Secretary-General of the United Nations
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "First, the nuclear peril. The use of nuclear weapons should be unthinkable. Even the threat of their use can never be condoned. But today global anxieties about nuclear weapons are at the highest level since the end of the Cold War. The fear is not abstract. Millions of people live under a shadow of dread cast by the provocative nuclear and missile tests of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Within the DPRK itself, such tests do nothing to ease the plight of those who are suffering hunger and severe violations of their human rights. I condemn those tests unequivocally. I call on the DPRK and all Member States to comply fully with Security Council resolutions. Last week’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2375 tightens sanctions and sends a clear message regarding the country’s international obligations. I appeal to the Council to maintain its unity. Only that unity can lead to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and--as the resolution recognizes--create an opportunity for diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis. When tensions rise, so does the chance of miscalculation. Fiery talk can lead to fatal misunderstandings. The solution must be political. This is a time for statesmanship. We must not sleepwalk our way into war.
"More broadly, all countries must show greater commitment to the universal goal of a world without nuclear weapons. The nuclear-weapon states have a special responsibility to lead. Today, proliferation is creating unimaginable danger, and disarmament is paralyzed. There is an urgent need to prevent proliferation, to promote disarmament and to preserve gains made in these directions. These goals are linked. Progress on one will generate progress on the other."
President of the General Assembly (opening)
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly
19 September 2017
"Not a target": "Instead, conflict persists as an ugly reality of our world. Civilians–not soldiers–are paying the highest price. Schools and hospitals–not military barracks–are the targets of attacks. I must also talk today about over 65 million people leaving their homes because they are forced to do so–not because they want to."
President of the General Assembly (closing)
H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly
25 September 2017
No relevant references.
Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, President
19 September 2017
No relevant references.
Albania
H.E. Mr. Edi Rama, Prime Minister
22 September 2017
Armed conflict: “Armed conflicts are nowadays greater in complexity, the actors involved are numerous and the weapon and tactics used are more sophisticated.”
Nuclear weapons: “Worse, the situation in South East Asia, a prolonged and recently exacerbated crisis sparked by the policy of a stubborn totalitarian and paranoid regime, has brought back the dreadful fear of nuclear confrontation.”
Algeria
H.E. Mr. Abdelkader Messahel, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Andorra
H.E. Mr. Antoni Martí Petit, Prime Minister
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Angola
H.E. Mr. Ismael A. Gaspar Martins, Chair of the Delegation
25 September 2017
Nuclear disarmament/DPRK: “The tension in the Korean peninsula poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Angola joins the voices advocating for a diplomatic solution and compliance with international Non-Proliferation instruments. The peoples of the region deserve to live in peace and not under the specter of a conflict the effects of which would be devastating and unacceptable to human consciousness.”
Antigua and Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
Argentina
H.E. Ms. Gabriela Michetti, Vice-President
20 September 2017
No relevant references.
Armenia
H.E. Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, President
19 September 2017
No relevant references.
Australia
H.E. Ms. Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “The security of millions of people is at risk as a result of North Korea's refusal to abide by international laws and norms (...) The Security Council has responded with tough new economic sanctions. It is crucial that all UN member states and especially the Permanent 5, who have a particular responsibility, strictly implement these sanctions to compel North Korea to abandon its illegal programs.”
Chemical weapons: “ The use of chemical weapons presents another serious threat to the rules based order. (...) Australia supports the work of the UN - and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - in identifying those who deployed these appalling illegal weapons.”
Austria
H.E. Mr. Sebastian Kurz, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Four years ago, when [ first spoke from this podium, I was concerned about three serious challenges [including]: 3. The potential humanitarian consequences of a nuclear explosion became a growing concern. And today? ... the crisis in North Korea demonstrates that the risk of a nuclear confrontation is higher than the world has seen in a long time."
Arms proliferation: "On a global level, poverty, hunger and climate change as well as proliferation of weapons remain key concerns."
Nuclear weapons: "The risk of a nuclear confrontation today is bigger than it has been in a long time. The consequences of a nuclear explosion are extremely grave. Nuclear disarmament remains the number one unfinished business. And the recent escalation of tensions by the DPRK is a clear warning signal.
"Austria has been consistently engaged in efforts to reduce the risk of a nuclear disaster and to work for a world without nuclear weapons. This is a hard and long road. We are not naive about that. But it is a goal that we should fight for. In this regard, we welcomed the Vienna Agreement that placed Iran's nuclear activities under international observation. Undermining this agreement would weaken efforts to achieve negotiated solutions for nuclear disputes.
"The new Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is an important achievement in this regard. It is a crucial step to get rid of all nuclear weapons. Today, we often hear that nuclear weapons are necessary for security. This narrative is not only wrong, it is dangerous. The new Treaty provides a real alternative: a world without nuclear weapons, where everyone is safer. The overwhelming support of the international community in adopting this treaty, demonstrates that many countries share this goal."
Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President
20 September 2017
Armed conflict: “Last April Armenia committed another war crime on the line of contact attacking our cities and villages. As a result of this attack, 6 Azerbaijani civilians were killed, among them one child and 26 civilians were wounded. Hundreds of our houses were destroyed.”
Explosive weapons: “On July 4, 2017 a targeted attack on Alkhanli village in Fuzuli district by Armenia with 82 and 120 mm mortars and grenade launchers killed 2 civilians – 2 years old Zahra Guliyeva and her grandmother.”
Outer space: “Rapid development of Azerbaijan’s space industry, 2 telecommunication and field observation satellites “Azerspace” and “Azersky” and a third one “Azerspace-2” to be launched soon – made it possible for our country to become a member of the world’s space club.”
Bahamas
H.E. Mr. Darren Allen Henfield, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Arms trafficking: "Very troubling are the insidious increase in international terrorism; unfair practices in the international financial sector, such as de-risking and correspondent banking; illicit crime; trafficking in persons; drug trafficking; trafficking in weapons; gross violations of human rights; and reprehensible corruption by those who have been entrusted to govern."
"The scourges of terrorism and trafficking in arms of all types continue to impact our way of life. The Bahamas reaffirms its commitment to stand with the international community in fighting terrorism in all its forms."
Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "The Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the need to achieve the universality of adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, taking into account the right of all peoples to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes. Israel should implement the resolution issued by the Review Conference of the Parties to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty of 1995 pertaining to the Nuclear-free Middle East. Equally, we stress the need for Iran to implement Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) pertaining to the nuclear deal including those parts concerning ballistic and related weapons or else face severe sanctions should it violate in any manner its commitments by virtue of this resolution and the international safeguards system under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We welcome in this respect Security Council Resolution 2375 pertaining to new sanctions on DPRK in view of its continued nuclear and ballistic tests that threaten its neighbors and international peace and security."
Bangladesh
H.E. Ms. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister
21 September 2017
Cyber: "l also urge the UN to address the growing threats emanated from the cyber space to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and other transnational organized crimes."
Barbados
The Hon. Senator Ms. Maxine McClean, Ministor of Foreign Affairs and Trade
22 September 2017
Small arms and light weapons: “Transnational crime constitutes one of the major threats to international peace and security. It can take many forms - trafficking in illegal drugs, trafficking in persons, the illegal transfer of small arms and light weapons as well as money laundering. These all present significant threats to the security of Barbados.”
Arms Trade Treaty: “Barbados welcomes the convening of the Third Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). We encourage all States Parties to take action to implement the Treaty. We further acknowledge the nexus between the ATT and the SDGs and their contribution to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.”
Belarus
H.E. Mr. Vladimir Makei, Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
Belize
H.E. Mr. Wilfred Elrington, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
22 September 2017
Weapons of mass destructions and small arms and light weapons: “Belize has long supported the United Nations in its role - we have supported its endeavors to forge new partnerships for development, to advance global health policies, to bring justice to victims of crimes against humanity, to protect the most vulnerable, and to control the spread of weapons of mass destruction including small arms and light weapons.”
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, Prime Minister
22 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: “Another serious threat to the security of the world is the uncontrolled proliferation of weapons, including nuclear weapons.”
Nuclear disarmament/Iran: “The agreement reached after several years of negotiations with Iran on the nuclear issue must be preserved and implemented. My country has many substantial differences with Iran. And yet, this agreement offers a channel of dialogue to reduce tensions and reduce the level of threat. This agreement is an opportunity to agree on objectives and to manage our disputes peacefully.”
Nuclear disarmament/DPRK: “In contrast to Iran, there has been no ongoing process of dialogue and negotiation. The result? A dangerous escalation threatening peace and security. We denounce an autocratic and provocative regime. But to speak is not enough. We must all be mobilized to weave the threads of dialogue, involving the sense of responsibility of actors such as China or Russia.”
Benin
H.E. Mr. Aurélien Agbenonci, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: “We support the efforts of the United Nations to achieve this goal, as well as the initiatives aimed at organizing an international conference on the creation of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East.”
Bhutan
H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Bolivia
H.E. Evo Morales Ayma, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "Any military solution to the Korean crisis must be avoided. Negotiations must be resumed as soon as possible."
Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Dragan Covic, Chairman of the Presidency
20 September 2017
WMDs: “Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapon of mass destruction (WMD) are still the perquisite for the global peace and security towards which we all strive.”
DPRK: “Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the strong condemnation of the nuclear tests conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). We also call upon the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to comply without delay, fully and unconditionally, with its obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
Botswana
H.E. Mr. Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, Vice-President
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "Botswana is deeply concerned about the unrelenting and blatant contravention of international law and UN resolutions by North Korea through its continuous testing of ballistic missiles. These despicable acts by North Korea pose a threat, not only in the Korean Peninsula, but throughout the Pacific region and the world at large. It is obvious to us as it should be to everyone else that North Korea is being assisted by others to develop its missiles and nuclear technology. They are
therefore, as much to blame for these missile and nuclear tests as North Korea is itself.
"We therefore appeal to the international community to work in unison and take prompt and decisive action that will force North Korea to adhere to the values and principles of the United Nations Charter. Inaction is not an option in the face of this adversity. Regime change must be brought about in order to remove once and for all this everlasting threat to peace in that region and give the North Korea people a hope for a life of freedom and prosperity."
Nuclear disarmament: "Botswana fully supports the international community's efforts towards nuclear disarmament."
Chemical and biological weapons: "We also reaffirm our commitment to international instruments that ban weapons of mass destruction such as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and the Biological Weapons Convention.
Nuclear weapons: "In this respect, we welcome the recent adoption by the UN General Assembly of a legally binding Treaty to prohibit the production of nuclear weapons. We are fully convinced that only a nuclear-free world would guarantee a safer future for our populations."
Brazil
H.E. Mr. Michel Temer, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Tomorrow I will have the honor of signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Brazil was among the drafters of the Treaty. It will be a historical moment.
"We reiterate our call for the nuclear powers to undertake additional disarmament commitments.
"Brazil expresses itself with the authority of a country that, while mastering nuclear technology, willingly gave up possessing nuclear weapons. Brazil pronounces itself with the authority of a country whose own Constitution prohibits the use of nuclear technology for non-peaceful purposes. A country that was at the origin of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which, half a century ago, established the denuclearization of Latin America and the Caribbean. A country that, along with its South American and African neighbors, also turned the South Atlantic into a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Lastly, a country that - along with Argentina - created a binational mechanism of nuclear safeguards that became a reference for the world.
"While welcoming the achievement represented by the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we must acknowledge that there are still issues in the agenda of peace and security that give rise to serious apprehension. The recent nuclear and missile tests on the Korean Peninsula constitute a serious threat to which none of us can be indifferent. Brazil condemns these acts with the utmost vehemence. It is urgent to seek a peaceful resolution to a situation whose consequences are unimaginable."
Brunei-Darussalem
Hon. Mr. Pehin Dato Seal Setia Lira Jock Seng Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Bulgaria
H.E. Rumen Radev, President
20 September 2017
Non-proliferation: “Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control are among the main pillars of international security and, hence, represent tangible aspects of the effort to achieve peace and decent life.”
Disarmament: “Bulgaria reiterates its commitment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, as well as to the objective to attain a world free of nuclear weapons.”
Disarmament: “The next two steps in this direction could be the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty and the start of the negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.”
Nuclear weapons: “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program concluded in July 2015 remains of historic significance.”
Nuclear weapons: “Bulgaria categorically condemns the repeated nuclear tests and missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which lead to further escalation of the tensions in the region and undermine world peace and security.”
Burkina Faso
H.E. Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "Burkina Faso condemns the nuclear tests conducted by North Korea as a threat to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula and the world. In urging that country to respect the resolutions of the Security Council, we hope that the logic of dialogue and negotiation will prevail over that of escalation and confrontation."
Disarmament, WMD, conventional weapons: "This is the place for me to reaffirm my country's commitment to general disarmament and its support for the United Nations efforts in this field concerning weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons."
Nuclear weapons: "In this sense, I urge all countries, particularly those whose ratification is necessary to this end, to make the rapid entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty a priority. In this context, the adoption on 7 July 2017, of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, should reinforce this dynamic."
Small arms and light weapons: "As for the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, it is one of the the main threats to international peace and security. My country, which actively participated in its development, is convinced that the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty will contribute to the eradication of this trade, a real obstacle to the development of our States."
Burundi
H.E. Mr. Alain Aimé Nyamitwe, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
No relevant references.
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Cameroon
H.E. Mr. Paul Biya, President
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Canada
H.E. Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
Cabo Verde
H.E. Mr. Jose Ulisses De Pina Correia E Silva, Prime Minister
22 September 2017
Arms trafficking: “The People and Government of Cabo Verde are concerned with the current international context, where not only old disputes persist, but also where we witness new internal political crises, armed conflicts, terrorist acts, organized crime of trafficking in drugs, in people, in weapons and piracy, as well as other transnational ideological trends, such as populism, racial supremacy, xenophobia and intolerance to human and cultural diversity.”
Central African Republic
H.E. Faustin Archange Touadera, President
22 September 2017
Disarmament: "It was at the cost of laborious efforts that we were able to obtain permanent and active participation in the work of the Advising and Monitoring Committee with the 14 armed groups engaged in the national program of disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and repatriation. The depth of these physical and mental wounds of my compatriots have convinced me that disarmament of weapons will only work if we succeed in disarming our hearts."
Armed conflict: "My government unreservedly condemns these foolish acts of violence which continue to plague innocent civilian populations. Today, the activity of armed groups has reduced more than half of the population of my civilians to complete poverty. For example, more than 2.4 million people need urgent humanitarian assistance."
Chad
H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Arms trafficking: "Indeed, the security situation in the Sahel and Sahara countries continues to worsen, as a result of the actions of terrorists, armed bands and traffickers on all sides of the area."
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The Republic of Chad is deeply concerned about the threats to North Korea from nuclear tests by North Korea. The leaders of this country must gauge the dramatic consequences that can result from this policy and privilege the dialogue to make prevail its rights."
Chile
H.E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "In a similar vein, we are not the only ones in expressing our concern with respect to threats to peace in different parts of the world - the Middle East, zones in Africa and Eastern Europe - and, in particular, the emphasis on the use of nuclear weapons, which puts a strain on peaceful coexistence."
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "In this context, as we have stated publicly before, we hope that the People's Democratic Republic of Korea ceases nuclear testing, complies with UN Security Council resolutions, contributes to ensuring lasting stability in northeastern Asia, and is ready to solve the situation through peaceful, diplomatic, and political channels."
Nuclear weapons: "In this context, we have actively participated in the negotiations on the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty which we have signed today. It is a historical step toward norm change that will create the basis for future negotiations which will allow for their total elimination in a verifiable and irreversible way."
China
H.E Wang Yi, Foreign Minister
21 September 2017
Nuclear disarmament:” We urge the DPRK not to go any further in the dangerous direction. We call on the US to truly honor its four nos commitment toward the DPRK, and we urge all relevant parties to play a constructive role in easing tensions. There is still hope for peace, and we must not give up. Negotiation is the only way out and deserves all-out efforts. Parties should meet each other half way by addressing each other's legitimate concerns. China believes that the day when the Peninsula is denuclearized should also be the day when its peace mechanism is established.”
Colombia
H.E. Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, President
19 September 2017
Disarmament: “The cease-fire and hostilities were respected and the FARC handed over to the United Nations more than 9,000 weapons were stored in containers and are being destroyed.”
Nuclear weapons: "We strongly deplore and condemn the launching of ballistic missiles and nuclear tests by the People's Democratic Republic of Korea, which pose a threat to world peace and security."
Comoros
H.E. Mr. Azali Assoumani, President
21 September 2017
Explosive weapons in populated areas, chemical weapons: "In the Near and Middle East, the international community must mobilize more to end the martyrdom of the thousands of children crushed under bombs and starving populations, the use of chemical weapons and the process of chaos and partition, in countries at war. The international community must sanction the use of chemical weapons, respecting ceasefires, protecting humanitarian aid convoys and shouting the conditions for the resumption of political negotiations."
Nuclear weapons: "The Union of Comoros took part yesterday, at the United Nations Headquarters, in the signing ceremony of the new Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which I myself signed, joined the international community to require all the countries concerned to comply fully with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and to abandon their nuclear weapons programs."
Congo (Republic of)
H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: The renewed tensions in the Korean peninsula could open a nuclear conflict without common measure.
Costa Rica
H.E. Mr. Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Mr. President, Costa Rica congratulates you for your appointment and celebrates the priorities you have established under your leadership. I want to reiterate my country's commitment to work with you, along with the other Member States, in order to set the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, enforce without delay the Paris and Marrakech commitments, implement the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and reinforce world governance and multilateralism as spaces to preserve international peace and stability.
"Each word, declaration, and action adopted at these premises keeps alive Kant's hope and inspiring faith in humanity. Building a world from the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, Beijing+20, Treaties on the Non-Proliferation of Weapons, and Treaties on the Prohibition and Disarmament of Nuclear Weapons, reveals that we are aware of the multiple challenges that we, Human Communities, face."
"The 20th Century witnessed some of the greatest and most atrocious conflicts that humanity has experienced. The end of World War II marked an even greater threat, one with the potential -now possible- to destroy us as a species. The nuclear arms race was, for much of the second half of the last century, a constant concern that threatened the continuity of the human family.
"Costa Rica sees with great concern the events developing in the Korean peninsula. The increase in the warmongering rhetoric in that place of the Asian continent means a serious and real threat to the peace and stability not only of the region, but of the world. Costa Rica looks with amazement at how, almost three decades after the end of the Cold War, ghosts appeared once again aftering being previously banished from our world where it is now more necessary to provide people with medicine than rifles; more schools than military infrastructure; and more projects to provide clear water than main projects to produce weapons of mass destruction.
That is why we strongly and vehemently condemn the nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. We will always be supportive of dialogue, active diplomacy, and multilateralism. We call on the parties involved as well as the United Nations Security Council to take an active role in avoiding escalations of tension that could lead to dire consequences and from which there is a risk of non-return. We cannot remain silent or stand idly. We demand that the Security Council acts immediately to contain this situation, as it is its responsibility.
"We see with hope, joy and pride, that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was finally approved in July of this year, a process in which I congratulate the Costa Rican Ambassador Elayne Whyte, who, as president of the conference during the negotiations, led the process with courage and great skill. That effort, together with that of the participating delegations, made a dream come true after more than seven decades. This Treaty is a strong message that most of United Nations member states do not support, do not accept, and do not consider nuclear weapons as legitimate and that the international community clearly states that nuclear weapons are not only immoral, ethically refoulement, but are henceforth, illegal.
"The adoption if this new norm of international law that absolutely prohibits nuclear weapons is therefore established in all circumstances and provides a solid and legally binding framework for the destruction and total elimination of nuclear weapons in a transparent, irreversible, and verifiable manner within specified time frames.
"As an unarmed democracy resting its defence on International Law, we are satisfied that in addition to prohibiting the development, production, manufacture, transfer, possession, storage, location, installation, and deployment of nuclear weapons, the Treaty explicitly prohibits the threat of its use, thereby also banning so-called doctrines of nuclear deterrence security.
"Many will say that all this effort is meaningless, since none of the nuclear powers had wanted to be part of it. I tell them they are wrong. The desire of the 122 countries that approved the text of the Treaty is the legitimate voice of people who are lovers of peace and of the defense of humanity. Any effort to be on the side of disarmament will never be nonsense. Being on the side of peace will never be a mistake. Costa Rica applauds these 122 countries and all those who will sign the Treaty tomorrow and makes a vehement call for others to join in, so that we can ensure a future for us and for those who will come after us. It is our responsibility to continue to support the creation of peace so that we can build the world we dream about."
Militarism: "Sixty nine years ago Costa Rica decided to change weapons and soldiers for notebooks and teachers. 69 years ago Costa Rica decided to believe, strengthen, and promote International Law as the civilized way to resolve their differences with others and today, 69 years later, Costa Rica continues believing in this way."
"We own our future. Despite the pain generated by injustice and irrationality that still prevail in our time, there are more people convinced of goodness, solidarity, freedom, justice, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, than those who sponsor death, pain, torture, militarization or the predominance of fear over our beautiful capacity to create."
Cote d'Ivoire
H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "The preservation of peace and security in the world goes hand in hand with the strict management of nuclear weapons. Regarding this, we must bring this up in the Security Council to find a peaceful solution to the grave nuclear weapons tensions in the Korean peninsula. Any recourse with nuclear weapons in this region is needed or this may mark the end of the era that we live in. There is a risk of a nuclear conflict with unpredictable consequences."
DPRK: "I invite the great powers of the world to encourage dialogue with North Korea, to ensure conditions that are appropriate for disarmament, and to reassure the world that there is the potential for peace and stability in this region."
Conflict prevention: "The greatest importance is equally in accordance with the prevention of conflicts, in order to spare our countries the exorbitant human and material cost of wars."
Croatia
H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "Croatia fully supports recent unanimous Security Council action on North Korea, whose actions represent a direct threat to international peace and security. We appeal to North Korean authorities to discontinue developing and testing nuclear weapons and to fully meet their commitments under international law, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and global non-proliferation regime."
Cuba
H.E. Mr. Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: “We all share the common responsibility to preserve the existence of human beings in the face of a nuclear threat. An important contribution to the achievement of that goal was the historical adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons under the auspices of the United Nations, which proscribe the use and the threat of use of those weapons that have the capacity to annihilate the human species. Obviously, the United States strongly opposed this treaty. It announced that it will invest 700 billion dollars in military expenditures and is developing an extremely aggressive nuclear and military doctrine based on the threat to use and the use of force. [...] NATO member States attempt against international peace and security and International Law by promoting military interventions and non-conventional wars against sovereign States.”
ICTs: “The illegal imposition of unilateral coercive measures and the use of financial, legal, cultural and communicational instruments to destabilize governments as well as the denial of peoples' right to self-determination have become customary. The covert use of ICTs to attack other States increases, while several developed countries strongly oppose the adoption of international treaties that would regulate cooperation in order to achieve a safe cyberspace.”
Militarisation: “The attempt to resort to military threats and force to stop the irreversible world trend to multi-polarisation and polycentrism will seriously jeopardize international peace and security, which should be defended and preserved through international mobilisation.”
Nuclear disarmament/Iran: “We demand respect for the so called Nuclear Agreement signed with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Nuclear disarmament/DPRK: “We reject the threat to totally destroy the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the home to 25 million human beings. War is not an option in the Korean peninsula; it would threaten the existence of hundreds of millions of persons in this area as well as in neighboring countries; it would lead to a nuclear war of unpredictable consequences. Only through dialogue and negotiation would it be possible to achieve a lasting political solution that should take into account the legitimate concerns of all the parties involved. We support the total denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, without any foreign interference, with absolute respect for sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States and strictly abiding by the principle of not using or threatening to use force.”
Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "It is only through collective efforts that we can address crises like the current one with North Korea, which threatens the resilience of our global non-proliferation and disarmament regimes, as well as the peace and security architecture of the region and beyond."
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Ri Yong Ho, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons:"The essence of the situation of the Korean peninsula is a confrontation between the DPRK and the U.S. where the former tries to defend its national dignity and sovereignty against the latter's hostile policy and nuclear threats.
"The United States is the country that first produced nuclear weapons and the only country that actually used it, massacring hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. It is the U.S. that threatened to use nuclear weapon against the DPRK during the Korean War in 1950s and first introduced nuclear weapons into the Korean peninsula after the war.
"The U.S. started large-scale joint military exercises against the DPRK during the Cold War period and further increased their scope and aggressive nature after the Cold War, staging the exercises several times a year by mobilizing more of nuclear strategic assets.
"What else could be a bigger threat than the violent remarks such as pouring "fire and fury", "total destruction" coming from the top authority of the world's biggest nuclear power.
"The very reason the DPRK had to possess nuclear weapons is because of the U.S. and it had to strengthen and develop its nuclear force onto the current level to cope with the U.S. The U.S. hostile policy and nuclear threats have continued over 70 years and these have led the situation on the Korean peninsula to a touch-and-go point. But in the United Nations, unjustifiable resolutions which illegalize justice as injustice are randomly adopted due to the high-handedness of the U.S."
"Unless true international justice is realized, the only valid philosophical principle is that force must be dealt with force and nuclear weapons of tyranny must be dealt with nuclear hammer of justice.
"The possession of nuclear deterrence by the DPRK is a righteous self-defensive measure taken as an ultimate option, pursuant to this principle. Recently, the DPRK has successfully conducted ICBM-mountable H-bomb test as a part of the efforts to achieve the goal of completing the state nuclear force.
"With this, the DPRK has entered a phase of completing the state nuclear force in accordance with its line of simultaneous development of the economy and the nuclear force.
"Our national nuclear force is, to all intents and purposes, a war deterrence for putting an end to the nuclear threat of the U.S. and for preventing its military invasion; and our ultimate goal is to establish the balance of power with the U.S.
"Distinguished delegates of all countries attending this session are aware of the fact that the DPRK, unlike other nuclear weapon states, made public every time to the world the test process and its result in all stages of the development and advancement of its nuclear force.
"Since the war deterrent for safeguarding peace and security of the Korean peninsula and the region is strengthened enough, the United States and its followers must now think twice before launching military provocation against the DPRK.
"Although they talk about 'fire and fury', 'total destruction' and whatever, every time they have to add various conditions such as 'hopefully this will not be necessary', 'that is not our first option' and so on.
"Accordingly, we are convinced that peace and security of the northeast Asia and the region as a whole have been as much consolidated.
"We do not need anyone's recognition of our status as a nuclear weapon state and our capability of nuclear strike.
"The ICBM marked with the sacred name of the DPRK flew over the universe above the endless blue sky, the warhead of our rocket left its trace on the blue waves of the Pacific Ocean and the tremendous explosion and vibration of the hydrogen bomb were recorded by this planet.
"Although our decision to possess nuclear weapons was an inevitable option forced by the United States, it resulted in our country achieving the status of a nuclear weapon state and a rocket power, and this prestige has now become an immortal destiny of the DPRK."
Outer space: "First, the Security Council fabricated illegal and double-standard 'resolutions' which only prohibit the satellite launch of the DPRK in violation of the international law prescribing peaceful use of outer space as a sovereign right of every state and without taking any issue with all other satellite launching countries."
Nuclear weapons: "Second, the Security Council cooked up illegal and double-standard 'resolutions' which arbitrarily prohibit only the nuclear tests of the DPRK, although nuclear test strictly belongs to the sovereignty of every state since the international law on prohibition of nuclear test has not yet entered into force and there are countries that conducted many more nuclear tests.
"Third, the Security Council condemned the development of nuclear weapons by the DPRK as a 'threat to international peace and security' and, on that basis, fabricated illegal and double-standard 'resolutions' in contravention of Article 51 of the UN Charter which recognizes the right to self-defense of every state and without calling into question the other countries that keep on developing latest nuclear weapons of various kinds.
"The reason these unjust and unfair resolutions continue to be adopted is that the permanent members of the Security Council, all nuclear powers, have common interest in maintaining their monopolistic nuclear status.
"The permanent members of the UNSC are talking much about non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Viewed from the aspect of nuclear non-proliferation, the DPRK's possession of nuclear weapons is a righteous self-defensive measure.
"Actually, the international agreement on nuclear non-proliferation was possible because the nuclear weapon states had made the promise not to threaten non-nuclear weapon states with the nuclear weapons.
"Article 10 of the NPT stipulates that each Party shall have the right to withdraw from the Treaty if it decides that its supreme interests have been jeopardized. This Article recognizes that the supreme interests of states are above the nuclear non-proliferation.
"After all, the U.S. itself impeded the international efforts for nuclear non-proliferation by not giving up the nuclear threat against the DPRK, but rather compelling the latter to possess nuclear weapons.
"This eloquently shows that the anti-DPRK 'resolutions' are not based on any established principles and that they are nothing less than the products of undemocratic old practice of the Security Council and the conspiracy and collusion of the forces obsessed only in their vested interests.
"The U.S. claims that the DPRK's possession of H-bomb and ICBM constitutes a 'global threat' even at the UN arena. But such claim is a big lie which is just tantamount to the notorious 'big lie' faked up by the U.S. in 2003 about the existence in Iraq of weapons of mass destruction in order to invade that country.
"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a responsible nuclear weapon state.
"We will take preventative measures by merciless preemptive action in case the U.S. and its vassal forces show any sign of conducting a kind of 'decapitating' operation on our headquarters or military attack against our country. However, we do not have any intention at all to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against the countries that do not join in the U.S. military actions against the DPRK.
"The U.S. is resorting to an intrigue of condemning the DPRK's nuclear possession as a 'global threat' in order to find a pretext for coercing other UN member states into implementing the anti-DPRK 'sanctions resolutions'.
"This is a sneaky and selfish attempt by the U.S. to avoid its responsibility for the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula and to pursue its own interests by using and sacrificing other countries that have nothing to do with the issue.
"The government of the DPRK made a request to the UN Secretariat that a forum of international law experts be organized to assess legal grounds and lawfulness of the UNSC "resolutions", but we have not heard anything from the Secretariat for 9 months already. Same is true of the fact that the DPRK made repeated requests to the UNSC to discuss the serious threat to international peace and security posed by the aggressive and provocative U.S.-south Korea large-scale joint military exercises, but these requests were never put on the UNSC agenda, rather turned down every time."
"Through such a prolonged and arduous struggle, now we are finally only a few steps away from the final gate of completion of the state nuclear force. It is only a forlorn hope to consider any chance that the DPRK would be shaken an inch or change its stance due to the harsher sanctions by the hostile forces."
Democratic Republic of the Congo
H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila Kabange, President
23 September 2017
Denmark
H.E. Ms. Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The nuclear and missile tests conducted by the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea constitute a blatant disregard of our collective security, non-proliferation norms and rules and the continued demands by the Security Council. Denmark strongly condemns this irresponsible behavior and calls on the regime in Pyongyang to deescalate the current situation and commit to a peaceful solution in conformity with the resolutions of the Security Council."
Djibouti
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
23 September 2017
No relevant references.
Dominica
H.E. Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister
23 September 2017
No relevant references.
Dominican Republic
H.E. Mr. Miguel Vargas Maldonado, Minister for Foreign Affairs
20 September 2017
No relevant references.
Ecuador
H.E. Mr. Lenin Moreno Garces, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "We are witnessing a possible nuclear confrontation, with increasing levels of inequality and poverty and a planet that must act against the devastating effects of climate change."
Nuclear weapons: "Consistent with this need, today we will sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and we call on all countries to sign onto this historic international treaty."
Arms Trade / Transfer: "We know that the military industry is big business. That is why we do not understand the condemnation and pursuit of traffickers, but not the arms producers. What is the ethics that is at stake?"
Military expenditure: "How is it possible that resources that can be used to finance the Sustainable Development Goals, be wasted in the absurdity of war?"
Militarism: "Militarism is not the answer. It only brings about suffering, pain, and death."
Egypt
H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "The responsibility that we bear necessitates that we be frank in saying that this world that we seek and is very possible to achieve remains unfortunately far from reality. We are still unable to prevent armed conflict, confront terrorism, realize nuclear disarmament and address the major structural imbalances in the international economic order, which have widened the gap between the developed and developing worlds."
El Salvador
H.E. Mr. Salvador Sánchez Cerén, President
21 September 2017
Disarmament, arms control: "My country is firmly supportive of all initiatives to promote and strengthen disarmament, arms control, the fight against organized crime and terrorism to achieve international security and peace in the world."
WMD: "I reiterate our concern at the threat posed to humanity by the existence of weapons of mass destruction, whose use, or threat of use, is a clear violation to the United Nations Charter, international law and international human rights."
Equatorial Guinea
H.E. Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President
21 September 2017
Militarism: "The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is very concerned because powerful UN Member States that believe that armed forces constitute the only method to impose peace and resolve conflicts is by starting wars that destroyed whole nations, forgetting that war never resolved conflicts but create more and perpetuate, creating disorder, destruction, desolation, and ruin."
Nuclear weapons: "We are part of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its use of the conflict between States not only condemn their use and fabrication, but also their distribution and possession. We think the terms of this treaty are insufficient because they should include the destruction of the nuclear arms wherever they are. The possession of some of these States makes other countries think that they have a right to possess the weapons."
Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed , Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
No relevant references.
Estonia
H.E. Ms. Kersti Kaljulaid, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "Not every state is using its resources and efforts, its technological advances, to the benefit of its people. North Korea is an acute threat to the world peace."
Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister
22 September 2017
Weapons of mass destruction: “Geopolitical tensions reminiscent of the cold war are increasing; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is posing real threats to global peace and security; terrorism and violent extremism continues to wreak havoc across different parts of the world; global income inequality is no longer a development challenge but also a security threat; climate change is not a fiction but real and we are witnessing its devastating consequences for humankind and the planet.”
European Union
Mr. Donald Tusk, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: “I take the action by the UN Security Council on 11 September to sanction North Korea for carrying out more nuclear testing as a sign that the capacity for real leadership and unity is present.”
Non-proliferation/Disarmament: “No country should be allowed to undermine the global non-proliferation regime or to threaten peaceful countries. The European Union calls together with Japan and South Korea, our close friends and strategic partners, for a peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. And we also call on all concerned to uphold the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran as a multilateral deal that is delivering more security for us all.”
Nuclear weapons: “In our political life there are situations that are black and white, that are crystal clear, like in the case of the North Korea's nuclear blackmail, terrorism, or the
aggression on Ukraine.”
Fiji
H.E. Mr. Josaia Voreqe Balnimarama, Prime Minister
20 September 2017
No relevant references.
Finland
H.E. Mr. Sauli Niinisto, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “The North Korean nuclear weapons programme is a threat to global peace and stability, and it must be stopped. The United Nations Security Council's co-operation on North Korea has been successful. It is important that unity prevails.”
NPT/nuclear weapons: “Nuclear weapons represent a severe threat to mankind. As long as nuclear weapons exist there is a risk of a catastrophe. The NPT remains the cornerstone of global non-proliferation and the foundation for nuclear disarmament.”
Nuclear weapons: “Finland's approach to nuclear disarmament is result-oriented and pragmatic. It is imperative that the countries possessing nuclear weapons are on board on any negotiations. I call on all nuclear weapon states and countries possessing these weapons to promptly take concrete actions in nuclear disarmament. It is important that the nuclear deal on Iran is honoured by all parties. I also welcome the recent talks on strategic stability between the United States and Russia. It is our hope that they will restart the arms control talks in Europe and globally.”
France
H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President
19 September 2017
Chemical weapons: "France will be absolutely intransigent on the use of chemical weapons. The authors of the attack of 4 April will have to be brought in front of the International Court of Justice."
"Not a target": In Syria but also in all crises, attacks center the wounded and humanitarian personnel, obstruction of access to care or destruction of medical facilities reach unprecedented levels. France has decided to make it one of the priorities of its presidency of the Security Council next month."
Nuclear weapons: Multilateralism is struggling to cope with the challenges of nuclear proliferation. [...] conjure up threats which we thought had never been revisited and which have reappeared, brutally, in our present.
"Pyongyang has crossed a major threshold in military escalation. The threat concerns us all immediately, existentially, collectively. To date, North Korea has not given any sign of a willingness to negotiate. ... Our responsibility, together with all our partners, including China, to firmly push for negotiations. France will refuse any escalation and will not close dialogue, if the conditions are met, dialogue will be useful for peace.
"It is this same objective that leads me to defend the nuclear agreement with Iran. Our commitment to nuclear non-proliferation resulted in a solid, robust, and verifiable agreement on July 14, 2015 to ensure that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons. To denounce it would be a serious mistake, not to respect it would be irresponsible, because it is a good agreement, essential to peace at a time when the risk of an infernal spiral can not be excluded."
Gabon
H.E. Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President
21 September 2017
Disarmament: "Among the worrying situations in Africa, the situation in the Central African Republic requires our sustained attention. Gabon maintains a presence in this sister country, within MINUSCA. I invite the various partners to support the action plan drawn up by ECCAS and CEMAC, as well as the disarmament and reintegration demobilization (DDR) program. Similarly, it is desirable to remove the weapons barb, exclusively for the legitimate and legitimate government of the CAR, to enable it to restore security and its authority throughout the national territory."
WMD: "Acting for peace also requires the elimination of weapons of mass destruction through the application of relevant international instruments."
Gambia (Republic of The)
H.E. Mr. Adama Barrow, President
19 September 2017
No relevant references.
Georgia
H.E. Mr. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
Germany
H.E. Mr. Sigmar Gabriel, Vice-Chancellor
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "How urgently essential it is that we work together to create a safer world is demonstrated by the current irresponsible actions of North Korea, which pose a serious threat to world peace. We have to send a clear message: the international community will not accept North Korea's nuclear provocations. Germany welcomes the sanctions adopted by the Security Council and is calling for their swift implementation at European level.
"At the same time, we have to make use of all diplomatic means at our disposal, first of all to defuse the situation and subsequently to find a point of departure for long-
term solutions. The settlement of this international crisis is so important because otherwise others will be encouraged to copy North Korea. If a country manages to build up a nuclear arsenal while the international community stands by and watches helplessly, then other political leaders will follow this example.
"This will result in completely new nuclear trouble spots in the world, and our children and grandchildren will grow up in a very dangerous world. That is why North Korea acquiring nuclear weapons is neither a bilateral nor a regional problem. Rather it is a global challenge which we have to master together. It cannot be that striving to build up a nuclear arsenal leads to success on the international stage.
"It is therefore more important than ever that the international architecture for arms control and disarmament does not crumble. Existing treaties and agreements must not be called into question. That applies in particular to the agreement on Iran's nuclear programme. The agreement is a way out of the impasse of a nuclear confrontation which would jeopardise regional security and have an impact far beyond the region. But only if all obligations are rigorously adhered to and the agreed transparency is created, can the urgently needed confidence grow.
"Germany will work within the E3+3 framework to ensure that the agreement is strictly implemented and upheld. This is not only about Iran. This is about the credibility of the international community. For which state would refrain from developing its own nuclear programme if it turns out that negotiated agreements do not endure and confidence in agreements with the international community are not worth the paper they are written on?
"What the world needs most urgently is new trust. Especially with regard to the implementation of the ban on the proliferation of nuclear weapons, we have a request for the United States, Russia and China. These countries will be instrumental in ensuring that the ban on the proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as arms control and disarmament are implemented. To this end, the trust among them must be restored."
Disarmament, military expenditure: "Speeches by Presidents of the United States of America are always important and interesting. It is always worthwhile listening to them or even reading them. I found a quote in one of these speeches which I especially liked. In this speech, the American President called for 'general and complete disarmament'. Every year, he said in his speech, billions of dollars were spent on weapons that are 'acquired for the purpose of making sure we never need to use them'. This, he went on to say, was certainly not 'the most efficient means of assuring peace'. This speech was given by John F. Kennedy in 1963. You can see, everything we need for a safer future has already been thought, written and said. I believe we should focus today on the bold vision of the North-South Commission and that of John F. Kennedy and have the courage to put forward new offers on disarmament, arms control and confidence-building."
Ghana
H.E. Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President
21 September 2017
Nuclear energy, fissile materials, nuclear weapons: "In talking about sustainable relations, Africa, and, indeed, Ghana, remains committed to remaining a nuclear weapon-free continent. Three weeks ago, highly-enriched uranium was flown out of Ghana back to China, signalling the end of the removal of all such material from the country. Our nuclear reactor has, subsequently, been converted to use low-enriched fuel for power generation. A world, free of nuclear weapons, must be in all our collective interest."
Greece
H.E. Mr. Nikos Kotzia, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
Nuclear disarmament/DRPK: "As a vision, we all want to see a world free of Weapons of Mass Destruction. In this framework, we strongly condemn this latest test and North Korea's ongoing illegal nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes which seriously endanger regional and international peace and security."
Grenada
H.E. Mr. Elvin Nimrod, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Grenada views the situation on the Korean peninsula with great trepidation and our position on these matters is clear and to that effect, the Cabinet of Ministers has recently approved the signing of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The proliferation of nuclear weapons, is inherently destructive and serves NO useful purpose for humanity. The mere existence of these weapons is unacceptable. Let us never forget the suffering of the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Mr. President, Grenada, therefore, urges its friends and allies to desist from all development and testing of these weapons."
Nuclear weapons, military spending: "Mr. President, 105 BILLION US Dollars spent each year on nuclear weapons. That amounts to $12 million dollars an hour. If we are willing to make the shift from destruction to sustainable construction, the people of Barbuda, Dominica Cuba and all SIDS will be forever grateful."
Guatemala
H.E. Mr. Jimmy Morales, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Guatemala in line with the global initiative for disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, condemns energetically acts of provocation and destabilization that undermine international peace and security and impede peaceful dialogue with a view to contributing to denuclearization.
"We have repeatedly condemned the nuclear tests carried out by the North Korea in an energetic manner, since they constitute a flagrant violation of international law and of the various resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, as well as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
"Only collective security could be achieved, apart from prohibition and total elimination of nuclear weapons. That is why Guatemala signed the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, thus becoming an important step towards a world free of nuclear weapons."
Guinea
H.E. Mr. Alpha Condé, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "We are therefore deeply concerned with the prevailing situation in the Korean peninsula and call on all parties to have restraint. We reaffirm our commitment to the total denuclearization of the peninsula, in accordance with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty."
Guinea-Bissau
H.E. Mr. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Prime Minister
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
Guyana
H.E. Brigadier David Granger, President
20 September 2017
No relevant references.
Haiti
H.E. Mr. Jovenel Moise, President
21 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "The Republic of Haiti, which has always spoken out against the proliferation of of nuclear weapons, strongly condemns any situation of tension created by of the nuclear weapons acquisition and propagation."
Nuclear Weapons: “East and west cooperation is necessary to address the extraordinary challenge posed by a communist dictator, threatening the world with a nuclear program, violating all possible international regulations and values.”
Holy See
H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of Relations with States
25 September 2017
Non-proliferation and arms control: “The world is awash with all types of weapons, from nuclear weapons to small arms and light weapons. The arms trade, both licit and illicit, keeps on growing. The proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction, among terrorist groups and other non-state actors has become a real danger. These trends are deeply worrying, but more disturbing still is the deep chasm that separates commitments from actions in the field of disarmament and arms control. While everyone condemns the grave effects of arms proliferation, nothing has substantially changed on the ground, because, as Pope Francis observed, “We say the words ‘No more war!’ but at the same time we manufacture weapons and sell them…to those who are at war with one another.”
Arms transfers: “Without greater international and regional cooperation, especially among weapons-producing States, to control and limit strictly the production and movement of weapons, a world free of wars and violent conflicts will surely remain an illusion.”
Nuclear disarmament: “When Pope Francis addressed this Assembly two years ago today, he drew attention to the “urgent need to work for a world free of nuclear weapons, in full application of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), in letter and spirit, with the goal of a complete prohibition of these weapons.”22 In his 2017 World Day of Peace Message, Pope Francis once again made a plea for disarmament and for “the prohibition and abolition of nuclear weapons.”23 Unfortunately, the proliferation of nuclear weapons increases international tensions, as is witnessed in the Korean Peninsula. As history demonstrates, regional and bilateral treaties of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons have been effective in establishing whole regions free of these arms. In this sense, it seems all the more urgent to invest in building those circumstances that would facilitate the creation of new bilateral and regional treaties.”
Nuclear disarmament: The Holy See has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and has already deposited its ratification, because it believes that it is an important contribution in the overall effort toward complete nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, an advance toward the fulfilment of the commitment of the States Parties to the NPT “to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament,” and a step toward negotiating a “general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.” While much remains to be done for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons truly to make a difference and achieve its full promise, the Holy See believes that it is one more blow on the anvil toward the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.”
Honduras
H.E. Mr. Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, President
19 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "It is also very serious for mankind nuclear arms and, worse still, the threat of using it. Honduras rejects the recent evidence of nuclear weapons. We support the Resolutions adopted by the Security Council, as well as the channels conducive to a diplomatic management of tensions and threats to world peace."
Hungary
H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
22 September 2017
No relevant references.
Iceland
H.E Mr. Gudlaugur Thor Thordarsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
Nuclear Weapons: “We condemn in the strongest terms the illegal actions of North Korean leaders and call on them to accept generous offers to return to the negotiating table. During the past weeks, we have at last seen a united Security Council act firmly but constructively; to push for dialogue and confidence-building measures while staying firm on strengthening sanctions in the face of continued provocation.”
Chemical weapons: “The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Government against its own people was a blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws and demanded a firm response by the international community.”
India
H.E. Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Nuclear proliferation is back in the zone of dangerous headlines."
Cyber: "Cyber security has become a source of deep insecurity."
Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
Iran
H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/Iran: "The JCPOA can become a new model for global interactions; interactions based on mutual constructive engagement between all of us. We have opened our doors to engagement and cooperation. We have concluded scores of development agreements with advanced countries of both East and West. Unfortunately, some have deprived themselves of this unique opportunity. They have imposed sanctions really against themselves, and now they feel betrayed.
We were not deceived, nor did we cheat or deceive anyone. We have ourselves determined the extent of our nuclear program. We never sought to achieve deterrence through nuclear weapons; we have immunized ourselves through our knowledge and - more importantly—the resilience of our people. This is our talent and our approach. Some have claimed to have wanted to deprive Iran of nuclear weapons; weapons that we have continuously and vociferously rejected. And, of course, we were not and are not distressed for forgoing an option that we in fact never sought. It is reprehensible that the rogue Zionist regime that threatens regional and global security with its nuclear arsenal and is not committed to any international instrument or safeguard, has the audacity to preach peaceful nations.
Just imagine for a minute how the Middle East would look had the JCPOA not been concluded. Imagine that along with civil wars, Takfiri terror, humanitarian nightmares, and complex sociopolitical crises in West Asia, that there was a manufactured nuclear crisis. How would we all fare? I declare before you that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first country to violate the agreement; but it will respond decisively and resolutely to its violation by any party. It will be a great pity if this agreement were to be destroyed by "rogue" newcomers to the world of politics, By violating its international commitments, the new U.S. administration only destroys its own credibility and undermines international confidence in negotiating with it, or accepting its word or promise."
Militarism: “Instability and extremist violence have only been exacerbated in our region through the military interventions of extra-regional actors-the same powers that try to sell ever more of their deadly weapons to other states by accusing Iran of fomenting instability.”
Iraq
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim Al-Jafari, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Nuclear energy: "Iraq calls upon you, the nuclear friendly world, to help build a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes in Iraq based on its right to access nuclear technology and to promote various sectors related to that technology according to the legal basis of the right of states to peaceful uses set out in the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons especially Article IV, which referred to the inalienable rights of all states parties to the treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without any discrimination, in particular for developing countries."
Ireland
H.E. Mr. Denis Naughton, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "As the first State to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 we have a deep commitment to its full implementation. Earlier this week I was very pleased to sign the recently approved Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which was supported by 122 members of this Assembly. Ireland is proud to have played a leadership role together with Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and South Africa, in bringing forward the UN Resolution convening the Diplomatic Conference that negotiated this ground-breaking treaty."
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The case for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons has never been stronger as the volatile situation in the Korean Peninsula makes clear. I unreservedly condemn the recent series of missile and nuclear weapons testing by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. These developments highlight the urgent need for the swift and immediate entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty."
Disarmament: "Ireland's contribution to the UN in the fields of sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, disarmament, human rights and the rule of law has been steadfast."
Italy
H.E. Mr. Paolo Gentiloni
20 September 2017
North Korea: “The provocations of North Korea—which Italy condemns in no uncertain terms—threaten regional and international security and pose a real challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and the United Nations system. Italy contributed to this strong message to North Korea, which must immediately end its missile and nuclear proliferation and all provocative actions.
We are ready to cooperate with our partners in continuing to exercise diplomatic and economic pressure on the North Korean regime, always mindful that sanctions must be an instrument of a broader strategy, aiming for a final peaceful solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula and in the whole region.”
Chemical Weapons: “Ultimately, there can be no true peace without justice. This means ascertaining the responsibilities of those who have committed atrocity crimes in these years, starting with the use of chemical weapons.”
Nuclear weapons/Iran: With reference to the Iranian nuclear file, we believe that the international community should assure that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) remains a success story in the framework of global efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
Jamaica
H.E. Mrs. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "Jamaica is deeply concerned about the heightened menace to international peace and security, arising particularly from the threat of nuclear weapons. We have had a longstanding commitment to the goal of achieving a nuclear-weapons-free world, and are a State Party to the Treaty of Ttatelolco, which declared the Caribbean and Latin America as the first nuclear weapon-free zone in a densely populated area. At the universal level, therefore, we welcome the fact that we now have f the first global Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, as a critical step towards addressing some of these concerns. It is our hope that it will enter into force in short order and will be duly observed universally.
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "As global citizens starkly aware of how closely our futures are intertwined, we condemn the recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which pose a grave threat to international peace and security. We urge North Korea to immediately and fully comply with its international obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and to resume dialogue on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."
Small arms and light weapons, arms trade: "In Jamaica, we are working to provide our citizens with a safe and secure environment in which to live full and productive lives. Our strategy includes placing greater emphasis on securing our porous borders, through which illicit firearms enter. Jamaica has benefitted from the support of our international partners and we invite continued collaboration in stemming this illicit trade. We, therefore, look forward to the Third Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons to be convened in 2018. Furthermore, Jamaica will continue to play its part in supporting the universalisation and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty."
Japan
H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister
20 September 2017
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: North Korea conducted a nuclear test on September the 3rd.Whether or not it wasa hydrogen bomb test, its scale far exceeded that of previous tests. Both before and after that, onAugust 29, and again on September 15 before the ink on Resolution 2375, passed by the Security Council to impose sanctions on North Korea, was even dry. North Korea laimched missiles. Both of these were launched to fly over Japan and make a display of their cruising range. The gravity of this threat is unprecedented. It is indisputably a matter of urgency. North Korea is attempting to dismiss with a smirk the efforts towards disarmament we have assiduously undertaken over the years. The non-proliferation regime is about to suffer a serious blow from its most confident disrupter ever.
This recent crisis is of an altogether different dimension qualitatively than those we have eluded every time some dictator has attempted to acquire weapons of mass destruction. North Korea's nuclear weapons either already are, or are on the verge of becoming, hydrogen bombs.
Their means of delivery will sooner or later be ICBMs. Over the more than 20 years since the end of the ColdWar, where and when else, and to what dictators, have we allowed such self-indulgence? As it turns out, it is only towards North Korea that this has been allowed. That is the reality we find before us. And, it was absolutely not a lack of dialogue that gave rise to this situation.
Dialogue dissuaded North Korea from pursuing its nuclear ambitions. Dialogue has afforded many of us the relief that the world had been saved from a crisis. Believing thus, many of us have felt relieved, well, not just once, but twice. The first time was in the early 1990s. At the time, the threat that North Korea imposed amounted to little more than openly displaying its withdrawal from the IAEA and other inspection regimes. However, tensions were felt by those of us who surmised the intent of that.
After many twists and turns, in October 1994,what is known as the "Agreed Framework" was realized between the US. and North Korea. Under the framework. North Korea would be made to abandon its nuclear plans. In exchange,we would provide incentives to North Korea.
Towards that end, Japan, the U.S., and the ROK formed the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, or "KEDO," in March the following year. Taking KEDO as the implementing agent,we pledged to build and hand over two light-water reactors (LWRs) to North Korea and also provide 500 thousand tons of heavy fuel oil annually as a stopgap measure for its energy demand.
This was all carried out accordingly. However, as time went by, it came to be known that North Korea had been continuing steadily with its uranium enrichment. From the start. North Korea had never intended to abandon its nuclear ambitions. This had become readily apparent to all. After 2002, seven years after it was founded, KEDO suspended its operations.
During that period, it can be said that North Korea defrauded the U.S., the ROK, and Japan of assistance. Countries that recognized value in the KEDO framework of providing incentives to change North Korea'sactions gradually came to join KEDO —the European Union,New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Chile, Argentina, Poland, the Czech Republic and Uzbekistan.
North Korea betrayed the good faith of all those KEDO members. As one of the organization's founding members,Japan had pledged to give a non-interest loan to KEDO and had fulfilled roughly 40 percent of that. The pledged amount was 1 billion US dollars, with about 400 million fulfilled.
The second crisis occurred in 2002 when KEDO suspended its operations and North Korea,saying it would end the fi:eezeon its nuclear-related facilities, expelled IAEA inspectors. The concern was again that North Korea was continuing its uranium enrichment. And againwe chose the path of defusing the situation through dialogue. North Korea, China, and Russia joined the three founding members of KEDO, Japan, the U.S., and the ROK, to launch the Six-PartyTalks.Thatwas in August 2003. Subsequently, after two years of twists and turns, through the summer of 2005 into the fall, the Six Parties once reached an agreement, resulting in the release of a joint statement.
North Korea committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and returning to the NPT and to IAEA safeguards. Moreover, two years after that, in February 2007, an agreement was concluded regarding what each of the Six Parties should do towards implementing the joint statement. A group of IAEA inspectors that had entered North Korea verified the shutdown of the nuclear-related facilities inYongbyon, and in return. North Korea received heavy fuel oil.
The series of events made people think that tenaciously continuing dialogue had this time finally caused North Korea to change its actions. But what actually happened?
In February 2005,while the Six-Party Talks were underway, North Korea declared unilaterally that it was already in possession of nuclear weapons. Moreover, in October 2006, it openly carried out its first nuclear test. Its second nuclear test was in 2009. Ultimately that same year. North Korea announced its withdrawal from the Six-PartyTalks, stating it will "never again take part in such talks." Furthermore, around this time it was firing ballistic missiles on a repeated basis.
Over the course of more than a decade beginning in 1994, the international community continued its efforts towards dialogue with North Korea with great perseverance, first through the Agreed Framework, and later through the Six-Party Talks. However, whatwe had to learn is that during the time this dialogue continued.
North Korea had no intention whatsoever of abandoning its nuclear or missile development. For North Korea, dialogue was instead the best means of deceiving us and buying time.More than anything else, the following fact demonstrates that. In 1994, North Korea had no nuclear weapons and even its ballistic missile technology was far from mature.Yet it is nowworking to attain hydrogen bombs and lCBMs. Again and again, attempts to resolve issues through dialogue have all come to naught. In what hope of success are we now repeating the very same failure a third time? We must make North Korea abandon all nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.
What is needed to do that is not dialogue, but pressure."
"Japan will face up to North Korean nuclear and missile threat through the Japan-U.S.Alliance and through Japan, the U.S. and the ROK acting in unity.
We consistently support the stance of the United States: that "all options are on the table." Also, I appreciate the unanimous adoption by the Security Coimcil of UNSC Resolution 2375 on September 11,which imposes strict sanctions against North Korea. That clarified our intention to further intensify pressure on North Korea in order to force it to undertake a fundamental change in its path forward.
But I must make an appeal to you. We must prevent the goods, funds, people, and technology necessary for nuclear and missile development from heading to North Korea . We must make North Korea comply fully with the repeated resolutions. We must ensure the strict and full implementation of the series of Security Council resolutions by all UN member nations.
What is necessary is action. Whether or not we can put an end to the provocations by North Korea is dependent upon the solidarity of the international community. There is not much time left.
North Korea is in a truly fortunate location, adjoining the growth region of Asia and the Pacific. It has an industrious labor force as well as underground resources.
If it were to make use of those, there could be a path towards North Korea dramatically growing its economy and improving public welfare. That is where North Korea's bright future lies. By failing to resolve the abduction, nuclear weapons and missiles issues, and by becoming a threat to all humanity, there is absolutely no future that North Korea can open up for itself. In order to change North Korea's policies,we must strengthen our unity."
Jordan
H.H. Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince
21 September 2017
Militarism/military expenditure: "What does it say about our common humanity, when last year alone the world spent close to 1.7 trillion dollars on arms, but fell short by less than 1.7 billion in fulfilling the UN appeal to support Syrian refugees and host communities in countries like Jordan?
"What does it say when trillions are spent waging wars in our region, but little to take our region to safer shores? There are no good answers. The sad reality is that war economies are thriving to the benefit of a few, while real economies are suffering to the detriment of all.
"The message to the youth of Jordan and our region is loud and clear: there is no shortage of money for fighting evil, but the appetite for rewarding virtue is nearly non-existent; that the voice of those who defend and build is drowned out by those who attack and destroy. It just doesn't add up."
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2017
WMD: "No one can ignore tough realities on the ground - lack of trust and unity, global and regional inequality and injustice, poverty, xenophobia, conflicts, terrorism and extremism, as well as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
Nuclear weapons: "When we speak of opportunites unfolded by global modernization, we need to bear in mind the dangers that prevent all of us from realizing our potential. In our inter-dependent and connected world, nuclear weapons are no longer an asset but a danger. It is with moral authority and responsibility emanating from my nation’s bitter experience of the hundreds of nuclear tests my President states that eliminating the nuclear danger is the most urgent task of humanity in the 21st century. It includes a whole range of important and urgent steps—a complete ban on nuclear testing, the total prohibition of nuclear weapons and complete and verifiable destruction of nuclear arsenals.
"We are deeply concerned by the nuclear tests conducted by the DPRK—the only state in the 21st century continuing such tests despite condemnation from the entire international community. I want to specifically stress that the DPRK’s actions to further develop its nuclear and missile programs are totally unacceptable and Pyongyang must undertake serious steps to restore trust and re-commit to a much needed political settlement.
"In 2009 the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted its resolution designating August 29—the day the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was officially closed in 1991 by the Decree of President Nazarbayev—as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. This day has been widely commemorated in Kazakhstan and in the UN from 2010 onwards. This year was also marked by several important events of international significance.
"From August 25 to 29 Astana hosted the Conference of the Pugwash Movement of Scientists to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Movement and International Day Against Nuclear Tests, where hundreds of scholars, practioners and officials from around 50 countries gathered to seek ways of achieving a nuclear-weapons-free world.
"The same day, my President and IAEA Director Yukiya Amano opened the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank Facility in Kazakhstan, with a view to making a significant contribution to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and strengthening the global nonproliferation regime.
"At the opening ceremony President Nazarbayev outlined a number of important initiatives that I would like to share with you.
"First, to convene a summit of all states possessing nuclear weapons to collectively discuss further steps towards their nuclear disarmament and attaining nuclear-weapon-free world.
"Second, to enhance the role of nuclear weapon free zones as effective instruments to end further nuclear proliferation and to combine efforts of states-members of such zones at the meeting of all nuclear weapons-free zones in Astana.
"Third, to review the progress of global nuclear security summits and to host the first recommended nuclear security summit in Astana.
"And fourth, to call for joint efforts to ensure that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force by 2020—this is the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entering into force.”
Kenya
H.E. Ambassador Amina C. Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: “Kenya welcomes the historic adoption on 7 July 2017 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Although nuclear weapons states are absent, the overwhelming majority of member states support the treaty.”
Nuclear weapons: “This demonstrates our concerns with the danger the use of such weapons poses to humanity as we are all reminded by the unfortunate nuclear detonation that took place on 3rd of September. The adoption treaty gives us renewed hope that it is possible, if we work together, to rid the world of nuclear weapons.”
Kiribati
H.E. Mr. Taneti Maamau, President
22 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: “We must make sure we serve and deliver on our main objective as a global family to provide a peaceful and secure world, without nuclear weapons, and to promote social progress, better living standards, human rights and dignity for all our citizens.”
Armed conflict: “Over the past years, we continue to witness human suffering around the world as a result of armed conflicts, terrorism, persecution, corruption, climate change and natural disaster, to name a few.”
Kuwait
H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister
20 September 2017
WMDs: “What is worrisome are the challenges and risks we are witnessing in different regions of the world, such as the spread of the phenomenon of violence, extremism and terrorism, as well as the risks of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the threat of their use. In addition to the violations of human rights, as currently taking place in Myanmar.”
Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Almazbek Atambaev, President
20 September 2017
Uranium: "I can not help but touch upon the problem of management numerous uranium tailings in the Kyrgyz Republic, which we have left from the Soviet Union and pose a potential threat to all region. It is well known that a number of large uranium tailing dumps, both in Kyrgyzstan and in other countries. Therefore, in 2012 the Kyrgyz Republic was a proposal for a special resolution on the problems of uranium legacy in the Central Asia, which was, then adopted by the General Assembly United Nations in 2013. For five years we have made significant progress in solving problems of radiation and environmental security. At this time we see the feasibility adoption of a new resolution of the UN General Assembly with results. In this regard, today here in New York on this a special meeting will be held, one of the active initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic. I am confident that the event will contribute to the promotion of new programs and joint measures aimed at for reclamation of uranium tailings."
Arms trade: "The international community must fight more actively terrorism and extremism and related phenomena, such as illicit drug trafficking, trade in people and weapons, and money laundering."
WMD non-proliferation: "We also urge all countries of the world to respect adherence to the provisions of international conventions on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction for the benefit of strengthening peace and ensuring security in the world as a whole."
Latvia
H.E. Mr. Raimonds Vejonis, President
20 September 2017
WMDs: “Latvia is deeply worried about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons.”
DPRK: “North Korea's actions have increased global insecurity. Latvia strongly condemns all nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles conducted by North Korea, and its continuous provocative rhetoric. We call on North Korea to return to a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community and to refrain from any further action that would increase regional tensions.”
Chemical weapons: “The use of chemical weapons in Syria, which blatantly disregards Syria's obligations as a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, is a deplorable crime which must be fully investigated, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Latvia has constantly called for accountability regarding these attacks, an accountability which is closely linked to the credibility of the whole international system. For this reason, Latvia has supported the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes committed in Syria.”
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017
Nuclear weapons: "The Lao PDR earnestly hopes to see the world without nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. In this context, we welcome the recent adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which, we also signed two days ago. But we are well aware that we still have an uphill task ahead of us for this Treaty to enter into force and be effectively implemented. Therefore, the international community has to redouble its efforts in this respect."
Explosive remnants of war: "In pursuance of fostering an enabling environment conducive for achieving sustainable development, the Lao Government has taken an important initiative by adopting our national SDG18 entitled "Lives Safe from UXO" which was officially launched by Prime Minister of the Lao PDR and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in September 2016 at the sideline of the 8th ASEAN-UN Summit in Vientiane. The SDG18 aims to address specific development challenges caused by unexploded ordnances to mitigate their impacts on the lives of our people which will pave the way for improving the livelihood and wellbeing of the rural population and enabling them to contribute to the implementation of sustainable development agenda."
Lebanon
H.E. Mr. General Michel Aoun, President
21 September 2017
No relevant references.
