CD Statement- Germany 27 January 2005

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Conference on Disarmament

General Assembly First Committee

UN Disarmament Commission

Special Session on Disarmament

Address by Ambassador Volker Heinsberg in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Nazi Concentration Camps

27 January 2005

The Liberation of Auschwitz (Oswiecim) on 27 January 1945, 60 years ago to the day, and all the many other concentration and extermination camps give me reason to commemorate the millions of victims – innocent men, women and children - of the Nazi genocide against Jews first and foremost, but also Sinti and Roma, homosexuals, the handicapped, prisoners of war, dissidents and many others from all across Europe. We pay humble tribute to all victims of the National Socialist regime of terror and we bow our heads in deep mourning.

Ausschwitz will forever be engraved in the history of humanity as a symbol of utter contempt for humanity and of genocide. Auschwitz was the most horrific expression of a system blinded by racial insanity which brought untold suffering upon the people. Even today, 60 years after the cataclysm, it is difficult to find words for the suffering, the pain and the humiliation of the victims.

This barbaric crime will always be part of German history. For my country it signifies the absolute moral abomination, a denial of all things civilized without precedent or parallel. The new, democratic Germany has drawn its conclusions. The historic and moral responsibility for Auschwitz has left an indelible mark on us.

We consider it our responsibility to combat dangers threatening our countries, our people, our children with the utmost determination. We consider it our responsibility to promote peaceful cooperation und confidence-building with the perspective of a new world order to prevent genocide and other dangers for mankind. Without any doubt this includes the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, a foresighted conflict prevention, the protection of human rights. Effective multilateralism is the safest way to reach this goal.

Disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation can contribute to prevent conflicts, to create stability and to reduce the risk of spread and possible use of weapons of mass destruction and thereby to make our world safer. The Conference on Disarmament has been given an important mandate by the United Nations in this framework. Therefore, I strongly appeal to all of us to undertake renewed efforts to fulfil our responsibility.