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General Assembly Disarmament Index:
references to disarmament in pre 1st Committee GA debate
1. Statements
by the Secretary General of the United Nations:
2. Extracts from September Sessions of the 56th United Nations
General Assembly as they relate to Items under the 1st Committee Agenda
3. Extracts
from Special Debate on "Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism"
as they relate to items under the 1st Committee Agenda
4. Summary
of and links to the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism,
submitted by the Russian Federation (A/AC.252/L.3)
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This first document
collects the references to disarmament in all speeches made at the General Assembly,
before the start of the First Committee on October 8, 2001. It includes references
made in the special debate on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism
in the wake of the attacks on the United States, during which 174 speeches were
made. While often of a general nature, these statements map the range of positions
and increased concerns on disarmament and proliferation issues expected to be
detailed during the First Committee, October 8 - November 9, 2001.
NGOs from around
the world share the concerns of many governments on the dangers posed by weapons
of mass destruction, increased military expenditure and the trade in armaments.
The ongoing conflicts in over 35 countries, as well as the recent terrorist
attacks and member States proposed responses, have made the work of the First
Committee even more urgently relevant. NGOs will continue to offer analysis
and constructive input while providing public education on the work of the United
Nations General Assembly. We look forward to working closely with official governmental
delegations, United Nations staff and the broad NGO community in this 56th Session
of the United Nations General Assembly.
Statements
and Reports of the Secretary General of the UN
1. Statements by
the Secretary General of the United Nations Report the Secretary-General on
the work of the Organization
Fifty-sixth Session of the United Nations
Supplement No. 1 (A/56/1)
75. In the Millennium
Declaration, world leaders resolved to strive to eliminate weapons of mass destruction,
particularly nuclear weapons, and to reduce thee global risks posed by small
arms and landmines. Uncertainties about the status of the strategic relationship
between the leading nuclear-weapon Powers and continuing divergence of views
among States on priorities and perspectives, however, continue to inform the
debate and block further movement on global security and disarmament.
76. Global military expenditures have continued to rise, the increase occurring
in some industrialized countries and in a number of developing countries.
Although official development assistance levels have continued to
fall during the year, military budgets have risen persistently.
Conservative estimates suggest that annual military expenditures
exceed $800 billion, or 80 per cent of average cold war global military
expenditures.
77. The level of international cooperation in disarmament remains disappointingly
low. This is especially evident in the Conference on Disarmament
- a crucial part of the multilateral disarmament machinery - where
in 2001 no consensus on a programme of work could be reached. I
hope that the appointment by the Conference of three special coordinators
will help to bring about some forward movement next year. Several
multilateral agreements still await either entry into force or effective
implementation. The historic agreements reached at the 2000 Review
Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons have yet to be fully realized.
78. Although 161 States have signed and 79 States have ratified the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty, the challenges that confront its entry into force
still persist. At the request of the majority of the States parties,
I have decided to convene the second Conference on Facilitating
the Entry into Force of the Treaty, which will be held in New York
from 25 to 27 September 2001. It is my hope that the prevailing
global moratorium on nuclear testing will be strictly observed pending
the Treaty's entry into force.
79. I am concerned that plans to deploy national missile defences threaten
not only current bilateral and multilateral arms control agreements
but also ongoing and future disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
In order to avert a new arms race, I encourage continuing consultation
on these issues. Multilateral negotiations towards legally binding,
irreversible and verifiable disarmament agreements are essential.
80. Multilaterally negotiated norms against missile proliferation would considerably
reduce the threat posed by ballistic missiles armed with conventional
weapons or weapons of mass destruction. At the General Assembly's
request, I have convened a panel of governmental experts to review
and report in 2002 on the issue of missiles in all its aspects.
81. Negotiations on a verification protocol to strengthen the Biological Weapons
Convention, enhance its effectiveness, and promote a higher degree
of transparency have not led to agreement. It is expected that the
work to strengthen the Convention will be addressed at the Fifth
Review Conference of the Parties, scheduled to begin on 19 November
2001. The Chemical Weapons Convention has played a vital role in
international efforts to eliminate the dangers posed by weapons
of mass destruction, to curb their proliferation and to achieve
their elimination. Increased effort is required to ensure the Convention's
universality, and continued political and financial support for
the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is vital
to ensuring that its mandated tasks are effectively and efficiently
carried out.
82. The dangerous
global prevalence of small arms and light weapons has attracted increasing attention
in recent years. The United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small
Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, held from 9 to 20 July 2001, mobilized
Governments, regional organizations, United Nations agencies, non-governmental
organizations and civil society, and provided an historic opportunity for international
debate on the illicit small arms trade. The Programme of Action, which was adopted
by consensus, is a significant first step towards the goal of preventing, combating
and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. It included
guidelines for practical action at the national, regional and international
levels. The Conference did not receive consensus on all issues, however. I encourage
Governments to continue work on these issues and urge Members States to act
upon the key recommendations of the Conference.
83. Member States
are increasingly requesting the Secretariat to implement practical disarmament
measure in the context of peace-building efforts. Weapons collection projects
and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes have been developed
in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Although a lack of adequate resource
continues to hamper their work, regional centres for peace and disarmament have
expanded their activities and initiated the provision of advisory and training
services. Efforts are under way to seek more contributions from interested Member
States in order to cope with growing requests for assistance.
84. Adherence to
the amended Protocol II to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons has
grown, the total number of States which have adhered to the amended Protocol
II now being 58. An additional 12 countries acceded to or ratified the Convention
on the Prohibition of Anti-personnel Mines, while States parties continued to
work towards its implementation. It is estimated that production of landmines
has all but sharply dropped, and existing stockpiles in many countries are steadily
being destroyed. By the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention,
in September 2000, 25 State parties has completed the destruction of their mines,
and elimination was ongoing in 24 others.
Extracts from
the Secretary-Generals address to the Special Debate on "Measures to Eliminate
International Terrorism"
Address by: The Secretary-General
of the UN, Mr Kofi Annan - 1 October 2001.
"…Even
in situations of armed conflict, the targeting of innocent civilians is illegal,
as well as morally unacceptable. And yet, as I have stated in my two reports
on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, civilian populations are more
and more often deliberately targeted. Indeed, civilians have become the principal
victims of conflict, accounting for an estimated 75 percent of all casualties.
This demands from all of us an increased attention to the civilian costs of
conflict. They must deal firmly with the reality of armed groups and other non-state
actors who refuse to respect common principles of human dignity.
…
It is hard to imagine how the tragedy of 11 September could have been worse.
Yet the truth is that a single attack involving a nuclear or biological weapon
could have killed millions. While the world was unable to prevent the 11 September
attacks, there is much we can do to help prevent future terrorist acts carried
out with weapons of mass destruction. The greatest immediate danger arises from
a non-state group - or even an individual -acquiring and using a nuclear, biological,
or chemical weapon. Such a weapon could be delivered without - the need for
any missile or any other sophisticated delivery system.
…
In addition to measures taken by individual Member States, we must now strengthen
the global norm against the use or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
This means, among other actions, redoubling efforts to ensure the universality,
verification and full implementation of key treaties relating to weapons of
mass destruction, including those outlawing chemical and biological weapons
and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty; promoting closer cooperation among
international organizations dealing with these weapons;
o tightening national legislation over exports of goods and technologies needed
to
manufacture weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery;
o and developing new efforts to criminalize the acquisition or use of weapons
of mass
destruction by non-state groups.
In addition, we need to strengthen controls over other types of weapons that
pose grave dangers through terrorist use. This means doing more to ensure a
ban on the sale of small arms to non-state groups; making progress in eliminating
landmines; improving the physical protection of sensitive industrial facilities,
including nuclear and chemical plants; and increased vigilance against cyberterrorist
threats.
Disarmament related
paragraphs of the Report of the Secretary General on Prevention of armed conflict,
7 June, 2001, A/55/985 - S/2001/574
86. The evolution
of disarmament norms is a continuous process, and there are still some areas,
such as missile development and small arms, which lack an international normative
framework. Disarmament treaties and conventions contribute to the prevention
of armed conflict through the promotion of the rule of international law. Wider
accession to such multilateral treaties and their implementation is the verification
is essential for nation to feel confident that their security is assured.
87. Exchange of information
and other forms of transparency in armaments and on military matters in general
can help minimize the risk of misunderstanding or miscalculation, and can thereby
contribute to greater trust and more stable relations among States. They can
also serve as early warning mechanisms as well as encourage or lead to restraints
in weapons acquisition by helping to identify the excessive or destabilizing
accumulation of armaments. The Department of Disarmament Affairs operates and
maintains two global transparency instruments: the United Nations Register of
Conventional Arms and the United Nation standardized instrument for reporting
military expenditures.
88. I have stated
in my Millennium Report (A/54/2000) that small arms proliferation is not merely
a security issue; it is also an issue of human rights and of development. The
proliferation of small arms sustains and exacerbates armed conflicts, endangers
peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, undermines respect for international
humanitarian law, threatens legitimate but weak Governments, and benefits terrorists
and the perpetrators of organized crime. Measures to prevent the misuse and
illicit transfers of small arms and to address the root causes of the demand
for small arms would greatly contribute to the prevention of conflict.
89. Practical disarmament
measures have gained wide recognition, particularly "weapons for development"
projects aimed at retrieval and collection of illegal weapons in exchange for
community-based development incentives. In addition to the retrieval of illicit
arms from the civilian population, as well as weapons in possession of former
combatants, the destruction and disposal of such stocks can help to prevent
conflict or its recurrence by reducing the volume in circulation and the easy
availability of such arms, which are often recycled from one conflict to another.
90. In the field
of practical disarmament measures, the Department for Disarmament Affairs works
with the Group of Interested States, which was established in March 1998 on
the basis of a General Assembly resolution to promote practical disarmament
measures, particularly to support peace-building efforts in post-conflict situations,
while UNDP has worked since 1998 to design and support weapons collection, management
and destruction projects through the UNDP Trust Fund on Small Arms. As a basis
for these activities, fact finding missions are undertaken by the Department,
normally with the support of the Department of Political Affairs, UNDP and others,
before project proposals are finalized. Field-level small arms assessments,
which help to develop local and donor strategies and project level interventions,
are also continuously carried out by UNDP within the development context.
91. The Department
for Disarmament Affairs and UNDP are engaged in assisting Member States, upon
their request, to address the problems posed by the proliferation of small arms
and light weapons, particularly in the context of peace0-buildsing post conflict
situations. In June 1998, I established a mechanism, Coordinating Action on
Small Arms (CASA), the harmonize all actions on small arms within the United
Nations system, designating the Department as the focal point of the mechanism.
CASA includes all departments and agencies with an interest in one or more aspects
of the multidimensional threat posed by the proliferation of small arms and
their misuse. The Department is also providing substantive support for the first
United nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons
in All its Aspects to be held at United Nations Headquarters in July 2001, aimed
at establishing a programme of action to curb the illict trade in small arms
and light weapons.
92. The Department
for Disarmament Affairs, together with UNDP, played a lead role in designing
a "weapons for development" project in cooperation with UNDP, the
implementation in the district of Gramsch, Albania, following a request from
the Albanian Government for assistance in retrieving small arms and light weapons
illegally acquired by the civil population during disturbances in 1997. Similar
projects have since been initiatives in other districts of Albania. The concept
of "weapons for development" has also attracted attention and interest
in other regions. The de-weaponization of conflict-prone societies is therefore
an important conflict prevention exercise.
93. In addition to
conflict-prone societies, the de-weaponization of post-conflict societies is
equally important to prevent a relapse into conflict. It is important in this
respect that the international community assist with adequate resources in disarmament,
demobilization and reintegration efforts. The World Bank is playing an important
role in this field, by providing technical assistance on the preparation of
comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes, assisting
with the reintegration of ex-combatants into civil society and advising on governance
and public expenditure issues. Humanitarian partners also play a key role in
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration exercises. For instance, since
the early 1990's the World Food Programme (WFP) has been a primary partner in
United Nations supported demobilization programmes (in Namibia, Angola, Mozambique,
Liberia, Sierra Leone and Eritrea). Experience demonstrates the importance of
an early involvement by humanitarian partners in the planning of demobilization
and reintegration programmes, given the importance of humanitarian and rehabilitation
assistance during the implementation of demobilization and reintegration programmes
and their aftermath. Experience in Liberia and Sierra Leone offered a sobering
example of how failure to provide adequate resources for disarmament, demobilization
and reintegration efforts can contribute to the renewal of violence.
Recommendation 14
I encourage greater transparency by Member States on military matters, including
broader participation in the United Nations instruments relating to arms transparency
and military expenditure. I also call on the General Assembly and other United
Nations disarmament bodies to strengthen existing disarmament related early
warning and transparency mechanisms, particularly with regard to small arms
and light weapons.
Recommendation 15
In order to prevent the recurrence of conflict, I encourage the Security Council
to include, as appropriate, a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
component in mandates of United Nations peacekeepers and peace-building operations.
_________________
2.
Extracts from September Sessions of the 56th United Nations General Assembly
as it relates to Items under the 1st Committee Agenda
In alphabetical order by country:
ARGENTINA
Statement by Ambassador Arnoldo Listre, Permanent Representative of Argentina
to the United Nations - 24 September 2001
"… In the field of disarmament my country will tirelessly continue
advocating for all States to eradicate arms of mass destruction and will continue
actively working for the strict enforcement of obligations to different treaties
on this subject in order to reach universality.
…
The excessive and destabilizing accumulation of conventional arms and in particular,
of small arms is also reason for preoccupation. Therefore, we shall continue
favoring advances of this field through the fast implementation of the Program
of Action of the Conference on Illicit Small Arms Conference, which was adopted
last July."
CHINA
Statement by Ambassador Wang Yingfan, Permanent Representative of China to the
United Nations - 24 September 2001
"…The Question of Disarmament: A series of negative developments in
recent years in the field of international security have led to the demise of
multilateral disarmament and arms control process into a stalemate, a situation
that has caused wide attention in the international community.
…
The deployment of NMD will constitute a threat to the current and future disarmament
and nonproliferation efforts. The ABM Treaty not only involves the signatory
countries but also bears critical importance and relevance to maintaining global
strategic balance and stability as promoting international disarmament and non-proliferation
process. The success of the international disarmament and non-proliferation
efforts depends on the preservation and observation of this treaty. Both the
54th and 55th session of the General Assembly have adopted resolutions on "Preservation
of and Compliance with the ABM Treaty" with an overwhelming majority, demonstrating
that most countries in the world demand that the concerned countries must maintain
and abide by the ABM Treaty, the United Nations should continue to scrutinize
the development of NMD and take necessary steps to prevent this dangerous situation
from going further.
…
The development of an anti-missile system using the outer-space as a base, which
will bring the arms race from the land and the oceans to the outer-space has
very serious consequences. Therefore, it has become an urgent and relevant task
to reach through negotiations an international instrument on the prevention
of arms race in the outer-space. The General Assembly has, for each of the permanent
members adopted with an overwhelming majority a resolution on the prevention
of arms race in the outer-space the Conference on Disarmament should make this
an issue of priority and start relevant negotiations immediately. It is the
common aspiration of people of all countries in the world as well as an important
task for the international community to promote nuclear disarmament process
and realize a nuclear weapon-free world at an early date. The 2000 Review Conference
for the Parties to NPT was successfully convened and the final document adopted
has provided a clear guidance for the process of nuclear disarmament. The international
community should take concrete steps to promote this process the international
community should also work together to promote the implementation of the Convention
on Chemical Weapons and the Convention on Biological Weapons and remove artificial
barriers so as to realize the goals of comprehensive provision for the destruction
of these two types of weapons of mass destruction at an early date."
INDIA
Statement by Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma, Permanent Representative of India to
the United Nations - 25 September 2001
"…Armed conflict is the traditional threat to peace, prosperity and
security. Studies show that the number of armed conflicts has dropped in the
last few years, but they still create instability and inflict suffering on millions.
While we agree with many of the recommendations contained in the Security General’s
report on Prevention of Armed Conflict (A/55/985) we believe that action is
required to strengthen and spread democratic governance, to remove poverty,
to seriously address the question of disarmament. Above all, there must be respect
for the principles of inter-state relations and a commitment to settle disputes
through peaceful negotiations."
…
"… Integral to our efforts to end terrorism ad prevent armed conflict
is the denial to the perpetrators of access to arms and ammunition. We share
the Secretary General’s assessment that the Programme of Action adopted
by the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms is a significant
first step, but we must urgently and fully implement it, while building a consensus
on the outstanding issues, particularly on the supply of weapons to non-state
actors, the risks of which are self-evident. We call on all states to join in
keeping weapons out of hands and the reach of terrorists and non-state actors.
African priorities and concerns are fully reflected in this engagement and that
the process does not become donor driven."
INDONESIA
Statement by Director-General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dr Makarim
Wibinoso of the Republic of Indonesia - 25 September 2001
"…Thus, when we speak of globalization, we speak of threats, weapons,
communications, environment, economy and other pertinent issues in a global
context. All this means far-reaching changes are taking place in world affairs.
…In this connection, the report has drawn our attention to the modalities
established by the United Nations in Africa and elsewhere. These include, inter
alia, identifying potential sources of conflicts, promoting democratization,
assisting in the political, developmental and humanitarian fields, succeeding
in the task of demobilization and disarmament of combatants, fostering national
reconciliation among the warring parties and demonstrating the utility of cooperation
between the United Nations and regional organizations. Taken together, they
offer some valuable lessons in the efforts spearheaded by the United Nations
to achieve the twin objectives of conflict prevention and peace-making.
…
…With regard to disarmament, the report has noted the uncertainty concerning
the strategic relationships and the persistence of diverse views on priorities.
Consequently, there is little doubt that the question of nuclear disarmament
has entered a new dangerous era as commitments undertaken in the 2000 Review
Conference of the Parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty have remained unfulfilled.
Further compounding the situation is the deadlock in the Conference on Disarmament.
Meanwhile. It is disturbing to learn from the report that global military expenditures
have registered a steep increase in many parts of the world. These ominous developments
call for the resumption of negotiations on the priority issues of disarmament
with determination to reach agreements."
IRAN
Statement by Ambassador Hadi Nejad-Hosseinian, Permanent Representative of Iran
to the United Nations - 25 September 2001
"…With respect to disarmament, I share the concerns and misgivings
of the Secretary-General on the current level of international negotiations
on disarmament and arms control. Despite the necessity and requirements to intensify
the efforts to promote international peace and security, negotiations on strengthening
the prevention and banning the development and use of weapons of mass destruction
are now faced with major obstacles. Conclusion of the verification protocol
of the BWC as well as the CTBT preparation work have now been reached to a deadlock
due to the position of the United States.
…
Unfortunately, the same attitude has impaired the progress toward concluding
effective norms and guidelines to prevent the spread of destabilizing accumulation
of small arms in the conflicted areas. However, the recent adoption of the plan
of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and
light weapons is a major step forward to achieve out objective, which need to
be pursued vigorously
…
‘Missiles’ is also an important issue in the international agenda,
which merits full and serious consideration. The best approach here, as the
Secretary-General has indicated in his report, should be aimed at "multilaterally
negotiated norms" which is also a focus of the resolution adopted on the
issue by the General Assembly, submitted by my Country since 1999. I, hereby,
would like to extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General for providing
assistance for establishment of the panel of experts to address missiles in
all its aspects."
IRELAND
Statement by Ambassador Richard Ryan, Permanent Representative of Ireland to
the United Nations - 24 September 2001
"…International peace and security is indivisible and, because of
this, we share the unease with the Secretary-General regards the current uncertainties
in the existing bilateral and multilateral arms control agreements. Surely,
recent events strengthen rather than diminish the need for renewed commitment
to multilateral negotiations towards legally binding, irreversible and verifiable
disarmament agreements across the range of immensely destructive weapons in
existence today."
…
"…In the area of conventional weapons, there is no question that proliferation
of small arms and light weapons is a significant contributing factor in many
modern conflicts. If our response is to have any chance of success, the problem
has to be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated way. The Conference on
the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all Its Aspects in July
2001 was both the culmination of a long preparatory process and the launching
pad for what we hope will be a dynamic follow-up process. The conference was
a significant, but fist, step."
JAPAN
Statement by Ambassador Yukio Satoh, Permanent Representative of Japan to the
United Nations - 25 September 2001
"…Needless to say, it is imperative for us to maintain and strengthen
the arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation regimes. In particular,
the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an important pillar of the
NPT – based international nuclear non-proliferation regime which provides
a set of realistic and concrete measures toward achieving a nuclear-weapons-free
world. With this recognition, the Government of Japan will exert its outmost
efforts in order to attain the early entry into force of the CTBT.
…
This year, Japan will submit again to the General Assembly a draft resolution
on nuclear disarmament that will outline a concrete path toward a nuclear-weapons-free
world. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to ask the Member States
to extend their support to our proposal, as they did last year.
…
I would also like to stress the importance of strengthening the Biological Weapons
Convention (BWC). The new threat of globally organized terrorism, which we have
witnessed here in New York, makes our task all the more urgent. I therefore
hope that Member States will engage in a constructive discussion at the Fifth
Review Conference in order to make the BWC more effective in the coming years."
MACEDONIA
Statement by Ambassador Srgjan Kerim, Permanent Representative of Macedonia
to the United Nations - 25 September 2001
"…While we agree with the view of the Secretary-General on the United
Nations Conference on Small Arms and the adopted Programme of Action being a
significant first step on global level towards preventing, combating and eradicating
the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, we deem there is a need for
an enchanced follow-up process. The problem of small arms and proliferation
has been of particular concern for the Republic of Macedonia and the broader
region, especially after the civil unrest in Albania and the conflict in Kosovo.
This poses a serious threat not only to the security and stability of my country,
but also for the broader region. Therefore, it is necessary to take strong action
to combat the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons."
MEXICO
Statement by Ambassador Jorge Eduardo Navarrete, Permanent Representative of
Mexico to the United Nations - 25 September 2001
"… Of particular importance among the topics related to international
peace and security is the culture of prevention, to which the Secretary-General
referred in his important report on the prevention of armed conflicts. Conflict
prevention must become, of this there can be no doubt, the centerpiece of the
Organization’s activities. Preventive measures must be comprehensive in
their approach, involving the entire United Nations system and addressing all
aspects related to the outbreak of conflicts. Emphasis must be placed both on
conflict prevention and on peace-building in order to prevent the recurrence
of conflict. Special importance must therefore be given to capacity-building
within each country in areas such as the organization of free and impartial
elections, training of civilian police, protection of human rights, disarmament,
demobilization and the reinsertion of former combatants into society as well
as the strengthening of democratic institutions. The relationships between the
United Nations and countries affected by conflict, through the Secretary-General,
must therefore be strengthened bearing in mind that the negotiating capacity
and political presence of the Organization can prevent the outbreak or worsening
of conflicts. In addition, within the framework of a comprehensive strategy
of prevention, the United Nations should concentrate its efforts on addressing
in a timely and effective manner the root causes of conflict. No one can deny
that poverty and social discontent create situations of instability which can
lead to large scale conflict. Our Organization must continue to lead the fight
against poverty and to promote economic development so as to address the root
causes of conflicts.
…
The Secretary-General stated in his report that a difference of opinion still
exists as to priorities in the field of disarmament. Mexico is of the view that
the international community must be guided by the priorities contained in the
Final Document adopted at the special session of the General Assembly on disarmament.
In that document, the Assembly stated that nuclear disarmament is the first
priority. Mexico reiterates its commitment to the elimination of nuclear weapons.
It also wishes to reaffirm its support for the proposal of the Secretary-General,
as reflected in the Millennium Declaration, to convene an international conference
to identify ways of eliminating the danger of nuclear weapons. Now that the
United Nations has considered the subject of small arms and light weapons at
its recent conference held this past summer, Member States should focus their
attention on weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons, because
of the continuing threat that they pose to humanity. Mexico regrets the failure
to reach agreement in the Programme of Action adopted by the Conference on such
issues as the prohibition against civilian possession of this type of weapon
and their transfer to non-State actors. My delegation also regrets the lack
of progress in the negotiations on a protocol on verification to strengthen
the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling
of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxic Weapons and on Their Destruction."
MONGOLIA
Statement by Ambassador J. Enkhsaikhan, Permanent Representative of Mongolia
to the United Nations - 24 September 2001
"… Turning to the question of disarmament, my delegation would like
to express its support of the successful conclusion of the United Nations Conference
on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Though
the conference did not achieve consensus on all issues, it made a significant
first step towards the goal of preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit
trade in small arms and light weapons. The efforts in this regard should be
continued."
"One of the issues that is raising grave concerns of the international
community is the question of deploying of missile defenses. In this connection
my delegation agrees with the Secretary-General that this question, if not addressed
in the context of maintaining strategic stability, could threaten not only current
bilateral and multilateral arms control agreements but also ongoing and future
disarmament and non-proliferation efforts."
" Speaking of non-proliferation efforts of the United Nations, my delegation
would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Department
for Disarmament Affairs, especially its Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament
in Asia and the Pacific, for organizing in Sapporo (Japan) a meeting of non-governmental
experts on ways and means of strengthening Mongolia’s nuclear–weapon-free
status. The meeting has concluded that further concrete steps need to be taken
at the international level to institutionalize the status."
NIGERIA
Statement by Ambassador Arthur C.I. Mbanefo, Permanent Representative of Nigeria
to the United Nations - 26 September 2001
"Furthermore, we support current to adopt a convention on the suppression
of action of Nuclear terrorism."
…
"In the Millennium Declaration, our leaders resolved to eliminate weapons
of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, and to reduce the global
risk posed by small arms and landmines. The continued proliferation of small
arms is a source of concern to us and indeed all developing countries. The international
community should not fail to take cognizance of the correlation between instability
and proliferation of small arms and the incidence of conflicts.
…
Africa remains the most affected region when considering the devastation that
small arms have wrecked on communities, societies and states. It is against
this background that we welcome the objectives of the recently concluded United
Nations Conference On the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light WeaponS in all
its aspects. We urge the international community to take concrete steps to ensure
effective control, of the circulation of small arms."
NORWAY
Statement by Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby, Permanent Representative of Norway
to the United Nations - 25 September 2001
Norway strongly endorses this approach to international peace building –
realizing that the world needs to examine the underlying causes of conflicts
in order to build a lasting peace. Fighting poverty, underdevelopment and environmental
degradation must be at the top of our agenda."
PERU
Statement by Ambassador Oswaldo de Rivero, Permanent Representative of Peru
to the United Nations - 24 September 2001
"…A culture of conflict prevention presumes a reduction in the expenditure
on weapons, the elimination of the risks of the accumulation of weapons and
the devotion of their resources to development. There is no doubt that we should
progress in this. We must begin at once an international cooperation for weapons
control within the framework of the United Nations. This is also important in
the areas of the developing world. Peru has submitted an initiative to freeze
offensive weapons in South America. We are holding talks with friendly countries.
We believe in arms control in South America as one of the essential methods
to fight against poverty."
…
"…In view of its direct relationships with the illegal traffic in
narcotics, citizen violence and the self support for violent conflict in different
parts of the planet, we must continue to pay special attention to the illegal
traffic in small and light weapons, the action program approved in the conference
that was held last July undoubtedly is an important step in the right direction.
We understand, however, that this is a minimum requirement that must be supplemented
with the negotiation of international agreements of a mandatory nature that
will contribute both the tracking of small and light weapons as well as to the
regulation of the activities of the intermediaries."
REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Statement by Alyksandr Sychov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs - 25 September
2001
"…Disarmament issues contained in the Report on the work of the Organization
are undoubtedly of particular interest. Last year has clearly demonstrated that
there are still a number of problems that should be addressed in the near future.
Alarming statistics of rising global military expenditures mentioned by the
Secretary-General confirm the need for new effective actions in this direction.
Belarus has consistently implemented those actions. In the year 2000, we deposited
the instruments of ratification of the CTBT. In February 2001, the last INF
Treaty inspection that took place in Belarus confirmed our strict fulfillment
of all the conditions and restrictions contained in this document. Our adherence
to the responsibility policy in the field of export control has been proved
by the admission of Belarus to the Nuclear Suppliers Group."
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Statement by Igor S. Ivanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
- 24 September 2001
" …On the one hand, the danger of global nuclear confrontation has
become a thing of the past, while new advances in science and technology and
rapid expansion of worlds trade and economic relations create prerequisites
for the sustainable development of all mankind.
…
In the military sphere, the priority task is to strengthen strategic stability
as the critical component of international security. We appreciate the Secretary-General’s
concern, expressed in the Report, over the continuing growth of global military
expenditures and the low level of international cooperation in disarmament.
Fully aware of its role in ensuring international security, the Russian Federation
has put forward a detailed realistic program to enchance strategic stability
and expedite the disarmament process. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir
Putin has called upon the five nuclear powers and Permanent Members of the UN
Security Council to initiate a consultation process on nuclear disarmament and
strategic stability.
We reaffirm out proposal to the United States on a coordinated reduction of
strategic offensive weapons down to 1,500 nuclear warheads for each party by
the year 2008, possibly followed by further reduction. It should be recalled
that in 1990, i.e. as of the end of the Cold War, the aggregate strategic nuclear
arsenals of the USSR and the USA alone amounted to 20,834 warheads. This initiative,
if implemented, would both help consolidate global stability and significantly
boost the joint efforts to build a new strategic relationship between Russia
and the United States.
This would also be an unprecedented breakthrough in nuclear disarmament and
a strong incentive to enchance the regimes of non-proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction and to make the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty universal.
Preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space forms an important part
of the set of measures designed to ensure strategic stability. It is our common
duty before succeeding generations to keep outer space peaceful through joint
efforts.
Russia invites the world community to start working out a comprehensive agreement
on the non-deployment of weapons in outer space and on the non-use or threat
of force against space objects. In particular, the agreement could contain the
following elements:
outer space should be used in conformity with international law in the interest
of maintaining peace and security an obligation not to place in the orbit around
the Earth any objects carrying any kinds of weapons, not to install such weapons
on celestial bodies or station such weapons in outer space in any other manner
an obligation not to use or threaten to use force against objects a provision
establishing a verification mechanism overseeing the implementation of the agreement
on the basis of confidence-building measures and transparency in outer-space
matters.
…
As the first practical step in this direction, a moratorium could be declared
on the deployment of weapons in outer space pending a relevant international
agreement. Russia would be willing to make such a commitment immediately, provided
that the other leading space powers join this moratorium.
In addition to the "traditional" disarmament agenda, the era of globalization
brings along new challenges to international security, thus raising the number
of States involved in disarmament. This includes, among other things, non-proliferation
of missile technologies, elimination of chemical and non-development of bacteriological
weapons, and blocking the channels of illegal trafficking in small arms and
light weapons. In a word, a great deal of disarmament-related issues have piled
up that call for a thorough and comprehensive discussion. To that end, the Fourth
Special Session of the General Assembly on Disarmament appears to be the most
appropriate forum, and the Russian Federation actively supports the idea of
convening it.
It is clear that the practical implementation of these initiatives will require
a responsible and delicate handling of the 1972 ABM Treaty as well as of the
whole package of multilateral and bilateral treaties and agreements concluded
within the last few decades and constituting the legal framework of the extremely
sophisticated disarmament architecture. We have noted that the report of the
Secretary-General encourages the continuation of consultations and these issues
aimed at preventing a new arms race.
In peacemaking, special attention should be given to the introduction of a conflict-prevention
culture into international practices. In our opinion, this task could be facilitated
through intensifying the work of the UN Security Council Military Staff Committee.
It would help if a broad range of States that supply peacemaking forces joined
its activities."
SWEDEN
Statement by Ambassador Pierre Schori, Permanent Representative of Sweden to
the United Nations - 24 September, 2001
"…The proliferation of mass destruction and their delivery vehicles
remains a threat to mankind. In his message to the IAEA General Conference last
weeks, the Secretary-General stressed that progress in the areas of nuclear
non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament is more important than ever in the
aftermath of the appalling terrorist attack on the United States. He is right.
It is imperative that we build on the success of last years NPT Review Conference
will give an opportunity for the world to confirm this. Deep cuts in strategic
and tactical nuclear arsenals are long overdue.
The problems caused by destabilizing accumulations and uncontrolled spread of
small arms and light weapons warrant out most serious attention. The easy access
and flow of small arms contribute to the escalation of conflicts and tend to
prolong them. The UN Conference on Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons
in All Its Aspects, held in New York this summer, was the starting-point for
a process to which all states must contribute on the global, regional and national
levels."
UKRAINE
Statement by Ambassador Valeriy Kuchinsky, Permanent Representative of Ukraine
to the United Nations
24th September 2001
"…The issues of nuclear nonproliferation, arms control and disarmament,
remain among the imperative priorities for the humankind, and a critical element
of the United Nations strategy for peace and security in XXI century.
While great challenges are still ahead of us, we are particularly pleased with
the substantive progress in the area of combating illicit small arms and light
weapons trafficking and proliferation.
…
We would also like to highly commend the adoption of the Protocol Against the
Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components
and Ammunition supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized
Crime. It is our deep conviction that the United Nations should continue playing
a leading role in combating illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons,
as well as in restraining proliferation of these weapons."
_________________ 3.
Extracts from Special Debate on "Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism"
as it relates to items under the 1st Committee Agenda
In alphabetical order by country:
ARMENIA
Statement by: H.E. Mr. Movses Abelian, Permanent Representative of Armenia to
the United Nations - 4 October, 2001
"…The existing UN mechanisms in the fields of illicit traffic of small
arms, drug control, nuclear proliferation and others should acquire clearly
pronounced anti-terrorist accents. Particular effort should be made in order
to prevent terrorists from getting access to weapons of mass destruction - nuclear,
biological and chemical. We cannot ignore the possibility of some terrorist
networks being already capable of creating their own biological and chemical
facilities. It is imperative that all member-states increase their cooperation
in the fight against terrorism and abide by the principles of the twelve international
conventions and protocols relating to terrorism."
AZERBAIJAN
Statement by: Mr Yashar Aliyev, Charge D'Affaires of the Republic of Azerbaijan
to the United Nations - 4 October, 2001
"…Terrorism is adopted and widely practiced by separatist regimes
and illegal entities. Such groups, using areas under their control, are engaged
in and profit from narcotic business, illicit arms trade, trafficking in human
beings, money laundering and other kinds of crime and illegal economic activities."
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Statement by: Dr. Milos Prica, Chargé d'Affaires - 5 October 2001
"…Without any doubt, the United Nations have to continue to play a
leading role in fighting international terrorism. Progress of science and technology
is a clear threat if it is placed in the hands of terrorists. It creates a climate
of fear, especially at the beginning of the century which is expected to bring
about even faster development of technologies. In such context, United Nations
have to undertake certain measures to ensure that progress in technology is
for the better humanity and not for the worst fears.
BRAZIL
Statement by: His Excellency Ambassador Gelson Fonseca Jr., Permanent Representative
of Brazil to the United Nations - 2 October, 2001
[INFORMAL TRANSLATION]
"…The international community should come together at this time to
solemnly undertake certain fundamental steps that would signal our resolve to
deal decisively with the menace of terrorism. These might include the following:
- to adhere strictly to measures of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and
other weapons of mass destruction, and particularly to implement fully those
measures contained in the international conventions on chemical and biological
weapons;"
BURKINA FASO
Statement by: Ambassador Michel Kafando, Permanent Representative of Burkino
Faso to the United Nations - 1 October, 2001
[INFORMAL TRANSLATION]
"… At this point, it has become evident that the idea of anti-missile
defense is inane. No state, even the most powerful, can hide behind certain
invulnerability. The anti-missile defense is only conceivable if the missiles
come from a geographically localized adversary or is clearly identifiable. But
when the adversary attacks from the same territory as the victims by using their
infrastructures, as was the case on September 11, counter-offensive is rarely
productive."
CANADA
Statement by: Ambassador Paul Heinbecker, Permanent Representative of Canada
to the United Nations - 4 October 2001
"…As theSecretary-General pointed out in opening this debate, as terrible
as the crimes of September 11 were, they would have been much worse if the terrorists
had had access to weapons of mass destruction. It is, therefore, also our duty
here in this chamber to work together to strengthen the global norms against
the prolifération and use of weapons of mass destruction. Let us enhance
the non-prolifération regime by ratifying theCompréhensive Test
Ban Treaty (CTBT), expanding the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and
proceeding to conclude the Biological Weapons Protocol, let us also build on
the modest results of the Small Arms Conférence of July. Let us ratify
as well the statute of the International Criminal Court and universalize the
Ottawa Convention on Landmines. Let us recognize that à la carte multilateralism
will not make any of us safer. Clearly, strong multilateral cooperation in fighting
terrorism is necessary."
CUBA
Statement by: H.E. Ambassador Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Permanent Representative
of the Republic of Cuba - 1 October 2001
"…The Council decides to fight terrorism in many different areas,
from economic and financial areas to illicit drug trafficking, border control,
money-laundering, forgery of documents, traffic in explosive materials, nuclear,
chemical, biological and other weapons.
…
It also deals with issues relating to transnational organized crime, weapons
of mass destruction, communications technologies, and the exchange of intelligence
information on individuals and entities that practice terrorism.
…
Although the possibilities are now remote, Cuba reaffirms the need to avert
a war of unpredictable consequences whose very authors have admitted not to
have the least idea of how the events will unfold."
EUROPEAN UNION
Statement by: S.E.M. Jean De Ruyt, Representant permanent de la Belgique New
York - 1 octobre 2001
[INFORMAL TRANSLATION]
"…The prospect of seeing terrorists acquire means of mass destruction
is amongst the most terrifying of all. The international community must therefore
increase its efforts to intensify cooperation on non-proliferation arrangements
for nuclear, chemical and biological weapons."GERMANY
Statement by: Ambassador Dr. Dieter Kastrup, Permanent Representative of Germany
- 2 October 2001
"…Designing and implementing a comprehensive political, social and
developmental strategy for regional conflict prevention must now be,more than
ever, a priority on the international agenda."
INDONESIA
Statement by: H.E. Mr. Makmur Widodo, Permanent Representative of Indonesia
to the United Nations - 3 October 2001
"…National efforts alone will not suffice unless accompanied by regional
endeavors. Such an approach has become crucial to eliminating international
terrorism which has often found to have close links to other transnational crimes,
such as illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.
…
We should also be cognizant of the worst case scenarios of attacks being launched
by terrorists using biological or chemical weapons with its attendant calamitous
consequences. Hence, preventive efforts should be undertaken to eliminate the
perils posed by these and other weapons of mass destruction. Indonesia has consistently
supported the efforts of the international community in effectively addressing
these matters of pre-eminent importance to all of humanity."
ITALY
Statement by: Ambassador Sergio Vento, Permanent Representative of Italy to
the United Nations - October 3, 2001
"… We also hope that the negotiations to define the text of an international
convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism can be resumed as
soon as possible. Finally, we cannot forget that new, terrifying instruments
of terrorist threat could also be represented by chemical or biological weapons.
…
A comple
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