United Nations (UN)

General Debate of the UN First Committee

October 8-17, 2001

Terrorism, Disarmament and Weapons of Mass Destruction

Opening Statement by Committee Chair Andre Erdos of Hungary, October 8: "These acts should reinforce the resolve of member states, reflected in the Millennium Declaration, to strive for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, to take concerted action in the field of conventional weapons, to end the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons, and to rid the world of landmines. ... [Q]uestions such as the impact on disarmament issues of the type of attack that we saw and how it was put into operation will be on our minds as we proceed... We will also have to confront more acutely than ever the stark reality of having to focus our attention in our deliberations on both state and non-state actors. Let me refer in this context to the recently adopted Security Council resolution 1373 which, in its operative paragraph 4, notes the close connection between international terrorism and illegal arms-trafficking and illegal movement of nuclear, chemical, biological and other potentially deadly materials, and emphasises the need to enhance coordination of efforts on national, subregional, regional and international levels in order to strengthen a global response to this threat to international security. I believe that this is a time for soul-searching and self-scrutiny."

Argentina (Luis Enrique Cappagli, October 9): "This threat to international peace and security required a strong response from states... Security Council resolutions had pointed out the need to intensify and streamline the interchange of operational information between principal actors. There was need to do the same in relation to the traffic in small arms explosives and dangerous materials, and in order to deal with the threat represented by the potential for weapons of mass destruction to enter into the possession of terrorists. ... Ways to guarantee transparency in the transfer of sensitive technologies and common ways to identify dual use material were necessary to prevent the use of such things for violent purposes." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3199.)

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN - Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), U Kyaw Tint Swe of Myanmar (Burma), October 8: "These recent tragic events...are a wake-up call for all of us regarding the danger posed by terrorism, including nuclear terrorism. ... We note with concern the close connection between international terrorism and illegal arms trafficking and illegal movement of nuclear, chemical, biological and other deadly materials."

Australia (John Dauth Lvo, October 11): "As these tragic events have demonstrated so dramatically, threats to international peace and security are not limited to wars between states, nor indeed to the kinds of dangers existing arms control and disarmament mechanisms have sought to address. However, this should not discourage our multilateral efforts to promote peace and security. Rather, these terrible acts should serve as a catalyst for a renewed commitment by the international community to enhance cooperation by strengthening existing multilateral mechanisms and by devising effective ways to address new security challenges. ... The 2005 NPT Review Conference will again provide an important opportunity for the nuclear-weapon states to demonstrate commitment to meeting their Article VI obligations and the undertakings given at the 2000 Review Conference. But the task is not one for the nuclear-weapon states alone. It is equally important that non-nuclear-weapon states - and for that matter states outside the NPT - contribute to a climate conducive to nuclear arms reductions by reinforcing the non-proliferation regime; the more so given that the kind of terrorist atrocities we have witnessed could one day involve weapons of mass destruction"

Bahrain (Salah Ali Hasan Helal al-Malki, October 15): "[D]espite the end of the Cold War, the desire to possess more destructive weapons had become a major goal of communities and states, causing a global imbalance and endangering the human race. The great powers must control such tendencies and 'nip in the bud' the possibility that such weapons could fall into the hands of groups that 'ran roughshod' on human life." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3204.)

Bangladesh (M. Shaheem Ahsan, October 9): "The tragic events of last month in our host city reverberated around the world... In the aftermath, a strong awareness of the need for international cooperation has been generated among nations. Perhaps one could envisage a positive spin-off from this for cooperation in critical areas of disarmament. A quick look at developments, or the lack of them, over the past year would confirm that there is dire need of such cooperation."

Belarus (Aleksandr Sychov, October 11): "The September tragedy clearly demonstrated new challenges...a link between the problems of international security, disarmament and terrorism. This link is evident: it is necessary to ensure strict control over the available stockpiles of both weapons of mass destruction and their components and conventional weapons. The implementation by all states of their obligations in the field of international security and disarmament, above all under the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention, is becoming a key factor."

Brazil (Antonio Jose Guerreiro, October 9): "In the aftermath of the horrendous terrorist attacks...much has been said about the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction in the hands of terrorists. Brazil shares those concerns and welcomes initiatives aimed at diminishing this risk. ... We must be careful, however, that the discussion about the possibility of use of WMDs by terrorists does not result in implicit justification for the indefinite retention of those weapons by states. We view any use of WMDs as a misuse. They should be eliminated, in accordance with international obligations."

Bulgaria (Petko Draganov, October 12): "A tragedy of this scale blows away a lot of illusions. ... Clearly, new approaches to security, strengthening the non-proliferation and disarmament regimes and broad international cooperation are becoming even more essential in reducing the threats posed to mankind today."

Cameroon (Ngoh Ngoh Ferdinand, October 17): "[O]ngoing disarmament negotiations had been marking time, leading to the Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters to take up the so-called 'crisis of multilateral diplomacy'. Once again, the Conference on Disarmament had not managed to reach a meeting of the minds on a programme of work. ... Uncertainty with regard to the state of strategic relations among the major nuclear powers and agreements in that realm was another subject of serious concern. Progress with respect to banning other weapons of mass destruction had been equally disappointing. Yet, those weapons loomed over mankind and posed a threatening risk... Indeed, concerns about weapons of mass destruction had gone from the realm of speculation to imposition on daily lives." (United Nations Press Release GA/DIS/3206.)

Canada (Chris Westdal, October 10): "We are gathered in the shadow of massive tragedy, mass murder by people who think they can cow us. Terrorism is not an act, but an effect. When we give in, the terrorists win. But far from terrorised, we are resolute. ... I speak now of the meaning for our Committee's work which my delegation draws from that dreadful day when this United Nations, this house of the whole world, bore the dust of death. Mr. Chairman, it is in sum our appreciation that...we are all together seized with purpose and resolve by our shared imperative to destroy terrorism; that the fight enlists us all in multilateralism, with grave responsibility to make it work; that we must reinforce our defences against the dangers and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; that this Committee has mandate and an agenda for deliberations full of relevance and urgent work in non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament; and that, in greater earnest than ever before, we need to get on with it. ... The surge toward global human unity is palpable. It is also timely. For more than 50 years now, we have struggled to find ways to survive the grave risks in weapons of mass destruction, thermonuclear bombs foremost among them, blasts thousands of times more powerful than those on September 11, arsenals capable of human extinction. We do not yet know just which combination of global institutions and nation-states will achieve that end, nor just how that combination will be checked and balanced, but we do know that our new, deeper unity will help us gain that ground. ... [C]ivilisation, all of us - states, institutions, groups and individuals - must recognise and combat the common enemy we face in any group or person prepared to use the means of modern technology for mass murder. ...

In the fields of First Committee work...[this new resolve] means [commitment to] universal adherence to and full implementation of multilateral security treaties. It means transparency, verification and credible enforcement of arms pacts. It means strong nuclear safeguards and more resources for the IAEA. It means more money for the OPCW It means the actual elimination of stocks of weapons of mass destruction, including fissile materials. It means a stronger Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and action to counter the dangers in easily-constructed radiological weapons (which spread radio-active material by conventional explosions). And it means robust export controls on weapons, related technology and dual-use items. It's a tall order, but the fact is that if we do nothing more than keep the promises we've already made, implement fully and rigorously the treaties we've already negotiated, we will have taken a major step forward."

Chile (Juan Enrique Vega, October 10): "The fight against terrorism is a task for the international community. But [it is] a task that must be closely linked to our common effort to achieve human security, a concept that goes beyond the security of states and to which disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation all contribute. We have reached a watershed in our collective search for human security... But we will be able to consider it as a positive moment only if we rediscover and place new value on international solidarity, a solidarity that can be most effective channelled - politically, juridically and socially - through multilateralism. There is a road that leads to multilateralism and another that forsakes it. It is true that the dynamics of international relations always creates room for manoeuvre that permits us to take the second road. It is no less true, however, that by taking that road we can reach a degree of abandonment of multilateralism that flies in the face of political common sense. And I am sure that all of us in this room are for the eradication of all political folly."

China (Hu Xiaodi, October 9): "The terrorist attacks in the US have once again highlighted the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding world peace and the security of countries. ... To establish a new concept of security based on international cooperation has become a pressing task of our time. International arms control and disarmament naturally fit into such a new security concept. With the concerted efforts of the international community in the past decades, a basic legal system governing international arms control and disarmament has been put in place. It has become part and parcel of the global collective security architecture centred around the Untied Nations and plays a crucial role in maintaining the global and regional security order. In the new situation, this international legal system should not be undermined in its integrity and authority. Instead, it should be strengthened and improved. Any act that detracts from this legal system will prove to be shortsighted, and will only add uncertainty and unpredictability to the international security landscape, which serves nobody's security interest."

Colombia (Camilo Reyes, October 9): "The scale of the terrorist attacks against the people and government of the United States...highlights the worrisome possibility that in any place in the world destruction on this massive scale can take place again. It therefore lends even greater importance to such items on our agenda as the [Biological Weapons] Convention..., the Convention [on Certain Conventional Weapons]..., or the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. ... We continue to believe that general and complete disarmament under effective international control is not a utopia but a necessity that is becoming increasingly imperative given the new challenges we face to international peace and security. ... We must take advantage of the consensus that exists today in the United Nations on the total rejection of international terrorism in order to go forward in matters of disarmament and non-proliferation so that we could prevent terrorists from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction."

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Basile Ikoube, October 12): "[T]he criminal acts of September 11 had shed light on the urgent need to hasten progress in disarmament and security. Perception of the global threat had been altered; the security concept flowing from that should chart a new course. The prevailing tensions following the resurgence of the terrorist risk had lent a special poignancy to the Committee's debate. The time seemed right to increase a collective awareness, in order to speed up significant progress in the areas under discussion, namely peace and security, and general and complete disarmament." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3203.)

Costa Rica (Bernd Niehaus, October 10): "There was a clear linkage of terrorism and weapons. The proliferation of arms fuelled hatred; they were a cause of conflict and an obstacle to peace. Combating terrorism required the explicit prohibition of weapons transfers to rebel groups, extremists, terrorists, and governments that aided terrorists or violated human rights... The programme of action of the United Nations small arms conference was discouraging. That the conference had failed to outlaw the transfer of arms to rebel groups or to governments violating human rights was appalling. There must be a legally binding code of conduct for the transfer of such weapons. A reduction in the number of arms available was crucial, because the gun culture ran counter to peace and democracy." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3200.)

Cuba (Orlando Requejo, October 11): "[Cuba expressed its] solidarity with the people of the United States, but bombing Afghanistan and other countries would only lead to a spiral of violence and death and an incalculable number of innocent victims. Instead of war to fight terrorism, countries must unite under the aegis of the United Nations against it. The National People's Assembly of Cuba decided on October 4 to ratify the 12 international instruments on terrorism. As the Secretary-General had said, only the United Nations could give global legitimacy to that long-term fight." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3201.)

Czech Republic (Pavol Sepelak, October 10): "It is clear that the newly emerging perception of security risks and threats will influence our outlook on disarmament issues, primarily on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and means of their delivery. It will require us to further develop the relevant international mechanisms and legal instruments to prevent terrorists from obtaining, or even using, any kind of weapon of mass destruction."

Egypt (Ahmed Aboulgheit, October 10): "Recently, we have witnessed expressions of international solidarity against terrorism in all its forms. An equal measure of strong international solidarity is now necessary to achieve further progress in disarmament efforts, to fulfil the commitments we have made and to strive to achieve the universality of disarmament treaties."

Eritrea (Amare Tekle, October 17): "The Eritrean government is...convinced more than ever before that it would be futile to define national security narrowly in view of the catastrophe that took place on September 11. ... Our close cooperation becomes urgent when it is realised that a small group of terrorists can actually possess weapons of mass destruction... In this connection, the need to strengthen the [BWC] with a verification and compliance regime becomes all the more evident."

European Union (EU) and Associated States (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia), Jean Lint of Belgium, October 8: "[The EU] considers that disarmament and non-proliferation on a multilateral and general basis are today more necessary than ever in order to prevent terrorists and their organisations having any access to more powerful means of conducting their abhorrent activities."

Ghana (Yaw Odei Osei, October 17): "The terrorist attacks have highlighted our capacity to work with utmost dispatch and ingenuity and mobilise at all levels to defend and neutralise any of these threats. If terrorist attacks can galvanise cooperation...to counter further threats, similar leadership and initiative must be mustered in all aspects of the UN disarmament machinery."

Guatemala (Luis Raul Estevez-Lopez, October 8): "The events of September 11 were the result of the divorce of political action, on one hand, from morals and values on the other. It was more important than ever before to put an end to the manufacture of nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons that served to endanger people, rather than preserve their security. It was necessary to review all that pertained to the manufacture, sale and circulation of conventional weapons, small arms, anti-personnel mines, explosives and ammunition to keep them out of hands eager to use them in the pursuit of destruction." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3198.)

Haiti (Bertrand Fils-Aimé, October 16): "[T]he international community could not believe its eyes when it saw the fanatical hatred in the terrorist attacks on September 11. The attacks were of the most odious, bestial, monstrous and demonic nature and should be condemned without equivocation. What would happen if those terrorists laid their hands on the type of weapons that some delegations see as deterrents?" (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3205.)

India (Rakesh Sood, October 16): "[R]ecent events underline the need for us not to procrastinate on a number of issues that threaten international peace and security. ... The spectre of nuclear terrorism by nations or groups cannot be erased as long as weapons are not eradicated completely from our arsenals. Hence the need to give heed to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in 1996... As a nuclear-weapon state, India remains committed to the goal of global nuclear disarmament. ... The call in the...Millennium Declaration to seek to eliminate the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction, including by convening an international conference to identify ways of eliminating nuclear dangers, needs a positive response. Given the audacity and scale of terrorist operations that we have witnessed in recent times, the urgency for action in this regard is even greater than before."

Indonesia (Nugroho Wisnumurti, October 10): "Rather than diminishing our resolve, this unimaginable incident should reinvigorate and galvanise our concerted efforts towards strengthening international cooperation not only in combating terrorism but also in promoting international peace and security for all states. It must also provide us with the necessary stimulus for political will and determination to break the impasse in multilateral efforts for furthering the cause of disarmament. ... While the cooperation between the nuclear-weapon states to reduce...dangers emanating from nuclear theft and nuclear terrorism is laudable, it must not distract us from their failure to achieve progress regarding the most imminent danger posed by nuclear warheads, many of which are on launch-on-warning readiness."

Iran (Hadi Nejad-Hosseinian, October 9): "Apart from the security, humanitarian, economic and social aspects of the terrorist attacks, this tragic incident manifested that security in the new international arena is indivisible and equally at stake in all parts of our planet. It has manifested as well that our civilisation is vulnerable more than ever to threats from...weapons of mass destruction."

Iraq (Mohammed Mahmoud, October 16): "At a time when everyone was talking about combating terrorism, that state harboured, funded and trained terrorists and in its national legislation called for the change of the political system in another country, for which it had allocated some $97 million. Was that not terrorism? ... [With regard to the] sanctions against Iraq...the resulting deaths over 11 years had exceeded the number of all of the victims of weapons of mass destruction in the world. Was it not strange that the first user of nuclear weapons, against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was the same that was using sanctions as a 'weapon of genocide' against Iraq? Continuation of nuclear weapons and the use of comprehensive and economic sanctions as a 'political means of genocide' against peoples was a threat against humanity and would lead to terrible consequences. The whole of humanity should be put above the narrow interests of one party over another, and work should continue to eradicate all weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3205.)

Israel (Jeremy N. Issacharoff, October 16): "Terrorism has become global threat. It is a strategic weapon that not only attacks the fabric of freedom and democracy, but also undermines our basic assumptions regarding the use of military force and nature of enemies. ... For some countries like our own, this new global reality adds another complex dimension to a regional stability that has always been fragile at best. We are already confronting an intense combination of threats across the spectrum of our national security - from terror, to increasingly sophisticated conventional arms, to the growing threat of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. ... [T]he international community must do more to prevent the proliferation of [WMD]...particularly to those states that...actively sponsor and support terrorist groups. ... We are at a juncture where the proponents of proliferation, terror and WMD could seek to combine their resources in a fusion between mass destruction and fanaticism. We must deny them this ultimate evil."

Japan (Seiichiro Noburo, October 10): "In the fight against terrorism, priority should be given to strengthening international law to bring terrorists to justice; to eradicating state-sponsored terrorism; and to further strengthening non-proliferation regimes to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. ... The recent attacks have reminded Japanese citizens of the horrific sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995. In order to prevent terrorists from using biological or chemical weapons, all states should tighten their national legislation and export controls on sensitive materials, equipment and technology related to these weapons."

Kenya (Bob F. Jalango, October 15): "[T]he events of September 11 bring into sharp focus the need to agree on measures to check the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, and eventually to eliminate them."

South Korea (Sun Joun-yung, October 10): "Today, terrorism transcends a simple regional scale, and it has been demonstrated that terrorist groups with a global reach an shake the very contours of global security. Under these circumstances, the Committee should first and foremost focus its energy on strengthening international systems that counter the proliferation of nuclear and biochemical weapons and missiles. ... The recent...attack has highlighted the importance of physical protection, accounting and nuclear non-proliferation measures... We hope that the [International Atomic Energy] Agency will embark on a thorough review of relevant programmes to identify what can be done to enhance the security of nuclear material and facilities. The recent developments have demonstrated that the international community can no longer afford to remain trapped in traditional ways of thinking... Nuclear weapons and long range ballistic missiles are no longer limited to Cold War rivalries or competitions for regional hegemony. ... At the same time, we must not neglect our obligation to strengthen the existing treaties and export control arrangements on the multilateral front."

Kuwait (Tareq al-Banai, October 17): "The attacks of September 11 had been against all of humanity. There was a common political will both to combat terror and to create a world free of nuclear weapons." (United Nations Press Release GA/DIS/3206.)

Libya (Isa Ayad Babaa, October 8): "[T]he general debate was commencing in a sad environment following the tragic terrorist attack... The entire world had condemned the bloody and horrible events of that day. It was important to fight international terrorism, not only through armed force, but also by dealing with its root causes. ... That disaster had also drawn attention to the tragic impact of conventional weapons around the world. Urgent measures must be adopted in that regard and, under the auspices of the United Nations, solutions to conflicts and instability must be found." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3198.)

Lithuania (Gediminas Serksnys, October 16): "Lithuania fully concurs with the view of the Secretary-General that there is much we can do to help prevent future terrorist acts carried out with weapons of mass destruction. That is a stark recognition that so far non-proliferation achievements have been, at best, mixed. Many of the non-proliferation and arms control regimes and instruments lack universal adherence or appear to be outdated and hardly designed to zero in on non-traditional threats posed by non-state actors. ... The fight against terrorism will have an immense effect on all the dimensions of arms control and non-proliferation. ... [M]odern asymmetry of warfare, murky guerrillas with global reach, vulnerability of nuclear devices to theft, authorised use, or simply a chance that a madman might get his hands on them, today more than ever before have been eroding the logic and rationale behind justifications for thousands of weapons designated for mutual assured destruction - MAD. What the world needs is rather mutually assured peace - MAP."

Republic of Macedonia (Srgjan Kerim, October 16): "The tragic events of September 11 point to the sober reality that disarmament and non-proliferation regimes - promoted on a multilateral and general basis - are more necessary than ever today, in order to prevent terrorists and their organisations [from gaining] access to more powerful means of conducting their unspeakable acts. ... This is not the time for business as usual in dealing with non-proliferation and disarmament... The recent...attacks also point to the urgency of ensuring full implementation of the CWC and reinforcement of the BWC... The first test for such a resolve will be the Fifth [BWC] Review Conference... These international efforts, however, will only be effective if coupled with the same determination on the national level, by increased preparedness and by adjustment of national legislation to that end."

Malaysia (Hasmy Agam, October 12): "In a world that will now have to confront a new, faceless but deadly foe, these past events should remind us of the ever-present danger of nuclear terrorism and other weapons of mass destruction."

Moldova (Ion Botnaru, October 17): "My delegation shares the view expressed by many previous speakers that the present international situation requires a broad examination of disarmament issues and its relation with peace and international security... From this perspective, we strongly believe that...multilateral fora must intensify their efforts aimed at preventing proliferation...and [achieving the] elimination of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons."

Mongolia (J. Enkhsaikhan, October 9): "The tragedy of September 11 was a serious signal of the increasing danger of possible use by non-state actors of weapons of mass destruction. ... Therefore...it is vitally important today for the international community to promote closer cooperation to upgrade the physical protection of nuclear material, combat illicit trafficking in nuclear materials and other radioactive sources, and enhance the protection and control of nuclear facilities against acts of terrorism and sabotage. In addition to the nuclear disarmament treaties, my delegation urges the international community to finalise as soon as possible the draft Convention against Nuclear Terrorism and the comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism as well as to speed up the entry into force of the Statute of the International Criminal Court and of the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime."

Morocco (Mehiedine El Kadiri, October 15): "The [September 11] attacks had earned the unequivocal condemnation of the entire international community. Those events cast a pall over peace and security and should prompt a new resolve from the international community to deal with security. The drawbacks of unilateral approaches to security had been shown. The search for a new definition of security should include social, economic and cultural dimensions and must a have justice at its centre... Weapons of mass destruction must be eliminated to build a stable, secure world environment." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3204.)

Nepal (Murari Raj Sharma, October 10): "The September 11 terrorist attacks...were a nerve-rattling wake-up call about the likely dangers that lie ahead. It is time for the international community to come out of its listless lull and re-energise and renew debates and dialogues to pursue disarmament as an integral part of our conscious efforts to secure durable peace and security."

New Zealand (Clive Pearson, October 11): "[In a world which increasingly faces unpredictable and asymmetric threats to international security - whether terrorism, computer hacking or germ warfare - multilateral machinery to confront them is more vital than ever. And it makes the work of this Committee even more relevant."

Nicaragua (Mario H. Castellon Duarte, October 12): "The terrorist attacks of September 11 forced the development and implementation of new security concepts. Efforts must be increased to control the spread and use of weapons. Terrorism threatened the global order and social co-existence. At the same time, the large scale illicit trade of small arms existed in various regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean. Those arms were the weapons of choice in internal conflicts and actions carried out by terrorists and rebel forces, with the main victims invariably being defenceless civilians. ... The consequences of a nuclear attack would not be contained within the borders of the warring parties. The states possessing those weapons had a grave responsibility, especially in preventing use of those weapons by terrorists." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3203.)

Nigeria (E.E. Onobu, October 11): "Given the callousness of this heinous crime and the continuing menace of terrorism, it has become particularly urgent to give effect to the commitment of member states, as reflected in the Millennium Declaration, to strive for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction."

Pakistan (Munir Akram, October 17): "The Chinese symbols for 'crisis' - WEI-JI - depict two paradoxical notions: 'danger' and 'opportunity'. The terrorist atrocities of September 11 and their aftermath epitomise this epigram. This tragedy, which hit at the heart of the world's greatest power, illustrated the threat from terrorism in a globalised yet unequal world... Yet, this tragedy also offers new opportunities. It has already brought together the world's nations into an international coalition; a body blow is being struck at the most visible manifestations of terrorism and a sustained campaign has been launched to root out terrorism in its various vicious forms all over the world. ... What is entirely clear is that the tragedy of September 11 changed everything within the security and disarmament community and it seems essential, at this defining moment, to plan for the rapid transitions and policy metamorphoses which are likely to occur as events unfold. ... To be durable, national and international security must be constructed comprehensively. It should address the conflicts and disputes and I justices which generate security threats; it must restrain the desire to acquire weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction. It must restrict the supply and proliferation of such weapons; and it must prevent actions that could revive the arms race. ... At a time when the world and Pakistan is focussed on eliminating terrorism in Afghanistan, the threats from our eastern neighbour of pre-emptive strikes against Pakistan, and the artillery barrages unleashed, illustrate its desire to exploit the situation to secure concessions on Kashmir. Pakistan hopes that the international community will dissuade our neighbour from recourse to adventurism or blackmail. ... Any violation of our territory, any aggression, will be met by a firm and fierce response. At the same time, the new international paradigm also offers an opportunity to build a new and stable security architecture for South Asia. ... We have outlined our concept of a 'strategic restraint' regime involving nuclear restraint, conventional arms balance and a political mechanism for the resolution of mutual disputes and conflicts, especially Kashmir."

Rio Group (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela and Guyana representing the Caribbean States), statement by Ambassador Juan Gabriel Valdes of Chile, October 8: "The countries members of the Rio Group agree with the view expressed by the Secretary-General concerning the need to undertake additional efforts to prevent terrorist acts using weapons of mass destruction. ... In this regard, we support the holding of a debate on the actions needed to achieve universality for treaties related to weapons of mass destruction, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; the promotion of cooperation between international organisations concerned with such weapons; the prohibition of the sale of small arms and light weapons to non-state actors; progress toward the eradication of anti-personnel mines; improvement of the physical protection of nuclear and chemical installations; as well as the elaboration of strategies to deal with terrorist threats using electronic means that have implications for international peace and security."

Russia (Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey A. Ordzhonikidze, October 11): "The large-scale terrorist attack against the US perpetrated on September 11 has demonstrated whence the real challenge to security, especially together with the threat of use by terrorists of weapons of mass destruction, comes from and what all civilised states should fight against. In our view, we have to undertake collective efforts while complying with and building upon, instead of breaking, the existing agreements ensuring the global rule of law. The past century was a period of wars and creative work, of the arms race and disarmament, of acute conflicts and successes in the settlement of some of them. A lot has been done, especially in recent years, to establish a world order based on equal security, common responsibility and cooperation of all States. But much more is yet to be done if the decades of nuclear confrontation and global tensions are to be replaced by an era of real disarmament, strategic stability and constructive partnership." (Russian Foreign Ministry transcript, Document 1836-12-10-2001.)

Singapore (Eric Ching, October 11): "Prior to September 11, most people would not have imagined fuel-laden passenger aircraft being converted into flying bombs and used to such devastating effect. ... The misuse of crop-dusters as well as licenses to transport hazardous materials are other chilling elements that could have formed part of the dark plans of the terrorists. In short, we saw how everyday objects and processes could be used not for their intended purposes but as deadly tools of terror. There is a Law of Unintended Consequences at work here. Likewise, we need to be mindful of unintended consequences in the field of disarmament. Disarmament is much more complex than many would like to admit. And as we all know, disarmament treaties can have wide-ranging and long-lasting consequences. Once concluded, disarmament treaties are not easily revoked. Therefore, we need to exercise due diligence to ensure that the measures we put in place today do not end up undermining our security needs in the longer run."

Sri Lanka (Prasad Kariyawasam, October 12): "While learning lessons from such tragedies we need to reflect deeply on necessary measures, some relating to the work of this Committee, to bring a sense of realism and purpose to our endeavours. ... The question...arises as to whether weapon-based security, which militarily powerful states seem to pursue, can bring security and peace for the inhabitants of those states. It has been assumed by some for a long time that security...could be assured on a weapon-based system of security with an array of weapons of mass destruction and attendant, technologically-advanced delivery vehicles. Such an impressive arsenal, it was calculated, would deter perceived and real enemies. Yet, even with such overwhelming military power, the ability to ensure the physical security of all people in a state apparently remains elusive."

Sudan (Tarig Ali Bakhit, October 11): "[T]he international community should also redouble its efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons. If such weapons fall into the hands of terrorists the results would be unimaginable." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3201.)

Switzerland (Christian Faessler, October 11): "The central question before us is what are the possible contributions of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament to the fight against new forms of threats such as international terrorism. In this view of my government, it is especially necessary to undertake effective and substantial multilateral efforts in order to consolidate the existing instruments against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to set up universally verifiable and transparent arms control and disarmament regimes. ... Efforts should be countered that aim to empty arms control and disarmament agreements of their substance. It is instrumental in this respect that recalcitrant states are more forcefully reminded of their obligations."

Thailand (Chuchai Kasemsarn, October 15): "The incident on September 11 is a wake-up call for all of us to re-examine the issue of international terrorism in a broader perspective. ... The close connections between international terrorism and illegal movement of nuclear, chemical and biological and other deadly materials and illegal arms trafficking should be of concern to all of us. It is more important than ever that the international community redoubles its efforts to give renewed vigour to the disarmament process, especially with regard to such weapons of mass destruction."

Turkey (Mehmet Unit Pamir, October 17): "[T]he carnage of September 11 showed the necessity of considering disarmament and non-proliferation on a multilateral basis in order to prevent terrorists from having access to more powerful weapons. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery was a growing threat to the international community... Despite international efforts, a few countries continued to develop nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Progressive improvements in the range and accuracy of ballistic missiles made that development all the more worrying. The Middle East had the highest concentration of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and missile programmes of any region in the world. Any credible effort to solve the problem must address the issue of eliminating all weapons of mass destruction in the region. ... Extreme vigilance was called for in the transfers of materials that could be used for weapons of mass destruction, especially in regions like the Middle East." (United Nations Press Release GA/DIS/3206.)

Uganda (Fred Beyendeza, October 17): "The events of September 11, more than any other event, should accelerate the momentum for the international community to be more resolved in addressing the challenges we now face in disarmament for international peace... With the current threat to use biological weapons, there are no security guarantees that terrorists will not resort to this route... So far, four [BWC Review] Conferences have failed to come to any concrete agreement. Let us hope the Fifth Review Conference will...bear more fruit..."

Ukraine (Volodymyr Krokhma, October 8): "These tragic events have naturally focussed governments' and the public attention on terrorism and means used by terrorists. ... In this context it becomes clear that the issues of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament remain among the imperative priorities for humankind as well as a critical element of the United Nations' strategy for peace and security in the 21st century."

United States (Avis Bohlen, October 10): "There is intense concern that some of these terrorists and criminals may continue to seek to acquire and use weapons of mass destruction. This gives the international community important and persuasive reasons to redouble our non-proliferation and arms control efforts. We must also strengthen other mechanisms intended to ensure that toxic and dangerous materials remain under appropriate control and are used solely for legal and constructive purposes. The United States government is actively examining these questions, and we would welcome ideas and views of others on how best to achieve these goals. We hope to enlist the help of all the members of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism and the threats posed by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. ... Each of us do all we can to control the export from our countries of sensitive goods and technology related to weapons of mass destruction. This effort remains essential if we are to prevent the spread of these weapons, not only to governments who would use such weapons against others but to terrorists as well. ... The conclusions of the 2000 NPT Review Conference included several measures related to curtailing the potential risk of terrorism involving nuclear material. Among such steps are the strengthening of International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, revising the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, improving national standards of security and physical protection of nuclear material, establishing stronger regulatory control over radioactive sources, and enhancing international cooperation against illicit trafficking in nuclear material. These measures will not only address concerns about nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists, but also the threats to health and life posed by indiscriminate dispersal of radioactive materials. Improving the security and safety of civil nuclear installations against sabotage is also an important step."

Uruguay (Filipe Paolillo, October 9): "[T]he fact that the terrorist attacks of September 11 were not perpetrated using weapons on the First Committee's agenda underscored the importance of efforts to achieve disarmament and non-proliferation. ... [E]fforts must be made to limit access to materials that might be used in weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear materials. The international community must intensify cooperation to assure strict control over nuclear materials. There were four things that should be done in that regard: prevent the uses of nuclear materials for spurious purposes; limit the amount of residual nuclear materials that could become available; explore new technologies to prevent nuclear accidents; and perfect security measures during the transport of nuclear materials." (UN Press Release GA/DIS/3199.)

Vietnam (Hoang Chi Trung, October 11): "In the wake of the events of September 11...the horrible risk of the use of devices of mass destruction must be lurching in the backs of many minds. It would have been beyond our wildest imagination...if the terrorists had brought with them on board one of the Boeing 767s that crashed into the Twin Towers just one pound of uranium."

© 2001 The Acronym Institute.