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Disarmament Index
of high-level statements
delivered in the General Debate of the 61st Session of the
General Assembly, September 19 - 29, 2006
This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament,
peace and security, made in the General Debate of the General
Assembly. This index is a tool to gauge the issues which will
be detailed during the First Committee of the General Assembly,
starting October 2, 2006.
Included are all references made to arms control, disarmament,
multilateralism, nuclear energy, nuclear weapon free zones,
security, proliferation, terrorism and weapons.
(Note: some transcripts were not available in English.
Some excerpts are therefore unofficial translations by the
RCW staff.)
These statements are to be delivered
September 19 - 29, 2006.
Click on a topic below to see relevant excerpts from the
General Debate.
Disarmament
United
Nations Secretary General
H.E. Mr. Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General
September 19, 2006
"And people in all parts of the world are threatened – though
some are more aware of it than others – by the spread of weapons
of mass destruction. It is shameful that last year’s Summit
Outcome does not contain even one word about non-proliferation and
disarmament – basically because states could not agree which
of the two should be given priority. It is high time to end this
dispute, and tackle both tasks with the urgency they demand."
President
of the 61st General Assembly
H.E. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa
September 19, 2006
"we need to address specific potential causes of tension in our
world notably in the field of disarmament and the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction."
Finland
(on behalf of the European Union, The Acceding Countries
Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the
Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia as well as Ukraine and
the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration)
H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President
September 19, 2006
“We see it important that this session of the General Assembly
will mark progress in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation.
Concrete action is needed on small arms and light weapons at the
national, regional and global levels. The European Union will continue
to push for a legally-binding treaty on trade in all conventional
weapons. Effective multilateralism is crucial in facing the growing
threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The
Security Council has a central role in addressing those threats.
In this regard, the EU welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution
1695 on Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We look forward to
its effective implementation and we call strongly upon DPRK to implement
fully the requirements of this resolution.
The EU also welcomes the adoption of the Security Council resolution
1696 and calls upon Iran to respond positively and swiftly to the
demands of the international community in implementing this resolution,
in particular by suspending its enrichment activities in accordance
with the resolution. This would pave the way for negotiations on
a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring confidence that Iranian
nuclear programme serves exclusively peaceful purposes. We welcome
the current exploratory talks aimed to facilitate the opening of
the negotiations.”
Mexico
H.E. Mr. Vicente Fox, President
September 19, 2006
“The peoples of the United Nations are well aware of the
fact that the breaches of peace and security and our setbacks in
our search for greater development are a consequence of an insufficient
international dialogue and cooperation. We are also aware that the
root-cause of much of the setbacks --such as those record in the
field of disarmament as well as those that take the form of aggression
against other people or against the environment— is the lack
of, or the lost of respect among nations.
Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, President
September 19, 2006
“Then there are those aspects of reform that continue to
elude us, such as Security Council reform and a comprehensive convention
against terrorism; aspects of it that remain in progress such as
management reform, mandate review and system-wide coherence; and
challenges that are increasingly more difficult to tackle, such
as disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard I would like
to commend you, Madam President, for choosing the realisation of
the development goals as the theme of your Presidency in recognition
of their enduring importance. My Government considers that concerted,
innovative multilateral action to eradicate the scourges deriving
from poverty and underdevelopment can yield substantial results.”
Costa
Rica
H.E. Mr. Óscar Arias Sánchez, President
September 19, 2006
“For quite some time I have argued that the struggle for human
development is connected to the struggle for disarmament and demilitarization.
Certainly it is not a badge of honor for our species that global military
spending has exceeded one trillion dollars in 2005, the same statistic
that we had in real terms at the end of the Cold War and eight times
the annual investment necessary to achieve in a decade all the Millenium
Development Goals in every country on Earth. The investment that the
most industrialized nations make in their militaries—and they
are responsible for 83% of global military spending—is ten times
the resources that they dedicate to official development assistance.
For the United States, the richest country on the planet, the amount
they spend on their military is at very least 25 times as much as
they give in aid. What is this but an eloquent demonstration of twisted
priorities and the most profound irrationality?
“Because, at the end of the day, rationality counts. Since
the tragic events of the 11 th of September 2001, a little more
than 200 billion dollars have been added to global military spending.
There is not a single indicator that suggests that this colossal
increase is making the world more secure and human rights more widely
enjoyed. On the contrary, we feel more and more vulnerable and fragile.
Maybe it is time to think of other ways to deploy those resources.
Maybe it is time to realize that with much less than that sum we
could guarantee access to potable water and primary education for
every person in the world, and maybe there would be enough left
over, as Gabriel Garcia Marquez once suggested, para perfumer de
sandalo en un día de otoño las cataratas del Niagara—roughly
translated, to perfume the waters of Niagara Falls on one autumn
day. Maybe it is time to understand that all this is what would
really make us happier and more secure.”
Latvia
H.E. Mrs. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President
September 20, 2006
“It is regrettable that we have failed to make any substantial
progress over the last year in the area of disarmament and the non-proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction. This is a fundamental issue for
global peace and security and I encourage all UN member States to
demonstrate their willingness to move forward at a faster pace.”
Chile
H.E. Mrs. Michelle Bachelet Jeria, President
September 20, 2006
“The most serious failure of the 2005 Summit was its silence
on the multilateral disarmament agenda. Chile bases its multilateral
foreign policy on the principle that collective security is indivisible.
We all have a share of responsibility to preserve peace and international
security that cannot be delegated. For this reason, Chile has joined
in efforts to revitalize the disarmamament agenda and move towards
prohibition of the use of fissile material for military purposes.”
Papua
New Guinea
H.E. Sir Michael SOMARE, MP, Prime Minister
September 20, 2006
”Papua New Guinea is extremely concerned about the proliferation.
among states. of nuclear, chemical. biological, and other weapons
of mass destruction. We continue to maintain that there is no real
justification for the retention and further development of these
instruments of war. We call upon all countries to ratify the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and other related treaties to reduce the
threat to international peace and security by weapons of mass destruction.
Sadly. we were reminded by the Secretary General yesterday of the
apathy that surrounds actions on non-proliferation and disarmament.”
Cuba
H.E. Mr. Esteban Lazo HERNÁNDEZ, Vice-President
September 20, 2006
“The [Non-Aligned] Movement’s commitment to general
and complete disarmament and nuclear disarmament in particular,
under strict and efficient international monitoring, was underscored.
The Summit [of the Non-Aligned Movement] also reaffirmed the basic
and inalienable right of all States to research, development, production
and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and to be free
from any kind of discrimination in this connection, in conformity
with their respective international obligations.”
Argentina
H.E. Mr. Néstor Carlos KIRCHNER, President
September 20, 2006
"We ratify here our will to achieve peaceful nuclear development,
under the verification of international organisations. The commitment
of Argentina to disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,
our adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons and our long-standing practice in the field are known to
every one."
Kuwait
H.E. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah Al-Salem AL-SABAH, Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2006
"Our leaders have expressed in the final document issued by
the 2005 World Summit, their firm belief and conviction in the important
role of this organization as an umbrella for multilateral work,
they have drawn a roadmap for us to follow so that we work on finding
solutions to major
international threats and challenges, which on the whole represent
a threat for international peace and security such as terrorism,
deterioration of the environment, human rights violations, poverty,
hunger, and the spread of dangerous and infectious diseases, like
AIDS and Malaria. What causes great concern is the appearance of
other challenges to international peace and security, and which
are no less dangerous htan the aforementioned ones, such as the
incitement of hatred, exnophobia, in its various forms, such as
Islamophobia, and all kinds of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination.
After one year has elapsed, and despite of the extensive efforts
exerted to follow-up the implementation of the Summit's resolution,
regrettably, there is still a need to double those efforts to achieve
accomplishment in the fields of disarmament, non-proliferation,
combatting terrorism, creating an equilibrium between developed
and developing countries in international trade, and reforming the
Security Council which will lead to enhancing its authority and
efficiency, and lend more transparency and greater fairness to its
decisions through giving due consideration to the representation
of small states which make up more than one half of the member states
in the United Nations."
Lithuania
H.E. Mr. Valdas ADAMKUS, President
September 21, 2006
"Furthermore, we should redouble our efforts to tackle the
issues of disarmament and non-proliferation. As we celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the International Atomic Energy Agency,
the challenges to non-proliferation are mounting. Lithuania
strongly supports the strengthening of the effectiveness and efficiency
of the IAEA's safeguards system. Compliance with the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions
is a key to global security. We therefore call on all the states
to exercise full compliance in this area vital to our common peace
and security."
Lesotho
H. E. The Right Honourable Pakalitha Bethuel MOSISILI, Prime
Minister
September 21, 2006
“My delegation regrets the paralysis that has befallen the
UN disarmament machinery. Also regretted is the failure of
the 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to produce a consensus substantive outcome
document. Equally regrettable is the absence of a section
on non-proliferation and disarmament in the 2005 Summit Outcome
Document. A coup de grace was the failure to agree on an outcome
document of the 2006 UN conference to review progress in the implementation
of the 2001 Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate
the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, in All Its Aspects.
“Member States should therefore, not run away from the blatant
truth that during the 60th session of the Assembly, the stalemate
that in the last four years has characterized negotiations at the
UN regarding non-proliferation and disarmament, became vociferously
clear to all nations. For, small arms and light weapons remain
the weapons of choice that are indiscriminately used in conflicts
as well as in other forms of violence, including criminal behaviour.
And yet they are still so easily accessible and inexpensive that
in some remote villages, they are exchanged for chickens.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Robert FICO, Prime Minister
September 21, 2006
“ . . . despite substantial developments the 2005 NPT Review
Conference did not provide the necessary guidance on how to address
challenges to the non-proliferation regime. The outcome of
the Review Conference showed a lack of political will and confirmed
continuing crisis in the area of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
The World Summit was yet another opportunity to remedy this unfortunate
situation but it only confirmed the failure of international community
and deepened the crisis.
“We should work together to overcome deadly links like the
one between disarmament and non-proliferation and create a progress-friendly
atmosphere. We need to restore confidence through compliance
with all relevant obligations and commitments made. As the
Chair of the Security Council Committee 1540 Slovakia tries to facilitate
the process of full implementation of all measures preventing the
nexus between WMD proliferation and terrorism. . . . Our aim is
to help revitalize the Conference and gives this single multilateral
disarmament negotiating forum of the international community a new
breath.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Sergey V. LAVROV, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 21, 2006
“Stagnation in the international disarmament process does
not help resolve non-proliferation problems. Here again, we
need concerted action, for it is a matter of collective security.
“In the area of strategic arms, the U.S.-Russian agreements
play an enormously important role. Their significance goes
far beyond the framework of bilateral relations given that virtually
all members of the international community benefit from the strategic
stability. We are supportive of a consistent development of
the U.S.-Russian bilateral disarmament process. Closely related
with this development are ABM relative issues, in particular within
the context of the existing plans of the United States. Here
one needs complete transparency and analysis of consequences for
the strategic stability.”
“It is necessary to revitalize also multilateral disarmament
avenues. This agenda should include entry into force of CTBT,
non-deployment of weapons in space, conclusion of the Fissile Material
Cut-off Treaty and ensuring information security. Nuclear
weapon-free zones play an important role. We welcome the creation
of such a zone in Central Asia.”
“The overall task is to reinvigorate the efforts of the international
community in the area of disarmament and arms control, within the
framework of the Conference on Disarmament and relevant UN bodies.”
Netherlands
H.E. Dr. Bernard R. BOT, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 21, 2006
“More disturbingly, some contries continue to sponsor terrorist
groups to promote their own political agendas. In the Middle
East, it is essential that all countries, including Iran and Syria,
use their influence over organizations such as Hezbollah to stop
terrorist assaults, includingn those directed at the state of Israel.
Any viable resolution of the conflict must include Hezbollah’s
disarmament, its renunciation of violence and a recognition of Israel’s
right to exist in peace.”
Mauritius
H.E. The Honourable Dr. Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, Prime Minister
September 22, 2006
"The multilateral approach to disarmament has been on the
backburner of our work for some time. It is unfortunate that little
progress has been achieved in respect of the strengthening of the
foundations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mauritius supports
the aim of the total elimination of all nuclear weapons based on
a comprehensive and non-discriminatory disarmament regime."
Liechtenstein
H.E. Mrs. Rita KIEBER-BECK, Minister of Foreign Affairs
September 22, 2006
"The General Assembly must therefore address in parallel and make progress on the development agenda in all its aspects, system-wide coherence, disarmament, Security Council reform, and other priority areas of the work of the organization."
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kassymzhomart TOKAEV, Minister of Foreign Affairs
September 22, 2006
"Kazakhstan invariably calls for an enhanced nuclear-weapon nonproliferation regime. This position is rooted in the sufferings of our people, who are still reeling from negative effects of nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing ground, shut down exactly 15 years ago by a decree of President Nursultan A. Nazarbayev. This position has been supported by a historic decision of my country to voluntarily renounce its nuclear arsenal, which used to be the fourth largest in the world. We want that step to serve as a commendable example in the light of the ongoing large-scale crisis that has struck the global security system."
Romania
H.E. Mr. Mihai Răzvan UNGUREANU, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 22, 2006
Terrorism:
Proliferation/Weapons/Security/Terrorism/Multilateralism/Disarmament/Nonproliferation: "Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction has emerged as a major threat to global security and international stability. We should never underestimate any possible prospects that those weapons are used in terrorist activities. We stand for new international efforts aimed at strengthening the existing international regimes, ensuring full and unconditional implementation of obligations undertaken by the States Parties and promoting the universalisation of multilateral treaties and agreements in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation."
Non-Proliferation
United
Nations Secretary General
H.E. Mr. Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General
September 19, 2006
"And people in all parts of the world are threatened
– though some are more aware of it than others – by
the spread of weapons of mass destruction. It is shameful that last
year’s Summit Outcome does not contain even one word about
non-proliferation and disarmament – basically because states
could not agree which of the two should be given priority. It is
high time to end this dispute, and tackle both tasks with the urgency
they demand."
Finland
(on behalf of the European Union, The Acceding Countries
Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the
Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia as well as Ukraine and
the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration)
H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President
September 19, 2006
“We see it important that this session of the General
Assembly will mark progress in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation.
Concrete action is needed on small arms and light
weapons at the national, regional and global levels. The European
Union will continue to push for a legally-binding treaty on trade
in all conventional weapons. Effective multilateralism is crucial
in facing the growing threat of the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction. The Security Council has a central role in addressing
those threats. In this regard, the EU welcomes the unanimous adoption
of resolution 1695 on Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We
look forward to its effective implementation and we call strongly
upon DPRK to implement fully the requirements of this resolution.
The EU also welcomes the adoption of the Security Council resolution
1696 and calls upon Iran to respond positively and swiftly to the
demands of the international community in implementing this resolution,
in particular by suspending its enrichment activities in accordance
with the resolution. This would pave the way for negotiations on
a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring confidence that Iranian
nuclear programme serves exclusively peaceful purposes. We welcome
the current exploratory talks aimed to facilitate the opening of
the negotiations.”
Ghana
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President
September 19, 2006
“Yet another scourge to the security of the
world is the snail-paced talks on the elimination of nuclear weapons,
and the added threat of the proliferation of these weapons. Ghana
shares the concerns of the majority of member states that this body
must continue with, and intensify its pressure for the total elimination
of these weapons. For as lung as 27,000 nuclear weapons continue
to exist, as they do now, our world will remain vulnerable to the
threat of mass destruction.
“Madam President, we make this appeal not unaware
of the positive uses of nuclear energy. But, for as long as those
nations which already possess these weapons and those on the verge
of breaking into the mastery of the technology do not show transparency
with their know-how, the world will feel insecure. So Ghana appeals
to such nations to show candour and transparency in their co-operation
with the International Atomic Energy Commission by their compliance
with the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, President
September 19, 2006
“Then there are those aspects of reform that
continue to elude us, such as Security Council reform and a comprehensive
convention against terrorism; aspects of it that remain in progress
such as management reform, mandate review and system-wide coherence;
and challenges that are increasingly more difficult to tackle, such
as disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard I would like
to commend you, Madam President, for choosing the realisation of
the development goals as the theme of your Presidency in recognition
of their enduring importance. My Government considers that concerted,
innovative multilateral action to eradicate the scourges deriving
from poverty and underdevelopment can yield substantial results.”
Latvia
H.E. Mrs. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President
September 20, 2006
“It is regrettable that we have failed to make any substantial
progress over the last year in the area of disarmament and the non-proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction. This is a fundamental issue for
global peace and security and I encourage all UN member States to
demonstrate their willingness to move forward at a faster pace.”
Italy
H.E. Mr. Romano PRODI, President
September 20, 2006
“Our aim is to make the Organization more effective in the
areas and on the issues in which, by history and vocation, it can
provide the most added value. The proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, has to be seen today
in the context above all of the negotiation underway with Iran.
But it is our duty to look further ahead and to strive—all
together—to consolidate the general non-proliferation system.
This is a principle that shall inspire the action of Italy when
it enters the Security Council. With regard to the Iranian nuclear
dossier, we are ready to make our contribution to a negotiated solution
that promotes regional security and stability.”
Papua
New Guinea
H.E. Sir Michael SOMARE, MP, Prime Minister
September 20, 2006
”Papua New Guinea is extremely concerned about the proliferation.
among states. of nuclear, chemical. biological, and other weapons
of mass destruction. We continue to maintain that there is no real
justification for the retention and further development of these
instruments of war. We call upon all countries to ratify the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and other related treaties to reduce the
threat to international peace and security by weapons of mass destruction.
Sadly. we were reminded by the Secretary General yesterday of the
apathy that surrounds actions on non-proliferation and disarmament.”
Argentina
H.E. Mr. Néstor Carlos KIRCHNER, President
September 20, 2006
"We ratify here our will to achieve peaceful nuclear development,
under the verification of international organisations. The commitment
of Argentina to disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,
our adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons and our long-standing practice in the field are known to
every one."
Croatia
H.E. Mr. Ivo SANADER, Prime Minister
September 20, 2006
"Weapons of mass destruction and a common approach to nonproliferation
must remain in our focus. Responsibility for world peace and security
must continue to be the key guiding line in dealing with this grave
challenge. The rules and standards must be globally accepted and
the United Nations and its specialized institutions and agencies
must continue to have a pivotal role."
Kuwait
H.E. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah Al-Salem AL-SABAH, Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2006
"Our leaders have expressed in the final document issued by
the 2005 World Summit, their firm belief and conviction in the important
role of this organization as an umbrella for multilateral work,
they have drawn a roadmap for us to follow so that we work on finding
solutions to major
international threats and challenges, which on the whole represent
a threat for international peace and security such as terrorism,
deterioration of the environment, human rights violations, poverty,
hunger, and the spread of dangerous and infectious diseases, like
AIDS and Malaria. What causes great concern is the appearance of
other challenges to international peace and security, and which
are no less dangerous htan the aforementioned ones, such as the
incitement of hatred, exnophobia, in its various forms, such as
Islamophobia, and all kinds of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination.
After one year has elapsed, and despite of the extensive efforts
exerted to follow-up the implementation of the Summit's resolution,
regrettably, there is still a need to double those efforts to achieve
accomplishment in the fields of disarmament, non-proliferation,
combatting terrorism, creating an equilibrium between developed
and developing countries in international trade, and reforming the
Security Council which will lead to enhancing its authority and
efficiency, and lend more transparency and greater fairness to its
decisions through giving due consideration to the representation
of small states which make up more than one half of the member states
in the United Nations."
"Concerning the Iranian nuclear file, Kuwait calls upon all
the concerned parties to spare the region any crisis that may lead
to undermining the security and stability of this vital region,
which, for the last two decades, has been the theater of conflicts
and wars that has wasted the fortunes of its countries, dispersed
their resources and delayed their development. Therefore, we hope
that action will be taken to resolve this crisis by diplomatic means.
We urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue its cooperation
with the IAEA and the international community to dispel any fears
or doubts surrounding the nature and aims of its nuclear programme.
In this context, we affirm our position on the necessity of making
the Middle East, including the Gulf region, an area free from all
weapons of mass destruction, including Israel, which must accede
to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and subject all of its nuclear facilities
to the guarantees of the IAEA."
Canada
H.E. The Right Honourable Stephen HARPER, Prime Minister
September 21, 2006
“Nuclear proliferation threatens us all. Are we prepared
to ensure that Security Council decisions will be implemented fully?
Will we act to talk activities that have no reasonable purpose other
than the acquisition of nuclear weapons?”
Lithuania
H.E. Mr. Valdas ADAMKUS, President
September 21, 2006
"Furthermore, we should redouble our efforts to tackle the
issues of disarmament and non-proliferation. As we celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the International Atomic Energy Agency,
the challenges to non-proliferation are mounting. Lithuania
strongly supports the strengthening of the effectiveness and efficiency
of the IAEA's safeguards system. Compliance with the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions
is a key to global security. We therefore call on all the
states to exercise full compliance in this area vital to our common
peace and security."
Lesotho
H. E. The Right Honourable Pakalitha Bethuel MOSISILI, Prime
Minister
September 21, 2006
“My delegation regrets the paralysis that has befallen the
UN disarmament machinery. Also regretted is the failure of
the 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to produce a consensus substantive outcome
document. Equally regrettable is the absence of a section
on non-proliferation and disarmament in the 2005 Summit Outcome
Document. A coup de grace was the failure to agree on an outcome
document of the 2006 UN conference to review progress in the implementation
of the 2001 Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate
the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, in All Its Aspects.
“Member States should therefore, not run away from the blatant
truth that during the 60th session of the Assembly, the stalemate
that in the last four years has characterized negotiations at the
UN regarding non-proliferation and disarmament, became vociferously
clear to all nations. For, small arms and light weapons remain
the weapons of choice that are indiscriminately used in conflicts
as well as in other forms of violence, including criminal behaviour.
And yet they are still so easily accessible and inexpensive that
in some remote villages, they are exchanged for chickens.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Robert FICO, Prime Minister
September 21, 2006
“ . . . despite substantial developments the 2005 NPT Review
Conference did not provide the necessary guidance on how to address
challenges to the non-proliferation regime. The outcome of
the Review Conference showed a lack of political will and confirmed
continuing crisis in the area of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
The World Summit was yet another opportunity to remedy this unfortunate
situation but it only confirmed the failure of international community
and deepened the crisis.
“We should work together to overcome deadly links like the
one between disarmament and non-proliferation and create a progress-friendly
atmosphere. We need to restore confidence through compliance
with all relevant obligations and commitments made. As the
Chair of the Security Council Committee 1540 Slovakia tries to facilitate
the process of full implementation of all measures preventing the
nexus between WMD proliferation and terrorism. . . . Our aim is
to help revitalize the Conference and gives this single multilateral
disarmament negotiating forum of the international community a new
breath.”
“Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related
technology of means of transportation continue to threaten global
security. It is a serious challenge and we must face it with
all responsibility. It requires join multilateral effort with
common and effective response."
Republic
of Korea
H.E. Mr. BAN Ki-moon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
September 21, 2006
“The proliferation of WMD poses an equally urgent and unacceptable
threat to the peace and security of the world. We cannot permit
the credibility of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime,
built around the NPT, to be undermined by evasions and concealments
in safeguards obligations. We should redouble efforts to get
more countries to sign and ratify the IAEA Additional Protocol.
An early start of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
(FMCT) and an early entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT) should also be supported.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Sergey V. LAVROV, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 21, 2006
“The growing significance of the factor of force in the world
affairs that we are, unfortunately, witnessing, undermines the non-proliferation
regimes. A feeling of predictibility and stability in the
area of security is becoming ever more acute. Against this
background, an objectively growing interest of many states in nuclear
energy may, as a result of the trend for global proliferation of
sensitive technologies, give rise to concern. Apart from the
current purposeful steps in search of negotiationed solutions to
individual problems, such as Iranian nuclear program, and the Korean
Peninsula problem, there is a need for urgent internaitonal effort
of the entire international community geared towards a systematic
strengthening [of] non-proliferation regimes on a generally acceptable
basis, while ensuring that the benefits of peaceful atomic
energy [remains] legitimitely accessible to all states. President
Vladimir V. Putin’s initiative to establish Multilateral Centers
for Nuclear Fuel Cycle Services, similar ideas of the IAEA executives,
and proposals by the U.S. President George W. Bush running in the
same vein have found support among the G8 leaders. We are
confident that integration of such approaches and their practical
implementations in cooperation with all countries, who have an interest
in modern, safe nuclear energy, would allow it to resolve non-proliferation
issues in a non-confrontational manner."
“Like in other areas, the obsession with sanctions applied
without calculating their consequences might bring unpredictable
results. It is absolutely necessary to eliminate the loopholes
in the non-proliferation regimes, but this should be done through
clear and non-discriminatory approaches without creating grounds
for suspicions regarding existence of some hidden agenda."
“Stagnation in the international disarmament process does
not help resolve non-proliferation problems. Here again, we
need concerted action, for it is a matter of collective security.
Egypt
H.E. Mr. Ahmed ABOUL GHEIT, Minister of Foreign Affairs
September 21, 2006
"It is also our duty to keep the question of weapons of mass destruction
and their proliferation at the top of the international agenda.
We must work to achieve the universality of the NPT taking into
account that, nearly theirty years after the establishment of the
non-proliferation regime, and eleven years after the indefinite
extension of the treaty, the international community is still far
from implementing the international obligations assumed in it. We
are still far from achieving the Treaty's universality and from
reaching the desired balance between the three main pillars adopted
by the international community with regards to nuclear disarmament,
non proliferation and the right of all states, without exception
to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy."
Nauru
H.E. The Honourable Ludwig SCOTTY MP, President
September 22, 2006
"The proliferation of small arms continues to pose a threat to
peace and security in our region. My delegation shares the view
of the Secretary-General in his report that, "these weapons may
be small, but they cause massive destruction. Nauru is gravely concerned
that the 2006 United Nations Conference to review the progress made
in the implementation of the program of action on small arms ended
without agreement on further measures to combat this problem. If
it is said that, "one who is faithful in the small things, will
also be faithful in the bigger things", then how can we progress
on the elimination of weapons "adaptable to mass destruction" while
failing to agree on the issue of small arms and light weapons?"
Oman
H.E. Mr. Yousef Bin Alawi Bin ABDULLAH, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs
September 22, 2006
"My country supports the call for a review of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to close the loopholes in this treaty and to preserve the right of the state parties to obtain nuclear technology for peaceful purposes."
Romania
H.E. Mr. Mihai Răzvan UNGUREANU, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 22, 2006
"Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction has emerged as a major threat to global security and international stability. We should never underestimate any possible prospects that those weapons are used in terrorist activities. We stand for new international efforts aimed at strengthening the existing international regimes, ensuring full and unconditional implementation of obligations undertaken by the States Parties and promoting the universalisation of multilateral treaties and agreements in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation."
Saudi Arabia
His Royal Highness Prince Saud AL-FAISAL, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 22, 2006
"It has long been acknowledged that the proliferation of nuclear weapons seriously undermines the security of all countries. Over time, a number of international treaties and conventions have produced bilateral and multilateral obligations, but such obligations are of no use if they are not fully observed and fully applied. We cannot ignore the serious threat to global peace and security which these weapons continue to pose--whether they are used in wars between states or they fall in the hands of terror groups."
Security
President
of the 61st General Assembly
H.E. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa
September 19, 2006
"Making our world a more secure place requires the United Nations
to take a more proactive role when addressing the many armed conflicts
within and amongst states. We need to make further progress in the
area of conflict prevention. It is imperative that we have a high
level debate that can deliver an actionable outcome on this issue."
Brazil
H.E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula
da Silva, President
September 19, 2006
Security: “War will
never bring security.
…
If we do not want war to go global, justice must go global.”
Finland
(on behalf of the European Union, The Acceding Countries
Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia and
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the
Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia as well as Ukraine and
the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration)
H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President
September 19, 2006
"An increasingly important element in the promotion of global
peace and security is the need to foster tolerance, mutual understanding
and respect. In this regard, the EU has already expressed its strong
support for the Alliance of Civilizations initiative.”
…
Peace building is an integral part of the wide security concept.
The newly established Peacebuilding Commission brings its own and
much-needed contribution to the UN work for peace and security.
The European Union will work actively to ensure that this new body
will have a strong and dynamic role in the UN system. Gender aspect
is important in this context. We also welcome the establishment
of the Central Emergency Response Fund to enhance the capability
of the international community to respond to urgent humanitarian
needs.”
The
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
H.E. General Pervez Musharraf, President
September 19, 2006
“Afghanistan confronts complex security, political and economic
challenges including a resurgent Taliban who also threaten Pakistan's
efforts against extremism and terrorism. The common challenge imposes
a joint responsibility on Pakistan, Afghanistan and the coalition
forces.”
“The greatest challenge to global security; to the campaign
against terrorism; to the promotion of harmony among civilization;
to the credibility of the United Nations, is the cauldron of conflict
that is the Middle East. This was exemplified by the latest Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. We hope that the resolution painstakingly
brokered in the Security Council will lead to rapid and complete
Israeli withdrawal and restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty over
its entire territory.”
France
Mr Jacques Chirac, President
September 19, 2006
“Because the conflict in the Middle East is a threat
to global peace and security, the world has no option but to be
the guarantor of peace. Let us tread off the beaten track of habit.
Let us define a global strategy the key to which is an Israeli-Palestinian
settlement.”
“I also propose that the conference pave the way for a new
future in the Middle East, through a regional framework for collective
security, and economic integration and dialogue among cultures.”
“Given the seriousness of what is at stake, the international
community must stand firm and united. We do not aim to call regimes
into question. We aim to ensure security in accordance with international
law and with due regard for the sovereignty of all countries.”
Poland
H.E. Mr. Lech Kaczyński,
President
September 19, 2006
“Globalization reveals the scale of problems that we previously
did not fully realize. I am speaking about ever deepening inequalities
and exclusion from civilisation progress, vast areas of poverty
and instability that, on the one hand, cause moral resistance, and,
on the other, increase the threat to peace and security.”
“Poland supports Israel's right to security. At the same time
Poland supports the aspirations of the Palesti nian nation to build
an independent state. We have been involved in the stabilization
of the region for many years. We actively participate in the UNIFIL
mission in Lebanon. A month ago, at the request of the Secretary-General
of the United Nations, we declared that we would increase our military
contingent.”
Mexico
H.E. Mr. Vicente Fox, President
September 19, 2006
“The peoples of the United Nations are well aware of the
fact that the breaches of peace and security and our setbacks in
our search for greater development are a consequence of an insufficient
international dialogue and cooperation. "
"These are times of great challenges. Our peoples today face
challenges such as those posed by longstanding international conflicts
that persist in tandem with the emergence of new threats to international
peace"
Liberia
H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President
September 19, 2006
“In the new Millennium, the United Nations should not operate
on the structures designed sixty-one years ago. We must therefore
review the inequitable representation of the world’s people
as reflected by the present structure of the Security Council. It
is in this regard that a reform of the United Nations in urgent,
especially the decision making process in the Security Council which
appear to be undemocratic and hegemonic.”
“Throughout its history, and excluding the period of our civil
conflicts, Liberia has always been in the vanguard of promoting
good neighborliness, peace, security, and stability in our sub-region,
our continent and our one world. We therefore actively support the
founding of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union),
the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano
River Union, among others, because without peace, security, and
stability, there is very little that humankind can achieve.”
“We are particularly concerned about conflicts in other parts
of the world. Of notable concern is the protracted crisis in the
Middle East, which continues to create a state of restlessness and
threatens world peace and security.”
“The United Nations’ obligation to protect the helpless
and innocent must remain paramount in this regard. My government
therefore calls on this General Assembly and the Security Council
to exercise the Chapter Seven Authority to restore peace, security,
and stability to Darfur.”
Ghana
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President
September 19, 2006
“A year ago, we met at this historic venue to adopt the 2005
World Summit Outcome Document in which we acknowledged that peace
and security, and development and human rights were the pillars
of the United Nations system, and the foundations for our collective
well-being.”
“But, Madam President, our collective objective within this
organization to alleviate the economic plight of the majority of
mankind may continue to elude us unless the pursuit of international
peace and security is effectively and satisfactorily addressed.
Ghana, therefore, views with grave concern the continuing spread
and persistence of terrorist activities. The international community
must rally to contain and effectively eradicate this menace to mankind.
In this regard, the Secretary-General's proposal for a global counter-terrorism
strategy is welcome. Indeed, it is the view of Ghana that there
must be a quick conclusion of the deliberations on the proposed
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.”
“Yet another scourge to the security of the world is the
snail-paced talks on the elimination of nuclear weapons, and the
added threat of the proliferation of these weapons. Ghana shares
the concerns of the majority of member states that this body must
continue with, and intensify its pressure for the total elimination
of these weapons. For as lung as 27,000 nuclear weapons continue
to exist, as they do now, our world will remain vulnerable to the
threat of mass destruction.
Jordan
H.M. King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein
September 19, 2006
" In 2002, the 22 Arab states - agreeing unanimously
led the way with a break th rough peace proposal. Our vision and
commitment is a viable, independent Palestinian state, living side-by-side
with a pure Israel . Under the Arab Peace Initiative, Israel's security
would be guaranteed, and the occupation of Palestine would end,
in accord with U.N. resolutions. Events show clearly that there
can be no unilateral solution to the conflict. There must be a genuine
partnership among all parties, in th e context of international
legality and justice. Such a global pa rt nership for peace is directly
connected to the global partnership for development. Across the
world, nations at peace are moving forward with economic growth
and development: investing in education, building communities, helping
to shape the future of the globe. But no nation succeeds in isolation.
All nations , all people- especially our youth-must be able to share
in a promising future.”
Latvia
H.E. Mrs. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President
September 20, 2006
“We have had the great misfortune to see terrorism continue
as a threat to international peace and security. I welcome therefore
the recent agreement on a Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and
urge the UN's member States to intensify their efforts to reach
a consensus on a Comprehensive Anti-Terrorism Convention.”
“It is regrettable that we have failed to make any substantial
progress over the last year in the area of disarmament and the non-proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction. This is a fundamental issue for
global peace and security and I encourage all UN member States to
demonstrate their willingness to move forward at a faster pace.”
“The UN also needs to provide a prompt and effective response
when armed conflicts arise. We must strive to make UN peacekeeping
a more effective and accepted instrument of collective security.”
“Along with the promotion of peace and security and the alleviation
of poverty, the protection of human rights is one of the main missions
of the United Nations. The recent creation of the Human Rights Council
will hopefully enable the UN to respond more promptly and effectively
in situations where human rights come under threat.”
“The Security Council has a central role to play in maintaining
international peace and security. If it is to truly function as
an effective organ, then it must attain both a stronger capacity
and a greater willingness to act in the face of international crises
and tensions and find ways of responding more rapidly at the outbreak
of armed conflicts.”
Suriname
H.E. Mr. Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan, President
September 19, 2006
“Given the less than satisfactory international development
and security situations, we, the member states of the United Nations,
should be more than willing, to act in conformity with the United
Nations Charter and to employ the international machinery for the
promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples;
to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security,
and to practice increased tolerance and live together in peace with
one another as good neighbours.”
Iran
(The Islamic Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President
September 19, 2006
“Who can ensure Iraq's security? Insecurity in Iraq affects
the entire region. Can the Security Council play a role in restoring
peace and security in Iraq, while the occupiers are themselves permanent
members of the Council? Can the Security Council adopt a fair decision
in this regard?”
“Some seek to rule the world relying on weapons and threats,
while others live in perpetual insecurity and danger. “
“Occupation of countries, including Iraq, has continued for
the last three years. Not a day goes by without hundreds of people
getting killed in cold blood. The occupiers are incapable of establishing
security in Iraq. Despite the establishment of the lawful Government
and National Assembly of Iraq, there are covert and overt efforts
to heighten insecurity, magnify and aggravate differences within
Iraqi society, and instigate civil strife.
“There is no indication that the occupiers have the necessary
political will to eliminate the sources of instability. Numerous
terrorists were apprehended by the Government of Iraq, only to be
let loose under various pretexts by the occupiers.”
“The pretexts for the creation of the regime occupying Al-Qods
Al-Sharif are so weak that its proponents want to silence any voice
trying to merely speak about them, as they are concerned that shedding
light on the facts would undermine the raison d'être of this
regime, as it has. The tragedy does not end with the establishment
of a regime in the territory of others. Regrettably, from its inception,
that regime has been a constant source of threat and insecurity
in the Middle East region, waging war and spilling blood and impeding
the progress of regional countries, and has also been used by some
powers as an instrument of division, coercion, and pressure on the
people of the region. Reference to these historical realities may
cause some disquiet among supporters of this regime. But these are
sheer facts and not myth. History has unfolded before our eyes.”
“Some permanent members of the Security Council, even when
they are themselves parties to international disputes, conveniently
threaten others with the Security Council and declare, even before
any decision by the Council, the condemnation of their opponents
by the Council. The question is: what can justify such exploitation
of the Security Council, and doesn't it erode the credibility and
effectiveness of the Council? Can such behavior contribute to the
ability of the Council to maintain security?”
“Apparently the Security Council can only be used to ensure
the security and the rights of some big powers. But when the oppressed
are decimated under bombardment, the Security Council must remain
aloof and not even call for a ceasefire. Is this not a tragedy of
historic proportions for the Security Council, which is charged
with maintaining the security of countries?”
“Regrettably, the persistence of some hegemonic powers in
imposing their exclusionist policies on international decision making
mechanisms, including the Security Council, has resulted in a growing
mistrust in global public opinion, undermining the credibility and
effectiveness of this most universal system of collective security.”
“Justice and protection of human dignity are the two pillars
in maintaining sustainable peace, security and tranquility in the
world.”
“All nations and states are entitled to peace, progress and
security.”
Kiribati
H.E. Ms. Teima Onorio, Vice-President
September 19, 2006
“Peace and security in this world of ours remains elusive
with the on-going conflicts and the threat of new conflicts around
the world. Terrorism continues to plague us despite the best of
concerted and collective efforts. Still more needs to be done to
remove the threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction. And while some progress has been made towards addressing
the threat posed by the continuing illicit trade in small arms and
light weapons, further work is needed to eliminate this threat.”
“Consisting of low-lying coral atolls, Kiribati
is particularly vulnerable to the impact of global warming and sea
level rise. For countries such as Kiribati global warming and sea
level rise are critical security issues.”
“…those member states that are major contributors to
UN programmes, especially towards the maintenance of global peace
and security should be accorded permanent membership of the Security
Council.”
“The continuing desire by many to join this organization attests
to the value and continued relevance of the United Nations. I note,
therefore, with much disappointment and regret that the desire of
the 23 million people of Taiwan to join this organization of ours
continues to be rejected. This is despite Taiwan's demonstrated
ability, willingness and commitment to contribute to international
collaborative efforts in the pursuit of global peace and security.”
Chile
H.E. Mrs. Michelle Bachelet Jeria, President
September 20, 2006
"The most serious failure of the 2005 Summit was its silence
on the multilateral disarmament agenda. Chile bases its multilateral
foreign policy on the principle that collective security is indivisible.
We all have a share of responsibility to preserve peace and international
security that cannot be delegated. For this reason, Chile has joined
in efforts to revitalize the disarmamament agenda and move towards
prohibition of the use of fissile material for military purposes.”
“The security of States is linked to the security of the human
beings making up those States, because it allows the exercise of
freedom. United Nations should develop the concept of human security.”
Sri
Lanka
H. E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President
September 20, 2006
“The Preamble of the UN Charter requires that we "unite
our strength to maintain international peace and security".
Let us all, members of the United Nations, focus sharply on this commitment.
Let us dedicate ourselves to its realization. And let us mobilise
our collective energies towards the achievement of peace and security
world wide.”
“Madam President, for long years now, on the basis of our
commitment to human rights and dignity, we have had a lasting interest
in seeing the emergence of peace in the Middle East. The recognition
of the rights of the Palestinian people is a concern to me, as well
as to my country. A large number of Sri Lankans have, in recent
years, made the Middle East their temporary home. We are pained
by the recent escalation of violence in that region, and the devastation
in Lebanon. It is our sincere hope that the Security Council Resolution
SC 1701 of 2006 will pave the way for peace and security for Lebanon,
as well as for the region.”
Maldives
H.E. Mr. Maumoon ABDUL GAYOOM, President
September 20, 2006
"[The UN] must continue to play the central role in
promoting cooperation for international peace and security, economic
and social development, human rights and the rule of law."
Italy
H.E. Mr. Romano PRODI, President
September 20, 2006
“Terrorism and weapons of mass destruction have changed traditional
society and its values. They have rendered obsolete systems of collective
defense and security based on deterrence. The old solutions to the
world's problems—the logic of balance and hegemony—are
no longer enough to guarantee stability and security.”
“The Peace-building Commission is the first major result because
it highlights the indestructible bond between development, security,
and human rights. A priority commitment to human rights and to safeguarding
human rights should be the goal of any country that wishes to lend
greater ethical authority to its foreign policy. The results achieved
by the reform on this point, through the establishment of the new
Human Rights Council, are still being examined. The other significant
outcome is the affirmation of the principle of the responsibility
to protect, so that the international community will no longer be
indifferent before acts of genocide.”
“The other way for the United Nations to regain the forcefulness
and credibility it needs to fulfill its mission is by strengthening
the role of its great regional stake-holders. I am thinking first
of the European Union, because if Europe is stronger, the United
Nations will be stronger. The world and the United Nations do not
need a Europe that hesitates, but rather a Europe that is able to
do its part in the challenges that await us. Europe, in turn, must
become more aware that only by contributing to the resolution of
global tensions can it give greater security and prosperity to its
citizens.”
“Only if Europe wields a more incisive influence on the issues
of peace and security can it be considered a true global actor.”
“Our aim is to make the Organization more effective in the
areas and on the issues in which, by history and vocation, it can
provide the most added value. The proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, has to be seen today
in the context above all of the negotiation underway with Iran.
But it is our duty to look further ahead and to strive—all
together—to consolidate the general non-proliferation system.
This is a principle that shall inspire the action of Italy when
it enters the Security Council. With regard to the Iranian nuclear
dossier, we are ready to make our contribution to a negotiated solution
that promotes regional security and stability.”
“In the Middle East, as I mentioned earlier, we need to seize
the opportunities and openings conveyed to us, in the awareness
that there will be no peace until the Palestinian question has been
resolved: an independent, sovereign, vital and contiguous Palestinian
State next to the state of Israel, and both within secure and internationally-recognized
borders.”
“Let me return to the central issue of this session, the global
partnership for development, to clarify one point. The reinvigoration
of multilateralism, United Nations reform, and a collective commitment
to the various theaters of crisis risk producing no lasting effect
unless development issues are treated as priorities. It is up to
the United Nations, as the driving force and the glue of solidarity
among peoples and the fullest expression of multilateralism, to
keep development at the top of the international agenda. For it
is in the connection between security, solidarity, and development
that the added value of the UN lies, in the full awareness that
there can be no peace without development and no development without
peace.”
“I wish to conclude with a few consideration on the fundamental
principles and values that inspire our action when we deal with
multilateralism, the search for peace, security, development, and
North-South relations. All these issues coalesce in the defense
of life and the struggle against all forms of hatred, violence,
discrimination, and marginalization: undeniable values that, together
with democratic principles, are at the foundations of coexistence
among peoples and should inspire the action of the world's nations.”
Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Milo DJUKANOVIå, President
September 20, 2006
“Indeed, regional co-operation is inseparable from European
and global integratíon, which are essentially about issues
of peace, stability, security and prosperíty. The more so,
as the globalisatíon which is gaining momentum confronts
us with new challenges and new threats of political, environmental
and socio-economic nature. The issues of today, such as international
terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, illegal
migratíon and trafficking, poverty, threats to the environment
and so forth highlight the need for a common action. This vision
of the future is exemplified in the Millennium Declaration, which
projects the principles and goals of the Charter to the world in
a new age, híghlighting common responsibility and solidarity
in order to accomplish a vision of a more secure, prosperous and
just world. Without stabílity there is no democracy, just
as wíthout democracy there is no stability and sustainable
economíc development. These are interdependent processes
that must take place simultaneously, which highlights the importance
of accomplishing the Millennium Goals. All this bríngs to
the fore the importance of efficient multilateralism through action
of the UN, which needs to be reformed in order that it can adequately
cope with the challenges of today, as well as other internatíonal
and regional organizations and all nations.”
Papua
New Guinea
H.E. Sir Michael SOMARE, MP, Prime Minister
September 20, 2006
”Papua New Guinea is extremely concerned about the proliferation.
among states. of nuclear, chemical. biological, and other weapons
of mass destruction. We continue to maintain that there is no real
justification for the retention and further development of these
instruments of war. We call upon all countries to ratify the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and other related treaties to reduce the
threat to international peace and security by weapons of mass destruction.
Sadly. we were reminded by the Secretary General yesterday of the
apathy that surrounds actions on non-proliferation and disarmament.”
“Our world today is marked by an inequitable global trading
order and a hostile security environment. Wanton globalization and
unfettered trade liberalization are affecting many of us in ways
that are detrimental to the livelihoods of our people. Unilateral
actions by the big and powerful to resolve disputes are no longer
incidental but the order of the day. We note the increasing incidence
of human atrocities, genocides. wars, poverty, terrorism, emergence
of HIV/AIDS and increase in malaria and TB. Our streets and communities
are littered with small arms and light weapons. Drug and human smuggling
and other illegal activities are on the rise. Environmental degradation
and climate change continue unabated. We must confront these issues
urgently. To complement efforts in other fora, Papua New Guinea
with other countries of the Pacific Region have agreed to pool our
limited resources under the Pacific Plan to address these issues.”
“Papua New Guinea continues to believe that the UN offers
the best hope for its member States to address these ongoing concerns
and other emerging challenges facing humanity today. In this regard
my country supports the ongoing UN reform initiatives that seek
to make its operations more effective and responsive. We must ensure
that its collective security mandates and functions, and its various
organs are strengthened and not weakened.”
Cuba
H.E. Mr. Esteban Lazo HERNÁNDEZ, Vice-President
September 20, 2006
“Non-Aligned countries agreed that world peace and security
are today more imperiled than ever as a result, among other factors,
of the growing trend of the most powerful States to resort to unilateral
measures and to the threat of pre-emptive wars.”
Qatar
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin hamad AL-THANI, The Heir Apparent
September 20, 2006
“I would like to recall here that Qatar has always sought
to be a supportive partner in favour of development efforts, particularly
in combating poverty, which reflects favorably on stability and
international peace and security.”
“We would like to stress that the guarantee to permanent peace,
security and stability in the region lies in making the Middle East
a region free from all weapons of mass destruction without any exceptions.”
Argentina
H.E. Mr. Néstor Carlos KIRCHNER, President
September 20, 2006
"The international conduct of the Argentine Republic
is inspired by the values of representative democracy, respect for
the fundamental human rights and the active defense of international
peace and security."
The
Dominican Republic
H.E. Mr. Leonel FERNÁNDEZ REYNA, President
September 20, 2006
"One of the global issues that is of great concern in the Dominican
Republic and other parts of the world, is that of human security.
We have observed, with great consternation, how in recent years
there has been an erosion of the internal security of nations, thereby
generating an increase in the levels of violence and criminality.
This situation, without a doubt, has been fueled by a combination
of factors, among them drug trafficking, the illicit trafficking
of arms, the trafficking of person, and other further collective
criminal behaviour.
Tanzania
H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho KIKWETE, President
September 20, 2006
“Tanzania will continue to play its part In the quest for
peace, security, stability and development in the Great Lakes Region.
Significant progress has been achieved in the political and security
situation in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. We appreciate the
support of the United Nations and other partners in the regional
peace process.
…
Moreover, Tanzania as current chair of the initiative for peace
and security in the Great Lakes Region will work closely with other
member countries to ensure a successful Second International Conference
on the Great Lakes region later this year in Nairobi.“
“Unfortunately Africa, the poorest of the continents has had
an unfair shame of conflict. Like other delegates, we express our
concern for the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur, lo
and call for continued regional and international community's engagement.
Likewise, we are deeply concerned about the situation in Somalia
and elsewhere, Cote d' Ivore and in the continent.”
"He will be remembered as one who challenged the Organization
to live up to the true promise of multilateralism, in delivering
collective security, pursuit of fundamental human rights and promoting
human development.”
Albania
H.E. Mr. Alfred MOISIU, President
September 20, 2006
"During this year, Albania based on the Summit 2005 document,
undertook concrete actions to encourage the impo rtant objectives
of the three main pillars of development, security and human rights
and to implement the United Nations ambitious agenda of reforms."
"We have established relations of active cooperation and dialogue
on the regional level with all the countries by remarkably influencing
the strengthening of regional security and stability. Together with
the countries of the region we have made an agenda of joint actions
against terrorism, organized crime, distribution of arms and border
managing which has an inter-border feature and we have also undertaken
concrete initiatives to encourage the economic development of the
region."
"Albania supports and contributes for a strong and effective
United Nations Organization, capable to successfully overcome new
challenges because we consider it an Organization based on the values
and principals of multilateralism, global partnership for development,
joint action to strengthen collective peace and security to the
benefit of promoting human rights, Rule of Law and commitments against
terrorism."
Bosnia
and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Adnan TERZIĆ, Chairman of the Council of Ministers
September 20, 2006
"The horrible terrorist attacks on New York, which anniversary
we recently marked, have changed the entire security paradigm in
the world. The attacks made us think in ever more serious terms.
Terrorism is one of the greatest challenges that modern world is
facing, and it is virtually impossible to respond to such a challenge
individually. Member countries mаy individually strengthen
their capacities, but a global and complete response can only be
achieved by the UN.
Establishing the Ministry of Security, the intelligence agency,
the investigations and protection agency, on the state level, and
by coordinating their work thru the Anti-Terrorism Task Force, we
have undertaken a series of very important steps, not just in terms
of internal reforms, but also in terms of our contribution to the
global anti-terrorist combat. We have adopted an Anti-Terrorism
Strategy for the period 2006-2009 that will guide us thru the implementation
of European standards in this field as well. We are in the finаl
phases of adopting a new Law on the fight against terrorism and
financial support to terrorism."
Croatia
H.E. Mr. Ivo SANADER, Prime Minister
September 20, 2006
"Weapons of mass destruction and a common approach to nonproliferation
must remain in our focus. Responsibility for world peace and security
must continue to be the key guiding line in dealing with this grave
challenge. The rules and standards must be globally accepted and
the United Nations and its specialized institutions and agencies
must continue to have a pivotal role."
"Today, many ongoing regional crises continue to cause great
humanitarian tragedies around the world, seriously destabilizing
regional and global security. The arcs of instabilities are creating
a network of fear and anger across many parts of the world. Terrorism
is taking on new dimensions and forms. Weapons of mass destruction
are yet another cause of grave concern. Economic imbalances and
social impediments, from poverty to resources constraints, are becoming
new sources of instability across the world. Religious divisions
and misunderstandings add a new and dangerous dimension to insecurity
in the world."
"Already negotiating future full membership in the European
Union, and based on the progress of reforms in the military and
in the security sector, also standing at the threshold of NATO membership,
Croatia is today an anchor of stability, security and cooperation.
My country is therefore an indispensable partner of historical transformation
of this often troubled and critically important region for European
and world peace - transforming the region into a zone of modern
society, democratic standards and values. Croatia's specific position
as a Central European, Danubian and Mediterranean country, provides
added value in bilateral and multilateral contacts and experience,
stemming from participation in numerous global, European and regional
organizations and initiatives in the fields of security, democratic
development and economic cooperation, including Croatia's current
presiding of the South East European Cooperation Process."
"Stability, democratic development and cooperation - but also
the resolution of remaining open issues and completing the security
architecture of this part of Europe - will also very much have to
be related to the indispensability of the protection and promotion
of universal values ; the rule of law, human rights and democracy,
as well as their inter-relation with security and development."
Kuwait
H.E. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah Al-Salem AL-SABAH, Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2006
"Our leaders have expressed in the final document issued by
the 2005 World Summit, their firm belief and conviction in the important
role of this organization as an umbrella for multilateral work,
they have drawn a roadmap for us to follow so that we work on finding
solutions to major
international threats and challenges, which on the whole represent
a threat for international peace and security such as terrorism,
deterioration of the environment, human rights violations, poverty,
hunger, and the spread of dangerous and infectious diseases, like
AIDS and Malaria. What causes great concern is the appearance of
other challenges to international peace and security, and which
are no less dangerous htan the aforementioned ones, such as the
incitement of hatred, exnophobia, in its various forms, such as
Islamophobia, and all kinds of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination.
After one year has elapsed, and despite of the extensive efforts
exerted to follow-up the implementation of the Summit's resolution,
regrettably, there is still a need to double those efforts to achieve
accomplishment in the fields of disarmament, non-proliferation,
combatting terrorism, creating an equilibrium between developed
and developing countries in international trade, and reforming the
Security Council which will lead to enhancing its authority and
efficiency, and lend more transparency and greater fairness to its
decisions through giving due consideration to the representation
of small states which make up more than one half of the member states
in the United Nations."
"Concerning the Iranian nuclear file, Kuwait calls upon all
the concerned parties to spare the region any crisis that may lead
to undermining the security and stability of this vital region,
which, for the last two decades, has been the theater of conflicts
and wars that has wasted the fortunes of its countries, dispersed
their resources and delayed their development. Therefore, we hope
that action will be taken to resolve this crisis by diplomatic means.
We urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue its cooperation
with the IAEA and the international community to dispel any fears
or doubts surrounding the nature and aims of its nuclear programme.
In this context, we affirm our position on the necessity of making
the Middle East, including the Gulf region, an area free from all
weapons of mass destruction, including Israel, which must accede
to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and subject all of its nuclear facilities
to the guarantees of the IAEA."
"Kuwait follows with grave concern, the difficult security
conditions Iraq is witnessing as a result of the continued terrorist
acts that target the Iraqi people, state institutions and economic
and social facilities. Despite the progress in the political process
which led to the formation of a constitutionally elected government,
the difficult security conditions impede realizing a similar progress
in the field of rebuilding what the previous regime has destroyed
as a result of its hostile policies towards its own people and neighbours.
Kuwait reiterates its commitment to all relevant Security Council
resolutions and vows to continue supporting the efforts of the Iraqi
Government to rebuild, confront security problems and achieve national
concord between the various factions of the Iraqi people. We hope
the international community will multiply its efforts to support
the endeavors of the Iraqi Government and those of the League of
Arab States to achieve security and stability in Iraq, which in
turn, will contribute to achieving peace and security in the region.
There is no doubt that a democratic, secure, stable and prosperous
Iraq which respects human rights and which is a master over its
own decision without any interference in its internal affairs and
lives in peace with its neighbours, will be in the interest of all
the states in the region, without any exception. This is what Kuwait
hopes for and seeks to achieve."
"Since its founding, the United Nations has achieved numerous
accomplishments and demonstrated its efficacy in the establishment
of peace and security in different parts of the world, it contributed
to preventing many problems from exacerbating until it became an
indispensable tool for the international community to confront issues
and challenges of global nature. It is our hope that the United
Nations record of accomplishments in achieving peace and security
will soon include Iraq, the Middle East, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan
and other countries that are still witnessing conflicts and wars
which killed many of their citizens, wasted their resources and
destroyed their capabilities and delayed their march towards development
and progress."
Israel
H.E. Ms. Tzipi LIVNI, Vice Minister and Minister for Foreign
Affairs
September 20, 2006
"At its heart, is the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine,
living side by side in peace and security. Israel believes in this
vision, and from this vision we have drawn our principles for peace."
"The second principle for peace is drawn from the concept of
living in peace and security. On the basis of this principle the
international community has insisted that the State of Palestine
that emerges next to Israel cannot be a tenor State. It is the last
thing our troubled region needs. It is for this reason that the
Road Map requires ail end to terror. It is for this reason that
the international community has demanded that any Palestinian government
fulfill three basic conditions : renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's
right to exist, and accept existing Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
These conditions are not an obstacle to peace or to the establishment
of a responsible Palestinian state ; they are a crucial ingredient
for their realization."
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Karel DE GUCHT, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2006
"Since the beginning of this year Belgium exercises the chairmanship
of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE),
a regional organization under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter . Its
principles and values are the same as those of the United Nations.
Its fields of actions are very similar and complementary, be it
the promotion of human rights, democratization, protection of minorities,
conflict prevention, crisis management, or protection of the environment.
I should also mention the dialogue of civilizations, the fight against
the proliferation of small arms and electoral monitoring. The OSCE
has played an essential role in maintaining the relation between
the two parties in Cold War divided Europe. Since then the Organization
has developed a number of norms, principles and commitments that
unites all its members and that contributes to the reinforcement
of their collective security. One of the objectives of our chairmanship
was reinforcing the balance between the three dimensions of the
OSCE, political and military, economic and humanitarian. We have
tried to establish in those domains synergies with the United Nations
where possible such as the problems of landlocked countries, the
fight against organized crime and terrorism. During its chairmanship,
Belgium actively tries to contribute to a path towards a solution
for the so-called "frozen" conflicts. But these solutions
will not be possible if we can't count on the will of all parties
concerned to move forward."
"One year ago, our heads of State and Government, gathered
in this Assembly, reaffirmed how much peace, security, development
and human rights are interlinked. The mandate they entrusted us
with is being progressively implemented . We have set up the Peacebuilding
Commission and the Human Rights Council and have adopted the Counter-terrorism
Strategy. We hope that their results will meet the high expectations.
During the past year we have witnessed, I am happy to say, a rebirth
of multilateralism. What we, Member States of the United Nations,
do together in a multilateral way will enjoy by definition a greater
legitimacy. I have in mind in particular the recent conflict between
Israel and Lebanon, a conflict in which the Security Council fully
assumed its responsibilities. A conflict also in which the good
offices of the Secretary General must eventually guarantee a lasting
political settlement. Likewise it is worth noting that international
dialogue, rather than the use of force, is again in the foreground
of multilateral diplomacy. Take the case of Iran : we must must
make every effort to resolve the difficult nuclear issue while fully
respecting the principles of the UN Charter and the NPT. This being
said, as far I as I am concerned, multilateralism is neither a dogma
nor a simple profession of faith. Multilateralism is an instrument
that shall be judged on its impact on world issues. In order to
be effective, it must deliver results. Only by actions shall it
legitimize its raison d'etre."
"The implementation of Resolution 1701 shows that the European
Union is becoming more actively involved in the quest for a lasting
peace in the Middle East. This is a welcome development . We all
agree that this lasting peace will be
predicated on a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Therefore we must work on all measures which may rapidly open a
way to the resumption of the dialogue; an end to the hostilities
and security guarantees for both parties, the
liberation of the abducted Israeli soldier, the release of the political
leaders arrested during the crisis, humanitarian access and the
re-establishment of basic services, kicking off the reconstruction,
and restitution of tax and customs income due to the Palestinian
authorities."
Uganda
H.E. Mr. Sam KUTESA, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2006
"...the threat to global peace and security and to human dignity
has never been more serious than it is today. This situation obtains
today because we are yet to start addressing the real root causes
of the problems facing us. My delegation believes that it will remain
an uphill task for us to guarantee global peace as long as the majority
in developing countries and elsewhere in the world continue to suffer
the indignity of poverty and deprivation while we continue with
business as usual."
"Uganda is part-and-parcel of the Great lakes region, therefore,
our security and development cannot be guaranteed in isolation.
For this reason Uganda is fully committed to the realization of
peace and security and has continued to play a key role in the search
for durable peace and security in the region through dialogue as
the most preferred means."
Malawi
H.E. Dr. Bingu Wa MUTHARIKA, President
September 21, 2006
“The theme for this year’s session “Implementing
a Global Partnership for Development” is very pertinent because
during the 2005 Session, we renewed the mandate of the United Nations
to meet the challenges of the millennium, such as eradicating global
poverty and injustice, and the promotion of democracy, human rights,
peace, security and stability in the member nations,”
“I believe that in the search for global partnership for development,
the greatest challenge the United Nations faces is to eradicate
poverty that engulfs the majority of humanity. I am pleased
to note in this regard, that the G8 countries, together with multilateral
agencies and the United Nations, are committed to poverty alleviation
and eradication. I believe that global peace, security and
stability cannot be assured if the greater section of humanity lives
in abject poverty.”
Serbia
H.E. Mr. Boris TADIĆ, President
September 21, 2006
“I would like to assure you that Serbia seeks to make a significant
contribution to this part of the world—in terms of fast democratization
and respect for human rights, economic development, the security
of the entire Balkans and the stability of Southeastern Europe.
Instead of being a place where problems are created, |
