|
Disarmament Index
by Topic 2009
Nuclear Issues and Weapons of Mass Destruction
For other topics, please see the Disarmament Index by Topic
or Country.
Biological
and Chemical Weapons
Germany
H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Chairman of the Delegation
28 September 2009
“The international community must not
relent in its commitment to ban all weapons of mass destruction.
A model in this respect is the chemical weapons convention
which outlaws a whole category of weapons of mass destruction.
Its implementing organisation needs strong and dynamic leadership.
Germany has always felt a particular commitment to the chemical
weapons convention and stands ready to accept greater responsibility
in this organisation.”
Guinea
H.E. Alexandre Cécé Loua, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Guineans living abroad
28 September 2009
“My country supports international efforts on the issue
of disarmament and the control of armaments. It is in support
of the prevention and destruction of all nuclear, biological
and chemical weapons, including eradicating the trafficking
of fissile materials.”
Iran
(Islamic Republic of)
H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President
23 September 2009
“It is not acceptable that the military budget of some
governments exceeds far larger than those of the entire countries
of the world. They export billions of dollars of arms every
year, stockpile chemical and biological weapons, establish
military bases or have military presence in other countries
while accusing others of militarism, and mobilize all their
resources in the world to impede scientific and technological
progress of other nations under the pretext of countering
arms proliferation.”
Zambia
H.E. Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President
24 September 2009
"Even in the post cold war era, nuclear arms pose a
threat to international peace and security and the very existence
of mankind. It is for this reason that Zambia stands for general
and complete disarmament, including biological, chemical,
nuclear and radiological weapons, in a time-bound manner.
The demand of the time is that we compete for peace not war,
for development, not armaments."
Fissile
Materials
Austria
H.E. Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European
and International Affairs
26 September 2009
“2. As current chair of the Conference on Disarmament
in Geneva, Austria works hard to translate the recent positive
momentum into substantial progress especially on a verifiable
Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.”
Germany
H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Chairman of the Delegation
28 September 2009
“We need a new international consensus at the 2010
NPT Review Conference, the start of FMCT negotiations in Geneva
and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty.”
Greece
H.E. Mr. Anastassis Mitsialis, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
"It is equally important to have additional ratifications
of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the early
drafting of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty."
Guinea
H.E. Alexandre Cécé Loua, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Guineans living abroad
28 September 2009
“My country supports international efforts on the issue
of disarmament and the control of armaments. It is in support
of the prevention and destruction of all nuclear, biological
and chemical weapons, including eradicating the trafficking
of fissile materials.”
India
H.E. Mr. S. M. Krishna, Minister for External Affairs
26 September 2009
“It was in this spirit that we supported adoption of
a Programme of Work, including on a Fissile Material Cut-off
Treaty, in the Conference on Disarmament in May this year.
This is consistent with India's position, to work with others
in the Conference on Disarmament towards conclusion of a non-discriminatory,
multilaterally negotiated and internationally verifiable FMCT,
provided it meets India’s national security interests.”
Japan
H.E. Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
“In order to ensure the success of the NPT Review Conference
to be held next year in May, we must take action now towards
the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty (CTBT) and the early commencement of negotiations on
a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).”
United
States of America
H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President
23 September 2009
“And we will call upon countries to begin negotiations
in January on a treaty to end the production of fissile material
for weapons.”
IAEA
Safeguards/Additional Protocol
Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Alkhalifa, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“All nuclear institutions and activities in Middle
Eastern states should be placed under the IAEA safeguards
system, without prejudice to the legitimate right of states
to possess nuclear technology for peaceful uses in the various
areas where it has become vital for development and the diversification
of energy sources, in conformity with the relevant international
agreements.”
Egypt
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In the same context, it is necessary to effectively
deal with the issues of regional stability and security, mainly
through eliminating the inexplicable and unjustified latitude
in dealing with the issue of Israeli nuclear capabilities
and the persistent threat it poses to security and stability
in the Middle East, particularly as, endeavors are intensified
to expand the commitments of the non-nuclear States Party
to NPT, without due regard to the need to achieve its universality
and to subject all nuclear facilities in the Middle East to
the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards. Egypt will continue its
diligent work to address this situation, highlighting its
risks, with the aim of changing it in all relevant international
fora.”
Greece
H.E. Mr. Anastassis Mitsialis, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
"Greece firmly believes that the NPT remains the cornerstone
of the nuclear nonproliferation regime. Broad participation
in it - along with the conclusion of comprehensive Safeguards
Agreements and the Implementation of the Additional Protocol
- is beyond any doubt the most effective answer to threats
of nuclear proliferation."
Syrian
Arab Republic
H.E. Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“For years Syria has been calling for the establishment
of the Middle East region as a zone free from all weapons
of mass destruction. To this end, Syria tabled a draft resolution
before the Security Council in 2003. Today Syria stresses
the need to commit Israel to comply with the resolution adopted
by the International Atomic Energy Agency on the 19th of this
month regarding the Israeli nuclear capabilities in which
the Agency called upon Israel to submit its nuclear facilities
to its safeguard regime and to adhere to the Non Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).”
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“We also emphasize UAE’s position which calls
for the implementation of the UN resolutions, which demand
Israel to dismantle its military nuclear facilities, accede
unconditionally to the non-proliferation treaty in tandem
with other countries of the region and subject its nuclear
facilities to the safeguards of the IAEA.”
International
Court of Justice opinion on nuclear weapons
Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Anifah Aman, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
“For our own part, we have since 1996 introduced the
resolution on the 'Follow-up to the advisory opinion of the
International Court of Justice on the Legality of the threat
or use of nuclear weapons', and will continue to do so at
this session of the General Assembly. The resolution, among
others, calls on all States to fulfill this obligation by
commencing multilateral negotiations leading to an early conclusion
of a nuclear weapons convention.”
Iran's
nuclear programme
European
Union
H.E. Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden
23 September 2009
“The Iranian nuclear issue represents a major challenge
to international peace and security, to regional stability
and to the non-proliferation regime. Iran must regain the
trust of the international community, comply with relevant
Security Council resolutions and contribute to peace in the
Middle East.”
Austria
H.E. Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European
and International Affairs
26 September 2009
“With regard to the Iranian nuclear programme it is
indispensable that Iran fully complies with all relevant Security
Council resolutions and closely cooperates with the IAEA.
The most recent announcement by the government of Iran concerning
an additional enrichment facility is discouraging and further
increases our concern. As an important regional actor Iran
has the responsibility to contribute to peace and security
in the area. The time has now come for Iran to finally enter
into a constructive dialogue with the international community.
Iran should therefore grasp the extended hand of its international
partners and engage in genuine and serious negotiations. The
debates during this week have clearly shown that the world
will not accept an Iran armed with nuclear weapons.”
Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Alkhalifa, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“Among the other challenges facing our region and causing
concern to all of us is the question of nuclear proliferation
in the Middle East and the Gulf region. The Iranian nuclear
programme is undoubtedly among the causes for this common
concern. Nevertheless, addressing it should be undertaken
in such a manner as to spare our region the threat of confrontation.
This could best be achieved by giving precedence to diplomacy.”
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Yves Leterme, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“Unfortunately, the latest news coming from Iran is
not headed in this direction. My country urgently calls on
Iran and North Korea to cooperate with the international community
on this issue and to implement the Security Council resolutions
on this matter. Otherwise, they will place themselves in ban
of the international community.”
Bulgaria
H.E. Mrs. Rumiana Jeleva, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“We are deeply concerned by the recent turn of events
regarding the nuclear dossier of Iran, and in this respect
we strongly appeal to the Iranian authorities to comply with
UN Security Council Resolutions and to pursue its full cooperation
with the IAEA. Bulgaria hopes that the forthcoming negotiations
between Iran and the P5+1, scheduled for the beginning of
October, will make it possible to renew the discussion on
the Iranian Nuclear Programme and will pave the way for a
comprehensive solution before December this year.”
Canada
H.E. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
26 September 2009
“Canada was deeply troubled by the recent revelation
that Iran has been building a covert uranium enrichment facility
for several years. We condemn Iran’s continued refusal
to respect UN Security council resolutions and International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) requirements. We call on Iran
to allow the IAEA immediate and unfettered access to all sites,
including this facility, and we expect a full investigation.
“We hope that talks between the five permanent members
of the UN Security Council plus Germany and Iran on October
1st will address the continued dishonesty surrounding Iran’s
nuclear program. Our Prime Minister has been clear with President
Obama, with Prime Minister Brown, with President Sarkozy,
and with our other allies - Canada will be supportive of actions
necessary to deal with what is clearly a threat to international
peace and security.”
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“Let me take the opportunity to call on Iran and DPRK
to comply with their obligations to suspend enrichment activities
and start negotiations on a transparent civilian nuclear program,
as set forth in Security Council resolutions.”
France
H.E. Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President
23 September 2009
“And I would like to say to the Iranian leaders that
they would be making a tragic mistake in relying on the passive
response of the international community in order to pursue
their military nuclear program.”
Hungary
H.E. Mr. Péter Balázs, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
"The nuclear programme of Iran continues to be a matter
of most serious concern. We deeply regret that the leadership
of Iran has refused to abide by the relevant UN Security Council
resolutions. In flagrant violation of its international obligations
has even increased the uranium enrichment capacities in the
country. Recent revelations about the existence of a second
enrichment facility underscore the legitimacy of our previous
concerns. We urge Iran to engage, in substantive negotiations
on its nuclear programme, without further delay. News about
recent missile tests only reinforces our sense of urgency."
Ireland
H.E.Mr. Peter Power, Minister of State for Overseas Development
28 September 2009
“It is equally urgent that Iran responds to the demands
of the international community to cease uranium enrichment
and to answer satisfactorily all questions regarding its nuclear
activities, particularly in light of the latest revelations
regarding the previously undisclosed nuclear site at Qom.
The international community is ready to engage with Iran and
has made generous offers. It is for Iran to decide whether
it wishes to pursue the path of engagement or to opt for increasing
isolation. We very much hope that the forthcoming discussions
on 1 October with Iran will mark the start of a constructive
engagement on the major issues of international concern.”
Israel
H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
“The most urgent challenge facing this body is to prevent
the tyrants of Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Are
the member states of the United Nations up to that challenge?
... Above all, will the international community stop the terrorist
regime of Iran from developing atomic weapons, thereby endangering
the peace of the entire world?”
Kuwait
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah,
Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“While Kuwait supports the right of all states to use
nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, it hopes negotiations
between the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA
and the concerned countries will continue with a view of reaching
a peaceful solution for the Iranian nuclear file, which would
dispel the fears and doubts surrounding its nature and purposes.”
Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
“The Iranian nuclear issue represents a major challenge
to international peace and security, to regional stability
and to the non-proliferation regime. The recent revelation
of a nuclear facility which was long kept secret, is additional
reason for great concern. It calls for a strong reaction by
the international community and for total transparency by
Iran. Iran must regain the trust of the international community,
comply with relevant Security Council resolutions and contribute
to peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Norway
H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2009
“Recent information cast new doubt on Iran's nuclear
ambition. Iran itself has the opportunity and responsibility
to remove this doubt and it is imperative that it does so.”
Oman
H.E. Mr. Yousef Bin AI-Alawi Bin Abdullah, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
“We welcome the continued cooperation between the friendly
Islamic Republic of Iran, the international community and
the International Atomic Energy Agency. In this respect, we
see some positive signs leading towards a diplomatic solution.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajcák, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
"Slovakia, together with the other members of the European
Union, is gravely concerned at Iran's continued defiance of
its international obligations, including Security Council's
demands to suspend its nuclear activities. We take note of
Iran accepting the P5+1 talks and we call on Iran to commit
to the diplomatic negotiations in order to restore international
community's trust and make real and urgent progress."
Turkey
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
"We believe that the dispute over our neighbor Iran's
nuclear program, which has long preoccupied the international
community, should be resolved through dialogue."
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In this context, we also urge the Islamic Republic
of Iran to continue its cooperation with the IAEA and the
international community in order to allay fears and doubts
raised on the nature and the purposes of its nuclear program.
We also call upon the respective parties to continue their
political and diplomatic approach away from any escalations
or emotions so that a peaceful agreement that ensures the
security and stability of the countries of the region and
their peoples can be reached.”
United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
H.E. Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
23 September 2009
“There can be no chance of a nuclear-free world, if
we allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons and in doing so set
off a new arms race.”
“First, let there by no ambiguity: Iran and North Korea
must know that the world will be even tougher on proliferation
and we are ready to consider further sanctions. Britain will
insist that the onus on non nuclear states is that in future
it is for them to prove they are not developing nuclear weapons.”
United
States of America
H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President
23 September 2009
“All of this must support efforts to strengthen the
NPT. Those nations that refuse to live up to their obligations
must face consequences. This is not about singling out individual
nations – it is about standing up for the rights of
all nations that do live up to their responsibilities. Because
a world in which IAEA inspections are avoided and the United
Nation’s demands are ignored will leave all people less
safe, and all nations less secure. In their actions to date,
the governments of North Korea and Iran threaten to take us
down this dangerous slope. We respect their rights as members
of the community of nations. I am committed to diplomacy that
opens a path to greater prosperity and a more secure peace
for both nations if they live up to their obligations.
“But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose
to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit
of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security
and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious
to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East
Asia and the Middle East – then they must be held accountable.
The world must stand together to demonstrate that international
law is not an empty promise, and that Treaties will be enforced.
We must insist that the future not belong to fear.”
Viet
Nam
H.E. Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet, President
25 September 2009
"Respect for the fundamental principles of international
law and the UN Charter in international relations is the determinant
for peace and security and the prerequisite for all activities
of the international community. On that basis, the United
Nations should continue to make active contributions to easing
tension and peacefully resolving outstanding disputes and
conflicts, including those relating to the DPRK and Iran."
Israel's
nuclear programme
Egypt
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In the same context, it is necessary to effectively
deal with the issues of regional stability and security, mainly
through eliminating the inexplicable and unjustified latitude
in dealing with the issue of Israeli nuclear capabilities
and the persistent threat it poses to security and stability
in the Middle East, particularly as, endeavors are intensified
to expand the commitments of the non-nuclear States Party
to NPT, without due regard to the need to achieve its universality
and to subject all nuclear facilities in the Middle East to
the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards. Egypt will continue its
diligent work to address this situation, highlighting its
risks, with the aim of changing it in all relevant international
fora.”
Kuwait
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah,
Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“Departing from Kuwait's belief and deep rooted conviction
in the importance and the necessity of the disarmament of
all weapons of mass destruction, and declare the Middle East
a region free from nuclear weapons. Kuwait renews its call
for dealing seriously with Israel, the only country in the
region that did not joint the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and
calls upon Israel to join the Treaty and subject all of its
facilities to the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).”
Saudi
Arabia
His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
26 September 2009
“Departure from the principles of international legitimacy,
the rules of international law and the requirements of universal
justice remains the root cause of the risks of proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction that are overshadowing the
Middle East, including the Gulf region. This is attributable
to the fact that, for decades, a blind eye was turned to the
Israeli nuclear programme which, far from even being ostensibly
designed to generate electric power, produces nothing but
weapons of mass destruction. This original sin has motivated
some states to push ahead with the development of nuclear
capabilities, using the pretext of double standards to justify
non-compliance with international resolutions in this regard.”
Syrian
Arab Republic
H.E. Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“For years Syria has been calling for the establishment
of the Middle East region as a zone free from all weapons
of mass destruction. To this end, Syria tabled a draft resolution
before the Security Council in 2003. Today Syria stresses
the need to commit Israel to comply with the resolution adopted
by the International Atomic Energy Agency on the 19th of this
month regarding the Israeli nuclear capabilities in which
the Agency called upon Israel to submit its nuclear facilities
to its safeguard regime and to adhere to the Non Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).”
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“We also emphasize UAE’s position which calls
for the implementation of the UN resolutions, which demand
Israel to dismantle its military nuclear facilities, accede
unconditionally to the non-proliferation treaty in tandem
with other countries of the region and subject its nuclear
facilities to the safeguards of the IAEA.”
Missiles/Delivery
Systems
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“Amongst the most serious present danger
to peace and security is the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction and their means of delivery.”
Philippines
H.E. Mr. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“In addition, the United States and Russia are making
headway under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)
to reduce their deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems
beyond its pending expiry this December.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, President
23 September 2009
“Let me mention the Russian-Chinese initiative regarding
a treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in
outer space as well as our proposal to universalize the Russian-American
Treaty on the Elimination of the Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range
Missiles.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajcák, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
"Slovakia is, particularly, very concerned over the
risk of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery
falling into the hands of non-state actors, especially terrorist
groups. In this connection, Slovakia is ready to work with
all partners towards a successful outcome of the 2010 NPT
Review Conference that should result in an enhanced international
nuclear non-proliferation regime."
Negative
Security Assurances
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kanat Saudabayev, Secretary of State and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“One of the considerable contributions made by Kazakhstan
and the Central Asian states to the NPT implementation was
this March's entry into force of the Treaty on the Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone in our region. The peculiarity of this zone is that it
is located between two largest nuclear powers. The zone could
play a large practical role in preventing uncontrolled proliferation
of nuclear materials, as well as in fighting the nuclear terrorism.
We count on the support for the Central Asian zone, firstly,
from the nuclear powers, meaning a possibility of providing
negative security guarantees.”
Myanmar
H.E. General Thein Sein, Prime Minister
28 September 2009
"We consider that pending the total elimination of nuclear
weapons we should pursue efforts towards the conclusion of
a universal, unconditional and legally binding instrument
on security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States."
Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Victor Yushchenko, President
23 September 2009
"At the same time, Ukraine persistently counts on the
support by the Security Council permanent members of our proposal
to enhance security assurances for non-nuclear states, in
particular for those which had voluntarily renounced nuclear
weapons or their development. That will become an important
incentive for many countries."
North
Korea's nuclear programme
European
Union
H.E. Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden
23 September 2009
“We strongly urge the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea to renounce nuclear weapons and we stand ready to
engage in this matter.”
Australia
H.E. Mr. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister
23 September 2009
“The nuclear test by North Korea this year was rightly
condemned across the international community. It reiterates
that the only path to safety is through the eventual elimination
of nuclear weapons.”
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Yves Leterme, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“My country urgently calls on Iran and North Korea
to cooperate with the international community on this issue
and to implement the Security Council resolutions on this
matter. Otherwise, they will place themselves in ban of the
international community.”
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
26 September 2009
"On the Korean Peninsula issue, we all are concerned
with the rising tension in this part of the world, which can
affect peace and security in the region. Cambodia urges all
parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint and re-engage
peaceful negotiations in the Six- Party Talks aimed at early
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. I think we should
call upon the Democratic People Republic of Korea (DPRK) to
keep in mind that the Six-Party Talks remain an appropriate
forum to contribute to the settlement of the overall problem
in the Korean Peninsula."
Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea
H.E. Pak Ui Chun, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“We have never denied the denuclearization of the Korean
peninsula and the rest of the world.
“The denuclearization is the behest of President KIM
IL SUNG and nuclear-free world is a long cherished-desire
of humankind.”
“The DPRK has done everything it could to realize the
peaceful reunification of the country, remove nuclear threats
and source of war and secure peace and stability on the Korean
peninsula.
“We initiated the denuclearization of Northeast Asia
and the Korean peninsula and advanced the proposal on replacing
the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement and the proposal
of adopting the DPRK-US non-aggression treaty.
“However, our effort has not received due response
from the United States (US). The US considers the Korean issue
only in the light of its Asian strategy and dose not want
to see the entire Korean peninsula denuclearized. Thus, it
resulted in increased nuclear threats against the DPRK.
“The arbitrariness of the US finds its expression in
arguing that the DPRK must not launch even a peaceful satellite.
The UNSC is being abused by this arbitrariness.
“We came to the conclusion that so long as the US dose
not change its nuclear policy as at present time, we have
no other option but to rely on our dependable nuclear possession
to ensure nuclear balance of the region, if we are to preserve
peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
“The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula depends
on whether or not the US changes its nuclear policy towards
Korea. In order to realize the denuclearization of the Korean
peninsula, the US administration must discard old concept
of confrontation and show the ‘change’ in practice,
as it recently stated on several occasions.
“Mr. President, We do not pursue nuclear arms race.
“The mission of our nuclear weapon is to deter a war.
We will only possess nuclear deterrent to such an extent as
to deter military attack and its threat against our country.
“The deterrence will be directly proportional to the
threat on the Korean Peninsula, as in Europe and elsewhere.
“The DPRK, while in possession of nuclear weapons,
will act in a responsible manner in management, use and non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons as well as in nuclear disarmament.
“We share the position of all peace-loving countries
including the nonaligned countries in opposing nuclear war,
nuclear arms race and proliferation of nuclear weapons.
“‘Sanctions’ are now imposed on us in the
name of United Nations (UN) on the grounds that we possessed
nuclear deterrent.
“It may be recalled that the UN was born in the country
which produced the first nuclear weapon and all five permanent
member states of the UNSC are nuclear powers.
“Had these countries shown sincerity in nuclear disarmament
long time ago and refrained from arbitrary act of selectively
taking an issue with the peaceful satellite launch of other
country, the nuclear-related situation of the world may have
evolved differently.
“The DPRK attaches importance to sovereignty and equality
enshrined in the UN Charter.
“The principle of sovereignty and equality is also
the reason that we joined UN as a member. Unfair and unequal
sanctions will never be recognized nor accepted.
“It is the stand of the DPRK government to react to
the dialogue with a dialogue and respond to the ‘sanctions’
by strengthening nuclear deterrence. If the US comes to dialogue
with ‘sanctions’, we will also participate in
the dialogue with bolstered nuclear deterrence.”
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“Let me take the opportunity to call on Iran and DPRK
to comply with their obligations to suspend enrichment activities
and start negotiations on a transparent civilian nuclear program,
as set forth in Security Council resolutions.”
Japan
H.E. Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
“The DPRK’s nuclear tests and missile launches
are a threat to the peace and stability not only of the region
but also of the international community as a whole, and cannot
be condoned under any circumstances. It is imperative that
the DPRK comply fully with the relevant Security Council resolutions
and that the international community implement these resolutions.
Japan will continue its efforts to realize the denuclearization
of the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks. Japan
seeks to normalize relations with the DPRK in accordance with
the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through the comprehensive
resolution of the outstanding issues of concern with the DPRK,
including the abduction, nuclear and missile issues, and by
sincerely settling the ‘unfortunate past’.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, President
23 September 2009
“We also need to speed up the work towards a mechanism
to ensure peace and security in North-East Asia. Russia made
its proposals in this regard to the participants in the Six-Party
Talks. Under the present circumstances this task becomes even
more urgent.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajcák, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
"Also, we repeatedly strongly condemned the nuclear
test carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
and its launches of missiles. We call on the DPRK to revoke
its position on Non-proliferation Treaty and to join the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty."
Turkey
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
"We supported the Security Council resolution 1874 on
North Korea's nuclear test last May, in this spirit."
United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
H.E. Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
23 September 2009
“First, let there by no ambiguity: Iran and North
Korea must know that the world will be even tougher on proliferation
and we are ready to consider further sanctions. Britain will
insist that the onus on non nuclear states is that in future
it is for them to prove they are not developing nuclear weapons.”
United
States of America
H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President
23 September 2009
“All of this must support efforts to strengthen the
NPT. Those nations that refuse to live up to their obligations
must face consequences. This is not about singling out individual
nations – it is about standing up for the rights of
all nations that do live up to their responsibilities. Because
a world in which IAEA inspections are avoided and the United
Nation’s demands are ignored will leave all people less
safe, and all nations less secure. In their actions to date,
the governments of North Korea and Iran threaten to take us
down this dangerous slope. We respect their rights as members
of the community of nations. I am committed to diplomacy that
opens a path to greater prosperity and a more secure peace
for both nations if they live up to their obligations.
“But if the governments of Iran and North Korea choose
to ignore international standards; if they put the pursuit
of nuclear weapons ahead of regional stability and the security
and opportunity of their own people; if they are oblivious
to the dangers of escalating nuclear arms races in both East
Asia and the Middle East – then they must be held accountable.
The world must stand together to demonstrate that international
law is not an empty promise, and that Treaties will be enforced.
We must insist that the future not belong to fear.”
Viet
Nam
H.E. Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet, President
25 September 2009
"Respect for the fundamental principles of international
law and the UN Charter in international relations is the determinant
for peace and security and the prerequisite for all activities
of the international community. On that basis, the United
Nations should continue to make active contributions to easing
tension and peacefully resolving outstanding disputes and
conflicts, including those relating to the DPRK and Iran."
Nuclear
Energy/Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Alkhalifa, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“All nuclear institutions and activities in Middle
Eastern states should be placed under the IAEA safeguards
system, without prejudice to the legitimate right of states
to possess nuclear technology for peaceful uses in the various
areas where it has become vital for development and the diversification
of energy sources, in conformity with the relevant international
agreements.”
Burkina
Faso
H.E. Mr. Blaise Compaoré, President
25 September 2009
“For some years now the question of proliferation of
nuclear weapons which constitutes a tremendous threat and
divides the international community, I would like to thank
and encourage President Obama for organizing and directing
so successfully the security council summit on nuclear disarmament
and nuclear nonproliferation. The commitments entered into
to achieve a de-nuclearized world which is more ambitious
in using nuclear power for civil purposes and more vigilant
in regard to illicit trafficking nuclear materials.”
China
H.E. Mr. Hu Jintao, President
23 September 2009
“We call on the international community to take credible
steps to push forward the nuclear disarmament process, eradicate
the risks of nuclear weapons proliferation and promote peaceful
use of nuclear energy and related international cooperation.”
Congo
H.E. Mr. Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President
25 September 2009
“In light of these many challenges, we call for strict
compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and all
of its chapters, including the right of all countries to develop
nuclear technology for civilian purposes.”
Germany
H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Chairman of the Delegation
28 September 2009
“In order to avoid a conflict of objectives between
non-proliferation and peaceful uses, Germany supports multilateral
solutions to nuclear fuel supply and has put forward its own
proposal for this issue.”
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kanat Saudabayev, Secretary of State and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“An effective measure to strengthen the non-proliferation
regime could be the establishment of international nuclear
fuel bank under IAEA auspices, and Kazakhstan is ready to
consider a possibility of locating it on our territory.”
Latvia
H.E. Mr. Valdis Zatlers, President
24 September 2009
“Latvia has been steadfast in the global efforts of
fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
We are sure that the 2010 NPT Review Conference will be an
important milestone in this process. Latvia is convinced that
it will promote the aims of non-proliferation, disarmament
and use of nuclear energy ultimately for peaceful purposes.”
Lesotho
H.E. Mr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
"It is our obligation, as the international community,
to strive for a world that is free of nuclear weapons. We
remain disappointed in those countries that are engaged in
the testing of nuclear weapons. We, however, must reiterate
the right of every country to the development and use of nuclear
technology for peaceful purposes. Peaceful use of nuclear
technology can be beneficial to all humanity."
Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Anifah Aman, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
“Non-proliferation and disarmament are cornerstones
of peace and security. We agree that at the heart of these
efforts is a basic bargain comprising these elements: One,
all nations have the right to peacefully use nuclear power;
Two, nations that have nuclear weapons must move towards disarmament;
and Three, those without nuclear weapons must disavow from
acquiring them.”
Mexico
H.E. Mrs. Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Secretary of Foreign
Relations
28 September 2009
“As President Felipe Calderon pointed out in the Security
Council Summit, nuclear proliferation and the insufficient
legal access to peaceful uses for atomic energy demand a renewed
commitment for disarmament and the strengthening of the non-proliferation
regime.”
Myanmar
H.E. General Thein Sein, Prime Minister
28 September 2009
"It is our hope that all nations of the world will continue
to work together to eliminate nuclear weapons so that the
power of the atom can be harnessed exclusively as a tool for
the benefit of mankind and not as an instrument of self-destruction.
At the same time, every nation must have the right to peaceful
uses of nuclear energy. Nuclear techniques have widespread
application in such areas as food and agriculture, health,
industry and science."
Nicaragua
H.E. Samuel Santos Lopez, Minister of Foreign Affairs
29 September 2009
“Meanwhile, we continue to make efforts to promote
the use of alternative renewable energy sources such as wind,
geothermal and solar sources, and more recently the use of
biomass, and also support initiatives aimed at developing
civilian nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”
Norway
H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2009
“We stand on the threshold of a new era of nuclear
disarmament. The Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty next year must set a clear and specific agenda for
the elimination of the existing nuclear arsenals, and for
ensuring that nuclear technologies are only applied peacefully,
to the benefit of mankind.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, President
23 September 2009
“The 2010 NPT Review Conference will focus on the issues
of nuclear disarmament, strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation
regime and peaceful atom. We are looking forward to its success.”
“We have also agreed with the US Administration on
joint steps for further progress in such aspects of nuclear
security as prevention of nuclear terrorism, and expanding
the access for all good faith NPT Members to the achievements
of peaceful atom. We call for collective cooperation on these
matters.”
South
Africa
H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President
23 September 2009
“Let us take up this new momentum and utilise the opportunity
of the 2010 Review Conference to recommit ourselves to the
full implementation of obligations under the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.We should ensure a balance
between the objectives of disarmament, non-proliferation and
the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
“We also appreciate the recent pronouncements by some
nuclear weapon states on their intentions to reduce their
nuclear arsenals. Let us take up this new momentum and utilise
the opportunity of the 2010 Review Conference to recommit
ourselves to the full implementation of obligations under
the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We
should ensure a balance between the objectives of disarmament,
non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
Swaziland
(Kingdom of)
H.E. King Mswati III, Head of State
25 September 2009
“If we want to achieve peace in the world it is important
that we reduce and eventually eradicate nuclear arms which
pose a threat to our planet. We need to encourage nations
that are at a stage of developing and those that already possess
nuclear power to utilize it for power generation that shall
support and stimulate economic growth. Therefore we encourage
the UN agency to continue monitoring countries that are developing
nuclear and also ensure that countries that already have nuclear
capability reduce and eventually eradicate their nuclear arms
so that it becomes a thing of the past. In order to accelerate
the eradication of nuclear weapons the UN must set targets
and timelines for compliance.”
Syrian
Arab Republic
H.E. Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“We recall the right guaranteed by the NPT that all
states are entitled to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful
purposes. We fully support resorting to constructive dialogue
as a means to settle all differences.”
Turkey
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
"Turkey defends the right of all countries to benefit
from peaceful use of nuclear energy."
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“... we wish to stress here the UAE’s interest
to develop a program for the peaceful use of nuclear energy
stems from its desire to meet its growing needs of energy
in the future.”
“The UAE hopes that developing a peaceful nuclear energy
model which complies with the highest standards of transparency
in operating the nuclear facilities and fulfills the highest
requirements of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, in cooperation
with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other responsible
and experience states, will chart a new course for a large
group of countries for the safe use of nuclear energy, with
international support. The UAE’s commitment not to enrich
uranium and reprocess fuels locally is amongst the most salient
features of this model. This is a model supported by enhanced
international transparency and cooperation mechanisms.”
“This model for developing peaceful use of nuclear
energy is also in line with the firm policy of the UAE. The
policy supports the principles of the non-proliferation treaty
and reflects the UAE’s position, which calls for making
the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf a zone free of weapons
of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons.”
United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
H.E. Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
23 September 2009
“Second, Britain will offer civil nuclear power to
non nuclear states ready to renounce any plans for nuclear
weapons: helping non-nuclear states acquire what President
Eisenhower so memorably called “atoms for peace.”
With others we will be prepared to sponsor a Uranium bank
outside these countries to help them access civil nuclear
power. And Britain is ready to launch a new nuclear centre
of excellence to help develop an economic low-carbon proliferation-resistant
nuclear fuel cycle.”
Zimbabwe
H.E. Comrade R.G. Mugabe
25 September 2009
“In this regard, Zimbabwe is honoured to have chaired,
in May this year, the Third Preparatory Committee for the
2010 Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and takes
this opportunity to thank all members for their support. We
are hopeful that, having secured agreement on the Conference
agenda, members will produce a renewed commitment to the three
pillars of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty; namely, nuclear
disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful use of nuclear
energy.”
Nuclear
Testing/CTBT
Secretary-General
of the United Nations
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon
23 September 2009
“With action now, we can get the ratifications to bring
the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty into force.”
Austria
H.E. Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European
and International Affairs
26 September 2009
“1. Austria, as chairman of the CTBT Conference together
with Costa Rica in the last two years, is proud to have contributed
to bringing the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty closer
to entry into force.”
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“We welcome the negotiations between the US and Russia
on post-START reductions and President Obama's commitment
to CTBT ratification, both of which will have a positive impact
on the NPT Review Conference.”
Germany
H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Chairman of the Delegation
28 September 2009
“We need a new international consensus at the 2010
NPT Review Conference, the start of FMCT negotiations in Geneva
and the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty.”
Greece
H.E. Mr. Anastassis Mitsialis, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
"It is equally important to have additional ratifications
of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the early
drafting of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty."
India
H.E. Mr. S. M. Krishna, Minister for External Affairs
26 September 2009
“We remain committed to a voluntary, unilateral moratorium
on nuclear testing.”
Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2009
“In a truly democratic world order, the nuclear powers
will live by their commitment to the Non-proliferation Treaty
by slashing their nuclear arsenals and abiding by the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty. In turn, we non-nuclear countries continue
to refrain from developing nuclear weapons.”
Japan
H.E. Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
“In order to ensure the success of the NPT Review Conference
to be held next year in May, we must take action now towards
the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty (CTBT) and the early commencement of negotiations on
a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).”
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kanat Saudabayev, Secretary of State and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“As a country that has experienced the horrors of nuclear
tests, shut down the world’s second largest nuclear
testing site, and voluntarily renounced the world’s
fourth largest nuclear and missile arsenal, Kazakhstan has
an absolute moral right to call for more decisive actions
in the area of disarmament and radical strengthening of the
weapons of mass destruction non-proliferation regime. In particular,
Kazakhstan deems it is important to ensure the soonest entry
into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We
are encouraged by the intentions of U.S. President Barack
Obama to give a new impetus to this process.”
Lesotho
H.E. Mr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
"The United Nations was formed on the ashes of the two
World Wars. Its main purpose was, and still is, to save succeeding
generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime
has brought untold misery to mankind. But, the continuing
possession and development of nuclear weapons casts doubts
on whether this objective can indeed be realized. At the time
when the world is hungering for nuclear disarmament, why should
some countries be testing, modernizing and producing new generations
of nuclear weapons."
Luxembourg
H.E. Jean Asselborn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs and Immigration
25 September 2009
“The same goes for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT), the other cornerstone of nuclear non-proliferation.
As mentioned yesterday at the Conference of States having
ratified the CTBT, the call of the Security Council to sign
and ratify the CTBT, and the commitment of the President Obama
to do everything possible to ensure such ratification in the
United States, is crucial. The Treaty has to be put into force.
We hope these encouraging developments, will lead others to
adopt a more constructive attitude, respectful of their international
obligations.”
Marshall
Islands
H.E. Mr. Litokwa Tomeing, President
24 September 2009
“We are deeply encourage by the UN Security
Council Session today, moderated by President Obama, on Nuclear
Weapons Use and Testing. Nuclear weapon testing was conducted
on our islands between 1946 and 1958, at the time when we
were a ward of the UN Trusteeship System. Our first hand experience
as victims of nuclear weapons testing on our islands, and
the painful memories that continue to haunt us over six decades,
are nightmares we would not wish on anyone. The toll on human
sufferance and environmental damage has been devastating.
Sixty year now since the detonation of some 67 nuclear bombs,
the Marshall Islands is still grappling with their after-effects.
Complete recovery in terms of restoring affected islands to
full economic productivity, and adequate compensation of the
victims remain uncertain.”
Moldova
(Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Alexandru Cujba, Ambassador, Permanent Representative
to the United Nations
25 September 2009
“The Republic of Moldova welcomes the results of the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Article XIV Conference and looks
forward to continuous positive trends in the work of the Conference
on Disarmament and the Preparatory Committee of the Conference
on the review of the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty.”
Morocco
H.E. Mr. Taïeb Fassi-Fihri, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“We are hopeful that all efforts will be deployed at
the international and regional levels for the entry into force
of the “Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty” in light
of the results on article 14 of the treay.”
Papau
New Guinea
H.E. The Honourable Samuel Abal, MP, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Trade and Immigration
29 September 2009
“We are now working earnestly towards early ratification
of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. We also look forward to contributing
constructively to the United Nations peacekeeping operations
Papua New Guinea therefore welcomes positive initiatives by
the new US Government and other like-minded countries to enhance
the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and encourage disarmament.”
Philippines
H.E. Mr. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“President Obama has announced that he will lead the
US to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), another
key pillar of the global disarmament and NPT system.”
“In this spirit, we reiterate our call for the few
remaining countries that have not yet done so to accede to
both the CTBT and the NPT in order to give greater hope for
lasting peace and security for our world.”
Romania
H.E. Mr. Cristian Diaconescu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“As there are also positive indications from the United
States with respect to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty ratification,
we have now the confidence within the international community
that the biggest nuclear powers are determined toadvance the
nuclear disarmament process.”
Samoa
H.E. The Honourable Tuila’epa Lupesoliai Sailele
26 September 2009
“The task of building peace lies with every nation
and that is why we welcome the United States decision to move
forward the with ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear
Test Ban Treaty. We remain hopeful that the Treaty will enter
in to force soon.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajcák, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
"It is our priority to outlaw nuclear testing and see
the CTBT enter into force as well."
United
States of America
H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President
23 September 2009
“We will move forward with ratification of the Test
Ban Treaty, and work with others to bring the Treaty into
force so that nuclear testing is permanently prohibited.”
“And this week, my Secretary of State will become the
first senior American representative to the annual Members
Conference of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.”
Nuclear
Waste
Antigua
and Barbuda
H.E. The Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“Mr. President, the transhipment of nuclear waste through
the waters of the Caribbean also remains a critical issue.
The risk of an accident or a terrorist attack on one of these
shipments poses a grave threat to the environmental and economic
sustainability of the region. Heads of Government of CARICOM
and of the wider Association of Caribbean States (ACS) have
consistently called for a total cessation of these shipments
in our waters, and we reiterate our strenuous and forceful
rejection of the continued use of the Caribbean Sea for the
transhipment of nuclear and other hazardous waste material.”
Grenada
Hon. Peter David Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration
29 September 2009
“The states of the Caribbean Community and other members
of the Association of Caribbean States, depend on the tremendous
benefits from the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Yet
these ocean-based resources are threatened by the transshipment
of nuclear and other hazardous waste materials through our
waters.”
Nuclear
Weapons
Secretary-General
of the United Nations
H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon
23 September 2009
“Second—let this be the year that nations united
to free our world of nuclear weapons. For too long, this great
cause has lain dormant. That is why, last October, I proposed
a 5-point plan for putting disarmament back on the global
agenda. And now the international climate is changing. The
Russian Federation and the United States have pledged to cut
their nuclear arsenals. This coming May, at the UN Review
Conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, we have
opportunity to push for real progress.
Tomorrow’s historic Security Council summit—chaired
by the President of the United States, with us for the first
time—offers a fresh start. With action now, we can get
the ratifications to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test
Ban Treaty into force. Together, let us make this the year
we agreed to banish the bomb.”
President
of the General Assembly: Closing Remarks
H.E. Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki
29 September 2009
“Disarmament remains a clear priority for Member States.
There is also widely shared concern about the proliferation
of Weapons of Mass Destruction, as a threat to international
peace and security. We have heard passionate calls for a world
free of nuclear arms. I am encouraged by the willingness of
Member States to engage constructively with the Review Conference
of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Let us all work together
to ensure equal security for all.”
Antigua
and Barbuda
H.E. The Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“Mr. President, as a peace-loving nation Antigua and
Barbuda is also concerned by the lack of progress in the field
of disarmament and nonproliferation. We remain steadfast in
our commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons.”
Armenia
H.E. Mr. Edward Nalbandian, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
"We consider the goals of disarmament and non-proliferation
major elements of global and regional security systems. We
must shoulder the responsibility and work not only towards
non-proliferation and elimination of nuclear weapons but also
towards elimination of militaristic aspirations of some states.
It is totally unacceptable when the threats to resolve the
conflicts through military means are made on the highest level,
and those are left unabated by the international community."
Australia
H.E. Mr. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister
23 September 2009
“This organisation was born in the shadow of nuclear
weapons and that shadow remains today.”
“One truth remains absolutely clear: the proliferation
of nuclear weapons can never make any country more secure.”
“The nuclear test by North Korea this year was rightly
condemned across the international community. It reiterates
that the only path to safety is through the eventual elimination
of nuclear weapons.”
“Australia is encouraged by the commitment of the US
and Russia to further reduce their nuclear arsenals.”
“But the international community must also progress
the broader disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.
“The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has played a
crucial role in limiting the spread of nuclear weapons - but
the Treaty today is under challenge. We must work to ensure
the Treaty’s global security benefits are reinforced
by a successful Review Conference in 2010.
“To reinvigorate global consensus and activism ahead
of that Conference and beyond, Australia and Japan last year
established the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation
and Disarmament.
“In the next few months, the Commission will produce
its final report.
“Its aim is to chart a practical and realistic course
to achieve a strengthened nonproliferation and disarmament
regime, leading to the ultimate elimination of nuclear arsenals.
“Tomorrow’s Security Council summit on non-proliferation
and disarmament is important for us all. We must not lose
the opportunity it offers to summon the political resolve
to move towards a nuclear weapons-free world.”
Austria
H.E. Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European
and International Affairs
26 September 2009
“This has been a truly remarkable week. The leadership
shown by the Secretary General on climate change, the new
policies of President Obama, which he so eloquently set out
before us, the constructive responses to these initiatives
from many parts of the world and the historic meeting of the
UN Security Council which committed itself to a world without
nuclear weapons. We all have witnessed something new and different:
a genuine opportunity for a real renaissance of multilateralism.
There is a real chance to turn the United Nations once again
into what was originally envisaged in the Charter: not just
a forum of discussion but a place for action, the central
focal point of the efforts of the international community
to find common solutions to common challenges.”
“The Security Council summit on nuclear non-proliferation
and disarmament earlier this week issued a strong call for
a world free of nuclear weapons. For this vision to become
reality, we need progress on several fronts.”
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Yves Leterme, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“Wars are caused by men, not by weapons. Nonetheless,
the arms control issue has to be high on the international
agenda. Belgium welcomes the meeting of the Security Council
at the highest level on the subject of non-proliferation and
nuclear disarmament. This meeting was undoubtedly one of the
highlights of this week. The resolution adopted yesterday
represents a milestone for a world free of weapons of mass
destruction.”
Botswana
H.E. Mr. C.T. Ntwaagae, Ambassador, Permanent Representative
to the UN
29 September 2009
“The challenges confronting humanity have since grown
tenfold, both in scope and magnitude. The sheer enormity of
these fast evolving challenges threatens the very existence
of the human race and the security of our planet. These [include]
increasing threats to international peace and security with
growing desire to possess nuclear weapons capability, including
unilateral testing.”
Bulgaria
H.E. Mrs. Rumiana Jeleva, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“We are convinced of the need to step up efforts aimed
at achieving progress in the areas of international disarmament,
arms control and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In this regard, the need for a full and universal implementation
of the Nonproliferation Treaty regime remains of utmost importance
and my country is dedicated to the successful outcome of the
2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.”
Burkina
Faso
H.E. Mr. Blaise Compaoré, President
25 September 2009
“For some years now the question of proliferation of
nuclear weapons which constitutes a tremendous threat and
divides the international community, I would like to thank
and encourage President Obama for organizing and directing
so successfully the security council summit on nuclear disarmament
and nuclear nonproliferation. The commitments entered into
to achieve a de-nuclearized world which is more ambitious
in using nuclear power for civil purposes and more vigilant
in regard to illicit trafficking nuclear materials.”
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
26 September 2009
"In parallel to all these most serious global challenges
the world is facing with, there are still the political and
security problems of great concern. ... On the other hand,
there are countries that have the capacity to produce nuclear
weapons which have not yet signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT). The dissemination of WMD constitutes another massive
deadly menace to humanity. In this context, Cambodia highly
values the call by US President Obama on September 23rd "...
to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and seek the goal of
a world without them." Cambodia also warmly welcomes
the appeal by the UNSC Resolution 1887, adopted by UN Security
Council Summit on September 24th, to secure a safer world
for all."
Canada
H.E. The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
26 September 2009
“Canada therefore praised President Obama for convening
the UN Security Council Summit on Nuclear Non-Proliferation
and Nuclear Disarmament. We commit to work with other states
to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and new terror threats.
For a diplomatic solution to work, there must be the political
will to ensure that states comply with the vision of a world
free of nuclear weapons.”
Central
African Republic
H.E. Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“In view of the proliferation of arms of all kinds,
the issue of armament stands in stark relief. The United Nations
Disarmament Commission must promote resolutions that encourage
multilateralism in the area of disarmament and nonproliferation.
The reduction of military budgets and respect for environmental
standards in the elaboration and implementations of disarmament
agreements. An effort is also needed to overcome the current
impasse and to achieve nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation
in all their forms. The stretchy concept of nuclear states
that justifies the use of, or the threat of the use of, nuclear
weapons is as much of a danger as uranium enrichment for weapons
purposes and should be abandoned; pure and simple. However,
national security’s concepts built around the promotion
and development of military alliances and nuclear deterrence
policies would appear better adopted to the ideals that we
pursue.”
“The Central African Republic welcomes the initiative
of President Obama in convening a meeting of the Security
Council devoted to nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament.”
China
H.E. Mr. Hu Jintao, President
23 September 2009
“China has consistently stood for the complete prohibition
and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and a world without
nuclear weapons. We call on the international community to
take credible steps to push forward the nuclear disarmament
process, eradicate the risks of nuclear weapons proliferation
and promote peaceful use of nuclear energy and related international
cooperation.”
Congo
H.E. Mr. Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President
25 September 2009
“We welcome the unanimous adoption on 24 September
2009, by the historic summit of the Security Coucil the unanimous
adoption of Security Council Resolution 1887 which reflects
the determination of the international community to work toward
disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation for a safer world.”
Croatia
H.E. Mr. Stjepan Mesic, President
24 September 2009
“Finally, a world of that will be characterized by
international peace, security and development is not only
possible without disarmament and in particular without renouncing
nuclear weapons [...] I would like to add the notorious fact
that the problems of development would become minor if the
huge funds currently allocated for armament were channelled
into development.”
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“The upcoming NPT Review Conference is of utmost importance.
Last week’s meeting in the Security Council headed by
President Obama is ample evidence. We welcome the negotiations
between the US and Russia on post-START reductions and President
Obama's commitment to CTBT ratification, both of which will
have a positive impact on the NPT Review Conference.”
Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea
H.E. Pak Ui Chun, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“The Korean peninsula remains as ever in a state of
armistice. But now that we possess a dependable nuclear deterrent,
we can possibly prevent war and defend peace.
“For over half a century our country was compelled
to produce bullets first rather than sweets while suffering
from nuclear threats and danger of war posed by hostile forces,
but today we have settled down to channel our main efforts
into the building of a great, prosperous and powerful nation.”
“We have never denied the denuclearization of the Korean
peninsula and the rest of the world.
“The denuclearization is the behest of President KIM
IL SUNG and nuclear-free world is a long cherished-desire
of humankind.”
“The DPRK has done everything it could to realize the
peaceful reunification of the country, remove nuclear threats
and source of war and secure peace and stability on the Korean
peninsula.
“We initiated the denuclearization of Northeast Asia
and the Korean peninsula and advanced the proposal on replacing
the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement and the proposal
of adopting the DPRK-US non-aggression treaty.
“However, our effort has not received due response
from the United States (US). The US considers the Korean issue
only in the light of its Asian strategy and dose not want
to see the entire Korean peninsula denuclearized. Thus, it
resulted in increased nuclear threats against the DPRK.
“The arbitrariness of the US finds its expression in
arguing that the DPRK must not launch even a peaceful satellite.
The UNSC is being abused by this arbitrariness.
“We came to the conclusion that so long as the US dose
not change its nuclear policy as at present time, we have
no other option but to rely on our dependable nuclear possession
to ensure nuclear balance of the region, if we are to preserve
peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
“The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula depends
on whether or not the US changes its nuclear policy towards
Korea. In order to realize the denuclearization of the Korean
peninsula, the US administration must discard old concept
of confrontation and show the ‘change’ in practice,
as it recently stated on several occasions.
“Mr. President, We do not pursue nuclear arms race.
“The mission of our nuclear weapon is to deter a war.
We will only possess nuclear deterrent to such an extent as
to deter military attack and its threat against our country.
“The deterrence will be directly proportional to the
threat on the Korean Peninsula, as in Europe and elsewhere.
“The DPRK, while in possession of nuclear weapons,
will act in a responsible manner in management, use and non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons as well as in nuclear disarmament.
“We share the position of all peace-loving countries
including the nonaligned countries in opposing nuclear war,
nuclear arms race and proliferation of nuclear weapons.
“‘Sanctions’ are now imposed on us in the
name of United Nations (UN) on the grounds that we possessed
nuclear deterrent.
“It may be recalled that the UN was born in the country
which produced the first nuclear weapon and all five permanent
member states of the UNSC are nuclear powers.
“Had these countries shown sincerity in nuclear disarmament
long time ago and refrained from arbitrary act of selectively
taking an issue with the peaceful satellite launch of other
country, the nuclear-related situation of the world may have
evolved differently.
“The DPRK attaches importance to sovereignty and equality
enshrined in the UN Charter.
“The principle of sovereignty and equality is also
the reason that we joined UN as a member. Unfair and unequal
sanctions will never be recognized nor accepted.
“It is the stand of the DPRK government to react to
the dialogue with a dialogue and respond to the ‘sanctions’
by strengthening nuclear deterrence. If the US comes to dialogue
with ‘sanctions’, we will also participate in
the dialogue with bolstered nuclear deterrence.”
Egypt
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In addressing security issues, I will begin with disarmament.
Egypt attaches great importance to successful conclusion of
the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in the hope of putting nuclear disarmament
and nuclear non-proliferation regime back on the right track.
This will depend on dealing effectively with the decisions
and the resolution of the 1995 and 2000 Review Conferences,
especially the resolution on the Middle East. It is crucial
that the international community as a whole supports the active
dynamism currently witnessed on the international arena with
regard to disarmament issues, especially in light of the development
in the positions of main Nuclear Weapon States, foremost of
which comes the United States. We hope that these evolving
positions would serve as an opportune portal through which
historic progress could be achieved in this regard.”
“In the same context, it is necessary to effectively
deal with the issues of regional stability and security, mainly
through eliminating the inexplicable and unjustified latitude
in dealing with the issue of Israeli nuclear capabilities
and the persistent threat it poses to security and stability
in the Middle East, particularly as, endeavors are intensified
to expand the commitments of the non-nuclear States Party
to NPT, without due regard to the need to achieve its universality
and to subject all nuclear facilities in the Middle East to
the IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards. Egypt will continue its
diligent work to address this situation, highlighting its
risks, with the aim of changing it in all relevant international
fora.”
Finland
H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President
24 September 2009
“This morning, the Security Council had a debate on
nuclear security issues. I am pleased that disarmament is
strongly returning to the international agenda. I sincerely
hope that this will lead to real progress.”
Germany
H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Chairman of the Delegation
28 September 2009
“Disarmament and arms control can help create better
conditions for global cooperation and increase security and
stability. We warmly welcome the new dynamic in the area of
nuclear disarmament. We welcome the fact that the Security
Council also dealt with the topic of non-proliferation and
disarmament at the highest level on 24 September. The call
for a nuclear weapons free world enjoys our and widespread
support. We must seize this opportunity for progress in all
areas of disarmament. Germany has underlined that substrategic
nuclear weapons must also be incorporated in the continuing
process of disarmament. Our clear commitment to ridding the
world of all nuclear weapons is the best way to strengthen
the international non-proliferation regime.”
Greece
H.E. Mr. Anastassis Mitsialis, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
"A few days ago the Security Council adopted Resolution
1887, thus taking an important step in the direction of advancing
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We applaud this
important decision. Yet, practical tools are essential for
the achievement of high political goals such as this. Greece
firmly believes that the NPT remains the cornerstone of the
nuclear nonproliferation regime. Broad participation in it
- along with the conclusion of comprehensive Safeguards Agreements
and the Implementation of the Additional Protocol - is beyond
any doubt the most effective answer to threats of nuclear
proliferation. It is equally important to have additional
ratifications of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)
and the early drafting of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty."
Grenada
Hon. Peter David Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration
29 September 2009
“In our region, small arms proliferation is as lethal
as nuclear weapons. So while we welcome the unanimously adopted
Security Council Resolution No. 1887 on nuclear disarmament,
shepherded by President Obama, we in the Caribbean call for
an agreement on small arms trade.”
Guinea
H.E. Alexandre Cécé Loua, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Guineans living abroad
28 September 2009
“My country supports international efforts on the issue
of disarmament and the control of armaments. It is in support
of the prevention and destruction of all nuclear, biological
and chemical weapons, including eradicating the trafficking
of fissile materials.”
Holy
See
H.E. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“The mechanisms of the United Nations for addressing
common security and the prevention of conflicts were developed
in response to the threat of total war and nuclear destruction
in the second half of the last century and for this reason
alone they deserve perennial historical remembrance.”
Hungary
H.E. Mr. Péter Balázs, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
"The idea of a world without nuclear weapons has been
cherished for long. We welcome the affirmation of the commitment
to this goal at the recent summit level meeting of the Security
Council along with the adoption of a comprehensive set of
measures to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime.
Hungary hopes that the momentum created by the summit will
also have a positive impact on the 2010 NPT Review Conference."
Iceland
H.E. Mr. Össur Skarphéðinsson, Minister for
Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“The other cause of my gratitude is the unanimous decision
of the Security Council to call for global efforts to stop
the spread for nuclear arms and to boost disarmament. I remember
when I was a very young editor in 1986 when President Reagan
and Secretary Gorbachev met in Reykjavik. I’ll never
forget that for the first time in my life a world free of
a nuclear nightmare became a realistic goal. This is a goal
that must be vigorously pursued, it is strongly supported
by my government, and I am grateful to the UN for providing
the framework for that.”
India
H.E. Mr. S. M. Krishna, Minister for External Affairs
26 September 2009
“India attaches the highest priority to the goal of
nuclear disarmament and has an impeccable non-proliferation
record. We welcome the renewed global debate on achieving
a world free of nuclear weapons. This corresponds with India’s
longstanding and consistent advocacy of nuclear disarmament
as one of the highest priority of the international community.
We have put forward a number of proposals on nuclear disarmament
in the UN, including a Working Paper in 2006, proposing elements
to fashion a new consensus on disarmament and non-proliferation.”
“Last year, at the 63rd UNGA, consistent with India's
longstanding commitment articulated in the Rajiv Gandhi Action
Plan in 1988, India reiterated its proposal for a Nuclear
Weapons Convention for banning the production, development,
stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons and to provide for
their complete elimination within a specified time-frame.
The international nuclear order cannot be discriminatory.
Further, states must fulfill the obligations they have undertaken.
Once more, with feeling and with commitment, India reiterates
that proposal.
“We will continue to engage with key countries to intensify
this debate with the hope that greater international understanding
could lend itself to a firm commitment for action on nuclear
disarmament.”
Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2009
“If this new spirit of multilateralism and reform can
pervade international socioeconomic affairs, there is no reason
why it should not also find its way into the politico-security
field. It can resuscitate the disarmament agenda, especially
nuclear disarmament, which has been lying moribund for decades.”
“In a truly democratic world order, the nuclear powers
will live by their commitment to the Non-proliferation Treaty
by slashing their nuclear arsenals and abiding by the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty. In turn, we non-nuclear countries continue
to refrain from developing nuclear weapons.”
“This is no longer an impossible dream: a window of
opportunity has been opened with adoption of UN Security Council
resolution no 1887 (2009) on Maintenance of International
Peace and Security leading to a nuclear free world, and with
the current process between the United States and the Russian
Federation toward deeper cuts in their respective nuclear
arsenals. Thus the disarmament agenda is being revived.”
Iraq
H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani, President
24 September 2009
“We consider the Arab initiative to be a step in the
right direction towards resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict
in order to achieve security, peace and stability in the Middle
East and we call for making the Middle East a zone free of
nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction to promote
peace and security opportunity. In this context, we call upon
all states who have not yet done so to accede to the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty to do so and be bound by its provisions.”
Ireland
H.E.Mr. Peter Power, Minister of State for Overseas Development
28 September 2009
“Ireland has always been strongly supportive of the
lead role played by the United Nations in working to promote
non-proliferation and to remove the threat posed by nuclear
weapons. Ireland was the first country to sign and ratify
the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Next year's Review Conference
will be of critical importance for efforts to help strengthen
the international non-proliferation system, at a time when
the threats it faces have perhaps never been greater. We encourage
all Member States to work actively and constructively to achieve
a successful outcome and will engage fully in that effort
ourselves.”
“Ireland also applauds and welcomes the renewed focus
on nuclear disarmament. We encourage the United States and
Russia as they work towards a legally-binding follow-on arrangement
to the START treaty, which expires at the end of this year.”
Jamaica
H.E. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
26 September 2009
“The pursuit of complete disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation,
particularly weapons of mass destruction, must remain a shared
goal. The 2010 Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty provides an opportunity for renewed commitment to strengthen
the nonproliferation regime.”
Japan
H.E. Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
“The third challenge is that of nuclear disarmament
and non-proliferation.
“I welcome the progress being made in the negotiations
on nuclear weapons reductions between the United States and
the Russian Federation. I also commend the United Kingdom
and France for their initiatives. It is urgent that all nuclear-weapon
holding States take concrete measures on nuclear disarmament.
“In this area as well, Japan has the potential to become
a promoter of nuclear disarmament and serve as a ‘bridge’
between States possessing nuclear weapons and those without
them. Japan can speak with the greatest persuasiveness in
urging nuclear-weapon-holding States towards nuclear disarmament
and non-nuclear nations to avoid the temptation to acquire
nuclear weapons. This is because Japan is the only country
which has ever suffered the devastation of atomic bombings,
and as such has never ceased to appeal for ‘no more
Hiroshimas’ and ‘no more Nagasakis’. Japan
has also continued to maintain the ‘Three Non-Nuclear
Principles’, despite its potential capability to acquire
nuclear weapons.
“In April this year in Prague, President Barack Obama
articulated a vision of a ‘world without nuclear weapons’,
inspiring people throughout the globe. I am one of those people.”
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kanat Saudabayev, Secretary of State and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“The prospect of nuclear weapons proliferation, along
with a risk of their acquisition and use by terrorist organizations
remains one of the most serious threats to the mankind.”
“As a country that has experienced the horrors of nuclear
tests, shut down the world’s second largest nuclear
testing site, and voluntarily renounced the world’s
fourth largest nuclear and missile arsenal, Kazakhstan has
an absolute moral right to call for more decisive actions
in the area of disarmament and radical strengthening of the
weapons of mass destruction non-proliferation regime. In particular,
Kazakhstan deems it is important to ensure the soonest entry
into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. We
are encouraged by the intentions of U.S. President Barack
Obama to give a new impetus to this process.”
“Kazakhstan stands for the strengthening and ensuring
universality of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear
Weapons. We have to acknowledge that the Treaty is asymmetric
in providing sanctions only against non-nuclear-weapon states,
although the nuclear powers themselves should set examples
of reducing and renouncing their nuclear arsenals.
“In this regard, we welcome the latest initiatives
of U.S. and Russia’s Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry
Medvedev in this field, which echo principled positions expressed
more than once from this podium by President Nazarbayev, as
well as in his bilateral meetings with heads of nuclear-weapon
states, as well as countries that cherish such ambitions.
“Today, it is necessary to take even more decisive
actions. Our President has proposed the development of a new
universal Comprehensive Horizontal and Vertical Nuclear Weapons
Non-Proliferation Treaty. The configuration of the new treaty
and its contents will largely depend on the proposals of all
interested states.”
“We support the U.S. initiative to hold a global nuclear
security summit next year.”
“I would like to draw the attention of the General
Assembly to a proposal of the President of Kazakhstan on declaring
29 August as the International Day for a World Free of Nuclear
Weapons. This date has a deep symbolical meaning. On this
day in 1949, the Soviet Union conducted its first nuclear
test at the Semipalatinsk test site, and on the same day,
in 1991 the test site was shut down forever by our President’s
decree. We hope the General Assembly will support this initiative.”
Kuwait
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah,
Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“With much interest we have followed the Security Council
Summit which was held yesterday addressing one of the most
important subjects concerning international peace and security,
the subject of nuclear disarmament in order to create a world
free of nuclear weapons.”
“Also, we followed with satisfaction the unanimous
adoption of resolution 1887 which sets the stage for a world
free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. A
world that fulfills the hopes of humanity and ensures the
safety and prosperity of the world's peoples.”
Lao
People’s Democratic Republic
H.E. Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“The existence of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat
to the existence of all mankind, and thus, it is vital to
reinforce the importance of States to adhere to their nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation obligations. The upcoming
2010 Review Conference will be a great opportunity for the
States Parties to the NPT to demonstrate strong political
commitments and collective efforts to resolve the current
stalemate in the non-proliferation and disarmament agenda.
In this regard, it is encouraging that the Third PrepCom for
the 2010 Review Conference successfully adopted the agenda
and all significant procedural decisions, which will undoubtedly
lay an important foundation for a productive and successful
review Conference in 2010.”
Latvia
H.E. Mr. Valdis Zatlers, President
24 September 2009
“Latvia has been steadfast in the global efforts of
fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
We are sure that the 2010 NPT Review Conference will be an
important milestone in this process. Latvia is convinced that
it will promote the aims of non-proliferation, disarmament
and use of nuclear energy ultimately for peaceful purposes.”
Lesotho
H.E. Mr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
"The United Nations was formed on the ashes of the two
World Wars. Its main purpose was, and still is, to save succeeding
generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime
has brought untold misery to mankind. But, the continuing
possession and development of nuclear weapons casts doubts
on whether this objective can indeed be realized. At the time
when the world is hungering for nuclear disarmament, why should
some countries be testing, modernizing and producing new generations
of nuclear weapons?
"It is our obligation, as the international community,
to strive for a world that is free of nuclear weapons. We
remain disappointed in those countries that are engaged in
the testing of nuclear weapons. We, however, must reiterate
the right of every country to the development and use of nuclear
technology for peaceful purposes. Peaceful use of nuclear
technology can be beneficial to all humanity.
"We are delighted that, the Third Preparatory Committee
Meeting for the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), has adopted the
agenda for the 2010 Review Conference. This historic achievement
strengthens our optimism, that our commitment to the disarmament
process will gain renewed momentum."
Luxembourg
H.E. Jean Asselborn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs and Immigration
25 September 2009
“I welcome the initiative of President Obama who engaged
the Security Council in a broader discussion of questions
relating to non-proliferation and disarmament, beyond the
specific situations of sanctions issues. Given that in a couple
of months the 8th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons will take place, it is important to show
our determination to carry out this task as regards the three
pillars of the NPT, the ultimate goal being a world free of
nuclear weapons.”
“Beyond the issues of non-proliferation, disarmament
must not be overlooked. One can only welcome the decision
of the United States and Russia to conduct negotiations for
concluding a new global agreement following the expiry of
the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START II) in December.”
Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Anifah Aman, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
“Non-proliferation and disarmament are cornerstones
of peace and security. We agree that at the heart of these
efforts is a basic bargain comprising these elements: One,
all nations have the right to peacefully use nuclear power;
Two, nations that have nuclear weapons must move towards disarmament;
and Three, those without nuclear weapons must disavow from
acquiring them.”
“In this regard, Malaysia draws hope from any action
by the major powers such as the agreement between the US and
Russia to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. We also look forward
to other measures to strengthen this bargain, including by
strengthening the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other
international instruments related to
disarmament and non-proliferation. By the same token, we view
with grave concern any attempt aimed at proliferating nuclear
weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.”
“For our own part, we have since 1996 introduced the
resolution on the 'Follow-up to the advisory opinion of the
International Court of Justice on the Legality of the threat
or use of nuclear weapons', and will continue to do so at
this session of the General Assembly. The resolution, among
others, calls on all States to fulfill this obligation by
commencing multilateral negotiations leading to an early conclusion
of a nuclear weapons convention. Malaysia's efforts in this
regard will not cease here. We will also participate actively
in the NPT Review Conference in 2010 and play our rightful
role as the President of the IAEA's Board of Governors.”
Marshall
Islands
H.E. Mr. Litokwa Tomeing, President
24 September 2009
“We are deeply encourage by the UN Security
Council Session today, moderated by President Obama, on Nuclear
Weapons Use and Testing. Nuclear weapon testing was conducted
on our islands between 1946 and 1958, at the time when we
were a ward of the UN Trusteeship System. Our first hand experience
as victims of nuclear weapons testing on our islands, and
the painful memories that continue to haunt us over six decades,
are nightmares we would not wish on anyone. The toll on human
sufferance and environmental damage has been devastating.
Sixty year now since the detonation of some 67 nuclear bombs,
the Marshall Islands is still grappling with their after-effects.
Complete recovery in terms of restoring affected islands to
full economic productivity, and adequate compensation of the
victims remain uncertain.”
“We call for the formulation of a new perspective by
which the specter of war and the use of nuclear weapons may
forever be wiped off the surface of the earth. Banning nuclear
weapons alone will not remove the root cause of war. Important
as it may be, it does not exert an enduring influence. People
are too ingenious to invent yet other forms of warfare. The
world craves for something much more deep-seated than pure
pragmatism. They yearn for permanent peace that springs from
an inner state supported by a moral attitude.”
Mauritius
H.E. Mr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“Mauritius nurtures the hope of a complete elimination
of all nuclear weapons one day. Pending the ultimate realization
of this, we support all measures aimed at halting the further
spread of such weapons. In this regard, we welcome the comprehensive
agenda of President Obama to achieve the goal of a world without
nuclear weapons.”
Mexico
H.E. Mrs. Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Secretary of Foreign
Relations
28 September 2009
“As President Felipe Calderon pointed out in the Security
Council Summit, nuclear proliferation and the insufficient
legal access to peaceful uses for atomic energy demand a renewed
commitment for disarmament and the strengthening of the non-proliferation
regime.”
“I also echo the energetic call of global civil society
- made on the 62nd Annual DPI/NGO conference in Mexico - so
that governments from all over the globe undertake our responsibilities
to achieve our goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.”
Moldova
(Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Alexandru Cujba, Ambassador, Permanent Representative
to the United Nations
25 September 2009
“Building a safer world requires a greater commitment
of Member States in the area of disarmament, arms control
and nonproliferation. We have recently witnessed a historic
Summit of the UN Security Council that vowed to stop the spread
of nuclear arms and endorsed a broad framework of actions
to reduce global nuclear dangers. The Republic of Moldova
welcomes the results of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
Article XIV Conference and looks forward to continuous positive
trends in the work of the Conference on Disarmament and the
Preparatory Committee of the Conference on the review of the
implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President
25 September 2009
“Yesterday the international community has witnessed
another strong signal in strengthening multilateralism, particularly
in the area of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. The
Security Council’s summit chaired by President Obama
confirmed the path towards a world free of nuclear weapons
in its historic resolution.”
Myanmar
H.E. General Thein Sein, Prime Minister
28 September 2009
"The continued existence of weapons of mass destruction,
particularly nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to mankind.
Myanmar believes that the total elimination of nuclear weapons
is the single absolute guarantee against the threat or use
of those weapons. Accordingly, we have been calling upon nuclear
weapon States to undertake the step-by-step reduction of the
nuclear threat with a view to achieving the total elimination
of those weapons."
"It is our hope that all nations of the world will continue
to work together to eliminate nuclear weapons so that the
power of the atom can be harnessed exclusively as a tool for
the benefit of mankind and not as an instrument of self-destruction."
"We welcome the reaffirmation of the Summit Meeting
of the Security Council on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament
held last week that the international nuclear non-proliferation
regime should be maintained and strengthened to ensure the
effective implementation of the NPT."
Nepal
H.E. The Right Honourable Madhav Kumar Nepal, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
“Continued lack of progress in the global disarmament
agenda, including on nuclear disarmament, is a worrying situation.
We hope that the proposed review of the Nuclear Nonproliferation
Treaty (NPT) in 2010 will provide the necessary momentum for
a substantial way forward in nuclear nonproliferation and
nuclear disarmament in a coordinated manner.”
New
Zealand
H.E. Mr. John Key, Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“Yesterday I had the honour to observe the High-level
Security Council meeting on disarmament and non-proliferation.
“As a country with a proud record of promoting nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation, I was heartened by the
expressions of support for a world free of nuclear weapons.
“We must take full advantage of this historic moment
to advance the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.
We owe it to our generation and to those who follow us to
progress our vision for a world free from nuclear weapons.
“As a proudly nuclear-free nation, and as a country
that has been at the forefront of this debate since the 1970s,
New Zealand stands ready to play its part.
“We are optimistic about the prospects for progress.
“Last week New Zealand presided over the General Conference
of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. Preventing
the spread of nuclear weapons through the implementation of
safeguards under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is a
fundamental pillar of the Agency's work.”
Nigeria
H.E. Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“We are gratified and greatly encouraged by the increasing
rapprochement between the United States and Russia on nuclear
disarmament. The idea of a nuclear-free world, the architecture
of which are now being put together, has great appeal for
many of us. Such an outcome, probably achievable in our lifetime,
would not only result in a safer world but would free resources
for use in sectors that would better benefit humanity. Nigeria
encourages all nuclear powers to identify with this great
initiative, this dream, and to embrace any and all initiatives
that promote the achievement of the goal of a world free of
nuclear armament and the apocalyptic nightmare.”
Norway
H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2009
“We stand on the threshold of a new era of nuclear
disarmament. The Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty next year must set a clear and specific agenda for
the elimination of the existing nuclear arsenals, and for
ensuring that nuclear technologies are only applied peacefully,
to the benefit of mankind.”
Pakistan
H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President
25 September 2009
“Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role:
In promoting initiatives on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation
on the basis of non-discrimination.”
Papau
New Guinea
H.E. The Honourable Samuel Abal, MP, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Trade and Immigration
29 September 2009
“We are now working earnestly towards early ratification
of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. We also look forward to contributing
constructively to the United Nations peacekeeping operations
Papua New Guinea therefore welcomes positive initiatives by
the new US Government and other like-minded countries to enhance
the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and encourage disarmament.”
Philippines
H.E. Mr. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“Moreover, the peace dividend from the end of the
Cold War never materialized, even as we continue to confront
nuclear proliferation and violent conflict.”
“And we should do so by focusing on five great challenges
of our time: First: Promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”
“Nuclear weapons and their technology are a threat
to international peace and security, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) is our central mechanism to contain and eventually
eliminate this threat. The May 2010 NPT Review Conference,
over which the Philippines will preside, provides the next
opportunity for all of us to act on this in a concerted manner.”
“In addition, the United States and Russia are making
headway under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)
to reduce their deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems
beyond its pending expiry this December.”
Romania
H.E. Mr. Cristian Diaconescu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“Among the perils that threaten us most, terrorism
and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remain of
major concern. Nuclear proliferation is of particular concern,
given the increasing access to technology capable of large-scale
destruction. In this context, we urge those Member States
that areconsidering nuclear programs to fully heed the concerns
of the world community and to strictly abide by international
norms and regulations.”
“Lately there have been encouraging signs in the realm
of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We highly appreciate
the recent Agreement of the US and Russian Presidents for
nuclear arsenal cuts, which confirms the commitments undertaken
by the two States. As there are also positive indications
from the United States with respect to the Comprehensive Test
Ban Treaty ratification, we have now the confidence within
the international community that the biggest nuclear powers
are determined toadvance the nuclear disarmament process.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, President
23 September 2009
“Russia will steadily follow the path of verifiable
and irreversible reductions in nuclear weapons as an essential
element of ‘the new start’ in our relations with
the United States. President Obama and I signed a relevant
document in Moscow last June. A mandate for further negotiations
was agreed upon — to elaborate a legally binding treaty.
This treaty should replace the Treaty on the Reduction and
Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, which expires this
December.”
“We believe that other nuclear States should join the
disarmament efforts of Russia and the United States. It is
not necessary to wait for further progress in the Russian-American
disarmament process. We can start elaborating in advance acceptable
and practical arrangements that take into account the differences
in the size of potentials. For instance, we can use as an
example the decisions of the 1921-1922 Washington Conference
on the naval armaments when the participants agreed on their
maximum size of their fleets without trying to achieve their
equal levels. If we use the same approach today based on the
actual status of nuclear powers arsenal we will give the rest
of the world a necessary signal of certainty that the unaccounted
numbers will be added to the ‘equation’ of strategic
stability.”
“The 2010 NPT Review Conference will focus on the issues
of nuclear disarmament, strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation
regime and peaceful atom. We are looking forward to its success.”
Qatar
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir
23 September 2009
“It is clear to us that the serious crises of the world
have been exacerbated when influential nations in the international
order decided, in previous situations, to transfer tackling
the most important issues of war, peace and progress, from
the United Nations framework to another setting. Such was
the case with regard to the context of conventional and nuclear
arms, security agreements and arrangements that cover the
broad spectrum from the outer space to policy and economics.”
Saint
Kitts and Nevis
H.E. The Honourable Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
“The non-proliferation of nuclear weapons today, and
a world free of nuclear weapons tomorrow, should be the goal
of us all.”
Samoa
H.E. The Honourable Tuila’epa Lupesoliai Sailele
26 September 2009
“Wars are futile and serve no useful purpose. They
would not end unless disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation
and the illicit small arms and light weapons are brought under
effective control.”
Serbia
H.E. Mr. Boris Tadic, President
25 September 2009
“This is the only way to build a future of global peace,
stability, and prosperity. It is the only way to enhance the
dialogue between civilizations; to make multilateralism more
effective; and to provide for sustainable development and
eradicate poverty throughout the world. And it is the only
way to effectively fight terrorism and cross-border organized
crime, and promote nuclear disarmament.”
Slovenia
H.E. Mr. Danilo Türk, President
24 September 2009
“In the domain of disarmament, non-proliferation and
arms control we witnessed far too many stumbling blocks in
the past. UN action needs to be energized and the forthcoming
review of the NPT has to be a step forward.”
South
Africa
H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President
23 September 2009
“Let us take up this new momentum and utilise the opportunity
of the 2010 Review Conference to recommit ourselves to the
full implementation of obligations under the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.We should ensure a balance
between the objectives of disarmament, non-proliferation and
the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
“We also appreciate the recent pronouncements by some
nuclear weapon states on their intentions to reduce their
nuclear arsenals. Let us take up this new momentum and utilise
the opportunity of the 2010 Review Conference to recommit
ourselves to the full implementation of obligations under
the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. We
should ensure a balance between the objectives of disarmament,
non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
Spain
H.E. Mr. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero,
President of the Government
24 September 2009
“And now the world has the opportunity to take a great
step forward. The abolition of nuclear weapons. President
Obama has had the courage to put this on the table and the
United States and Russia, a country which will continue to
be key for Euro-Atlantic security, those countries are negotiating
on the greatest cut in their arsenals ever seen. And we encourage
them in this effort, and we have great hope in a special summit
of the Security Council being convened to cope with the fight
against nuclear proliferation. Spain, a nation which renounced
to develop or possess nuclear weapons, fully shares this objective
and we will support it with all the means at our disposal.
And we should first of all strengthen the Non-Proliferation
Treaty, and that will coincide in May 2010 with the presidency
by Spain of the European Union. And I undertaken to do everything
within my power from Spain and within the European Union to
ensure that this important NPT Review Conference comes up
with specific results so that we can bring about a world that
is free from nuclear weapons. That’s our perspective.”
Sudan
H.E. Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani, Adviser to the President
28 September 2009
“The UN, the inception of which embodied diversity,
has to foster a dialogue among cultures and civilizations,
respect for peoples', political and social choices, settlement
of disputes through peaceful means and and freeing the world
of nuclear weapons.”
Swaziland
(Kingdom of)
H.E. King Mswati III, Head of State
25 September 2009
“If we want to achieve peace in the world it is important
that we reduce and eventually eradicate nuclear arms which
pose a threat to our planet. We need to encourage nations
that are at a stage of developing and those that already possess
nuclear power to utilize it for power generation that shall
support and stimulate economic growth. Therefore we encourage
the UN agency to continue monitoring countries that are developing
nuclear and also ensure that countries that already have nuclear
capability reduce and eventually eradicate their nuclear arms
so that it becomes a thing of the past. In order to accelerate
the eradication of nuclear weapons the UN must set targets
and timelines for compliance.”
Tajikistan
H.E. Emomali Rahmon, President
23 September 2009
“Tajikistan gives primary importance to strengthening
the disarmament processes. Our hope is that at the 2010 Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference a constructive
exchange of views on urgent issues concerning practical realization
of this document will take place.”
Togo
H.E. Mr. Kodjo Menan, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“My country applauds the promise made on the 24th of
September at the Security Council meeting under the chairmanship
of the United States of America, which was devoted to nonproliferation
and nuclear disarmament.”
“Reaffirming multilateralism as the fundamental principle
to remedy concerns over disarmament and non proliferation,
Togo hopes that the Security Council meeting will initiate
a new approach to treat this issue as a crucial one.”
Turkmenistan
H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President
23 September 2009
“Support for the process of disarmament, reduction
of weapons arsenals, above all, weapons of mass destruction,
preventing proliferation, continues to be one of the main
issues on the global agenda. We believe that in the present
system of international relations there should be no space
for a Cold War legacy, recurrence of bloc confrontation, when
quantity and quality of arms were almost the main criteria
determining the authority of states. We are convinced that
the fewer armaments and arms there are in the world, the more
stable and calm will be its development. The more trust and
understanding there would be among countries and peoples.”
Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Victor Yushchenko, President
23 September 2009
"Almost 15 years ago Ukraine voluntarily gave up the
third largest nuclear potential and acceded to the Nuclear
Non-proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear state.
"We welcome the steps taken by the United States and
the Russian Federation to elaborate a new agreement to replace
the Treaty between the USSR and the USA on the Reduction and
Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms of 31 July 1991, which
expires this year."
United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
H.E. Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister
23 September 2009
“Once there were five nuclear-armed powers. Now there
are nine, with the real and present danger that more will
soon follow. And the risk is not just state aggression, but
the acquisition of nuclear weapons by terrorists. So we are
at a moment of danger when decades of preventing proliferation
could be overturned by damaging rise in proliferation.”
“Tomorrow’s Security Council Resolution will
be vital as we move forwards towards next year’s global
nuclear security summit in April and the Review Conference
in May.
“My proposal is a grand global bargain between nuclear
weapon and non nuclear weapons states. And there are three
elements to it where careful and sober international leadership
is essential and in which Britain will play its part on the
responsibilities on non nuclear states, on the rights of non
nuclear states, and on the responsibilities of nuclear weapon
states.”
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In this context, we welcome resolution 1887 (2009)
issued by the Security Council in its recent summit on the
Non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament and reiterate the
UAE’s rejection of existence of any weapons of mass
destruction in the Middle East.”
United
States of America
H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President
23 September 2009
“I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the
goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In Moscow, the United
States and Russia announced that we would pursue substantial
reductions in our strategic warheads and launchers.”
“And we address our priorities here, in this institution—for
instance, through the Security Council meeting that I will
chair tomorrow on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.”
“First, we must stop the spread of nuclear weapons,
and seek the goal of a world without them. This institution
was founded at the dawn of the atomic age, in part because
man’s capacity to kill had to be contained. For decades,
we averted disaster, even under the shadow of a super-power
stand-off. But today, the threat of proliferation is growing
in scope and complexity. If we fail to act, we will invite
nuclear arms races in every region, and the prospect of wars
and acts of terror on a scale that we can hardly imagine.
“A fragile consensus stands in the way of this frightening
outcome – the basic bargain that shapes the Nuclear
Non Proliferation Treaty. It says that all nations have the
right to peaceful nuclear energy; that nations with nuclear
weapons have the responsibility to move toward disarmament;
and those without them have the responsibility to forsake
them. The next twelve months could be pivotal in determining
whether this compact will be strengthened or will slowly dissolve.
“America will keep our end of the bargain. We will
pursue a new agreement with Russia to substantially reduce
our strategic warheads and launchers.”
“We will complete a Nuclear Posture Review that opens
the door to deeper cuts, and reduces the role of nuclear weapons.”
Vanuatu
(Republic of)
H.E. Edward Nipake Natapei, MP, Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“Finally, my delegation welcomes Security Council resolution
S/2009/473 on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament.
The presence of all the Leaders of the permanent five demonstrates
a commitment to control the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Maintaining international peace and security will always remain
humanity's greatest challenge. There is hope.”
Venezuela
(Bolivarian Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, President
24 September 2009
“[Obama] spoke about four pillars, fine, we’ll
take his word. Non-proliferation, nuclear non-proliferation—fine,
please you start, kindly destroy all the nuclear weapons you
have. Just go ahead.”
Zambia
H.E. Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President
24 September 2009
"Even in the post cold war era, nuclear arms pose a
threat to international peace and security and the very existence
of mankind. It is for this reason that Zambia stands for general
and complete disarmament, including biological, chemical,
nuclear and radiological weapons, in a time-bound manner.
Zimbabwe
H.E. Comrade R.G. Mugabe
25 September 2009
“We warmly welcome the renewed enthusiasm by Russia
and the United States to pursue actions to achieve a world
free of nuclear arms and we urge other nuclear weapons states
to do the same.”
“In this regard, Zimbabwe is honoured to have chaired,
in May this year, the Third Preparatory Committee for the
2010 Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and takes
this opportunity to thank all members for their support. We
are hopeful that, having secured agreement on the Conference
agenda, members will produce a renewed commitment to the three
pillars of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty; namely, nuclear
disarmament, nonproliferation and peaceful use of nuclear
energy.”
Nuclear
Weapon/WMD Free Zones
Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Alkhalifa, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“It is in this spirit that the Kingdom of Bahrain,
and in pursuant to the Security Council resolution 1887 (2009),
reiterates its appeal to the international community to seriously
endeavour to make the Middle East, including the Gulf region,
a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass
destruction, thus ensuring the security and wellbeing of the
nations of the region and the world at large and call upon
Israel to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons with a view to enhancing its universality.
All nuclear institutions and activities in Middle Eastern
states should be placed under the IAEA safeguards system,
without prejudice to the legitimate right of states to possess
nuclear technology for peaceful uses in the various areas
where it has become vital for development and the diversification
of energy sources, in conformity with the relevant international
agreements.”
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
26 September 2009
"In the ASEAN framework in Southeast Asia, we have the
Treaty of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
which is an important instrument to keep Southeast Asia free
of nuclear weapons to ensure peace and security in this part
of the world. It is also a good confidence-building mechanism
which needs to be adhered to by all, especially the nuclear
weapon states. In recent years, ASEAN has actively encouraged
the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) to accede to SEANWFZ, but
no concrete result or effect has been achieved yet. Here also,
we would appeal to all Nuclear States to engage more constructively
with the SEANWFZ Treaty."
Egypt
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In addressing security issues, I will begin with disarmament.
Egypt attaches great importance to successful conclusion of
the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in the hope of putting nuclear disarmament
and nuclear non-proliferation regime back on the right track.
This will depend on dealing effectively with the decisions
and the resolution of the 1995 and 2000 Review Conferences,
especially the resolution on the Middle East. It is crucial
that the international community as a whole supports the active
dynamism currently witnessed on the international arena with
regard to disarmament issues, especially in light of the development
in the positions of main Nuclear Weapon States, foremost of
which comes the United States. We hope that these evolving
positions would serve as an opportune portal through which
historic progress could be achieved in this regard.”
Iraq
H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani, President
24 September 2009
“We consider the Arab initiative to be a step in the
right direction towards resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict
in order to achieve security, peace and stability in the Middle
East and we call for making the Middle East a zone free of
nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction to promote
peace and security opportunity. In this context, we call upon
all states who have not yet done so to accede to the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty to do so and be bound by its provisions.”
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kanat Saudabayev, Secretary of State and Minister
for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“One of the considerable contributions made by Kazakhstan
and the Central Asian states to the NPT implementation was
this March's entry into force of the Treaty on the Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone in our region. The peculiarity of this zone is that it
is located between two largest nuclear powers. The zone could
play a large practical role in preventing uncontrolled proliferation
of nuclear materials, as well as in fighting the nuclear terrorism.
We count on the support for the Central Asian zone, firstly,
from the nuclear powers, meaning a possibility of providing
negative security guarantees.”
Kuwait
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah,
Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“Departing from Kuwait's belief and deep rooted conviction
in the importance and the necessity of the disarmament of
all weapons of mass destruction, and declare the Middle East
a region free from nuclear weapons. Kuwait renews its call
for dealing seriously with Israel, the only country in the
region that did not joint the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and
calls upon Israel to join the Treaty and subject all of its
facilities to the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA).”
Nigeria
H.E. Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“It is in this connection that I applaud the conclusion
and bringing into force of the Pelindaba Treaty (The African
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone), which bans the testing, manufacturing,
stockpiling, acquisition and possession of nuclear weapons
in Africa. This is a commendable testimony to Africa's total
rejection of the proliferation, indeed, existence, of nuclear
weapons. We call on all other regions to follow suit. The
NPT Review Conference coming up next year provides an opportunity
that should not be missed.”
Palestine
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President
25 September 2009
“Everyone agrees on the need to achieve peace in the
Middle East, counter extremism and violence, and establish
the region as a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons
of mass destruction.”
Papau
New Guinea
H.E. The Honourable Samuel Abal, MP, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Trade and Immigration
29 September 2009
“My country denounces weapons of mass destruction and
is fully committed to the principles of a world that is free
from weapons of mass terror. This is attested to by the fact
that we are a State Party to the South Pacific Nuclear Free-Zone
Treaty and also fully supportive of the Treaty on the South
East Asia Nuclear-Weapons-Free-Zone.”
Philippines
H.E. Mr. Alberto Romulo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“The South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
other regional nuclear free zones continue to reinforce the
NPT system as well.”
Russian
Federation
H.E. Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, President
23 September 2009
“In order to reach a common understanding on such important
issues we must engage all nations and influential international
organizations into the abovementioned negotiation processes.
The international community has at its disposal such well-tested
measures for increasing the level of regional and international
security as nuclear free zones. In particular, there is an
urgent task of establishing a zone free of all types of WMDs
and their means of delivery in the Middle East. This is a
long-standing issue. And the 1995 NPT Review Conference had
adopted a relevant resolution in this regard.
“Russia as a member of the Quartet of international
mediators on the Middle East settlement consistently supports
the efforts aimed at strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation
regime in the Middle East. Russia has made specific proposals
in the framework of the NPT review process to search for generally
acceptable ways of implementing the relevant NPT decisions.
All countries of the region need to take an active stance
on this issue and demonstrate their willingness to ensure
a real progress in establishing a nuclear free zone.”
Saudi
Arabia
His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
26 September 2009
“Once again, we find that the easiest, most expeditious
and most effective solution lies in declaring the entire Middle
East, including the Gulf region, a zone free from all nuclear
and other weapons of mass destruction.”
Syrian
Arab Republic
H.E. Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2009
“For years Syria has been calling for the establishment
of the Middle East region as a zone free from all weapons
of mass destruction. To this end, Syria tabled a draft resolution
before the Security Council in 2003. Today Syria stresses
the need to commit Israel to comply with the resolution adopted
by the International Atomic Energy Agency on the 19th of this
month regarding the Israeli nuclear capabilities in which
the Agency called upon Israel to submit its nuclear facilities
to its safeguard regime and to adhere to the Non Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).”
Tajikistan
H.E. Emomali Rahmon, President
23 September 2009
“We are convinced that the establishment of nuclear
free zones is equally important both at regional and global
levels.
“Given the above, Tajikistan is prepared to enhance
the work on practical implementation of the provistions of
the Treaty on nuclear free zone in Central Asia that came
into effect on March 21, 2009.”
Turkmenistan
H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President
23 September 2009
“As you know, a treaty on establishing a nuclear weapon
free zone in Central Asia was signed in 2006, in the city
of Semipalitinsk. All countries of the region have become
parties to the treaty. This joint initiative proved to be
consonant with the aspirations of the majority of countries
worldwide; it won high appraisal from the world community
as well as approval in the UN General Assembly. In this connection,
we believe it is time to hold a representative international
conference in the first half of next year under the auspices
of the UN on the subject of disarmament in the region of Central
Asia and the Caspian Basin. Our country is ready to host such
an event.”
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“This model for developing peaceful use of nuclear
energy is also in line with the firm policy of the UAE. The
policy supports the principles of the non-proliferation treaty
and reflects the UAE’s position, which calls for making
the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf a zone free of weapons
of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons.”
“In this context, we welcome resolution 1887 (2009)
issued by the Security Council in its recent summit on the
Non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament and reiterate the
UAE’s rejection of existence of any weapons of mass
destruction in the Middle East.”
Nuclear
Weapon Convention
India
H.E. Mr. S. M. Krishna, Minister for External Affairs
26 September 2009
“Last year, at the 63rd UNGA, consistent with India's
longstanding commitment articulated in the Rajiv Gandhi Action
Plan in 1988, India reiterated its proposal for a Nuclear
Weapons Convention for banning the production, development,
stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons and to provide for
their complete elimination within a specified time-frame.
The international nuclear order cannot be discriminatory.
Further, states must fulfill the obligations they have undertaken.
Once more, with feeling and with commitment, India reiterates
that proposal.”
Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Anifah Aman, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
“For our own part, we have since 1996 introduced the
resolution on the 'Follow-up to the advisory opinion of the
International Court of Justice on the Legality of the threat
or use of nuclear weapons', and will continue to do so at
this session of the General Assembly. The resolution, among
others, calls on all States to fulfill this obligation by
commencing multilateral negotiations leading to an early conclusion
of a nuclear weapons convention.”
US-India
Deal
Weapons
of Mass Destruction
President
of the General Assembly: Opening Remarks
H.E. Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki
23 September 2009
“The international community is faced
with multiples crises and enormous challenges. These include
the challenges of international peace and security which continue
to threaten peace in various parts of the world through protracted
inter-states conflicts, civil wars, weapons of mass destruction,
terrorism and organized transnational crimes.”
President
of the General Assembly: Closing Remarks
H.E. Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki
29 September 2009
“Disarmament remains a clear priority for Member States.
There is also widely shared concern about the proliferation
of Weapons of Mass Destruction, as a threat to international
peace and security. We have heard passionate calls for a world
free of nuclear arms. I am encouraged by the willingness of
Member States to engage constructively with the Review Conference
of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Let us all work together
to ensure equal security for all.”
European
Union
H.E. Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden
23 September 2009
“Twenty years after the end of the cold
war, peace and security is still threatened by the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction; by the fact that these weapons
risk falling into the wrong hands.”
Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Rangin Dâdfar Spantâ, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
"The world, particularly developing nations, is faced
with threats of poverty, underdevelopment, environmental degradation,
extremism, fundamentalism, terrorism, cultural prejudice,
spread of weapons of mass destruction and arms races. Rather
than just managing and reacting to problems, the UN must find
ways to address the structural causes of the world's problems
and conflicts."
Antigua
and Barbuda
H.E. The Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
and Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2009
“The threat posed by non-state actors acquiring weapons
of mass destruction is shared by all countries/ large and
small. For this reason we support the extension of the mandate
of Security Council resolution 1540. Pursuant to our obligations
under this resolution, we are pleased to have submitted the
relevant reports to the respective Security Council Committees.”
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Yves Leterme, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“Wars are caused by men, not by weapons. Nonetheless,
the arms control issue has to be high on the international
agenda. Belgium welcomes the meeting of the Security Council
at the highest level on the subject of non-proliferation and
nuclear disarmament. This meeting was undoubtedly one of the
highlights of this week. The resolution adopted yesterday
represents a milestone for a world free of weapons of mass
destruction.”
Bulgaria
H.E. Mrs. Rumiana Jeleva, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“We are convinced of the need to step up efforts aimed
at achieving progress in the areas of international disarmament,
arms control and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In this regard, the need for a full and universal implementation
of the Nonproliferation Treaty regime remains of utmost importance
and my country is dedicated to the successful outcome of the
2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference.”
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
26 September 2009
"In parallel to all these most serious global challenges
the world is facing with, there are still the political and
security problems of great concern. ... On the other hand,
there are countries that have the capacity to produce nuclear
weapons which have not yet signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT). The dissemination of WMD constitutes another massive
deadly menace to humanity. In this context, Cambodia highly
values the call by US President Obama on September 23rd "...
to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and seek the goal of
a world without them." Cambodia also warmly welcomes
the appeal by the UNSC Resolution 1887, adopted by UN Security
Council Summit on September 24th, to secure a safer world
for all."
China
H.E. Mr. Hu Jintao, President
23 September 2009
“Non-traditional security threats, including
terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, transnational
organized crime and major communicable diseases, are menacing
our world.”
Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Demetris Christofias, President
24 September 2009
“The world today faces multiple challenges
and threats: climate change, depletion of resources, human
rights abuses, failure to protect vulnerable populations,
increased regional and interstate conflict, proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction, pandemics.”
Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“Amongst the most serious present danger
to peace and security is the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction and their means of delivery.”
Germany
H.E. Mr. Thomas Matussek, Chairman of the Delegation
28 September 2009
“The international community must not
relent in its commitment to ban all weapons of mass destruction.”
Guinea
H.E. Alexandre Cécé Loua, Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Guineans living abroad
28 September 2009
“My country supports international efforts on the issue
of disarmament and the control of armaments. It is in support
of the prevention and destruction of all nuclear, biological
and chemical weapons, including eradicating the trafficking
of fissile materials.”
Iran
(Islamic Republic of)
H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President
23 September 2009
“Reforming the international political
relations based on the promotion of lasting peace and friendship,
eradication of arms race and elimination of all nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons.”
Iraq
H.E. Mr. Jalal Talabani, President
24 September 2009
“We consider the Arab initiative to be a step in the
right direction towards resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict
in order to achieve security, peace and stability in the Middle
East and we call for making the Middle East a zone free of
nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction to promote
peace and security opportunity. In this context, we call upon
all states who have not yet done so to accede to the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty to do so and be bound by its provisions.”
Israel
H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
24 September 2009
“But if the most primitive fanaticism can acquire the
most deadly weapons, the march of history could be reversed
for a time. And like the belated victory over the Nazis, the
forces of progress and freedom will prevail only after an
horrific toll of blood and fortune has been exacted from mankind.
That is why the greatest threat facing the world today is
the marriage between religious fanaticism and the weapons
of mass destruction.”
Jamaica
H.E. The Honourable Kenneth Baugh, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
26 September 2009
“The pursuit of complete disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation,
particularly weapons of mass destruction, must remain a shared
goal. The 2010 Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty provides an opportunity for renewed commitment to strengthen
the nonproliferation regime.”
Latvia
H.E. Mr. Valdis Zatlers, President
24 September 2009
“Latvia has been steadfast in the global efforts of
fighting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
We are sure that the 2010 NPT Review Conference will be an
important milestone in this process. Latvia is convinced that
it will promote the aims of non-proliferation, disarmament
and use of nuclear energy ultimately for peaceful purposes.”
Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Anifah Aman, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
28 September 2009
“By the same token, we view with grave concern any
attempt aimed at proliferating nuclear weapons and other weapons
of mass destruction.”
Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Milo Dukanovic, Prime Minister
25 September 2009
“The rule of law and the protection of human rights
have a crucial role in the fight against international terrorism,
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and organized
crime.”
Myanmar
H.E. General Thein Sein, Prime Minister
28 September 2009
"The continued existence of weapons of mass destruction,
particularly nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to mankind.
Myanmar believes that the total elimination of nuclear weapons
is the single absolute guarantee against the threat or use
of those weapons. Accordingly, we have been calling upon nuclear
weapon States to undertake the step-by-step reduction of the
nuclear threat with a view to achieving the total elimination
of those weapons."
Papau
New Guinea
H.E. The Honourable Samuel Abal, MP, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Trade and Immigration
29 September 2009
“My country denounces weapons of mass destruction and
is fully committed to the principles of a world that is free
from weapons of mass terror. This is attested to by the fact
that we are a State Party to the South Pacific Nuclear Free-Zone
Treaty and also fully supportive of the Treaty on the South
East Asia Nuclear-Weapons-Free-Zone.”
Romania
H.E. Mr. Cristian Diaconescu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“Among the perils that threaten us most, terrorism
and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remain of
major concern. Nuclear proliferation is of particular concern,
given the increasing access to technology capable of large-scale
destruction. In this context, we urge those Member States
that areconsidering nuclear programs to fully heed the concerns
of the world community and to strictly abide by international
norms and regulations.”
Saudi
Arabia
His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister for Foreign
Affairs
26 September 2009
“Departure from the principles of international legitimacy,
the rules of international law and the requirements of universal
justice remains the root cause of the risks of proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction that are overshadowing the
Middle East, including the Gulf region. This is attributable
to the fact that, for decades, a blind eye was turned to the
Israeli nuclear programme which, far from even being ostensibly
designed to generate electric power, produces nothing but
weapons of mass destruction. This original sin has motivated
some states to push ahead with the development of nuclear
capabilities, using the pretext of double standards to justify
non-compliance with international resolutions in this regard.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajcák, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
"Slovakia is, particularly, very concerned over the
risk of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery
falling into the hands of non-state actors, especially terrorist
groups. In this connection, Slovakia is ready to work with
all partners towards a successful outcome of the 2010 NPT
Review Conference that should result in an enhanced international
nuclear non-proliferation regime."
Sri
Lanka
H.E. The Honourable Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Prime Minister
26 September 2009
“We need a comprehensive legal framework to address
all aspects of safety and security of maritime navigation,
going beyond the current concerns on Weapons of Mass Destruction
(WMD). This would make a distinct contribution to security
global peace and security.”
Togo
H.E. Mr. Kodjo Menan, Chairman of the Delegation
29 September 2009
“To further develop weapons of mass destruction and
their proliferation is in the opinion of my delegation, a
menace in contradiction to international peace and security.”
Turkmenistan
H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President
23 September 2009
“Support for the process of disarmament, reduction
of weapons arsenals, above all, weapons of mass destruction,
preventing proliferation, continues to be one of the main
issues on the global agenda. We believe that in the present
system of international relations there should be no space
for a Cold War legacy, recurrence of bloc confrontation, when
quantity and quality of arms were almost the main criteria
determining the authority of states. We are convinced that
the fewer armaments and arms there are in the world, the more
stable and calm will be its development. The more trust and
understanding there would be among countries and peoples.”
United
Arab Emirates
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister
for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2009
“In this context, we welcome resolution 1887 (2009)
issued by the Security Council in its recent summit on the
Non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament and reiterate the
UAE’s rejection of existence of any weapons of mass
destruction in the Middle East.”
Viet
Nam
H.E. Mr. Nguyen Minh Triet, President
25 September 2009
"In the meantime, tension and conflicts remain in various
regions; and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and international terrorism continue to be the threats demanding
effective responses."
"As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council,
we have been an active participant in and an effective and
responsible contributor to the maintenance of the world's
peace and security. A peace-loving nation, Viet Nam always
strongly supports and contributes to the peaceful settlement
of international disputes and conflicts, the fight against
trans-national crime, international terrorism and the promotion
of disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
Zambia
H.E. Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President
24 September 2009
"Even in the post cold war era, nuclear arms pose a
threat to international peace and security and the very existence
of mankind. It is for this reason that Zambia stands for general
and complete disarmament, including biological, chemical,
nuclear and radiological weapons, in a time-bound manner.
The demand of the time is that we compete for peace not war,
for development, not armaments."
777 UN Plaza - 6th Floor - New York, NY - 10017 - Ph: 212.682.1265 - Fax: 212.286.8211 - info@reachingcriticalwill.org
This site was created by Kache
Productions ©2008
| 
