UNGA Disarmament Index 2018
The 73rd General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly will be held from 25 September - 1 October 2018. During the debate, Reaching Critical Will will extract all references made to disarmament and arms control. Extracts will be sorted alphabetically by country name on the following pages:
Secretary-General of the United Nations
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General
25 September 2018
Nuclear weapons: “The nuclear peril has not eased, with non-proliferation at serious risk. Nuclear-armed States are modernizing their arsenals. A new arms race could be triggered, and the threshold for their use lowered. The courageous initiative of the Singapore Summit between the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, along with the recent meeting of the two Korean leaders in Pyongyang, offers hope for the possibility of a full and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a context of regional security”
Chemical weapons: “We have seen outrageous uses of chemical weapons, in full impunity despite their ban.”
Biological weapons: “Protections against dangerous biological weapons are weak”.
Cyber: “Malicious acts in cyberspace - such as disinformation campaigns - are polarizing communities and diminishing trust among States.”
“Heaven forbid, any new war could very well include a massive cyberattack not only targeting military capacities, but also critical civilian infrastructure.”
Autonomous weapons: “The impacts of new technologies on warfare are a direct threat to our common responsibility to guarantee peace and security. The weaponization of artificial intelligence is a growing concern.The prospect of weapons that can select and attack a target on their own raises multiple alarms - and could trigger new arms races. Diminished oversight of weapons has implications for our efforts to contain threats, prevent escalation and adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law. Let's call it as it is. The prospect of machines with the discretion and power to take human life is morally repugnant.”
“I am encouraged by the ten possible guiding principles elaborated in Geneva last month by the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems.
More work on these issues, aimed at building trust between and within nations, will be needed if we are to ensure responsible use of new technologies.”
President of the General Assembly (opening)
H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espionsa Garcées, President of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
President of the General Assembly (closing)
H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espionsa Garcées, President of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly
1 October 2018TPNW: "Seven countries signed and four ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, strengthening our commitment to a world free of a nuclear threat, that we all aspire to have. With these, there are already 69 countries that have signed and the 19 that have ratified this important instrument."Nuclear proliferation: "From international conflicts to terrorism and nuclear proliferation; from climate change and natural disasters to the increase of inequalities and poverty; from migration and refugees to health and education, the impact of new technologies and the world of work, it was recognized that we face common challenges that require common answers."DPRK: "This General Debate highlighted positive developments, such as peace agreements signed between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti, and the promising efforts towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
Albania
H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, President
28 September 2018
DPRK: “Albania hails the progress under the leadership of the United States of America on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, considering it as very positive step forward, not only for that region, but for entire planet as well.”
Chemical weapons: “Another issue of serious concern threatening peace and security, is the ongoing conflict in Syria. We support all the actions taken by the international actors to end the conflict and stop the use of chemical weapons.”
Algeria
H.E. Mr. Abdelkader Messahel, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018
Nuclear weapons: "It should be pointed out that conflicts have worsened and new dangers have emerged; that global concern about nuclear weapons have never been stronger since the Cold War (...)."
Andorra
H.E. Mr. Antoni Martí Petit, Head of Government
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive
26 September 2018
Armed conflict: “On several occasions, we have pledged our commitment to unconditional intra-Afghan dialogue and the restoration of all rights and privileges for those who agree to end the cycle of violence. We even announced a unilateral ceasefire earlier this year that was agreed to by the Taliban for a three-day period and gave the Afghansa glimpse of what peace can look and feel like.”
Angola
H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President
26 September 2018
Denuclearisation/DPRK: “We welcome the endeavors that have been made by the United States of America, North Korea and South Korea, with the contribution of the People's Republic of China towards the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, which has considerably eased the existing tensions that threatened to trigger a nuclear conflict that would likely be dangerous not only to that region but to international security in general.”
Antigua and Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister
28 September 2018DPRK/IRAN: “That is why my country supports denuclearization by North Korea and Iran. It is why we would like to see all countries halt their nuclear arsenals.”
Argentina
H.E. Mr.Mauricio Macri, President
25 September 2018
Cyber: "Regardless, we live in a world where we are not exempt from great threats, such as organized crime, cyber warfare and terrorism, which require our joint cooperation to confront them."Armenia
H.E. Mr. Nikol Pashinyan
25 September 2018
Armed violence: “Azerbaijan should change its behavior of disrespect towards the negotiations and abandon the idea of any military solution and implement all the previous agreements.”
Austria
H.E. Mrs. Karin Kneissl, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018Landmines: "...Austria wishes to contribute, as other countries are already doing, with the financing of mine clearance in Syria."
Chemical weapons/biological weapons/nuclear weapons: "Multilateralism, based on a diplomatic approach, with standards, demands us to condemn and uphold universal value in the utilization of chemical weapons in Syria and others. It asks also to firmly reject biological weapons. In this order of idea there is not a reason for us to not categorically ban the production and use of the utilizations of arms and nuclear explosives."
NPT: "Madame President, disarmament, the non-proliferation and the control of arms are indispensable for the security of the world. The 50th anniversary of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation reminds of the key role of the rule of law. While a success, the NPT suffers from inadequate implementation."
CTBT: "Like international treaties, the treaties of disarmament are not a moral matter but a legal issue. We are convinced to advancing of the nuclear disarmament, the ratification of the CTBT is of paramount importance. My country, Austria, is proud to have been chosen as the headquarters of the organization responsible for implementing this treaty."
Nuclear-Weapon Free Zone: "The destructive power of nuclear weapons has made it imperative for the legal prohibition of war to be strictly observed in practice. We congratulate Latin America for creating the first international zone free of nuclear weapons."
JCPOA: “The most recent example of the importance of trust and reliability in international relations concerns the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is politically but not legally binding. The JCPOA, negotiated in Vienna, is the result of effective multilateral action. It contains a set of political commitments and demonstrates the indispensability of pacta sunt servanda as a precondition for mutual trust and confidence building in the international arena. Preserving the nuclear deal with Iran is a matter of respecting international agreements and a matter of international security in the end. If one country, which originally committed to the JCPOA, can walk away from it without other partners to the agreement having violated it, mutual trust is weakened.”
DPRK: “Reliability is key for peaceful solutions of conflicts - this is especially true for long-term conflicts such as the conflicts on the Korean Peninsula where concrete and substantive measures could follow first encouraging steps.”
Australia
H.E. Mrs. Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018Nuclear weapons/NPT: “One proof of the necessity of the United Nations is the hard fact that we cannot with all confidence rid the world of nuclear weapons today or this year. Given this reality, we must redouble our efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, and to build the international trust and confidence necessary to move towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Our peoples expect us to continue to work towards verifiable nuclear disarmament with sound compliance, safeguards and enforcement regimes. Overwhelmingly, our peoples expect us to prevent further proliferation of nuclear weapons. To do this, we must continue to build on the progress we have made through the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
JCPOA/ DPRK: “For this reason, Australia supports the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program, as long as Iran abides by its commitments. It is in our collective interests that controls on Iran's nuclear programme remain in place. And for this reason, the world observes the negotiations between the United States and North Korea, pursuing complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Peninsula, in accordance with UN Resolutions. Australia will also continue to fully implement our obligations under the United Nations Security Council and maintain our own autonomous sanctions while awaiting progress towards denuclearisation."
Chemical weapons: “Further, we have most recently witnessed a new pattern of indiscriminate slaughter through the use of chemical weapons, including the weaponisation of toxic industrial chemicals such as chlorine. We have collectively agreed that the use of chemical weapons anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstances is unjustifiable and unacceptable.”
“As Member States, we must defend our long-standing prohibition on the use of chemical weapons, and abide by our collective right and resolve to investigate allegations, and to verify this prohibition. Australia joins those calling for Syria to cease the use of chemicals as weapons. Australia also continues to urge Russia, and all nations, to reinforce the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons anywhere.”
Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Elmar Maharram oglu Mammadyarov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018Armed conflict: "Unresolved armed conflicts, existing and emerging security challenges and related humanitarian crises threaten to reverse much of the development progress. The ongoing armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan still represents a major threat to international and regional peace and security."
Bahamas
H.E. Mr. Hubert Alexander Minnis, Prime Minister
28 September 2018
No relevant references.
Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018JCPOA: “We reiterate support for all initiatives aimed at peace and security in the world and particularly in the region, beginning with the efforts of the United States of America...most notably:.. the withdrawal from the incomplete nuclear agreement with Iran“
Bangladesh
H.E. Mrs. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister
27 September 2018Armed conflict: “We are appalled by what we have seen in UN Reports about atrocities against the Rohingya who have now taken shelter in Bangladesh, which are tantamount to genocide and crimes against humanity. We expect the international community, particularly the UN, to give due importance to the atrocities and injustice suffered by the Rohingya population in Myanmar.”Outer space: "We have made our foray into the world of space technology by launching our own satellite, Bangabandhu I, being the 57th country in the world to have done so. It was in fact a dream of our Father of the Nation that we would one day reach the outer space."
Barbados
H.E. Mrs. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Belarus
H.E. Mr. Vladimir Makei, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2018WMD: “The confrontation In international relations increasingly evokes the notion of a new "Cold War". What is more, one increasingly hears the voices about likelihoods under which weapons of mass destruction may be used, even if as a result of an inadvertent conflict or an accident."
Belgium
H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, Prime Minister
27 September 2018Militarism: "Multilateralism is the battle with ideas and arguments rather than with weapons."JCPOA: "Within a few months, the nuclear agreement with Iran, trade agreements or the Paris agreement on climate have been broken by a signatory party."
"Iran was about to acquire nuclear weapons. The negotiations were long and difficult for reaching a compromise. It took reciprocal courage and the overcoming of deep mistrust and hostility. This agreement is not perfect since it does not cover the Iranian ballistic program. IAEA inspections confirm that Iran is meeting its commitments. Should this treaty be forgotten in the name of its imperfection? No, to the contrary. New multilateral negotiating chapters need to be opened to complement it."
Militarism/Cyber: "Serious violations of human rights cannot leave us indifferent. The manipulations or the rigging of elections, the violation of territorial integrity or the threats of the use of force are always warning signs of a future conflict."WMD: "The proliferation of nuclear, chemical or weapons of mass destruction poses a serious threat to the future of humanity. We remain mobilized for non-proliferation efforts. We must continue to strengthen the legal regime and carry out rigorous compliance monitoring of the commitments made."
Belize
H.E. Mr. Wilfred Elrington, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Benin
H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Felix Do Rego, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018Nuclear energy/ NWFZ: "Benin, which has just adopted its Radiation Protection Act, wishes to commend the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to achieve a universal plan for the utilization of nuclear energy in the world for purely civilian purposes and renews its support for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East."
Bhutan
H.E. Mr. Lyonpo Tshering Wangchuk, Acting Head of Government
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Bolivia
H.E. Mr. Evo Morales Ayma, President
26 September 2018Militarism/Military spending: "The second great threat is armament, the culture of war and the possibility of a nuclear catastrophe. Many leaders, above all those that possess most weapons, come to this Forum to talk to us about peace. Military spending is increasing, spending of 2017 was higher by 1.1 per cent compared to 2016, reaching the incredible amount of $739 trillion dollars, representing 2.2 per cent of the global GDP. The world cannot live at the expense of those who believe that it is their right to produce and use weapons that are capable of the total destruction of life on this planet."
"The defense industry is fed by war and while its arms are tested and shown to be effective by killing girls and boys, the value of your shares increases in the securities exchange. This criminal logic has to stop. This threat also comes from those that are ready to invade other countries, to change governments to appropriate peoples’ natural resources. They set up military bases and seek to control the whole planet."
Armed conflict: "Our sister Republic of Venezuela is suffering from shocking aggressions by the United States and its allies. Latin America clearly rejects all attempts of military intervention in Venezuela."
Military bases: "As you know, we have liberated ourselves from American military bases, from the DEA, USAID, from impositions by the International Monetary Fund and any other type of impositions."
Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Bakir Izetbegović, Chairman of the Presidency
25 September 2018
Nuclear proliferation: “Whether it be conflict prevention or resolution, security, development, climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, migrations or human rights - none of these problems can be successfully addressed and resolved by one, three, or five countries alone. [...] Concerted efforts and the alliance of all the nations are necessary to contain the risks of nuclear confrontation and successfully address global issues, such as gender equality, climate change or prosecution of war criminals on the international level.”“Nuclear weapons and their proliferation continue to pose a grave threat to our civilization. That threat perhaps overshadows all the other ones combined. The stakes are as high as they have ever been. Preventing nuclear proliferation and eliminating weapons of mass destruction concern the survival of humankind.”
H.E. Mr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President
27 September 2018
SALW: “Botswana welcomes and applauds the efforts made by the United Nations to deal with threats to international peace and security, particularly terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”
“To bolster international peacemaking efforts, African leaders have committed themselves to fund 25% of peace support operations in Africa by 2021 and silencing the guns by 2020.”
Brazil
H.E. Mr. Michel Temer, President
25 September 2018
DPRK: "In the Korean Peninsula, dialogue and solidarity are also the cornerstones of our position. We reiterate our support for diplomatic solutions that promote denuclearization and peace.
We have already given repeated proof of what we are capable of, together, when we work towards those values.
This is how we took a historic step last year when we concluded the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. I had the honour of being the first Head of State to sign it.
And it is not only for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, it is not only for international trade, that diplomacy and multilateralism provide us with effective solutions. This is also true in so many other areas, such as sustainable development, which is crucial to the future of humanity."
Arms trafficking: "Trafficking in persons, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering and sexual exploitation are crimes that know no borders. These are scourges that corrode our societies and are only effectively combated with concerted policies and actions."
Brunei Darussalam
H.E. Mr. Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Bulgaria
H.E. Mr. Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister
28 September 2018JCPOA/DPRK: “We are of the opinion that the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan for the Iranian Nuclear Program continues to be a key element of the international security architecture. We also support all efforts for the full, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace in the region of North-Eastern Asia.”
Burkina Faso
H.E. Mr. Alpha Barry, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
29 September 2018EWIPA: "Unfortunately those people without faith or law that we are dealing with (...) now use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)."
DPRK: "In Asia, the dialogue between the Koreas is a good sign that needs the encouragement and support of the international community. Burkina Faso strongly supports this dialogue between the two countries."
SAWL: "The proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a threat to peace and security in various parts of the world. They are a hindrance to the objectives of sustainable development. That is why my country welcomes the inclusion (...) of ammunition in the final document of the Third [RevCon] [of the PoA] to prevent, combat and eliminate the illicit trade in [SALW]."
WMD/Chemical weapons: "With regard to weapons of mass destruction, my country condemns the resurgence of the use of chemical weapons in recent years. We call for a general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction."
Burundi
H.E. Mr. Ezéchiel Nibigira, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
29 September 2018
No relevant references.
Cabo Verde
H.E. Mr. Jorge Carlos De Almeida Fonseca, President
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister
28 September 2018
Armed Conflict/Landmines: “Previously infamous for Its killing fields, an unstable region caused by armed conflicts and dangerous mine disposals, an economically backward country mired in poverty and food insecurity, Cambodia now enjoys full peace, and has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia; a food exporter; an outstanding performer in poverty reduction and improvement in social indicators… Notably known for its armed struggle for the power and changes of government, Cambodia is now governed by the rule of law and firmly respects the multi-party liberal democracy, with regular, free and fair elections, held to enable its people to choose the country's leadership.”
Cameroon
H.E. Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2018WMD/SALW: "In this regard, Cameroon considers that the focus on and resources allocated to the issue of nuclear and chemical weapons should not overshadow the central issue of SALW on the international agenda. According to available data, more than 90% of war victims in the world, particularly in Africa, are killed by SALW.
SAWL: "Small arms and light weapons are increasingly found in the hands of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State, AQIM, Boko Haram. Cameroon is pleased to have hosted in from 11 to 13 June 2018 in Yaounde the First Conference of States Parties and Signatories to the African Convention relating to the control of small arms and light weapons, their ammunition and all parts and components that can be used for their manufacture, repair and assembly (Kinshasa Convention).""Under the leadership of my country, which holds the bi-annual presidency of this First Conference, the Central African States have committed themselves unreservedly to combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in all states that are party to the Kinshasa Convention. By mobilising adequate operational resources, both institutional and logistical, the Central African States intend to support each other and strengthen with other partners, including the United Nations, cooperation, coordination, the sharing of resources and interoperability of resources for the effective implementation of the Kinshasa Convention in the fight against the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons."
Canada
H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018Chemical weapons: "Canada is appalled by crimes the Assad regime in Syria has committed against its own people, including most horrifically the use of banned chemical weapons.”
Chad
H.E. Mr. Mahamat Zene Cherif, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration
28 September 2018Arms proliferation: “Terrorist groups allied with the vast criminal networks of traffickers of all kinds, with powerful weapons and significant resources continue to test our individual capabilities to respond, not to mention the effort required by the other challenges such as mercenaries, the circulation and proliferation of weapons, poaching, deforestation, piracy, conflicts related to degradation of the environment.”
Central African Republic
H.E. Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, Head of State
26 September 2018
Armed conflict: "On the other hand, we deplore the persistence of tragic and painful events perpetrated by the enemies of peace, motivated by obscure and selfish interests."
"They are the ones fueling the bloody violence since the beginning of 2018, (...), with an increase in cases of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law."
"I am delighted by the commitment made by the European Union and our bilateral partners to support the training and strengthening of our Defense and Security Forces, (...) and to support the implementation of the National Defense and Deployment Plan of the Central African Armed Forces, in the perspective of a garrison army and the administration over the national territory."
Arms trade: "But, to win this bet, let me reiterate (...) our call for the total lifting of the arms embargo which still weighs on our national army!"
Chile
H.E. Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echeñique, President
27 September 2018
WMDs/arms trafficking: “We have not yet been able to deal with serious threats to international peace and security: terrorism, drug trafficking, armed conflicts, transnational organized crime, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illicit trafficking in weapons and persons.”Cyber: “We must concern ourselves with creating a life and an international community built on the base of principles and values: protection of human dignity, full respect for human rights, gender equality, measures to combat climate change and to deal with new threats such as those concerning cybersecurity.”
China
H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018DPRK: “Since this year, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has seen a major turnaround thanks to the efforts of all parties concerned. China, on its part, has contributed to such development. China supports all-out improvement of relations between the North and the South of the Peninsula, as well as efforts to facilitate dialogues between the DPRK and the US, China encourages the DPRK to continue moving along the right direction of denuclearization. At the same time, we believe it is also right for the US to make timely and positive responses so as to truly meet the DPRK half way. China will continue to honor its due international responsibility and obligation, and will strictly implement Security
Council resolutions related to the DPRK. Meanwhile, China calls upon the Security Council to take timely actions in light of the development and changes of the situation to create more favorable conditions for a peaceful settlement of the Peninsula issue through political and diplomatic means. Effective settlement of the issue requires complete denuclearization as well as establishment of a peace mechanism.”
JCPOA: “Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, now is a crucial time for continued implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA is a consensus-based multilateral agreement endorsed by the UN Security Council. It serves the common interests of all parties concerned and the international community at large. If the agreement fails to be implemented, the international nuclear non-proliferation regime will be undermined, the authority and role of the Security Council challenged, and peace and stability in both this region and the wider world jeopardized. That is a scenario in which no one stands to gain. China urges parties concerned to continue observing and implementing the JCPOA. On this basis, possibility could be explored for a dialogue platform that is inclusive and transparent to facilitate proper settlement of each party's concerns through dialogue and consultation.”
Cyber/outer space: “China supports the UN*s leading role in coordinating responses to non-traditional security challenges. In the new frontiers of global governance like cyber space and outer space, state sovereignty must be upheld, rules observed, and responsibilities honored. Terrorism, a menace to the entire human society, should by no means be justified. Security Council resolutions must be earnestly implemented to counter cyber terrorism, terrorist financing and the spread o f radical narratives, so as to remove the breeding ground of terrorism.”
Colombia
H.E. Mr. Iván Duque Márquez, President
26 September 2018
Disarmament: "Our government is going to work so that the demobilization process, disarmament and reintegration in advance in the next few years moves forward successfully."
Comoros
H.E. Mr. Azali Assoumani, President
27 September 2018TPNW: "We have a duty to protect present and future generations from the danger posed by the use of nuclear weapons. In this context, although the Nuclear Weapons Treaty does not yet face unanimity, it is a tool that remains necessary if we are to remain ambitious and optimistic about the future of world peace. We must therefore work for greater adherence of countries to this crucial legal instrument."
Congo
H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Costa Rica
H.E. Mrs. Epsy Campbell Barr, Vice-President
27 September 2018DPRK: "We positively received the Declarations of Panmunjeom and Pyeongyang and we wish for their effective implementation and complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."JCPOA: "We also express our support for the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan with Iran, endorsed by the Security Council."ATT/TPNW: "Costa Rica dreamed of being a country without an army and for 70 years it has been a reality. We were also first in line to sign the Arms Trade Treaty and we support its implementation. Now, with a group of States and civil society organizations, we imagine a world without nuclear weapons." Disarmament: "It is a generation that looks to the future without fear, which is manifested by a new world without weapons, without violence for the environment, for peace, for human rights, for sexual diversity, against any type of discrimination and in favor of a better world."
TPNW: "For our country, the only way to guarantee that nuclear weapons are never used again, in any circumstance is through its total elimination. With the approval of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the international community decided that the binding legal prohibition of these weapons is a fundamental contribution to this objective. With deep conviction and ethical sense, today we call on all countries to sign and ratify this historic treaty."
Côte d’Ivoire
H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice-President
27 September 2018
Nuclear weapons: "A truly united Council can enable our organization to deal effectively with major security issues, such as the fight against nuclear proliferation, terrorism, mass crimes and crimes against humanity."
Croatia
H.E. Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, President
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Cuba
H.E. Mr. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President
26 September 2018
Militarism/TPNW: "In addition, and like there were not enough threats on humanity and its dazzling creations, it is a fact that the military and nuclear hegemonism of imperialism is perpetuating itself and expanding to the detriment of the hopes of the majority of peoples for a general and complete disarmament. Cuba shares this ideal and, as testament of its commitment with this goal, on last 31 January, it became the fifth State to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons."Outer space: "Cuba rejects the militarization of outer space and cyberspace, as well as the covert and illegal use of the information and communication technologies to attack other states."
JCPOA: “We demand compliance with the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear deal.”
Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President
27 September 2018Militarisation: “In this effort, in this struggle, we must ensure the cooperation of all, but more so of the states and the peoples that are the victims, those suffering from phenomena such as: (...) Investments and promotion of the military industry and infrastructure, through the fomentation of conflict in order to secure their own profitability.”
Czech Republic
H.E. Mr. Jan Hamáček, Deputy Prime Minister
29 September 2018DPRK: “The Czech Republic...is deeply interested in improving the situation on the Korean Peninsula. This is why we are following with high expectations both the Inter-Korean and US-DPRK dialogue at the highest level. The complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the only way how to achieve long-lasting peace, security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. We need a resolute and coordinated approach in countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as we do in fighting terrorism.”
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Ri Yong Ho, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018DPRK: “Since we have sufficiently consolidated national defense capabilities and war deterrence to cope with the nuclear threats against the DPRK that have been lasting over several decades, concentrating all efforts on economic construction has come up to us as a historic task.”
“Comrade Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted energetic summit-level diplomatic activities with a firm determination to turn the Korean peninsula into a land of peace free of both nuclear weapons and nuclear threats...The DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement contains all principled issues regarding eventual solutions of the issues in the Korean peninsula such as...realizing complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and humanitarian work between the two countries. Once the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement is implemented, the current trend towards detente will turn into durable peace and the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula will also be achieved and the Korean peninsula...It is our position that the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula should also be realized along with building peace regime under the principle of simultaneous actions, step by step, starting with what we can do and giving priority to trust-building.”
“Even before the DPRK-U.S. summit, the DPRK government took significant good-will measures such as stopping nuclear and ICBM tests, dismantling the nuclear test site in a transparent manner and affirming not to transfer nuclear weapons and nuclear technology under any circumstances and it continues to put in efforts to trust-building.”
“The U.S. possessed nuclear weapons earlier than we did and the U.S. is the only country that actually used them in real war… We did not even throw a pebble stone at the U.S. soil but during the Korean War the U.S. threatened to drop tens of atomic bombs in our country, and even after that the U.S. kept bringing in strategic nuclear arsenals at our door steps.”
“The UNSC poured down on us numerous "sanctions resolutions" making issue of our nuclear tests and rocket test launches. But even today, when one whole year has passed since such tests have been stopped, even a word in those "resolutions" remains unchanged to say nothing about being totally removed or eased.”
Democratic Republic of Congo
H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila Kapange
25 September 2018No relevant references.
Denmark
H.E. Mrs. Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation
28 September 2018DPRK: “Now, North Korea must take concrete steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization."
Djibouti
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Dominica
H.E. Mrs. Francine Baron, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018SALW: “Madam President: We live in a world in… which light arms and small weapons continue to infiltrate our most vulnerable societies”
Dominican Republic
H.E. Mr. Danilo Medina Sánchez, President
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
El Salvador
H.E. Mr. Salvador Sánchez Cerén, President
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Ecuador
H.E. Mr. Lenín Moreno Garces, President
25 September 2018
Military spending: "Maybe because we were idealist teenagers, and because we continue to be non-conforming adults, we do not understand how the big powers invest in arms instead of investing in the development of peoples. We do not understand how those countries, that are developed and have achieved military superiority, that have experienced wars through their own children, that those countries invest in conflicts that do not concern them, without seeking to solve them, but that aggravate or even perpetuate them."
Egypt
H.E Mr. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President
25 September 2018
Arms trafficking/armed conflict: “The disintegration of nations as a result of civil strife or regression to sectarian loyalties is responsible for the most dangerous phenomena in our contemporary world, including armed conflicts, human trafficking, irregular migration, organized crime and illicit trade in arms and drug trafficking.”“The third principle is the commitment to achieving sustainable development as a necessary precondition for a stable world order, and the best way for the prevention of armed conflict and humanitarian crises. [...] We need to address the major shortcomings in the international community's handling of human rights issues. The credibility of the United Nations cannot be restored, as long as millions continue to suffer from extreme poverty, live under foreign occupation or fall victim to terrorism and armed conflict.”
Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018No relevant references.
European Union
H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council
27 September 2018
DPRK: “Non-proliferation is another global challenge we face but here, things are looking up thanks to multilateral action on sanctions. On the Korean Peninsula, a year ago the situation was critical. Although much depends on the attitude of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), we have seen that diplomacy can open the way to more comprehensive solutions. ”
JCPOA: “A similar situation exists with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. While addressing nuclear issues, the deal has also helped to create space for dialogue on other concerns, like Iran’s regional behavior and ballistic missile programs. The agreement is good for European, regional and global security. That is why the European Union is committed to maintaining the agreement, as long as Iran remains fully committed to it. “
Equatorial Guinea
H.E. Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President
27 September 2018
Military interventions: "For Equatorial Guinea, coercive decisions such as embargos by the Security Council have never resolved any conflicts in the history of the United Nations, nor have military interventions solved the root causes. On the contrary, they are opposed to the principle of state independence and sovereignty."
Estonia
H.E. Mrs. Kersti Kaljulaid, President
26 September 2018
Cyber: “Small countries have no time for small objectives - our aim is, among other issues, to bring all things digital to theUN and Security Council - cyber risks are something Estonians as citizens of a fully digitized state understand better than most. We want to offer our perspective to make sure that human beings remain safe in this new world were cyber related threats compound with conventional ones.”
“New technologies should always be seen as enablers. They create equa lopportunities, if supported by proper policies. The risks related to them should not be ignored - also because they do not replace but rather enhance most of our conventional risks. But well set international legal space should be able to deliver for humankind and avoid Armageddon scenarios.”
Eswatini
H.M. King Mswati III, Head of State
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Workineh Gebeyehu Negewo, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Fiji
H.E. Mr. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Finland
H.E. Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President
25 September 2018DPRK: “On a positive note, we have been encouraged by recent attempts to arrive at a genuine dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the international community. The momentum to take steps towards a peaceful Korean Peninsula should be maintained and supported. A successful outcome in that region could set a powerful example for non-proliferation and disarmament elsewhere, too.”
France
H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President
25 September 2018Chemical/nuclear weapons: “A survival-of-the-fittest approach does not protect any group of people against any kind of threat, whether chemical or nuclear.”
JCPOA: “What will make it possible to truly resolve the situation in Iran and what has already started to help stabilize it? A survival-of-the-fittest approach, pressure from a single stakeholder? No! We know that Iran was on the path towards military nuclear capability, but what stopped it? The agreement brokered in Vienna in 2015.”
“As I said a year ago, we should not exacerbate regional tensions, but rather propose a broader agenda that will make it possible to address all nuclear, ballistic and regional concerns caused by Iranian policies, through dialogue and multilateralism.”
Gabon
H.E. Mr. Michel Xavier Biang, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018
SALW: "My country remains resolutely determined to implement the commitments made during this summit, while continuing to implement the Central Africa Strategy to Combat Terrorism and the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons."
Gambia
H.E. Mr. Adama Barrow, President
25 September 2018
Disarmament: “Let us, therefore, restore faith in our rules-based international order so as to remain relevant and, collectively, make progress on our global agenda - ranging from tackling the menace of climate change and terrorism to addressing disarmament, trade, development and other concerns to humanity.”SALW: “As we battle these negative forces and try to fulfill our aspiration of silencing the gun on the African continent by 2020, we are worried about the state of United Nations Peacekeeping missions in some of our trouble spots, especially in view of the drastic cuts to the peacekeeping budget.”
Georgia
H.E. Mr. Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Germany
Heiko Maas, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018Arms race: “Let us not forget that acute crisis management is at best a step towards peace. Lasting peace can only be achieved if we put a stop to the arms race. This is not some sort of nostalgic rhetoric from the days of the Cold War, whose balance of terror seems utterly benign compared with the scenario of a multipolar arms race, with far more unpredictable players.”
DPRK: “In the case of North Korea, the Security Council’s united stance and the sanctions helped to pave the way back to dialogue. That was important. However, North Korea must follow up its words with deeds, and this must lead to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. Germany is prepared to contribute its know-how, including the expertise we gained during the difficult negotiations with Iran.”
JCPOA: “The nuclear agreement with Iran may not be perfect. But so far, it has prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and averted an escalation that, three years ago, was highly likely. That’s not insignificant! We Europeans therefore stand together by the agreement. We are working on keeping economic exchange with Iran possible, and we call on Iran to continue to fully implement its commitments. The fact that we stand by the JCPOA does not mean that we are turning a blind eye to Iran s destructive role in the region or to its ballistic missile programme. That said, if there were no agreement, this would not make the search for solutions in Yemen, Syria or elsewhere any easier.”
Autonomous Weapons: “On the contrary, disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation must generally become more of a focus of the United Nations’ work once again. We share Secretary-General Guterres’ view on this. Our common rules must keep pace with technological developments. Otherwise, what currently sounds like science fiction may very soon become deadly reality - autonomous weapons systems, or killer robots, that kill without any human control. I ask that you please support, both here in New York and in Geneva, our initiative to ban fully autonomous weapons - before it is too late!”
Chemical Weapons: “That also applies to those who use chemical weapons, thereby breaking a taboo that was respected for decades. This is why it is so important that the OPCW has meanwhile been authorised to find and identify those responsible. The perpetrators must be fully aware that there can be no impunity for crimes against humanity. Never, not anywhere!”
Ghana
H.E. Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Greece
H.E. Mr. Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister
28 September 2018JCPOA/DPRK: “That means making sure that International organizations, including financial ones, become more be accountable and respond to the actual needs of states and citizens. It means supporting the Secretary General's vision for UN reform. But it also means supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Compact on Migration, the Paris Accord on Climate Change and the Iran Nuclear deal, despite all its weaknesses… It means supporting positive steps for a diplomatic solution on denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula.”
Grenada
H.E. Mr. Peter David, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018
Nuclear Weapons: “Grenada’s position on the development of nuclear weapons is clear. The development of nuclear weapons is inherently destructive, and, therefore, serves NO good purpose for humanity. Deterrence only makes sense where there is the possibility of deployment. The mere existence of these weapons anywhere, is unacceptable. Grenada, therefore, urges its friends to desist from the development and testing of these weapons. Imagine what we could achieve instead, if we put our brilliant scientists to work on Climate Change and building climate-smart resilient and sustainable societies.”
Guatemala
H.E. Mr. Jimmy Morales, President
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
Guinea
H.E. Mr. Mamadi Touré, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Guinea-Bissau
H.E. Mr. José Mário Vaz, President
27 September 2018Armed Conflict: “Peace is essential for successful development. But peace is not just the absence of armed conflict.”
Guyana
H.E. Mr. Carl Greenidge, Vice-President
28 September 2018TPNW/Disarmament Agenda: “Peace is also inextricably linked to sustainable development. In this regard, the United Nations disarmament agenda is a central tenet in our efforts to achieve a stable, secure and peaceful world order. Guyana has demonstrated its commitment to this agenda most recently in its signing and ratification of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We recognize, however, that the commitment of every Member State to the disarmament agenda is key to achieving the world to which we aspire and the onus is on all of us to fulfill the obligations we have taken on ourselves by becoming States Parties to the various legal instruments concerned with questions of disarmament and non-proliferation.”
Cyber/SALW: “For Guyana and the wider Caribbean, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their associated ammunition poses one of the most serious threats to human security and sustainable development. International drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, unregulated cyber space, and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons divert resources that could otherwise be invested in other critical areas. We believe that with effective international cooperation and assistance, small countries like Guyana can tackle this illicit trade and ultimately create safer communities, safer countries and regions, and a safer world.”
Haiti
H.E. Mr. Jovenel Moïse, President
27 September 2018DPRK: "Last year, at that time, the sudden tensions of the Korean crisis had reached their climax, dangerously threatening international peace. Today, fortunately, the escalation has given way to a promising dialogue between the United States of America and North Korea. It is to be welcomed and to commend the courageous efforts of the US and North American leaders, while hoping that the historic Singapore Summit of 12 June will pave the way for a comprehensive peace and security agreement. complete nucleation of the Korean peninsula."
Militarism/Yemen: "While it is fitting to congratulate ourselves on the easing of tensions in some hot spots of the world, it is clear that we are far from the era of generalized deterrence. On the contrary, new hotbeds of crisis are emerging and testifying to an alarming resurgence of the logic of war as a way of settling conflicts. The horrors of the civil war in Yemen are a tragic illustration of the logic of the confrontation prevailing in particular in the Arabian Gulf."
Holy Sea
H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of Relations with States
1 October 2018WMD/Landmines/Cluster Munitions/SALW: “The Holy See underlines the deep bonds between the promotion of the culture of peace and the strengthening of disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. The proliferation of weapons in fact aggravates conflicts and generates vast human and material costs hindering human and economic development and the search for lasting peace. As the Secretary-General’s Report emphasizes, we need to reinvigorate disarmament because it is pivotal to preserving human security through the prevention of conflict and the reduction of violence,... [to] saving lives and ensuring a safer world. In this perspective, the Holy See is firmly committed to the full implementation of the disarmament and nonproliferation Treaties and Program of Actions in the nuclear, chemical and biological weapons fields, as well as those relating to cluster munition, antipersonnel mines and small arms and light weapons."
Honduras
H.E. Mr. Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, President
26 September 2018
Armed conflict: "In my country, after Hondurans and my government stood up to armed non-state actors, they started to threaten the electoral process, and consequently democracy and the constitutional state."
"I urge that we have a resolution that recognises that the criminal armed gangs are considered non-state entities, that violate human rights and that attack states’ stability."
Iceland
H.E. Mr. Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018No relevant references.
India
H.E. Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Iran
H.E. Mr. Hassan Rouhani, President
25 September 2018JCPOA: “The government of the United States—at least the current administration—seems determined to render all international institutions ineffectual. This government, having withdrawn from a multilateral agreement adopted by the Security Council, in contravention of the rules and norms of international law, invites the Islamic Republic of Iran to bilateral talks. [...] On what basis and criteria can we enter into an agreement with an administration misbehaving such as this? Any talks should be within the framework and in continuation of the JCPOA and Security Council resolution 2231, and not in a framework of breaching them and reverting to the past. It is ironic that the US government does not even conceal its plan for overthrowing the same government it invites to talks!”
“We are pleased that the international community did not acquiesce to the US government’s unilateral and illegal withdrawal from the JCPOA and adopted a categorical position vis-à-vis that decision. The JCPOA is the outcome of more than a decade of diplomatic efforts and a period of intensive negotiations to resolve an artificial crisis. This document was unanimously approved by Security Council resolution 2231 and codified into an international obligation. According to this resolution, all countries and international and regional organizations were called upon to support the implementation of the JCPOA, and to refrain from any actions that undermine implementation of commitments under the JCPOA.”
“Based on 12 consecutive reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency – the IAEA – Iran has thus far complied with all of its commitments.”
“The United States also pressures other countries to violate the nuclear accord. And more dangerously, the United States is threatening all countries and international organizations with punishment if they comply with Security Council resolution 2231. It is the first time in the history of the United Nations that such ‘a general invitation to violation of law’ is coupled with ‘threatening law-abiders with punishment.’ This is not just peculiar to the JCPOA, but a pattern that even applies to the US approach to the International Criminal Court. [...] We appreciate the efforts of the international community, the European Union, Russia, and China in supporting the implementation of the JCPOA and consider the full realization of the commitments stipulated in it a precondition for the survival of this significant accomplishment of diplomacy.”
“Dialogue is two-way: it should be based on equality, justice, and human integrity and honor, and conducted in accordance with the rules and norms of international law. UN Security Council resolution 2231 is not a ‘piece of paper’. We invite you to return to that Council resolution. We invite you to come back to the negotiating table you left. If you dislike the JCPOA because it is the legacy of your domestic political rivals, then we invite you to come back to the Security Council resolution. We invite you to remain in the international institutions. Do not engage in imposing sanctions. Sanctions and extremism are two sides of the same coin: Extremism involves negating the thinking of others, and sanctions negate the life and prosperity of people.”NPT/JCPOA: “The approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of foreign policy has been based on multilateralism and compliance with the recognized principles of international law. Our respect for the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the long and difficult negotiations with the Group of 5+1, which led to the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—the JCPOA—illustrates a clear manifestation of this approach.”Nuclear weapons: “What Iran says is clear: no war, no sanctions, no threats, no bullying; just acting according to the law and the fulfillment of obligations. We support peace and democracy in the entire Middle East. We consider nuclear knowledge an imperative and nuclear weapons prohibited.”“The most pressing crisis in the Middle East, however, is the question of Palestine. The passage of time cannot – and must not –justify occupation. The innumerable crimes of Israel against the Palestinians would not have been possible without the material and military assistance, and political and propaganda support of the United States. Israel, equipped with a nuclear arsenal and blatantly threatening others with nuclear annihilation, presents the most daunting threat to regional and global peace and stability.”
Iraq
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim Al-Jafari, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018WMDs/ Chemical Weapons: "Fight more broadly against proliferation of nuclear weapons and WMDS and ensure that they are eradicated to ensure and safe and secure future for upcoming generations. We support the universalization of all disarmament-related conventions. As far as we are concerned, pursuing the provisions of these conventions would ensure a genuine end to armament and ensure that these weapons are not used again. Iraq has played a heavy price for the use of WMDS, particularly during in the era of the dictatorship, when the population of Al-Halabja when chemical weapons were used against that town."
Ireland
H.E. Mr. Simon Coveney, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2018NPT/TPNW: “Ireland is proud of the historic role we played in the development of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in the last Century. The NPT demonstrates what States can achieve together in the spirit of peace and cooperation. However, we also have a responsibility to remain ambitious in the pursuit of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Our efforts to promote the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reflect this.”EWIPA: "Ireland is deeply concerned by the persistent use of explosive weapons in populated areas in armed conflicts across the globe. Civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts and we all must redouble our efforts to fulfil the Secretary-General’s call to address this challenge.”DPRK: “We continue to call on the DPRK to abide by its obligations under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and its international commitments, and to abandon all nuclear and other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.”
Israel
H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
27 September
Nuclear weapons/JCPOA: “Of the nearly 200 countries that sit in this hall, only Israel openly opposed the nuclear deal with Iran. We oppose it because it threatens our future, even our very survival. We oppose it because the deal paved Iran’s path to a nuclear arsenal. And by lifting the sanctions, it’s fueled Iran’s campaign of carnage and conquest throughout the Middle East. [...] We oppose it, we oppose it because the deal was based on a fundamental lie—that Iran is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons.”
“Israel exposed that lie earlier this year. Last February, Israeli conducted a daring raid on Iran’s secret atomic archive. We obtained over 100,000 documents and videos that had been stashed in vaults in an innocent looking building in the heart of Tehran.”
“I presented a short summary of what we obtained to the international media. I provided hard evidence of Iran’s plans to build nuclear weapons and its plans to deceive the international community. Israel shared this information and even more damning evidence that we found with members of the P5+1, and with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
“I decided to reveal today something else that we have shared with the IAEA and with a few intelligence agencies. (...) I am disclosing for the first time that Iran has another secret facility in Tehran—a secret atomic warehouse for storing massive amounts of equipment and materiel from Iran’s secret nuclear weapons program. In May, we exposed the site of Iran’s secret atomic archive, right here, in the Shor-abad District of Tehran. Today I’m revealing the site of a second facility— Iran’s secret atomic warehouse. It’s right here, in the Turquz-abad District of Tehran, just there miles away.”
“Let me show you exactly what the secret atomic warehouse looks like. Here it is. You see, like the atomic archive, it’s another innocent looking compound. Now for those of you at home using Google Earth, this no-longer-secret atomic warehouse is on Maher Alley, Maher Street. You have the coordinates, you can try to get there.”“Countries with satellite capabilities may notice some increased activity on Maher Alley in the days and weeks ahead. The people they’ll see scurrying back and forth are Iranian officials desperately trying to finish the job of cleaning up that site. Because (...) since we raided the atomic archive, they’ve been busy cleaning out the atomic warehouse. Just last month, they removed 15 kilograms of radioactive material. (...) They had 15 kilograms of radioactive material, they had to get it out of the site, so they took it out and they spread it around Tehran in an effort to hide the evidence. The endangered residents of Tehran may want to know that they can get a Geiger counter on Amazon for only $29.99. (...) They took this radioactive material and spread it around Tehran.”“The Iranian officials cleaning out that site still have a lot of work to do because they’ve had at least, at least 15 ship containers, they’re gigantic, 15 ship containers full of nuclear related equipment and material stored there. Now, since each of those containers can hold 20 tons of material, this means that this site contains as much as 300 tons, 300 tons of nuclear related equipment and material.”
“You have to ask yourself a question. Why did Iran keep a secret atomic archive and a secret atomic warehouse? Because (...) when South Africa and Libya, (...) gave up their nuclear programs, the first thing they did was to destroy both the archives and the material and equipment. (..) The reason Iran didn’t destroy its atomic archive and its atomic warehouse is because it hasn’t abandoned its goal to develop nuclear weapons. In fact, it planned to use both of these sites in a few years when the time would be right to break out to the atom bomb.”
“Mr. Amano, do the right thing. Go inspect this atomic warehouse, immediately, before the Iranians finish clearing it out.”
“Three years ago, a few weeks after the nuclear deal was completed, I asked this question from this very podium: Does anyone seriously believe that flooding Iran’s radical theocracy with weapons and cash will curb its appetite for aggression? But many of the deal’s supporters believed just that. They believed that Iran’s regime would become more moderate, more peaceful. They believed that Iran would use the billions of dollars it received in sanctions relief to improve the lives of its people—to solve the water problem, to solve the trucking problem, to solve the electricity problem, hospitals, schools… That’s what they believed, and perhaps many of you also believed that.”
Military bases: “In Syria, Iran is trying to establish permanent military bases against us and has already launched missiles and drones into our territory. In Gaza, Iran is arming terror groups to launch rocket attacks into our cities and terror attacks against our civilians. In Lebanon, Iran is directing Hezbollah to build secret sites to convert inaccurate projectiles into precision guided missiles, missiles that can target deep inside Israel within an accuracy of ten meters. (...) Hezbollah, (...) is deliberately using the innocent people of Beirut as human shields. They have placed three of these missile conversion sites alongside Beirut’s international airport.”
Italy
H.E. Mr. Giuseppe Conte, President of the Council of Ministers
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Jamaica
H.E. Mr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister
27 September 2018SALW: “Jamaica is especially interested in the efforts to build a secure environment through combating the illicit traffic and trade in small arms and light weapons.”
Japan
H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister
25 September 2018
DPRK: “Japan’s policy of seeking to settle the unfortunate past and normalize its relations with North Korea once the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues are resolved will not change. We will be unstinting in our assistance to unleash the potential North Korea holds.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, from this very location at this time last year, I strongly urged North Korea to resolve its abductions, nuclear, and missile issues. As someone who appealed for the full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, I pay the greatest interest in changes of North Korea.”
“In order to resolve the abductions issue, I am also ready to break the shell of mutual distrust with North Korea, get off to a new start, and meet face to face with Chairman Kim Jong-Un. At present, nothing has been decided regarding a Japan-North Korea summit meeting, but if we are going to hold one, then I am determined it must be a meeting that contributes to the resolution of the abductions issue.”
Jordan
H.H. Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
25 September 2018No relevant references.
Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018Nuclear-Weapons-Free-Zones: “Our shared goal is creating in our region of Central Asia and beyond a model for a zone of peace, security, trust, development and cooperation. Several features of such a zone are already in place, as exemplified by the Council of the Turkic Speaking States, the International Aral Sea Fund and its last Summit, that demonstrated strong political collaboration amongst regional leaders, the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in Central Asia and other mechanisms.”
“The creation of nuclear weapon free zones remains one of the most effective measures in combating the spread of WMD. With this in mind, President Nursultan Nazarbayev proposed strengthening the cooperation between nuclear weapons free zones and convening inter-zone conferences on a regular basis. Astana proposes hosting the first such meeting.”
WMD: “Today, the ability to show global leadership and responsibility is challenged by the numerous threats – from spread of weapons – conventional and of mass destruction, as well as terrorism, extremism, organized crime, and all forms of trafficking, to food, water, energy and health insecurities.”
Nuclear Weapons: “My country has proven itself to be a moral leader in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, having renounced the world's fourth largest nuclear arsenal and the world's largest nuclear test site in Semipalatinsk. We call upon all other countries to follow our example as nuclear weapons do not ensure either real power or true protection.”
“The early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty remains a key goal for us. Our country, one of the most impacted by the harmful consequences of nuclear tests, is making great efforts to reach Global Zero. We therefore sponsored General Assembly resolution 64/35 that established the International Day against Nuclear Tests.”
TPNW: “Kazakhstan signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 2 March 2018, following its engaged participation in the elaboration and adoption of the Treaty. Now we are processing its ratification.”
DPRK: “We are also steadfastly advocating for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and call on all the parties involved to agree on mutually acceptable conditions to keep the negotiation process on.”
JCPOA/Chemical Weapons: “We also support preserving and ensuring the proper implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for Iran and the thorough investigation of chemical crimes in Syria, and also preventing chemical terrorism.
Kenya
H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President
26 September 2018No relevant references.
Kiribati
H.E. Mr. Taneti Maamau, President
26 September 2018
Nuclear testing: “The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has also assured us that the radiation related illnesses suffered by our people during and after the 1960's nuclear testing on Christmas Island and other parts of the world, will not be repeated in the future.”Armed Conflict: “Example is the hundreds of millions of dollars spent annually on peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. These could have been better spent on eliminating root causes of conflicts, armed terrorism and the humanitarian crisis by investing UN resources in the establishment of good governance, with good quality free education and health services. In this way, the collective resources of the world are spent to treat the cause and not the mere symptoms.”
Kuwait
H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister
26 September 2018WMD: “However, the increased frequency of challenges and the exacerbation of the severity of conflicts, and the risks they pose for international peace and security, have exposed the urgent need to bolster the ability of the United Nations, to provide the required response to the challenges our world faces today, such as the spread of the phenomenon of violence, extremism, and terrorism, as well as the dangers of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in addition to the continuous violations of human rights and the phenomenon of climate change, and other challenges”
Iran: “And in connection with the same regional planes, and guided by the same principles that call for strengthening the rules of good neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, as set forth in the United Nations Charter, we renew our call to the Islamic Republic of Iran to take serious confidence building measures aimed to establish relations based on cooperation, mutual respect, common interests, in a manner that would lead to guiding the efforts and capabilities towards development and construction. This would reflect the future aspiration of all peoples in the region for a life of peace and security.”
Kyrgyzstan
H.E. Mr. Sooronbai Jeenbekov, President
25 September 2018
Arms trafficking: "The international community must work together more actively to combat this scourge and such phenomena as drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and weapons, money laundering and the financing of terrorism."
Lao People's Democratic Republic
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 SeptemberDPRK: “We welcome the recent historic Summit between the Leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States of America in June this year which constitutes an important milestone in the relations between the two countries. We also welcome the 3rd Summit between the leaders of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with an objective to improve not only bilateral relations between the two countries, but also to address the issue of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.”
Latvia
H.E. Mr. Edgars Rinkevics Minister of Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018SALW: “Today, 90% of casualties in armed conflicts are civilians. Conventional arms kill around 500 thousand people per year, out of which 70 thousand are killed in conflict zones. These figures clearly prove that the international community must focus not only on weapons of mass destruction but also on conventional arms.”ATT: “With that in mind Latvia assumed the Presidency of the Arms Trade Treaty for next year and will spare no effort to promote its objectives. I call on all States to become parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, which would also contribute in a direct way to attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda”
Lebanon
H.E. Mr. Michel Aoun, President
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Lesotho
H.E. Mr. Thomas Motsoahae Thabane, Prime Minister
28 September 2018SALW/ WMD:“Equally important is to underscore that the gains made in the field of disarmament are being eroded gradually. Small arms and light weapons continue to flood the illegal market. The threat of the use of weapons of mass destruction has re-emerged, and the United Nations is left paralysed due to the size and power configuration of the current Security Council, making the call for the reform of this body even more urgent.”
Libya
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Siala, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 August 2018
Disarmament: "Disarmament and the maintenance of international peace and security are issues that are very important to us. We have taken part in the various events related to these issues and have always respected international instruments in this domain."
WMD: "Indeed, the production and the stockage of weapons of mass destruction is a threat to international peace and security and for all of humanity and Libya also takes part in international efforts that have been made to destroy weapons of mass destruction and to maintain international peace and security."
"We support national efforts to establish areas free of nuclear weapons, notably in the Middle East, so that this region is free of weapons of mass destruction. All states in the region must show transparency and say if they possess this kind of this weapon or if they intend to do so, and they must join the NPT. We would like to underscore the need to respect the rights of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful means, and states who have destroyed or have renounced WMDS should be encouraged to receive support to train persons in this area."
Chemical Weapons: "After joining the Convention on Chemical Weapons, Libya tackled its chemical stock and cooperated with the secretariat of the Convection and international partners, and this makes it possible for us to destroy that stock."
Liberia
H.E. Mr. George Manneh Weah, President
26 September 2018Armed conflict: “With the recent withdrawal of the United Nations Peace-keeping Mission in Liberia, we are now in charge of our own security. We thank you for the sacrifices that you have made in securing and maintaining the peace in Liberia after our protracted civil conflict.”
“But a nation which has experienced civil war must never take peace for granted, or forget the long shadow that years of conflict still cast over people's lives. We must realize and appreciate that ours is still a fragile peace.”
SALW: "Liberia, which has been a beneficiary of regional support, knows the relevance of regional solidarity. In this regard we have emphasized the fight against organized crime, especially cross-border trade in illicit substances, and small and light weapons, drugs, human trafficking, piracy and the activities of non-state actors which threaten to undermine peace and security within the ECOWAS region."
Liechtenstein
H.E. Mrs. Aurelia Frick, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture
27 September 2018
Armed conflict/ Syria: “One such institution is the accountability mechanism for Syria. We were proud to lead the way to the creation of the IIIM two years ago. Born out of the frustration over the deadlock in the Security Council, it has quickly become a symbol of what this Assembly can achieve - and a beacon of hope for Syria. At this critical moment in the Syrian conflict, our resolve to ensure accountability for the crimes committed will shape the future of the country.”
Armed conflict/ Myanmar: “A very different situation confronts us with a similar massive accountability challenge: The atrocities committed against the Rohingya population by the authorities in Myanmar are shocking to all of us. There can be no voluntary return of the hundreds of thousands forcibly displaced into Bangladesh unless we ensure a credible accountability process. We now have a direct path to justice, because the International Criminal Court has ruled that it can exercise jurisdiction over the crime of forced deportation. This creates a new and expeditious policy option for the 123 States among us which have joined the Rome Statute: We can come together and refer the situation in Cox's Bazaar to the ICC.”TPNW: “Under the vivid impressions of the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the General Assembly - in its very first resolution - set the goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons. That is a goal we are far from achieving, and the path has so far been rough. But we have finally chartered the way forward -in adopting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons last year. I congratulate the 17 countries which have already ratified the treaty. We will do our best to follow suit.”
Lithuania
H.E. Mrs. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President
27 September 2018WMD: “Organisations created to abolish weapons of mass destruction are toothless against dictators who develop nuclear arms and use chemical weapons on civilians in our cities.”
Luxembourg
H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister
26 September 2018
Armed conflict: "Luxembourg is one of the main donors of the Office of the Independent Observer to evaluate the implementation of the agreement between the government and the armed groups in the north of [Mali] and finances the establishment of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali in charge of investigating violations of human rights and international humanitarian law since 2012."
JCPOA: "This does not mean, however, that the nuclear deal with Iran must be reconsidered and we believe that, even if it is not perfect, that it provides tangible guarantees for nuclear non-proliferation. We regret that the United States cancelled the deal, which has been the subject of a Security Council resolution and to which the international community continues to be bound by."
DPRK: "With respect to non-proliferation, we hope that the started process between the United States and the DPRK, with support from South Korea will have concrete results in terms of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."
Madagascar
H.E. Mr. Rivo Rakotovao, President ad interim
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Malta
Honourable Dr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister
27 September 2018
AWS: “Then there are the other big questions that the dawn of this digital age will need to see answered. Can we solve stalemate diplomatic negotiations by applying algorithms that can avoid war? Can we disarm terrorists using the latest technology?”
Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Gjorge Ivanov, President
27 September 2018
Arms control: “Through peacekeeping missions, arms control, non-proliferation treaties and the fight against terrorism and international organized crime we build a safer world.”
Malaysia
H.E. Mr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister
28 September 2018Military spending/Militarism: “Today’s weapons cost millions. Fighter jets cost about 100 million dollars. And maintaining them cost tens of millions. But the poor countries are persuaded to buy them even if they cannot afford. They are told their neighbours or their enemies have them. It is imperative that they too have them. So, while their people starve and suffer from all kinds of deprivations, a huge percentage of their budget is allocated to the purchase of arms. That their buyers may never have to use them bothers the purveyors not at all.”
Malawi
H.E.Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
Mali
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President
26 September 2018Armed conflict: "Among these major advances, I would like to highlight the absence of belligerence and clashes between the Malian Armed Forces and the armed movements since the signing of the Agreement in May/ June 2015."
"In addition, I note with satisfaction the creation and ongoing operationalization of the Menaka and Taoudeni regions, the installation of the interim authorities in the 5 northern regions, the launching of the operations of the Coordination Mechanism in Kidal, Timbuktu and Gao, and the continuation of the DDR process and security sector reform."
Arms trafficking: "In addition to the devastating effects of climate change on the living conditions of our populations, the Sahel has faced for several years terrorism, transnational or anonymous crime and trafficking of all kinds, including drugs, weapons, illicit goods, migrants, money laundering etc."
Marshall Islands
H.E Mrs. Hilda Heine
25 September 2018
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “For too many years, multilateral discussions to end nuclear weapons have gone in circles. I strongly welcome progress wherever it is found- and I remain cautiously optimistic of efforts towards a safe and secure Korean peninsula- with a complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation.” Nuclear testing: “Threats of atmospheric testing in die Pacific ocean are of obvious concern to me and my fellow Pacific island leaders - and for every Marshallese citizen, the impacts naadeartesting are not just a historical legacy, but a contemporary reality. These were the only instances where the UN ever explicitly authorized the testing of nuclear weapons, and the consequences are horrific. The 67 nuclear weapons tests conducted between 1946 and 1958, have produced impacts through generations.”
"These took place during our status as a United Nations Strategic Trust Territory, including testings authorized by UN Trusteeship resolutions 1082 and 1493.”"My government has recently established the national nuclear commission to work carefully with affected local communities, and also regional and international agencies, to better elaborate our complex issues, and to develop a strategy for nuclear justice. It is vital that all possible efforts are accelerated to help us address the human rights and the environment of our affected people.”
Mauritania
H.E. Mr. Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Mauritius
H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister
28 September 2018Militarism: “Increased international tensions, intractable conflicts, expanding pockets of poverty throughout the world, growing inequalities, the deterioration of the oceans, climate change, violent extremism and terrorism, nationalism, cyber threats, escalating militarization, and forced migration are only some of the perils that endanger global peace and security.”
Nuclear Weapons: “In the same vein, we need to reinforce global non-proliferation regimes. The continued existence of nuclear arsenals and the threat of a nuclear disaster represents a major impediment to the maintenance of peace and security.”
Cyber: “We need to also remain vigilant to the cyberthreats which endanger our national security.”
Cyber/ Outer Space: As highlighted in the new Disarmament Agenda by the UN Secretary-General in May 2018, we need to create secure space, land, sea, spatial, and cyber zones alike. We need to do whatever is necessary to make our planet a safe place for all.
H.E. Mr. Enrique Peña Nieto, President
25 September 2018
Nuclear weapons: "Mexico has also been characterized by its struggle in favor of the total elimination of the weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear disarmament."
"That is why we initiated and accompanied the process that concluded in 2017, with the negotiation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which Mexico ratified in January this year. We urge all Member States to sign and ratify it without delay."
"Weapons of mass destruction are not the only threat to society."
"At the same time, we reiterate the resolutions of the Security Council regarding denuclearization are complied with full of the Korean Peninsula."
Arms trade: "The illicit traffic of weapons is one of the greatest challenges to internal security that, like many other countries, Mexico has had to face."
"I say it with all clarity: the illicit arms trafficking, by its gravity, constitutes a scourge that we must attend urgently."
"An important step to advance in this struggle was the negotiation and adoption of the Treaty the Arms Trade. The First Conference of States Parties to this Treaty will be held in Mexico in 2014. Now we must work on its implementation."
Micronesia
H.E. Mr. Peter Christian, President
27 September 2018DPRK: “In our region of the world, we have a stake in the ongoing peace negotiations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. We recognize and encourage the continuing efforts to bring peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula. A lasting peace on the peninsula translates to a more secure and stable Pacific Region.”
Armed Conflict: “Elsewhere in the world, we cannot ignore the pain and suffering of so many people caught in pockets of armed conflicts. As world leaders, we have fallen short of our responsibilities. It is deeply troubling to see those who wield tremendous powers, fail to take bold and decisive actions to end these serious atrocities. And we wonder if for some unknown reason such conflicts might not be good for them politically or even economically.”
Monaco
H.E. Mr. Gilles Tonelli, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
28 September 2018Disarmament: "For 25 years Monaco has ratified, adhered or accepted more than 40 international treaties on human rights, refugees, privileges and immunities, criminal matters, disarmament, the environment and the sea."
Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Prime Minister
28 September 2018Military spending: “According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report, the world military expenditure is estimated to have reached $1.7 trillion in 2017. This is not only an increase from the previous year, but also the highest level since the end of the Cold war. The armaments race is not declining and situations in some regions are instable due to aggravating conflicts. Use of technological advancements in armed conflicts is making the circumstances more dangerous than ever. Mongolia has always been standing for its principled position that any conflicts should be resolved peacefully and through dialogue.”Nuclear wepaons: “Just to cite some of the Mongolia s initiatives proving its contributions to the peace and security at global and regional echelons are the General Assembly resolutions on Disarmament Week observed on 24-30 October every year since 1978 and Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace in 1984 and the declaration of its territory as nuclear weapon free in 1992, which is progressively being guaranteed.”DPRK: "There was an occasion when we brought hundreds of orphans from the DPRK to Mongolia in the post-Korean war time and raised them. During the last decades, we have been stretching our hands within our capacity to a number of countries, which faced natural disasters and terrorist acts, rendering development assistance to some regional countries, and sharing our modest experience of democratic transition.”“Mongolia closely follows and welcomes the recent positive developments on the Korean Peninsula, including the Inter-Korean and other bilateral Summits that are giving an important impetus towards confidence-building and ensuring peace and security in the Northeast Asia. However, we are not merely observing the process, but are trying to make our own contributions.”
Morocco
H.E. Mr. Saad-Eddine El Othmani
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
Moldova
H.E. Mr. Pavel Filip, Prime Minister
28 September 2018Militarisation: “Aiming at upgrading the military offensive capacity of unconstitutional power structures, the illegal joint military exercises undermine international efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the protracted Transnistrian problem.”
Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Duško Marković, Prime Minister
28 September 2018
WMD: "We strongly support global efforts towards disarmament and non-proliferation of mass destruction weapons.”Nuclear weapons: "I am certain that by consistent application of the relevant treaties on nuclear disarmament and arms control, we can get to a world without nuclear weapons."DPRK: "Therefore, we support the activities of the United States of America, the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea intended to ensure the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."
Mozambique
H.E. Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi
25 September 2018No relevant references.
Myanmar
H.E. Mr. Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister for the Office of the State Counsellor
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Namibia
H.E. Mr. Hage Geingob, President
26 September 2018
No relevant references.
Nauru
H.E. Mr. Baron Divavesi Waqa, President
26 September 2018
No relevenat references.
The Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister
26 September 2018No relevant references.
Nepal
H.E. Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister
27 September 2018Arms race: “Challenges ranging from poverty, terrorism, climate change, food insecurity, forced displacement and natural disasters to arms race continue to confront the global community.”WMDs: “Nepal reaffirms its principled stand for a general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction.”DPRK: “We welcome the recent efforts made by the United States and two Koreas towards denuclearization and peace and stability of the Korean peninsula.”Disarmament agenda: “Nepal welcomes the Secretary General's Agenda for Disarmament with a hope of renewed impetus to disarmament. Nepal commends the beginning of deliberations under the Kathmandu Process for developing innovative confidence building measures in the Asia Pacific region.”
New Zealand
H.E. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister
27 September 2018Nuclear testing: “I am a child of the 80's. A period In New Zealand's history where we didn't just observe International events, we challenged them. Whether It was apartheid In South Africa, or nuclear testing in the Pacific.”
Nicaragua
H.E Mr. Denis Ronaldo Moncada Colindres, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2018TPNW: "For Nicaragua, to contribute to international peace is to achieve general and complete nuclear disarmament, that is why we have signed and ratified the first Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we call on other countries to ratify this historic Treaty.”
DPRK: "The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua has supported the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and communication between the authorities on both sides. We welcome the rapprochement between the two Koreas and the realization of the third inter-Korean summit as well as the Joint Declaration of September in Pyongyang that the two Korean leaders agreed on and that is seen as a breakthrough to alleviate the tension of the peninsula and the substantial elimination of the danger of war in the whole peninsula.”
"The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua hopes that nuclear weapons will be dismantled in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and that the countries involved will cooperate and, in this way, ensure firm and lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.”
JCPOA: "The Government of Nicaragua supports the nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and E3 / EU + 3, which resulted in the completion of the Joint Action Plan (JCPOA) on July 14, 2015. We emphasize that this agreement demonstrates that dialogue and diplomacy are the most appropriate means of solving these problems, as an essential part of making multilateralism work.”
Niger
H.E. Mr. Kalla Ankourao, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Nigeria
H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President
25 September 2018
SALW: “Fighting corruption or resolving international conflicts, crises and wars; defeating terrorism and piracy; curbing arms trafficking and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which fuel these conflicts, particularly in Africa; stemming irregular migration by addressing its root causes; and the many other global challenges we are faced with today can only be effectively addressed through multilateral cooperation and concerted action.”
Norway
H.E. Mrs. Erna Solberg, Prime Minister
26 September 2018No
Oman
H.E Mr. Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Palau
H.E. Mr. Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr., President
26 September 2018Nuclear weapons: “We remain committed to the need to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again. There exists an inextricable connection between testing and the elimination of nuclear weapons. The legacy of more than 2,000 nuclear tests has touched people and communities in many regions including the victims of the nuclear testing in the Pacific. Nuclear tests have negatively impacted the environment, human health, food security and economic development. Weapons of mass destruction have no place in this world and we urge achieving complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantling of such weapons and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea. The check against delivery global community must adhere to the fulfilment and the implementations of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolution and uphold the international rule of law.”
Pakistan
H.E. Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018Nuclear weapons/Militarisation: “Strategic stability in our region has been and continues to be undermined. This is evident in different ways-by introduction of destabilizing weapon systems, pursuit of discriminatory approaches by certain states to supply advanced military hardware and sensitive technologies, and adoption of offensive force postures and doctrines, that imagine conflict beneath a nuclear threshold. Under the circumstances, Pakistan has no option but to maintain a minimum credible deterrence. We have been advocating for many years now, a Strategic Restraint Regime for South Asia. Pakistan is ready to engage with India for meaningful confidence building, risk reduction and avoidance of arms race.”
AWS/Outer Space: “Technology and innovation are key to reshaping our states and societies. We must strike a prudent balance between guarding against misuse of emerging technologies and facilitating their access to developing countries. It is essential to develop universally agreed legal frameworks in the area of cyber security, lethal autonomous weapons system, Artificial Intelligence and weaponization of outer space.”
Palestine
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Panama
H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez, President
26 September 2018No relevant references.
Papua New Guinea
H.E. Mr. Rimbink Pato, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
29 September 2018 DPRK: “We welcome the easing of tensions in the Korean Peninsula and commend efforts made by all parties involved and further encourage peaceful dialogue. We support the moves to keep sanctions in place... as a real incentive to get rid of nuclear weapons... and to bring prosperity to the peoples of the DPRK."
TPNW: “We applaud and support in that respect, the efforts of the President of the General Assembly to draw global attention to the dangers of the Weapons of Mass Destruction. For our part, we are working towards signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
Paraguay
H.E. Mr. Mario Abdo Benitez, President
25 September 2018
ATT/TPNW: "We consider that the approval of the Arms Trade Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are major steps towards disarmament and proliferation."
Peru
H.E. Mr. Martin Vizcarra Cornejo, President
25 September 2018
Arms proliferation: "For a developing country like Peru, the United Nations, we represent a platform of common action to achieve sustainable peace, promote the rights of human beings and face global challenges such as change climate, terror, the proliferation of armaments, systematic corruption, or illicit drug trafficking."
The Philippines
H.E. Mr. Alan Peter Cayetano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Poland
H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President
26 September 2018DPRK: “The modern world is full of threats. We are witnessing a very dynamic development of the international situation. There are reasons to be hopeful, such as a potential change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing de-escalation of tensions there. But there are also problems that persist and remain unresolved."“Poland is involved in the process of stabilization and building of lasting security on the Korean Peninsula, not only now, in its capacity as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, but also as a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission in Korea. I am convinced that the NNSC experience could potentially be applied while establishing foundations for peace and stability on the Peninsula.”
WMD: “Wherever leaders might infringe fundamental human rights, use tortures, persecute their political opponents or use weapons of mass destruction, the international community, including the Security Council, should respond swiftly and decisively.”"Poland actively supports all actions and initiatives aimed at preventing the use and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, as well as bringing the perpetrators using such weapons to justice.”
Portugal
H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President
26 September 2018DPRK: “The important developments on the Korean Peninsula opening up positive prospects for complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation and demonstrating the commitment and courage of the parties involved and the contribution of the regional partners of the United Nations and of diplomacy for world peace and security.”
Qatar
H.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Amir
25 September 2018Cyber: “Qatar and other countries have suffered from digital privacy and digital espionage, and that has prompted us to strongly emphasize the issue and to be willing to work with United Nations organizations to regulate it legally.”"A series of events recently experienced by several countries reminded us that new needs have emerged that were previously unknown, such as the freedom of access, and the need to protect the private sphere of citizens from the risk of hacking. It also alerted us to the cyber security of nations. These are cross-border issues because of the nature of the technology itself. Accordingly, it is necessary to regulate dealing with these issues and control of their risks internationally.” “Qatar and other countries have suffered from digital privacy and digital espionage, and that has prompted us to strongly emphasize the issue and to be willing to work with United Nations organizations to regulate it legally.”
Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Moon Jae-in, President
26 September 2018
DPRK: “For the first time in history, the leader of North Korea crossed the Military Demarcation Line to visit Panmunjeom. A historic summit between the United States and North Korea was also held on the Sentosa Island in Singapore. Chairman Kim Jong Un and I removed the shadow of war and resolved to usher in an era of peace and prosperity. At the U.S-North Korea summit, the two sides agreed to work towards achieving complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, ending hostile relations and establishing a permanent peace regime. President Trump and Chairman Kim moved and gave hope to those who desire peace all around the world.North Korea dismantled its nuclear test site in Punggye-ri under the observation of the international community. The United States and the Republic of Korea suspended large-scale joint military exercises and built trust.”
“Last week in Pyongyang, I met Chairman Kim for the third time and reached an agreement once again to turn the Korean Peninsula into a land of peace free from nuclear weapons and threats. Chairman Kim expressed his hope of completing denuclearization as soon as possible to focus on economic development.”
“Moreover, Chairman Kim expressed his commitment to permanently dismantle the missile engine test site and launch platform in Dongchang-ri under observation o f the international community as a first step, in order to expedite progress in denuclearization. Furthermore, he expressed his firm willingness to continue to take additional denuclearization measures including the permanent dismantlement o f nuclear facilities in Yongbyon as the United States takes corresponding measures in the spirit of the Sentosa Agreement. The Korean Peninsula has remained under the armistice over the past 65 years. Ending the Korean War is an urgentt ask.It is a process that we must go through in order to move towards a peace regime. I look forward to seeing bold measures for denuclearization implemented among the related countries, leading to the declaration to end the War.”“The United Nations welcomed and actively supported the adoption of the Panmxmjeom Declaration. By doing so, it provided tremendous strength to the meetings that have followed, including the second inter-Korean summit, the U.S.-North Korea Summit andthe recent inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang.”“We must assure Chairman Kim that he has made the right decision in committing to denuclearization.”“The process o f working towards denuclearization and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula is a process that also leads to building peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia.”
Romania
H. E. Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, President
26 September 2018WMD: “We have to explain that we face serious threats to security ,that terrorism needs a globally coordinated response, that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery remain existential threats to global security.”
Russia
H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018JCPOA: “We observe the offensive of belligerent revisionism against the modem system of international law. The attacks have been launched against the basic principles of the Middle East settlement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program, the commitments within the World Trade Organization framework, the multilateral climate agreement and many more.”Chemical Weapons: “We remember well so many times when spurious pretexts were used to justify interventions and unleash wars - as was the case in Yugoslavia 1999, Iraq 2003, and Libya 2011. The same methods are being applied today to Syria, against whose territory the missile strikes were launched under a totally trumped-up pretext on April 14, 2018, - few hours before the international inspectors were expected to arrive at the site of the staged incident. We warn that new provocations by terrorists and their patrons with the use of chemical weapons are unacceptable.” DPRK: “We welcome positive developments around the Korean peninsula that follow the logic of the Russian-Chinese roadmap. It is important to encourage this process on the basis of further steps of the parties towards each other and by promoting practical implementation of important arrangements between Pyongyang and Seoul through the UN SC. We will continue to work towards the soonest launch of the multilateral process aimed at establishing a robust mechanism for peace and security in Northeast Asia.”Nuclear weapons/JCPOA/WMD: “The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is part of the tasks facing the international community in the key area of international security - the non-proliferation of WMDs. Regrettably, serious impediments continue to accumulate on this track. The US unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in violation of UN SC Resolution 2231 - this is despite the fact that Iran is fully complying with its obligations - has come on top of the lack of progress in the ratification of CTBT and the establishment of a WMD Free Zone in the Middle East. We will do everything possible to preserve the deal that was approved by the UNSC.”Chemical weapons: “Negative trends are accumulating in the OPCW activities where the West is trying to transform the Technical Secretariat into an instrument for punishing undesirable governments with a risk to compromise the independent professional status of this institution, CWC universality, and exclusive prerogatives of the Security Council. These and other problems in the sphere of non-proliferation were discussed in detail at the UN SC meeting on September 26 that was quite timely convened by the US presidency.”
Cyber: “Over the last couple of years the debate on cyberspace abuses has exacerbated. I would like to draw the attention to the fact that it has been already twenty years since Russia initiated the discussion of the issues of international information security at the UN. Against the background of the recent developments, it is becoming even more relevant to elaborate under the UN auspices a set of global norms of responsible behavior of states in the information space, including the principles of non-use of force, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for state sovereignty. We intend to introduce a draft of the respective resolution in the UN GA First Committee. We also believe that it is important to start the elaboration of the Convention on Cybercrime and envisage relevant discussions in the Third Committee.”
Rwanda
H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
H.E. Mr. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister
28 September 2018
Nuclear Weapons/DPRK: “St. Kitts and Nevis supports the calls for diplomacy to address the conflicts around the world and is particularly heartened by the welcomed dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. The Caribbean is a zone of peace and our clear philosophy is to promote peace, friendship and dialogue whilst avoiding conflict with other territories. In this regard a denuclearized world is a most desirable objective for all humankind.”
SALW/ATT: “Throughout the Caribbean, we suffer from an increase in crime connected to the trade in small arms, light weapons and the drug trade. These weapons flow into the Caribbean where they are not manufactured and are linked to an insatiable drug appetite in the West. It is beyond our power to unilaterally control the flow of guns into the region or the habit that drives the dangerous global drug trade. We seek the assistance of the international community as we work tirelessly to address this scourge. My country remains fully committed to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Our increasing internal budgetary allocations are an indication of our commitment to the maintenance of safety and security.”
Nuclear Weapons: “We need to see all Global Leaders come together to create and maintain stability, equality and peace in our countries, so that our collective contributions can prevent and avoid war and violence; end the proliferation of nuclear weapons, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a d create a level playing field for small states to thrive. May we be always mindful and proactive to ensure that no country is left behind in the pursuit and achievement of the 2030 Agenda.”
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
H.E. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister
27 September 2018SALW: “In recent years, we have demonstrated that small size is no impediment to impactful contributions on the world stage. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has played a leadership role in the UN’s post-Financial Crisis response; in revitalization of the General Assembly; in Security Council Reform; in advancing the Law of the Sea; in Small Arms control; in ambitious measures to combat Climate Change; and in the global response to Non-Communicable Diseases.”“Our international agenda for corrective action includes too: trafficking in persons; illegal drugs and small arms; refugees from ravaged lands; violence against women and children; the growing scarcity of water and food in many nations; the war against chronic non-communicable diseases; the rising tide of religious intolerance in certain places; and the reunification of families arising from abductions of yesteryear.”Militarism: “As the threats to international peace and security have evolved in diverse ways, so too, has the need for a diversity of viewpoints on the Security Council increased. Small Island States have largely solved – and solved spectacularly – the challenge of forging peaceful, harmonious societies amidst many of the social, ethnic, political, historical and cultural fissures that 11 traditionally lie at the root of many breaches of international peace and security. We have confronted these challenges not with a surfeit of weapons or dollars, but with mutual respect, dialogue, and an understanding that unique situations require not static ideological solutions, but flexibility and innovation geared towards the specificities of the issue at hand.”WMD: “Similarly, the madness of the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the threat of their use is a standing affront to humanity, peace and security and thus demands our continued collective response.”
Saint Lucia
H.E. Mr. Allen Michael Chastanet, Prime Minister
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Samoa
H.E. Mr. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister
28 September 2018Cyber: “Climate change as well encompasses the breadth of security issues facing our Blue Pacific region including human security. environmental and resource security, transnational crime and cyber security.”
NWFZ: “Pacific Island Forum Members have a proud history of working collectively in response to events and issues that have challenged regional security, peace and stability, from the 1985 Rarotonga Treaty created a nuclear free zone in the South Pacific, to a collective approach to addressing the existential threat of climate change.”
San Marino
H.E. Mr. Nicola Renzi, Minister for Foreign and Political Affairs and Justice
29 September 2018WMD: “Religious radicalism, terrorism, transnational organised crime, trafficking in drugs and human beings, weapons of mass destruction, violent extremism, marginalization and exclusion pose a threat to international peace and security.” Disarmament: “It is essential to analyse the root causes of conflicts if we want to favour disarmament and de-radicalisation. At the same time, we need to promote, through education, respect for and protection of human rights, the rule of law and access to justice.”
Armed Conflict: “The number of conflicts has increased over the last decade and has led to the displacement of millions of people. In 2017, 68 million people were forced to leave their homes.”
Sao Tome and Principe
H.E. Mr. Urbino José Gonçalves Botelho, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018
Armed conflict: “If we really want peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies, our efforts must continue to be conducted… to mitigate the effects of the current armed conflicts existing throughout the world, and to prevent the emergence and escalation of regional tensions which can generate others of the same kind."
Saudi Arabia
H.E. Mr. Adel Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018JCPOA: "Iran continues its terrorist activities and its aggressive conduct. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to voice its support for the US recent strategy in dealing with Iran, including seriously dealing with its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and its support for terrorism. Saudi Arabia believes that in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East what is necessary is to deter Iran and its subversive policies. Iran has trained terrorist militias, armed terrorist militias, has provided them with ballistic missiles, they have conducted assassinations targeting diplomats, acts of aggression against diplomatic missions. This is sectarianism and interference in the internal affairs of the region."
Senegal
H.E. Mr. Sidiki Kaba, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018
No relevant references.
Serbia
H.E. Mrs. Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister
27 September 2018No relevenat references.
Seychelles
H.E Mr. Danny Faure, President
25 September 2018
No relevant refernces.
Singapore
H.E. Mr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018Cyber: “Frontier issues such as artificial intelligence and cybercrime have leapt from the pages of science fiction. Social cohesion is breaking down.”
“The International Telecommunications Union ranked Singapore as the country most committed to cybersecurity in its 2017 Global Cybersecurity Index. Yet, in July this year, one of Singapore’s health databases was subject to an advanced persistent threat. This was a deliberate, targeted and sophisticated cyber-attack.”
“Cybersecurity has been a priority under Singapore’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At the 3rd ASEAN Mini terial Conference on Cybersecurity in Singapore last week, ASEAN agreed to subscribe in-principle to the 11 norms in the UN GGE’s 2015 Report.”
“Singapore will launch an ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in 2019. We have also partnered with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) on a U -Singapore Cyber Programme to raise awareness and build capacity in our region.”
DPRK: “Singapore was able to make a small contribution towards easing tensions when we hosted the Summit between the US and DPRK leaders in June. The Summit, as well as the three inter-Korean dialogues held this year, are important steps towards lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Singapore hopes that dialogue and efforts towards peace will continue.”
Sierra Leone
H.E. Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President
27 September 2018
SALW: “We acknowledge the continued relevance of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, which constitutes the global framework to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects.”
Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Andrej Kiska, President
26 September 2018
Armed conflict: “We gather here every year to enhance what we have been building for over 70 years. An idea of world based on rules and principles of humanity, responsibility, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Where wars and armed conflicts have no place.Where disputes are solved in dialogue. And where challenges are addressed in cooperation.”
“The number of armed conflicts has increased in the recent years. Only in 2016 and 2017 the number of conflicts reached the peaks of the Cold War era. The civilian casualties rise. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of innocent people directly affected by conflicts and wars.”
Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The threat of nuclear weapons resonates much more often than we could have imagined in the past years. We hope that the current developments in North Korea will bring tangible results. We must make sure the agreements will be kept. And if not, we need to act with resolve."
Chemical weapons/WMD: “Together we have agreed that using the weapons of mass destruction will be unacceptable without exceptions. Any use of chemical weapons must be a red line to our tolerance. An automatic trigger for resolute actions. So it is shameful to see repeated use of chemical weapons against own citizens for the sake of survival of a tyranny in Syria. Or for us, Europeans, shockingly, the attacks in Salisbury in Great Britain with the perpetrators avoiding responsibility and shamelessly denying facts.”
Cyber: “Unprecedented progress in innovations and new technologies brings new challenges. I am very much concerned about malicious activities in cyber space. Growing manipulation in social media is undermining democracy worldwide and indoctrinating our populations.”
“Cyber space knows no borders. It is anonymous and provides unlimited room to strike at us. The choice of means is endless.To manipulate elections, to influence decisions. To spy on us or sneak into our computers, networks and everyday lives. It is as dangerous as any conventional threat. As such it requires our utmost attention. But we don't do anything yet or barely a little. The global companies prefer their profits to their responsibilities. So it is up to us, the states, to set new standards and where needed, regulations. Because today we donT lead. We only follow. And the price of inaction may be soon very high.”
Solomon Islands
H.E. Mr. Ricky Nelson Houenipwela, Prime Minister
28 September 2018Cyber: “Madam President, security concerns have become more complex. It now involves activities beyond traditional definitions. Some of these now include new threats such as climate change, cybercrimes, transnational organised crime and so forth.”
DPRK: “This year we witnessed constructive engagement towards better managing relations along the Korean peninsula. The UN must continue to ensure that conflict prevention and resolution remains a central plank to its work as mandated by the UN Charter.”
Somalia
H.E. Mr. Ahmed Awad Isse, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018Arms trade: “I call on the UN to lift the arms embargo on Somalia.”
South Sudan
H.E. Mr. Taban Deng Gai, First Vice President
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Slovenia
H.E. Mr. Borut Pahor, President
25 September 2018NPT: “We must preserve and protect the non-proliferation architecture based on NPT, to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. We have to implement all binding international treaties, concerning weapons of mass destruction including in particular the NPT of which 50th anniversary we are marking this year. “ JCPOA: ”To that end we reiterate support to JCPOA as long as Iran honours its obligations.” DPRK: “We welcome developments related to Korean peninsula and hope to achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible de-nuclearisation of it. “ Landmines: “Slovenia continues to support humanitarian demining, mine victim assistance and the elimination of the unexploded ordnance and remnants of wars. ”
South Africa
H.E. Mr. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President
25 September 2018Disarmament/SALW: “We are working to silence the guns in Africa by 2020, to bring an end to conflicts that have cost the lives of millions of our people, displaced many more and stunted economic growth and human development.”
JCPOA: “We must accept our shared responsibility - and our shared interest - in ending conflict, and, using the outcomes of the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, to empower the United Nations to be a more effective instrument for mediation, peace keeping and post-conflict
reconstruction. In this spirit it is crucial that we should preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran, which was one of the most important breakthroughs in international
diplomacy in recent times.” Spain
H.E. Mr. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President
27 September 2018
WMD: “The growing tensions regarding nuclear proliferation and weapons of mass destruction are equally troubling. The world cannot afford another arms race. We must make the effort to regain lost consensus, an strengthen the non-proliferation system.”
Sri Lanka
H.E. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President
25 September 2018
Arms trafficking: “I must mention that just as poverty plays a central role in many problems that plague the world, trafficking in weapons, illicit drugs and narcotics have also become grave threats to humanity.”
Sudan
H.E. Dr. Eldirdiri Mohamed Ahmed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2018SALW: "It is vital to refer to the success and tangible results achieved for the National Campaign of Weapons Collection...This led to a reduction of crime rate, curbing drug and human trafficking. It also led to greater movement by the citizens and their repatriation so they can undertake different economic activities once again."
"...We also work on tackling the spread of small and light weapons since they have a direct relationship to a the transnational organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking."
Nuclear Weapons/Chemical Weapons: "Once again we stress our full commitment to all international treaties and agreements relevant to international peace and security and demilitarization, among those being the non-proliferation treaty, wof which we have acceded to since 1973, and well as other nuclear treaties. We support all efforts made in this vein and we play an important role of cooperation between African countries to implement the treaty on the ban on the use of chemical weapons."
Suriname
H.E. Mrs. Yldiz Pollack-Beigle, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018Arms Trade: “The scourges of illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, terrorism as well as trafficking in arms and persons, place an unprecedented burden on the financial and human resource capacity of small developing countries, hampering their ability to implement policy measures aimed at achieving development objectives.”
Militarization/Outer Space/Autonomous Weapons: “Like many other countries, we call for an end to the arms race, while also rejecting the militarization of outer space and the research of artificial intelligence for warfare purposes."
Sweden
H.E. Mr. Olof Skoog, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018DPRK: “On the Korean Peninsula, there is hope that a political solution will emerge from years of escalation, high tension and mistrust. There is unity in the Security Council toward our common goal of complete denuclearization, peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula through diplomatic means.”NPT: “Groundbreaking international commitments have been reached. At the same time the field of disarmament remains filled with broken and unfulfilled promises. We are witnessing a deeply worrisome nuclear renaissance, with vast modernizations of nuclear arsenals underway. Nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states should heed the call of the Secretary-General to engage in a dialogue and confidence building aiming at reducing risks and breaking the stalemate plaguing disarmament diplomacy. The NPT framework is ideally suited for such efforts.”
Switzerland
H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, President
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
Syrian Arab Republic
H.E. Walid Al-Moualem Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
29 September 2018JCPOA: “Syria strongly condemns the decision of the US administration to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement, which proves once again the United States' disregard for international treaties and conventions. We express once again our solidarity with the leaders and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and trust that they will overcome the effects of this irresponsible decision.”
Chemical weapons: "Syria eliminated completely its chemical program and fulfilled all its commitments as a member of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as confirmed by numerous OPCW reports.”“Unfortunately, every time we express our readiness to receive objective and professional investigative teams to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons, these countries would block such efforts... Meanwhile, these same countries disregarded all reliable information we provided on chemical weapons in the possession of terrorist groups that used them on multiple occasions to blame the Syrian government and justify an attack against it. The terrorist organization known as 'the White Helmets' was the main tool used to mislead public opinion and fabricate accusations and come up with lies on the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”
Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Mahmadamin Mahmadaminov, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018No relevant references.
Tanzania
H.E. Mr. Augustine Phillip Mahiga, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation
27 September 2018DPRK: “Tanzania welcomes the recent talks between the US and North Korea on the Korean Nuclear Deal which paved the way for a recent signing of an agreement between North Korea and Republic of Korea. We hope this deal and others that have followed the same pattern will yield the anticipated positive outcomes sooner than late including the long outstanding humanitarian issues in the Korean Peninsula. These are some of good examples of successful outcomes following the diplomatic engagements around the world.”WMD: “Tanzania is unreservedly committed to the multilateralism in pursuit of its national interests. It is also through unmitigated multilateralism, that we will be 3 able to address critical global challenges such as terrorism, extremism, radicalism, climate change, restrictive trade policies, trafficking in persons, drug abuse, pandemic diseases, absolute poverty, immigration dynamics and weapons of mass destruction, just to mention a few.”
Thailand
H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2018TPNW/CTBT: “Thailand also supports a rules-based international order. Last year, Thailand became one of the first states to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). And just last week, I deposited our instrument of ratification for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) which complements ASEAN’s objective of making Southeast Asia a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.”
DPRK: “We also support efforts to achieve a peaceful and denuclearized Korean Peninsula. We also hope to see one day a Nuclear-Weapon Free IndoPacific region. The late Senator Robert Kennedy of New York once said, “some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.” Today all ten Southeast Asian Nations have ratified the CTBT, why not all countries of the Indo Pacific region. As an Asian proverb states “a journey of a thousand of miles begins with the first step.” Southeast Asia has taken the first step towards a Nuclear-Weapon Free Region. Why not the rest of the Indo Pacific countries?”
Timor-Leste
H.E. Mrs. Maria Helena Pires, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018DPRK: “In our region, we felt encouraged by the continued dialogue for peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, and we hope that the dialogue between the parties will bring an end to the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the region.”
TPNW: “Our country has also signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and we encourage all State Members to do so."
Togo
H.E. Mr. Robert Dussey, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration
27 September 2018No relevant references.
Tonga
H.M. Mr. Tupou VI, Sovereign and Head of State
26 September 2018
Armed Conflict: We continue to look to the Security Council to protect the innocent from threats to international peace and security in whatever form, be they traditional threats such as armed conflict, or newer threats like climate change, to ensure no one is left behind.”
Trinidad and Tobago
H.E. Mr. Denis Moses, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018SALW: “The illegal trade in arms continues to affect the social and economic fabric of the Caribbean region, including Trinidad and Tobago. This is a particularly applicable to the trade in small arms and light weapons, which is linked to other transnational organized crime, such as drug trafficking. It threatens the livelihood of our people, undermines the rule of law and challenges our efforts for a peaceful, equitable and sustainable country.”ATT: “On the global level, Trinidad and Tobago fully subscribes to the object and purpose of the Arms Trade Treaty, which can be leveraged as a mechanism for reducing incidences of armed violence in the region. Thus, since 2010, Trinidad and Tobago has tabled the biennial resolution on Women, Disarmament, Non-proliferation and arms control, which encourages women’s participation in disarmament decision-making processes.”
TPNW: “On the issue of denuclearization, Trinidad and Tobago holds the firm view that the use or the threat of use of nuclear weapons constitutes a crime against humanity, and a violation of international law, including the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Therefore, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains robust in its support for the full and effective implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and is actively treating with the issue of signature and ratification.”
DPRK: “This year, the world has witnessed the unifying power of dialogue and understanding with the recent Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and the Unification of the Korean Peninsula between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Trinidad and Tobago remains optimistic that this historic milestone will usher in a new era of peace, cooperation and the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.”
Tunesia
H.E. Mr. Khemais Jhinaoui, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018
Armed Conflict: "For the last years, the world has seen exacerbated increase in the phenonmonent of refugees and migrants, which was a result of the continued crises and the exacerbation of armed conflicts and the human suffering associated with them, as well as disrupting security and development."
DPRK: "We are satisfied with the results of the Summit held recently...we hope that the international community will make every possible effort to end the tension in the Korean Peninsula and resetalbish conflict in the peninsula through denuclearization and ridding it of WMDs and finding peace."
Turkey
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President
25 September 2018
Statement not yet available.
Turkmenistan
H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President
29 September 2018No relevant references.
Tuvalu
H.E. Mr. Enele Sosene Sopoaga, Prime Minister
27 September 2018Nuclear weapons: “This year was characterized by the fear of a potential nuclear war as if we have not learnt from the wrongs of the past. Now we have nuclear weapons that are much more powerful than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”
Nuclear testing: “Numerous nuclear tests in our Pacific region have caused unimaginable damages to the environment and health of our people. Some of our islands are still coping with the effects of nuclear radiation decades after those nuclear tests. The recent Pacific leaders meeting in Nauru reaffirmed our commitment to peace and security in the Pacific region. Under the Boe Declaration on Pacific Regional Security, we are calling for urgent actions not only on military, but on human security issues as well.
In this spirit, Tuvalu two days ago, signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which offers the international community an opportunity to ban this weaponry. We urge all of us to take up concrete actions to make our world safe.”WMD: “Climate change is a weapon of mass destruction. It is slaughtering fellow human beings world-over. The UN cannot and must not allow the biggest GHG emitters to turn away from their moral duty to urgently reduce GHG emissions, and to save SIDS like Tuvalu with appropriate adaptation support.”
Uganda
H.E. Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister
27 September 2018WMD/Terrorism: “We must be unwavering in our resolve to combat terrorism. Religious extremism and terrorism from groups like Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, ISIS and A1 Qaida constitute threats to our common security and development. This threat is compounded today given the possibility of the linkage between terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These are challenges that cut across national boundaries and require collective responses.
Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Petro Poroshenko, President
26 September 2018
Armed conflict: “Despite the universal appeal for peace and declared commitment to uphold it, wars and armed conflicts remain our reality.”
“Unfortunately, my fellow citizens have become a part of that one-fifth of the world population who is experiencing the horrors of war.”
Militarisation: “Under Russian occupation, Crimea has turned into a military stronghold threatening security and stability in the entire wider Black Sea region.
"We believe that increasing militarization of Crimea deserves the General Assembly's close attention and prompt reaction.”
Military spending: "Despite heavy security and defense expenses totaling more than 6% of its GDP, Ukraine is undergoing fundamental transformations on social, economic and political tracks."
United Arab Emirates
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
29 September 2018Landmines: "The Houthis continue to obstruct humanitarian assistance, and are receiving Iranian arms, planting landmine sand recruiting children."JCPOA: "Mistrust in Iran’s intentions and the concerns over its nuclear ambitions are not only limited to the region. These concerns were also reflected in the decision taken by the United States to withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal and to impose sanctions. Iran had never ceased its aggressive behavior in the region nor abandoned its intention to develop weapons of mass destruction, even when the international community granted Iran the opportunity to rectify its policies and behavior. In this regard, we reiterate the importance of a united international position against Iran that addresses its development of ballistic missiles, its support of terrorist groups, and its use of proxy wars to undermine regional and international security."
United Kingdom
H.E. Mrs. Theresa May, Prime Minister
26 September 2018
Armed conflict/Syria: “And after the military interventionism at the beginning of the century, people question the rationale – and indeed legitimacy – of the use of force and involving ourselves in crises and conflicts that are not ours. While at the same time being repelled by the slaughter in Syria and our failure to end it.”
Chemical weapons: “And we see this when states like Russia flagrantly breach international norms – from the seizing of sovereign territory to the reckless use of chemical weapons on the streets of Britain by agents of the Russian GRU.”
“When the Syrian Regime used chemical weapons on its people again in April, it was Britain together with France and America who took military action to degrade the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use.
And when earlier this year, Russia used a toxic nerve agent in a sickening attack on the streets of Salisbury, the UK with our NATO, EU and other allies took action, expelling over 150 Russian intelligence officers: the largest collective expulsion ever.”
Armed conflict: “In Burma, following the damning report of the United Nations fact-finding mission, we should show the same confidence to hold accountable those responsible for the appalling atrocities repeatedly inflicted by the Burmese military on the Rohingya, Shan and Kachin peoples since 2011.”
DPRK/Iran: “The United Nations has a critical role to play. And it has a wide range of levers to do so from sanctions – which show the leaders of Iran and North Korea that they cannot act without consequence – to peacekeeping missions such as that in South Sudan, which is helping to prevent suffering and the collapse of law and order.”
United States of America
H.E. Mr. Donald Trump, President
25 September 2018
Military spending: “We have secured record funding for our military — $700 billion this year, and $716 billion next year. Our military will soon be more powerful than it has ever been before.”
DPRK/ Nuclear weapons: “With support from many countries here today, we have engaged with North Korea to replace the specter of conflict with a bold and new push for peace. In June, I traveled to Singapore to meet face to face with North Korea’s leader, Chairman KimJong Un. We had highly productive conversations and meetings, and we agreed that it was in both countries’ interest to pursue the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Since that meeting, we have already seen a number of encouraging measures that few could have imagined only a short time ago. The missiles and rockets are no longer flying in every direction. Nuclear testing has stopped. Some military facilities are already being dismantled. (...) The sanctions will stay in place until denuclearization occurs.”
Chemcial weapons/Syria: “Our shared goals must be the de-escalation of military conflict, along with a political solution that honors the will of the Syrian people. In this vein, we urge the United Nations-led peace process be reinvigorated. But, rest assured, the United States will respond if chemical weapons are deployed by the Assad regime.”JCPOA/Iran: "Iran’s neighbors have paid a heavy toll for the region’s [regime’s] agenda of aggression and expansion. That is why so many countries in the Middle East strongly supported my decision to withdraw the United States from the horrible 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal and re-impose nuclear sanctions. The Iran deal was a windfall for Iran’s leaders. In the years since the deal was reached, Iran’s military budget grew nearly 40 percent. The dictatorship used the funds to build nuclear-capable missiles, increase internal repression, finance terrorism, and fund havoc and slaughter in Syria and Yemen.”
“The United States has launched a campaign of economic pressure to deny the regime the funds it needs to advance its bloody agenda. Last month, we began re-imposing hard-hitting nuclear sanctions that had been lifted under the Iran deal. Additional sanctions will resume November 5th, and more will follow. And we’re working with countries that import Iranian crude oil to cut their purchases substantially.
We cannot allow the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism to possess the planet’s most dangerous weapons. We cannot allow a regime that chants “Death to America,” and that threatens Israel with annihilation, to possess the means to deliver a nuclear warhead to any city on Earth.”
“We ask all nations to isolate Iran’s regime as long as its aggression continues. And we ask all nations to support Iran’s people as they struggle to reclaim their religious and righteous destiny.”
Urguay
H.E. Mr. Tabaré Vásquez, President
26 September 2018No relevant references.
Vanuatu
H.E Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister
28 September 2018No relevant references.
Venezuela
H.E. Mr. Nicolás Maduro Moros, President
26 September 2918
WMD: “A global media campaign about an alleged migratory crisis in Venezuela has been deployed to justify a humanitarian intervention, as announced for years. It is a plan similar to the weapon-of mass-destruction plan used in Iraq; it is the same plan that justified the intervention in other countries, this time under a form of a great brutal psychological warfare campaign.”
Drones: “(...) Last August 4th, I was a victim of a terrorist attack with drones that tried to kill me in a military event on one of the main avenues in Caracas. If it had been executed as planned, it would have been a massacre, an assassination of the institutional, political and military high command of our nation, Venezuela. On August 4th, the perpetrators, the terrorists, those who attacked me with drones – this is the first attack with drones known in the world history of terrorist violence – were captured by the security bodies and State police agencies. The 28 perpetrators were captured thanks to different investigation procedures. They are convicted and sentenced. As I informed to different governments of the world, all the investigations about that terrorist attack indicate that it was prepared, financed and planned in the territory of United States of America (...).”
Viet Nam
H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister
27 September 2018TPNW: “We have seen significant achievements in recent years in global cooperation and development, ranging from the Convention on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, to the reforms of the United Nations, to the realization of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the adoption and implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”
Yemen
H.E. Mr. Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, President
26 September 2018
Military spending: "I have told you many times from this rostrum that Iran carries out blatant interventions in Yemen. It finances the Houthi militia and provides it with weapons, missiles, equipments and experts, it targets international and regional waters, as well as jeopardizes international shipping routes."
Zambia
H.E. Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President
25 September 2018
No relevant references.
Zimbabwe
H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President
26 September 2018No relevant references.
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