Disarmament Index by Topic
of high-level statements made during the General Debate of the 62nd
Session of the General Assembly
September 25 - October 3, 2007
This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament,
peace, and security, made in the General Debate of the United Nations
General Assembly. This index is a tool to gauge the issues which
will be detailed during the First Committee of the General Assembly,
starting 8 October 2007. Included in this Index are all references
made to arms control, disarmament, multilateralism, nuclear energy,
nuclear weapon free zones, security, proliferation, terrorism, and
weapons.
has compiled a of all references to gender, women, and girls made
in the General Assembly statements.
Note: some transcripts were not
available in English. Some excerpts are therefore unofficial translations
by the RCW staff.
Disarmament
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General
25 September 2007
"From my first day in office, I have stressed the importance
of disarmament, as mandated most recently in the General Assembly’s
support for my proposal to establish an Office of Disarmament Affairs.
We must reinvigorate our effort to stop the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction and related technology, and especially to prevent
such material from falling into the hands of terrorists."
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"The people of Kazakhstan have lived through all the horrors
of the effects of nuclear explosions. 456 such explosions were conducted
at the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing ground. It is for this reason
that, after gaining its independence, the first milestone decision
by Kazakhstan was to shut down the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing
site. It was followed by the renunciation of nuclear missile arsenal,
the fourth largest in the world, and the dismantling of its infrastructure.
I want to note here that at that time we had not only the trained
personnel but also practically all means of delivery of nuclear
warheads.
"Those steps have shaped the strategy of our state in the
area of global security. For the first time in human history, a
nation possessing destructive force has given it up voluntarily.
I am sure that by taking that action Kazakhstan established trust
in the world. Thanks to that step, the country has witnessed an
inflow of considerable investments that have become a foundation
of impressive accomplishments in the area of development known today
throughout the world.
"By taking that step, we have consolidated our independence,
having received security assurances of all nuclear-weapon states.
I have a question for others: why not follow our example instead
of wasting astounding amounts on the arms race?"
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President
25 September 2007
"Despite the collective efforts of the community of nations
towards disarmament and non-proliferation, the world is as unsafe
as it was decades ago. In the face of grave threats to humankind,
it is ironic that little progress has been made to reverse the prevailing
abysmal developments within the disarmament realm. This has raised,
and rightly so, some concerns over whether disarmament is in danger
of becoming a forsaken and forgotten goal of the Organization."
"[W]e reaffirm our support for the Secretary-General's proposal
to establish an Office for Disarmament Affairs to be part of the
decision-making process in the Secretariat. We hope that with his
sterling diplomatic pedigree and commitment to world peace and security,
the active involvement of Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon would yield
the desired fruit and propel the disarmament realm into the path
of progress."
H.E. Branko Crvenkovski, President
25 September 2007
"The issue of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation
must remain high on our agenda, by attaching further importance
to these issues relevant for the achievement of global peace, security
and development."
H.E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President
25 September 2007
"[W]e have always been, even in difficult times but with dignity
and determination, on the side of international law, disarmament,
nonproliferation and world peace."
"Mine is a country that believes in progress and in the ability
of human beings to be the subject of their own history and to build
a better future. . . . This requires the conclusion of agreements
and the strengthening of multilateral institutions, advancing towards
disarmament and non-proliferation . . ."
H.E. Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal
25 September 2007
"We are committed to upholding, implementing and further strengthening
the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation framework in
the fight against threats which are tending to escape the control
of national sovereignty, the challenges deriving from destabilizing
accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, from illicit
or irresponsible arms trade, and from the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction, which are creating new and growing hot-spots
of international tension. In this regard, the EU welcomes the growing
support in all parts of the world for an International Arms Trade
Treaty and is firmly committed to this process."
H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President
25 September 2007
"Some who were themselves the drafters of international law
openly and easily violate it and apply discriminatory policies and
double standards to others. They drafted disarmament regulations,
but every day test and stockpile new generations of lethal weapons."
H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President
25 September 2007
"No partnership works without teamwork, and no teamwork is
possible without constant effective communication. This means dialogue.
After all, dialogue is the best way to exercise soft power. Dialogue
and soft power can greatly advance the cause of disarmament and
non-proliferation."
H.E. Mr. Ivan Gasparovic, President
25 September 2007
"The Slovak Republic also expects the 62nd session of the
UN General Assembly to revitalise the discussion on disarmament
and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Slovakia has
had an opportunity to contribute to these efforts through its chairmanship
in the 1540 Committee of the Security Council. In this context,
in February 2007 Slovakia initiated also an open debate of the Security
Council on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
25 September 2007
"In that sense, it is important to reinforce the monitoring
of the application of the Treaty of Non Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons, to move towards a global disarmament process and to discourage
the new ongoing arms race."
H.E. Tarja Halonen, President
26 September 2007
"We need efficient international cooperation in the field
of disarmament and non-proliferation. When considering, for example,
the number of victims of today’s conflicts, small arms and
light weapons are indeed “weapons of mass destruction”.
Finland together with more than 150 other states, supports the process
aiming at the adoption of an international arms trade treaty."
H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President
26 September 2007
"The prevention of nuclear proliferation and the pursuit of
nuclear disarmament in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons are crucial for global peace and security. We
need to strengthen the authority of the Non-Proliferation Treaty."
H.E. Mr Felipe Perez Roque, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2007
"Instead of moving towards general and complete disarmament,
including nuclear disarmament, which has been an ongoing demand
of the Non-Aligned Movement for decades, we bear witness to the
promotion of the arms race and to the squandering of wealth on new
weapons and arms systems that deplete the resources required by
the world in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and
address the very serious problems stemming from poverty and marginalization."
H.E. Mr. Nuri Kamel Al-Maliki, Prime Minister
26 September 2007
"The elimination of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle
East will guarantee a lasting and comprehensive peace."
H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President
27 September 2007
"Those powers that possess nuclear weapon should reengage
and dismantle all such weapon and other forms of weapons of mass
destruction. History has shown us how mighty empires and regimes
built on terror and fear, have come and gone, crumbled in spite
of their arsenals."
H.E. Nicanor Duarte Frutos, President
25 September 2007
"Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control are decisive
factors to ensure international peace and security. These are also
the guarantee, which the most defenseless countries have, of respect
for their right of self-determination and sovereignty. Furthermore,
(we must) strengthen this multilateral system capable of contributing
to mutual security."
H.E. Mr. Kessai H. Note, President
28 September 2007
"In the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, our collective
efforts need to be invigorated to overcome stalemate."
H.E. Mr. Sali Berisha, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"Albania has been a staunch supporter of the international
efforts to limit the proliferation of arms of mass destruction and
the unlawful use of small arms and light weapons which pose a serious
threat to peace, security and stability. In this context, amongst
others, we committed to the destruction of our stockpile of chemical
weapons and on July 2007, Albania became the first country in the
world free of any kind of chemical materials and armaments."
H.E. Mr. Abdelwaheb Abdallah, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Stemming from that position, Tunisia which will assume chairmanship
of the next session of the Conference on Disarmament is determined
to work, in coordination with member states, for the achievement
of tangible progress regarding issues on the agenda. In so doing,
Tunisia will seek to enhance constructive and positive dialogue
on those issues, in order to achieve the objectives of the Conference
and to contribute to the consolidation of peace and security in
the world and to the dissemination of a global culture of peace,
thus consecrating the noble values and principles for which our
organization has been created."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The conflict range that is expanding in international politics
through aggravations of regional crises, increasing threat of terrorism,
risks of spreading WMDs, stagnation in disarmament, is jeopardizing
international stability, diverting resources from their constructive
use and calls into question possible sustainable economic growth
throughout the world. And it is such growth that is our common fundamental
goal. Poverty and economic backwardness expand the breeding grounds
for extremism."
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Egypt profoundly believes in the three main pillars of international
disarmament treaties namely; non-proliferation, disarmament, and
the inherent right of every state to the peaceful use of nuclear
energy. In 1995, Egypt accepted the indefinite extension of the
NPT within an integrated package that included a resolution calling
upon all states of the region without exception to accede to the
Treaty, and obliging those states responsible for the maintenance
of international security to discharge their responsibilities. However,
this objective is yet to be achieved in view of the fact that Israel
has not yet acceded to the treaty despite all the international
and regional calls on it to do so.
"Today's world is witnessing an imbalance and double standards
in dealing with the various parties that have the ambition, the
potential or the expertise in the field of nuclear uses. Egypt believes
that the international disarmament and non-proliferation system
will be strengthened and that regional security in the Middle East
will be reinforced only when a single standard is applied equally
to all the states of the region without exception."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"We can all feel a sense of urgency at this 62nd General Assembly:
the need to counter contemporary challenges with decisive joint
action, Climate change, disarmament and dangerous technologies are
just three examples requiring such joint action, now."
"Disarmament, arms control and conflict prevention are next
in need of a credible re-launch of multilateralism and a new partnership.
In the nuclear age, we simply cannot afford to acquiesce to the
present level of armament and to signs of a new arms race. Nonproliferation
and an actual reduction of the weapons stockpiles thus have to make
an immediate come-back to the top of the global agenda."
"On limited issues multilateral progress is within reach:
a consistently growing number of states is rallying behind our call
for a legally binding instrument by 2008 to prohibit cluster munitions
which cause unacceptable harm to civilians. Austria is determined
to continue leading this process by example, with a total national
ban of this atrocious weapon."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"Non-proliferation of weapons of massive destruction, arms
control, and disarmament continue to occupy the the international
community. The reinforcement of the regime of Treaty on the non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons in order to make [the Treaty] universal, remains
one of large the priorities of our time. It is unfortunate that
there has been no progress on the question of Iran's nuclear programme."
H.E. Mrs. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
28 September 2007
"Clearly, a major threat to human security as well as state
security is the proliferation of arms. Iceland regrets the current
situation in the fields of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation.
Despite sustained efforts by the majority of Member States over
a number of years, only limited progress has been achieved, some
of it outside the UN framework. Our failures in this area pose a
constant threat to peace and security. Now is the time to renew
our efforts. The conclusion of an arms trade treaty would certainly
be a significant achievement."
H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"To help in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, Japan has played
a leading role in the field of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
(DDR) and disbandment of illegal armed groups (DIAG), working in
close cooperation with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
(UNAMA)."
"Nuclear disarmament should receive no less attention. I reiterate
here the determination of my country to reinforce international
efforts for nuclear disarmament, as the only country in the world
that has suffered nuclear devastation. Japan will again submit a
draft resolution at this session of the General Assembly to map
out concrete measures toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons."
H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
1 October 2007
"The United Nations have represented for decades an adequate
forum for tackling different problems related to disarmament and
non-proliferation."
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's
Relations with States
1 October 2007
"In the difficult crossroads in which humanity finds itself
today, the use of force no longer represents a sustainable solution.
It is important to help the Conference on Disarmament find a way
out of the impasse in which it has been languishing for more than
a decade, relieve the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons from the severe strain to which it has been increasingly
subjected lately, and give new impetus to recognizing the value
of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This year's fiftieth
anniversary of the entry into force of the Statute of the International
Atomic Energy Agency is a most fitting occasion to reaffirm our
commitment to a peaceful future through the non-proliferation of
nuclear weapons, the reduction and definitive dismantling of existing
nuclear weapons and the non-discriminatory, peaceful and safe use
of nuclear technology."
H.E. Ms. Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1 October 2007
"Hungary supports all multilateral, regional and bilateral
efforts that contribute in an effective manner to our common goal
of disarmament and of curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Such efforts must also aim at upholding and strengthening the key
international treaties and export control regimes. In this context
one of the most important challenges is assuring compliance with
the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty."
H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2007
"Steps to achieve the complete elimination of nuclear weapons
have also only made limited headway. Despite some progress, the
world remains far from achieving the objective of total elimination
of nuclear weapons. India's long-standing commitment to universal,
non-discriminatory and comprehensive nuclear disarmament is embodied
in the vision of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for a 'nuclear-free
and non-violent world'. This vision was put forward nearly two decades
ago. It remains undiminished today. Indeed, it is all the more relevant
today, given the fact that peaceful uses of nuclear energy can address
the inexorably growing demand for new and non-polluting sources
of energy to fuel economic development. We will be bringing proposals
to member states and this organisation to see how we can refocus
on general and complete disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament.
It is disarmament that is our agreed goal, and that subsumes arms
control and nonproliferation."
H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Secretary of the General
People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation
and Head of the Libyan Delegation
1 October 2007
"In the field of Disarmament, Libya believes that comprehensive
and complete disarmament, beginning with the elimination of weapons
of mass destruction, is an essential prerequisite for the restoration
of international peace and security. For this reason, Libya initiated
its voluntary abandonment of all programmes related to weapons of
mass destruction and their means of delivery. Libya hopes that all
nations which possess such weapons or related programmes will follow
its exemplary behavior."
H.E. The Honourable Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Nepal stands for a general and complete disarmament of all
weapons of mass destruction, including biological, chemical, and
nuclear weapons under effective international control in a time-bound
manner."
"We are concerned by the lack of progress on major multilateral
negotiations in disarmament, including in nuclear disarmament and
in control of illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
We call upon the member states, especially the nuclear weapon states,
for stepping up measures for disarmament to release much-needed
dividends for development. We hope that the newly established
office of High Commissioner for disarmament affairs will infuse
dynamism in the process."
"We look forward to the inauguration of the UN Regional Center
for Peace and Disarmament for Asia and the Pacific soon in Kathmandu
in accordance with the resolution adopted by this Assembly last
year for relocation of this centre. The Government of Nepal and
the United Nations Secretariat have already signed host country
agreement and memorandum of understanding to this effect. Through
this Center, Nepal is committed to revitalizing the process of regional
disarmament, including the 'Kathmandu Process'."
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"To prevent this, the nuclear powers have a duty -to live
up to their responsibilities. Neglect is to invite failure. They
need to demonstrate their readiness to substantially reduce their
nuclear arsenals. These weapons are of no use in deterring the adversaries
we might face if the regime of non-proliferation is eroded or collapses.
It's a question of self-interest - and far-sighted statesmanship."
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary and Leader of
Pakistan Delegation
2 October 2007
"I wish to reaffirm that our strategic capability is solely
for deterrence and defence. We are opposed to an arms race and want
to maintain minimum credible deterrence. We will not be the first
to test in our region. We will never use our nuclear capability
against non-nuclear weapon states. We remain fully committed to
the objective of general and complete disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.
We want to be treated as a partner rather than a target of the global
nuclear non-proliferation regime."
“It is evident that global consensus on disarmament and non-proliferation
has been seriously eroded. There are several reasons for this. The
disavowal of nuclear disarmament by the NPT nuclear weapon states,
the emergence of de-facto nuclear weapon states not parties to the
NPT, the failure to address the security concerns of non-nuclear
weapon states and the discrimination in the conduct of peaceful
nuclear cooperation. There is an obvious need for a new and universal
consensus on non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful nuclear
cooperation that eliminates dangers and risks and establishes cooperation
on an equitable basis. In the coming months, the NSG states have
a heavy responsibility as any endorsement of a selective or discriminatory
approach could fatefully damage the existing consensus on disarmament
and non-proliferation.”
His Excellency Mr. Volodymyr Khandogiy, First Deputy Minister
for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
3 October 2007
“Among the most important challenges. Ukraine is disappointed
that a world without weapons of mass destruction remains a distant
dream. We cannot but underscore our concerns over the recent tendencies
which have already caused the erosion of multilateral regimes in
the arms control and disarmament sphere, thus making a negative
impact on mutual trust and confidence among the states. The strengthening
of the international legal norms and political instruments to prevent
WMD proliferation remains a top priority. In this regard I would
like to stress the importance of universalization of the Non-Proliferation
Convention.”
H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov, Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations
3 October 2007
“Tajikistan attaches primary importance to further strengthening
of the disarmament process, nonproliferation of nuclear weapons,
enhancement of the negotiation process on enforcement of a Comprehensive
Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty of the establishment of nuclear weapon-free
zones. In cooperation with other Central Asia states Tajikistan
took a very active part in the elaboration on the Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone in Central Asia.”
H.E. Profesor Joe R. Pemagbi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
3 October 2007
“Peace is not an event. It transcends the signing of ceasefire
and peace agreements. It also transcends the successful disarmament
and demobilization of the ex-combatants, as well as the official
declaration of the end of the armed conflict."
H.E. Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister for Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
"At the same time, the major political, social and environmental
issues on this Assemblys agenda peace and security, economic growth
and sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, drugs, crime,
international terrorism know no borders."
"When disarmament and arms control cease to be the means to
world peace, and instead become the means to score political dividends,
small countries resort to their own means of self-protection. In
other words, we become part of the problem, because the solution
is neither straightforward, nor within reach."
H.E. Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
“Ireland's historic commitment to nuclear disarmament and
nonproliferation continues.”
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Peru is firmly committed with the efforts to reach the
complete disarmament and the nonproliferation of nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons, as well as its vector systems, that constitute
a threat for the international peace and security, supporting the
strengthening and universalization of the binding multilateral agreements
in the matter.”
Non-Proliferation
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"In addition to ethic, economic or other motives, we need
to erect legal barriers to stop proliferation. For this reason,
Kazakhstan proposes to adapt the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to the new realities. It should be acknowledged
that the NPT has turned into an asymmetric agreement. It provides
for sanctions applicable only to non-nuclear states. However, if
nuclear powers call for banning the development of nuclear weapons,
they themselves should set an example of reduction and renunciation
of nuclear arsenals. That is not the case. This unfairness is an
inducement for those states that still aspire to acquire weapons
of mass destruction. It should be made clear that, in our view,
this aspiration is irrational."
H.E. Mr. George W. Bush, President
25 September 2007
"Together, we're working to stop the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction."
H.E. Branko Crvenkovski, President
25 September 2007
"The issue of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation
must remain high on our agenda, by attaching further importance
to these issues relevant for the achievement of global peace, security
and development."
H.E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President
25 September 2007
"[W]e have always been, even in difficult times but with dignity
and determination, on the side of international law, disarmament,
nonproliferation and world peace."
"Mine is a country that believes in progress and in the ability
of human beings to be the subject of their own history and to build
a better future. . . . This requires the conclusion of agreements
and the strengthening of multilateral institutions, advancing towards
disarmament and non-proliferation . . ."
H.E. Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal
25 September 2007
"We are committed to upholding, implementing and further strengthening
the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation framework in
the fight against threats which are tending to escape the control
of national sovereignty, the challenges deriving from destabilizing
accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, from illicit
or irresponsible arms trade, and from the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction, which are creating new and growing hot-spots
of international tension. In this regard, the EU welcomes the growing
support in all parts of the world for an International Arms Trade
Treaty and is firmly committed to this process."
H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President
25 September 2007
"No partnership works without teamwork, and no teamwork is
possible without constant effective communication. This means dialogue.
After all, dialogue is the best way to exercise soft power. Dialogue
and soft power can greatly advance the cause of disarmament and
non-proliferation."
H.E. Mr. Ivan Gasparovic, President
25 September 2007
"The Slovak Republic also expects the 62nd session of the
UN General Assembly to revitalise the discussion on disarmament
and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Slovakia has
had an opportunity to contribute to these efforts through its chairmanship
in the 1540 Committee of the Security Council. In this context,
in February 2007 Slovakia initiated also an open debate of the Security
Council on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
H.E. Tarja Halonen, President
26 September 2007
"We need efficient international cooperation in the field
of disarmament and non-proliferation. When considering, for example,
the number of victims of today’s conflicts, small arms and
light weapons are indeed “weapons of mass destruction”.
Finland together with more than 150 other states, supports the process
aiming at the adoption of an international arms trade treaty."
H.E. Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov, President
26 September 2007
"Turkmenistan’s neutral status, its foreign policy doctrine
of non-affiliation with any blocks, non-acceptance of force as a
means of resolving international disputes predetermine our stand
with regard to the issues of peace and security. In this context
Turkmenistan fully supports the international efforts to combat
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems,
and related technologies. Accordingly, Turkmenistan has been and
will be taking consistent practical steps to ensure implementation
of the international legal framework of non-proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction.
"In its legislation, Turkmenistan proclaims refusal to possess,
manufacture, store, transport nuclear, chemical, bacteriological
and other types of weapons of mass destruction, as well as new types
of technologies of their production. Not so long ago, in 2005, the
People’s Council of Turkmenistan by its decision adopted the
Statement on Supporting Initiatives of International Organizations
to Combat the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction."
H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President
26 September 2007
"The prevention of nuclear proliferation and the pursuit of
nuclear disarmament in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons are crucial for global peace and security. We
need to strengthen the authority of the Non-Proliferation Treaty."
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency
26 September 2007
"Realizing the enormous threat that nuclear, chemical, and
biological weapons present to the peace, especially if in the possession
of terrorists, Bosnia and Herzegovina took significant steps towards
absolute control overs over preventing the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction. Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified or took over
by succession most of the significant documents in this area. Bosnia
and Herzegovina is eager to fully cooperate with other countries
bilaterally as well as through relevant mulitlateral organizations
and initiatives in order to effectively fight the proliferation
and application of weapons of mass destruction. Bosnia and Herzegovina
passed the law on implementation of the Chemical Weapons Ban Treaty."
H.E. Nicanor Duarte Frutos, President
25 September 2007
"Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control are decisive
factors to ensure international peace and security. These are also
the guarantee, which the most defenseless countries have, of respect
for their right of self-determination and sovereignty. Furthermore,
(we must) strengthen this multilateral system capable of contributing
to mutual security."
H.E. Mr. Kessai H. Note, President
28 September 2007
"In the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, our collective
efforts need to be invigorated to overcome stalemate."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
“Urgent steps are needed to strengthen the non-proliferation
regime while providing legitimate access of all the states to the
benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The joint initiative
of the presidents of Russia and the United States put forward at
their meeting in Kennebunkport is called to start joint practical
work in this field.”
H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Diplomatic negotiations are the best option for resolving
the Iranian nuclear situation peacefully and meet the common interests
of the international community. China opposes nuclear weapon proliferation
and stands for upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation
regime and peace and stability in the Middle East. No non-proliferation
efforts should deviate from the goal of upholding international
peace and stability. Countries should honor their due international
obligations, and their right to peaceful use of nuclear energy should
be fully respected. China urges the parties concerned to show flexibility
and resume negotiations at an early date. China will continue to
contribute its share to the peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear
issue."
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Egypt profoundly believes in the three main pillars of international
disarmament treaties namely; non-proliferation, disarmament, and
the inherent right of every state to the peaceful use of nuclear
energy. In 1995, Egypt accepted the indefinite extension of the
NPT within an integrated package that included a resolution calling
upon all states of the region without exception to accede to the
Treaty, and obliging those states responsible for the maintenance
of international security to discharge their responsibilities. However,
this objective is yet to be achieved in view of the fact that Israel
has not yet acceded to the treaty despite all the international
and regional calls on it to do so.
"Today's world is witnessing an imbalance and double standards
in dealing with the various parties that have the ambition, the
potential or the expertise in the field of nuclear uses. Egypt believes
that the international disarmament and non-proliferation system
will be strengthened and that regional security in the Middle East
will be reinforced only when a single standard is applied equally
to all the states of the region without exception."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"Disarmament, arms control and conflict prevention are next
in need of a credible re-launch of multilateralism and a new partnership.
In the nuclear age, we simply cannot afford to acquiesce to the
present level of armament and to signs of a new arms race. Nonproliferation
and an actual reduction of the weapons stockpiles thus have to make
an immediate come-back to the top of the global agenda."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"Non-proliferation of weapons of massive destruction, arms
control, and disarmament continue to occupy the the international
community. The reinforcement of the regime of Treaty on the non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons in order to make [the Treaty] universal, remains
one of large the priorities of our time. It is unfortunate that
there has been no progress on the question of Iran's nuclear programme."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The Kingdom of Bahrain has become a member of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, through its conviction of the important role
played by the Agency in strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation
regime. In order to avoid a nuclear arms race in the Middle East;
the Kingdom of Bahrain underlines the importance of freeing the
region fiom nuclear weapons. It therefore urges the concerned parties,
including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be more transparent and
to cooperate fully in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty, so as to build confidence among neighbouring states in the
Gulf.The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the right of all states
to utilize nuclear power for peaceful purposes. It also demands
that Israel place all its nuclear facilities under the safeguards
regime of the IAEA, and to become a party to the NPT in order to
promote the Treaty's universality."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and
their delivery systems pose an ever increasing threat to the international
community. To curb WMD proliferation, our highest priority must
be to restore the integrity and relevance of the global nuclear
non-proliferation regime."
"In fact, the NPT regime is at a crossroads. It has faced
unprecedented challenges in recent years. In responding to these
challenges, we need to pool our wisdom to strengthen the current
nuclear non-proliferation regime. The inherent deficiencies in the
NPT should be remedied, and effective multilateral tools should
be further developed to better serve the purposes of both nuclear
nonproliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
H.E. Mrs. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
28 September 2007
"Clearly, a major threat to human security as well as state
security is the proliferation of arms. Iceland regrets the current
situation in the fields of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation.
Despite sustained efforts by the majority of Member States over
a number of years, only limited progress has been achieved, some
of it outside the UN framework. Our failures in this area pose a
constant threat to peace and security. Now is the time to renew
our efforts. The conclusion of an arms trade treaty would certainly
be a significant achievement."
H.E. Mr. Adrian Mihai Cioroianu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation
"The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains the pillar of
the international legal status in the field of nuclear non-proliferation
and also an essential instrument to promote international peace
and security. Despite all the difficulties over the years, the NPT
preserved its relevance and significance. The rigorous observation
of the norms of the Treaty represents fundamental elements of the
international system of security.
"The equilibrium returned by the rights and the obligations
registered in Treaty is essential for the stability of the international
system. In this direction, the maintenance of the fundamental principles
of the Treaty, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and international
cooperation in the field, and the guarantees with regard to observation
of the obligations of non-proliferation are essential.
"Romania attaches much importance to the development of nuclear
energy and the promotion of the peaceful applications in fields
like medicine, industry, agriculture and in other fields of public
utility. Romania [sees] nuclear energy as an alternate energy in
the context of the Protocol of Kyoto."
"A priority of the international community must aim at the
threats of the proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction,
as in some time, terrorists may acquire these types of weapons."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"On "Weapons of Mass Destruction" (WMD), it is imperative
that all states must comply with the existing non-proliferation
legal instruments in order to build a better and safer world for
all, particulary the "Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the
"Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty" that laid down a long-term
perspective toward achieving a non-proliferation regime of WMD,
and to prevent them from falling into terrorist hands which can
trigger the gravest danger to the internatibnd community."
H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
1 October 2007
"The United Nations have represented for decades an adequate
forum for tackling different problems related to disarmament and
non-proliferation."
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's
Relations with States
1 October 2007
"This year's fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force
of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency is a most
fitting occasion to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful future
through the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the reduction
and definitive dismantling of existing nuclear weapons and the non-discriminatory,
peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology."
H.E. Ms. Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1 October 2007
"My recent participation at the 51st General Conference of
the International Atomic Energy Agency and my talks with Director
General Mohamed ElBaradei reaffirmed my conviction that questions
relating to nuclear safety and non-proliferation should remain high
on our agenda."
H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2007
"It is disarmament that is our agreed goal, and that subsumes
arms control and nonproliferation."
"lndia is ready to work with the international community to
develop a new international consensus on non-proliferation. The
international community needs to intensify the effort to address
the very real threat posed by the link between proliferation of
WMDs and related materials and technologies to non-state actors.
The risk posed by the intersection between proliferation and terrorism
is real and serious. The central objective must be to ensure that
our solidarity in words is translated into action."
H.E. Mr. Basile Ikouebe, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation
and la Francophonie
2 October 2007
Unofficial Translation
"On the issue of nuclear non-proliferation, we always have
acted with respect to the Non-Proliferation Treaty in all its aspects,
including the right of all countries to develop nuclear technology
for civilian uses."
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"There are many challenges that remain to be tackled if we
are to make the world a better place. Perhaps the most important
is how we should best address the present dangers to the existing
non-proliferation regime."
"To prevent this, the nuclear powers have a duty -to live
up to their responsibilities. Neglect is to invite failure. They
need to demonstrate their readiness to substantially reduce their
nuclear arsenals. These weapons are of no use in deterring the adversaries
we might face if the regime of non-proliferation is eroded or collapses.
It's a question of self-interest - and far-sighted statesmanship."
Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“The Maldives also reiterates its steadfast opposition to
the development proliferation or use of nuclear weapons and other
weapons of mass destruction.”
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary and Leader of
Pakistan Delegation
2 October 2007
"I wish to reaffirm that our strategic capability is solely
for deterrence and defence. We are opposed to an arms race and want
to maintain minimum credible deterrence. We will not be the first
to test in our region. We will never use our nuclear capability
against non-nuclear weapon states. We remain fully committed to
the objective of general and complete disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.
We want to be treated as a partner rather than a target of the global
nuclear non-proliferation regime."
“It is evident that global consensus on disarmament and non-proliferation
has been seriously eroded. There are several reasons for this. The
disavowal of nuclear disarmament by the NPT nuclear weapon states,
the emergence of de-facto nuclear weapon states not parties to the
NPT, the failure to address the security concerns of non-nuclear
weapon states and the discrimination in the conduct of peaceful
nuclear cooperation. There is an obvious need for a new and universal
consensus on non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful nuclear
cooperation that eliminates dangers and risks and establishes cooperation
on an equitable basis. In the coming months, the NSG states have
a heavy responsibility as any endorsement of a selective or discriminatory
approach could fatefully damage the existing consensus on disarmament
and non-proliferation.”
His Excellency Mr. Volodymyr Khandogiy, First Deputy Minister
for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
3 October 2007
“Among the most important challenges. Ukraine is disappointed
that a world without weapons of mass destruction remains a distant
dream. We cannot but underscore our concerns over the recent tendencies
which have already caused the erosion of multilateral regimes in
the arms control and disarmament sphere, thus making a negative
impact on mutual trust and confidence among the states. The strengthening
of the international legal norms and political instruments to prevent
WMD proliferation remains a top priority. In this regard I would
like to stress the importance of universalization of the Non-Proliferation
Convention.”
H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov, Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations
3 October 2007
“Tajikistan attaches primary importance to further strengthening
of the disarmament process, nonproliferation of nuclear weapons,
enhancement of the negotiation process on enforcement of a Comprehensive
Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty of the establishment of nuclear weapon-free
zones. In cooperation with other Central Asia states Tajikistan
took a very active part in the elaboration on the Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone in Central Asia.”
H.E. Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
“Ireland's historic commitment to nuclear disarmament and
nonproliferation continues.”
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Peru is firmly committed with the efforts to reach the
complete disarmament and the nonproliferation of nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons, as well as its vector systems, that constitute
a threat for the international peace and security, supporting the
strengthening and universalization of the binding multilateral agreements
in the matter.”
Security
H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim
25 September 2007
"If fully implemented, the commitments made at the 2005 World
Summit, and at other summits and conferences, can create the conditions
for lasting prosperity and stability, based on the principles of
peace and security, international development, human rights and
the rule of law."
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"Even though the community of nations has recognized the need
to reform the system of international security for a long time,
there is no real progress. Lack of the international consensus on
the issue has led to a dramatic weakening of the collective security
system. Speaking in general terms, we are dealing with a systemic
crisis of international governability, the international community
is running out of legitimate levers capable of stopping the spread
of weapons of mass destruction."
"I believe that seeking an accord between religions and peacefid
coexistence of ethnic groups is a crucially important element of
the process of maintaining international security."
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir
25 September 2007
"The international order witnessed cold and bloody wars. As
much as bloody wars are humanly unacceptable, cold wars are psychologically
unbearable because they would inevitably and consequently lead to
shadowy conflicts. Such conflicts are completely incompatible with
the nature of a world in which the forces of enlightenment and the
components and tools of understanding among nations and cultures
have strived in an unprecedented manner in the history of mankind."
H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President
25 September 2007
"Some powers, whenever their logic fails, simply use the language
of threat. The huge arms race casts a shadow of threat over the
globe. The nations of Europe were the victims of two world wars
and a number of other devastating conflicts and were subjected to
the consequences of the Cold War for many decades. Today Europeans
are living under the shadow of threat, and their interests, security
and lands are endangered under shadow of the arms race imposed by
certain big powers.
"A bullying power allows itself the right to set up a missile
system, makes the life of the peoples of a continent bitter, and
lays the ground for arms race. Some rulers who superficially appear
to be powerful believe the tools they have at hand can be used at
any time and for any purpose and consequently threaten others and
cast the shadow of insecurity over nations and regions."
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
25 September 2007
"A world of peace, based on Justice and the Rule of Law, without
weapons of war and without dangerous pollution is safer, and its
construction depends solely on the political will of all the Member
States of the United Nations, especially the Permanent Members of
its Security Council."
H.E. Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey, President
26 September 2007
"It is no longer possible to limit security policy to the
traditional state framework. The focus now must, above all, be on
the security of the individual. This concept aims to convince both
governments and non-state armed groups, to respect certain basic
rules endorsed by all concerned."
"Let us not be mistaken, there can be no peace or security
without international justice."
H.E. Professor Ramano Prodi, Prime Minister
25 September 2007
"[I]nsecurity leads more and more people and countries to
close themselves off. The danger is that this sense of insecurity
can cause societies to regress. Even the most free and democratic
nations, feeling under threat, may adopt measures that will undermine
peace, and with it the civil and political rights of their citizens."
H.E. Tarja Halonen, President
26 September 2007
"A stronger United Nations also needs the reform of the Secretariat.
In this regard we welcome the additional emphasis given to the rule
of law. Support for the rule of law is a necessity in the consolidation
of global security."
H.E. Mr Felipe Perez Roque, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2007
"The wars of conquest and the proclamation and implementation
of doctrines based on pre-emptive wars, which do not exclude the
use of nuclear weapons even against non-nuclear States, and the
repreated use of pretexts such as the alleged war on terror, the
much-trumpeted promotion of democracy or the so-called regime change
in countries that are unilaterally labeled as rogue States, are
today the greatest and most serious threat to peace and security
in the world."
H.E. Mr. Nuri Kamel Al-Maliki, Prime Minister
26 September 2007
"Terrorism kills civilians, journalists, actors, thinkers,
and professionals; it attacks universities, marketplaces, and libraries;
it blows up mosques and churches and destroys the infra-structure
of State institutions. We consider terrorism an extension of the
fallen dictatorship, whether it may vary in its outside form or
by the gangs that carry it out. Terrorism aims at aborting the political
process, and igniting sectarian dissension as a prelude to hijack
Iraq back into the era of tyranny; oppression and backwardness.
"Car bombs and explosive vests in public places and the display
of decapitated heads on TV are all letters of threat that terrorists
send to the world community, the bloody chapters of which were executed
in Algeria, Spain, England, Lebanon, Turkey . . . and here in New
York. We are steadfast and determined to exterminate terrorism in
Iraq so that it does not spread around the countries of the world,
repeating the tragedy. Iraq, that carries the greater burden in
confronting terrorism calls upon the nations of the world to help
and unite its efforts towards fighting terrorism. Our battle aims
at providing security, stability and prosperity as well as protecting
our democratic experience. We are determined to be victorious in
our battle which will be a victory for humanity."
"Today we feel optimistic that countries of the region realize
the danger of the terrorist attacks against Iraq; that it is not
in their interest for Iraq to be weak. A strong democratic Iraq
will be a guarantee for security and stability in the region."
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2007
"Last year's most outstanding achievements, the establishment
of a peace building committee, a human rights council, an emergency
humanitarian fund and a democracy support fund, in additon to the
work of the United Nations Secretariat, are all considered necessary
achievements, but are not enough to combat terrorism, eliminate
weapons of mass destruction, affect climate change and acheive sustainable
development in the developing countries and the least developed
ones.
"Moreover, the revival of racial bias, religious seditions,
incitement of hatred and xenophobia represent a serious threat to
international peace and security, qhich require a serious and firm
opposition from our strong organization."
H.E. Nicanor Duarte Frutos, President
25 September 2007
"We are totally in favor of the globalization of democracy
with social development, and the universalization of security based
on respect for human rights and the dignity of human life."
"Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control are decisive
factors to ensure international peace and security. These are also
the guarantee, which the most defenseless countries have, of respect
for their right of self-determination and sovereignty. Furthermore,
(we must) strengthen this multilateral system capable of contributing
to mutual security."
H.E. Martin Torrijos Espino, President
25 September 2007
"The responsibility to solve differences and prevent conflict
falls, primarily, on those states involved in disagreements. However,
achieving peace depends a great deal on our commitment to the architecture
of collective security that is concentrated in the United Nations."
"To accomplish lasting peace more is needed than just the
laying down of arms: the road to development must be initiated,
the legal and political institutions must be reconstructed, and
human rights must be respected."
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"International peace and security constitute the bedrock of
our organization. We have come a long way since 1945 in securing
peace and security in many parts of the world. However, a lot remains
to be accomplished in order to have a conflict-free world. Conflicts
in some parts of Africa continue to remain a major source of concern
to us. We are seriously preoccupied by the situation in the Middle-East.
The trail of violence and death continues to plague the Middle East.
In order to give peace a chance to have a grip in these regions,
and manifest its positive effects in the day to day life of citizens,
we need to redouble our efforts and explore all possible avenues
to achieve peace, stability and security in the larger interests
of the citizens of these countries."
H.E. Mr. Stephenson King, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance,
External Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security
28 September 2007
"For small states peace and security are critical to our sustainable
development. Thus, the spread of small arms to our region continues
to be an especially disturbing issue, and is a major contributing
factor to crime and insecurity. This is particularly ironic given
the fact that neither arms nor ammunition are produced in our region.
We therefore call on those states that produce small arms and ammunition
to enact appropriate measures to reduce the illicit export which
threatens the security and stability of the Caribbean."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The conflict range that is expanding in international politics
through aggravations of regional crises, increasing threat of terrorism,
risks of spreading WMDs, stagnation in disarmament, is jeopardizing
international stability, diverting resources from their constructive
use and calls into question possible sustainable economic growth
throughout the world. And it is such growth that is our common fundamental
goal. Poverty and economic backwardness expand the breeding grounds
for extremism."
“Russia will spare no effort to strengthen multilateral cooperation
within the framework of the United Nations. I am convinced that
with a continued commitment to the principles of the UN Charter
we could make progress in the creation of an effective system of
collective security as was the will of the founding fathers of the
World Organization.”
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Any attempt to achieve stability and spread peace and security
in the world without a serious settlement of the Palestinian question
and the Arab-Israeli conflict will not meet with success and is
doomed to fail. The opposite is also true. Serious and sustained
action for the achievement of a just and comprehensive settlement
of that conflict directly serves international peace and security
and contributes to the stabilization of the Middle East. All are
aware of the importance of Middle East stability for the stability
of the world at large."
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"We also reaffirm our support for all efforts to promote dialogue
among cultures and civilizations and inter-faith tolerance. These,
we believe, can make a significant contribution to the promotion
of global security and peace."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"Our peoples expect from their leadership nothing less than
a life in dignity, but above all - a life in freedom from fear and
in freedom from want. If we are truly committed to human security
it is essential that we make every effort to meet the Millennium
Development Goals, by determined, concerted action to eradicate
poverty and hunger, to promote equality between men and women and
to protect our planets' resources. The Austrian Government has made
it an explicit priority to actively live up to the rising challenges."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"Regional and sub-regional cooperation have always constituted
an important part of the world system of collective security. Peace
and stability are firmly entrenched when the local community and
their neighbours live in harmony."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"We should realise that international security is based on
joint efforts to guarantee regional security and the stability of
states. At the same time, international peace requires respect for
international legitimacy, the rule of law, guaranteeing justice
and strengthening multilateralism."
"In the decades after the establishment of the United Nations
Organization, our world witnessed both unipolar and bipolar systems.
The universal development of events, and the results that emanated
therefrom, it proved that these systems were not enough in guaranteeing
security, peace, stability and prosperity in the world. Therefore,
the time is now right to enable everybody to participate effectively
in our universal system, which is based on a just multilateralism
that guarantees collective work toward achieving its goals."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"Development, human rights, and peace and security are the
three pillars of the United Nations. They are all imperatives, and
they are mutually reinforcing."
H.E. Mrs. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
28 September 2007
"Clearly, a major threat to human security as well as state
security is the proliferation of arms. Iceland regrets the current
situation in the fields of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation.
Despite sustained efforts by the majority of Member States over
a number of years, only limited progress has been achieved, some
of it outside the UN framework. Our failures in this area pose a
constant threat to peace and security. Now is the time to renew
our efforts. The conclusion of an arms trade treaty would certainly
be a significant achievement."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"In terms of security we certainly cannot underestimate the
illegal use and circulation of small arms and light weapons
as they can be an equally dangerous source of terrorism, violence
and regional conflicts."
H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Today, our world remains far fiom being tranquil and secure.
Parts of our planet are beset by violence, natural disasters and
pandemics. All humankind goes on to live under the threat of nuclear
weapons and with fear of terror and spread of WMDs. The fear will
be much greater if those weapons fall into the wrong hands. Furthermore,
the use or threat of use of force in the settlement of international
problems and violations of sovereignty of member states persist
without ebb. This hurdles the progress in the enhancement of international
peace and security and development cooperation among member states."
H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Secretary of the General
People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation
and Head of the Libyan Delegation
1 October 2007
"In the field of Disarmament, Libya believes that comprehensive
and complete disarmament, beginning with the elimination of weapons
of mass destruction, is an essential prerequisite for the restoration
of international peace and security."
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"Human rights, security and development go hand in hand. Respect
for human rights is necessary to achieve security and development,
and these three elements are mutually reinforcing. Our protection
of any individual anywhere is the protection of all individuals
everywhere."
H.E. Mr. Vladimir Norov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“The problem of shaping and promoting the ideology of tolerance,
mutual understanding and cultural diversity has taken on a special
urgency to maintain peace and security at the regional and global
levels.”
H.E. Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Worship
2 October 2007
“In this regard, Costa Rica has been calling for compliance
with the Charter, in the sense of promoting "the maintenance
of international peace and security with the least diversion for
armaments of the world's human and economic resources." Thus
reads the dead letter of article 26 of the Charter is in that spirit
that we have pressed for the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT),
that is, a legally binding instrument that codifies those existing
obligations of States under international law that may apply to
the arms trade. It is also in that spirit that we have called for
the Costa Rica Consensus, so that international donors reward those
developing countries that, while increasing social spending and
reducing military spending, are making sustainable and verifiable
efforts to meet the most pressing social needs, including the MDGs.”
“We must accept that collective security, in order to be
legitimate, must defend international law in the abstract, without
preference for some over others. Nevertheless, we continue to have
an unequal commitment to international law. Some of us have accepted
a multilateralism based on "open agreements, openly arrived
at", whereas others refuse to yield imaginary shares of sovereignty.
As long as the latter continue to understand sovereignty as the
absence of obligations and responsibilities unto others, they are
mortgaging multilateralism.”
“Security does not come from multiplying weapons, history
has already proven this too many times. Security comes from remedying
injustices, easing shortages, creating opportunities so that we
can have collective prosperity on par with collective security.
In short, welfare instead of warfare.”
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 October 2007
"From a security point of view, the world continues to be
plagued by seemingly incessant and protracted conflicts, such as
those in the Middle East, parts of Africa and elsewhere. Millions
of innocent persons are the victims of civil strife or are displaced
as a result of violence and armed conflict."
"All states, developed and developing, large and small, are vulnerable
to these threats and must of necessity have a shared commitment
to strengthen collective security and safeguard world peace and
security. No nation can address these challenges and threats entirely
on its own. Sustained collective action and global cooperation is
required to identify and shape a common vision and agreed objectives
to deal with the complexities of our times. In recent years, we
have renewed our commitment to the United Nations as the catalyst
for effectively advancing the interests of our peoples in the areas
of development, peace and security and human rights."
"Terrorism, transnational organized crime and the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction continue to threaten international
peace and security."
H.E. Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk, Minister of Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
"The United Nations is the supreme institution, to advance
multilateral diplomacy. Suriname will continue to advocate for the
strengthening and updating of the multilateral system in order to
adequately address global issues in the area of inter alia environment,
energy, water, peace, and security."
H.E. Mr. Maxime Bernier, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
"Security is the foundation on which everything lies. But
long-term security requires a sustainable investment in the country’s
development—the two go hand in hand."
H.E. Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
“Because after six decades, the core goal of the United Nations
– universal peace and security - still eludes us.”
“We must solve the humanitarian and security crisis while
simultaneously establishing the foundations for longer-term peace
and development.”
H.E. Mr. Patrick Pillay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
“Against the backdrop of increased violence from war and
terrorism, it is clear to us is that violence and the use of force
cannot be the answer. We must embrace multilateralism and insist
that international relations be guided by the rule of law as the
basis for our collective security.”
H.E. Ms. Lisa Shoman, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade
2 October 2007
“Building trust requires a return to basics. To advance development,
we must return to the basic principle of equity. In international
peace and security, we must return to the basic principles of the
Charter of the United Nations and the rule of law.”
H.E. Mr. Husein Elabe Fahiye, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation
2 October 2007
“One of the major principles in the United Nations Charter
is to maintain peace and security, and to that end to take effective
measures for the prevention and removal of breaches to world peace
and security. It is due to this conviction that I appear before
this august body to underscore the concerns of the Federal Government
of Somalia on political and security matters related to the roles
that should be tackled by the international community.”
“Here, I wish to underscore that peace, security and well-being
and prosperity of individuals and nations alike are at stake in
the fight against terrorism.”
H.E. Dr. Yannis Valinakis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Conflicts within and between States are not only the threat
to international peace and security. Proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction is a serious challenge.”
Multilateralism
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General
25 September 2007
"The pendulum of history is swinging in our favor. Multilateralism
is back. An increasingly interdependent world recognizes that the
challenges of tomorrow are best dealt with through the UN. Indeed,
they can only be dealt with through the UN."
H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President
25 September 2007
"The United Nations is our best tool to deal with today's
international challenges. It is through mulitlateral diplomacy that
we find the way to foster peace and development. Brazil's role,
alongside other Latin American and Caribbean nations, in the MINUSTAH
Stablization Mission in Haiti highlights our efforts to strengthen
multilateral institutions. In Haiti, we are showing that peace and
stability are built with democracy and social development."
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"I strongly believe that there are no problems in the world
that cannot be solved if we set harmony, tolerance and spirituality
against animosity, relying on mutual trust and cooperation. That
understanding instills hope and enhances confidence in the future.
The United Nations plays a special role in the strengthening of
those hopes. We are not skeptical about the legitimacy of the international
law and have faith in the effectiveness of such multilateral mechanisms
as the United Nations in the promotion of security and fairness."
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President
25 September 2007
"While it has been widely acknowledged that we now live in
a new and complex security environment, the international community
is yet to adopt the required realistic and achievable solutions
to contain the grave threats as countries continue to uphold paradoxical
and anachronistic security policies, inconsistent with present realities.
"In an era of collective security, it is imperative that we
replace unilateralism with multilateralism, which has been widely
acclaimed as the only viable option for the pursuit of constructive
disarmament and nonproliferation. As the bastion of international
peace and security, the UN is naturally expected to assume its leadership
role to this end."
"In this connection, let me stress that the collective aspiration
of humankind to live in a peaceful and secured world would remain
a mirage, unless we buttress our conviction in multilateralism by
exhibiting genuine commitment and the political will to objectively
and faithfully abide by the outcome of such negotiations."
"Ghana believes that the United Nations remains the ideal
multilateral instrument available for maintaining international
peace and security and for promoting fruitful international cooperation."
H.E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President
25 September 2007
"Mine is a country that believes in progress and in the ability
of human beings to be the subject of their own history and to build
a better future. . . . This requires the conclusion of agreements
and the strengthening of multilateral institutions, advancing towards
disarmament and non-proliferation . . ."
"[A]ll of us have the obligation to construct a new global
political consensus to generate collective action capable of solving
the problem in accordance with the principle of shared but dzferentiated
responsibility and within the framework of the United Nations."
H.E. Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal
25 September 2007
"In a globalised and interdependent world, only strong multilateral
institutions can promote the fundamental values of peace, democracy,
human rights and development.
"This is why we support the primacy of the United Nations
in maintaining peace and security, as the foundation and focal point
of our shared ambitions and concerted efforts and why we adopted
effective multilateralism and a rule-based international order as
the objective of the European Security Strategy.
"If the turn of the century has taught us only one lesson,
it is that global challenges require global responses. They need
effective multilateralism, and that is our business here, in the
United Nations and with the United Nations. All this will be possible
only if we all invest in this structure and the trust and the public
will, allowing it to act effectively on the international scene
with both legitimacy and determination.
"Every time that states and organizations, be they international,
regional or sub-regional, are able to respond in a coordinated and
collective manner to these threats, the results are measurable.
Cooperation between the EU and the United Nations, in this area
have been intensified, just as we, too, are developing our own capacity
through the European Security and Defence Policy."
H.E. Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President
25 September 2007
"Because the nations of the world are defined by the dominant
and the dominated, the dominant have also become the decision makers
in the important global forums, including at this seat of global
governance. Accordingly, the skewed distribution of power in the
world -- political, economic, military, technological and social
-- replicates itself in multilateral institutions, much to the disadvantage
of the majority of the poor people of the world."
H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President
25 September 2007
"And that, I believe, is what humankind needs most today:
the involvement of every one. There must be a global partnership
at work: developed and developing countries together must work with
a deeper sense of partnership, and a more profound sense of urgency."
H.E. Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey, President
26 September 2007
"If we are to get results, confrontation must give way to
dialogue and efforts to find a solution. Negotiation, dialogue and
diplomacy are the instruments of success. We must transcend the
barriers that exist between different sectors and disciplines in
the field of international relations. We must develop alliances
based on shared values. By transcending regional, ideological and
cultural limitations, this approach enables us to find solutions.
The recent past has shown what can be achieved: the International
Criminal Court, the Human Rights Council, the Mine Ban Treaty are
all the result of broad-based coalitions of countries from all regions
of the globe."
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
25 September 2007
"We believe that through joint actions, as well as through
the promotion of dialogue among civilizations and the revitalization
of the spirit of international solidarity, it is possible to build
a better world for all."
H.E. Professor Ramano Prodi, Prime Minister
25 September 2007
"National approaches to solving the world's problems are no
longer exist. The era of making and unmaking national borders is
long over. It is only through multilateralism, by marshalling everyone's
energies, that we can hope to do good.
"Our task today is to adapt for a changing world the multilateral
structures at our disposal. To think of new forms of global governance.
For there is no other way to manage global processes."
H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor
25 September 2007
"There are numerous crises we have to deal with right now.
And notwithstanding the many differing factors that have led to
these crises, they all have one thing in common - they can only
be solved multilaterally. The key to ending them is unity of purpose."
H.E. Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, S.C., President
26 September 2007
"Our world today presents a lot of challenges. These
include abject poverty for the majority of the world’s inhabitants,
underdevelopment, conflicts, human trafficking, climate change,
terrorism, violation of human rights, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and
gender equality. While some of these challenges have only recently
emerged, others have been with us from time immemorial. These challenges
cannot be entirely resolved within national boundaries or at a regional
level. They can only be resolved at the multilateral level with
all players carrying out their roles diligently."
His Majesty King Mswati III 26 September 2007
"In conclusion, whilst our world experiences ever-accelerating
political, economic and social changes, it is vital that we cooperate
with each other in order to tackle and manage these issues. Cordial,
balanced and respectful relations between nations based on the principles
of the UN charter will enable us all to meet and overcome future
challenges of our time."
H.E. Mr. Nuri Kamel Al-Maliki, Prime Minister
26 September 2007
"Partnership and achieving peace, stability and prosperity
require reinforcing the cooperative efforts of all countries of
the world, and working together to achieve the noble goals of the
United Nations."
H.E. Paul Kagame, President
27 September 2007
"The global challenges of poverty, ignorance, terrorism, conflict
and climate change require us to act collectively in a manner that
the founders of this organization captured eloquently in the words
'We the Peoples of the United Nations.'"
H.E. Mr. Boris Tadic, President
27 September 2007
"Serbia therefore considers that only gathered together on
common goals and objectives and united in action we can make a vigorous
stand against global threats to international peace and security:
terrorism, bellicose extremism, mass poverty, organized crime, pandemic
diseases and harmful consequences of climate change."
H.E. Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister
26 September 2007
"We support multilateral solutions to common problems."
H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President
27 September 2007
"Tanzania reaffirms its belief in and commitment to multilateralism
and the United Nations."
H.E. Mr. Kessai H. Note, President
28 September 2007
"I remain hopeful that the international community can have
a consensus on taking forward the necessary agreements to achieve
lasting peace, security, and diplomatic solutions to the seemingly
endless web of issues. We are so integrated and interconnected today
that we all face equal challenges, be it in terrorism or proliferation
of nuclear weapons."
H.E. The Honourable Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Solutions to liberate our world from the tyranny and fuility
of war, the social and economic inequalities that we are trapped
in, and the uncontrolled and wild spread of epidemic diseases, have
all been mapped out. These have been discussed, debated, negotiated
and in most cases agreed to, over the life of our organization.
"As with climate change, global long term challenges that
continue to remain unsolved should be approached collectively and
positively within the UN framework. An integrated approach is desireable
given the interconnectedness and the mutually reinforcing nature
of the issues. This calls for visionary and far-sighted statemen
and stateswomen who are not deterred to make the right decisions."
"The world is one global family, and no country exists in
isolation. Inter-dependence is the norm, and none is immune from
the reaches of the global problems challenging our very existence.
As history has shown, no one country, however powerful and willing
can remain aloof and solve all these problems on its own. The United
Nations therefore remains the best means to achieve multilateral
cooperation in so many important areas. With unity of purpose and
mind amongst our UN membership, we would have every reason to be
optimistic in finding solutions to the problems that beset our world."
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Mr. President, our recent history has taught us that triumphalist,
imperialist unilateralism is a consistent cause, but infrequent
solution, to the problems confronting today's world. But it is in
this moment, as the philosophy of unilateralist misadventure is
in its death throes, that a modern and multilateral United Nations
must seize the day, fill the vacuum, and live up to the noble and
immutable principles of its Charter.
"This modern, multilateral UN, under your Presidency, should
never sacrifice principle for an ignoble practicality, but instead
be suffused with a fairness that views the world through the eyes
not of imperial czars, indifferent diplomats or apathetic agencies,
to whom suffering is but a television event, easily erased with
the flick of a remote control button; but through the eyes of the
vast majority of the world's citizens, who struggle daily for survival,
who dodge bullets in their backyards, who coax a meager living from
parched and exhausted soils, and who have been globalised to the
brink of extinction. It is not idealistic or naive to assert that
engaged, fair and genuinely concerned states, working together,
can solve the seemingly intractable problems besetting our imperfect
planet. Our problems are largely man-made. So too shall be the solutions."
"Mr. President, I conclude as you have begun: by urging swift,
effective multilateral action to tackle the challenges of the modern
world. As Cuban poet and national hero Jose Marti once said, "It
is a sin not to do what you are capable of doing." By that
measure, the UN's sins of omission and commission are manifold and
manifest, despite its successes; and our collective, multilateral
and principled penance must be measured even more by our actions
from this day forward."
H.E. Mr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Let me at the outset unequivocally state that multilateralism
should be the preferred means for effecting international peace,
security and human development. There are some who would prefer
for multilateralism to recede and for the world to be run by a few
dominant powers. Those who are so inclined should be reminded of
the intent and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations which,
among other things, reaffirms the faith of humanity in, and I quote,
"fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the
human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations
large and small." End of quote. It is no small wonder then
that the crafters of the UN Charter pledged their determination
to, and I quote, "...employ international machinery for the
promotion of the economic and social advancement of ALL peoples."
End of quote."
"The challenges to peace, security and development which require
collective action have multiplied immeasurably."
"[T]here is a role for all nations, large and small, that
includes the firm resolve to strengthen the multilateral system,
in order to correct systemic imbalances that hinder the achievement
of the MDGs and other internationally agreed development goals."
"Indeed there is a role for ALL states. It should therefore
come as no surprise that Antigua and Barbuda is of the view that
small states can, and should play a crucial role by being the voices
of reason, the voices not shackled to dogmatic positions which power
necessitates. The absence of so-called 'high power" allows
small states to be pragmatic and practical in coming up with solutions
to some of the most pressing international problems."
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Sturanovic, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Today is the right time for each country, and in particular
for smallei and developing countries, to ask and answer the question
on the role of muldateralism as the superior discourse in the changing
contemporary world. Multilateralism provides a framework for choosing
those democratic, development and cultural options that can most
effectively respond to the major challenges that lie ahead, be it
preservation of peace and security, climate change, development
processes, fight against terrorism or protection of human rights.
Montenegro stands ready to actively participate in making these
principles reality, recognizing the importance of multdateral organisations,
in particular the UN."
H.E. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President
28 September 2007
"The number of global-size issues we will face in the 21st
century will require global-size cooperation. We must build bridges
of peace and prosperity. The place to start is building a stronger
United Nations."
H.E. Mr. David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs
27 September 2007
"Because the causes of inequality cross national boundaries,
we need cooperation between nations, bilateral and multilateral,
led by the UN."
H.E. General Surayud Chulanont (Ret.), Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"As the world grows smaller every day, humanity is sharing,
more than ever, a common destiny. Our faith in the UN and the multilateral
process must be equal to the challenges and opportunities facing
us."
Grand Chief Rt. Hon. Sir Michael T. Somare, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"Papua New Guinea remains committed to the principles and
purposes of the United Nations. We agree with you Mr President that
we must: continue to work with common purpose to renew, modernize
and strengthen this organization so it can rise to the challenges
of the 21st century. The increasing incidences of human atrocities,
genocides and wars, poverty, terrorism, HIVIAIDS and increase in
malaria and TB, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,
drug and human smuggling, environmental degradation and climate
change are issues which, we believe, the UN is best placed to address."
"Again we agree with you that: 'global challenges demand multilateral
solutions. The United Nations is the appropriate multilateral forum
to take action. This is why the revitalization of this General Assembly
deserves our highest attention. To revitalize this House is also
to renew our faith in each other, our common values and destiny.'"
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Our world today needs, more than ever before, effective cooperation
to find common solutions to our global problems, to replace desperation
with hope, poverty with prosperity, injustice with justice and violence
with peace around the world.
"The United Nations, created precisely for this mission, is
the only international forum that can possibly, with our collective
resolve, lead us to these objectives. The UN is also the source
of international legitimacy for our actions to these ends."
H.E. Mr. Abdelwaheb Abdallah, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"[T]here is a need to design new frameworks and new mechanisms
of action that would reinforce the underpinnings of international
peace and security and allow achieving collective solutions to the
common challenges facing the international community. In so doing,
we should be inspired by an innovative approach that lays foundation
to a global, comprehensive, efficient and solidarity based partnership
between different components of the international community, on
the basis of constructive dialogue between peoples, cultures civilizations
and religions."
"Since the inception of the United Nations, Tunisia has been
expressing constant faith in the noble principles and objectives
of the organization. It has always been committed to lending its
support to the efforts aimed at creating fkvorable conditions for
elaborating appropriate collective responses to global common challenges
and for solving several problems that are a source of concern to
the world as well as establishing solidarity based cooperation and
partnership between all components of the international community."
Mr. José María Pereria Neves, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Nor are there local solutions to the global threats of our
era. Responses to these issues will not be effective unless within
a robust, balanced and fair multilateral perspective. The UN is,
and should continue to be, the basis, the guarantor and the congregating
center for multilateralism."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
“Russia will spare no effort to strengthen multilateral cooperation
within the framework of the United Nations. I am convinced that
with a continued commitment to the principles of the UN Charter
we could make progress in the creation of an effective system of
collective security as was the will of the founding fathers of the
World Organization.”
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Based on our belief in the significance of global multi-lateralism
and of the UN's vital role, we continue our support for the efforts
aimed at the reform of the organization..."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"We can all feel a sense of urgency at this 62nd General Assembly:
the need to counter contemporary challenges with decisive joint
action, Climate change, disarmament and dangerous technologies are
just three examples requiring such joint action, now."
"Let me thus call for re-launching effective multilateralism.
And let me make the case for a new global partnership - the joint
search for sustainable joint solutions. United by a shared sense
of responsibility and purpose.
"The very concept of partnership is key in addressing the
new challenges, both inside our societies and in the global village.
Partnership is an eye-to-eye level approach, based on recognizing
and respecting each other as equals. Partnership is a demanding
offer: who wants to be treated as a partner has to behave as a partner.
"We know: none of us, not even the strongest can master the
challenges of the 21st century on his or her own. In the age of
globalization unilateralism and nationalism are dead-end streets.
They simply do not achieve effective and durable results. We thus
need both global processes and global objectives. We need to actively
engage to build confidence and counter the erosion of trust that
so often breeds unilateral action."
"Disarmament, arms control and conflict prevention are next
in need of a credible re-launch of multilateralism and a new partnership."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"For mulitlateralism to be effective, it would benefit from
a robust partnership between the UN and regional organizations."
"Regional and sub-regional cooperation have always constituted
an important part of the world system of collective security. Peace
and stability are firmly entrenched when the local community and
their neighbours live in harmony."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"We should realise that international security is based on
joint efforts to guarantee regional security and the stability of
states. At the same time, international peace requires respect for
international legitimacy, the rule of law, guaranteeing justice
and strengthening multilateralism."
"In the decades after the establishment of the United Nations
Organization, our world witnessed both unipolar and bipolar systems.
The universal development of events, and the results that emanated
therefrom, it proved that these systems were not enough in guaranteeing
security, peace, stability and prosperity in the world. Therefore,
the time is now right to enable everybody to participate effectively
in our universal system, which is based on a just multilateralism
that guarantees collective work toward achieving its goals."
H.E. Mr. George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Whether it is climate change, global pandemics, the fight
against terrorism, the multilateral trading system or international
finance, we need better global governance. During the Cold War,
the world was divided into two camps with each superpower taking
the lead in its own sphere. That era is behind us. A multi-polar
world is crystallising. On no major issue now can one country, however
powerful, act on its own in complete disregard of the views of others."
H.E. Mr. Sergei N. Martynov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"At the turn of the century systems based on antagonism and
confrontation are becoming a thing of the past. The sand of time
is inexorably flowing out of them. New systems must replace them
- international systems based on partnership."
"Though still split by the old paradigm of confrontation between
North and South and the imposed myths of confrontation between 'developed
and developing' states, the myths of a 'conflict of civilisations',
the international community should through its actions today build
a practical partnership that will form the foundation for new systems
of world order. Where we succeed in working together, there we will
be able to tackle the most serious 'problems."
"Tomorrow belongs to the positive ideas and actions, to the
engagement and cooperation for peace, in the common interest of
the entire international community."
H.E. Mr. Abdelelah Al-Khatib, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Today's world requires a more effective United Nations role
in addressing international challenges, such as climate change,
terrorism, international crime, poverty, hunger, infectious diseases;
and increasing factional, sectarian, and ethnic conflicts."
H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, Minister
for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
28 September 2007
"We know today that States alone cannot effectively deal with
the global agenda and guarantee human development in a world that
is ever more uncertain and interdependent, though not less stimulating
and creative.
"Means exist in the universal, regional, and bilateral dimensions,
as well as in its multiple interrelations. The structures and organizations
that the international community has built with so much effort are
a complex framework that we must reform, strengthen and update.
Spain promotes an effective multilateralism, inspired by values
and principles sustained by the people."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"In fact, the NPT regime is at a crossroads. It has faced
unprecedented challenges in recent years. In responding to these
challenges, we need to pool our wisdom to strengthen the current
nuclear non-proliferation regime. The inherent deficiencies in the
NPT should be remedied, and effective multilateral tools should
be further developed to better serve the purposes of both nuclear
nonproliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
"Today's global challenges require a collective response.
Ever-widening globalization has brought with it a growing role for
the United Nations. By virtue of its universality, the UN is the
right body to deal with these global issues. No other organization
can provide the legitimacy and authority that the United Nations
offers.
"The UN has played an indispensable role in setting international
norms and principles. It has pointed States and peoples in the right
direction. By enhancing predictability and rule-based interaction
between and among nations, the UN is able to prevent conflicts of
interest from erupting into crises. These are the quiet successes
of the United Nations that often go unnoticed, precisely because
the Organization helps to keep the international system running
smoothly."
"Our efforts in Northeast Asia are a testament to the importance
of diplomacy and international cooperation, as exemplified by the
United Nations. Even the most daunting challenges can be overcome
when nations join forces to share the burden."
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Trade
28 September 2007
Multilateralism: "We were most encouraged by your acceptance
speech [Mr. President] and your plans for the future. You expressed
strong support for multi-lateral solutions to world problems and
we were pleased to hear this. We certainly agree with the need for
the United Nations to strengthen its central position in the multilateral
system."
H.E. Mr. Adrian Mihai Cioroianu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation
"Romania remains firmly attached to its engagement in favour
of efficient multilateralism on all the three pillars of the United
Nations' activity: peace and security, human rights, sustainable
development."
H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"The global circumstances continue to evolve with complexity
and uncertainty though the tendency towards peace and multilateral
cooperation for development increasingly becomes prominent."
H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Global challenges require global approaches, and no other
body is better equipped to serve as the steering house of the collective
efforts of the international community than the United Nations.
The United Nations is the world's most universal, legitimate and
authoritative organization. It is a true political center of global
cooperation. It gives us legitimacy. It gives us legality."
H.E. Mr. Karel De Gucht, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Multilateralism is back. Nevertheless, it is only a method,
rather than an end in itself. This method can be disappointing if
it does not bring results. We therefore need an instrument that
will allow to give shape to multilateralism, and we must adapt the
United Nations to the current environment. Achieving our common
objectives depends on developing a modern organization that is well
adapted, well equipped and well managed. We will therefore need
to consolidate the basis for a responsible and professional Secretariat."
H.E. Ms. Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1 October 2007
"I believe that the world needs, more than ever before, effective
multilateralism, which is still a key word for the future."
"Hungary supports all multilateral, regional and bilateral
efforts that contribute in an effective manner to our common goal
of disarmament and of curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction."
"On behalf of my country I would like to reiterate Hungary's
commitment to upholding the rule of international law, to giving
priority to effective multilateralism, to spreading the culture
of cooperation and peaceful settlement of international disputes,
and to making every effort to preserve a sustainable environment
for the future generations."
H.E. The Honourable Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"The increasing importance of multilateralism has made the
United Nations indispensable."
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Benaïssa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Cooperation
1 October 2007
"The world is undergoing considerable changes and is confronted
with numerous challenges characterized by their intensity and their
global nature. Thus emerges the need for effective multilateral
institutions that are able to establish effective cooperation, to
coordinate between States and to promote coherence and synergy among
the various national and regional initiatives."
Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“However, we sincerely believe that the reforms cannot fully
succeed without the much-needed and concurrent reform of the Security
Council. Maldives firmly believes that an effective multilateral
framework is fundamental for the security of small states and that
such a framework should take into consideration the modem geopolitical
realities.”
H.E. The Honourable Samuel Rudolph Insanally, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Former President of the General Assembly
2 October 2007
“As this new era of globalization unfolds, with its many
challenges and opportunities, I invite this august Assembly to support
fully our appeal for the firm establishment of a more enlightened
and compassionate model of multilateralism as the cornerstone of
future international relations.”
H.E. Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Worship
2 October 2007
“Mr President, as the United Nations advances well into
its 62nd year, we can ask ourselves how we have fared in the stewardship
of our world. As we are weighed in the balances, have we passed
or found wanting. The plethora of outstanding issues, unfulfilled
commitments, new and evolving global challenges however reaffirms
the relevance of the United Nations as the only multilateral institution
that can appropriately deal with these complex global issues.”
“We must accept that collective security, in order to be
legitimate, must defend international law in the abstract, without
preference for some over others. Nevertheless, we continue to have
an unequal commitment to international law. Some of us have accepted
a multilateralism based on "open agreements, openly arrived
at", whereas others refuse to yield imaginary shares of sovereignty.
As long as the latter continue to understand sovereignty as the
absence of obligations and responsibilities unto others, they are
mortgaging multilateralism.”
“Here gather consciences and cultures from all latitudes.
They do so because they know that the solitude of unilateralism
is a dead end. Multilateralism, however, must have subscription
fees. Who wants to be treated as a partner has to behave as one.
If not, we will never be able to live up to our promise of never
again.”
“We have a world of reasons to persevere and prevail over
the challenges we face. Neither the chronic pessimism of some, nor
the ungrateful egoism of others, will check the slow but determined
march forward of those of us who believe in multilateralism and
in a better future of shared welfare for all.”
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 October 2007
"All states, developed and developing, large and small, are vulnerable
to these threats and must of necessity have a shared commitment
to strengthen collective security and safeguard world peace and
security. No nation can address these challenges and threats entirely
on its own. Sustained collective action and global cooperation is
required to identify and shape a common vision and agreed objectives
to deal with the complexities of our times. In recent years, we
have renewed our commitment to the United Nations as the catalyst
for effectively advancing the interests of our peoples in the areas
of development, peace and security and human rights."
Honorable Minister Marco Hausiku, MP
3 October 2007
"The world needs a strong United Nations and effective multilateralism
that can help humanity to respond timely and effectively to global
challenges."
H.E. Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk, Minister of Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
"The United Nations is the supreme institution, to advance
multilateral diplomacy. Suriname will continue to advocate for the
strengthening and updating of the multilateral system in order to
adequately address global issues in the area of inter alia environment,
energy, water, peace, and security."
H.E. Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister for Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
"At the same time, the major political, social and environmental
issues on this Assemblys agenda peace and security, economic growth
and sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, drugs, crime,
international terrorism know no borders. None of us can tackle
them individually if we expect to resolve them effectively. Their
solutions are in our common interest. The problems are vast and
touch all of humanity. Because they cannot be solved within our
borders alone, does not mean anyone has the right, or the luxury,
to abdicate responsibility for their consequences."
H.E. Mr. Patrick Pillay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
3 October 2007
“More than ever, we believe that the world needs strong and
effective multilateralism. Indeed, we are convinced that the most
effective means of advancing our collective interests are through
the United Nations.”
“Against the backdrop of increased violence from war and
terrorism, it is clear to us is that violence and the use of force
cannot be the answer. We must embrace multilateralism and insist
that international relations be guided by the rule of law as the
basis for our collective security.”
H.E. Mr. Charles A. Savarin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade
and Labour
2 October 2007
“In the interdependent world which we live in today, the
promotion of the fundamental values of peace, democracy, human rights
and development depend on strong multilateral institutions. Dominica
believes that it is only a strong United Nations, which is sensitive
to the variable geometry of its own complex construction that can
serve as the foundation of our shared ambitions for effective multilateralism,
and a rules-based international order.”
“The experience of the last decade has taught us one important
lesson, that global challenges require global responses, and that
these challenges can only receive the appropriate responses through
the framework of multilateral action. The United Nations is the
undisputed center for multilateralism, and we must all demonstrate
unwavering commitment to vest in the United Nations the authority
and allow it the space to undertake effective interventions in the
interest of the preservation of human life, human rights, peace,
justice, democracy and the rule of law.”
Nuclear
Weapons
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"I want to invite us all to make not a very long trip down
the memory lane and recall that in 1946, the United Nations General
Assembly, convened for the very first time, by its very first decision
established a Commission to Deal with the Problems Raised by the
Discovery of Atomic Energy. As you can see, already at that point
in history, an extraordinary power unleashed by that scientific
discovery and its use for military purposes became a matter of concern
for the world community. And almost nothing has happened since that
time to allay fears of the humanity. On the contrary, the race for
the possession of nuclear weapons, now joined by even terrorist
organizations, has continued unabated all through these years."
"[I]f nuclear powers call for banning the development of nuclear
weapons, they themselves should set an example of reduction and
renunciation of nuclear arsenals. That is not the case. This unfairness
is an inducement for those states that still aspire to acquire weapons
of mass destruction. It should be made clear that, in our view,
this aspiration is irrational."
H.E. Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov, President
26 September 2007
"Turkmenistan’s neutral status, its foreign policy doctrine
of non-affiliation with any blocks, non-acceptance of force as a
means of resolving international disputes predetermine our stand
with regard to the issues of peace and security. In this context
Turkmenistan fully supports the international efforts to combat
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems,
and related technologies. Accordingly, Turkmenistan has been and
will be taking consistent practical steps to ensure implementation
of the international legal framework of non-proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction.
"In its legislation, Turkmenistan proclaims refusal to possess,
manufacture, store, transport nuclear, chemical, bacteriological
and other types of weapons of mass destruction, as well as new types
of technologies of their production. Not so long ago, in 2005, the
People’s Council of Turkmenistan by its decision adopted the
Statement on Supporting Initiatives of International Organizations
to Combat the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction."
H.E. Mr Felipe Perez Roque, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2007
"The wars of conquest and the proclamation and implementation
of doctrines based on pre-emptive wars, which do not exclude the
use of nuclear weapons even against non-nuclear States, and the
repreated use of pretexts such as the alleged war on terror, the
much-trumpeted promotion of democracy or the so-called regime change
in countries that are unilaterally labeled as rogue States, are
today the greatest and most serious threat to peace and security
in the world."
"Instead of moving towards general and complete disarmament,
including nuclear disarmament, which has been an ongoing demand
of the Non-Aligned Movement for decades, we bear witness to the
promotion of the arms race and to the squandering of wealth on new
weapons and arms systems that deplete the resources required by
the world in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and
address the very serious problems stemming from poverty and marginalization."
"An attempt is made to prevent, in a politicized and selective
fashion, the implementation of the principle – already contained
in the Non-Proliferation Treaty – that nations are entitled
to the development of nuclear energy with peaceful purposes. Threats
are imposed to launch wars against and wreak havoc on some countries
while allowing the aggressive ally to have hundreds of nuclear devices
and helping them modernize such artifacts continuously.
"How much more time will it have to elapse and how many new
victims will have to die before the hawks or war understand that
weapons are useless to resolve the critical problems of humankind?"
"The President of the United States has no right at all to
pass judgment on any other sovereign nation on this planet. Having
powerful nuclear weapons offers no right whatsoever to tread upon
the rights of the peoples of the other 191 countries that are represented
here."
H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President
27 September 2007
"Asia is the most nuclearized region of the world. I don't
know that we should be proud of such a status. The Mutually Assured
Destruction (MAD) is indeed madness as the acronym itself suggests.
Our scientists have developed Frankenstein monsters that may well
destroy us all - either by design if the weapons fall into the hands
of non-state actors or by accident."
"Those powers that possess nuclear weapon should reengage
and dismantle all such weapon and other forms of weapons of mass
destruction. History has shown us how mighty empires and regimes
built on terror and fear, have come and gone, crumbled in spite
of their arsenals."
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2007
"Here, we demand from the international community to pressure
Israel to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty and subject all its
nuclear facilities to the safeguards of the IAEA."
H.E. Mr. Kessai H. Note, President
28 September 2007
"Nuclear weapons and the testing conducted in our islands
in the past is a nightmare that continues to haunt my people. The
67 atmospheric weapons detonated on my home island of Bikini Atoll
from 1946 to 1958 have inflicted pains and sufferings amongst my
people to this day. The Marshallese people were under the care of
the UN Trusteeship Council when the US Nuclear Testing Program was
in progress. Again and again, I call on the United Nations and its
agencies and Member States who share similar experiences and have
the expertise to assist us with the restoration of our environment
contaminated with radiation, and in providing the needed assistance
of my people's health care needs that are linked to radiation exposure,
as well as supporting the Marshall Islands' Changed Circumstances
Petition (CCP) submitted to the US Congress in 2000.
"I commend the work of the Assembly last session for adopting
a resolution requesting the United Nations Scientific Committee
on the Effects of Atomic Radiation to continue its work, including
its activities to increase knowledge of the levels, effects and
risks of ionizing radiation from all sources; and for requesting
the United Nations Environment Programme to continue providing support
for the work of the Scientific Committee and to review and strengthen
the Committee's present findings. I am confident that my people
will benefit from UNSCEAR's work noting that previous policy and
resettlement decisions based on misleading scientific opinions have
caused so much suffering among my people."
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Our world still suffers from a wide range of issues, conflicts
and threats, among the most visible of which are the spread of poverty
and epidemics worldwide, the degradation of the natural environment,
terrorism, organised crime, the spread of extremism and violations
of human rights, as well as attempts to obtain nuclear weapons."
"Having followed the progress of and challenges to the current
international negotiations on comprehensive nuclear disarmament,
in particular the preparatory meetings for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, we stress that collective regional
and international security requires that there should be a universal,
fair and balanced international policy that guarantees the universal
compliance of all states with the Global Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Regime and requires states possessing nuclear weapons to live up
to their obligations to dismantle their weapons of mass destruction,
WMD. This, at the same time, must safeguard the inalienable right
of all nations, developing nations in particular, to seek and acquire
nuclear power in accordance with the system of safeguards laid down
by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
"We reaffirm our belief that Israel should not be excluded
from the terms of the Nonproliferation Treaty on nuclear weapons,
as its possession of such weapons poses a danger to the whole region."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"Nuclear technology is a third field for a new global partnership.
The world turns nuclear, whether we like it or not. This in itself
is regrettable for countries like Austria who have renounced nuclear
energy altogether because we believe it is a dangerous and nonsustainable
source of energy. Inevitably, the rise of nuclear power across the
globe will lead to more and more tensions with regard to the nature
- for energy purposes or for weapons development - of national nuclear
programmes. There is a highly dangerous "grey zone" between
what is permitted and what is possible."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"Non-proliferation of weapons of massive destruction, arms
control, and disarmament continue to occupy the the international
community. The reinforcement of the regime of Treaty on the non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons in order to make [the Treaty] universal, remains
one of large the priorities of our time. It is unfortunate that
there has been no progress on the question of Iran's nuclear programme."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Since comprehensive development is a national and international
requirement, it is important for us to face in a collective and
serious manner all forms of threats, such as conflicts, wars, nuclear
proliferation, terrorism, environmental disasters, poverty, backwardness,
and extremism, in accordance with the principles and goals stated
in the United Nations Charter and the resolutions and decisions
adopted by the General Assembly, including the United Nations Millennium
Declaration."
"The Kingdom of Bahrain has become a member of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, through its conviction of the important role
played by the Agency in strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation
regime. In order to avoid a nuclear arms race in the Middle East;
the Kingdom of Bahrain underlines the importance of freeing the
region fiom nuclear weapons. It therefore urges the concerned parties,
including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be more transparent and
to cooperate fully in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty, so as to build confidence among neighbouring states in the
Gulf.The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the right of all states
to utilize nuclear power for peaceful purposes. It also demands
that Israel place all its nuclear facilities under the safeguards
regime of the IAEA, and to become a party to the NPT in order to
promote the Treaty's universality."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and
their delivery systems pose an ever increasing threat to the international
community. To curb WMD proliferation, our highest priority must
be to restore the integrity and relevance of the global nuclear
non-proliferation regime."
H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Nuclear disarmament should receive no less attention. I reiterate
here the determination of my country to reinforce international
efforts for nuclear disarmament, as the only country in the world
that has suffered nuclear devastation. Japan will again submit a
draft resolution at this session of the General Assembly to map
out concrete measures toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"On "Weapons of Mass Destruction" (WMD), it is imperative
that all states must comply with the existing non-proliferation
legal instruments in order to build a better and safer world for
all, particulary the "Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the
"Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty" that laid down a long-term
perspective toward achieving a non-proliferation regime of WMD,
and to prevent them from falling into terrorist hands which can
trigger the gravest danger to the internatibnd community."
H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Today, our world remains far from being tranquil and secure.
Parts of our planet are beset by violence, natural disasters and
pandemics. All humankind goes on to live under the threat of nuclear
weapons and with fear of terror and spread of WMDs. The fear will
be much greater if those weapons fall into the wrong hands. Furthermore,
the use or threat of use of force in the settlement of international
problems and violations of sovereignty of member states persist
without ebb. This hurdles the progress in the enhancement of international
peace and security and development cooperation among member states."
H.E. Mr. Walid al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"We believe that it is necessary to compel Israel, the sole
party in the region that possesses nuclear weapons, to submit its
facilities to the safeguards regime of the IAEA and adhere to the
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards
Agreement."
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's
Relations with States
1 October 2007
"It is important to help the Conference on Disarmament find
a way out of the impasse in which it has been languishing for more
than a decade, relieve the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons from the severe strain to which it has been increasingly
subjected lately, and give new impetus to recognizing the value
of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. This year's fiftieth
anniversary of the entry into force of the Statute of the International
Atomic Energy Agency is a most fitting occasion to reaffirm our
commitment to a peaceful future through the non-proliferation of
nuclear weapons, the reduction and definitive dismantling of existing
nuclear weapons and the non-discriminatory, peaceful and safe use
of nuclear technology."
H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2007
"Steps to achieve the complete elimination of nuclear weapons
have also only made limited headway. Despite some progress, the
world remains far from achieving the objective of total elimination
of nuclear weapons. India's long-standing commitment to universal,
non-discriminatory and comprehensive nuclear disarmament is embodied
in the vision of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for a 'nuclear-free
and non-violent world'. This vision was put forward nearly two decades
ago. It remains undiminished today."
H.E. The Honourable Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Nepal stands for a general and complete disarmament of all
weapons of mass destruction, including biological, chemical, and
nuclear weapons under effective international control in a time-bound
manner."
"We are concerned by the lack of progress on major multilateral
negotiations in disarmament, including in nuclear disarmament and
in control of illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
We call upon the member states, especially the nuclear weapon states,
for stepping up measures for disarmament to release much-needed
dividends for development. We hope that the newly established
office of High Commissioner for disarmament affairs will infuse
dynamism in the process."
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"Were there to be one new state with nuclear weapons, the
danger is that soon another would follow. Shortly, these weapons
might well be out of any state's control. The risk of nuclear terrorism
would be a very real one. This must be prevented. Our children deserve
to live in a world safe from the threat of nuclear war and of weapons
of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. These
weapons threaten the very existence of mankind."
"To prevent this, the nuclear powers have a duty -to live
up to their responsibilities. Neglect is to invite failure. They
need to demonstrate their readiness to substantially reduce their
nuclear arsenals. These weapons are of no use in deterring the adversaries
we might face if the regime of non-proliferation is eroded or collapses.
It's a question of self-interest - and far-sighted statesmanship."
Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“The Maldives also reiterates its steadfast opposition to
the development proliferation or use of nuclear weapons and other
weapons of mass destruction.”
H.E. Mr. Choe Su Hon, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman
of the Delegation
2 October 2007
“The principles of respect for national sovereignty and
equality, the foundation of international relations, are threatened
by the attempts to continue and expand the "war against terrorism"
for selfish purposes, and the highhandedness and arbitrariness of
some forces advocating the preemptive nuclear strikes while accelerating
the modernization of nuclear weapons.”
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary and Leader of
Pakistan Delegation
2 October 2007
"I wish to reaffirm that our strategic capability is solely
for deterrence and defence. We are opposed to an arms race and want
to maintain minimum credible deterrence. We will not be the first
to test in our region. We will never use our nuclear capability
against non-nuclear weapon states. We remain fully committed to
the objective of general and complete disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation.
We want to be treated as a partner rather than a target of the global
nuclear non-proliferation regime."
“It is evident that global consensus on disarmament and non-proliferation
has been seriously eroded. There are several reasons for this. The
disavowal of nuclear disarmament by the NPT nuclear weapon states,
the emergence of de-facto nuclear weapon states not parties to the
NPT, the failure to address the security concerns of non-nuclear
weapon states and the discrimination in the conduct of peaceful
nuclear cooperation. There is an obvious need for a new and universal
consensus on non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful nuclear
cooperation that eliminates dangers and risks and establishes cooperation
on an equitable basis. In the coming months, the NSG states have
a heavy responsibility as any endorsement of a selective or discriminatory
approach could fatefully damage the existing consensus on disarmament
and non-proliferation.”
“Our nuclear and strategic assets are solely for defensive
purpose. We started pursuing the nuclear option only after 1974
when the strategic balance was disrupted by the first Indian nuclear
test. Our initiatives for keeping South Asia free of nuclear weapons
received scant response internationally.”
H.E. Ms. Rosemary Banks, Permanent Representative of New
Zealand
3 October 2007
"New Zealand is also pleased to promote a new initiative at
the UN General Assembly this year calling for action to lower the
operational status of nuclear weapons. Maintaining a nuclear weapon
systems at a high-level of readiness increases the risk of these
weapons being used, with catastrophic consequences."
H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov, Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations
3 October 2007
“Tajikistan attaches primary importance to further strengthening
of the disarmament process, nonproliferation of nuclear weapons,
enhancement of the negotiation process on enforcement of a Comprehensive
Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty of the establishment of nuclear weapon-free
zones."
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Peru is firmly committed with the efforts to reach the
complete disarmament and the nonproliferation of nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons, as well as its vector systems, that constitute
a threat for the international peace and security, supporting the
strengthening and universalization of the binding multilateral agreements
in the matter.”
Nuclear
Energy
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"Possessing large deposits of uranium, we will be playing
an important role in the development of nuclear energy sector."
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President
25 September 2007
"Ghana would continue to strongly advocate for the right of
states, especially developing countries, to peaceful use of nuclear
technology, given its immense contribution to socio-economic development.
However, we also recognize that this inherent right should be pursued
under the rubric of international agreements, especially with respect
to verifiability and transparency. My delegation therefore joins
others in calling for the IAEA's verification mechanism to be strengthened
to enable the Agency discharge its onerous responsibility effectively
and efficiently."
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2007
"[W]e stress the right of all states in the region to obtain
the technology and the know-how for the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy within the context allowed by relevant international conventions."
H.E. General Surayud Chulanont (Ret.), Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"At the same time, we seek to meet our growing energy demand
through renewable energy and bio-fuels. We are also considering
the option of nuclear energy, paying heed to the crucial issue of
safety."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
“Urgent steps are needed to strengthen the non-proliferation
regime while providing legitimate access of all the states to the
benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The joint initiative
of the presidents of Russia and the United States put forward at
their meeting in Kennebunkport is called to start joint practical
work in this field.”
H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Diplomatic negotiations are the best option for resolving
the Iranian nuclear situation peacefully and meet the common interests
of the international community. China opposes nuclear weapon proliferation
and stands for upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation
regime and peace and stability in the Middle East. No non-proliferation
efforts should deviate from the goal of upholding international
peace and stability. Countries should honor their due international
obligations, and their right to peaceful use of nuclear energy should
be fully respected. China urges the parties concerned to show flexibility
and resume negotiations at an early date. China will continue to
contribute its share to the peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear
issue."
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Egypt profoundly believes in the three main pillars of international
disarmament treaties namely; non-proliferation, disarmament, and
the inherent right of every state to the peaceful use of nuclear
energy. In 1995, Egypt accepted the indefinite extension of the
NPT within an integrated package that included a resolution calling
upon all states of the region without exception to accede to the
Treaty, and obliging those states responsible for the maintenance
of international security to discharge their responsibilities. However,
this objective is yet to be achieved in view of the fact that Israel
has not yet acceded to the treaty despite all the international
and regional calls on it to do so.
"Today's world is witnessing an imbalance and double standards
in dealing with the various parties that have the ambition, the
potential or the expertise in the field of nuclear uses. Egypt believes
that the international disarmament and non-proliferation system
will be strengthened and that regional security in the Middle East
will be reinforced only when a single standard is applied equally
to all the states of the region without exception."
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Having followed the progress of and challenges to the current
international negotiations on comprehensive nuclear disarmament,
in particular the preparatory meetings for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, we stress that collective regional
and international security requires that there should be a universal,
fair and balanced international policy that guarantees the universal
compliance of all states with the Global Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Regime and requires states possessing nuclear weapons to live up
to their obligations to dismantle their weapons of mass destruction,
WMD. This, at the same time, must safeguard the inalienable right
of all nations, developing nations in particular, to seek and acquire
nuclear power in accordance with the system of safeguards laid down
by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"Nuclear technology is a third field for a new global partnership.
The world turns nuclear, whether we like it or not. This in itself
is regrettable for countries like Austria who have renounced nuclear
energy altogether because we believe it is a dangerous and nonsustainable
source of energy. Inevitably, the rise of nuclear power across the
globe will lead to more and more tensions with regard to the nature
- for energy purposes or for weapons development - of national nuclear
programmes. There is a highly dangerous "grey zone" between
what is permitted and what is possible."
"A new global partnership where sensitive parts of the nuclear
fuel cycle are multilateralized could offer a way out. We should
create a regime in which enrichment facilities would be placed under
the control of the IAEA. The Agency would guarantee adequate fuel
supply to those who fulfil strict non-proliferation criteria through
an international "nuclear fuel bank". This would help
to dissuade tensions and make new national enrichment facilities
superfluous."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The Kingdom of Bahrain has become a member of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, through its conviction of the important role
played by the Agency in strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation
regime. In order to avoid a nuclear arms race in the Middle East;
the Kingdom of Bahrain underlines the importance of freeing the
region fiom nuclear weapons. It therefore urges the concerned parties,
including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be more transparent and
to cooperate fully in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty, so as to build confidence among neighbouring states in the
Gulf.The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the right of all states
to utilize nuclear power for peaceful purposes. It also demands
that Israel place all its nuclear facilities under the safeguards
regime of the IAEA, and to become a party to the NPT in order to
promote the Treaty's universality."
H.E. Mr. Sergei N. Martynov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Acute perception by Belarus of climate change and environment
protection issues is not accidental. Just like our neighbours -
the Russian Federation and Ukraine, for the past two decades Belarus
has been dealing with the consequences of the deadliest man-made
disaster of the 20th century - accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear
Power Plant."
"We have learned a lot from overcoming 'the consequences of
the Chernobyl disaster. We have gained a unique experience. We have
collected and analysed a considerable volume of scientific data
on the effects of nuclear radiation. We are ready to share this
information and to take an active part in the work of the United
Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation
(UNSCEAR)."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"In fact, the NPT regime is at a crossroads. It has faced
unprecedented challenges in recent years. In responding to these
challenges, we need to pool our wisdom to strengthen the current
nuclear non-proliferation regime. The inherent deficiencies in the
NPT should be remedied, and effective multilateral tools should
be further developed to better serve the purposes of both nuclear
nonproliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. As home
to the world's sixth-largest civil nuclear energy industry, the
Republic of Korea regards the peaceful use of nuclear energy as
crucial to our sustainable energy supply and economic development.
This is all the more reason why we support strengthened safeguards
against possible proliferation as a guarantor for the expanded use
of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes."
H.E. Mr. Adrian Mihai Cioroianu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation
"The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains the pillar of
the international legal status in the field of nuclear non-proliferation
and also an essential instrument to promote international peace
and security. Despite all the difficulties over the years, the NPT
preserved its relevance and significance. The rigorous observation
of the norms of the Treaty represents fundamental elements of the
international system of security.
"The equilibrium returned by the rights and the obligations
registered in Treaty is essential for the stability of the international
system. In this direction, the maintenance of the fundamental principles
of the Treaty, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and international
cooperation in the field, and the guarantees with regard to observation
of the obligations of non-proliferation are essential.
"Romania attaches much importance to the development of nuclear
energy and the promotion of the peaceful applications in fields
like medicine, industry, agriculture and in other fields of public
utility. Romania [sees] nuclear energy as an alternate energy in
the context of the Protocol of Kyoto."
H.E. Mr. Walid al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"I would like to affirm that Syria associates itself with
the declared positions of other developing countries stressing the
rights of all countries to freely acquire nuclear technologies and
use them for peaceful purposes."
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's
Relations with States
1 October 2007
"This year's fiftieth anniversary of the entry into
force of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency is
a most fitting occasion to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful
future through the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the reduction
and definitive dismantling of existing nuclear weapons and the non-discriminatory,
peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology."
H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2007
"Indeed, it is all the more relevant today, given the fact
that peaceful uses of nuclear energy can address the inexorably
growing demand for new and non-polluting sources of energy to fuel
economic development."
"It is well known that lndia has an impeccable record in preventing
the proliferation of sensitive technologies. This is in keeping
with our commitment to being a responsible nuclear power."
H.E. Mr. Basile Ikouebe, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation
and la Francophonie
2 October 2007
Unofficial Translation
"On the issue of nuclear non-proliferation, we always have
acted with respect to the Non-Proliferation Treaty in all its aspects,
including the right of all countries to develop nuclear technology
for civilian uses."
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary and Leader of
Pakistan Delegation
2 October 2007
"We are committed to developing nuclear power generation under
international safeguards to meet our growing energy needs."
“In our region, the incipient US-India nuclear deal injects
a new element. We have concerns over strategic stability which we
will maintain despite our firm opposition to an arms race in South
Asia, Secondly, we also have a strong interest in developing civil
nuclear power generation under international safeguards.”
Terrorism
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General
25 September 2007
"We must reinvigorate our effort to stop the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction and related technology, and especially
to prevent such material from falling into the hands of terrorists."
H.E. Mr. George W. Bush, President
25 September 2007
"First, the mission of the United Nations requires liberating
people from tyranny and violence. The first article of the Universal
Declaration begins, "All human beings are born free and equal
in dignity and rights." The truth is denied by terrorists and
extremists who kill the innocent with the aim of imposing their
hateful vision on humanity. The followers of this violent ideology
are a threat to civilized people everywhere. All civilized nations
must work together to stop them -- by sharing intelligence about
their networks, and choking their -- off their finances, and bringing
to justice their operatives.
"In the long run, the best way to defeat extremists is to defeat
their dark ideology with a more hopeful vision -- the vision of
liberty that founded this body. The United States salutes the nations
that have recently taken strides toward liberty -- including Ukraine
and Georgia and Kyrgyzstan and Mauritania and Liberia, Sierra Leone
and Morocco. The Palestinian Territories have moderate leaders,
mainstream leaders that are working to build free institutions that
fight terror, and enforce the law, and respond to the needs of their
people. The international community must support these leaders,
so that we can advance the vision of two democratic states, Israel
and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security.
"Brave citizens in Lebanon and Afghanistan and Iraq have made
the choice for democracy -- yet the extremists have responded by
targeting them for murder. This is not a show of strength -- it
is evidence of fear. And the extremists are doing everything in
their power to bring down these young democracies. The people of
Lebanon and Afghanistan and Iraq have asked for our help. And every
civilized nation has a responsibility to stand with them."
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"Over the recent years international terrorism has significantly
undermined world security. International drug trafficking serves
as a financial pillar of terrorism. Today, international drug industry
accounts for a third of the annual volume of the "economy of
terrorism." It is a well-established fact that terrorism finds
fertile ground in unstable and poor countries. We have such a country
in our region: Afghanistan. That country is driving an evergrowing
trade in drugs.
Poor countries need the assistance of developed nations. They need
the assistance that would give tangible results."
"Most of sensational predictions of an inevitable "clash
of civilizations," luckily, have not yet been accurate. However,
we should be clear that inter-faith tension feeds the social basis
of international terrorism and religious extremism."
H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim
25 September 2007
"As I set out in more detail at the opening of this session,
in consultation with you, I identified five priority topics that
we need to address during this session . . . 4. countering terrorism."
H.E. Branko Crvenkovski, President
25 September 2007
"Terrorism continues to threaten our world. Fight against
terrorism is yet another area in which we must stand united. The
UN Strategy and Action Plan to counter terrorism adopted last year,
provide an excellent framework for our individual and joint actions.
We must promote their implementation at the national and regional
level and tend to realize visible results."
H.E. Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President
25 September 2007
"There will be no peace in the world unless the international
community stands foursquare in its determination to fight terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal
25 September 2007
"All terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless
of their motivation, their form or their manifestation. We must
therefore make resolute efforts to counter terrorism, in accordance
with our obligations under International Law, and fully respecting
human rights and fundamental freedoms, the protection of which are
essential in tackling this threat."
"The adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by
the General Assembly was a significant achievement. Now we must
ensure its full implementation, including by reaching agreement
on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism as soon
as possible."
H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President
25 September 2007
"Even as we gather here, State sovereignty, civil society
and the rule of law are increasingly being threatened by terrorism
and other illegal and illicit activities in many countries. We need
to be vigilant about these activities. Although the UN system has
set up mechanisms to deal with many of these problems, the capacity
of the UN to address these challenges has been brought into question.
"There are many Member States represented in this Assembly
today who have first hand experience of the havoc caused by brutish
terrorism which has stretched its claws to many corners of the globe
to mar innocent lives. All terrorist attacks whether in New York,
Mumbai, Cairo, London or Colombo, are acts that threaten the democratic
way of life and must be condemned unreservedly.
"Terrorism anywhere is terrorism. There is nothing good in
terrorism. Sri Lanka has taken an upfront position in the global
community’s efforts to deal with terrorism. We have become
party to 11 of the 13 UN Conventions for the suppression of various
acts of terrorism. We think that the Comprehensive Convention on
International Terrorism, which in our view remains a priority, is
only limited to endless discussion. I emphasize that we must conclude
these negotiations soon."
H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President
25 September 2007
"Dialogue and soft power can also be a major instrument in
addressing the root causes of terrorism. That is why I am a firm
advocate of dialogue among faiths, cultures and civilizations."
H.E. Hamid Karzai, President 25 September 2007
"To the extent that terrorism remains a threat, world citizens
will never be safe. Six years after Afghanistan's liberation from
the grip of international terrorists, we are still grappling with
this threat on daily basis. Terrorists continue to kill innocent
Afghans as well as those who have come from the outside world to
help. The past two years have witnessed a significant increase in
terrorist attacks, carried out with new and brutal tactics such
as beheadings, kidnappings and the burning of schools and clinics.
"May I emphasize, ladies and gentlemen, that we were the prime
victim of terrorism and that terrorism was never, nor is it today,
a homegrown phenomenon in Afghanistan. Therefore, this threat can
only be overcome if addressed appropriately across its regional
and international dimensions. We monitor with
deep concern the continued presence of terrorist infrastructure
in our region, and condemn, in equally strong terms, the atrocities
that terrorists are committing in places beyond our borders. Consistent
with our expressed belief in the past, we remain convinced that
tolerating the presence of sanctuaries and terrorist infrastructure
will only broaden the scope of terrorism.
"Recognising that constructive regional cooperation is vital
to a successful counterterrorism strategy, we proposed the holding
of Joint Peace Jirgas between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and we are
pleased for the support that this initiative has received from our
friends in the international community. The first Joint Peace Jirga,
convened in Kabul last month, was a promising step in harnessing
the unequivocal support of civil societies in both countries in
ow common fight against terrorism and extremism. We expect that
the oGtcome of the Jirga will translate into concrete action.
"As a measure to ensure long-term stability, we will continue
to focus on reconciliation as a measure to detach Afghan citizens
with grievances, from the minority of die-hard foreign terrorists
and extremists."
H.E. Mr. Ivan Gasparovic, President
25 September 2007
"The destructive potential of weapons of mass destruction
increases along with the growing threat of international terrorism.
We therefore want to pay a special attention also to this threat
to international peace and security. The Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy adopted in the General Assembly last year provides for
wide-ranging international co-operation in this field."
H.E. Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey, President
26 September 2007
"In an age when civilian populations find themselves easy
prey to suicide attacks and sophisticated weapons…where do
we stand with regard to our responsibilities?"
"Switzerland reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all
forms and in all ways in which it is committed, no matter who the
perpetrators are, and whatever the place and the objectives. The
fight against terrorism remains a priority."
"The second concerns the nature of these conflicts. The lines
of battle are now becoming blurred. In the field, the forces of
the state oppose non-state armed groups. Warlords, terrorists, and
criminal gangs dictate the rules. Civilians rather than soldiers
are primary targets.
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
25 September 2007
"[T]he world is also confronted with extremists who resort
to terrorism and the use of religion for political ends; with growing
militarism as a pretense response to terrorism . . ."
"[W]e must continue to deepen our study and analysis of the
threat of terrorism and use peaceful means to seek an ever broader
consensus on the collective responses needed to counter it."
H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor
25 September 2007
"Unity of purpose is also the key in the fight against international
terrorism, and especially in our efforts aimed at security and stability
in Afghanistan."
H.E. Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, S.C., President
26 September 2007
"Zambia condemns international terrorism in all its forms
and manifestations. For this reason we call upon members of the
international community to refrain from harbouring terrorists. On
our part, Zambia supports the Global Initiative to Combat Terrorism."
H.E. Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, President
26 September 2007
"So I was saying that we also joins the calls to defeat terrorist
extremism everywhere. However we have already seen that this will
not be achieved by military force, but by ideas and ideals that
win hearts and minds."
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency
26 September 2007
"Bosnia and Herzegovina has participated and will continue
to do so, within its abilities, in international coalition anti-terrorism
efforts and made a commitment to join EU anti-terrorism efforts.
Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina approved the Anti-Terrorism
Strategic plan for the period of 2006-2009. The Bosnia and Herzegovina
Criminal Code reform that is underway will bring more specific anti-terrorism
measures that will be in accordance with international conventions."
H.E. Mr. Nuri Kamel Al-Maliki, Prime Minister
26 September 2007
"Terrorism kills civilians, journalists, actors, thinkers,
and professionals; it attacks universities, marketplaces, and libraries;
it blows up mosques and churches and destroys the infra-structure
of State institutions. We consider terrorism an extension of the
fallen dictatorship, whether it may vary in its outside form or
by the gangs that carry it out. Terrorism aims at aborting the political
process, and igniting sectarian dissension as a prelude to hijack
Iraq back into the era of tyranny; oppression and backwardness.
"Car bombs and explosive vests in public places and the display
of decapitated heads on TV are all letters of threat that terrorists
send to the world community, the bloody chapters of which were executed
in Algeria, Spain, England, Lebanon, Turkey . . . and here in New
York. We are steadfast and determined to exterminate terrorism in
Iraq so that it does not spread around the countries of the world,
repeating the tragedy. Iraq, that carries the greater burden in
confronting terrorism calls upon the nations of the world to help
and unite its efforts towards fighting terrorism. Our battle aims
at providing security, stability and prosperity as well as protecting
our democratic experience. We are determined to be victorious in
our battle which will be a victory for humanity."
"National reconciliation is stronger than the weapons of terrorism.
It has succeeded in encompassing more than 14,000 people that were
members of armed groups that splintered off from al-Qaida. These
fighters stood next to our armed forces and the multinational forces
battling with al-Qaida, delivering devastating hits."
"Today we feel optimistic that countries of the region realize
the danger of the terrorist attacks against Iraq; that it is not
in their interest for Iraq to be weak. A strong democratic Iraq
will be a guarantee for security and stability in the region."
H.E. Umaru Musa Yar'adua, GCFR, President
26 September 2007
"Nigeria is wholly commited to the Global Counter Terrorism
Strategy in the fight against international terrorism. As a follow-up
to that commitment, Nigeria has established four counter-terrorism
centers in the country in addition to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence
Unit which, together with the Central Bank of Nigeria, monitors
banking transactions as part of the mechanism to locate and the
illegal transfer of funds for terrorist and other criminal acts
including money laundering. Nigeria reiterates its condemnation
of all acts of terrorism and calls upon the international community
to muster the necessary political will to confront and check this
menace."
H.E. Mr. Stjepan Mesic, President
27 September 2007
"I have repeatedly drawn attention to underdevelopment as
a generator of global terrorism along with inequality in international
relations and unresolved regional crises. Yet, underdevelopment
and poverty still weigh upon a substantial part of mankind, and
the so far preferred methods in fighting against terrorism have
been shown to be under-efficient, and sometimes even counterproductive."
H.E. Mr. Boris Tadic, President
27 September 2007
"Terrorism is one of the greatest scourages of the present-day
world. In order to fight and eradicate it effectively, we must take
a global, coordinated approach, as well as vigorous actions at regional
and country levels. Last year, Serbia hosted the regional summit
meeting on terrorism, organized crime and corruption."
H.E. Martin Torrijos Espino, President
25 September 2007
"Neither can we speak of a lasting peace while we live beneath
the threat of terrorism, whose defeat is definitely a permanent
challenge to the international community. Panama supports the efforts
exerted by the United Nations, such as the adoption of the Global
Strategy against Terrorism, to fight in an integrated manner against
this scourge. And because we attribute high priority to the adoption
of a general convention on international terrorism, we assume the
responsibility to preside over the Committee against Terrorism."
H.E. Obiang Nguema Mbsago, President
27 September 2007
"Never has humanity been so threatened and frighten by terrorism
as in this past decade.
"The terrorism that was known as a method of settling accounts
with violent means by those who had been powerless to press their
demands through legal and democratic procedures, has now reached
a point that it is not justified by legitimate claims, much less
are its effects are directed only at the persons or institutions
against whom a right is claimed. Any third country today can be
a victim of terrorism.
"As a result, today terrorism is a menace to Humanity, that
violates the individual and collective liberties, impedes the exercise
of Democracy, violates the peace and security of nations and hinders
the development of peoples. All the countries of the world that
love peace, justice and liberty, have the duty and obligation to
combat this phenomenon that is a regression of the human species.
"If we want to combat terrorism and mercenary-hood, we must
count on well-developed internal security systems and maintain exchanges
of information among States."
Mr. Joao Bernardo Vieira, President
27 September 2007
"Terrorism and drugs trafficking are scourges that
threaten all of us and that can even gravely affect the stability
of a country."
H.E. Janez Jansa, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"The international community must, within the framework of
the UN, complete the creation of mechanisms that respond to the
challenges of the 21st century. Finalizing the UN Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism must remain one of the key
priorities."
H.E. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Honorable Chief Advisor
27 September 2007
"Bangladesh remains resolute in its relentless campaign against
international extremism and terrorism. We recently acceded to the
International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear
Terrorism. Bangladesh is now a party to all terrorism-related UN
conventions, a testament to our commitment to fighting terrorism
in all its forms. On the domestic front, we have taken stem measures
against militant groups and their patrons. In particular, we categorically
reject the claims of those who cloak themselves in the rhetoric
of Islam to justify terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Kessai H. Note, President
28 September 2007
"I commend this august Assembly for adopting last September
the historic United Nations GIobal Counter-Terrorism Strategy that
will prevent the global scourge of terrorism. The RMI remains committed
in the fight against terrorism and we continue to take action at
the national level, as well as cooperating at the regional and international
levels to ensure that we combat terrorist threats with comprehensive
and unified action."
H.E. The Honourable Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Terrorist acts committed the world over under whatever pretext
or purpose is deplorable and morally unjustified. In its various
forms and manifestations, terrorism is responsible for the permanent
scars of horror and fear that have gripped international attention
in recent years. Terrorism should therefore be condemned in the
strongest way possible to send out the message unequivocally that
it is neither accepted, nor condoned, and the perpetrators should
not expect any sympathy for their actions.
"Samoa is highly supportive of the UN Anti-Terrorism resolutions
and has put in place the legislative framework and implemented measures
in line with intergovernmental efforts to combat international terrorism."
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"The world today is confronted with the growing threats of
terrorism be it home grown, cross-border, regional or international.
This scourge should be confronted with all the means at the disposal
of the international community. We also believe that more effective
and efficient mechanisms should be put in place to lay hands on
the financiers of terrorist organizations.
"The United Nations remains the bedrock in the fight against
terrorism. Mauritius has lent and will continue to lend its fullest
support to the numerous initiatives and resolutions of the UN on
counter terrorism.
"We are happy to note that the lnternational Convention for
the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism has already entered
into force as from July this year."
H.E. Mr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"All countries, large and small, have a national interest
in eliminating the threat to development posed by international
terrorism. Antigua and Barbuda continues to play its part by adhering
to the various anti-terrorism resolutions of the United Nations;
including our obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions
1540, 1373, among others. Additionally, we have taken the added
initiative to enact our own national legislative requirement by
way of our National Anti-Terrorism Act of Parliament in 2005."
"Combating international terrorism should not depend on the
trampling of religious and cultural diversity and individual rights
and freedoms. Cultural and religious intolerance and prejudice;
and the stifling of cultural diversity will only serve to perpetuate
the causes of terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Sturanovic, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"With a view to satisfying legrimate security interests of
nations, we must be unified and decisive in tackhng terrorism, which
continues to threaten the world. The UN Strategy and Action Plan
to counter terrorism are of great importance and call for an agreement
on a comprehensive convention on international terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Elias Camsek Chin, Vice-President
27 September 2007
"We note your call to ensure that the UN as an organization
and we, as Member States, are properly prepared to confront terrorism.
Palau has worked to improve its anti-terrorism capacity. We have
also met with the Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate to advance
our requests for assistance, particularly in the area of combating
money laundering and terrorism financing. Unfortunately, the efforts
of the Directorate have been insufficient. Our hope is that during
this 62nd session of the General Assembly, the United Nations will
be able to help smaller countries in addressing this threat and
meeting our Security Council obligations."
H.E. General Surayud Chulanont (Ret.), Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"But terrorism continues to draw its strength from extremist
ideologies. So, we must appeal to the majority in the world who
are moderates to join forces against extremism. Enhancing inter-faith
and intra-faith dialogue and dialogue among civilizations should
also take place at the regional level. We are doing this in Southeast
Asia."
H.E. Mr. Sali Berisha, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"We have established a close cooperation with friendly countries
and international organizations in the fight against terrorism.
In this regard, our peacekeeping units have served or are serving
in Bosnia, Georgia, Afghanistan and Iraq. I am delighted to inform
you that in this spirit my government has decided to contribute
another platoon to the UN peacekeeping operations."
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Terrorism continues to threaten the security of all free
nations. An act of terror committed in any part of the world in
essence targets us all as it constitutes a heinous crime against
humanity. We condemn in the strongest terms this scourge that recognizes
no national boundaries. As the Prime Minister of a nation who has
experienced first hand the bitter consequences of terrorism, I renew
from this rostrum my appeal to the international community for an
enhanced collective commitment and cooperation in the combat against
this threat to humanity in its entirety.
"Considering the sophisticated new technologies terrorist elements
are utilizing today, effective international cooperation to prevent
the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction takes on a whole
new meaning and urgency. Turkey strongly supports UN led efforts
to intensify international cooperation in preventing their proliferation."
H.E. Mr. Abdelwaheb Abdallah, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Tunisia has been since the early nineties among the very
ht to draw countries' attention to the dangers of terrorism and
the impact of this phenomenon on security and stability in the world.
Today, Tunisia would like to renew its call for the holding of an
international conference under the auspices of the United Nations
in order to elaborate an international code of conduct for the prevention
of terrorism, by which the parties would abide.
Mr. José María Pereria Neves, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"I'm referring to climate changes and, organized crime and
to the different of course, to terrorism, to kinds of trafficking
which represent a threat to human security and to the Democratic
Rule of Law itself, as they corrupt values, compromise development
and thwart the most legitimate expectations of peoples."
H.E. Mr. Fiorenzo Stolfi, Head of Government and Minister for
Foreign and Political Affairs and Economic Planning
28 September 2007
"My Country welcomes the adoption of this initiative, which
further stresses the need to join our efforts in support of dialogue
among cultures and religions, as an instrument to strengthen the
climate of confidence indispensable to promote peace, prevent conflicts
and combat the threat of discrimination, racism, violence and terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The conflict range that is expanding in international politics
through aggravations of regional crises, increasing threat of terrorism,
risks of spreading WMDs, stagnation in disarmament, is jeopardizing
international stability, diverting resources from their constructive
use and calls into question possible sustainable economic growth
throughout the world. And it is such growth that is our common fundamental
goal. Poverty and economic backwardness expand the breeding grounds
for extremism."
"There is a pressing need to use any means available to strengthen
the leading role of the UN in fighting terrorism. The Organization's
activities here should be based on a comprehensive framework, including
the Global Counterterrorism Strategy adopted last year. The Collective
Security Treaty Organization is contributing to these efforts, and
has established useful interaction with the United Nations. Our
efforts to achieve resolution of regional conflicts and urgent social
and economic problems should form part of our efforts to counteract
terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Six years ago, we, the representatives of the international
community, stood united and in solidarity with one another in the
face of international terrorism. In all our languages, faiths, and
cultures, we expressed our condemnation of any terrorist acts that
targets innocent civilians. We deplored such acts then resolved
to work seriously to combat this grave and alarming phenomenon.
We agreed to work seriously, not only to deal with terrorism from
a security perspective, but also to achieve long-awaited breakthroughs
in the old crises and conflicts, and due to their complexity and
longevity, they have become incubators for the desperate and the
hopeless in our region in particular. Those conflicts feed their
sense of injustice and despair and through them into the ranks of
those who hold dark extremist ideas that know violence as the only
means, and even sometimes as an end in itself.
"We all prepared ourselves for action .... there was a widespread
belief in the Middle East that major breakthroughs were imminent..
..that the successful containment and eradication of international
terrorism will take place not only through security operations,
but also in parallel through the equally important draining of its
intellectual sources and the freezing of its financial assets.
"However, we seem to have gone astray during those six years.
"Our objectives were fragmented and so our energies were spread
thin. We failed as an international community to maintain the huge
momentum generated in this very hall in September 2001...that momentum
which found expression in our resolve to work together to defuse
the tension in our region as a step towards the settlement of its
chronic political conflicts.
"Narrow -minded, domestic political agendas have been imposed
by some, and unwise objectives have replaced the lofty ones for
which we had planned to achieve. Instead of focusing on the eradication
of the hotbeds of international terrorism, which were not numerous
six years ago, we lost sight of our main objective. The eradication
of international terrorism was no longer the objective, but rather
turned into a loose slogan. There was oppression, torture and humiliation,
and, on the other end, despicable violence and more vicious acts
of terror.
"This came as no surprise to us.. . since the objective was
lost."
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Our world still suffers from a wide range of issues, conflicts
and threats, among the most visible of which are the spread of poverty
and epidemics worldwide, the degradation of the natural environment,
terrorism, organised crime, the spread of extremism and violations
of human rights, as well as attempts to obtain nuclear weapons."
"The United Arab Emirates works with both regional and international
efforts to fight all forms of terrorism, including associated money
laundering, in compliance with the relevant resolutions of the United
Nations and its affiliated bodies. We also reaffirm our support
for all efforts to promote dialogue among cultures and civilizations
and inter-faith tolerance. These, we believe, can make a significant
contribution to the promotion of global security and peace."
"Implementing at a domestic level its approach to regional
and international co-operation, the United Arab Emirates has enacted
laws to counter terrorist crimes and money laundering and has frozen
suspect bank accounts."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"My country condemns terrorism without ambiguity, and rejects
terrorist ideology under all their forms and demonstrations. Terrorism
is not limited to a specific culture or religion. The UN is held
to continue to play a central role in the mobilization of the international
community to facethis threat, and the political extremism associated
with it.
"To successfully fight terrorism, it is essential to approach
the fundamel problems such as under-development, to overcome prejudices
and stereotypes, and to promote tolerance in a world of diversity.
This is why Buglaria joined the group the Alliance of Civilizations,
while fully supporting other complementary initiatives."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Since comprehensive development is a national and international
requirement, it is important for us to face in a collective and
serious manner all forms of threats, such as conflicts, wars, nuclear
proliferation, terrorism, environmental disasters, poverty, backwardness,
and extremism, in accordance with the principles and goals stated
in the United Nations Charter and the resolutions and decisions
adopted by the General Assembly, including the United Nations Millennium
Declaration."
H.E. Mr. Sergei N. Martynov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Let us take the subject of terrorism. Force alone - be it
the most powerful and the most elaborate - cannot overcome terrorism.
Such measures rather cause terror to spiral up. All of us come to
realise this but painllly. On the other hand, having understood
the true impact of poverty, inequality, social vulnerability, illiteracy
on the rise of extremism and terrorism, having addressed the fight
against terrorism through joint and comprehensive efforts, we have
started to undermine the very foundation of terrorism. The decisive
role in this, in our opinion, belongs to the United Nations."
H.E. Mr. Abdelelah Al-Khatib, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Confronting terrorism and extremism requires more effective
international cooperation and dictates activating channels of cultural
and religious dialogue, especially within the United Nations system.
At the same time, there is an urgent need to refrain from Islamophobia
and from causing anomisity to this tolerant religion."
H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé, Minister
for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
28 September 2007
"Peace is possible and necessary, and we are advancing towards
it despite being hit by terrorism, a severe threat to peace and
security. This global violence aims to undermine stability of free
and democratic societies and, as we agreed one year ago in the Global
Strategy Against Terrorism, we must prevail over that violence by
coordinating our efforts and responding collectively.
"We are glad that in our determination to defeat terrorism,
victims and their families have not been forgotten, and that the
international community continues to be encouraged to show respect
for them. I believe that it is a just acknowledgement, and without
it, the strategy against global terrorism would be incomplete."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"Terrorism continues to be one of the gravest challenges of
our times. The Republic of Korea strongly condemns terrorism in
all forms, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes.
We fully support the ongoing global anti-terrorism efforts. The
Republic of Korea is party to 12 existing anti-terrorism conventions,
while being in the process of ratifying the latest International
Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. We
also view that the United Nations should lose no more time in concluding
a comprehensive convention on terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Adrian Mihai Cioroianu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation
"The prevention and combat of terrorism needs effective multilateralism
based on the standards of international law. ... The general activity
against terrorism imposes measurements in order to dissolve the
groups involved in terrorist activities, by means of international
cooperation. The fight against terrorism must be pitiless, but,
nevertheless, it must respect the rights and the fundamental liberties
of human beings. The combat of terrorism should also address its
social and economic roots. In order to fight the threats and the
risks to safety posed by international terrorism, the international
community needs to better coordinate itself and consult each other
in full confidence.
"No country an ensure its own safety all alone. Romania supports
the efforts made by the international organizations, regional and
sub-regional, aiming at the consolidation of international solidarity
against terrorism, in conformity with the international law and
in cooperation with the bilateral plan in order to prevent and fight
this threat."
"A priority of the international community must aim at the
threats of the proliferation of the weapons of mass destruction,
as in some time, terrorists may acquire these types of weapons."
H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The issue of terrorism also requires sustained efforts, as
it becomes increasingly more complex. In this regard, Japan welcomes
the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1776. For our own
part, we will make efforts to continue our refueling activities
in the Indian Ocean, to fulfill our role as a responsible member
of the international community. Japan also supports the UN Global
Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Furthermore, to strengthen the legal
framework to counter terrorism, I call upon every State to exercise
utmost flexibility for an early conclusion of the negotiations on
the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"On "Weapons of Mass Destruction" (WMD), it is imperative
that all states must comply with the existing non-proliferation
legal instruments in order to build a better and safer world for
all, particulary the "Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the
"Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty" that laid down a long-term
perspective toward achieving a non-proliferation regime of WMD,
and to prevent them from falling into terrorist hands which can
trigger the gravest danger to the internatibnd community."
"Combating terroism remains one of the top priorities for
all governments, no single country can deal with this unconventional
threat without cooperation and concerted efforts which should be
further strengthened, particularly in the areas of education, information-sharing
among law enforcement authorities and intelligence agencies."
H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Today, our world remains far fiom being tranquil and secure.
Parts of our planet are beset by violence, natural disasters and
pandemics. All humankind goes on to live under the threat of nuclear
weapons and with fear of terror and spread of WMDs. The fear will
be much greater if those weapons fall into the wrong hands."
H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
1 October 2007
"Terrorism remains a major threat to the internal security
of the countries and to the international security. In this regard,
the Republic of Moldova supports wholeheartedly the UN efforts in
fighting terrorism; one of the examples is our joining the International
Convention the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Internally,
the Government undertook a series of concrete actions on fighting
terrorism by adopting the National Strategy for preventing and fighting
money laundering and financing terrorism, as well as on applying
relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
"We see in the present session of the General Assembly an opportunity
of finalizing the draft of the Comprehensive Convention on International
Terrorism aimed at reaching an international consensus on the normative
framework in this area. Heightened attention is to be given to the
fight with terrorism nourished by separatist tendencies that affect
sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states. I would like
to assure you that our delegation will actively participate in coordinating
the negotiations process in the 6th Committee of the General Assembly."
H.E. Mr. Walid al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Like many others, I too wonder whether the world has become
safer many years after the beginning of the war on terrorism. The
answer is common knowledge. Terrorism has spread to areas that have
never known the phenomenon before. We believe that fighting terrorism
by force alone is useless. We must address the root causes of terrorism
and firmly distinguish between terrorism and the peoples' legitimate
rights to resist foreign occupation. We call on all states to cooperate
in the fight against terror. At the same time, we warn against using
terrorism as a pretext to compromise peoples' rights and instill
hatred among religions and civilizations instead of promoting inter-cultural
and inter-religious dialogue in the interest of humanity at large."
H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"We must continue our global fight against terrorism with
the United Nations at the helm of this collective effort. The recent
hostage crisis in Afghanistan came as a sobering reminder of the
threat still posed by Taliban. It once again proved that terrorists
prey on those who cannot fight back. Thus, it is our solemn duty
to offer protection to those who cannot defend themselves."
H.E. Ms. Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1 October 2007
"Moreover, Hungary welcomes the entry into force of the International
Convention on the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism which
we ratified back in April."
"In the field of counter-terrorism, the full and earliest
implementation of the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy is an urgent
issue. Here the main responsibility lies with the Member States
who should all actively participate in the upcoming review of the
implementation as well. The conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention
on International Terrorism remains another high priority for Hungary."
H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2007
"The international community needs to intensify the effort
to address the very real threat posed by the link between proliferation
of WMDs and related materials and technologies to non-state actors.
The risk posed by the intersection between proliferation and terrorism
is real and serious. The central objective must be to ensure that
our solidarity in words is translated into action."
"The adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy last September was a noteworthy development, signaling
the will of the international community to combat this menace in
a holistic and coordinated manner. Welcome as the strategy is, there
is much more that needs to be done to combat the menace that international
terrorism has become. India is convinced that without the early
adoption of the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism,
the global struggle against terrorism remains incomplete and likely
to succeed only partially. We must ensure that there is zero tolerance
for all forms of terrorism."
H.E. The Honourable Patteson Oti, Minister for Foreign Affairs
and External Trade and Immigration
1 October 2007
"The threat of terrorist penetration through porous frontiers
is sufficient cause for international anxiety, insecurity and paranoia.
Despite global condemnation of terrorism, the struggle for consensus
on an acceptable definition of terrorism retards the progress of
multilateral initiatives in formulating a Comprehensive Anti-terrorism
Convention.
"Illustrative of terrorism's over-reactive potential is the
indignity I had to suffer, as the Foreign Minister of Solomon Islands,
when my multiple entry visitor visa to Australia was suddenly cancelled
last year. The written explanation for that decision identified
me as a risk to the health, safety and good order of the Australian
community under Section 116(1)(e) of its Immigration Act. One would
have to admit that is an incredible justification for excluding
democratically elected leaders of neighbouring countries unknown
for breeding terrorists. Just over a century ago, many of our ancestors
were kidnapped and forcibly taken to work as labourers in a country
which is now quick to regard their descendants as terrorists. Defining
terrorism has proved to be more difficult than deploring it."
H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Secretary of the General
People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation
and Head of the Libyan Delegation
1 October 2007
"International cooperation, under the auspices of the United
Nations, has achieved excellent results in the fight against terrorism.
However, by concentrating on the fight against this phenomenon while
ignoring its causes, it will not be possible to bring terrorism
to an end. Libya was among the first states which called for the
coordination of international efforts to fight terrorism. In 1992,
Libya called for a special session of the General Assembly to be
held in order to study this phenomenon and take the necessary measures
to combat it and eradicate its root causes (A/46/840). We believe
that the time has come to heed this call and to establish a precise
definition of terrorism which will protect human rights and halt
the practice of confusing terrorism with the legitimate right of
peoples to fight against foreign occupation in order to exercise
self-determination and attain independence.
"Ending terrorism will require practical measures to eliminate
its root causes, including effective action to promote human rights
for all peoples, putting a stop to acts of aggression and the occupation
of the lands of others, fighting poverty and encouraging democracy.
"Foreign occupation is the worst form of terrorism, since occupation
forces subject entire peoples to measures which violate the most
basic principles of human rights and commit crimes on a daily basis
against those peoples in order to maintain their occupation. In
our campaign to fight terrorism, it is imperative that we coordinate
our efforts to finally put an end to foreign occupation, enable
peoples to exercise their right to self-determination and prevent
interference in their internal affairs."
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"The military intervention in Somalia has become a serious
concern to our region where war is being waged in the name of combating
terrorism without any condemnation from a UN body that is entrusted
by the UN Charter with the maintenance of international peace and
security. The daunting problem in Somalia is essentially an internal
problem that must be resolved in order to reconstitute Somalia.
The portrayal of the developments in Somalia in terms of global
war on terrorism is factually untenable and politically imprudent.
The Security Council and members of the international community
must insist for the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of all
foreign troops from Somalia to end the occupation."
H.E. Mr. U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"The scourge of terrorism knows no boundaries. Combating terrorism
is the common endeavour of the entire international community. I
would like to stress here that terrorism in any form or manifestation
must be rejected. It is the innocent people who bear the brunt of
terrorism activities. To combat terrorism effectively, we also have
to address its root causes. Poverty, grievances and underlying political,
economic and social conditions provide fertile ground for the spread
of terrorism. These root causes of terrorism need to be addressed.
"Friendly relations among nations should be based on respect
for principles of equal rights and self-determination. Countries
should show goodwill, practice tolerance, and live together in peace
and harmony. Nations have various historical background, differing
culture, and different religions and customs. Nations are not identical.
However, if we respect these basic principles and practice friendship
and goodwill, it will effectively contribute to our common endeavour
to combat terrorism."
H.E. The Honourable Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Nepal stands firm against any form of terrorism. We have
been implementing the provisions of various UN Security Council
resolutions to combat international terrorism. An effective implementation
of the provisions of the UN global counter-terrorism adopted last
year can foster international cooperation against terrorism. We
call for an early conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international
terrorism. There should be a coordinated global response, including
through the mechanism at the United Nations, to address the underlying
social, economic and political causes of existence and spread of
global terrorism."
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"Were there to be one new state with nuclear weapons, the
danger is that soon another would follow. Shortly, these weapons
might well be out of any state's control. The risk of nuclear terrorism
would be a very real one. This must be prevented. Our children deserve
to live in a world safe from the threat of nuclear war and of weapons
of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. These
weapons threaten the very existence of mankind."
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"We believe that the UN continues to be the international focal
point for our common efforts in the fight against terrorism. The
adoption last year by the General Assembly of the UN Global Counter-
Terrorism Strategy was of crucial importance. It underlined the
firm commitment of the international community to stand united against
those who wish to threat international peace and security. Next
step should be to finalise the negotiations on the comprehensive
global convention against terrorism. This would send another strong
political signal of our unity. The adoption of this convention would
be a worthy achievement of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly."
Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“The spectre of terrorism visited the Maldives this past
weekend. On Saturday afternoon an improvised explosive device was
detonated in the commercial area of our capital Male' injuring twelve
innocent bystanders. This unprovoked attack was the first of its
kind in our history... This incident serves as a reminder that no
State is immune from the scourge of terrorism. The Maldives utterly
condemns all acts of terrorism wherever they are perpetrated.”
H.E. Mr. Vladimir Norov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Indeed, this is why we are seriously concerned about some
negative interpretations of the historical role of Islam and the
deliberate distortion of historical facts. We resolutely stand against
that the counterterrorism transforms into Islamophobia and acquires
the form of open or hidden standoff with the Islamic world.”
H.E. Mr. Sonatane Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
2 October 2007
"The threat of terrorism continues to be real and a complex
global issue. Following the adoption of the Global Counter Terrorism
Strategy in September 2006, its test of success will only be guaranteed
if it is fully implemented. Tonga looks forward to the positive
progressing leading to the finalization of the Comprehensive Convention
on Internaitonal Terrorism during the 62nd session of the General
Assembly."
H.E. Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Worship
2 October 2007
“Our commitment to combat terrorism must aim at prevailing
not only over the terrorists, but also over the root causes from
which they draw strength and renewal. In this regard, it is as important
to combat the manifestations of terrorism, its financial circuits
and physical hideouts as the poverty and despair that provide an
easy harvest for the extremists.”
H.E. Mr. Choe Su Hon, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman
of the Delegation
2 October 2007
“The principles of respect for national sovereignty and
equality, the foundation of international relations, are threatened
by the attempts to continue and expand the "war against terrorism"
for selfish purposes, and the highhandedness and arbitrariness of
some forces advocating the preemptive nuclear strikes while accelerating
the modernization of nuclear weapons.”
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary and Leader of
Pakistan Delegation
2 October 2007
“There are new threats of terrorism and violence and of widening
divisions among cultures and societies driven by suspicion and prejudice."
“Terrorism is a grave and pervasive threat. Terrorism destabilizes
societies. It must not be associated with any faith or culture.
It must be countered and rejected addressing both its manifestations
and the root causes.”
“The unfortunate happenings in our neighbourhood impacted
on our society giving rise to terrorism and extremism especially
in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. We are fighting Al
Qaeda and other terrorist elements with resolve and determination.
We have deployed nearly 100,000 troops for this purpose, alarge
number of our troops have sacrificed their lives. In the tribal
regions, we have taken political and administrative measures and
have plans to bring about socio-economic transformation. As part
of a comprehensive strategy we have introduced reforms to counter
extremism.”
H.E. The Honourable Theodore Brent Symmonette,Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs
2 october 2007
"Last year the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
was adopted, marking an important step toward the elaboration of
a Counter-Terrorism Convention. The Bahamas continues to condemn
terrorism and recognises that while there may be instances when
terrorism and criminal activities converge, the methodologies used
to combat them are very different. Based on its own risk assessment,
therefore, each Government must determine the level of resources
that can be applied to counter-terrorism measures, particularly
given the emphasis the Strategy also places on addressing and preventing
the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. In prescribing
counterterrorism measures, care must be taken by the international
community to preserve the tenet of due process. Care must also be
taken to guard against the creation of disincentives that negatively
impact countries with service based economies. With respect to counterterrorism
measures. The Bahamas has adopted new legislation, ratified additional
anti-terrorism conventions, increased security of large facilities,
airports, docks and harbours, developed a counter-terrorism intelligence
network, as well as anti-terrorism training for the police and defence
forces, as some of the measures to address this global issue. Needless
to say, such initiatives present a challenge and divert resources
from important social and economic development activities."
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 October 2007
"The threat of terrorism transcends boundaries and has had
devastating impact on the economic development of states, whether
directly or indirectly. It is imperative that we negotiate and conclude
a comprehensive convention against terrorism. We must also invigorate
disarmament and nonproliferation efforts."
His Excellency Mr. Volodymyr Khandogiy, First Deputy Minister
for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
3 October 2007
“One of the most serious threats facing humankind today remains
international terrorism. We believe the adoption of the definition
of terrorism…would become a starting point in assessing counterterrorism
measures.
H.E. Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, The Minister of Public Affairs
of the Republic of Sudan
3 October 2007
“My country has repeatedly condemned terrorism, in all its
forms. And it supports all regional and international decisions
pertaining to terrorism, and affirms its cooperation with the interantaional
community to implement these decisions. However, in order to uproot
terrorism it is necessary to address its root causes and implement
the comprehensive strategies that we have adopted.
H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov, Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations
3 October 2007
“It is common knowledge that international terrorism, transnational
organized crime and illicit drug trafficking become a serious obstacle
on the way towards sustainable development, inflicting much suffering
and causing much trouble to humanity. The international community,
should intensify its efforts aimed at counteracting instigation
of acts of terror, proliferation of ideology of terrorism, extremism,
and separatism, inter religious and interethnic intolerance and
hostility, and should enhance its struggle against financial terrorism.
"The global system of combating terrorism, which is currently
taking shape, cannot be established without the involvement of regional
and subregional organizations. We believe that the long term success
in combating terrorism and religious extremism depends on dealing
with the root causes of these negative phenomena associated with
social and economic problems within society. Power actions alone
will not be able to uproot terrorism. Regrettably, today we witness
the merging of terrorism with transnational organized crime and
drug trafficking. Prevention of illicit drug trafficking…should
become part and parcel of our common struggle against terrorism.”
H.E. Mr. Yeshey Dorji, Foreign Secretary and Leader of the Bhutanese
Delegation
2 October 2007
Terrorism: “Terrorism strikes at the very foundation
of humanism and cannot be justified under any circumstances. This
evil, which does not spare even my country, has to be countered
through cooperation at bilateral, regional and global levels. At
the global level, greater efforts have to be made to implement the
Counter Terrorism Strategy and conclude a comprehensive convention
on international terrorism. Within our region, the leaders of the
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation at their 14 Summit
meeting in New Delhi last April reaffirmed their commitment to collectively
fight terrorism. This is a positive development but more needs to
be done to rid the region of this menace.”
H.E. Mr. Charles A. Savarin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade
and Labour
2 October 2007
“The adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by
the General Assembly was an important achievement. It will be meaningless,
however, if we do not address its full implementation, Small states
like Dominica and the rest of the member states of the Organization
of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) must be assisted to meet
the various obligations required by the implementation of the counter-terrorism
conventions.”
H.E. The Honourable Natanaera Kirata, Minister of Public Works
and Utilities
2 October 2007
“Terrorism is an ongoing concern that affects all countries
both large and small. Kiribati condemns terrorism in all its various
forms and manifestations and we will continue to support the global
fight against terrorism.”
H.E. Mr. Husein Elabe Fahiye, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation
2 October 2007
“Here, I wish to underscore that peace, security and well-being
and prosperity of individuals and nations alike are at stake in
the fight against terrorism. It is our view that the only viable
response against terrorism is a collective response of all nations,
and it is for this reason that the United Nations System has a pivotal
role to play and vital contributions to make in many aspects of
counter-terrorism, from promoting the rule of law and effective
criminal justice systems to ensuring that countries have the means
to counter terrorism measures. No other institution has the means
of unifying nations in the fight against this evil and there is
no better venue for nations to forge their protective measures.”
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Peru reiterates its firm condemn to all acts of terrorism,
as well as its commitment, through the mutual cooperation, to prevent,
to fight, to sanction and to eliminate terrorism in all its forms
and manifestations.”
H.E. Dr. Yannis Valinakis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Terrorism is undeniably one of the most serious threats
to peace and security, menacing the foundation, itself, of our democratic
societies and actions to combat this threat should be in conformity
with international human rights standards and fundamental freedoms.
The adoption of the Global-Counter Terrorism Strategy by the General
Assembly is a major accomplishment and its full implementation should
be an absolute priority for Member States. In this respect I would
like to emphasize the importance that my country attaches to the
conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for the elaboration of a
comprehensive Convention against international terrorism which would
be a valuable addition to the counter-terrorism legal framework."
H.E. Mr. Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
“We also have to act to confront the range of global challenges
we face-from terrorism and climate change to poverty. Terrorists
stand in stark contrast to those of us who seek to protect the vulnerable...”
“There has been some success in combating terrorists networks,
but we need to develop more effective strategies to disrupt and
dismantle their networks.”
“Australia calls on member states of the United Nations to
implement fully all relevant Security Council resolutions on freezing
the assets of terrorists. Terrorist organizations must be starved
of their funds and support. Australia also calls on members to conclude
a comprehensive convention against terrorism as soon as possible.
A convention would provide a solid foundation for international
cooperation to prevent, prosecute, and punish terrorist acts.”
“The international community must support the efforts of
states that fight terrorism – in particular, fledging democratic
states. We must help these states to establish strong democratic
institutions and accountable government structure – as state
weakness can allow terrorism to fester.”
“We should cooperate to prevent man-portable air-defense
systems (MANPADS) falling into the hands of terrorist groups. We
should also intensify work on Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear
Terrorism.”
Iran's
nuclear programme
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General
25 September 2007
"I am confident that we will reach a negotiated solution with
the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our ultimate goal remains the complete
elimination of weapons of mass destruction. If we fail, these weapons
may one day eliminate us."
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"The peoples of our region like the entire international community
count on peaceful solution of the so-called crisis around Iran.
The best way to achieve that is for Iran, whose people have great
history and culture, to prove the peaceful character of its nuclear
programme."
H.E. Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President
25 September 2007
"There will be no peace in the world if the international
community falters in the face of nuclear arms proliferation. Obviously,
I am thinking here of the Iranian question. Iran is entitled to
nuclear power for civilian purposes. But if we allow Iran to acquire
nuclear weapons, we would incur an unacceptable risk to stability
in the region and in the world. We would threaten the very existence
of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. I want to say here, in the name
of France, that we can only resolve this crisis by combining firmness
with dialogue. That is the spirit in which France intends to act."
H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President
25 September 2007
"The nuclear issue of Iran is a clear example of how such
mechanisms perform and the prevailing thoughts behind them. You
are all aware that Iran is a member of the International Atomic
Energy Agency and has always observed its rules and regulations
and has had the most extensive cooperation with this Agency in all
areas. All our nuclear activities have been completely peaceful
and transparent.
"According to the Statute of the IAEA, any member has a number
of rights and obligations. In fact, all members have to stay on
a peaceful path and, under the supervision of the Agency assist
other members, and they are entitled to be supported by the Agency
and have access to the he1 cycle with the help of the Agency and
its members.
"Thus far, lran has fulfilled all of its obligations but has
been deprived of other members' technical assistance and, even at
times, of the Agency's support. For about 5 years, some of the aforementioned
powers have, by exerting heavy pressure on the IAEA, attempted to
prevent the Iranian nation from exercising its rights.
"They have derailed Iran's nuclear issue from its legal tracks,
and have politicized the atmosphere to impose their wishes through
taking advantage of all their potentials. The government of lran
spared no effort to build confidence, but they were not satisfied
with anything short of the complete halt of all activities, even
those related to research and university fields. They were only
after depriving the Iranian people of all their inalienable rights,
even to the extent that those centers not involved in the fuel cycle
or not in need of supervision by the Agency were closed.
"After three years of negotiations and attempts to build confidence,
the Iranian nation came to the firm belief that the main concern
of these powers is not the possible deviation of Iran's nuclear
activities, but is to prevent its scientific progress under this
pretext. And, if this trend continues there will be no possibility
for lran to enjoy its rights, not even in the next 20 years. Therefore,
Iran decided to pursue the issue through its appropriate legal path,
one that runs through the IAEA, and to disregard unlawful and political
impositions by the arrogant powers.
"In the last two years, abusing the Security Council, the arrogant
powers have repeatedly accused Iran and even made military threats
and imposed illegal sanctions against it. However, by the grace
of faith in God and national unity, Iran has moved forward step
by step and now our country is recognized as a one with the capacity
for industrial scale fuel cycle production for peaceful uses. Unfortunately,
the Security Council, in dealing with this obvious legal issue,
was influenced by some bullying powers and failed to uphold justice
and protect the rights of the Iranian people.
"Fortunately, the IAEA has recently tried to regain its legal
role as supporter of the rights of its members while supervising
nuclear activities. We see this as a correct approach adopted by
the Agency. Previously, they illegally insisted on politicizing
the Iranian nation's nuclear case, but today, because of the resistance
of the Iranian nation, the issue is back to the Agency, and I officially
announce that in our opinion the nucIear issue of Iran is now closed
and has turned into an ordinary Agency matter. Today many important
questions have been raised about the nuclear activities of certain
powers within the IAEA which should be dealt with properly. Of course
Iran has always been and will be prepared to have constructive talks
with all parties.
"I would like to thank all the nations and countries that,
during this difficult juncture, defended the legal rights of my
nation and motherland and I also want to appreciate the members
of the Non-Aligned Movement, our fiends in the Security Council
and in the IAEA's Board of Governors, the committed and law-abiding
experts of the Agency and its Director-General for their standing
by the law. I would also like to announce that unlike the monopolistic
powers, the Iranian nation is ready to offer to other members its
experiences in the form of educational programs and based on its
obligations under the Agency's Statute and under its supervision."
H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor
25 September 2007
"Iran has continuously worked on its nuclear programme in
clear contradiction of the demands of the IAEA and the UN. Nobody
should be in the slightest doubt as to the dangerous nature of this
programme. Iran is ignoring UN Security Council resolutions and
is blatantly threatening Israel. Let's not fool ourselves. If Iran
were to acquire the nuclear bomb, the consequences would be disastrous
- first and foremost for the existence of Israel, secondly for the
entire region and ultimately for all of us in Europe and the world
who attach any importance to the values of liberty, democracy and
human dignity. That is why we have to prevent Iran from acquiring
nuclear arms.
"The international community must not allow itself to be divided
and its decisive response to Iran's provocations undermined in any
way. The world does not have to prove to Iran that Iran is building
a nuclear bomb. Iran has to convince the world that it is not striving
towards such a bomb."
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency
26 September 2007
"Realizing potentiai catastrophic consequences in a deepening
of the Iranian nuclear development program crisis. Bosnia and Herzegovina
encourages Iran's readiness to fully cooperate with International
Atomic Eneqy Agency and hold a dialogue with key partners."
H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President
27 September 2007
"On the other hand, Timor-Leste is deeply concerned with
the climate of mistrust and confrontation as regards the situation
in Iran. Iran is entitled to explore every peaceful means to acquire
technology that would make it less reliant on non-renewable sources
of energy. No one disputes such a right for Iran or for any other
nation. However, Iran must do more to cooperate fully with the International
Atomic Energy Agency and to reassure its neighbors and the rest
of the world that it is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons capability."
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2007
"As for the developments in the Iranian nuclear dossier,
and departing from our firm belief of the necessesity to respect
the principles of international legitimacy, and the principle of
resolving conflicts by peaceful means. The State of Kuwait calls
upon the international community to join efforts and continue to
work for the purpose of reaching a peaceful solution to this crisis,
and to spare the Gulf Region from any crisis that would disrupt
its security and stability. We also welcome the latest agreement
reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA, as an
important step on the road to dispel fears and doubts surrounding
the Iran Nuclear Program, it is our hope that dialogue and cooperation
will resume with total transparency, in as much as this would help
to create the conditions to make the Middle East a zone, free of
nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction."
H.E. Mr. David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs
27 September 2007
"Our international community depends on responsibilities as
well as rights. If Iran wants to be a leading and respected country,
it must cease its support for terrorist groups in Iraq and Afghanistan,
and end its defiance of three UN Security Council resolutions in
respect of its nuclear programme."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Complex problems require an integrated approach. This is
particularly true for the situation around Iran. The goal of nuclear
non-proliferation is an absolute priority, whereas we should not
ignore the task of engaging Iran in constructive efforts to resolve
regional and international issues."
H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"Diplomatic negotiations are the best option for resolving
the Iranian nuclear situation peacefully and meet the common interests
of the international community. China opposes nuclear weapon proliferation
and stands for upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation
regime and peace and stability in the Middle East. No non-proliferation
efforts should deviate from the goal of upholding international
peace and stability. Countries should honor their due international
obligations, and their right to peaceful use of nuclear energy should
be fully respected. China urges the parties concerned to show flexibility
and resume negotiations at an early date. China will continue to
contribute its share to the peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear
issue."
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"In this regard, the United Arab Emirates welcomes the recent
agreement between the IAEA and Iran on a fixed time schedule for
IAEA inspectors to solve the outstanding issues concerning Iran's
nuclear programme. We hope that talks among all concerned parties
will eventually lead to a permanent peaceful solution that will
spare the region from further tensions and encounters and will help
to assure countries in the region that they will not be faced with
any threats to security or to their environment."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"At present, the Iranian nuclear program - for many reasons
- is deeply upsetting for the entire international community, not
just for some of us. Iran should take these concerns very seriously.
It is clearly up to Iran to dispel any shadow of doubt over the
nature of her program, by providing undisputable proof to the world's
"nuclear watchdog", the IAEA, now. Like many others, we
strongly support Director-General ElBaradei's appeal for a double
time-out and urge Iran to heed to this call."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"It is unfortunate that there has been no progress on the
question of Iran's nuclear programme."
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The Kingdom of Bahrain has become a member of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, through its conviction of the important role
played by the Agency in strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation
regime. In order to avoid a nuclear arms race in the Middle East;
the Kingdom of Bahrain underlines the importance of freeing the
region fiom nuclear weapons. It therefore urges the concerned parties,
including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to be more transparent and
to cooperate fully in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty, so as to build confidence among neighbouring states in the
Gulf.The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms the right of all states
to utilize nuclear power for peaceful purposes. It also demands
that Israel place all its nuclear facilities under the safeguards
regime of the IAEA, and to become a party to the NPT in order to
promote the Treaty's universality."
H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their
means of delivery is another challenge that requires the undivided
attention of humankind. From this point of view, I welcome that
the Security Council has adopted by consensus a series of resolutions
on the DPRK and Iran. It is now up to all of us to translate the
will of the international community into concrete action through
full implementation of the relevant resolutions. Japan will continue
its efforts to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
through the Six-Party Talks. Japan will also continue to urge Iran
to heed the unanimous voice of the international community and suspend
its enrichment-related activities."
H.E. Minister Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad Albusaidi, Secretary General
of the Foreign Ministry of the Sultanate of Oman
1 October 2007
"We have always welcomed the existing cooperation between
the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic
and Energy Agency. We see hope and opportunities on the horizon
for a peaceful solution that guarantees the right of Iran to benefit
from peaceful nuclear technology, while resolving the worries of
the international community."
H.E. Mr. Karel De Gucht, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"In dealing with the nuclear issue in Iran, Belgium has always
supported a multilateral approach. We have to use resolutely the
multilateral mechanisms such as the IAEA and the Security Council,
in order to obtain tangible results. In the past, Iran has not fulfilled
its obligations regarding the transparency of its nuclear activities.
In order to restore confidence and to make the best use of the objective
verifications capacities of the IAEA, Iran will have to fully respect
the regulations of the agreement on the safeguards and of the additional
protocol. The measures prescribed in the resolutions of the Security
Council go beyond the regulations and aim to create the conditions
for re-establishing the international confidence in the Iranian
nuclear program. A complete and immediate respect for these resolutions
by Iran is a condition to resume the dialogue, which had to be interrupted
in 2005. The credibility of the Security Council is also at stake."
H.E. Ms. Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1 October 2007
"Hungary shares the concerns of the international community
over Iran's nuclear program and deplores Iran's failure to take
the steps required by the IAEA Board of Governors and the Security
Council resolutions necessary for re-establishing international
confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. We welcomed
the adoption of Security Council resolutions 1737 and 1747, and
we fully comply with the obligations set forth therein. We hope
that Iran will soon realize that a diplomatic, negotiated solution
is possible and that compliance has many benefits."
H.E. Mr. Basile Ikouebe, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation
and la Francophonie
2 October 2007
Unofficial Translation
"We have always insisted on the recognition of the crucial
role of the IAEA and on the necessity of a political dialogue with
the countries whose nuclear programs cause questions. In this respect,
we [commend?] the evolution of the negotiations with North Korea
and we encourage the continuation of the dialogue with Iran to ensure
that no problems exist in the program that this country develops."
H.E. Mr. Anders Lidén, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"Iran still refuses to accept the obligations laid down by the
Security Council. Iran has to convince us of the peaceful nature
of its nuclear programme."
H.E. Mr. Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary and Leader of
Pakistan Delegation
2 October 2007
“Pakistan is also disturbed by the ominous confrontation
over Iran's nuclear issue. We have insisted on recourse to diplomacy
because resort to use of force could lead to incalculable consequences
for this already inflamed and highly sensitive region.”
H.E. Ms. Rosemary Banks, Permanent Representative of New
Zealand
3 October 2007
“With respect to nuclear proliferation, New Zealand welcomes
the strong signals that have been sent to North Korean and Iran
by the Security Council."
H.E. Mr. Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
“Australia welcomes the robust action of the Security Council
over the past year in imposing sactions against programs of proliferation
concern in the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran. The
Security Council’s action on the DPRK nuclear issue sent a
strong signal to that country that the international community would
not tolerate its nuclear programs. We call on the DPRK to maintain
the momentum and implement fully its commitment to denuclearise…But
the international community including Australia, remains deeply
concerned about Iran’s nuclear program.”
North
Korea's nuclear programme
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General
25 September 2007
"I am encouraged by recent progress on the DPRK issue. I sincerely
hope that forthcoming interKorean Summit meeting will create a historic
momentum, to bring peace, security, and eventually a peaceful reunification
of the Korean Peninsula."
H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, President
27 September 2007
"Timor-Leste commends the six-party on North Korea who have
achieved some positive results in inducing North Korea to reverse
its nuclear weapons capability. This modest success shows that patient
diplomacy may advance even the most intractable conflicts when the
parties involved identify common concerns and interests."
H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"China remains committed to seeking a peaceful solution to
the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue to uphold
peace and stability on the Peninsula and in northeast Asia. The
Six-Party Talks have become an important platform for the parties
concerned to maintain dialogue and consulations on realizing denuclearization
on the Peninsula, normalizing relations between the countries concerned
and building a new harmonious architecture in northeast Asia. We
will continue to play a constructive role in advancing the process
of the Six-Party Talks and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"Among the proliferation challenges facing the international
community, the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea (DPRK) requires our immediate attention. This problem,
if not resolved soon, will seriously undermine the NPT regime. It
also has significant implications for peace and security in Northeast
Asia and beyond.
"The Six-Party Talks are the main vehicle through which to
resolve the DPRK nuclear issue. This process has made significant
progress since its launch in 2003. In the Joint Statement of September
2005, the six nations agreed on a blueprint for the denuclearization
of the Korean Peninsula. The Initial Actions Agreement of February
this year took that consensus forward another step, laying out the
specific actions to implement the Joint Statement. We hope that
another agreement will be reached during the new round of the Six-Party
Talks now underway in Beijing, leading to the disabling of the DPRK's
nuclear facilities.
"On the Korean Peninsula, inter-Korean relations will be taken
to a higher level with the Summit Meeting to be held in Pyongyang
next week between President Roh Moo-hyun and Chairman Kim Jong-il.
The Summit will first of all aim at consolidating peace on the Korean
Peninsula. The DPRK will be encouraged to move forward on the path
to denuclearization. In the same vein, the leaders will explore
ways to increase mutual trust through political and military confidence-building
measures, as well as ways to lay the groundwork for an eventual
Inter-Korean Economic Community.
"With progress in the denuclearization process, a new peace
regime will be established on the Korean Peninsula to replace the
half-century old armistice. The deepening of inter-Korean relations
and the improvement of ties between the DPRK and other countries
concerned will warrant such a change.
"The resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue will thus have a
ripple effect, extending its benefits well beyond the Korean Peninsula.
The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will strengthen the
NPT regime, serving as a useful example of a negotiated solution
for similar problems in other parts of the world including those
in the Middle East. A peace process on the Korean Peninsula will
open the path to a regional security dialogue, and the resultant
improvement in Northeast Asian security will further strengthen
regional and global cooperation for peace and prosperity. This may
be an optimistic view. But it is important that we see not only
the threats and challenges in our world, but also the opportunities.
With the ongoing Six-Party Talks and next week's Inter-Korean Summit,
we see a real opportunity for change. And we hope that our partners
in this process will help us transform today's uncertainty into
tomorrow's stability and prosperity."
H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their
means of delivery is another challenge that requires the undivided
attention of humankind. From this point of view, I welcome that
the Security Council has adopted by consensus a series of resolutions
on the DPRK and Iran. It is now up to all of us to translate the
will of the international community into concrete action through
full implementation of the relevant resolutions. Japan will continue
its efforts to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
through the Six-Party Talks. Japan will also continue to urge Iran
to heed the unanimous voice of the international community and suspend
its enrichment-related activities."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"With regard to regional situation, Cambodia welcomes the
agreement in February this year through the process of the six-party
talks leading to the closing down of Yongbyon nuclear facility in
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This is a very
positive step for peace, security and stability in the region. We
hope that it will serve as an effective tool to pave the way for
complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Like other member states, the Lao PDR welcomes the progress
achieved thus far in the implementation of the outcome the six-party
talks on nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsular. We believe that
through committed efforts by all concerned parties, the result of
the talks will be fully translated into action, thus contributing
to the eventual denuclearization in the region."
H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Mongolia - a country with an internationally recognized nuclear-weapon-free
status - is pleased with the progress achieved in the Six-Party
Talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the latest
round of which took place last week in Beijing. As its contribution
towards advancing the Six-Party Talks, Mongolia hosted a bilateral
working group session on the normalization of relations between
Japan and the DPRK from 4 to 5 September this year and stands ready
to continue such efforts in the future."
H.E. Ms. Kinga Göncz, Minister for Foreign Affairs 1 October 2007
"Hungary continues to support the process aimed at achieving
the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner,
and welcomes the first promising results of the Six-Party Talks.
The developments related to the North Korean nuclear issue have
underscored the importance of the early entry into force of the
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty."
H.E. Mr. Basile Ikouebe, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation
and la Francophonie
2 October 2007
Unofficial Translation
"We have always insisted on the recognition of the crucial
role of the IAEA and on the necessity of a political dialogue with
the countries whose nuclear programs cause questions. In this respect,
we [commend?] the evolution of the negotiations with North Korea
and we encourage the continuation of the dialogue with Iran to ensure
that no problems exist in the program that this country develops."
H.E. Mr. Choe Su Hon, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman
of the Delegation
2 October 2007
“The nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula, as made clear
time and again on this very podium, is no more than a product of
the deep-rooted hostile US policy on the DPRK persisting over half
a century."
“There has been no other option for the DPRK, small in its
territory and population, but to strengthen its self defensive military
power on the basis of Songun politics if it is to safeguard the
national sovereignty and dignity in the face of the US threats of
preemptive nuclear strikes and harsh economic sanctions.”
“Denuclearizing the Korean peninsula is the lifetime teachings
of our fatherly leader President KIM IL SUNG, and it is our consistent
position to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue
and negotiations.
"Thanks to our sincere efforts, several rounds of six-party
talks have been held so far enabling the adoption of the Joint Statement
of September 19,2005, followed by the February 13 agreement on the
initial phase steps to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.
"The Joint Statement specificies the obligations of all respective
parties for denuclearizing the Korean peninsula on the basis of
the principles of "words for words" and "actions
for actions".
“The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is not the
one that leads to our unilateral disarming, but the one that is
realized through the removal of the DPRK-US hostile relations and
the elimination of all nuclear threats on the Korean peninsula and
in its surroundings. The DPRK suspended the operation of the Nyongbyon
nuclear facilities and allowed the IAEA monitoring as well, thus
fulfilling its obligations under the February 13 agreement in a
sincere manner. The Nyongbyon nuclear facilities are a parent body
of our independent nuclear power industry built with tremendous
human and material resources. Therefore, it is a courageous political
decision to halt their operation and now enter the stage of disabling
them for eventual dismantlement. As we clarified again at the Six
Party Talks recently held in Beijing, the prospect of the implementation
of the September 19 Joint Statement rests with every single party
fulfilling its own obligations in accordance with the principle
of "actions for actions". It depends particularly on how
practical measures the US and Japan will take to remove their hostile
policies on the DPRK.”
H.E. Ms. Rosemary Banks, Permanent Representative of New
Zealand
3 October 2007
“With respect to nuclear proliferation, New Zealand welcomes
the strong signals that have been sent to North Korean and Iran
by the Security Council."
H.E. Mr. Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
“Australia welcomes the robust action of the Security Council
over the past year in imposing sactions against programs of proliferation
concern in the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran. The
Security Council’s action on the DPRK nuclear issue sent a
strong signal to that country that the international community would
not tolerate its nuclear programs. We call on the DPRK to maintain
the momentum and implement fully its commitment to denuclearise…But
the international community including Australia, remains deeply
concerned about Iran’s nuclear program.”
Nuclear
Weapon Free Zones
H.E. Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov, President
26 September 2007
"Last year, Turkmenistan together with other states of the
region signed in Semipalatinsk the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone in Central Asia. This document is unique in many ways, since,
for the first time after World War II, it proclaims the establishment
of a vast region free of nuclear weapons on the map of the Northern
Hemisphere. It is noteworthy that our joint initiative echoed the
aspirations of the majority of countries, that it has been highly
acclaimed by the international community, endorsed by the United
Nations General Assembly. Let me take this opportunity to express
appreciation to all states, international and regional organizations
that have supported the document."
H.E. Mr. Walid al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Syria reaffirms its position calling for the elimination
of all weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East region.
Allow me to recall that on 29 November, 2003, Syria tabled a draft
resolution before the Security Council on behalf of the Arab Group,
and that we are still looking forward to its adoption."
H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Mongolia - a country with an internationally recognized nuclear-weapon-free
status - is pleased with the progress achieved in the Six-Party
Talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the latest
round of which took place last week in Beijing."
H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov, Permanent Representative of the
Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations
3 October 2007
“Tajikistan attaches primary importance to further strengthening
of the disarmament process, nonproliferation of nuclear weapons,
enhancement of the negotiation process on enforcement of a Comprehensive
Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty of the establishment of nuclear weapon-free
zones. In cooperation with other Central Asia states Tajikistan
took a very active part in the elaboration on the Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone in Central Asia.”
Missiles/Delivery
Systems
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency
26 September 2007
"On May 31st, 2007, Bosnia and Herzegovina became a presiding
member of the Hague Code of Conduct, signed by 126 IJN members.
My country and HCC signees, while having a belief in collective
safety, are ready to fight against missile technology prcliferation,
and are aware of the great danger of those that are owned by non
government entities who could abuse them in a destructive manner
anywhere in the world. So I urge all the countries that did not
sign the HCOC, especially those who bave baillistic capacity, to
accept this Code. I would also Like to urge all UN members to support
the draft of the relevant resolution proposed by Bosnia and Herzegovina
and Portugal."
H.E. Mr. Song Min-soon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 28 September 2007
"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and
their delivery systems pose an ever increasing threat to the international
community. To curb WMD proliferation, our highest priority must
be to restore the integrity and relevance of the global nuclear
non-proliferation regime."
H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their
means of delivery is another challenge that requires the undivided
attention of humankind."
H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Secretary of the General
People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation
and Head of the Libyan Delegation
1 October 2007
"Libya initiated its voluntary abandonment of all programmes
related to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
Libya hopes that all nations which possess such weapons or related
programmes will follow its exemplary behavior."
Biological
and Chemical Weapons
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
25 September 2007
"The UN-led fight against conventional, nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons and landmines, in addition to the peacekeeping
and humanitarian operations of the 'Blue Helmets' in several regions,
have contributed to greater world security."
H.E. Mr. Sali Berisha, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"Albania has been a staunch supporter of the international
efforts to limit the proliferation of arms of mass destruction and
the unlawful use of small arms and light weapons which pose a serious
threat to peace, security and stability. In this context, amongst
others, we committed to the destruction of our stockpile of chemical
weapons and on July 2007, Albania became the first country in the
world free of any kind of chemical materials and armaments."
H.E. The Honourable Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"Nepal stands for a general and complete disarmament of all
weapons of mass destruction, including biological, chemical, and
nuclear weapons under effective international control in a time-bound
manner."
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Peru is firmly committed with the efforts to reach the complete
disarmament and the nonproliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological
weapons, as well as its vector systems, that constitute a threat
for the international peace and security, supporting the strengthening
and universalization of the binding multilateral agreements in the
matter.”
Outer
Space
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The possibility of deploying weapons in space brings about
a serious threat. Its threat is determined by the global coverage,
which can put into danger all states without exception. We are consistently
opposing deploying in space weapons of any type and call upon the
international community to conclude an agreement to that effect."
Conventional
Weapons
H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President
25 September 2007
"The UN-led fight against conventional, nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons and landmines, in addition to the peacekeeping
and humanitarian operations of the 'Blue Helmets' in several regions,
have contributed to greater world security."
H.E. Mr. Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency
26 September 2007
"As one of the countries most affected by the consequences
of mine stockpiles from the previous conflict, Bosnia and Herzegovina
pays close attention to the enforcing Ottawa Treaty."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The principle of indivisibility of security should form the
basis for resolving the situation around the Treaty on Conventional
Armed Forces in Europe (CFE). Russia stands ready for this; our
proposals are well known. We expect that the proposals would be
seriously discussed during the upcoming consultations."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"On limited issues multilateral progress is within reach:
a consistently growing number of states is rallying behind our call
for a legally binding instrument by 2008 to prohibit cluster munitions
which cause unacceptable harm to civilians. Austria is determined
to continue leading this process by example, with a total national
ban of this atrocious weapon."
H.E. Mr. Adrian Mihai Cioroianu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation
"My country aknowledges the problems which continue to exist
with regard to conventional armaments and firmly supports the necessary
process of reflection structured on the question of a future international
legal instrument concerning the trade of weapons."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"Likewise, landmines still remaing nowadays a serious threat
to many nations in the developing world, especially those facing
armed conflicts at present as well as countries emerging from war.
These 'silent killers' have destroyed the lives of many innoncent
peoples and maimed countless of others. Landmines are not only a
security problem, but a humanitarian one as the victims become permanently
traumatized and physically handicapped, while their families suffer
untold misery of spiritual and material deprivation. Landmines also
have a great impact on the economy and development, as the victims
constitute a heavy economic and social burden for the governments.
"In Cambodia the Royal Government is carrying out its campaign
of mine clearance, by placing the de-mining operation in its relevant
national agenda, such as 'Cambodian Millenium Development Goals,'
as well as in the 'Rectangular Strategy'. Up to July this year,
more than 1.5 million landmines had been cleared out.
"To share our experiences with other countries that are also
victims of landmines, Cambodia has dispatched 135 de-miners of the
Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to Sudan for de-mining action under
the umbrella of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation."
H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
1 October 2007
"The Republic of Moldova welcomes the new approach to controlling
small and light arms and in this context we stand for the new agreement
in the area of arms sales, we support the international community's
efforts aimed at establishing an efficient security system and arms
control system, remaining a faithful supporter of implementing the
Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. I would like to reiterate
on this occasion the position of the Republic of Moldova according
to which the withdrawal of the Russian troops that remain on the
Moldovan territory against its will, in conformity with the obligations
assumed by the Russian Federation in 1999 in Istanbul, would create
the necessary premises for ratifying and applying the Adapted CFE
Treaty."
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's
Relations with States
1 October 2007
"Moreover, this Organization must take further steps on arms
control in the field of conventional weapons, including small-calibre
arms and light weapons. The Holy See associates itself with all
appeals that underline the importance of adopting a common approach
aimed at combating not only illegal traffic in such weapons but
also other connected activities, such as terrorism, organized crime,
trafficking in drugs and in precious raw materials."
"Another important area in which the Holy See urges serious
and effective action on the part of the international community
is that of cluster munitions. A rapid response to this problem is
becoming an ethical imperative because of the high cost in human
life, the majority of the victims being civilians and especially
children."
H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Mohamed Shalgham, Secretary of the General
People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation
and Head of the Libyan Delegation
1 October 2007
"Similarly, countries which were engaged in wars on the territories
of other countries have a responsibility to remove mines and explosive
remnants of war which they left in those countries, and must provide
the necessary maps, equipment and technical know-how in order to
restore and rehabilitate damaged land in developing countries."
H.E. Ms. Rosemary Banks, Permanent Representative of New
Zealand
3 October 2007
"New Zealand is convinced that the humanitarian harm caused
by cluster munitions must be addressed urgently. We believe that
the negotiation of a treaty to deal with the problems caused by
cluster munitions is well overdue. We will host an meeting on this
initiative in February next year."
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Likewise, Peru has ratified diverse international instruments
related to small and light weapons and conventional weapons. Also,
the Government has recently established the National Commission
against the Production and the Illicit Traffic of Firearms, Munitions,
Explosives and Other Related Materials and supports the efforts
of the international community to develop a system that permit an
effective control of the commerce of weapons.”
H.E. Mr. Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"Australia also hopes the United Nation can continue its work
in protecting populations by raising barriers against the illicit
trade in conventional weapons. We support the development of an
Arms Trade Treaty.”
Small
Arms and Light Weapons
H.E. Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, President
25 September 2007
"As Africa makes significant progress towards healing the
wounds of long wars that plagued regions of the continent, an issue
of grave concern, is the proliferation of illicit small arms and
light weapons, a misnomer for lethal instruments whose abuse has
wrought havoc and caused untold distress to millions of people and
fuelled insecurity and instability across the globe. While laudable
progress has been made since the adoption of the UN Programme of
Action in 2001, we are yet to attain the envisaged goal and thereby
stifle the obnoxious malpractice of callous persons who have turned
wanton deaths into a lucrative business. We owe it to the numerous
victims who look up to this Organization to lead in efforts towards
stemming the proliferation of these Weapons of Mass Destruction,
thereby, saving generations from experiencing the tragic ordeal
which others have suffered and continue to suffer."
H.E. Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal
25 September 2007
"We are committed to upholding, implementing and further strengthening
the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation framework in
the fight against threats which are tending to escape the control
of national sovereignty, the challenges deriving from destabilizing
accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, from illicit
or irresponsible arms trade, and from the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction, which are creating new and growing hot-spots
of international tension. In this regard, the EU welcomes the growing
support in all parts of the world for an International Arms Trade
Treaty and is firmly committed to this process."
H.E. Tarja Halonen, President
26 September 2007
"We need efficient international cooperation in the field
of disarmament and non-proliferation. When considering, for example,
the number of victims of today’s conflicts, small arms and
light weapons are indeed “weapons of mass destruction”.
Finland together with more than 150 other states, supports the process
aiming at the adoption of an international arms trade treaty."
H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President
26 September 2007
"Lithuania will support the process leading to the elaboration
of a binding international Arms Trade Treaty. Lithuania will also
continue to increase practical assistance and funding to international
mine action projects and the implementation of the UN Program of
Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons."
His Majesty King Mswati III 26 September 2007
"We further commend the efforts of the United Nations Regional
Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) for its continuation
of the operation of the small arms and light weapons register for
Africa for participating states with a view to promoting transparency
in the flows of small arms and light weapons. As well as its programme
entitled "African Security Sector Reform Programme," which
carries the objective of transforming governance within the African
security sector."
H.E. Mr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
28 September 2007
"Related to the problem of drug related crimes and the proliferation
of hand guns, Antigua and Barbuda reiterates its call for strengthening
and implementation of the various UN treaties on small arms and
light weapons. The scale and scope of the disruptions and destruction
caused by the proliferation of small arms in the hands of unemployed
youth in the Caribbean is tremendous.
Here, too, small developing states, which produce no weapons, are
confronted by the tragedy wrought by guns manufactured in countries
which fail to control, and which appear untroubled by the ease with
which their weapons of death cross international borders. Even a
miniscule increase in violent crime has a negative impact on development
in small island states. These perspectives should inform the international
debate on peace and security."
H.E. Mr. Stephenson King, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance,
External Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security
28 September 2007
"For small states peace and security are critical to our sustainable
development. Thus, the spread of small arms to our region continues
to be an especially disturbing issue, and is a major contributing
factor to crime and insecurity. This is particularly ironic given
the fact that neither arms nor ammunition are produced in our region.
We therefore call on those states that produce small arms and ammunition
to enact appropriate measures to reduce the illicit export which
threatens the security and stability of the Caribbean."
Grand Chief Rt. Hon. Sir Michael T. Somare, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"Papua New Guinea remains committed to the principles and
purposes of the United Nations. We agree with you Mr President that
we must: continue to work with common purpose to renew, modernize
and strengthen this organization so it can rise to the challenges
of the 21st century. The increasing incidences of human atrocities,
genocides and wars, poverty, terrorism, HIVIAIDS and increase in
malaria and TB, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,
drug and human smuggling, environmental degradation and climate
change are issues which, we believe, the UN is best placed to address."
H.E. Mr. Sali Berisha, Prime Minister
27 September 2007
"Albania has been a staunch supporter of the international
efforts to limit the proliferation of arms of mass destruction and
the unlawful use of small arms and light weapons which pose a serious
threat to peace, security and stability."
H.E. Ms. Ursula Plassnik, Federal Minister for European and International
Affairs
28 September 2007
"Burkina Faso and Austria will co-host a conference in Ouagadougou
in November on how to create sustainable peace. This meeting will
unite participants from ECOWAS countries and Europe in an endeavour
to provide a common input to the Lisbon summit - by furthering policies
of good neighbourhood, rule of law and good governance; by fighting
the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; by creating employment
for young people; and by actively promoting the education of girls."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"Bulgaria reaffirms its support for the UN action plan against
the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. We are firmly
engaged in the process of work aiming to adopt in the near future
an international treaty on the trade of the weapons."
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation 1 October 2007
"In terms of security we certainly cannot underestimate the
illegal use and circulation of small arms and light weapons
as they can be an equally dangerous source of terrorism, violence
and regional conflicts. In this context, Cambodia beleives that
the 2001 "Un Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons"
should remain the cornerstone for us all to work together to address
this issue. In Cambodia, the Royal Government has developed a number
of programs ranging from law enforcement on arms control to the
Program of Weapon for Development, which had successfully led to
the seizure and destruction of more than 20,000 small arms and light
weapons."
H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
1 October 2007
"The Republic of Moldova welcomes the new approach to controlling
small and light arms and in this context we stand for the new agreement
in the area of arms sales, we support the international community's
efforts aimed at establishing an efficient security system and arms
control system, remaining a faithful supporter of implementing the
Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. I would like to reiterate
on this occasion the position of the Republic of Moldova according
to which the withdrawal of the Russian troops that remain on the
Moldovan territory against its will, in conformity with the obligations
assumed by the Russian Federation in 1999 in Istanbul, would create
the necessary premises for ratifying and applying the Adapted CFE
Treaty."
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for the Holy See's
Relations with States
1 October 2007
"Moreover, this Organization must take further steps on arms
control in the field of conventional weapons, including small-calibre
arms and light weapons. The Holy See associates itself with all
appeals that underline the importance of adopting a common approach
aimed at combating not only illegal traffic in such weapons but
also other connected activities, such as terrorism, organized crime,
trafficking in drugs and in precious raw materials."
H.E. The Honourable Archibald Lesao Lehohla, Deputy Prime Minister
1 October 2007
"In all these conflicts, small arms and light weapons become
weapons of choice. We therefore still consider it regrettable that
in 2005, Member States were not able to adopt a legally binding
international instrument on the marking and tracing of small arms
and light weapons. We share the view that such an instrument could
curtail the sources of illicit small arms and light weapons, their
transfers and civilian possession. It is the urgent responsibility
of the United Nations to facilitate the adoption of an effective
international instrument for curbing the illicit trade in conventional
weapons which will make it harder for such weapons to end up in
the hands of criminals. We hope that the Arms Trade Treaty that
is being proposed, can be concluded expeditiously."
H.E. The Honourable Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2007
"We are concerned by the lack of progress on major multilateral
negotiations in disarmament, including in nuclear disarmament and
in control of illegal proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
We call upon the member states, especially the nuclear weapon states,
for stepping up measures for disarmament to release much-needed
dividends for development. We hope that the newly established
office of High Commissioner for disarmament affairs will infuse
dynamism in the process."
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 October 2007
"There is a need to comprehensively address the illicit traffick
in small arms and light weapons which have the capacity to kill
and maim thousands of people. Jamaica has first hand experience
of high levels of gun violence and the unwarranted burden it places
on our social and economic system. We urge the international community
to give priority attention to this menace including through the
creation of a legally binding instrument containing stricter controls
over the illegal trade in small arms and ammunition. Likewise, we
support the proposal for the establishment of an arms trade treaty."
H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Reinel, Vice Minister and Secretary
General of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2007
“Likewise, Peru has ratified diverse international instruments
related to small and light weapons and conventional weapons. Also,
the Government has recently established the National Commission
against the Production and the Illicit Traffic of Firearms, Munitions,
Explosives and Other Related Materials and supports the efforts
of the international community to develop a system that permit an
effective control of the commerce of weapons.”
Arms Trade
Treaty
H.E. Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal
25 September 2007
"We are committed to upholding, implementing and further strengthening
the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation framework in
the fight against threats which are tending to escape the control
of national sovereignty, the challenges deriving from destabilizing
accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, from illicit
or irresponsible arms trade, and from the proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction, which are creating new and growing hot-spots
of international tension. In this regard, the EU welcomes the growing
support in all parts of the world for an International Arms Trade
Treaty and is firmly committed to this process."
H.E. Tarja Halonen, President
26 September 2007
"We need efficient international cooperation in the field
of disarmament and non-proliferation. When considering, for example,
the number of victims of today’s conflicts, small arms and
light weapons are indeed “weapons of mass destruction”.
Finland together with more than 150 other states, supports the process
aiming at the adoption of an international arms trade treaty."
H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President
26 September 2007
"Lithuania will support the process leading to the elaboration
of a binding international Arms Trade Treaty. Lithuania will also
continue to increase practical assistance and funding to international
mine action projects and the implementation of the UN Program of
Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons."
H.E. Mr. David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs
27 September 2007
"Beyond these crises, we need also to improve our capacity
to prevent the emergence of conflict. That is our vision
of the Responsibility to Protect. A critical dimension is controlling
the spread of weapons whose easy availability makes it so simple
to set up militias, and provoke violence and mayhem. Last year this
Assembly voted overwhelmingly to take forward UN work towards an
Arms Trade Treaty. The UK Government will continue to press for
this goal."
H.E. Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation from French
"Bulgaria reaffirms its support for the UN action plan against
the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. We are firmly
engaged in the process of work aiming to adopt in the near future
an international treaty on the trade of the weapons."
H.E. Mrs. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade
28 September 2007
"Clearly, a major threat to human security as well as state
security is the proliferation of arms. Iceland regrets the current
situation in the fields of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation.
Despite sustained efforts by the majority of Member States over
a number of years, only limited progress has been achieved, some
of it outside the UN framework. Our failures in this area pose a
constant threat to peace and security. Now is the time to renew
our efforts. The conclusion of an arms trade treaty would certainly
be a significant achievement."
H.E. Mr. Adrian Mihai Cioroianu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
Unofficial Translation
"My country aknowledges the problems which continue to exist
with regard to conventional armaments and firmly supports the necessary
process of reflection structured on the question of a future international
legal instrument concerning the trade of weapons."
H.E. Mr. Andrei Stratan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for
Foreign Affairs and European Integration
1 October 2007
"The Republic of Moldova welcomes the new approach to controlling
small and light arms and in this context we stand for the new agreement
in the area of arms sales, we support the international community's
efforts aimed at establishing an efficient security system and arms
control system, remaining a faithful supporter of implementing the
Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. I would like to reiterate
on this occasion the position of the Republic of Moldova according
to which the withdrawal of the Russian troops that remain on the
Moldovan territory against its will, in conformity with the obligations
assumed by the Russian Federation in 1999 in Istanbul, would create
the necessary premises for ratifying and applying the Adapted CFE
Treaty."
H.E. The Honourable Archibald Lesao Lehohla, Deputy Prime Minister
1 October 2007
"In all these conflicts, small arms and light weapons become
weapons of choice. We therefore still consider it regrettable that
in 2005, Member States were not able to adopt a legally binding
international instrument on the marking and tracing of small arms
and light weapons. We share the view that such an instrument could
curtail the sources of illicit small arms and light weapons, their
transfers and civilian possession. It is the urgent responsibility
of the United Nations to facilitate the adoption of an effective
international instrument for curbing the illicit trade in conventional
weapons which will make it harder for such weapons to end up in
the hands of criminals. We hope that the Arms Trade Treaty that
is being proposed, can be concluded expeditiously."
H.E. Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Worship
2 October 2007
“In this regard, Costa Rica has been calling for compliance
with the Charter, in the sense of promoting "the maintenance
of international peace and security with the least diversion for
armaments of the world's human and economic resources." Thus
reads the dead letter of article 26 of the Charter is in that spirit
that we have pressed for the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT),
that is, a legally binding instrument that codifies those existing
obligations of States under international law that may apply to
the arms trade."
H.E. Dr. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 October 2007
"There is a need to comprehensively address the illicit traffick
in small arms and light weapons which have the capacity to kill
and maim thousands of people. Jamaica has first hand experience
of high levels of gun violence and the unwarranted burden it places
on our social and economic system. We urge the international community
to give priority attention to this menace including through the
creation of a legally binding instrument containing stricter controls
over the illegal trade in small arms and ammunition. Likewise, we
support the proposal for the establishment of an arms trade treaty."
H.E. Mr. Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2 October 2007
"Australia also hopes the United Nation can continue its work
in protecting populations by raising barriers against the illicit
trade in conventional weapons. We support the development of an
Arms Trade Treaty.”
Disarmament
and Development/
Military Spending
H.E. Mr. Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, President
25 September 2007
"15 years ago, from this podium, Kazakhstan put forward an
initiative related to the enhancement of the Organization's peacekeeping
capacity. We proposed to establish a United Nations peacekeeping
fund by states voluntarily contributing to it 1 percent of their
military budgets. That idea has been supported by the Secretary-General
Mr. Ban Ki-moon who has proposed to redirect to development 1 percent
of global military spending, which today stands at more than 1 trillion
US dollars."
H.E. Valdas Adamkus, President
26 September 2007
"We feel sorry for a society at large when its government
chooses to spend the country’s natural riches for guns and
not for democratic reforms."
H.E. Festus G. Mogae, President
26 September 2007
"We, the peoples of the earth, have the human and natural
resources and technology to end severe global poverty and disease,
reverse climate change, prevent wars and alleviate human suffering.
Unfortunately, substantial resources continue to be wasted on destructive
endeavours rather than constructive work. We squander valuable assets
in the production of weapons of war and mass destruction rather
than on development.
"The world would be a much better place, if the natural resources
on this planet were exploited to feed, clothe, educate, care for
the suck, prevent diseases and build communities. Young men and
women should grow up looking forward to doing extraordinary things
to advance the cause of economic and social progress, and not spending
precious time manufacturing bombs, weapons of war or planning how
to kill other human beings."
H.E. Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, President
26 September 2007
"We spend almost no money on defence and we have never fought
a war."
His Majesty King Mswati III 26 September 2007
"We welcome the Report of the Secretary-General on the relationship
between disarmament and development, in particular its recognition
that armed violence and conflict impede realization of the millennium
development goals. In this regard we applaud the United Nations
Development Programme for its efforts to prevent armed violence
through its contribution to the disarmament and development agenda
by promoting and participating in a number of policy oriented initiatives."
H.E. Mr Felipe Perez Roque, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2007
"Instead of moving towards general and complete disarmament,
including nuclear disarmament, which has been an ongoing demand
of the Non-Aligned Movement for decades, we bear witness to the
promotion of the arms race and to the squandering of wealth on new
weapons and arms systems that deplete the resources required by
the world in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and
address the very serious problems stemming from poverty and marginalization."
"Why are such colossal resources squandered on the killing
industry and not used to save lives? Why are schools not built instead
of nuclear submarines, and hospitals instead of “smart”
bombs? Why are vaccines not produced instead of armored vehicles
and more food instead of fighter jets? Why is there no momentum
given to research to fight off AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis instead
of promoting the manufacture of anti-missile shields?"
H.E. Mr. Stephenson King, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance,
External Affairs, Home Affairs and National Security
28 September 2007
"For small states peace and security are critical to our sustainable
development. Thus, the spread of small arms to our region continues
to be an especially disturbing issue, and is a major contributing
factor to crime and insecurity. This is particularly ironic given
the fact that neither arms nor ammunition are produced in our region.
We therefore call on those states that produce small arms and ammunition
to enact appropriate measures to reduce the illicit export which
threatens the security and stability of the Caribbean."
H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2007
"The conflict range that is expanding in international politics
through aggravations of regional crises, increasing threat of terrorism,
risks of spreading WMDs, stagnation in disarmament, is jeopardizing
international stability, diverting resources from their constructive
use and calls into question possible sustainable economic growth
throughout the world. And it is such growth that is our common fundamental
goal. Poverty and economic backwardness expand the breeding grounds
for extremism."
H.E. Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Worship
2 October 2007
“In this regard, Costa Rica has been calling for compliance
with the Charter, in the sense of promoting "the maintenance
of international peace and security with the least diversion for
armaments of the world's human and economic resources." Thus
reads the dead letter of article 26 of the Charter is in that spirit
that we have pressed for the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT),
that is, a legally binding instrument that codifies those existing
obligations of States under international law that may apply to
the arms trade. It is also in that spirit that we have called for
the Costa Rica Consensus, so that international donors reward those
developing countries that, while increasing social spending and
reducing military spending, are making sustainable and verifiable
efforts to meet the most pressing social needs, including the MDGs.”
"Multilateralism is not built on tests of strength. In 2006,
the world reached a record 1.2 trillion dollars in military spending.
According to the Millennium Project, with one tenth of this amount,
that is, 121 billion dollars, we would have met the targets for
2006 for all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in all countries.
In 2006, for every dollar spent on average by the OECD Member States,
another 7.50 dollars were spent on warfare.”
“It is also in that spirit that we have called for the Costa
Rica Consensus, so that international donors reward those developing
countries that, while increasing social spending and reducing military
spending, are making sustainable and verifiable efforts to meet
the most pressing social needs, including the MDGs.”
