status-quo. The strict fulfillment of the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit decisions would harmoniously fit such an approach." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/moleng040928.pdf Mongolia: H.E. Mr. Radnaabazaryn Altangerel, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mongolia, September 27"The Korean nuclear crisis and the resulting tensions on the Korean peninsula cast dark clouds over the entire Northeast Asia. Being a Northeast Asian nation with a nuclear-weapon-free status, Mongolia stands for a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula, and sees it as an important condition leading to the reconciliation of both Koreas, therefore, to peace and stability in the region. The continuation of the six-party talks with a view to coming to a negotiated solution is of vital importance to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region as a whole. "Indeed, strengthening international peace and security, supporting practical disarmament measures in every possible way has been one of the main priorities of Mongolia's foreign policy. We firmly believe that disarmament efforts should equally focus on state-and-people-centered dimensions. The global landmine ban campaign and efforts to curb illicit trade in small arms and light weapons have immediate bearing on human security, social and economic development around the world. "As a strong advocate of WMD disarmament, and particularly nuclear disarmament, Mongolia believes that the full and effective implementation of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons on the part of both the nuclear and nonnuclear countries has a pivotal role in promoting international peace and nuclear security. In that context, Mongolia welcomes the UNSC resolution 1540 (2004) adopted unanimously under Chapter VII of the UN Charter as a meaningful step towards curbing the WMD proliferation, yet we also believe that a correspondingly significant step ought to be made in nuclear disarmament - the early entry into force and universalization of the Comprehensive-Test-Ban-Treaty as a first priority. This treaty, once in force, would greatly contribute to the prevention of horizontal and vertical proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the dangers posed by their possible acquisition by non-state actors. "Establishment of new and consolidation of existing nuclear-weapon-free-zones should remain high on the international agenda. My Government will continue its efforts towards institutionalizing its nuclear-weapon-free-status at the international level. Mongolia's internationally recognized and legally-binding nuclear-weapon-free-status could further contribute towards ensuring peace and stability in the region of Northeast Asia and beyond." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/mongeng040927.pdf Nepal: H.E. Mr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nepal, September 28"Nepal is deeply concerned by the set back in the disarmament realm. Of course, the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is very important to keep such weapons from rouge elements, no durable peace will be possible without concerted efforts to disarmament, particularly of nuclear weapons, as they are the greatest threat to human civilization. "It is sad that the Conference on Disarmament has no program of work for the last several years. The body must be allowed to work on a coherent strategy leading to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons in a time bound manner. "We reiterate our support to nuclear weapons free zones and keeping the outer space free of such weapons. The international community should also work together to strengthen controls over the small arms and light weapons to prevent their abuse by non-state actors. "Regional centers for peace and disarmament are instrumental in building confidence among nations. Nepal is eager to relocate to Kathmandu the Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament for Asia and the Pacific at the earliest. We are prepared to sign the necessary agreements consistent with the prevailing diplomatic practices and provisions of the other two regional Centers. We also want the Kathmandu Process revived without delay." Source: http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/59/statements/nepeng040928.pdf The Netherlands on behalf of the European Union: H.E. Bernard Bot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, September 21"Multilateralism works", says Minister Bot on behalf of the EU in New York, Address on behalf of the European Union by Minister Bot at the General Assembly of the United Nations, 21 September 2004. BERNARD BOT, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, speaking on behalf of the European Union... "In a world of global threats, global markets and global media, our security and prosperity depend more and more on an effective multilateral system. The search for a strong, rule-based international society is more imperative than ever. "That is why reform of the United Nations, with a view to making it stronger, more effective and more efficient, is a high priority for the European Union. The EU remains committed to multilateralism and a rule-based international order, with the United Nations at its core. What gives great strength to the United Nations is its legitimacy. It has no substitute in the international community. It is unique. But the Organisation must adapt to changing circumstances. The reform efforts that have already been set in motion by the Secretary-General, must be intensified and deepened with a view to making the UN stronger, more effective and more efficient... "One of the greatest threats to international peace and security today is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The international community must effectively address this challenge. The EU adopted a comprehensive and coherent strategy against the proliferation of these weapons last December, covering a wide spectrum of measures. The EU is guided by the conviction that a multilateral approach to security is the best way to maintain international order. That is why we are firmly committed to uphold, implement and strengthen the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements. The multilateral treaty system provides the legal and normative basis for all non-proliferation efforts. "International treaty regimes and export control arrangements are in place to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. These instruments, however, have not succeeded in putting a complete stop to proliferation. Additional measures are necessary, in particular to combat the risk of terrorist organisations gaining access to those weapons and delivery systems. In this context, the EU welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1540, which is fully in line with the EU strategy. With others, the EU will also explore the possibility of establishing a relationship between the United Nations and the Hague Code of Conduct on Ballistic Missile Proliferation... "Human rights lie at the core of the work of the United Nations. The EU fully agrees with Secretary-General Annan's statement that terrorism must not be used as an excuse to trample on human rights. States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international h |