UNGA Disarmament Index 2016: H–R

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament and arms control made during the 71st General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 20–30 September 2016.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Haiti
H.E. Mr. Jocelerme Privert, Acting Head of State
23 September 2016

No relevant references.

Holy See
H.E. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State
22 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "Today, as during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, there is the recurrence of the threat of nuclear conflict with its terrible consequences."

Honduras
H.E. Mr. Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, President
21 September 2016

Illicit arms trade: "Organised crime is a transnational monster, without nationality or scruples. It has several faces: the movement of criminals, the money laundering, trafficking of people, drugs and weapons."

Hungary
H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2016

Arms trade: "We have sent a significant amount of ammunition to the peshmerga army […]"

Iceland
H.E. Ms. Lilja Alfredsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

Explosive weapons: "The Syrian conflict continues to inflict suffering on millions. I strongly condemn the attack on the UN humanitarian convoy earlier this week, and the new attacks on Aleppo."

Nuclear weapons, DPRK: "It is shocking to see how the Government of North Korea continues its illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons. Risking the security of its own people, the entire region and international security. Iceland strongly condemns North Korea's nuclear testing, in breach of universally accepted norms and international law."

India
H.E. Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
26 September 2016

No relevant references.

Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President
23 September 2016

No relevant references.

Iran
H.E. Mr. Hassan Rouhani, President
22 September 2016

Explosive weapons, Yemen: "The defenceless people of Yemen are subjected to daily bombardment."

Iranian nuclear program: "The experience acquired through dialogue between Iran and the group of 5+1 and the fruition of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are indicative of the success that we would achieve through moderation, constructive interaction and the promotion of dialogue; a policy that brought a long, complicated and unnecessary crisis to an end by adopted a win-win approach. This deal confirmed the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program through devising confidence-building mechanisms, closing the so-called "possible military dimension" file and reinstating Iran's right to develop a peaceful nuclear program. This deal also put an end to unfounded concerns and led to the removal of the brutal sanctions against Iran. […] And today, the Security Council and the IAEA have formally accepted Iran's peaceful nuclear program."

Iraq
H.E. Mr. Haider Al-Abadi, Prime Minister
22 September 2016

llicit arms trade: "We call on the nations worldwide to commit to the application of the resolutions of the UN Security Council pertinent to the prevention of support, finance or armament to the terrorist groups."

Ireland
H.E. Mr. Charles Flanagan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
24 September 2016

Disarmament, non-proliferation: "Allied to our commitment to conflict prevention and resolution, Ireland has unwaveringly championed disarmament and non-proliferation which must be to the fore of our collective efforts to prevent or minimise the impact of future conflict."

Nuclear, conventional, biological and chemical weapons: "We must all be mindful of the grave humanitarian consequences of any nuclear detonation, as well as the devastating impact of conventional, biological and chemical weapons."

Nuclear testing: "We have seen this year, and even this month, how one member of the UN can show in stark terms the reality of the risk of nuclear detonation."

Nuclear disarmament: "Ireland wishes to see genuine progress on multilateral nuclear disarmament, building on the work of the Open-Ended Working Group."

Explosive weapons: "We are also concerned at the evidence of harm to civilians from the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in populated areas."

Gender & disarmament, nuclear weapons, SALW, illicit arms trade: "The disproportionate gendered impacts of nuclear weapons and of illegal arms transfers and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, is also of great concern to us, as is the need to ensure greater gender balance in all disarmament discussions."

Israel
H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
22 September 2016

Cybersecurity: "How about cybersecurity? That's an issue that affects everyone. Israel accounts for one-tenth of one percent of the world's population, yet last year we attracted 20% of the global private investment in cybersecurity. I want you to digest that number. In cyber, Israel is punching a whopping 200 times above its weight. So Israel is also a global cyber power. If hackers are targeting your banks, your planes, your power grids and just about everything else, Israel can offer indispensable help."

Nuclear weapons: "[A]n interview [2013] with a senior Palestinian official, Jibril Rajoub, who says that if he had a nuclear bomb, he'd detonate it over Israel that very day."

Nuclear weapons, Iran: "This year, Iran has fired ballistic missiles in direct defiance of Security Council Resolutions.
[…]
With the nuclear constraints on Iran one year closer to being removed, let me be clear: Israel will not allow the terrorist regime in Iran to develop nuclear weapons – not now, not in a decade, not ever."

Italy
H.E. Mr. Matteo Renzi, President of the Council of Ministers
20 September 2016

Cybersecurity, security spending: "We are very proud that the Italian Government has approved a law, with the support of the representatives in Parliament, determining that for every euro invested in security, policing, cyber-technology and cyber-security, one euro must be invested in culture, education, the creation of nursery schools, theatres, places of the spirit and the soul because this is another way to fight the crisis of our era."

Jamaica
H.E. Mr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister
23 September 2016

Small arms and light weapons, illicit arms trade: "Mr President, the international community must also move with greater alacrity towards eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
Jamaica is acutely aware of the destruction that can be wrought, as a result of easy access to small arms and light weapons, particularly when in the possession of sophisticated networks of organised criminal groups."

Illicit arms trade: "Our strategic location, which is extremely favourable for trade and logistics, provides a potential transit point for illicit activities."

ATT: "Jamaica has been a staunch supporter of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and we are working towards its full and effective implementation.
We call on all arms exporting countries, to abide by their legally binding obligations under the Treaty."

UNPoA: "Jamaica was honoured to have Chaired the recently convened 6th Biennial Meeting of States on the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons."

Japan
H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister
21 September 2016

Nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles: “North Korea launched SLBMs. Immediately after that it fired three ballistic missiles simultaneously, each traversing 1,000 kilometers to reach Japan's exclusive economic Zone. It is purely a matter of good fortune that no commercial aircraft or ships suffered any damage during this incident. This year alone, North Korea has launched a total of 21 ballistic missiles. In addition, it claims to have successfully detonated a nuclear warhead in a test on September 9. That nuclear test followed another test Conducted this past January. This series of launches of missiles and a detonation of a warhead does change the landscape Completely.

North Korea's nuclear development and the repeated launches of ballistic missiles are two sides of the same coin. Right before our eyes, North Korea is Carrying out a plan about which there can be no doubt. There is no alternative but to say that the threat has now reached a dimension altogether different from what has transpired until now. We must therefore respond to this in a manner entirely distinct from our responses thus far. We must concentrate our strengths and thwart North Korea's plans. Immediately upon hearing the report of the nuclear test, I telephoned President Barack Obama of the United States. After that I also held telephone talks with President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea. We all agreed that our three countries will demonstrate a resolute attitude towards North Korea, acting in close coordination.”

"Ballistic missiles to be launched from submarines. Nuclear warheads to be mounted on balistic missiles. North Korea is without a doubt poised to have these in its possession.”

Nuclear weapons: “It was only four months ago that President Obama visited Hiroshima, where countless innocent citizens fell victim to the first atomic bomb ever detonated [...] we must never, even for the briefest moment, letup in our efforts towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons.”

“Sixty years ago, what the Japanese who had attained a seat in this distinguished Chamber sought from the depths of their hearts, and thereafter consistently and absolutely unfailingly wished for and advocated for was, single-mindedly, world peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons. It was a pledge to be passed down for generations not to stop walking along the path which would make that a reality. Mr. President, on this occasion today, I had originally intended to look back on the path we have walked these 60 years and convey a quiet reflection on how Japan has travelled that road, aiming at world peace and prosperity.

However, now, with the North Korea. threat reaching a new level, I feel I must state my determination in light of Japan having upheld its pledge these 60 years. Now, as the World concentrates on whether the United Nations will thwart North Korea’s armbitions or the Security Council will be able to confront North Korea in a united way, Japan, as a Security Council member, will lead the Security Council's discussions.”

Jordan
H.M. Mr. Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King
20 September 2016

No relevant references.

Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Erlan Idrissov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2016

Nuclear disarmament: "The President's Manifesto identifies lack of trust between major nations and regional groups as the main obstacle in the progress towards a true community of nations. This statement is especially evident when we address the issue of nuclear disarmament and the passionate initiative of the President of Kazakhstan to achieve by 2045, the year of the UN's Centenary, a world free of nuclear weapons. As a country which 25 years ago closed the largest nuclear test site on its territory and renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal, we have the full moral right and responsibility to push forward the disarmament process."

"On August 29th, the international day against nuclear tests, Astana played host to a major international conference which stressed the urgency in dealing with the nuclear threat and generated massive support for the anti-nuclear movement. Its outcome document calls upon nuclear states to honour their obligations and take practical steps to achieve "nuclear zero". In November the Astana Peace Summit will be convened in my country to craft a viable strategic approach for our objective of global peace and security, with nuclear disarmament being a crucial element of any future peace efforts."

"It was our country who initiated a GA resolution on the achievement of a nuclear weapon free world, which was adopted in December 2015. We are a host of the international bank of low-enriched nuclear fuel designed for peaceful use. This summer we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Treaty on the Central Asian nuclear weapon free zone. Also known as the Treaty of Semipalatinsk, this was the last major breakthrough in global disarmament. We support the establishment of similar zones across the globe, and especially one in the Middle East, where we believe that such a measure will strengthen global and regional security."

Open-ended working group on nuclear disarmament: "Regretfully, international negotiations on nuclear disarmament have stalled, while numerous loopholes in international law are used to sidestep the ban on military use of nuclear technology. That is why we endorsed the report of the August meeting of the open-ended working group on nuclear disarmament. The group recommends convening a conference next year to start negotiations on a comprehensive and complete nuclear disarmament, with a view to eventually stigmatise the possession of nuclear weapons. At the same time we continue to support the Conference on Disarmament and hope that its members will generate enough political will to revitalise the work of this important body to achieve its ultimate goal of a nuclear free world."

Nuclear disarmament, Kazakhstan: "I remember that back in 1991 some observers doubted Kazakhstan's ability to survive as a sovereign nation, given its multi-ethnic, religiously diverse population, an unbalanced economy and the huge material and moral burden in the form of military infrastructure and a nuclear arsenal. That legacy was a challenge which we managed to turn into an opportunity."

Nuclear testing: "As a CTBT co-chair we stand for the complete ban on nuclear tests and believe that the unacceptable and irresponsible actions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea seriously undermined stability and security in North East Asia and around the world. Furthermore it pushed back the whole disarmament process. Controlling delivery means is a vital element of disarmament. As a chair of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missiles Proliferation, we are tabling a GA draft resolution in October to stress the importance of the universal application of the Hague Code."

Iranian nuclear program: "Our record of promoting a mutually beneficial deal on the Iranian nuclear programme is well known. My country helped break the deadlock on the Iranian programme by pursuing a constructive dialogue among stakeholders and hosting two rounds of multilateral talks. In December last year Kazakhstan provided natural uranium material to Iran as part of an IAEA-monitored transaction. It is our intention to reinvest the political dividends we have gained in furthering progress in this direction."

Kenya
H.E. Mr. William Ruto, Vice-President
21 September 2016

No relevant references.

Kiribati
H.E. Mr. Taneti Maamau, President
22 September 2016

Nuclear testing: "We note with grave concern increasing security challenges facing our global family. From conflicts around the globe, the scourge of terrorism, transnational organised crime, war and nuclear testing compensations, mass movement of refugees and migrants, to the often unstated but invisible silent killer, the non-communicable diseases, health of our oceans, and other looming challenges and uncertainties, some with incremental but real existential threat such as climate change. These continue to undermine our efforts as a global family to achieve sustainable development."

Kuwait
H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister
21 September 2016

Explosive weapons, chemical weapons, incendiary weapons, cluster munitions: "In Syria, we follow with concern the continuing crisis there, now entering its 6th year, with worsening conditions all over the country... In this respect, we strongly condemn the intentional targeting of residential areas, civil and medical facilities, the indiscriminate bombing and dropping of barrel bombs, as well as the use of internationally banned weapons."

Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Erlan Abdyldayev, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

No relevant references.

Lao People's Democratic Republic
H.E. Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister
23 September 2016

No relevant references.

Latvia
H.E. Mr. Raimonds Vējonis, President
21 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "On the other hand, the irresponsible actions of NorthKorea, including repeated nuclear tests, undermine the security of all countries in the region and beyond."

Lebanon
H.E. Mr. Tammam Salam, President of the Council of Ministers
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Lesotho
H.E. Mr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, Prime Minister
23 September 2016

Weapons of mass destruction: "We recognise the role of disarmament in the maintenance of international peace and security; and Lesotho remains fully committed to the implementation of the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) which aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons."

Nuclear disarmament: "We therefore call upon all nuclear states to start making deep cuts in their current nuclear weapons stockpiles, with the ultimate aim of finally eliminating them. The Africa Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty which came into force in July, 2009 is a clear demonstration of the continent's desire for peace and genuine nuclear disarmament. We should all remain true to the principle of "responsibility to protect", which the United Nations, unanimously, adopted nearly a decade ago."

Liberia
H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President
22 September 2016

SALW, illicit arms trade: "With a view to strengthening peace and security within ECOWAS, we have emphasised the fight against organised crime, especially cross-border trade in illicit small arms and light weapons, drug and human trafficking, and piracy."

Libya
H.E. Mr. Faiez Mustafa Serraj, President
22 September 2016

Arms control: "We hope in particular that the Security Council will lift the arms embargo and we would call for the convening of an international high-level conference under the auspices of the UN so that we can fight terrorism."

Weapons of mass destruction, chemical weapons: "Libya is participating in international efforts for disarmament, especially for weapons of mass destruction, as part of our respect for international peace and security. My country, after joining the OPCW, has announced that it has reserves of chemical products and got rid of them with the help of inspectors from the organisation. So we welcome Security Council Resolution 2298 which seeks to give support to Libya to transfer the rest of the type-2 reserves outside of my country. This has been done with the help of Denmark and Germany and we thank those two countries."

Liechtenstein
H.E. Ms. Aurelia Frick, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

No relevant references.

Lithuania
H.E. Ms. Dalia Grybauskaité, President
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Luxembourg
H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister
23 September 2016

Armed conflict, proliferation of arms: "Armed conflict, the proliferation of arms, absence of development, violent extremism, radicalisation and terrorism, threats posed by climate change, bad governance, and violations of human rights continue to affect us today."

Armed conflict, civilian impact: "Armed conflicts are perpetuated or risk erupting, threatening the lives of thousands of civilians. They are exposed to violence, including sexual violence, and their most basic rights are threatened."

Explosive weapons, chemical weapons, Syria: "Indiscriminate aerial bombardment, the dropping of barrel bombs, the use of chemical weapons, violence, and the violation of international law continue without respite."

Targeting of humanitarian aid: "Humanitarian convoys are deliberately targeted."

Nuclear verification, Iran: "Diplomacy is able to resolve thorny issues. Proof of this lies in the solution found last year to the Iranian nuclear issue."

Nuclear weapons, nuclear testing, DPRK: "However, the efforts of nuclear non-proliferation continue to be undermined by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The multiple ballistic missile launches and the recent nuclear tests by North Korea are a flagrant violation of international obligations imposed on states by the Security Council. This escalation of provocations is unacceptable."

Nuclear disarmament, DPRK: "Beyond measures that the Security Council with have to take, reason dictates that six-party talks should resume in order to achieve verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula through peaceful means."

Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Gjorge Ivanov, President
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Madagascar
H.E. Mr. Hery Martial Rajaonarimampianina Rakotoarimanana, President
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Malawi
H.E. Mr. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President
20 September 2016

Small arms: "As a beacon of peace, we also actively pursue the 2063 AU Agenda to "Silence the Guns by 2020." And silence the guns, we must!"

Malaysia
H.E. Mr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister
24 September 2016

No relevant references.

Maldives
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Asim, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

No relevant references.

Mali
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President
23 September 2016

Disarmament: "On the question of security and defence, the government has implemented an institutional framework on security sector reform as well as on the process of disarmament, demobilisation, reinsertion and integration."

Weapons, armed violence: "Today, more than ever, it is high time that the logic of weapons and of deadly clashes gives way to crucial dialogue, with an aim to establish sustainable peace throughout the world."

Malta
H.E. Mr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister
22 September 2016

Chemical weapons: "We also welcome the recent adoption of Security Council Resolution 2298 allowing for the destruction of chemical weapons that are present in the country [Libya]. It is a commendable effort aimed at reducing the risk that these weapons fall in the hands of extremists."

Marshall Islands
H.E. Ms. Hilda Heine, President
22 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "Words without action do our people no benefit – I am committing my administration towards a renewed focus on nuclear impact issues. And I feel I have every right to not only ask, but to demand, full assistance and tangible results from the international community, and UN system. In light of our experience, it is our fervent hope that such weapons of mass destruction shall never again be tested or unleashed, and that all nuclear-armed nations will have the necessary political will and empathy to disarm. I appeal to the government of North Korea to halt any further nuclear weapons tests and to achieve full nuclear disarmament."

Mauritania
H.E. Mr. Isselkou Ould Ahmed Izid Bih, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

No relevant references.

Mauritius
H.E. Mr. Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister
23 September 2016

No relevant references.

Mexico
H.E. Mr. Enrique Peña Nieto, President
20 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "We recognize that one of the most important risks is the existence of nuclear weapons. Historically, Mexico has been a proponent of disarmament and has condemned nuclear tests. We will continue working to achieve world that is free of this global threat."

Micronesia (Federated States of)
H.E. Mr. Peter Christian, President
21 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "Together with other Nations, the Federated States of Micronesia condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's ongoing provocative actions and rhetoric. Unchecked, the Pacific Ocean, the same Ocean we speak of saving for all our sakes, may become a battle ground. One truly wonders why Beijing and Moscow seem unconcerned that a missile could stray their way. I ask them to please intercede on all our behalf. On this note also, the people of Micronesia look forward to the day when nuclear weapons will become a thing of the past, only remembered with great disdain and lament."

Moldova
H.E. Mr. Pavel Filip, Prime Minister
23 September 2016

Arms control: "The unprecedented increase of regional and internal conflicts, the intensification of armed violence and the global level and the restart of the arms race are only some ingredients that have fundamentally changed the international environment.
We need a world organisation that is adjusted to new realities."

Monaco
H.E. Mr. Serge Telle, Head of Government
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President
20 September 2016

No relevant references.

Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Milo Ðukanović, Prime Minister
21 September 2016

No relevant references.

Morocco
H.E. Mr. Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2016

No relevant references.

Mozambique
H.E. Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President
21 September 2016

No relevant references.

Myanmar
H.E. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2016

Disarmament: “The dream of turning Swords into plough shares, or to use a more modern idiom, converting weapons of destruction into farm machinery, is one that our people, [...] understandwith their hearts and their minds.”

Nuclear weapons: “Myanmar advocates a world free of nuclear weapons. The annual resolution tabled by my country on nuclear disarmament aims at achieving peace and security for present and future generations. Establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones in different regions of the world contributes to this goal. I am happy to inform this Assembly that we will be depositing our instrument of ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) this afternoon.”

Namibia
H.E. Mr. Hage Geingob, President
21 September 2016

No relevant references.

Nauru
H.E. Mr. Baron Divavesi Waqa, President
21 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "Nauru is also concerned by the mounting tensions provoked by the recent actions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The Pacific region saw far too much violence and suffering last century, and we must not allow the scourge of war to return. There is no place in a sustainable world for nuclear proliferation."

Nepal
H.E. Mr. Prakash Sharan Mahan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

Weapons of mass destruction, disarmament: "Nepal stands for complete and time-bound disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction, including the nuclear ones."

Disarmament & development: "An environment must be created for the realisation of development dividends of disarmament by redirecting scarce resources for productive use."

Nuclear disarmament, general disarmament: "The global community, especially the nuclear states, must put sincere efforts for moving forward the stalled negotiations on disarmament. We believe that all efforts for disarmament must be pursued in good faith in full compliance with the agreed international regimes.
Based on our principled position, Nepal hosts Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament for Asia and the Pacific. We invite Member States and partners to support and fully utilise the Centre to promote dialogue on disarmament, enhancing the Kathmandu process."

Arms control: "Management of arms and integration of combatants was successfully completed as part of the peace process [in Nepal]."

Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Albert Koenders, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

New Zealand
H.E. Mr. John Key, Prime Minister
20 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "New Zealand believes that a strong international response is required to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear test on the 9th of September, and its recent missile tests. The regime's efforts to advance its nuclear and missile programmes; its callous disregard for the North Korean people - as demonstrated by the dire human rights situation in the country; and its leader's unpredictably ruthless rule have made it one of our most pressing international security threats. Its provocative actions show blatant disregard for Security Council resolutions and pose a grave threat to the international law. They have raised tensions on the Korean peninsula to a point where the risk of conflict is dangerously high. We cannot afford further escalation. So New Zealand welcomes recent steps by the US and China to begin negotiating a new Security Council Resolution, following the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's recent nuclear test. We hope that this will send a clear signal to the North Korean leadership that continued provocative and dangerous actions are unacceptable; and that a return to the negotiating table represents the only sensible way forward. The international community must stand together in conveying these messages, including through fully implementing Security Council sanctions."

Nicaragua
H.E. Mr. Moises Omar Halleslevens Acevedo, Vice-President
23 September 2016

Arms control: "We emphasise the need for a negotiated political solution between Syrians and the end of foreign intervention, including funding and delivery of weapons to terrorist groups."

Niger
H.E. Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou, President
23 September 2016

Security expenditure, disarmament and development: "Terrorist threats that we see at our door has led our country to redirect significant resources to the security sector. Without that, Niger would have been able to realise the Millenium Development Goals, and would have able to start the process of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals under better conditions."

Nigeria
H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President
20 September 2016

Small arms, arms trade: "We should not be distracted in our collective resolve to beat back terrorism in all its forms. As we confront terror we must also commit to stopping the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which nurture its spread. To this end, Nigeria urges member States that are yet to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to do so without further delay. "

Explosive weapons: "Nigeria has made remarkable progress in our resolve to defeat Boko Haram whose capacity to launch orchestrated attacks as a formed group has been severely degraded. In the last few months. Their operations have been limited to sporadic use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against soft targets."

Nuclear weapons, nuclear power: "Nuclear security remains central to our quest for durable peace and security. This was why I participated in the 5th Nuclear Security Summit hosted by President Barak Obama in Washington in March, 2016. Nigeria and the other peace-loving member States of the United Nations must continue to uphold the fundamental principles of nuclear disarmament non-proliferation and its peaceful uses."

Norway
H.E. Ms. Erna Solberg, Prime Minister
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Oman
H.E. Mr. Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2016

No relevant references.

Pakistan
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister
21 September 2016

Nuclear weapons, military spending, disarmament: "For its part, Pakistan is committed to the establishment of strategic stability in the region. It neither wants, nor is it engaged in an arms race with India. But we cannot ignore our neighbor's unprecedented arms build up and will take whatever measures are necessary to maintain credible deterrence. We have consistently urged the conclusion of bilateral arms control and disarmament measures between Pakistan and India to prevent conflict and avoid wasteful military expenditures. We are open to discussing all measures of restraint and responsibility with India, in any forum or format and without any conditions. We are ready for talks to agree on a bilateral nuclear test ban treaty."

Nuclear weapons, nuclear materials: "As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan will continue to cooperate with all international efforts that seek to promote fair and equitable solutions to disarmament and non-proliferation challenges. We have introduced 'state of the art' measures to strengthen the safety and security of our nuclear materials and facilities. We have adopted a comprehensive export control regime that is fully consistent with international standards. Judged on the basis of objective criteria, and without discrimination, Pakistan is fully eligible for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group."

Palau
H.E. Dr. Caleb Otto, Permanent Representative
26 September 2016

Nuclear testing: "Addressing antimicrobial and nuclear testing issues have also become matter of urgency."

Nuclear testing, DPRK: "Palau joins the family of nations to condemn the nuclear testing, conducted by DPRK. We are concerned with the peace and long term stability of this region. Palau's proximity to the launching site places us in special threat."

Nuclear disarmament, NPT: "Additionally, we call on member states who have not ratified the Non Proliferation Treaty to do so in order to move one step closer to nuclear disarmament."

Palestine
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas
22 September 2016

No relevant references.

Panama
H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez, President
20 September 2016

No relevant references.

Papua New Guinea
H.E. Sir Puka Temu, Minister of State
22 September 2016

SALW, arms trade: "Many of today's ongoing conflicts are fuelled also by the proliferation of firearms, especially small arms and light weapons. We therefore welcome global efforts to regulate arms trade that will minimise global conflicts and displacement of people."

Nuclear weapons: "On nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, Papua New Guinea is staunchly opposed to their existence, testing and use. Complete disarmament of these murderous weapons is what the world needs for a peaceful and secure world."

Nuclear testing: "In this regard, Papua New Guinea is concerned with the ongoing nuclear weapons and missile tests carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in contravention of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We strongly condemn this action as it threatens regional and global peace and stability."

Paraguay
H.E. Mr. Eladio Ramón Loizaga Lezcano, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2016

Nuclear energy, non-proliferation: "A fundamental pillar of peaceful and harmonious coexistence among states is the peaceful development of nuclear energy. We advocate that energy programmes of this kind are developed with every precaution, limiting the deterioration which its production could cause on the environment. States that carry out these programmes should do so on the basis of broad, cross-border responsibility, following the best practices of international cooperation, of prevention of risk of damages and with due diligence, responding appropriately to any cross-border damages."

Non-proliferation, arms control: "All nations in the world are called upon to prevent threats to peace and to adopt appropriate meausures to strengthen universal peace, especially with regard to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control."

Peru
H.E. Mr. Pedro Pablo Kuzcynski Godard, President
20 September 2016

No relevant references.

Philippines
H.E. Mr. Perfecto Yasay, Secretary for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2016

No relevant references.

Poland
H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President
20 September 2016

No relevant references.

Portugal
H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President
20 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "We are also very concerned with the recent scaling of threats to security and stability in the Korean Peninsula, which we condemn, and we call on the resumption of collaboration between neighbours and the international community aiming at the suspension of the nuclear programme."

Qatar
H.H. Mr. Sheikh Tamim bin Hammad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar
20 September 2016

Explosive weapons in populated areas: "Putting an end to this humanitarian disaster [Syria] has become a political and moral necessity that imposes a historical and irrepudiatable responsibility on the Security Council to stop the bloodshed of the Syrians by halting the barbaric bombing and blockade on cities […]"

Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Yun Byung-se, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2016

Nuclear weapons, DPRK: "The reason why North Korea has failed is because of its fanatical and reckless pursuit of nuclear programmes.
- North Korea is the first and only country which has conducted nuclear tests in this country; it has conducted five nuclear tests so far in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Just yesterday, at the CTBT Friends Ministerial Meeting, 43 countries issued a joint statement condemning in the strongest terms Pyongyang's nuclear tests.
- North Korea is the first and only country which has developed nuclear weapons within the NPT regime and announced its withdrawal from both the IAEA and the NPT.
- North Korea is also the first and only country which has officially declared itself as a "nuclear-weapon state" in its constitution."

"North Korea's recent nuclear tests show that its nuclear programmes have neared the tipping point. The latest nuclear test was also the strongest ever. The test interval was also significantly reduced from 3 years to 8 months. Given North Korea's unpredictability and its penchant for provocations, its next nuclear test may come even sooner than we expect."

"Moreover, North Korea has also fired 22 ballistic missiles of all types this year alone. This means one ballistic missile almost every ten days. These nuclear and ballistic missile tests show that North Korea is now at the final stage of nuclear weaponization.
Even more worryingly, North Korea has not only advanced its nuclear and missile capacity but has publicly threatened the actual use of those weapons. It has blackmailed to use nuclear weapons preemptively, which can strike us in four to five minutes. With such a direct existential threat to our survival, my Government has had no choice but to take necessary defensive measures to protect the nation and the citizens."

"In the wake of the fifth nuclear test, the Security Council agreed to work immediately on appropriate measures under Article 41. It is currently discussing a new resolution on North Korea. The Council should adopt stronger, comprehensive sanction measures that go beyond resolution 2270. It should close the loopholes in that resolution, and further expand and reinforce existing sanction measures."

"My President warned that unless we put a brake on Pyongyang's nuclear ambition today, we will come to regret it tomorrow."

"North Korea's fifth nuclear test not only revealed its unambiguous nuclear ambition, but it also expressed its utter disregard for its own people. At a time of the worst flood in decades, North Korea went ahead with the nuclear test in the hardest hit region.
It is estimated that North Korea has spent at least 200 million dollars for this year's nuclear tests and missile firing – a sufficient sum that could have been used for the flood relief."

Romania
H.E. Mr. Dacian Julien Cioloș, Prime Minister
21 September 2016

Nuclear weapons: "Peace and security could not be sustained if the continued potential thread of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons persists. Romania is currently chairing the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization. Romania was clear in condemning the nuclear and ballistic tests run by Democratic Popular Republic of Korea this year."

Russian Federation
H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2016

Weapons of mass destruction, proliferation: "It is naïve to expect success in addressing such global issues as countering international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other transboundary threats without abandoning the philosophy of exclusiveness and permissiveness."

Nuclear zero: "We are seriously concerned about trends in the sphere of non-proliferation and arms control. There are attempts to replace the key objectives of maintaining strategic stability in all its components with populist slogans of "nuclear zero". The non-participation of a number of countries possessing nuclear arsenals in the existing treaties is not taken into account either."

Non-Proliferation Treaty: "The fundamental Non-Proliferation Treaty is put to a serious test, its Parties find it more difficult to speak a common language, especially in a situation when certain nuclear powers torpedo any compromises regarding the start of the negotiations on the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction and means of their delivery in the Middle East."

Nuclear disarmament: "Russia has consistently supported the liberation of humanity from the threat of nuclear weapons and other types of WMD. However, the advancement toward nuclear disarmament must be made with full consideration of the whole set of factors that affect strategic stability, including the creation of unilateral missile defense systems, placement of strategic non-nuclear strike weapons, threat of placement of weapons in outer space, inability to ensure the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty, and growing imbalance in conventional arms in Europe."

Chemical weapons, biological weapons, outer space: "We note a growing support of our initiative to draft an international convention for the suppression of the acts of chemical and biological terrorism. The start of serious negotiations on this issue and on Russia-China draft treaty on the prevention of placement of weapons in outer space would help move the key body of the UN multilateral disarmament mechanism – the Conference on Disarmament – out of an impasse. We call for a substantial examination of our proposals on the improvement of the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons."

Arms control: "NATO member countries brought the conventional arms control in Europe to a deep deadlock. Our attempts to save it faced a tough ideology-driven counteraction. All ideas to come back to this issue would be meaningful only if the North-Atlantic Alliance recognised the absolute futility of ultimatums aimed at achieving unilateral advantages."

Nuclear testing, Korean Peninsula: "The recent actions by the DPRK that violate UN SC resolutions must be stopped. We call on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear-missile programmes and return to the NPT regime. However, it is inadmissible to use this situation as a pretext for massive militarisation of North-East Asia and deployment of another position area for US global missile defense there. All sides must refrain from further escalation of tension and embark on the way toward politico-diplomatic settlement of the nuclear problem of the Korean Peninsula through the resumption of six-Party talks."

Rwanda
H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President
22 September 2016

No relevant references.