CD Email Alerts 2003

First Session     Second Session     Third Session

Summary by Topic

First Session

February 21

The Conference on Disarmament in Geneva began their first session on January 20 and will continue until March 28.

All statements by ambassadors are available on the Reaching Critical Will website: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

Yesterday Cuba and Japan spoke in the CD. Brief announcements were also made by Pakistan, Iran the Republic of Korea, Russia and Senegal.

Ambassador Kuniko Inoguchi from Japan focused on the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty stating, "International security is multifaceted and political interests and priorities are diverse. While Japan places the highest priority on FMCT negotiations, it is willing to accept a comprehensive program of work, in which exercises on other issues will be conducted in parallel with FMCT negotiations.”

Ambassador Ivan Mora Godoy from Cuba indicated support for multilateral conventions on nuclear disarmament stating, "In the current international situation, all of us have the responsibility not to slacken our efforts to preserve the international legal system of disarmament and arms control."

Brief speeches were also made by Pakistan, Iran and the Republic of Korea thanking the CD for the condolences expressed by its members after the recent tragedies in their countries.

Russia announced an upcoming unofficial meeting on the prevention of an arms race in outer space to be held on 25 February.

Senegal gave a brief statement in support of the 5 Ambassadors initiative and emphasized the need for the CD to get to work

March 13

On March 13 The Ambassadors of Kenya and Indonesia delivered statements to the Conference on Disarmament, which remains deadlocked as Indonesia's presidency comes to a close.

Statements can be downloaded at this link http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html

Ambassador Amina C. Mohamed focused on anti-personal mines stating that "the government in Kenya has offered to host the 2004 First Review

Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction."

Outgoing President of the CD, Ambassador Djismun Kasri of Indonesia stated, "... my efforts have not resulted in any significant harmonisation of views
on the outstanding issues before the Conference. There are, however some positive trends that should be nurtured further."

The next President of the Conference will be the Irish Ambassador Mary Whelan.

March 20

On March 20 The Ambassadors of Turkey, Belgium, Japan, Bulgaria and Egypt delivered statements to the Conference on Disarmament. A statement was also delivered by Ireland as the new President of the CD. There was a noticeable absence of any reference to the beginning of the war against Iraq with the exception of the Egyptian statement.Statements can be downloaded at this link http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html

To view UN Releases with translations go to http://disarmament.un.org/cd/cd-press.html President of the CD Ambassador Mary Whelan of Ireland focused on the current CD deadlock and civil society participation in the Conference stating " ...I have asked regional coordinators to consult with their groups to access whether there is a willingness to take any steps - however modest- in this area."

Ambassador Mr. Murat Esenli of Turkey focussed on the Ottawa Convention stating that On 12 March 2003, "the Turkish Parliament unanimously adopted Law No. 4824 which contains the Ottawa Convention."

Ambassador Jean Lint of Belgium focused on the Ottawa Convention stating that "I particularly congratulate the members of the Turkish Parliament who have unanimously adopted the convention banning anti -personal mines." Ambassador Dr Kuniko Inoguchi of Japan focussed on FMCT announcing "that Japan, Australia and the United Nations Institute of Disarmament Research will co-organize a workshop titled 'Promoting Verification in Multilateral Arms Control Treaties - Future Verification Regime, FMCT in particular' on 28 March."

Ambassador of Egypt focused on Iraq and the Middle East stating "...It is necessary not to resort to force and to weapons because this would have a harmful effect on the legitimacy of international law because the use of force only increases uncertainty and instability..."

March 28

On March 28 The Ambassadors of Switzerland, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovenia and Lithuania delivered statements to the CD. There was an unscheduled heated debate between Syria, Iraq, United States and the United Kingdom about the war on Iraq.

This plenary marks the end of the First Session of 2003. Although most members gave their support for the Five Ambassadors' (A5) Proposal for an agenda, no agreement had been reached.
http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html

To view UN Releases with translations go to http://disarmament.un.org/cd/cd-press.html

Ambassador Christian Faessler of Switzerland focused on the FMCT stating that a FMCT "is an important element in the progress of nuclear disarmament."

Ambassador Anda Filip of Romania focused on small arms, giving feedback on the Recent Regional Seminar on the Implementation of the OSCE Small Arms Document and the UN Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons held in Bucharest. "The seminar... considered policies and current undertakings in the field of marking/tracing and controls of transfers of small arms and light weapons.."

Ambassador David Broucher of the United Kingdom also focused on the FMCT stating that, "..certain delegations believe that FMCT negotiations would be incomplete if they did not tackle existing stocks. .....And our view is that if we try and include stock in a FMCT, this will complicate an otherwise simple issue."

Ambassador Aljaz Gosnar of Slovenia focused on small arms and light weapons and landmines stating, "With the full implementation of the Ottawa Convention and the successful work of the International Trust Fund Slovenia clearly confirms its commitments in the field of humanitarian de-mining and the disarmament process in general."

Ambassador Mr. Erikas Petrikas of Lithuania focused on the Ottawa Convention indicating that they would continue with efforts to implement the Ottawa Convention, to which Lithuania has recently acceded.

Ambassador Suleiman Surra of Syria focused on the war against Iraq stating that there was no justification for the war and it has nothing to do with the rule of law but rather the law of the jungle.

Ambassador J. Sherwood McGuiness of the United States responded to Syria's speech indicating that this act (of war) was based on UN Security Council Resolutions 678, 687 and 1441.

Ambassador Nawfal Al-Basri of Iraq responded stating that the UN should intervene to put an end to this war that is based on no legitimacy and violated the UN Charter. They went on to say that the war was an attempt by the US to control the natural resources of the region and to redraw the map of the region and maybe the world.

Ambassador David Broucher of the UK then responded stating that the actions taken by the UK were carefully considered and taken with the greatest reluctance.

Ambassador Nawfal Al-Basri of Iraq again responded questioning why the UK (and US) would not be equally severe with Israel over their actions in Palestine and there violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Acting President Richard Fallon of Ireland (sitting in for Mary Wheelan) then gave closing remarks for the end of the first sitting of the CD stating that this session marks the 925th Plenary meeting of the CD, that it is three years until the 1000th Plenary session of the CD and that they urge the CD to get to work. Responses were once again invited from the five Ambassadors proposal and for Ambassadors to consider how civil society can contribute to the CD. The next Plenary was scheduled for Tuesday May 15th at 10am.

April 1

The first session of the Conference on Disarmament has drawn to a close. The final CD Alert for this session includes:

I) A summary of the A5 Proposal for an agenda, put forth by the Ambassadors from Belgium, Algeria, Chile, Colombia, and Sweden.

II) Statements by Members arranged by topics on the proposed agenda

III) Summary of statements by date

All available statements can be read at: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

I. The A5 calls for:

1) The establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for Negative Security Assurances;
2) The establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for the “cessation of n-arms race and n-disarmament;”
3) The establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for FMCT;
4) The establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee for PAROS;
5) The establishment of a Special Coordinator for radiological weapons report;
6) The establishment of a Special Coordinator for “Comprehensive programme of Disarmament;”
7) The establishment of a Special Coordinator for “transparency in armaments;”

Although the Conference did not officially agree on the A5 proposed agenda, many members threw their adamant support for it in their statements, and not one member explicitly rejected it.

Second Session

May 22, 2003

All documents from the Conference on Disarmament are available on the Reaching Critical Will website at: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

The second session of the Conference on Disarmament began last week, with Irish Ambassador Mary Whelan as this month’s President. The session opened with a compilation of the Rules of Procedure, with a specific focus on NGO participation. There is only one reference in the Rules of Procedure to NGOs, which states “all communications from non-governmental organizations to the Conference, to the President, or to the Secretariat, shall be retained by the Secretariat and be made available to delegations upon request.” The document also includes a table indicating the decreasing number of NGO communications made to the CD. In 2002 and in 2001, only WILPF made a statement, via the President, to the CD on International Women’s Day.

Many members of the CD welcome and encourage NGO participation in most disarmament fora. Although NGOs are not permitted to orally address the Conference, heightened presence and written communications would create much needed pressure on the body to formalize an agenda and commence long overdue negotiations on crucial disarmament treaties.

The ambassador of Japan, Dr. Kuniko Inoguchi, also made a statement last week, in which she discussed the March 28 workshop on a Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty (FMCT) sponsored by Japan, Australia, and UNIDIR.

The workshop dealt with verification of a FMCT, which is, as Ambassador Inoguchi said, “the key to maintaining and strengthening the credibility of multilateral arms control regimes.” The workshop participants discussed key questions surrounding an FMCT verification mechanism, including:

- What should be declared and monitored on a routine basis;
- What techniques would be useful in order to improve the detectability for non-declared facilities and activities for FMCT;
- How sensitive information can be protected and if ‘managed access’ is appropriate;
- How the IAEA can be utilized for FMCT verification…

Twice she referenced the constraints of an appropriately financed verification regime. Cost-efficiency was “an important factor” and “a guiding principle,” but it “should not override the essential purpose of verification.” Currently, all existent verification systems “involve a substantial need for financial resources.” She also broached the possibility of non-routine inspections, which have “never been used” but would nonetheless be “effect(ive) against clandestine activities.”
“Ultimately,” Ambassador Inoguchi said, “effective verification will help diplomacy to succeed before choices become limited to acceptance of the inability to solve a problem or military options.”

On May 22, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Riaz H. Khokhar, addressed the Conference. He stated that the CD should start to consider “the issue of missiles and conventional arms control at the regional and sub-regional levels.” The ICOC, he continued, is “just the first step.” He also discussed, at length, and with a hue of optimism, the current situation in South Asia. He recommended several ways by which India and Pakistan could achieve a more sustainable peace. His suggestions include, inter alia:

- formalizing a moratorium on nuclear testing;
- an agreement on non-deployment of nuclear weapons;
- a formal agreement of notification of ballistic missile tests;
- a permanent mechanism for bilateral dialogue;
- and the commencement of CBM talks.

Mr. Khokhar also discussed Pakistan’s “responsible” nuclear status, in which “a rigorous security and monitoring system rules out any danger of transfers of sensitive materials, equipment, technology or information.”

Finally, Ambassador Tim Caughley of New Zealand briefly addressed the Conference on behalf of the New Agenda Coalition, to present the NAC position paper that had been circulated at the 2003 NPT PrepCom a few weeks ago. This document is available at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/npt/2003statements/NZ.pdf.

May 30, 2003

The Conference on Disarmament has assumed a new level of inactivity, even for this body, which hasn’t been able to work substantively on the issues at hand for seven years. Upon Israel’s assumption of the presidency, the countries of the Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) declared that their Heads of Delegations will not participate in plenaries during the Israeli Presidency. The countries that are members of both the ICO and the CD include: Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. The group has issued no formal statement. It has been rumored that lower-level delegations will be able to participate if they so personally decide.

On the brighter side, under the presidency of Ireland, the CD has been working persistently on increasing NGO access to the forum, and members feel optimistic that the work will eventuate an increased level of NGO participation in the world’s sole disarmament negotiating forum.

If and when the boycott of the CD ends, RCW will have all documents available at: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

June 12, 2003

Proceedings in the Conference on Disarmament continue, despite the Islamic Conference Organization's boycott of the Israeli presidency and the prolonged absence of an established
agenda. Some Member States are expressing optimism that the Five Ambassadors' Proposed Agenda (A5) will soon be adopted, and negotiations will indeed one day commence. This week, five countries delivered statements, including Kenya, Norway, Australia, the UK, and Argentina.

Australia gave a briefing on the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting pertaining to terrorist attacks involving chemical, biological, or radiological weapons.
Kenya reiterated their support for the A5 proposal in the face of the CD's deadlock, and also recalled France's mention last week of commitments made at the G8 regarding Africa,
particularly involving de-mining, SALW, and human security.

David Broucher of the United Kingdom, voicing frustration with the prolonged stalemate, called for "a new process" on reaching consensus. He also discussed the UK's continued
work on verification, which thus far has focused on authentication of warheads. He announced that the UK will submit a report on verifying "international arrangement for
decommissions and dismantling nuclear warheads and disposing of resultant surplus fissile materials." This report is due out next year.

Norway discussed the recent Oslo conference on the illicit brokering of SALW, including the establishment of international and regional mechanisms for exchanging information on
brokering, and elements of model regulation in arms trade.

Finally, Argentina announced that they, along with several other Latin American countries and Canada, had committed to eliminating anti-personnel mines from their arsenal
according to the Ottawa Convention.

June 24, 2003

Last week marked the final session of the CD under the Israeli presidency. It is assumed, then, that the boycott of the Islamic Conference Organization will end next week, upon Italy’s assumption of the Chair.

On June 19, Switzerland, Romania, and South Korea gave official statements; Poland, the Netherlands, France, and Norway also spoke, but no written statements were distributed.

Poland voiced frustration over the lack of progress in the CD, and mentioned that this deadlock may threaten the credibility of the Conference. He noted the importance of negotiating a treaty banning the use of fissile material for military purposes.

Switzerland spoke next concerning the right of Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) to Negative Security Assurances (NSAs) under the NPT. Such security guarantees would serve as another "carrot" for NNWS compliance and another tool of enforcement under the NPT regime.

Romania addressed their commitment to preventing the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. A particular priority, stated Ambassador Filip, is micro-disarmament, or "practical disarmament in the context of the conflicts the UN is actually dealing with and of the weapons, most of them light weapons, that are actually killing people in the hundreds of thousands" as it had been described by the UN Secretary-General.

Next, South Korea spoke briefly to report on the Conference of the 13th Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, which aims to help prevent nuclear proliferation without hindering peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Netherlands next addressed the topic of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Ambassador Sanders expressed that the CD should make better use of plenary sessions to achieve goals relating to such topics, and that effective measures must be developed to prevent weapons of mass destruction from being obtained by terrorists. He emphasized that most of the framework that is needed is already in place in the form of treaties, and that what is required is better implementation of these treaties.

Hubert de la Fortelle of France then gave a farewell speech, as he will be leaving the CD and Geneva to work as the ambassador of France to Norway.

Norway then responded with a word of welcome to the incoming ambassador.

Israel then concluded the session with closing remarks on his presidency and mentioned that though two plenary sessions could theoretically be scheduled for next week, no speakers are
planned and therefore only one will take place, on Thursday, 26 June.

June 26, 2003

Italy’s first week in the Presidency of the CD was marked by a half dozen farewell speeches by ambassadors leaving their Geneva posts. The statements of Canada, Colombia, and Belgium, which circulated texts of their farewell speeches, are available at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

Those remarks by Romania, Sweden, South Africa and the new President, Italy, are not available.
Ambassador Lint of Belgium spoke first, in which he proposed changes to the A5 proposed agenda, in the hopes of universalizing its acceptance. Several nations, however, much to the chagrin of the broader disarmament community, remain reluctant towards the proposal, and the inactivity of the Conference continues.

Algeria spoke on the need for a decision on a program of work. He encouraged persistence and compromise in order to achieve consensus and move forward. He also mentioned hope for greater NGO participation in the future.

Romania offered a farewell speech and reflections on the past and hopes for the future of the CD.

Mr. Henrik Salander's (Sweden) farewell speech was tinged with frustration, pointing again to the lack of significant achievement in the CD. In the frank yet diplomatic language characteristic of Mr. Salander, he noted that at this point, most members of the Conference are willing to begin work immediately, but that only a few States, who rigidly believe that work under the A5 may contradict their “national interests,” continue to block any progress. He challenged those nations to offer alternative proposals rather than unproductively criticizing those currently tabled.

Colombia then gave a farewell speech, noting that the elimination of nuclear arms is the only guarantee against their use or threat of use. Ambassador Rodriguez also highlighted the need to continue discussion on small arms and light weapons, as this affects a majority of countries, including his own war-ravaged nation. Finally, he noted that civil society participation is fundamental to the progress of the conference. He singled out organizations such as the Geneva Forum, Small Arms Survey, and IANSA.

Next, Canada took the floor to say goodbye to the CD. Ambassador Westdal, once again well-demonstrating Canada’s unique mediating role, spoke with optimism for the Conference, urging members not to focus on guilt for the lack of progress but to maintain confidence and a focus on the ultimate goals of the forum.

Finland spoke next in response to Belgium's statement, voicing uncertainty over what was said. Ambassador Reimaa did not feel that Belgium's proposal was open and constructive, but rather overly hurried in order to produce something quickly regardless of quality.

South Africa, too, announced the departure of their permanent representative from Geneva.
Japan then bid farewell to Italy's representative, the distinguished Mario Maiolini, who also served as Chairman of the Disarmament Commission this year. (see http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/dc/dcindex.html)

Finally, Ambassador Maiolini closed the session by urging all states to consider the A5 proposal during the Conference’s recess, which lasts until late July.

The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom would like to extend a warm thank you and best wishes to those exiting ambassadors, most notably Mr. Westdal and Mr. Salander, with whom we have worked closely over the past years. Their work has undoubtedly served the cause of disarmament in many ways, in the CD, NPT meetings, and other disarmament fora as well. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Third Session

August 4, 2003

Last week, the Conference on Disarmament commenced it's third- and final- session for 2003, which will last until September 10. Italy, Russia, China, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and Algeria delivered statements on July 31.

For available statements in PDF: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html
Will the world's lone disarmament negotiating body finally be able to break through the impasse, adopt an agenda, and begin at long last substantive work? Some hopeful observers believe that a radiological weapons treaty, which has long been overshadowed by a fissile material cut off treaty (FMCT) and the prevention of an arms race in outer space (PAROS), might prove to be the breaker of this seven-year deadlock. Since 1992, the CD has ceased to discuss the issue of radiological weapons. But, as Rudiger Ludeking recently wrote in Disarmament Forum, a UNIDIR publication, "a radiological weapons convention could create a new international norm that would not only provide a barrier against the acquisition of radiological weapons by any state but provide a benchmark for judging state behavior in this regard." (Click here for the full article: http://www.unidir.ch/pdf/articles/pdf-art1905.pdf).

Perhaps Mr. Carlo Trezza, Italy's new ambassador to Geneva and the CD president for the month of July, also holds this view. In his opening statement, he noted that radiological materials, and their potential use by terrorists, poses one of the greatest threats today. He also suggested that CD members begin discussing Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) programs.

Russia and China submitted another informal paper last week on the subject of preventing an arms race in outer space. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to obtain a copy of this informal paper, but the working paper submitted in June 2002 is available at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches02/chiruswp_062702cd.html. In addition, you can download Ambassador Skotnikov's recent letter regarding Russia's efforts at promoting Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in the realm of outer space: http://ods-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G03/624/63/PDF/G0362463.pdf?OpenElement.

In their individual statements on July 31, Ambassadors Xiaodi and Skotnikov both noted the growing support for a PAROS initiative, within the CD as well as within other international fora, including the 56th Session of the General Assembly. (See http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/paros/parosindex.html#workingpapers for more relevant papers and documents pertaining to PAROS.) In addition, Ambassador Skotnikov strongly urged a "moratorium on deploying weapons in outer space," and that Russia is "ready to take such an obligation immediately."

The lengthy statement delivered by Ambassador Inoguchi of Japan focused mainly on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the recent conference in New York, over which Japan presided. Her statement July 31: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03/31JulJapan.PDF

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, an observer, not a member state, spoke on their recent ratification of the Ottawa Convention on landmines. They have begun stockpile destruction but were forced to stop due to lack of funds.

Italy's new ambassador spoke again, this time on behalf of the European Union regarding a recently adopted action plan against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, available at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03/31JulEU.pdf

Algeria then made a brief, unexpected announcement, in which it denounced the "injustice" of the media and public that claims the CD does no work. An agenda, he acknowledged, would indeed improve the situation.

August 13, 2003

The political climate around the Conference on Disarmament has been heated up recently with the sudden acceptance of the amended A5 proposal by China and Russia. Last week, Indonesia, China, and Italy (on behalf of the E.U.) delivered statements. Russia and the Ukraine also spoke, but did not circulate a text. With only four weeks left for the 2003 session of the world’s sole disarmament negotiating body, the pressure is mounting for the Conference Members to adopt the agenda, and finally begin substantive work.

All statements from the 2003 sessions can be found at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

Ambassador Hu Xiaodi of China reiterated China’s position that “it is imperative to…conduct negotiations on all important items such as nuclear disarmament, FMCT, PAROS, and NSA simultaneously.” Mr. Xiaodi also reiterated his country’s support for the A5 proposal, even though the most recent amendment to the PAROS mandate “is still far from meeting China’s position ‘with a view to negotiating relevant international legal instrument’” to prevent the weaponization of space. Nonetheless, the ambassador stressed, China believes that by demonstrating more flexibility on this issue, “other relevant sides respond positively…so that the CD could start substantive work as early as possible.” Read Mr. Xiaodi’s statement here: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03/7Aug.pdf

Ambassador Nugroho Wisnumurti of Indonesia discussed the recent Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) hosted in Bali, and the final document produced at that meeting, entitled, “Political Declaration on the Prevention of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Means of Delivery.” In this document, the participating Foreign Ministers “emphasize… disarmament and prevention of proliferation” of WMD and “reaffirm the crucial importance of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.” They also “exchanged views on the importance of signatures and ratifications of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty” and the universality of both the Biological Weapons and Chemical Weapons Conventions. Mr. Wisnumurti submitted this document as an official document of the Conference. Read his statement here: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03/7AugIndo.pdf

Next, Mr. Carlo Trezza, the Italian ambassador representing the European Union, also discussed the recent ASEM meeting in Bali. In his intervention, he stressed the document’s references to “preventing terrorists from acquiring or developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.” At the meeting, Mr. Trezza said, “the need was recognized for a comprehensive approach toward missiles, in a balanced and non-discriminatory manner, as a contribution to international peace and security.” Read Mr. Trezza’s statement here: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03/7AugEU.pdf

August 19, 2003

Last week at the Conference on Disarmament, Romania, Italy, and Japan made public statements. All statements from the 2003 sessions are available at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

Ambassador Petru Dumitriu of Romania offered enthusiastic support for the A5, maintaining that “even a less comprehensive agenda would be much better than the longstanding stalemate.” He also expressed support for the notion that the CD “although a negotiating body, should also function as a forum for debates and exchange of views on” issues of “global peace, security and stability.” Mr. Dumitriu then continued to discuss Romania’s recent national efforts at implementing the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW).

Japan submitted a working paper on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT). Noting that the issue of existing stocks will continue to be “the most controversial issue in future negotiations,” any negotiation should “preclude fissile material for peaceful purposes from the scope of prohibition.” Although Japan is open to debate on the issue, “substantial technical deliberations should be focused on future production.” Japan also encourages the convening of a group of experts on the issue of verification.

Italian Ambassador Trezza, in his final statement as president of the CD, discussed the “Presidential consultations” that took place August 13, through which he has ascertained that most Members have made “positive assessments” of the present and future state of the CD. However, he said, this small “embryo” of hope must not be taken for granted, but must be “cocooned, safeguarded and nurtured so that it can flourish and grow in the future.” He stressed patience, “study and reflection,” and “understanding and solidarity” in the weeks to come. He cautioned against a “hierarchy among items,” and urged “a balance,” although several members forewarned “problems… in dealing with all of them simultaneously.”

In the upcoming weeks, several Member States will be sending high-level officials to the talks in Geneva.

Ms. Inoguchi of Japan will assume the presidency next week. We wish her all the best of luck during this critical next few weeks.

August 21, 2003

Statements by representatives of Japan, South Africa, and Argentina from August 21 are now online at http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html. The statement from Brazilian Ambassador Paranhos was not distributed.

Ambassador Inoguchi, in her first statement as rotating president of the CD, declared her pursuit of “an ‘out-of-the-box’ type approach to stimulate the CD’s work,” including “identifying possible new issues on which the CD can productively work.” Although “no consensus has yet to emerge” on new possible issues, the body “should not be confined to the traditional issues” at hand. She insisted that “I am open to any suggestions in this regard.” She also expressed a desire to reach a consensus on the issue of civil society’s participation in the CD.

Mr. Peter Goosen, the Chief Director of Peace and Security for South Africa’s Department of Foreign Affairs, utilized the floor of the CD to strongly condemn the attack on the UN Headquarters in Baghdad this Tuesday. Mr. Goosen then commended China and Russia “for the flexibility and constructive approach” to kickstart substantive work. These countries now support the A5 proposal, despite the fact that the amendments “still fall short of their respective positions.” He concluded by noting that South Africa “remains uncomfortable with the mandate of the proposed Ad Hoc Committee on so-called negative security assurances.”

Counsellor Fonrouge of Argentina also condemned the attacks on the UN in Baghdad, and offered condolences to the families of the victims, including the loved ones of Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. He then discussed the review of UN Register of Conventional Arms, which was completed on August 1 under the Argentine presidency. He reported that there was a “unanimous decision in favor of extending the scope of weapons categories III and VIII”: large calibre artillery systems, and missiles and missile launchers, respectively. Such expansion “led to an analysis of transparency measures relating to small arms and light weapons,” he stated. The Registry had also “stressed the importance of increasing the number of national reports” to the Register in order to retain optimal relevance. Reporting had, he noted, steadily increased until 2001, at which time 126 Governments submitted reports.

The task of completing the Conference’s report to the UN General Assembly now rests with Ambassador Inoguchi, who expressed a “sincere hope that this report will create an appropriate setting in order to undertake effective and efficient consultations during the intersessional period and at the beginning of next year’s session, leading to the commencement of work at an early stage next year.”

August 28, 2003

This week, only Sri Lanka and Australia offered statements, which are both posted at: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/statements03.html. Next week, the Foreign Ministers of both Japan and Norway will be addressing the body.

Ambassador Michael Smith of Australia thanked Japan for submitting its working paper on a FMCT, and reiterated Australia’s support for a treaty to Ban the Production of Fissile Materials and Other Nuclear Explosive Devices. He also supported Japan’s suggestion to establish a group of experts on verifying an FMCT “in advance of the commencement of negotiations.” He also urged all non-nuclear weapon states parties to the NPT to sign and ratify the IAEA Additional Protocol.

Japan’s FMCT working paper is available at: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03/FMCTwp.pdf

Ambassador Kariyawasam of Sri Lanka devoted a lengthy statement to kick-starting the CD back into work. Invoking the Tenth Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD) that created the Geneva body, he quoted at length the opening paragraph of the Final Document of the SSOD. Although the CD can claim important successes such as the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty and the Chemical Weapons Convention, “the CD simply cannot sit on past laurels.”

Ambassador Kariyawasam argued that some items have been “unattended for too long, despite the continuing threat to humankind,” including the Cessation of the Nuclear Arms Race and Nuclear Disarmament. This issue, he maintained, is necessary to address “both vertical and horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons.”

He also questioned the structure of the CD, noting that some elements are “anachronistic,” and that NGOs should be “allowed meaningful participation in the CD.” Through greater participation of civil society, “there will be ‘political will’ one day to improve and universalize (the) normative ethics as a result of ‘public will.’ We are fully aware of the potential of the ‘public will’ to turn around ‘political will.’”

We at Reaching Critical Will are in full agreement with the good ambassador from Sri Lanka.

September 3

Yesterday, Norway, Pakistan, India, and Iran delivered statements to the Conference on Disarmament. Only Norway and Pakistan offered transcripts of their statements, available at: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/statements03.html.

Norway’s Ambassador Kim Traavik presented a tour d’horizon of the international disarmament regime, situating it in the context of terrorism.

Beginning with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the oft-named “cornerstone of disarmament,” Ambassador Traavik deplored the withdrawal of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and urged the DPRK to reverse its decision. He also urged full compliance with the IAEA, whose additional protocols are intricately linked with a strengthened NPT regime, by both the DPRK as well as Iran.

Norway, he stated, believes that the 13 Steps to Practical Disarmament, as agreed upon at the 2000 Review Conference of the NPT, deserves full adherence, including all Nuclear Weapons States’ ratification of the CTBT. Norway is “worried that the development of new weapons may result in the assumption of (nuclear) tests,” although he did not specify which country (or countries) are considering the development of new nuclear weapons.

He spoke admirably of the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction and their efforts to control fissile materials, primarily in the former Soviet Union. The plan, he said, is a “crucial” partnership to “intensify goals of sustained nuclear safety and security.”

He also broached the new Proliferation Security Initiative, calling it “another valuable measure for halting the proliferation of WMD,” and noted his country’s desire to “take actively part” in the initiative. (To read RCW's News Advisory on PSI, click here: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/lists/Advisories.html#July251.)

Ambassador Traavik called for the universality of the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, and urged its “translation” into a legally binding and globally accepted instrument.

Finally, he called for a “critical look at the functioning” of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, which meets in October. As it stands, the structure of the First Committee “prevents us from exchanging views and forming common perspectives.” He argued that the adoption of “over 50 resolutions…is often mechanical and repetitive.”

Ambassador Umer of Pakistan stated that “the accumulation of conventional weapons… significantly contributes to the instability at all levels.” The “Sisyphean arms race” in which many countries find themselves has created a world in which “millions of people across the globe are living, rather struggling to survive, below the poverty line.” Citing the work of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Ambassador Umer said that “the international community cannot realistically expect to build a stable security structure on the foundations of poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy.”

Using the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir as an example, he stated that, “a just and durable solution of this dispute, which requires the active involvement of the international community, would release significant resources for the socio-economic betterment of the people of South Asia.”

He urged the “international community to address the root causes of terrorism rather than expend limited resources on procuring ever more sophisticated weapons and technologies.” He questioned “the wisdom of an overwhelming reliance on military measures” which exclude “the very causes which trigger” terrorist actions.

There will be two more plenaries of the CD this week.

Lastly, if you do not wish to continue receiving CD Advisories in HTML format, please notify me and I can send you a Plain Text version.

September 4

Today at the Conference on Disarmament, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and South Korea delivered statements.

With Ambassador Inoguchi still presiding over the CD, Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi took the floor, affirming that Japan aims to “achiev(e) economic development through peace, not through military build-up.” She voiced support for both the Moscow Treaty and the 13 Steps from the 2000 Review Conference of the NPT, the Hague Code of Conduct, the Ottawa Convention, as well as the Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, over which Japan recently presided.

She noted Japan’s “great emphasis” on peace education, stressing the crucial role of young people and of civil society in advancing disarmament and non-proliferation. Lastly, she briefly touched on Japan’s involvement in a variety of issues to combat proliferation, including the “Weapons for Development” program in Cambodia, mine clearing in Afghanistan, and the “Star of Hope” program in Vladivostok.

Ambassador David Broucher of the UK offered a quick note on the proposal for a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty, which has been garnering more support since the Japan tabled a working paper last month. Although the UK supports the “basic substance” of the working paper, the British Nuclear Weapon State still has “some reservations about establishing a group of experts before the negotiations begin.” The UK believes that such a group would entangle a “policy debate” into what should remain a “genuine scientific contribution.”

The Japanese working paper excludes existing stocks from the “cut-off” limit, a stance agreed upon by the UK.

Read the Japanese working paper here

The new French ambassador, Mr. François Rivasseau, delivered an overview of French policy concerning a variety of security issues in the context of global terrorism. On the issue of anti-personnel mines, Ambassador Rivasseau warned that France “will not be content with a situation where the main countries that manufacture and use anti-personnel landmines ignore the (Ottawa) Convention.” This March, France will be holding a symposium to discuss furthering actions to eliminate APMs.

He called for action on the issue of Explosive Remnants of War, announcing France’s intention to “promote an Annex Protocol to the 1980 Convention (on Certain Conventional Weapons).”

Quoting French President Jacques Chirac, Mr. Rivasseau proposed that the Proliferation Security Initiative be discussed by the Security Council with the aim of “achieving a true United Nations plan of action against proliferation.”

Some members of the Proliferation Security Initiative, including France, are reportedly dubious of the Initiative’s success so long as it lacks official UN approval.

To read RCW’s report on the PSI, click here: http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/lists/Advisories.html#July251

Ambassador Rivasseau reiterated Foreign Minister de Villepin’s proposal of creating a permanent corps of inspectors “to meet the new needs thrown up by the present risks of proliferation… (and) would be available to the United Nations Secretary-General, under the authority of the Security Council.”

He also reiterated France’s support of the immediate commencement of FMCT negotiations as well as the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee on the Prevention of the Militarization of Outer Space.

Finally, Ambassador Chung Eui-yong of the Republic of Korea announced that South Korea “sees merit in the South African approach to include nuclear weapons materials” in the negotiations of an FMCT. As a compromise, he suggested that “stock issues” can be discussed “as voluntary confidence-building measures until consensus could be reached.”

A verification mechanism, he continued, “should be based on the present system of IAEA safeguards,” thereby evincing the IAEA as “the appropriate organization to be charged with verification of the FMCT.”

South Korea also voiced their support and hope for an instrument on Explosive Remnants of War, and, in addition, supported the start of negotiations “for a legally binding instrument on mines other than anti-personnel mines.”

He concluded by voicing his country’s hope that the six-party talks on the hostilities between the U.S. and North Korea will continue on a “path to the eventual resolution of the nuclear issue and the establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

Final CD Advisory September 10, 2003

Today marks the last plenary of the Conference on Disarmament for 2003. Nigeria, Argentina, and Belgium delivered statements on the floor, as did Ambassador Inoguchi, the outgoing President and representative of Japan. Only Japan’s and Nigeria’s statements were made available. They can be downloaded at: www.reachingcriticalwill.org/cd/speeches03.html.

Biodun Owoseni, the Deputy Head of the Nigerian Mission, stated that nuclear disarmament is “undoubtedly” a “top priority question” to the international community. He reminded us that if “even a fraction” of the killing power used to demolish Hiroshima “were to be unleashed… the human civilization as we know it will be totally annihilated… a clear indication that nuclear weapons have no justifiable military utility.” In that context, he deplored the “unabashed reliance by nuclear weapon states on these arsenals in their national security strategies,” a fact that contradicts the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference.

He also urged the codification of Negative Security Assurances (NSAs). How, he asked, can non-proliferation remain sustainable in the absence of a legal assurance for non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons?

Ambassador Owoseni also discussed “the relationship between illicit trafficking in small arms… and organized crimes, terrorism, and illicit exploitation of mineral resources.” All African states are subject to the “havocs” of this deadly relationship, noting that the “assorted sophisticated arms not manufactured in Africa, easily find their ways into the hands of rebels in conflict situations” across the continent.

He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the A5 proposal, and for “the vibrant participation of the NGOS and civil society in the disarmament fora… because of their positive impact.”

The final report, pulled together by Ambassador Inoguchi, has not yet been delivered to the international community in its finished form. Ambassador Inoguchi implied that the delay is due to the “current dynamics of the world (which) are not necessarily favorable to global peace.”

Nevertheless, she concluded her term as CD President with a positive tone, noting that the “past accomplishments, including the BWC, the NPT, and the CWC, are now of fundamental importance to international peace and security…Without them, the global security landscape would be far more dangerous than at present.” We should be “encouraged,” she said, “to make further tireless effort on the multilateral track.”

She thanked Foreign Minister Kawaguchi of Japan and State Secretary Traavik of Norway for addressing the Conference last week. She “hope(s) that a greater number of foreign dignitaries from capitals will address the Conference next year.”

The Conference adjourns with high hopes for the Five Ambassador proposal, “a realistic option” by which the 66 Member States can “strike such a delicate balance” between “different priorities.” She urged all States to reflect on “how to balance their priorities with others’.”

She encouraged more “substantive discussions” following the plenary statements next year, even in the absence of a program of work. Some in the disarmament community might remember this concept referred to at the 2003 NPT PrepCom in Geneva as “interactivity”. (See RCW’s article “pro-duk-tiv-i-te”, News in Review, No. 9.)

Reaching Critical Will’s “Guide to the CD,” has just been updated and is available in PDF. Learn the history of the CD, briefings on the issues and their current standing, advocacy tips and governmental contact information.

If you would like to know more information on the position of your country on the various topics on the table, to get advice on best ways to approach your government, or any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Stay updated on developments surrounding the CD and the issues on its table, even during the intersessional period!

The General Assembly First Committee on Disarmament and International Security will be reviewing Ambassador Inoguchi’s report during their second week. Subscribe to Reaching Critical Will’s First Committee list, and you will receive our weekly newsletter on monitoring and reporting on the General Assembly’s disarmament committee. Our reports are available in both PDF and HTML. Send an email to subscribe@reachingcriticalwill.org, subject heading “First Committee”, and your name and email address in the body of the message. Please indicate if you would prefer HTML, PDF, or plain text.

In peace,

Rhianna Tyson
Project Associate

Statements Arranged by Topic

1. NSAs
- India: no first use policy and “defensive doctrine” for nuclear weapons
- The Group of 21 (read by Iran): a legally binding instrument on NSAs “should be pursued”
- South Africa "remains uncomfortable with the mandate of the proposed Ad Hoc Commitee on so-called negative security assurances."
- Nigeria "is of the firm belief that nuclear non-proliferation can only be meaningfully sustained if the non-nuclear weapon states that have renounced the development or possession of nuclear weapons, through relevant international instruments or regional treaties, are themselves assured, under similar, legally-binding commitments."

- China: “urge all the five nuclear-weapons States to undertake never to be the first to use nuclear weapons, and commit themselves unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons States and nuclear weapons free zones.”

2. CESSATION OF ARMS RACE and NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

- India: support for “a progressive de-alert of nuclear forces”

- India: “this is a Conference on Disarmament and not a Conference on Non-Proliferation”

- Israel: only willing to “reduce the arms race in our region to the minimal levels required for national self-defense.”

- Group of 21 (read by Iran): full support of the establishment of an ad hoc committee for nuclear disarmament in its official statement on January 30

- Austria: “Nonproliferation is not the answer. It is simply not enough. We must step up to the task of disarmament if we are serious about making the world safe from weapons of mass destruction.”

- Cuba: “… the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the definitive solution to the danger they represent.”

- Malaysia: emphasized "the necessity to start negotiations on a phased programme for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons within a specified framework of time;” and “to establish as soon as possible and as the highest priority, an Ad Hoc Committee on Nuclear Disarmament”

- Egypt: “We are disappointed that our Conference has not yet responded to the two calls made to it by the 2000 NPT Review Conference to establish an appropriate subsidiary body with a mandate to deal with nuclear disarmament.”

- Nigeria: "...the next logical step for the CD is to focus on the key priority of a Convention prohibiting nuclear weapons, which, according to UNGA Resolution 57/56 pose the greatest threat to mankind and to the survival of civilization, as the most lethal of the weapons of mass destruction."

3. FMCT

- UK: "the benefit of (an FMCT) will always be quetionable so long as there is no ban on future production."
"Global nuclear disarmament... will never be achieved without first having verification arrangements on fissile material production facilities."
"We are not saying that we should ignore stocks. What we are saying is that there are other approaches for dealing with them that are likely to be more productive than through an FMCT."

- India: affirmed its “readiness to join multilateral negotiations for reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons, (and) for a Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty”

- Austria: called for “the immediate resumption” of FMCT negotiations;

- Japan: asserted that the FMCT was the crux of the 1995 extension of the NPT; that the “viability” of the CD is at stake if FMCT is not negotiated “immediately”; Japan rejects including “peaceful use” fissile materials in FMCT, and believes that the scope should only include future production. Japan suggested that “comprehensive” verification for a FMCT “should be examined carefully in terms of ‘cost-effectiveness’.” Japan submitted a working paper on the topic, August 13, 2003.

- Australia: “advocates the immediate commencement of negotiations” on FMCT, which would strengthen“the most powerful barrier to nuclear weapons proliferation.” In its statement on August 28, Australia reiterated its support for an FMCT and also supported the establishment of a group of experts on verification to convene prior to the commencement of negotiations.

- Netherlands: An FMCT must be verifiable at lowest costs (“adequate cost-effective verification”); FMCT is not an end in itself, and other “outstanding issues do not have to be dealt with in a definitive way in this Treaty”; supports “a two-track approach, whereby in parallel with FMCT-negotiations, a commitment to negotiating a treaty covering existing stocks would be envisaged as a next step in the process towards n-disarmament.”; Netherlands
also co-organized workshops on FMCT;

- Malaysia: “we are of the view that the negotiations should also include existing stockpiles.”

- Norway: “the immediate commencement of the FMCT negotiations constitutes the next essential step in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”

- Egypt: “disappointed” that CD has yet to “start negotiations on a fissile material treaty, including stocks, taking into consideration both nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation objectives.”

4. PAROS

- New Agenda: "The Conference on Disarmament, as the single multialteral negotiating forum, has the primary role for the negotiation of a multilateral agreement... on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects."

- Russia: Russia's "commitment to the prohibition of deployment of weapons in outer space" includes "a moratorium on deploying weapons in outer space... We are ready to take such an obligation immediately, if the leading space powers join this moratorium."

- China: "The tendency towards outer space weaponization constitutes a serious threat to strategic stability and hampers arms control and disarmament efforts. Preventing an arms race in outer space must be high on the agenda of the international community."

- China and Russia submitted paper CD 1679 on possible elements for PAROS treaty; a follow-up paper submitted July 31, 2003;

- Malaysia: “believes that an arms race in outer space should be prevented through a legally binding instrument.”

- Mongolia: “We support the joint initiative by delegations of the Russian Federation and China aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space and threat or use of force against space objects through agreeing and adopting a relevant legally-binding instrument”

5. VERIFICATION/TRANSPARENCY

- UK: “The question we have asked ourselves is whether it will be possible to verify the presence of nuclear warheads at a site without revealing sensitive design information in violation of the NPT… verification is possible.”

- Japan: in its advocacy for an FMCT, the issue of transparency is raised.

6. MISSILES

- Pakistan:“Some issues that are conspicuously missing from the CD agenda (include) the issue of missiles and conventional arms control at the regional and sub-regional levels. Pakistan has proposed that these two items be given due consideration by the Conference.”

7. TESTING

- Pakistan: "Both Pakistan and India are observing a moratorium on nuclear testing. This can be formalized."

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