UNGA Disarmament Index 2013: S–Z

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament, peace, and security, made in the 68th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 24 September–1 October 2012. Included in this index are all references made to arms control, disarmament, nuclear and conventional weapons, nuclear energy, the arms trade, and militarism.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Saint Kitts and Nevis
The Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sustainable and Human Resources Development
27 September 2013

Arms Trade Treaty, small arms and light weapons: “St. Kitts and Nevis appreciates the strides that we have made with the Arms Trade Treaty and would encourage that we move with alacrity to ensure its coming into force. However, as small island states with open borders we see the relevance of establishing international standards and controls that will govern the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons through our ports… We commend the United States of America for the partnership that has been forged with St. Kitts and Nevis and the other Member States of the Caribbean that form part of the US- Caribbean Basin Security Initiative which, among other things, will be pivotal to our efforts at stemming the illicit flow of foreign made small arms into our region.”

Disarmament: “We see the relevance of maintaining sharp focus on those areas that are integral to the national and international development agenda. I refer to such matters as: … (iv) Disarmament …”

Saint Lucia
H.E. Mr. Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister of External Affairs
30 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
H.E. Mr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister
27 September 2013

Small arms and light weapons, Arms Trade Treaty: “As we continue our collective journey in the quest of a greater and lasting global peace, we have been reminded that wars do not only erupt between countries, but within them. We know, too, that some of the highest numbers of violent deaths occur in countries ostensibly at peace. This year, the international community has recognised that genuine and lasting peace between and within nations, cities and villages cannot occur in an environment that permits the unregulated trade in small arms and light weapons. The Arms Trade Treaty that we negotiated - and which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines signed on the very first day that it was available for signature - is far weaker than we would have liked. Nonetheless, we consider it an imptorant first step in regulating the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons worldwide, and particularly into our Caribbean region, where the tide of guns is oftentimes accompanied by torrents of narcotics malting their way to markets in other countries.”

Samoa
H.E. Mr. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister
27 September 2013

Arms Trade Treaty: “In June this year, during the historical signing event of the Arms Trade Treaty, Samoa announced that it would sign the treaty at the highest political level during the UN Treaty Event of the present UNGA. We kept this promise and I signed for Samoa during a special signing ceremony two days ago. We welcome the fact that more than 100 nations, including the United States have now signed the treaty.”

Small arms and light weapons, ATT: “For small island countries like Samoa, it only takes a few small arms and light weapons in the wrong hands, to cause instability. Indeed within our own Pacific region, these so called small arms have fuelled conflicts and disrupted the lives of communities and impeded development of countries. The Arms Trade Treaty , when fully implemented will greatly assist the efforts of small island states like mine in sustaining the security and stability of our communities.”

“Our signing the ATT is also further testimony to our firm commitment to general and complete disarmament, as it will contribute significantly to saving lives, stop human rights abuses, avoid crises and is an important step to reduce and eventually eliminate altogether, the human cost of conventional arms.”

Chemical weapons: “The untold sufferings brought about by the Syrian crisis has touched many hearts, and the latest episode as we watched in utter disbelief the use of chemical weapons to kill indiscriminately defenseless victims and even children is incomprehensible.”

“We welcome therefore the joint proposal by the United States and Russia and the willingness of Syria to have its chemical weapons destroyed under the competent UN authority and we expect total compliance for this initiative to succeed. While weapons of mass destruction such as chemical weapons continue to exist, some megalomaniac will sooner or later resort to their use with deadly consequences for the world.”

WMD: “The ultimate safeguard is of course the destruction of all such weapons whether chemical, biological or nuclear.”

Nuclear weapons: “The High-level meeting yesterday on Nuclear Disarmament highlighted yet again the urgent need to have a treaty banning nuclear weapons given the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons.”

“Such weapons represent the great paradox of our time. While nations desire peace and talk of peace, far more of the national wealth goes towards the development and acquisition of ever more sophisticated and destructive weapons of mass destruction.”

Nuclear testing: “Our Pacific region was the scene of a great deal of nuclear testing with some islands still bearing the scars of these tests. Our regional response was the creation of the Rarotonga Nuclear Free Zone Treaty to ensure that nuclear testing in the Pacific will be a thing of the past.”

“Samoa re-affirms its continued support for a nuclear test-free world. Early agreement must be reached to ban nuclear testing and to cease the manufacture and creation of more nuclear weapons.”

San Marino
H.E. Mr. Pasquale Valentini, Prime Minister
27 September 2013

Chemical weapons, nuclear weapons: “In the same way, when ‘crimes against humanity’ are committed, crimes that also the Secretary General has recently denounced and documented, after a strong condemnation, a united action towards the elimination of chemical and nuclear weapons is needed in order to avoid responding to violence with violence.”

São Tomé and Príncipe
H.E. Mr. Carlos Filomeno Agostinho Das Neves, Permanent Representative to the UN
1 October 2013

Chemical weapons: “The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome & Principe vehemently condemns the use of chemical weapons in violation of all international accords. We also take this opportunity to welcome recent developments toward dismantling the Syrian arsenal of chemical weapons and urge both parties in conflict and the International Community to pursue a compromise that will lead to the cessation of hostilities and pave the way for open dialogue and negotiations within a multilateral framework, toward a political solution aimed at establishing a lasting peace.”

Conventional arms: “Combating piracy requires the establishment of an environment that is conducive to global security. As it is normally associated with transnational crimes such as the trafficking of arms, drugs and persons, which São Tomé and Príncipe emphatically condemns, my country has coordinated with other States in the region to combat such-activities, and has taken internal steps that make it more difficult for our territory to be used for the purposes of money laundering or financing of other illicit or criminal acts.”

Senegal
H.E. Mr. Macky Sall, President
25 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We urge the Syrian Government to exercise restraint and to comply with the Agreement concluded for the control and destruction of its arsenal of chemical weapons.”

Serbia
H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolič
25 September 2013

Disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control: “The Republic of Serbia is a party to nearly all international instruments and initiatives in the fields of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. It fully complies with the obligations it has undertaken.”

Arms Trade Treaty: “Serbia's commitment to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which we recently signed, is based on the belief that the establishment of legally binding international standards in this field is a significant contribution to eliminating illegal arms trade, the fight against international terrorism and organized crime, promotion of peace, security and stability - or in a nutshell - alleviation of human suffering.”

Disarmament: “In accordance with the agreements it has entered into, my country has counted and made an inventory of all weapons in its possession and has made this information available. It has also allowed inspection of its arsenals. Our partners know where each piece of Serbian weaponry is located. Nothing is kept secret. We have done so, not only because we were bound to do so, but to show and prove that Serbia is truly committed to peace and cooperation with the neighbours. And, contribution to peace can be made also through disarmament. Never in its history has Serbia fought a war of aggression, and the weapons now in its possession are only meant for its defence."

WMD: “Furthermore, Serbia has never posed a threat to any country; it has never possessed weapons of mass destruction, and has no intention of making weapons of mass destruction part of its visible quantifiable and verifiable arsenal. We are aware that progress on disarmament and arms control hinges not only on us. In this context, success is related to developments on a wider political and strategic scene.”

Seychelles (Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Danny Faure, Vice President
27 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Seychelles condemns in the strongest terms any use of chemical weapons, or any other weapon of mass destruction.”

Arms Trade Treaty: “As one of the first signatories of the Arms Trade Treaty, Seychelles also urges all nations to actively engage to reduce the risk of arms trades which remains one of the biggest challenges for our region and the world.”

Sierra Leone
H.E. Mr. Samura Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2013

Arms Trade Treaty: “Sierra Leone welcomes the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty early this year. This is a significant and historic achievement in our collective effort in pursuit of a safer and more secure world. We therefore hope that the illegal transfer of conventional weapons to the wrong hands, a major source of the escalation of conflicts in the developing world, particularly in Africa, can now be largely regulated and minimized. In that regard, we remain committed to supporting international instruments aimed at establishing peace and security in the world and an economic order that is beneficial to the rich and poor, the weak and strong, as well as the big and small nations.”

Chemical weapons: “The use of chemical weapons in conflict poses a renewed global security threat. There is therefore the need for increased multilateral and collective engagement and responses to these complex challenges.”

Nuclear security: “Non-traditional security issues such as climate change, people trafficking, nuclear safety, energy, food and maritime security, and financing for development are becoming more pronounced.”

Singapore
H.E. Mr. K. Shanmugam, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Violence and conflict are as great a threat to global stability as poverty. The international community must respond firmly to such threats. In this regard, Singapore welcomes the unanimous adoption of UNSC Resolution 2118 on the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances, which constitutes a violation ofinternational law.”

Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Ivan Gašparovič, President
24 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Slovakia principally condemns use of chemical weapons as a crime against humanity and urgently asks to bring the perpetrators before the International Criminal Court. The UN’s continued engagement is essential as there is no other functional alternative to its role.”

Disarmament: “We cannot have a secure, safe and stable environment without effective arms control and disarmament procedures in place as the basic instrument for conflict prevention.”

Arms Trade Treaty: “The signing of the Arms Trade Treaty has shown that the UN has the potential to make history and substantively contribute to increasing security in the world through its shared commitment to taking a responsible approach to arms trading. Slovakia believes that the joint effort of the international community can ensure the treaty will soon enter into force. We are prepared to do everything necessary in this respect.”

Nuclear weapons: “With regard to removing nuclear threats and their secondary consequences on health and the environment, Slovakia actively supports entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty which we consider an important pillar of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”

Slovenia
H.E. Mr. Borut Pahor, President
26 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “The unconscionable use of chemical weapons in Syria is not only considered a war crime. It is an assault against our common humanity. Has peaceful diplomacy failed again, and will the only way to stop the violence now be military intervention?”

“The US-Russian agreement on the Framework for the Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons must be implemented without delay. Syria's accession to the UN Chemical Weapons Convention is a positive step. But this should not be seen as an opportunity for the Syrian Government to stall for time. Syria should comply immediately and fully or face consequences. It is important that diplomacy prevailed and brought the issue back to the UN and to the Security Council. The Security Council should live up to its responsibility and use all appropriate measures to comprehensively address the situation in Syria. Finding a political solution remains the only viable and lasting solution to the crisis and to ensure stability in the region. We support the timely convening of the Geneva II conference.”

Solomon Islands
H.E. Mr. Manasseh Maelanga
28 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We note with concern the preliminary findings of the UN Investigation team confirming the use of chemical weapons. Solomon Islands welcomes the Russian and United States initiatives to destroy chemical weapons in Syria and further support all efforts in seeking a diplomatic and political solution to the civil war.”

Arms Trade Treaty: “ Solomon Islands remains an arms free state. We note the use of conventional and unconventional arms in the wrong hands threaten international peace and stability. Solomon Islands welcomes the recently adopted Arms Trade Treaty and hope major players of arms trade sign up to the international framework. This will strengthen the treaty, Solomon Islands continues to follow and assess the treaty's progress.”

Somalia
H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President
26 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We must not allow use of Chemical Weapons against human being in war or otherwise let alone children,women and vulnerable.”

South Africa
H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President
24 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We have expressed our dismay at the use of chemical weapons in Syria. There is no cause that could justify the use of weapons of mass destruction, by anyone or anybody under any circumstances. It is our strongly held view that any political transition in Syria must come about as aresult of the will of the Syrian people, and not as a result of a force of arms. We welcome the recent positive developments such as the decision by Syria to accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the ongoing bilateral consultations between the Russian Federation and the United States.”

South Sudan
H.E. Mr. James Wani Igga, Vice President
26 September 2013

Disarmament: “The President has also ordered for inevitable disarmament of the civil population.”

Small arms and light weapons: “The rate of crime caused by the proliferation of small arms has been alarming. While our police force has managed to apprehend many criminals, 13 others are still slippery and at large but the government is committed to erase this menace.”

Spain
H.E. Mr. Mariano Rajoy Brey, President
25 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “The brutal attack with sarin gas against civilians in Damascus, confirmed by the report of the UN Mission, has been widely condemned among the international community, which firmly believes this act must not be repeated, nor go unpunished.”

“The proposal by Russia and the United States that will allow international control and the subsequent destruction of all stocks of chemical weapons in Syria has been applauded by all. It is now necessary for the Security Council to adopt a Resolution to establish a legally binding prohibition on the use of chemical weapons in Syria and to ensure their mandatory destruction. Much rests on this question. As the Secretary-General remarked, it constitutes a challenge to international security, one that if not resolved will represent a collective failure.”

Arms Trade Treaty: “Spain works to promote disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, and has taken an active part in the Arms Trade Treaty negotiations.”

Nuclear terrorism: “We have also participated in various initiatives to prevent nuclear terrorism.”

Sri Lanka
H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President
24 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Sudan
H.E. Mr. Ali Ahmed Karti, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We condemn the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict. We support the Russian approach to resolving this matter.”

Suriname
H.E. Mr. Winston G. Lackin, Minister of Foreign Affairs
30 September 2013

Nuclear weapons: “We are proud to belong to a region that has proclaimed itself as a nuclear weapons free zone.”

Swaziland
His Majesty King Mswati III
25 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “The UN Mission findings on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, should be used as a basis to chart a way forward in pursuit of the dismantling of these unconventional weapons of mass destruction, which are a serious threat to mankind.”

“As long as the chemical weapons continue to exist in that country, it remains at risk of similar attacks where nobody will own up to them. Therefore it is only proper that the dismantling process begins with immediate effect to prevent a similar attack in future.”

Sweden
H.E. Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister
24 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Those responsible for systematic violations of human rights - including those responsible for the use of chemical weapons - must be held accountable. The conflict must be handled within the UN-system.”

Switzerland
H.E. Ueli Maurer, President
24 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “The use of chemical weapons is a particularly despicable crime. It is imperative to shed light on all facts. With this in mind, Switzerland welcomes the recent developments.”

Syrian Arab Republic
H.E. Mr. Walid Almoualem, Deputy Prime Minister
30 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are the ones who were targeted by poisonous gases in Khan Al-Assal, near Aleppo. We have asked for an Investigation Mission, and demanded to include in its mandate the ability to determine who used chemical weapons, however, the United States and its allies, France and United Kingdom, are the ones who prevented that, and insisted, then, to limit the functions of the Mission to only decide whether chemical weapons were used or not.
“We, in Syria, waited five months for the Mission to come, and when it arrived in Syria, it was withdrawn before the completion of its work, as certain states began beating the drums of war on Syria. My country has accepted the initiative graciously launched by H.E. President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Syria, by acceding to the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, proves its commitment against the use of such weapons, while at the same time calls on the international community to shoulder its responsibility against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

“Syria is known for fulfilling its obligations and commitments; therefore, I assure you the Syria's commitment to the full implementation of the provisions of the Convention, and to cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as a state party to the Convention. However, there remains the challenge that is facing all of us whether those who are supplying terrorists with these types of weapon will abide by their legal commitments, since terrorists, who used poisonous gases in my country have received chemical agents from regional and Western countries that are well known to all of us.”

Nuclear weapons, WMD: “After Syria's accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, my country renews its call for international community to work on establishing a zone free ofall weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. In this regard, we would like to remind the international community of the Syrian initiative at the end of its non-permanent membership in the Security Council in 2003, and calls on the Security Council to adopt it. Syria stresses that establishing a free zone of from weapons of mass destruction in the region is unachievable without the accession of Israel, the only nuclear power in the region, to all treaties banning such weapons, and to put its nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At the same time, we emphasize on the right of all countries to acquire and develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Syria condemns the continued blocking by the United States and Israel of holding the International Conference on the Establishment of a Zone Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East, which was scheduled to take place in 2012.”

Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Akil Akilov, Prime Minister
25 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Tanzania (The United Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President
27 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “The recent use of chemical weapons in Syria as confirmed by the United Nations inspections team to kill innocent people is rather distressing. We condemn such flagrant and senseless killing of innocent people including children in Syria. We commend the Secretary General and the UNSC for way they handle the matter. I believe the doors for a peaceful solution to the Syrian problem are not closed and that a military solution should be the last resort.”

Thailand
H.E. Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “On the twenty-first of August, we learned that chemical weapons were usedagainst innocent civilians in Syria. Despite widespread condemnation and outrage, the United Nations was initially unable to act, the Security Council deadlocked. We therefore welcome the resolution on Syria adopted yesterday by the Security Council. We urge Syria to ensure the full and effective implementation of the resolution, and to allow monitoring and enforcement by the international community. It is our hope that the Security Council, and especially the permanent members, will continue to work together to find a durable political solution for the sake of the Syrian people.”

Timor-Leste
H.E. Mr. Taur Matan Ruak, President
25 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We welcome the agreement that was reached to put Syria's arsenal of chemical weapons under UN control prior to its destruction. Timor-Leste rejects the use of chemical weapons in all circumstances.”

Togo
S.E.M. Kodjo Menan, Ambassador
1 October 2013

[Unofficial translation]

Chemical weapons: “The Syrian conflict continues, with the culmination of the use of chemical weapons on the 21 of August 2013.”

Tonga
His Majesty King Tupou VI, King
27 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Trinidad and Tobago
H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister
25 September 2013

Arms Trade Treaty, small arms and light weapons: “At the international level, we are stalwart supporters of the Arms Trade Treaty, agreed to in March of this year/ and which we have already signed and ratified. In the light of our experiences and challenges with the impact of crime, violence and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons/ on our development efforts; we would encourage all States which have not as yet done so, to sign and ratify the ATT so that it may come into force at the earliest opportunity. In our view, the implementation of this Treaty would significantly enhance national efforts aimed at providing a safe and secure environment for citizens/ which is a contributory factor to development. ”

Small arms and light weapons: “In fact Mr President, one of our brilliant young citizens Mr Ravindra Ramrattan, a former President's Gold Medalist for academic excellence was killed last Saturday in the terrorist attack on Westgate mall in Nairobi. He no doubt fell victim to illegal guns and other weapons in the hands of murderous terrorists. His death is merely one more example of the consequences of the illicit cross border flows of small arms and light weapons which in the CARICOM context, and indeed in many regions of the world, are our weapons of mass destruction.”

Tunisia
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, President
26 September 2013

[Unofficial translation]

Chemical weapons: “Imagine we would not have reached the nightmare of the Syrian people. Hundred thousand dead and so many displaced people; against the regime killing men women children with all the weapons it has been provided with including chemical weapons.”

Turkey
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gül, President
24 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Turkey welcomes and firmly supports the US-Russian agreement to eliminate Syria's arsenal of chemical weapons. That agreement has to be translated into a tangible UN Security Council resolution. Once Syria comes clean about this arsenal, once and for all, it will be a relief for the Syrian people and the region. As Syria's neighbor, Turkey will appreciate more than most the complete and verifiable destruction of these weapons.

“Nevertheless, we cannot forget that chemical weapons were used against Syrian civilians onlya month ago. The perpetrators of this crime against humanity must be held accountable and be brought tojustice. I see this agreement on Syrian chemical weapons as an opportunity. I hope it will be a first step in the formation of a security architecture to ensure the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

“Yet the recent approach to the situation in Syria also raises difficult questions: Were it not for the use of chemical weapons, would the international community have continued to turn a blind eye to the deaths of more than a hundred thousand people? For how long can we afford to evade our moral responsibility to the people being killed even as we speak? This conflict neither began with the use of chemical weapons, nor will it end with an agreement to eliminate them. We therefore bluntly reject any position that is not troubled by the killing of innocent people in itself, but only by the means of such killing. Such an approach is immoral and totally unacceptable. The agreement to destroy Syria's chemical arsenal must not allow the regime to avoid responsibility for its other crimes.”

“I cannot emphasize this enough: Agreement on chemical weapons must not be allowed to substitute for a comprehensive political strategy to address the situation in Syria.”

Turkmenistan
H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
30 September 2013

Disarmament: “Complex processes unfolding in today's world call for a responsible, thoughtful and also an effective and efficient approach from the United Nations. This is also directly linked to disarmament which is the most important problem of today. By taking an active part in the multilateral dialogue on disarmament issues our state demonstrates by its practical actions its firm commitment to the compliance with the fundamental international norms regulating the disarmament process and the non-proliferation regime. By following this course and taking into consideration the need for energizing the discussion and meaningful consideration of disarmament issues Turkmenistan proposes that a High-level international meeting should be held on disarmament issues. We are prepared to create all necessary conditions and provide appropriate infrastructure for holding this meeting in the capital of our country.”

Tuvalu
H.E. Mr. Vete Sakaio, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Uganda
H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President
24 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Viktor Yanukovych
24 September 2013

Nuclear energy: “The theme of sustainable energy as an item of the ‘Post-2015’ Agenda is of particular significance to us. A new, inclusive approach to this issue has to ensure comprehensive consideration of security, social and environmental aspects. Only such approach will facilitate sustainable development of energy, especially as regards efficiency and safety of its nuclear sector. This objective will equally be favoured by the further development and joint action on implementation of the outcomes of Kyiv Summit on Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear Energy, which was held in April 2011. Ukraine, which experienced the worst nuclear accident in the history of mankind, is well aware of the priority of issues of ecological safety, comprehensive conservation of environment and prudent management of water resources.”

Chemical weapons: “We welcome the Plan produced by Russia and the United States to move under control of the international community the stockpiles of the Syrian chemical weapons for their subsequentdestruction. At the same time Ukraine is convinced that successful implementation of the mentioned plangives hope to bring the conflict under control and leaves space for the political and diplomatic settlement.”

Conventional weapons: “Special attention of the Ukrainian Chairmanship [of the OSCE] is focused on the settlement of protracted conflicts and resumption of control over conventional weapons within the OSCE area, combating trafficking in human beings and other most pressing issues of the Organization’s activities.”

Nuclear weapons: “2014 will mark the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as a non-nuclear weapon state. By ridding of the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal, our country made an unprecedented contribution to the global nuclear disarmament. At that time Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Great Britain and the United States concludedthe Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances confirmed later by France and China. In view of the historical significance of these events and considering recent alarming trendsin nuclear proliferation, Ukraine will initiate holding at the current General Assembly session of arepresentative thematic conference. We expect this forum will be participated by guarantor states, countries which followed Ukraine's example and other interested parties. I hope such international event will become a good opportunity to come back to the thorough consideration of ‘negative’ security assurances. We keep insisting: security assurances for the states which gave up their nuclear arsenals andcountries which do not make part of military unions must be reflected in a legally binding international document.”

Nuclear security: “We are looking forward to successful Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague next year.Ukraine stands for this global forum to produce new qualitative outcomes and encourages all other countries to make proper contribution to the cause.”

United Arab Emirates
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We are deeply concerned about the growing serious implications of this conflict on Syria and the entire region, and we strongly condemn and reject all crimes against humanity committedby the Syrian regime, especially the chemical attack against Ghouta, Damascus, which killed thousands of civilians and children. We, therefore, call upon the international community to take all necessary measures to punish the Syrian regime for its massacres against its civilians.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “There is a lot of debate about Iran's nuclear program, and many suspicions surround it. Hence, we urge Iran to constructively cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a transparent and clear manner to dispel all suspicions surrounding its activities in order to avoid any negative consequences arising from the absence of such cooperation.”

Nuclear energy: “On the other hand, the UAE believes that peaceful use of nuclear energy has become an urgent requirement to meet the growing demand for energy. We are proud to have a successful pioneering experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which is surrounded with all guarantees of security and safety. The UAB also opened the way for the production of renewable energy and development of clean energy techniques as a contribution on its part to humanity towards protecting the planet from the negative effects of climate change.”

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Rt. Hon. Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister
27 September 2013

Arms Trade Treaty: “Our global response to terrorism must be robust, intelligent and cover all those areas where our work together can make a genuine difference. Alone we can take small steps forward, but together we can take giant leaps. That much was clear earlier this year when we signed the world's first Arms Trade Treaty to better regulate the global sale of weapons. The United Kingdom is proud of the role we played in delivering it and we urge any countries who have not signed to do so. This treaty reminds us that, with enough political will, we can come together and do the previously unthinkable. And that should embolden us to do more.”

Chemical weapons: “On the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, the Assad regime committed a war crime under international humanitarian law on 21 August, launching a large scale chemical weapon attack on its own people -the first attack on this scale for 25 years - 88 years after such weapons were universally banned… The international community must react, and react in unison. That is why we hope to adopt later today a Security Council resolution establishing binding legal obligations on the Syrian regime, for the removal and destruction of Syria's vast chemical weapons arsenal.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “I welcome President Rouhani's comments on Tuesday that he wanted constructive engagement between Iran and the rest of the world, and to engage immediately in time-bound talks on the nuclear issue: encouraging words which I very much hope are matched with genuine action. I am pleased that negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme will restart in October. If Iran's words are followed by concrete steps, then there is a real opportunity to make progress in resolving the serious international concerns about Iran's nuclear programme.”

United States of America
H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President
24 September 2013

Nuclear weapons: “The leaders who built the United Nations were not naive. They did not think this body could eradicate all wars. But in the wake of millions dead and (inaudible) rubble, and with the development of nuclear weapons that could annihilate a planet, they understand that humanity could not survive the course it was on.”

Drones: “These new circumstances have also meant shifting away from a perpetual war footing. Beyond bringing our troops home we have limited the use of drones so they target only those who pose a continuing imminent threat to the United States where capture is not feasible and there’s a near certainty of no civilian casualties.”

WMD: “Sectarian conflict has re-emerged, and the potential spread of weapons of mass destruction continues to cast a shadow over the pursuit of peace.”

Chemical weapons: “Assad’s traditional allies have propped him up, citing principles of sovereignty to shield his regime. And on August 21st, the regime used chemical weapons in an attack that killed more than 1,000 people, including hundreds of children.”

“How do we address the choice of standing callously by while children are subjected to nerve gas, but we’re embroiling ourselves in someone else’s civil war?”

“With respect to Syria, we believe that as a starting point the international community must enforce the ban on chemical weapons. When I stated my willingness to order a limited strike against the Assad regime in response to the brazen use of chemical weapons, I did not do so lightly. I did so because I believe it is in the national security interests of the United States and in the interest of the world to meaningfully enforce a prohibition whose origins are older than the United Nations itself. The ban against the use of chemical weapons, even in war, has been agreed to by 98 percent of humanity. It is strengthened by the searing memories of soldiers suffocated in the trenches, Jews slaughtered in gas chambers, Iranians poisoned in the many tens of thousands. The evidence is overwhelming that the Assad regime used such weapons on August 21st. U.N. inspectors gave a clear accounting that advanced rockets fired large quantities of sarin gas at civilians. These rockets were fired from a regime-controlled neighborhood and landed in opposition neighborhoods. It’s an insult to human reason and to the legitimacy of this institution to suggest that anyone other than the regime carried out this attack.

Now, I know that in the immediate aftermath of the attack there were those who questioned the legitimacy of even a limited strike in the absence of a clear mandate from the Security Council. But without a credible military threat, the Security Council had demonstrated no inclination to act at all. However, as I’ve discussed with President Putin for over a year, most recently in St. Petersburg, my preference has always been a diplomatic resolution to this issue. And in the past several weeks, the United States, Russia and our allies have reached an agreement to place Syria’s chemical weapons under international control and then to destroy them. The Syrian government took a first step by giving an accounting of its stockpiles. Now, there must be a strong Security Council resolution to verify that the Assad regime is keeping its commitments. And there must be consequences if they fail to do so. If we cannot agree even on this, then it will show that the United Nations is incapable of enforcing the most basic of international laws. On the other hand, if we succeed, it will send a powerful message that the use of chemical weapons has no place in the 21st century and that this body means what it says. Our agreement on chemical weapons should energize a larger diplomatic effort to reach a political settlement within Syria.”

WMD, nuclear weapons: “... we will not tolerate the development or use of weapons of mass destruction. Just as we consider the use of chemical weapons in Syria to be a threat to our own national security, we reject the development of nuclear weapons that could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region and undermine the global nonproliferation regime.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “In the near term, America’s diplomatic efforts will focus on two particular issues: Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and the Arab-Israeli conflict. … I do believe that if we can resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, that can serve as a major step down a long road toward a different relationship, one based on mutual interests and mutual respect.

“Since I took office, I’ve made it clear in letters to the supreme leader in Iran and more recently to President Rouhani that America prefers to resolve our concerns over Iran’s nuclear program peacefully -- although we are determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. We are not seeking regime change, and we respect the right of the Iranian people to access peaceful nuclear energy. Instead, we insist that the Iranian government meet its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

“Meanwhile, the supreme leader has issued a fatwah against the development of nuclear weapons. And President Rouhani has just recently reiterated that the Islamic republic will never develop a nuclear weapon. So these statements made by our respective governments should offer the basis for a meaningful agreement. We should be able to achieve a resolution that respects the rights of the Iranian people while giving the world confidence that the Iranian program is peaceful.

“But to succeed, conciliatory words will have to be matched by actions that are transparent and verifiable. After all, it’s the Iranian government’s choices that have led to the comprehensive sanctions that are currently in place. And this not -- is not simply an issue between the United States and Iran. The world has seen Iran evade its responsibilities in the past and has an abiding interest in making sure that Iran meets its obligations in the future. But I want to be clear. We are encouraged that President Rouhani received from the Iranian people a mandate to pursue a more moderate course, and given President Rouhani’s stated commitment to reach an agreement, I am directing John Kerry to pursue this effort with the Iranian government in close cooperation with the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China.

“The roadblocks may prove to be too great, but I firmly believe the diplomatic path must be tested. That while the status quo will only deepen Iran’s isolation, Iran’s genuine commitment to go down a different path will be good for the region and for the world, and will help the Iranian people meet their extraordinary potential in commerce and culture, in science and education.”

Uruguay
H.E. Mr. José Mujica, President
24 September 2013

[Unofficial translation]

Military spending: “Each minute two million dollars are spent on military budgets in the world, medical research in the planet is just a fifth of the research and development of the military. This process ensures hatred and fanaticism,, sources of wars which also spend fortunes.”

Uzbekistan
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2013

No relevant comments.

Vanuatu
H.E. Mr. Moana Carcasses Kalosil
28 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “We join many other Peace loving nations to call for an end to the conflict and for the UN to do more to strongly enforce the international ban on the use of Chemical Weapons. On the other hand, we commend the United States of America and the Russian Federation for taking a strong leading role in the issue of Syria and in addressing the Chemical weapons issue in Syria.”

Venezuela
H.E. Mr. Elías J. Jaua Milano, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2013

[Unofficial translation]

WMD: “The Venezuelan nation is proud to be part of a region free of any weapons of mass destruction and reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of the total elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as a way to guarantee the preservation of life on the planet.”

Drones: “Why is the use of unmanned aircrafts, known as drones, that have caused tens of thousands of innocent victims, including children, and elderly in North Africa, the Middle East or in regions of Asia, not considered a crime against humanity?”

Viet Nam
H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister
27 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “Whilst peace, cooperation and development are the dominant trend, the threat of war is ever present. Violence in the Middle East and North Africa is a grave concern; the latest instance in Syria where the use of chemical weapons needs to be strongly condemned.”

Zambia (The Republic of)
H.E. Michael Chilufya Sata, President
24 September 2013

Cluster munitions: “In closing, allow me to express Zambia’s gratitude for the support received in the recent hosting of two important UN conferences, namely the 20TM session of the UNWTO General Assembly and the fourth meeting of states parties of the Cluster Munitions Convention (4MSP).”

Zimbabwe
H.E. Mr. Robert Mugabe, President
26 September 2013

Chemical weapons: “we applaud the consultations and negotiations on the eventual destruction of the chemical weapons in Syria.”