United Nations (UN)

United Nations General Debate: Excerpts on Disarmament Issues

United Nations General Assembly, 56th Session, November 10-16, 2001.

Note: the General Debate, originally scheduled for September 25-October 5, was postponed due to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Belarus (Foreign Minister Mikhail Khvostov, November 12): "We believe that the United Nations should be at the centre of developing strategy and tactics to combat terrorism. ... While addressing those challenges, we must not weaken our focus on the area of international security and disarmament. The rising curve of military expenses is of particular concern in the present alarming international situation. We have significantly contributed to the international non-proliferation regimes of weapons of mass destruction. As a nation that voluntarily relinquished possession of nuclear weapons, Belarus is determined to press for legally binding guarantees to non-nuclear states, including the elaboration of an appropriate international convention to this end. Belarus considers the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972 as a critical component of maintaining strategic stability." (UN Press Release GA/9962.)

Chile (President Ricardo Lagos Escobar, November 10): "We cannot hide our frustration at the difficulties in the way of progress towards the restriction of the manufacture and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons." (UN Press Release GA/9957.)

Croatia (President Stjepan Mesi, November 11): "Let us not forget that in September, planes full of passengers were used to kill thousands. The next time, chemical, biological or even nuclear weapons might be used to kill hundreds of thousands. This Organization has been founded to protect future generations from the horror of war. There is no time to wait." (UN Press Release GA/9959.)

Egypt (Ahmed Aboul Gheit, speaking for Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher El Sayed, November 14): "Egypt does not accept a situation in which Israel remains the sole nuclear power in the Middle East, which must be a zone free from weapons of mass destruction." (UN Press Release GA/9965.)

European Union (EU Council President and Foreign Minister of Belgium Louis Michel, November 10): "More than ever, disarmament and non-proliferation are the cornerstones to a peace and security structure. They must be subject to binding multilateral norms. But to resolve differences of opinion to consolidate peace and prevent resurgence of conflicts, a long-term approach requires cooperation with the United Nations, particularly in areas still fragile." (UN Press Release GA/9957.)

Gabon (Foreign Minister Jean Ping, November 11): "[W]e are convinced that if an end can be put to the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons it would be much easier to arrive at a swift and lasting settlement of...conflicts. The universal implementation of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Traffic in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects, discussed here in New York last July, would bring us closer to that goal." (UN Press Release GA/9959.)

Ghana (Vice-President Alhali Aliu Mahama, November 10): "The proliferation of conventional weapons, notably small arms and light weapons, has been of great concern to the government and people of Ghana. They are now the weapons of choice and the tools for promoting violence and conflicts in Africa. Such weapons have always been used against the most vulnerable in society, especially women and children. Conflicts, particularly in the developing world, have robbed us of the opportunities to improve the circumstances of our people". (UN Press Release GA/9958.)

Guatemala (President Alfonso Portillo Cabrera, November 11): "As regards nuclear disarmament, we insist on the need for progress toward the total elimination of nuclear, chemical and bacteriological weapons; the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons; and the use of anti-personnel mines and other explosive devices." (UN Press Release GA/9960.)

Hungary (Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi, November 13): "In light of the terrorist attack and the anthrax scare, both of which dramatized the high cost of inaction on those serious issues, weapons of mass destruction were a serious concern. It was unfortunate that problems had prevented finalization of work by the ad hoc committee formulating a [BWC Protocol]... As President of the Fifth Review Conference, Hungary hoped public opinion would influence states parties on that issue, and also on small arms." (UN Press Release GA/9964.)

Iran (President Seyed Mohammad Khatami, November 10): The events of September 11 indicated that division between centre and periphery can no longer define the security order of today's world, for even the most marginalized sections might be able to inflict blows on the biggest powers. This development has taken all the more threatening dimensions in the light of the emergence of the dangerous phenomenon of bioterrorism." (UN Press Release GA/9957.)

Iraq (Foreign Minister Naji Sabri, November 14): "While Iraq has offered its sincere condolences to the American people, it has also expressed the hope that the United States will deal with this in a spirit of wisdom and responsibility, by undertaking a review of its policies towards other peoples and States. The United States, however, has once again resorted to the logic of brute force; hence its aggression against Afghanistan. ... On 29 October, President Saddam Hussein launched an initiative calling for the world to cooperate to rid itself of the burden and danger of weapons of mass destruction, in the forefront of which are the huge arsenals of such weapons stockpiled primarily in the United States and secondarily in the Zionist entity. He said that when the United States begins to divest itself of its weapons of mass destruction, with the rest of the world following, it will find its way to the paths of wisdom." (UN Press Release GA/9965.)

Ireland (Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, November 12): "Let us realize and build on the pledges we made at the Millennium Summit. Let us strive much more effectively to control the spread of weapons of mass destruction." (UN Press Release GA/9962.)

Japan (Member of Parliament and former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, November 11): "It is...important that all member states accede to and observe the 12 international conventions relating to terrorism. They must also accelerate work for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Equally important is strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention in order to prevent the production of certain biological weapons, such as anthrax." (UN Press Release GA/9960.)

Kazakhstan (Madina B. Jarbussynova, November 15): "The issue of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is of special significance to our country. This year, we mark the tenth anniversary of our independence, as well as the tenth anniversary of the shutdown of the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing ground, which represents an important step towards a nuclear-free, stable and safe world and its deliverance from the spectre of a global Armageddon. Nuclear weapons tests, however, have caused the destruction of the landscape, ecosystems, economic structure and traditional way for life for people in the affected areas, which happen to be the historical centres of Kazakh statehood and culture. We are grateful to our partners, who helped with the rehabilitation of the testing ground, yet much remains to be done." (UN Press Release GA/9968.)

North Korea (Li Hyong Chol, November 13): "The principles of respect for national sovereignty and equality that constitute a cornerstone of international relations are undermined by certain forces that take 'strength' as a means for achieving everything. We are exposed to constant threat from the huge armed forces, including nuclear weapons, deployed around the Korean Peninsula under the pretext of a 'threat from North Korea'. ... Our missile programme is of a purely peaceful nature and does not pose a threat to any country that respects our sovereignty. It makes no sense for the United States to argue that it would establish a 'missile defence' system out of fear of our missiles, while possessing thousands of nuclear bombs and missiles that could extinguish humankind many scores of times." (UN Press Release GA/9964.)

Madagascar (Foreign Minister Lila Hanitra Ratsifandrihamanana, November 11): "We reiterate our commitment to disarmament efforts and reaffirm the urgent need to implement United Nations conventions condemning the production, proliferation and illicit sale of weapons." (UN Press Release GA/9960.)

Nicaragua (President Arnoldo Alemán Lacayo, November 13): "It is our firm commitment to world peace and security that led my country to celebrate the third meeting of member states parties to the Ottawa Convention. The Managua Conference allowed us to renew our commitment to member states and note with satisfaction important advances in the crusade to eliminate anti-personnel mines. The ratification of the Convention by more than 120 states, the strengthening of mechanisms for its implementation, advances in mine removal, the destruction of mines stored in different parts of the world and the virtual embargo on the international trade in these arms, are concrete steps in ending the suffering brought about by anti-personnel mines." (UN Press Release GA/9963.)

New Zealand (Foreign Minister Phil Goff, November 12): "Terrorism appears to set no limit to its consequences. Those responsible for it foreshadow a willingness to use biological, chemical and nuclear weapons of mass destruction. The potentially catastrophic effects if they are able to carry out that threat demand an urgent and comprehensive response to preempt such an attack. ... However, multilateral action and cooperation on a wider front is necessary if we are to be successful in removing the threat of terrorism on an ongoing and lasting basis. It demands comprehensive action to minimize the threat that chemical, biological or nuclear weapons could fall into the hands of extremist groups. No state should develop, test and hold weapons of this nature. Such weapons are a threat to humanity. Their use by states would destroy and harm innocent human beings as certainly as the actions of the terrorist group which attacked New York." (UN Press Release GA/9962.)

Oman (Fuad Mubarak al-Hinai, November 11): "Regarding Iraq, the Security Council should focus and direct its attention and resources towards the implementation of a long-term weapons monitoring and inspection programme, in order to be able to lift sanctions on that country, while Iraq should fulfil its remaining obligations." (UN Press Release GA/9960.)

Pakistan (President Pervez Musharraf, November 10: "Pakistan is...deeply conscious of the nuclear dimension of the security environment of our region, the danger it poses and the responsibility it places on nuclear-weapon states. We are ready to discuss how Pakistan and India can create a stable South Asian security mechanism through a peaceful resolution of disputes, preservation of the nuclear and conventional balance, confidence-building measures and non-use of force prescribed by the United Nations Charter. We are ready to discuss nuclear and missile restraints, as well as nuclear risk reduction measures with India in a structured, comprehensive and integrated dialogue. We are ready to formalize a bilateral treaty with India for [a] mutual test ban. We have strengthened our export controls and have established multi-layered custodial controls on our nuclear assets. Let me assure you all, that our strategic assets are well guarded and in very safe hands. Pakistan is opposed to an arms race in South Asia, be it nuclear or conventional. We will maintain deterrence at the minimum level." (UN Press Release GA/9958.)

Panama (Foreign Minister Jose Miguel Aleman, November 15): "In addition to the common efforts that we are bound to make against terrorism, we respectfully request that we attempt to resolve the differences of opinion that arose here during last July's conference on the problem of massive and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. Panama reiterates the position it put forward during the conference, that no state should claim the right to promote this deadly traffic by citing its national interest. Panama is particularly concerned at the social, political and economic implications of the illicit traffic, and hereby declares its intention to sponsor [an] American convention on the issue, in order to structure a legal framework that will allow countries of the hemisphere to suppress the traffic and thereby strengthen regional security." (UN Press Release GA/9969.)

Russia (Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, November 16): "Strengthening the international legal base of the struggle against terrorism is in order. Of priority importance is a speedy completion of the agreeing on and adoption in the UN of a Comprehensive Counter-Terrorism Convention and a Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism. ... Of key importance to ensuring a successful and comprehensive struggle against international terrorism is the preservation and consolidation of strategic stability on the global and regional levels and the strengthening of the regimes for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It is necessary to do everything to fully exclude any possibility of such weapons getting into the hands of terrorists. This will require the joining of efforts to accomplish such key tasks as strict observance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, imparting a universal character to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and ensuring an effective control regime for the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological Weapons. Russia will continue to exert vigorous efforts for the attaining of these objectives." (Russian Foreign Ministry transcript.)

Sierra Leone (Deputy Foreign Minister Enele Sopoaga, November 16): "Sierra Leone is obviously not a nuclear power, but we are concerned about the threat or use of nuclear weapons, which pose a huge threat to human survival. We are also seriously concerned about the proliferation of conventional arms, including those that have brought untold suffering to the people of Sierra Leone during the past decade. We have pleaded in vain for action to prevent the transfer of these weapons to non-state entities, such as terrorists and rebels, who commit atrocities against innocent civilians. The recent terrorist attacks, and the awareness that biological weapons in the hands of non-state entities threaten us all, should prod those member states who were unable to support our plea to seriously reconsider their position on this important issue of arms transfer to non-state entities." (UN Press Release GA/9970.)

Sudan (Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman, November 15): "Our joint efforts with sisterly and friendly countries led to lifting the sanctions imposed on the Sudan by the Security Council. In this context, the Sudan calls upon the Council to review sanctions imposed on such countries as Libya and Iraq, and to respond positively to our demand by dispatching a fact-finding mission in connection with the bombing of the Alshifa pharmaceutical factory in the Sudan in 1998 by American missiles." (UN Press Release GA/9968.)

Ukraine (Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko, November 10): "We hope that the [Entry-into-Force] Conference on the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty will result in the extension of the number of participants of this treaty." (UN Press Release GA/9957.)

United Kingdom (Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, November 11): "We have to take every effective measure against the international terrorist networks whose influence is felt in every part of the world, not least by adopting the Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism and the draft Nuclear Terrorism Convention." (UN Press Release GA/9959.)

United States (President George W. Bush, November 10): "Every nation has a stake in this cause. As we meet, the terrorists are planning more murder - perhaps in my country, or perhaps in yours. They kill because they aspire to dominate. They seek to overthrow governments and destabilize entire regions. ... Every other country is a potential target. And all the world faces the most horrifying prospect of all: these same terrorists are searching for weapons of mass destruction, the tools to turn their hatred into holocaust. They can be expected to use chemical, biological and nuclear weapons the moment they are capable of doing so. No hint of conscience would prevent it. This threat cannot be ignored. This threat cannot be appeased. Civilization itself, the civilization we share, is threatened. History will record our response, and judge or justify every nation in this hall. ... The leaders of all nations must now carefully consider their responsibilities and their future. ... Some nations want to play their part in the fight against terror, but tell us they lack the means to enforce their laws and control their borders. We stand ready to help. Some governments still turn a blind eye to the terrorists, hoping the threat will pass them by. They are mistaken. And some governments, while pledging to uphold the principles of the UN, have cast their lot with the terrorists. They support them and harbour them, and they will find that their welcome guests are parasites that will weaken them, and eventually consume them. For every regime that sponsors terror, there is a price to be paid. And it will be paid. The allies of terror are equally guilty of murder and equally accountable to justice. ..." (White House transcript.)

Uzbekistan (Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, November 15): "Acknowledging the urgent need to intensify the international struggle against transnational threats and challenges, Uzbekistan accords great significance to the issue of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Central Asia. Given the present unstable military and political situation in the region, this problem is a credible threat on a continental and global scale. In this respect, the functional capabilities of the Central Asian nuclear-weapon-free zone are of great importance." (UN Press Release GA/9968.)

Vanuatu (Alfred Carlot, November 14): "Global peace and security cannot be certain in this climate of different viewpoints held by the major nuclear-weapon states. The lack of progress in this area has been notable in the Conference on Disarmament. Agreements reached during the review conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons were not realized. The Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty has not entered into force. Global military expenditures continue to rise. Because of their low cost, small arms and light weapons are proliferating at an alarming rate, sustaining conflicts and decriminalizing societies. More committed efforts and innovative strategies are needed to meet the goals of the Assembly's Millennium Declaration." (UN Press Release GA/9965.)

Yemen (Deputy Foreign Minister Abdullah M. Alsaidi, November 15): " The sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people and the suffering of that people constitute a burden on the human conscience. Their continuation raises an increasing number of questions about the aims behind insistence on their maintenance, now that the justifications for the decision to impose them no longer exist." (UN Press Release GA/9968.)

Zimbabwe (Foreign Minister I.S.G. Mudenge, November 10): "As the people of the United States grapple with the threat posed by biological weapons of mass destruction in the form of anthrax, we in Zimbabwe, who have to date been the greatest victims of this weapon, know what it means and what you are going through. The anthrax was developed in South Africa during the apartheid regime and given to the racist regime of Ian Smith, which spread the anthrax spores, during our liberation struggle more than 21 years ago. Those spores continue to claim victims exclusively within the black population in our country to this day. We are thus not only vehemently opposed to this evil scourge and other forms of terrorism, but we know the pain and loss associated with it." (UN Press Release GA/9958.)

© 2001 The Acronym Institute.