UNGA Disarmament Index 2011: A–G

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament, peace, and security, made in the 66th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 21–30 September 2011. Included in this index are all references made to arms control, disarmament, multilateralism, nuclear energy, security, proliferation, the arms trade, and nuclear and conventional weapons.

A–G | H–R | S–Z

Secretary-General of the United Nations
H.E. Ban Ki-moon
21 September 2011

Nuclear energy: “As we learned in Fukushima and elsewhere, nuclear accidents do not respect national borders. We need global action. We need strong international safety standards to prevent future disasters.”

Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation: “Let us keep pushing on disarmament and non-proliferation. Let us fulfil the dream—a world free of nuclear weapons.”

President of the 66th Session of the UNGA (closing remarks)
H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
27 September 2011

Nuclear disarmament: "Many delegations reaffirmed that international peace and security can be best served through the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free world."

Nuclear safety and security: "The maintenance of the highest nuclear safety and security standards was also highlighted as a requirement for this stability."

Disarmament machinery: "I encourage Member States to advance their efforts to revitalize the UN disarmament machinery and, in particular, to initiate negotiations on new disarmament instruments in the Conference on Disarmament."

Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Zalmai Rassoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs
22 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Albania
H.E. Mr. Sali Berisha, Prime Minister
24 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Algeria
H.E. Mr. Mourad Medelci, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Andorra
H.E. Mr. Gilbert Saboya Sunyé, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Angola
H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Chikoti, Minister of External Relations
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Antigua and Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Winston Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister
24 September 2011

Small arms and light weapons: "Many of today's conflicts are fueled by the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons. These small weapons of mass destruction have wrought devastating impact on the countries of our region over the last decade, are have been directly implicated in the associated rise in crime and violence, involving the use of firearms. Needless to say, these weapons have had a significant adverse impact on the socio-economic and human development and security of our countries."

Small arms and light weapons, arms trade treaty: "In the 2007 UNODC and World Bank reports our region was identified as having higher murder rates than any other region in the world, and that small arms and light weapons are used in the commission of more than 70% of those murders. This dubious designation we never sought and it is neither welcome nor desired. This is why, Mr. President, at our most recent Summit in July 2011, my fellow CARICOM Heads adopted a Declaration on Small Arms and Light Weapons in which, inter alia, we agreed to 'to accord the highest national and regional priority to matters related to combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition' and to 'intensify and sustain engagement in the United Nations effort for the conclusion of a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty.' I call on all member States of our organization to join our region in this worthy endeavour."

Argentina
H.E. Ms. Cristina Fernández, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Armenia
H.E. Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, President
23 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Australia
H.E. Mr. Kevin Rudd, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2011

Nuclear weapons: "And while rarely making the front pages, the continuing, and, alarmingly, the almost silent advance of those other great, global challenges that have been with us now for too many years - challenges of grinding poverty, environmental degradation and the continued proliferation of nuclear weapons, the enhancement of human rights - ail of which compete for attention on an already crowded international agenda."

Military spending: "Asian economic growth has been overwhelmingly good for the global economy. But Asia has also seen an exponential increase in military expenditure. Over the last 20 years, East Asian military expenditure grew by nearly 150%. During the same period of time, US military expenditure grew by 36%. Asia, with its many unresolved territorial disputes and military tensions, has become the new global arms bazaar."

DPRK nuclear programme: "North Korea's recent behaviour and its continuing development of nuclear and missile technology in defiance of UN Security Counell resolutions 1718 and 1874 has direct implications for the security of our region. North Korea's nuclear weapons program, and its long range missile program, represents a direct threat to our region's security, including Australia."

Iran nuclear programme: "An Israeli and Palestinian state, living side by side, would result in diplomatic recognition across the Arab world.... And diplomatically and strategically, it would bring the focus to bear exclusively on the primary threat to regional security - namely Iran, its nuclear program and its support for terrorist organisations."

Nuclear proliferation, disarmament: "While terrorism threatens thousands, nuclear proliferation threatens millions. Australia remains vitally committed to the goal of a nuclearweapon-free world. That's why we have established wlth Jilpan the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) to take forward the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference agenda."

Conference on Disarmament, FMCT: "Progress is slow - sometimes painfully 50. Last year I said the state of the Conference on Disarmament was scandalous. Now it is beyond scandalous. Nothing has changed. A full fifteen years have now passed without progress on a treaty to hait production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. We need progress on an FMCT, and if the CD cannot achieve it in the year ahead, another bodyshould, and the NPDI has resolved to support this. Australia and the NPDI will remain active on this and the rest of the non-proliferation and disarmament agenda in the lead-up to the 2012 NPT Preparatory Committee."

Austria
H.E. Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Deputy Prime Minister
24 September 2011

Nuclear safety, nuclear power: "This year has once again confirmed the importance of the United Nations as the truly indispensable multilateral forum to address today's global problems: ... ecological disasters such as Fukushima ... require concerted action by the UN and its Member States."

"The Fukushima nuclear catastrophe should become a turning point in our approach to nuclear safety. We owe it to future generations that safety concerns come first when using nuclear power. Austria decided in 1978 to forego the use of nuclear energy. Some countries have recently adopted a similar course, which we welcome."

Disarmament: "The UN Headquarters in Vienna serve as a dynamic hub for the promotion of peace, security and sustainable development. 1am proud to announce that a liaison office of the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) will be opening in Vienna soon. Over the last year, the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) set up its headquarters near Vienna and the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation as weil as an office of the International Peace Institute (IPI) were established."

Disarmament, WMDFZ in the Middle East: "We salute the delermined leadership of the Secretary General wilh his five Point Plan on Disarmament. We look forward to continue our work under this positive spirit at the first NPT Preparatory Committee in Vienna in May next year and hope for progress with regard to a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in the Middle East."

Disarmament machinery: "Nevertheless, despite our collective efforts, we have not been able 10 move forward on new disarmament and arms control issues. The multilaleral machinery, and in particular the Conference on Disarmament, remains in deadlock. Unfortunately the momentum that we had hoped to generate over the past year has not materialized. Thus, in Austria's view, the Conference on Disarmament has not only lost its credibility, but is also risking its legitimacy. Austria will therefore encourage a resolution at the next session of the First Committee on how to move forward multilateral disarmament negotiations."

Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Bahamas (The)
H.E. Mr. Theodore Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister
26 September 2011

Small arms and light weapons: "As an archipelago spanning more than 100,000 square miles, the porous borders of The Bahamas have, for many years, posed a challenge to national security and the rule of law. We are presently confronted by high levels of crime, too many of which involve the use of small arms and light weapons. We are not manufacturers of such weapons. We are keenly aware of the global threats posed by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which is linked to other aspects of transnational organized crime, including illicit trafficking in drugs."

"Internationally, The Bahamas is committed to the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and to engaging fully in its ongoing processes. We look forward to the 2012 Review Conference on the Programme of Action and to a comprehensive discussion of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects."

"What is clearly evident is the need for an integrated, global response to supplement actions at the national, regional and sub-regional levels if we are to effectively prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and reduce the escalating violence and crime in our societies."

Arms trade treaty, small arms and light weapons: "The need to regulate the import, export and transfer of conventional arms is critical if we are to achieve some measure of peace and stability and reduce conflicts. The Bahamas is supportive of a strong, effective and non-discriminatory Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and welcomes the inclusion of the category of small arms and light weapons and ammunition within the scope of a future ATT and we express the hope that the instrument would also provide for an effective implementation regime."

Bahrain
H.M. King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, King
22 September 2011

Disarmament and non-proliferation: “We are convinced that it is imperative for all Member States to cooperate on a number of issues such as addressing climate change, international health, drought, poverty alleviation, disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and combating terrorism. This is needed in order to address the important challenges and problems facing humanity and create a new world under the auspices of security, peace and progress.”

Bangladesh
H.E. Ms. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister
24 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Barbados
H.E. Mr. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister
24 September 2011

Small arms and light weapons, arms trade treaty: "We have experienced first-hand the deleterious effects on our societies of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. At their Summit in July 2011, CARICOM Heads of Government committed themselves 'to accord the highest national and regional priority to combatting and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition'. We have a vested interest, therefore, in the success of the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (UNCATT) in 2012. We will continue to work with other Member States to achieve the ultimate objective of a legally binding, robust and comprehensive Arms Trade Treaty which imposes the highest possible standards for the transfer of conventional arms, including small arms, light weapons and ammunitions."

WMD: "Some of the global challenges we face today like the pandemics of HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases, climate change, the growth of the illicit drug trade, transnational crime, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are new."

Belarus
H.E. Mr. Sergei Martynov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Belgium
H.E. Mr. Steven Vanackere, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
24 September 2011

Cluster munitions, nuclear proliferation, Iran, DPRK: "Many have said it before: the global challenges we face are multiple: ... From banning cluster munitions to curbing nuclear proliferation, notably in North Korea and Iran."

Belize
H.E. Mr. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
27 September 2011

Militarism: "We in Belize fully subscribe to the view that mediation is a much more sensible means of bringing an end to disputes than the use of force and threats of force especially in the case of neighbouring states whose people have to live side by side and who are interdependent upon each other for their survival and security."

Arms trade treaty, small arms and light weapons, ammunition: "Over the last decade crime and violence in Belize and the rest of Central America have escalated drastically resulting in some 18,167 homicides. However, none of the arms used in these murders are produced in Central America. They are the product of the illicit trafficking in guns and drugs between South and North America. The transnational nature of these crimes is exacerbated by the cross border collaboration of criminals. This type of criminal activity clearly requires the collaboration and cooperation of the international community if it is to be combated successfully. We in Belize have stepped up our efforts nationally and in conjunction with our neighbours in Central America, the Caribbean and the United States to combat the activity of these criminals, but the going is difficult and progress is slow. We need more help from the international community. Specifically we need a universally applicable normative framework to regulate the trade in arms such as an Arms Trade Treaty that is legally binding, robust, and comprehensive. One which establishes the highest possible standards for the transfer of conventional arms, especially small arms, light weapons and ammunities."

Benin
H.E. Mr. Nassirou Bako Arifari, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Bhutan
H.E. Mr. Lyonchoen Jigmi Yoezer Thinley, Prime Minister
23 September 2011

Militarism: "Lacking political will and indeed, clarity of vision, we deny with clever arguments what we know to be the cause of our predicaments. So we go on - doing what is irrational. We continue acquiring arms to prevent war; answering climate change with more harmful emissions; racing to extract, produce and consume more in the face of depleting resources; fuelling faltering economies with debt and greed; enabling the wealthy to widen the deep crevasses that separate the rich from the poor; idealizing individualism as family and community crumble amid rising social dislocation, crime, mental illness, loneliness and suicide."

Bolivia
H.E. Mr. Evo Morales Ayma, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Željko Komšić, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Botswana
H.E. Lieutenant General Mompati S. Merafhe, Vice President
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Brazil
H.E. Ms. Dilma Roussef, President
21 September 2011

Nuclear energy: “Through a constitutional provision, we have renounced the use of nuclear energy for non-peaceful purposes.”

Brunei Darussalam
H.R.H. Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Bulgaria
H.E. Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
23 September 2011

Nuclear safety and security: "Bulgaria also particularly welcomes the High Level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security. The effects of nuclear accidents have no respect for national borders. To adequately safeguard our people, we must have firm international consensus and action, as well as agree on stringent international safety standards."

Nuclear energy: "As many other IAEA member states Bulgaria considers nuclear power as a viable option to meet our energy needs. Nuclear energy has a key role for providing base load power to our economy with a share of 35% of the total energy mix."

Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation: "It is high time for bold and decisive actions in the field of disarmament and nonproliferation as well. It is the legal and moral obligation of all of us to honor the commitments undertaken with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Outcome document of the 2010 Review Conference."

WMD terrorism: "A strengthened and robust NPT regime is in the interest of all States, especially with the growing risk of non-state actors getting access to weapons of mass destruction."

DPRK's nuclear programme: "All States Parties, including DPRK, are bound by the NPT regime. Leaving the NPT should not be without consequences."

Iran's nuclear programme: "Cooperation with IAEA is also essential. As long as Iran continues to not provide greater transparency of its nuclear activities, the concerns of the international community will remain valid. Full compliance with the Security Council resolutions
and with the provisions of the IAEA safeguards agreement is paramount for the diplomatic solution of this case."

Burkina Faso
H.E. Mr. Djibrill Ypènè Bassolé, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Burundi
H.E. Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza, President
23 September 2011

Disarmament, small arms, explosives: "We cannot forget that Burundi is a post-conflict country. But we look forward to the voluntary return of more than eighty thousand (80 000) arms and explosives. In addition, the establishment of a Disarmament Commission and the work of excavation search made by the National Police are in support of disarming criminals."

Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Hor Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister
26 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

WMD: "We live in an interconnected world where global challenges such as economic and financial crisis, climate change, energy and food security, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) etc... are increasingly complex and continue to haunt the whole world."

START, nuclear disarmament: "The advances made last year by the international community in the areas of arms control and disarmament were significant. Cambodia welcomes the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and Russia, which marks an important contribution to the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. However, the existing reserves of nuclear weapons in today's world is a serious threat to humanity."

CTBT: "Cambodia calls on states that have not yet signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to do so as soon as possible, because we all have the responsibility to ensure a safer world for all."

NWFZ: "With this in mind, the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) signed on 15 December 1995 the Bangkok Treaty on a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Southeast Asia. ASEAN has negotiated with the nuclear powers so that these countrie accede to the Treaty. ASEAN welcomed the willingness of China to sign the protocol of accession to the Treaty. We hope that the other nuclear powers do the same."

Cameroon
H.E. Mr. Henri Eyebe Ayissi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Canada
H.E. Mr. John Baird, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

DPRK nuclear programme, disarmament machinery: "And so, Canada would not "go along" to support the farce of a major proliferator of
nuclear arms presiding over the Conference on Disarmament. When North Korea relinquished the presidency, we resumed our engagement in the Conference. Canada's tough economic sanctions against this rogue regime remain in place and we continue to advocate reform in how the chair of this important body is selected."

"The U. N.'s relevance and effectiveness are imperilled when the Founding Principles are observed in word but not in deed. So it is when the presidency of the disarmament conference passes to a regime involved in the illicit transfers of weapons, material and technology."

Cape Verde
H.E. Mr. José Maria Pereira Neves, Prime Minister
24 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Central African Republic
H.E. Mr. Antoine Gambi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament: "Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament reamin a priority. My country, the Central African Republic, welcomes the renewed interest in disarmament by the international community. Strongly concerned about the nuclear peril that threatens all humanity, non-nuclear weapon states are entitled to ask the nuclear powers to assume full responsibility in implementing concrete measures for real nuclear disarmament. The Central African Republic will for its part spare no effort to support any UN initiative in this direction."

Chad
H.E. Mr. Idriss Déby Itno, President
22 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Militarism: "We say that the virtues of dialogue must prevail everywhere and that the use of weapons is only possible if all avenues of negoitation have been exhausted."

Chile
H.E. Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echeñique, President
22 September 2011

No relevant comments.

China
H.E. Mr. YANG Jiechi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

DPRK nuclear programme: "China welcomes the positive developments on the Korean Peninsula. We believe that dialogue and consultation are the only effective way to address the issues of the Korean Peninsula and the Six Party Talks are an effective mechanism to advance the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and uphold peace and stability both on the Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
China has been working hard to promote peace through dialogue and has played a unique role in easing tension and maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. China welcomes the recent resumption of dialogue between the DPRK and the ROK and between the DPRK and the US. We hope that the parties concerned will seize the opportunity, remain engaged in dialogue and work for an early resumption of the Six Party Talks."

Colombia
H.E. Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Comoros
H.E. Mr. Ikililou Dhoinine, President
23 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Arms: "Terrorism, piracy and other transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking and small arms are now many direct threats against human security and national security of many countries."

Congo (The)
H.E. Mr. Basile Ikouebe, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Costa Rica
H.E. Ms. Laura Chinchilla Miranda, President
22 September 2011

Militarism: "Disrespect of those values, together with social exclusion, the outrages of militarism and the deadly echo of the Cold War, plunged much of Central America into intense conflicts for almost four decades. After tens of thousands of deaths, thanks to dialogue and mediation, our region overcame the worst outcome of political violence."

Arms trade treaty: "Preventive diplomacy requires political will. We have approached another junctnre in which it will be put to the test. I am referring to the next conference to achieve an Arrns Trade Treaty, which Costa Rica has actively supported along with other states. We need it to produce a robust, comprehensive and demanding instrument, capable of successfully controlling the flow of the machines of death that provoke ail types of conflicts."

Disarmament, militarism: "Costa Rica knows it weIl. Since we abolished the military, in 1949, our only lines of defense have been the deep conviction of the citizens of our country, our strong institutions and social compact, and the instruments offered by the multilateral system. The security of the 26 other disarmed democracies in the world depend on these defenses as weIl. We deserve to be heard and attended to."

Militarism: "The international community carmot condition its preventive action to actual armed violence between brothers. lt should react, not as a function of the quantity and maguitude of the detonations, but rather to the severity and persistence of the violations. Otherwise, the message to the world would be disastrous. It would imply that, in order to mobilize diplomacy, the shortest route is that of blood. As a country and as a people, we emphatical!y reject this idea."

Côte d'Ivoire
H.E. Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President
22 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Nuclear weapons: "Peace and security remains a big concern for our Organization, given the proliferaiton of armed conflicts, nuclear threats, terrorist activities, cross-border crime, human and drug trafficking, and pandemics."

Croatia
H.E. Mr. Ivo Josipović, President
22 September 2011

Nuclear non-proliferation: "The current challenges - be it the fall of autocratic regimes, nuclear non-proliferation and terrorism, continuing global financial and economic crisis or climate change and underdevelopment - require all of us here in the United Nations to firmly stand together and offer common solutions on the basis of solidarity, responsibility, and the respect for the rights and dignity ofevery person on the globe."

Non-proliferation, WMD: "Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remains at the top of Croatia's priorities. Substantial efforts are being invested in order to control the transit or transfer of weapons or goods that could be used for its production. Particular attention is given to the control of exports of dual-use goods and technologies, and strengthening of the inter-agency and international cooperation in order to prevent such goods and technology being used for the terrorist or other criminal purposes."

DPRK and Iran's nuclear programmes: "In this regard, we are concerned with ongoing cases of non-compliance with international nonproliferation obligations by Iran and DPR Korea."

Nuclear safety and security: "Croatia welcomes the holding of High-level Meeting on Nuclear Safety and Security, and is committed to continually seek progress and improvement of standards in the field of nuclear safety. Croatia has aligned its legislation on the issue of nuclear safety with international best practices and institutional framework."

Small arms, arms trade treaty: "It is also fundamental for the international community to seriously address the problem of illegal trafficking and misuse of small arms, which results in alarming number of causalities each year, particularly among women and children, and has harmful and destabilizing effects on societies. Croatia supports the process leading to adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty at the 2012 Conference."

Landmines: "Croatia also has vast experience in humanitarian demining and is ready to assist others with its knowledge and expertise."

Cuba
H.E. Mr. Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Demetris Christofias, President
22 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Czech Republic
H.E. Mr. Václav Klaus, President
23 September 2011

Nuclear power, nuclear safety and security: "I would also like to mention another issue I see crucial, that of nuclear energy. I welcome the fact that the UN Secretary General called for a special meeting on this topic. The Czech Republic pays the highest possible attention to nuclear safety and security, and supports the further development of nuclear energy. What happened in Japan in March this year was a serious natural catastrophe and there are certainIy lessons to be learned from it. The main lesson is obvious. Even coastal locations which are seen as seismically stable for urban planning can be affected by earthquakes far away under the sea and the nuclear power plants should be built in the locations which are the least prone to be damaged by natural disasters.

"Yet, after the tsunami wave hit the Fukushima power plant, some govemments decided not to build new nuclear power plants and some even to abandon nuclear energy as such. Speaking for the Czech Republic, we consider that what happened in Fukushima did not - by any means - question the arguments for nuclear energy. These arguments are strong, economically rational and convincing. Nuclear power is a stable, legitimate, and - in some countries - irreplaceable source of energy today."

Disarmament, non-proliferation: "The Czech Republic also supports the non-proliferation and disannament agenda."

Democratic People's Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Pak Kil Yon, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2011

Militarism: "Despite unanimous aspirations and desires of all the people at home and abroad who want peace and stability, arms build-up and nuclear war exercises continue to be staged one after another against the DPRK in and around the Korean peninsula. Due to this factor, there is a recycling of dangerous situation on the Korean peninsula which is often driven to a brink of war."

DPRK nuclear programme: "Had it not been for the Songun politics unfolded by the great leader of our people General KIM JONG IL and our powerful war deterrent, the Korean peninsula would have been turned into a theatre of war scores of times and our peaceful economic construction unimaginable.

"The DPRK government remains consistent in its stand to secure peace and stability and move towards denuclearization of the Korean peninsula through dialogues and negotiations."

"As long as the hostility exists between the DPRK and the US as the parties to the armistice agreement leveling guns at each other, the mistrust and confrontation will not dissipate and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula will find no way to its satisfactory solution."

"Denuclearization of the whole Korean peninsula is the last instruction of the great leader of the Korean people President KIM IL SUNG.
The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula specified in September 19 Joint Statement of 2005 is a process of turning the whole Korean peninsula into a nuclear free zone based on complete removal in a verifiable manner of the actual nuclear threat to the Korean peninsula from the outside.

"The issue of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula, to all intents and purposes, had originated from the hostile policy and nuclear war threat of the US against the DPRK. Such being the case, the US is the main party that is responsible for and capable of removing the root cause of the problem. The nuclear issue would have never been raised at all if the US refrained from deploying nuclear weapons in the Korean peninsula and threatening the DPRK with nuclear arms.

"Under the present circumstances where the Korean peninsula stands at the crossroad of either relaxation of tension or the vicious cycle of aggravation of tension, the US should boldly abandon the hostile policy against the DPRK and move towards full-fledged dialogue, proceeding from its long-term strategic vision.

"The DPRK will in the future, too, make strenuous efforts to establish a durable and lasting peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula and will continue to cooperate with all the parties concerned for unconditional resumption of the six-party talks."

Democratic Republic of the Congo
H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila Kabange, President
22 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, WMD: "[A spirit of compromise and solidarity for the best interest of all countries is needed] for disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which remain hostage to the policy of double-standards, like discriminatory practices and non-compliance with commitments, in particular, by some nuclear powers."

Denmark
H.E. Mr. Carsten Staur, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
27 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Djibouti
H.E. Mr. Ismaël Omar Guelleh, President and Head of Government
23 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Dominica
H.E. Mr. Vince Henderson, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
27 September 2011

Arms trade treaty, small arms and light weapons: "Mr. President, there is no denying the importance of national security to a society, thus the unregulated, non-standardized and highly dangerous arms and ammunition trade poses great threats to law and order in our societies. The Caribbean region is nota manufacturer of arms or ammunition, yet, numerous illegal firearms and ammunition often associated to the illegal drug trade are transferred across our borders, infiltrating our society and causing deaths and mayhem, overburdening our health system and contributing to destabilization of economic progress and wellbeing. The region has lost some of its most productive members to this unregulated transfer of arms. This is an unsustainable situation for any country, but more so for small island states.

"Mr. President, negotiations on an Arms Trade Treaty are welcomed, and as stated in CARlCOM's Declaration on Small Arms and Light Weapons Dominica is committed to full and active participation in all efforts related to the issue of small arms. Of particular importance is the 2012 Review of the 2001 Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects, and the 2012 United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty."

Dominican Republic
H.E. Mr. Leonel Fernández Reyna, President
22 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Ecuador
H.E. Mr. Francisco Carrión-Mena, Permanent Representative to the United Nations
27 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Disarmament, WMD: "Ecuador is a land of peace, which proclaims universal disarmament and condemns development and use of weapons of mass destruction. Therefore it attaches great importance to disarmament and international security, and notes with concern
the shrinking space that exists for reaching agreements in these areas."

Nuclear weapons, NSAs, Conference on Disarmament: "The international community has not seen any instrument by which to ensure that nuclear states will refrain from using weapons against the nuclear non-nuclear states, while the process directed toward the goal of total destruction of such weapons [also lingers]. It seems that inside the CD interest and concern only progress on issues that fall within the sphere of nuclear proliferation, subordinate, or worse yet, setting aside any possibility of progress in field of nuclear disarmament. That is why my country supports the initiation of negotiations within the Conference on Disarmament, which include all outstanding issues."

NWFZ: "Ecuador, promoter of peace and universal disarmament, as well as sustainable development in harmony with nature, and as a contracting party to the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which established the first region free of nuclear weapons, hopes that outstanding issues are defined to establish a Nuclear Free Zone in the Middle East."

Coventional weapons, small arms and light weapons, landmines, cluster munitions: "My country expresses its full support to efforts to create transparency in the field of conventional weapons and combat illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons and the use of mines and cluster munitions. It also supports the work carried out under the Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in SALW in all its aspects and looks forward with anticipation to the completion of the Conference of the UN Arms Trade Treaty, the result of which should be objective, predictable and non discriminatory, and includes respect for the basic principles recognized by the United Nations Charter."

Egypt
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Kemal Ali Amr, Minister for Foreign Affairs
24 September 2011

Disarmament, non-proliferation: "The issue of disarmament and non-proliferation remains of great importance to Egypt. We will continue, in cooperation with our international partners, to push for nuclear states to carry out their responsibilities as stipulated in the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, in order to safeguard the credibility of this legal instrument and its ensuing indivisible principles."

NWFZ in the Middle East: "Furthermore, Egypt will not spare any effort in pursuing the goal of realizing the universality of the Non Proliferation Treaty, especially in the Middle East region where all countries have acceded to the treaty, with the exception of Israel, thereby delaying the creation of a nuclear weapons free zone in the region. That is why Egypt attaches great importance to the implementation of the four action plans adopted by the 2010 NPT Review Conference, especially the one relating to the Middle East which endorsed the holding of a conference on the Middle East next year. In reality, we are concerned by the fact that a facilitator has not yet been nominated and that a host country for the conference has not yet been selected even though more than sixteen months have elapsed since the Review Conference ended."

Nuclear energy, Iran's nuclear programme: "It's in that context that I reiterate Egypt's firm position that the right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy must be linked to the full compliance with the international commitments under the treaty. This entails the full cooperation of all member states, including Iran, with the International Atomic Energy Agency and avoiding any escalation in order to promote non-proliferation efforts in the region."

El Salvador
H.E. Mr. Carlos Mauricio Funes Cartagena, President
23 September 2011

Disarmament: "We have, of course, been subject to extremely difficult challenges, some of which have already been pointed out by the President of Mexico: combating money laundering, disarmament, prevention, efficacy of justice...."

Arms: "There are 100 billion dollars [in naro-trafficking] that cross our geographic lands accompanied by a verifiable arsenal of arms that protect them."

Equitorial Guinea
H.E. Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Isaias Afwerki, President
23 September 2011

Militarism: "Despite the end of the cold war and the premature declaration of the emergence of a new world order, wars and military interventions continue, and almost invariably fail to resolve, and further complicate, the problems they set out to solve."

Estonia
H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister
26 September 2011

No relevant comments.

European Union
H.E. Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council
22 September 2011

Nuclear power, nuclear proliferation, DPRK, Iran: "Of course, there are other worries too: • Worry about the famine in Somalia, where thousands of children have died and many more are at risk -- and where we must act decisively;• Worry about on-going wars and conflicts; • About the safety' of nuclear reactors; • About nuclear proliferation and the behaviour of the Iranian and North-Korean leadership; • And worry about climate change."

Fiji
H.E. Commodore Josaia V. Bainimarama, Prime Minister
23 September 2011

Arms trade treaty: "In 2006, Fiji voted in favour of the preparation of a robust Arms Trade Treaty and we commend all those who have shown commitment to preparing this Treaty for signature in 2012."

Finland
H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

France
H.E. Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Gabon
H.E. Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President
22 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Gambia (The)
H.E. Ms. Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice-President
26 September 2011

Arms: "The evils of drug trafficking, piracy, trafficking of illicit goods and arms trafficking have reared their ugly heads across the sub-region."

Georgia
H.E. Mr. Mikheil Saakashvili, President
22 September 2011

Militarism: "Georgia is responding to military build-ups with programs to lift children out of poverty through access to modern technologies, with new hotels and new bicycling roads."

Germany
H.E. Mr. Guido Westerwelle, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2011

Disarmament, non-proliferation: "Just like disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, as well as the protection of human rights, the fight against climate change is an integral element of preventive diplomacy. It is part of a farsighted peace policy."

Ghana
H.E. Mr. John Evans Atta Mills, President
23 September 2011

Arms trade treaty, small arms and light weapons: "Mr. President, another issue that we continue to follow with keen interest is the proposed Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Ghana fully supports the attainment of an Arms Trade Treaty [ATT], hence our satisfaction, thus far, with the outcomes of the ATT Preparatory Committee meetings held in New York in July, 2010 and February-March, 2011. As a nation, we consider a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) an indispensable step in preventing the flow of conventional arms to destinations where they are likely to wreak havoc and mayhem by either fueling conflict and undermining both national and regional peace, security and development or exacerbating tensions that in many instances could likely create the conditions that necessitate the deployment of international peacekeepers in the first place. For developing countries such as Ghana, the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and other conventional weaponry continues to pose a threat to our national security and socio-economic and political stability, given the former's close linkage to terrorism, organized crime, drugs and human trafficking, among others. It is, therefore, im

perative that the remaining ATT PrepComm meetings come out with proposals towards a future arms trade treaty that closes any loopholes that allow conventional weapons to flow from legitimate to illicit markets."

Greece
H.E. Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2011

Nuclear security: "The UN's perhaps most overarching responsibilities lie in the area of peace and security, for without peace and security, it is much more difficult, if not impossible, to pursue the myriad other goals of our Organization. This means ensuring nuclear security, combating terrorism, combating piracy."

Grenada
H.E. Mr. Tillman Thomas, Prime Minister
23 September 2011

Cluster munitions, disarmament: "In support of the role of the United Nations, this year, the Government of Grenada signed three global conventions, including the Convention on Cluster Munitions, helping to bring about disarmament."

Nuclear non-proliferation: "We are ail obliged to work selflessly to preserve our planet for future generations. The avoidance of nuclear confrontation is one sure way. We therefore, congratulate ail governments which have expended much time and effort into nuclear non-proliferation."

Guatelama
H.E. Mr. Álvaro Colom Caballeros, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Guinea
H.E. Mr. Alpha Condé , President
23 September 2011

[unofficial translation]

Small arms and light weapons: "Having adhered to universal values and principles that underlie our commitment to peace, Guinea denounces and condemns the terrorist acts that continue to cast a pall on innocent families, trafficking in drugs, and the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons, which are ruining our economies and tearing the social fabric."

Guinea-Bissau
H.E. Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior, Prime Minister
24 September 2011

No relevant comments.

Guyana
H.E. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President
21 September 2011

No relevant comments.