UNGA Disarmament Index 2019
This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament and arms control made during the 74th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 24 September - 30 October 2019.
UN Secretary General
Antonio Guterres
24 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
President of the General Assembly (opening)
H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the General Assembly
24 September 2019No relevant references.
Afghanistan
H.E. Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, National Security Advisor
30 September 2019
No relevant references.
Albania
H.E Edi Rama, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Algeria
H.E Sabri Boukadoum, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
No translation available.
Andorra
H.E. Xavier Espot Zamora, Head of Government
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Angola
H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President
24 September 2019
DPRK: “The prevailing tension in the Korean Peninsula which continues to endanger world peace should remain one of the major concerns of the international community.”
Arms control: “The international community and the African Union in particular should pay particular attention to the need to normalize the political situation in Libya, as the territories controlled by the different militias are the logistical source of arms and ammunition of the fundamentalist groups operating in Africa.”
Antigua and Barbuda
H.E. Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Armenia
H.E. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister
25 September 2019
Arms race: “As a nation that has experienced the horrors of genocide in the past, we stand for promoting mutual understanding and peace in our volatile region. The policy of escalation and arms race, based on illusive hopes for military superiority, has no future in the South Caucasus.”
Argentina
H.E. Mauricio Macri, President
24 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: “We express here once more our strong commitment to non-proliferation. A commitment that has been a pillar of democratic consensus for the last decades in Argentina and our guide for the development of nuclear technology ...In 2020, my country will be the president of the Conference to examine the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty. And we also hope to make a contribution through our candidate for General Director of the International Atomic Energy agency.”
Australia
H.E Scott Morrison, Prime Minister
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Austria
H.E. Mr. Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Minister of Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs
26 September 2019
JCPOA: “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action hangs by a thread, which has lead to a spiral of toughening positions.”
EWIPA: “Today most conflicts are fought in cities and in densely populated areas. In this urban warfare international humanitarian law is often violated. With devastating consequences. When explosive weapons are used in populated areas 91 percent of the casualties are civilians. This is simply unacceptable and intolerable!”
INF: “After the disappointing end of the INF treaty, we must avoid the deployment of medium-range missiles in Europe. We urge the United States and Russia to refrain from taking any steps in this direction and call for an extension of New START.”
Nuclear weapons: “As long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk of the use - on purpose or by accident - remains real. They are inhumane and a danger for our security. The current narrative that nuclear weapons are necessary for security is not only wrong - it is outright dangerous. The case for the total elimination of nuclear weapons is clear. This is a moral imperative, a question of survival for humankind. We are therefore encouraged that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which Austria helped to initiate, is now well on its way to enter into force. I call on all states to sign and ratify this treaty and to contribute to a world free of nuclear weapons.
Autonomous weapons: “We also support initiatives to ban weapons that are fully autonomous. We cannot allow machines to decide over human life and death.”
Azerbaijan
H.E. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Bahamas
H.E Hubert Alexander Minnis, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Bahrain
H.E Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
JCPOA: “We welcome, in this context, the joint communiqué issued by the United Kingdom, the French Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany, placing the responsibility for this attack on the shoulders of Iran and explaining the necessity to review the agreement concerning the Iranian nuclear program because it does not serve the purposes of peace and security in the region."
Bangladesh
H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister,
27 September 2019
Nuclear energy: “We are building our first ever nuclear power plant in Rooppur leveraging on the principle of peaceful use of nuclear energy ...Bangladesh's commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy is fortified by its consistent position against nuclear armament. We have recently ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
Barbados
H.E Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Arms trafficking: “Unfortunately, the Caribbean today also finds itself at the frontline of too many other major challenges. We continue to be confronted by the problems of blacklisting, correspondent banking, illicit flow of weapons, and non-communicable diseases to name a few. These are all threats to our stability. This is another instance where circumstances not of our making may yet destabilize us.”
Military spending/Militarism: “My country and my region are clear. There is no war worth it. There is no profit sufficiently large to be worth the price of war or the destruction of our planet.”
Belarus
H.E Vladimir Makei, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2019
No translation available.
Belgium
H.E Charles Michel, Prime Minister
26 September 2019
JCPOA/Iran: “Divergent views on the nuclear deal with Iran are causing the current tensions. We continue to support the Joint Global Action Plan (JCPOA) as a useful instrument of the non-proliferation regime.We call for a resumption of discussions on all subjects of concern: the nuclear but also the regional role of Iran and its ballistic missile program. We therefore fully support the ongoing mediation efforts initiated by France.
We call on all parties to a constructive dialogue.”
EWIPA: “The bombing of civilian populations, schools and hospitals does not serve the fight against terrorism. On the contrary, it only feeds it.”
Belize
Hon. Wilfred P. Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Bolivia
H.E Evo Morales Ayma, President
24 September 2019
Military spending/ Arms trade/ Militarism: “The arms race, military spending, the technology developed at the service of death, and the unscrupulous arms trade have increased.”
Benin
Jean-Claude Felix Do Rego, Chair of the Delegation
30 September 2019
No relevant references.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency
24 September 2019
WMD: “Bosnia and Herzegovina has either ratified or successively taken on the most significant international documents in this field (...) in order to effectively combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of deployment”.
“In accordance with the obligations arising from the provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, regarding the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of transport, Bosnia and Herzegovina is focused on fulfilling its commitments with an emphasis on strengthening dialogue and non-proliferation cooperation on mass destruction as well as various forms of regional cooperation.”
"Bosnia and Herzegovina explicitly opposes provision of any support to non-state actors and entities seeking to develop, procure, produce, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of transfer.”Nuclear weapons: “Bosnia and Herzegovina also advocates all general positions in terms of promoting and supporting all realistic and effective ideas that will lead to the ultimate goal, which is the world without nuclear weapons.”
Botswana
Hon. Dr. Unity Dow, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation
28 September 2019
TPNW/ATT: “As a part of our commitment to a peaceful world order, Botswana recently became a State party to the Arms Trade Treaty. We have also just signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This speaks to our determination to contribute to global peace and security through complete disarmament, by eliminating illicit trade in conventional and nuclear weapons that continue to cause unprecedented human suffering.”
Brazil
H.E Jair Messias Bolsonaro, President
24 September 2019No relevant references.
Bulgaria
H.E Rumen Radev, President
26 September 2019
JCPOA: “Bulgaria expresses deep concern about the decision of Iran to suspend the implementation of some of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on its nuclear program. The return to full compliance with the nuclear deal and the further diplomatic outreach is the only prerequisite for lowering the tensions. Discussing the regional role and the ballistic missile program of Iran is to be addressed separately from the JCPoA.”
DPRK: “The resumption of the US-DPRK dialogue and the encouraging signals with regard to Pyongyang’s readiness to engage in negotiations on denuclearization represent a qualitatively new phase in the international efforts. It is vital that summit agreements are followed by actions yielding tangible results. Bulgaria reiterates its support for the strict and effective implementation of the sanctions regime, as well as for keeping the channels of communication open.”
Nuclear weapons: “The multilateral efforts in non-proliferation and disarmament remain central. Next year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which coincides with the 2020 NPT Review Conference. For keeping the momentum we need to reconfirm the validity of the Treaty as the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.”
Burkina Faso
H.E Roch Marc Christian Kabore, President
24 September 2019
Arms race: “International peace and security are threatened by the arms race.
This is why Burkina Faso supports all initiatives and multilateral actions for disarmament, both with respect to weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons.
Today, more than ever, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons are a threat to international peace and security in diverse regions of the world, notably in East Africa and the Sahara, and is an obstacle to the objectives of sustainable development."
Divestment: “I also states to allocate the resources generated by disarmament programs to the financing of the SDGs, official development assistance and the green fund.”
Burundi
S.E.M. Ezechiel Nibigira, Minister of Foreign Affairs
30 September 2019 SALW: "On a regional level, Burundi supports the initiative by the African Union to "silence the guns in Africa by 2020," which the UN Security Council supports with its reoslution 2457. In this respect, we are encouraged by recent developments in the DRC, the CAR, Sudan, South Sudan, by the new wind of hope that is blowing in the Horn of Africa (....).
Bhutan
H.E. Lyonchenn Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Brunei Darussalam
Hon. Dato Erywan Pehin Yus, Minister of Foreign Affairs II
30 September 2019
Cyber: “The digital revolution has redefined social interaction, proliferated ecommerce and intensified information-sharing. However, we must be careful to prevent malicious use of these technologies. While technology like the internet can offer solutions, it has also given rise to an age of unprecedented misinformation and manipulation. There is rampant misuse of the internet and social media that spreads hatred, incites violence and even glorifies acts of crime and terrorism. Extremist views are also indoctrinated and rationalised, with no regard for the different cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs of others. While we must adapt to the technological advances, it is also urgent that we collectively address the emerging threats they can pose.”
Cabo Verde
H.E. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister and Minister of Reform
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Cambodia
H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
Arms race: “The arms race is revived by the reckless use of threats and the breaking of international commitments, all at the expense and the detriment of the world in its efforts to reduce poverty, combat climate change, and promote better life, quality and prosperity.”
Cameroon
S.E.M. Mbella Mbella, Minister of Foreign Relations
26 September 2019
Arms trafficking: “Terrorism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, including organized crime, and the illicit trafficking of weapons of all kinds seem to be spreading and threatening the peace and stability of states and the development of peoples.”
Canada
Marc-André Blanchard, Chair of the Delegation
30 September 2019
No relevant references.
Central African Republic
H.E Faustin Archange Touadera, Head of State
25 September 2019
SALW/ arms trade: “In Africa, the state of affairs shows that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a real threat to peace and security.
More than ever, our states are called upon to combine their efforts to pool their resources, mainly in the areas of prevention and early warning.
The example of the ECOWAS-ECCAS joint summit in Lomé in July 2018 should inspire more concerted and coordinated action as the circulation of small arms and light weapons defies national borders.
These situations of insecurity remind us of the effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty which would reduce this threat that we face on our continent.”
Disarmament: “In this respect, the Central African Republic strongly supports the actions taken by our organization under the leadership of the Security Council with a view to achieving general and complete disarmament of our planet both for the weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons.”
Chad
H.E Idriss Deby Itno, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
China
H.E Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
INF: “The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is important in upholding global strategic balance and stability. Unilateral withdrawal from it will cause multiple negative impacts. China is opposed to the deployment of land-based intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific.”
Nuclear disarmament: “We urge the country with the largest nuclear arsenal to fully fulfil its special and primary responsibilities in nuclear disarmament.
ATT: “China will continue to take an active part in the international arms control process. Here, I announce that China has initiated the domestic legal procedures to join the Arms Trade Treaty.”
JCPOA: “The Iranian nuclear issue affects world peace and security. All parties need to work together to uphold the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and ensure that this historic outcome is not derailed. Given the growing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region, China proposes the following: The Iranian nuclear issue should be speedily brought back to the track of JCPOA; the Gulf countries should be urged to establish a platform for dialogue and consultation; and countries from outside the region should play a positive role in maintaining security in the region."
DPRK: “Regarding the Korean Peninsula, the opportunity for the political settlement of the issue must not be missed again. The zigzag course over the past 20 years or so shows time and again that the realistic and viale way forward is to promote parallel progress in denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism and to accommodate the concerns of all sides and gradually build trust through phased and synchronized actions. The DPRK has demonstrated a readiness to promote dialogue. It is hoped that the US can meet the DPRK halfway. It is necessary for the Security Council to consider; in light of new developments on the Peninsula, invoking the rollback terms of the DPRK-related resolutions in order to bolster the political settlement of the Peninsula issue.”
Cuba
H.E. Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, Minister of foreign affairs
28 September 2019
Militarisation/Cyber: “The behavior of the current US administration and its strategy of military and nuclear domination are a threat to international peace and security. It has almost 800 military bases around the world. It promotes projects to militarize outer space and cyberspace as well as the covert and illegal use of ICTs to attack other States.”
INF: “The US withdrawal from the Treaty on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Nuclear Missiles (INF) and the immediate commencement of intermediate range missiles tests are intended to launch a new arms race.”
DPRK: “We welcome the process of dialogue between the two Koreas. Only through dialogue, without pre-conditions, and negotiations, will it be possible to achieve a lasting political solution in the Korean peninsula. We strongly condemn the imposition of unilateral and unjust sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
Chile
H.E Sebastian Piñera, President
24 September 2019No relevant references.
Colombia
H.E Iván Duque Márquez, President
25 September 2019
DDR: "A year ago I stated that my government was going to work so that the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration process is successfully implemented. Today I can assure you that peace within the legal framework advances."
Comoros
H.E. Azali Assoumani, President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Congo
H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
28 September 2019
Arms race: “The events that we see happening around the world, include: (...) the return of national irredentism and the revival of an arms race of sad memory (...), all accompanied sometimes by the real risk of an armed confrontation between states, these events (...) give rise to legitimate anxieties and fuel quite understandable uncertainties about the future of the world."
Costa Rica
H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Croatia
H.E Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, President
24 September 2019
WMD: “It is upon us to address the greatest challenges of the globalised 21st century: climate change, sustainable development, migration, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and new technologies.”
Czech Republic
H.E. Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister
25 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Cyprus
H.E Nicos Anastasiades, President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Democratic Republic of Congo
H.E Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi, President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
H.E. Ambassador Kim Song, Head of the delegation
30 September 2019
DPRK: “The key to consolidating peace and stability and achieving development on the Korean peninsula is in the full implementation of the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement agreed and adopted at the historic DPRK-U.S. summit meeting and talks held in Singapore in June last year.” (...)
“More than one year has passed since the adoption of the June 12 DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement. However, the relations between the DPRK and the U.S. have made little progress so far and the situation of the Korean peninsula has not come out of the vicious cycle of increased tension, which is entirely attributable to the political and military provocations perpetrated by the U.S. resorting to the anachronistic hostile policy against the DPRK.”
“It is attributable to the double-dealing behavior of the south Korean authorities who performed the act of "handshake of peace" before the world people, but behind the scene introduce ultra-modem offensive weapons and hold joint military exercises with the U.S. targeting the DPRK. (...)
“The introduction of the latest offensive weapons and the U.S.-south Korea joint military exercises targeting the DPRK constitute flagrant violation and challenge of the agreement in military field on completely halting hostile acts against the other side and refraining from building up armed forces for implementation of the Panmunjom Declaration.”
Denmark
H.E. Jeppe Kofod, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Djibouti
Ismaël Omar Guelleh, President and Head of Government
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Dominica
H.E. Charles Angelo Savarin, President
26 September 2019
DPRK: “We support dialogue and negotiations to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula”
Nuclear arms race: “We support dialogue and negotiations to resolve the disputes in the Middle East, including the possibility of a nuclear arms race.”
Dominican Republic
S.E. Miguel Vargas, Minister of Foreign Relations
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Ecuador
H.E. Lenin Moreno Garcés, Constitutional President
25 September 2019
Nuclear disarmament: “Disarmament, especially nuclear disarmament, and the future prohibition of weapons of mass destruction is a goal of coexistence, and is especially valid in regions where there are ongoing or latent conflicts.”
Nuclear weapons/TPNW: “Ecuador has deposited her ratification of the Treaty of the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons….Clearly you can see that the uncontrolled possession of these arms can derive in deliberate or accidental use. And in this case, the brutal effects are not only felt on the continents in atomic war, but are felt throughout the world. We have been victims of radioactive contamination for centuries! Us and our descendants are subject to harmful agents that can cause catastrophic disease and genetic deformities.”
El Salvador
H.E Nayib Armando Bukele, President
26 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: "The UN has a crucial role to play in maintaining global peace, the fight against hunger, the improvement of health, the search for development, the rights of women, of children, the protection of our environment, addressing the issue of refugees, and even the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
Equatorial Guinea
H.E Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 Sptember 2019
No relevant references.
European Union
H.E Donald Tusk, President of the European Council
26 September 2019Statement not yet available.
Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs
30 September 2019
No relevant references.
Estonia
H.E Kersti Kaljulaid, President
25 September 2019
Cyber: “But we also have new emerging challenges related to new technologies. Estonia is to this day the world’s only digitally transformed nation which runs its government totally online. But many are following us into cybersphere.
New risks to our sovereignty emerge, related to cyber crime and also cyberspace as the new military domain. As Estonia is globally contributing to the leapfrogging efforts based on e-governance, we feel our responsibility to protect cyberspace as well. Hence, we strive, also in our work in the UN Security Council, towards better application of international law in the digital space.
Estonia has already declared its own intent in applying national and international law where cyberspace is concerned. We invite all nations to do the same, in order to clarify how international law applies in digital sphere.”
Eswatini
H. M. King Mswati III, Head of State
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Ethiopia
H.E Sahle-Work Zewde, President
26 September 2019
WMD/Arms race: “Threats to global peace and security are multiplying. Geo-political and trade tensions; arms races; proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; terrorism and violent extremism; poverty and income inequalities are all global challenges that require global solutions.”
Fiji
H.E Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Finland
H.E. Sauli Niinistö, President
24 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: “The disappearing trust in institutions and regimes is particularly dangerous in the field of arms control. On nuclear weapons, we are actually losing the last elements of control altogether. With the collapse of the INF and the uncertain future of New START, the NPT Review Conference next year is now of utmost importance.”
WMD: “We should also be able to address other weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons – and completely new weapon technologies. We can only manage these challenges together. Therefore Finland fully supports the Secretary-General’s efforts to bring the disarmament agenda back to the core of the United Nations.”
Egypt
H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President
24 September 2019
No translation available.
France
H.E Emmanuel Macron, President
24 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Gabon
S.E.M. Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2019
SALW: “The price of instability under the effect of terrorism and the terror of armed groups is particularly heavy for many African countries which are constrained to devote substantial resources to these phenomena maintained among others by the trade of small arms and light weapons, and the illicit trafficking of species of fauna and flora.”
Arms trade: “Convinced that beyond the inclusive nature of the peace agreement signed in Khartoum by all parties to the crisis, a lasting solution depends on the strengthening of state capacity. This is why Gabon is pleading for the lifting of the arms embargo that is still affecting the Central African Republic.”
Gambia
H.E Isatou Touray, Vice-President
26 September 2019
Arms trade: “Across our region, we are facing increased threats from the rise of terorrism, violent extremism, proliferation of illicit weapons and drug trafficking including human trafficking.”
SALW: “Silencing Guns in Africa by 2020, an African Union initiative is still a lofty goal that we must relentlessly continue to pursue at this late hour. A peaceful Africa is possible and we must do more to encourage dialogue in Libya...the parties must lay down their arms and negotiate in good faith.”
Germany
Heiko Mass, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2019
JCPOA/Iran: “There is something else we emphasised today at our meeting with lran, Russia and China: we want to continue to adhere to the JCPoA and the goal of an Iran with no nuclear weapons. Because it creates security and a basis for further-reaching talks with Iran. Even if it is difficult. When it comes down to it, diplomacy means not getting bogged down in black-and-white logic. But it also means sticking to mutual agreements. And that is why we expect Iran to meet the obligations it entered into vis-a-vis us and the entire international community. And to respond positively to our European efforts to get going on a diplomatic solution.”
Georgia
H.E Salome Zourabichvili, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Ghana
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Greece
H.E Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Grenada
H.E. Mr. C. Peter David, Minister for foreign affairs and Labour
28 September 2019
TPNW: “Grenada is committed to the maintenance of the Caribbean Region as a zone of peace. In that regard, therefore, we are not only proud to be a party to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco), but to now also be a signatory to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
Guinea
H.E Alpha Condé, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Guinea-Bissau
H. E Suzi Barbosa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019Statement not yet available.
Guatemala
H.E. Jimmy Morales, President
25 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Haiti
H.E. Bocchit Edmond, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Holy See
H.E. Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State
28 September 2019
Arms control/Military spending/Proliferation/Cyber/Outer space: “The proliferation of weapons is particularly alarming as it spurs and exacerbates violence, conflict and war. The Secretary-General’s Report documents that armed groups are multiplying, worldwide military spending and arms competition are increasing, and the threat of the weaponization of artificial intelligence, cyberspace and outer space is growing.”
Arms trafficking: In some places, young people sadly are more adept with guns and rounds of ammunition than they are with pens and schoolbooks. Without greater international and regional cooperation, and awareness of the dangers and responsibilities related to the production and movement of arms, especially among weapon-producing States, the cycle of death, destruction and disruption will simply continue. In order to tackle the problem of illicit arms trafficking, it is necessary to work to promote, especially through education, a real culture of life and peace that may respond effectively to the causes that are at the basis of the demand of such weapons.
TPNW/CTBT/NPT: "Greater multilateral cooperation is likewise needed to create the conditions and take steps necessary for the elimination of nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) are both important steps toward a nuclear weapons-free world. They are the fruit of the efforts of many States and other stakeholders to promote greater awareness and understanding of the humanitarian consequences and environmental disasters that would result from the use of nuclear weapons and are complements, not distractions, to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which will have its tenth Review Conference next year."
Nuclear disarmament: "Trust has been seriously eroded by both the recent lack of progress in nuclear disarmament and by the decision of some States to develop new nuclear weapons capabilities or “modernize” and “upgrade” existing ones. This deterioration of trust not only imperils the achievement of true and lasting peace among nations, but also undermines the foundations for multilateralism in general. It is for this reason that the Secretary-General has said that “disarmament and non-proliferation [must] be put at the center of the work of the United Nations.”
Iceland
H.E. Gudlauger Thor Thordarsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
Non-proliferation/cyber/arms control: “These, and unfortunately other protracted conflicts, amid the growing distrust between major powers, calls for a greater commitment, creative thinking and more resources, both to the traditional arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation agenda, but also emerging technologies, cyber security, and hybrid threats.”
India
H.E Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Indonesia
H.E Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Iran
H.E Hassan Rouhani, President
25 September 2019
JCPOA: “The attitude of the incumbent US government towards the nuclear deal or the JCPOA not only violates the provisions of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, but also constitutes a breach of the sovereignty and political and economic independence of all the world countries.
In spite of the American withdrawal from the JCPOA, and for one year, the Iranian remained fully faithful to all its nuclear commitments in accordance with the JCPOA. Out of respect for the Security Council resolution, we provided Europe with the opportunity to fulfill its 11 commitments made to compensate the US withdrawal. However, unfortunately, we only heard beautiful words made to compensate the US withdrawal. It has now become clear for all that the United States turns back to its commitments and Europe is unable and incapable of fulfilling its commitments. We even adopted a step-by-step approach in implementing paragraphs 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. And we remain committed to our premises in the deal. However, our patience has a limit; when the US does not respect the United Nations Security Council, and when Europe displays inability, the only way shall be to rely on national dignity, pride and strength. They call us to negotiation while they run away from treaties and deals. We negotiated with the incumbent US government on the 5+1 negotiating table; however, they failed to honor the commitment made by their predecessor.
On behalf of my nation and state, I would like to announce that our response to any negotiation under sanctions is negative. The government and people of Iran have remained steadfast against the harshest sanctions in the past one and a half years ago and will never negotiate with an enemy that seeks to make Iran surrender with the weapon of poverty, pressure and sanction.
If you require a positive answer, and as declared by the leader of the Islamic Revolution, the only way for talks to begin is return to commitments and compliance.
If you are sensitive to the name of the JCPOA, well, then you can return to its framework and abide by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Stop the sanctions so as to open the way for the start of negotiations. (...)
If you stand on your word that you only have one demand for Iran i.e. non-production and non-utilisation of nuclear weapons, then it could be easily attained in view of the IAEA supervision and more importantly, with the fatwa of the Iranian leader. Instead of show of negotiation, you shall return to the reality of negotiation. (...)"
Iraq
H.E Barham Salih, President
25 September 2019
No translation available.
Ireland
H.E. Michael Higgins, President
25 September 2019
Cyber: “While technologies have made the world more connected, we also witness the ways they can be misused to spread xenophobia or hateful rhetoric. It is also essential that the fruits of new science and technology are turned to the promotion and preservation of peace, and not to a renewed pursuit and prosecution of war. This calls for an effective global level institutional initiative, effective and accountable in a multilateral way.”
NPT: “The coming General Assembly session will see some key moments for disarmament. We will mark the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and its tenth review conference. I am proud of Ireland’s role in developing the Treaty, and I reiterate our commitment to a successful Review Conference in 2020."
TPNW: “I hope that this conference sets a level of ambition for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, the only guarantee of our safety. It is for this reason that Ireland is also a strong supporter of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. One of the greatest challenges facing today’s global policymakers is how to anticipate and deal with complex risks, such as those associated with new weapon technologies.”
Military spending: "It is, for me, difficult to reconcile the rhetoric for peace I hear from countries who accompany it with ever-increasing efforts at acquiring increased shares in global armament sales."
EWIPA: “Ireland is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of conflict on civilians. The protection of civilians and full compliance with international humanitarian law face new and greater challenges as warfare increasingly moves from open battlefields to urban settings. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas is a particular cause for concern.”
Israel
H.E. Israel Katz, Minister of Foreign Affairs
26 September 2019
Iran/Missiles: “We recently saw a serious escalation in which Iranian missiles were launched from Iran against “Saudi oil facilities” in order to destabilize world oil supplies...The world cannot allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. The world cannot allow Iran to develop ballistic missiles, and the world must stop Iran from supporting terror organizations in the region.”
Jamaica
H.E Andrew Holness, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Arms trade/SALW: “Despite the strong programmes that are in place to get guns off the street, and our investments in improved border systems, we DO NOT by ourselves have the capacity to stem the flow.
The malignant link between organized crime, the illegal drug trade and the illicit proliferation and trafficking of small arms require transnational, regional and multilateral action. We therefore not only rely on the support of neighbouring countries, but we look to the UN to continue to play a pivotal role in supporting peace and security at all levels including with respect to the proliferation of conventional weapons.”
DPRK: “We also support the efforts towards rapprochement on the Korean Peninusla and discourage any action that would reverse these efforts.”
Disarmament: “We are equally concerned about the disarmament and proliferation landscape, particularly the gradual dismantling of longstanding disarmament treaties and the implications for international peace and security.”
Japan
H.E. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister
24 September 2019
DPRK: “Japan’s unchanging objective is to normalize relations with North Korea through comprehensively resolving the outstanding issues of concern with North Korea including the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues, as well as settling the unfortunate past.”
Nuclear weapons/JCPOA: “I consider precious the pronouncement made to me directly from Supreme Leader Khamenei of Iran, that he issued as a fatwa three repudiations regarding nuclear weapons namely “not to possess, produce, or use them.”
Jordan
H. M. King Abdullah II
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Kazakhstan
H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President
24 September 2019
Arms race: “We all suffer from a lack of trust among global and regional actors. It leads to an erosion of the current security and arms control architecture resulting in a renewed arms race. These are aggravated by restrictive sanctions, trade wars, an intense rivalry in space, cyber technology, and artificial intelligence. All of the above represent alarming facets of the deepening fundamental crisis.
Nuclear weapons: “Achieving a nuclear-weapons-free world remains a top priority for my country. This aspiration has become an essential part of the nation-wide identity of the Kazakh people, giving us the moral right to be at the forefront of global movement to eliminate nuclear weapons. We stem from the firm conviction that nuclear weapons are no longer an asset, but a danger to global peace and security. (…)
Unfortunately, some countries still rely in their strategic defence calculations on nuclear arsenals, prompting their rivals to consider acquiring asymmetric responses, but equally deadly types of Weapons of Mass Destruction. (…)
Kazakhstan closed down the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and voluntarily renounced the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world…These acts were the first step in our long and successful journey towards global championship in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. (…)
I would mention the establishment of the unique nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia, hosting the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank, adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the International Day against Nuclear tests and the recent ratification of the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We all should stand resolutely for the Universal Declaration on the Achievement of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World as our roadmap to a safer future. We also aim for enhanced cooperation among nuclear weapons free zones and creation of new ones.”
JCPOA/DPRK: “Kazakhstan believes that the current issues on Iran’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and denuclearization of the Korean peninsula should be settled only by political means, with due respect to each other’s interests and concerns.”
Kenya
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Kuwait
H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Sabah, Prime Minister
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Kyrgyzstan
Chingiz Aiderbekov, H.E Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September
No translation available.
Lao PDR
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
TPNW: “The Lao PDR also continues to support the effort of international community to achieve disarmament and non-proliferation. Therefore, the Lao PDR has ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapon. Furthermore, we welcome the Commemoration of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons held on 26th September.”
Latvia
H.E. Egils Levits, President
24 September 2019
Cyber: “Nowadays, violations of international law are committed not only through direct military force, but increasingly through disinformation, cyber attacks, economic influence, energy pressures and interference in election processes. (...)
Latvia is ready to participate actively in discussions and share its experience in promoting responsible behavior in cyber space and boosting institutional and individual resilience to malicious intent. (...)
Certainly, digital technologies have brought progress for humanity. However, we must be careful to prevent malicious use of these technologies…These technologies need to be developed with greater responsibility and accountability. (...)
The UN must actively promote discussion of personal data protection in cyberspace, especially the ethical and legal standards for the use of personal data.”
Lebanon
H.E Michel Aoun, President
25 September 2019
Incendiary weapons/EWIPA: “The Israeli violations of Resolution 1701 have never ceased, and neither have the exaggerated aggressions against the Lebanese sovereignty, by land, sea and air. The blatant hostile act carried out last month against a residential area in the heart of Beirut is the most serious infringement of this resolution. Moreover, the fires that lasted for days in the occupied Shebaa farms as a result of the incendiary Israeli shells, represent an international environmental crime that requires a condemnation of those who caused them.”
Lesotho
H.E Thomas Motsoahae Thabane, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: “As the Security Council remains paralysed to act in critical situations, the threat of the use of nuclear weapons continues to haunt us.”
DPRK: “In the Korean Peninsula, the security situation does not give us comfort. Launching of different types of missiles, in total disregard of the UN Security Council Resolutions puts an unnecessary strain on the relations between states and, indeed flies in the face of our Charter obligations.”
WMD: “I appeal to all Member States to join hands in ensuring a safer planet free of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons.”
Liberia
H.E George Manneh Weah, President
25 September 2019
Armed conflict: “We are all aware of the terrible destruction of lives and properties caused by civil war.
However, long after the guns have been silenced, the survivors have to live with the collateral damage of the war-wounded, the shattered families, the displaced populations, the resettlement of refugees, and all the other negative consequences of a national socio-economic fabric that has been torn apart.”
Liechtenstein
H.H. Alois von und zu, Head of State
24 September 2019
Armed conflict/ Nuclear weapons/Cyber: “But today more so than in a long time, armed conflict of unforeseeable consequences is a real danger. The existence of nuclear weapons and the options presented through cyber warfare illustrate the incredible level of risk and the potential devastating impact of armed conflict today. Armed conflict is illegal, except when the use of force is authorized by the Security Council or if carried out in self-defence. The most serious forms of the illegal use of force are also a criminal offense now, both in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and in many domestic legal systems. These are new legal norms that we need more than ever and that also apply to new methods of warfare.”
Lithuania
H.E. Gitanas Nausėda, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Luxembourg
H.E Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister
26 September 2019
JCPOA: “For its part, Luxembourg, as the whole of the European Union and the vast majority of the international community, wants to believe that it is possible, even to widen the scope, to make the 2015 agreement work. That’s why the United States and Iran have to renew the threads of dialogue.”
Madagascar
H.E. Christian Ntsay, Prime Minister
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Malaysia
H.E. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Militarism/Arms race/Military spending: “That power has resulted in an arms race. Each one of the five rely on their military might in order to challenge any attempt to take their power away. They feel they must be well armed to retain their right to be the privileged five.
It is this structure of the United Nations that renders it incapable of achieving its principle objectives- that of preventing wars between nations. Indeed, the structure had enable the promotion of war within countries and between countries.
True, the war-like European countries have not gone to war with each other over the past two-thirds of a century. But elsewhere there is evidence that European countries have caused wars to break out, arms and funds to be supplied and active participation in prolonging the wars. It is apparently good for business, for weapons sale.”
Militarism: “In keeping with the objectives of the United Nations, Malaysia had launched a campaign to criminalise war. It is ridiculous to hang a murderer for killing one person but to glorify the people who are responsible for the deaths of millions of people. Modern wars are total in every way. Not only will combatants be killed but innocent people, the children, the sick and incapacitated are also killed and wounded. Whole countries are devastated, and trillions of dollars lost. In the end, both the victors and losers suffer.
“We consider ourselves civilised but we are still very primitive since we accept killing people as a way to settle disputes between nations or within nations.
There are other ways of settling disputes. We can negotiate or submit to arbitration by third parties. Or we can resort to the courts of law - the World Court, the International Court of Justice, for example.
Malaysia does not just talk. We do. We settle disputes with our neighbours through negotiation and through the World Court. We won some and we lost some. But no one has been killed.
This talk about “not one inch of my territory” is ridiculous. We know that if we go to war, that inch is going to cost us more than what it is worth.
When one goes to court one does not always get what one claims to be rightfully ours. but it is the same with war. We do not always win. In a contest between two parties, one must lose if the other is to win. But if we use peaceful means we can still lose but it will cost us much less. No one would die, nor land devastated.”
Mali
H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President
25 September 2019
DDR: “One of the major achievements of the Agreement is the absence of belligerence between the Mali Defense and Security Forces and the signatory movements, as well as the gradual return of trust between the Malian parties. This is complemented by the reintegration of more than 500 veterans into the Malian Defense and Security Forces and the enrollment of nearly 2,000 ex-combatants, members of the Operational Coordination Mechanism (OCM), as part of the Accelerated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).”
Arms trafficking: “This is the place to point out that the motivations of these terrorist groups have little to do with religion and even less with development. The challenge for them is to create spaces for their criminal activities to flourish, including the trafficking of weapons, human beings or illegal goods, taking advantage of the low population of the Etas, particularly services defense and security, in the regions concerned.”
Malawi
H.E. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Maldives
H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Malta
H.E. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Mauritania
H.E Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President
25 September 2019
No translation available.
Mauritius
H.E Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, President
27 September 2019
Outer space/ cyber/ arms: “Escalation of tensions on economic and trade issues, withdrawal from international treaties, increased weaponization of outer and cyber space, as well as the proliferation of arms, have further accentuated the risks to global security.”
Marshall Islands
Hon. Mr. John Silk, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
28 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: “As a UN Trusteeship, we approached the United Nations twice - in 1954 and 1956 - to stop the testing of nuclear weapons on our shores. And twice the United Nations disregarded our petitions in place of resolutions authorizing nuclear detonations, twice our voices were unheard, and twice larger political concerns overruled the protection of our human rights.”
Nuclear testing: “We are still facing challenges from the impacts of nuclear weapons testing, and our experience should be a global lesson of the humanitarian consequences of nuclear detonation. We are left with a devastating footprint on our health, well-being, environment, and rights of our population. This is contamination which we did not cause, and for which we lack the capacity to fully understand, let alone address. The recent establishment of a national nuclear commission and its progress towards a work plan is a historic step forward.”
Micronesia
H.E. David Panuelo, President and Head of Government
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Moldova
H.E. Igor Dodon, President
26 September 2019
Ammunition: “I believe the key to our success is the promotion of the concept of the international recognition of the military neutrality of the Republic of Moldova along with the completion of removal and disposal of ammunition left in the territory of the Republic of Moldova since the Soviet era, with full and final completion of the withdrawal of foreign troops from the state, which I have the honour to represent at this high tribune.”
Monaco
H.S.H. Prince Albert II
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Mongolia
H.E. Tsogtbaatar Damdin, MP for Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
Cyber: “Aggression and anger triggers counter-aggression and angry response. In addition to that, we have an unprecedented exposure to the risk of the anger and frustration of few to multiply and explode into the mass irritation due to the interconnectedness through the social media. The later unchartered before and unique territory should always be kept in mind now. We are yet to fully understand the social change that the IT era is offering.”
Nuclear weapons: “On top of all the above-mentioned under-known realities, we should not forget that we have piles of nuclear weapons that can put all the differences to an end at once and for good along with all the virtues the life offers. Indeed, after living for 30 with odds years in the world without an enemy in a full nuclear sense, we are used to taking global peace for granted. Hence, we often control little our rhetoric as to its potential to aggravate animosity.”
Montenegro
H.E. Milo Đukanović, President
26 September 2019
INF: “Abandoning the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty brought us to the situation where we have to face the security issue that requires establishment of a strategic dialogue. The world without INF calls for taking responsibility, and not for avoiding it.
JCPOA/Iran: “And the uncertainty regarding the preservation and full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the Iranian nuclear programme raises additional serious concerns.”
Disarmament Agenda: “We will continue providing strong support to global efforts to control arms, disarmament and non-proliferation, primarily to the Secretary General’s Disarmament Agenda.”
Morocco
H.E. Saad-Eddine El Othmani, Head of Government
24 September 2019
No translation available.
Mozambique
H.E. José Condugua António Pacheco, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
28 September 2019
WMD/SALW: “The prevalence of actions linked to fundamentalism and violent extremism, as well arms proliferation and trading, particularly of weapons of mass destruction and small arms and light weapons, that threaten national, regional, and global peace and security, are causes of added concern for our country.”
Disarmament: “In this regard, and under the framework of our peace policy, we support· all global initiatives and partnerships, including actions focusing on dialogue through international disarmament mechanisms, and combating fundamentalism and related activities, violent extremism, and all forms of terrorist acts.”
Myanmar
H.E. U Kyaw Tint Swe, Union Minister for the Office of State Counsellor
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Namibia
H.E. Hage Geingob, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Nauru
H.E. Lionel Rouwen Aingimea
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Netherlands
H.M. King Willem-Alexander
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Nepal
Hon. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
Arms race: “Arms race coupled with growing distrust among major players appears symptomatic to a new form of division with regard to critical issues of peace and security.”
INF/JCPOA/NWFZ: “We are concerned with the collapse of INF treaty, pull out of an important party from the Iran Nuclear deal, and stalemate in the Conference on Disarmament. Such trends should not encourage the penchant for nuclear armaments. Nepal is in support of effective and verifiable nuclear weapons free zones.”
TPNW: “As a signatory to the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, we expect to complete internal legal process for its ratification soon.”
Outer space: “We reiterate that the outer space must be kept free of arms race for the greater benefit of humanity.”
Disarmament: “As the host country to the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, Nepal calls for strengthening of the regional approaches to disarmament including the ‘Kathmandu Process’ to complement the global initiatives.”
DPRK: “Nepal welcomes the dialogues between the United Sates and DPRK and between the two Koreas. We hope the initiatives will lead to lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.”
New Zealand
H.E. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister
24 September 2019
Cyber: “The alleged terrorist used social media as a weapon. The attack demonstrated how the internet, a global commons with extraordinary power to do good, can be perverted and used as a tool for terrorists.”
Nicaragua
H.E Denis Moncada Colindres, Minister of Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Niger
H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, President
24 September, 2019
No relevant references.
North Macedonia
H.E. Zoran Zaev, President of the Government
26 September 2019
WMD/Arms trade: “North Macedonia continues to support all actions aimed at countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal arms trade, as well as to support disarmament efforts in all aspects.”
Oman
H.E. Yusif bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Palau
H.E Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr., President
25 September 2019
DPRK/WMD: “We view with concern North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launches that violate UN Security Council resolutions, which threatens peace and stability in our region, and around the world. Weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges must be dismantled, and the cooperation of all states is essential to fully implement relevant Security Council resolutions.”
Palestine
H.E Mahmoud Abbas, President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Papua New Guinea
H.E. James Marape, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Paraguay
H.E. Anotnio Rivero Palacios, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
Non-proliferation/disarmament: “The Republic of Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament, with the waiver of war and with the use of peaceful means to resolve conflicts.”
Peru
H.E. Martín Vizcarra Cornejo, President
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Poland
H.E. Andrzej Duda
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Portugal
H.E. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President
24 September 2019
Cyber: “This autumn of 2019 we are facing global and regional signs pointing in opposite directions (...) the arms race with new actors, with or without a stable territorial base, the resort to cyber presence as a common or almost common means of external intervention…”
Qatar
H. H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir
24 September 2019
Cyber: “Although the use of communication technology is of utmost importance in our modern world in various security, economic, commercial and other fields, the misuse of this technology is threatening the security of states and cordial relations among them, as well as infringing on the private sphere of individuals and causing economic damage. As you know, Qatar News Agency was subject to digital privacy and espionage.”
Republic of Korea
H.E. Moon Jae-in, President
24 September 2019
DPRK: “Decisions made by President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un provided the momentum behind the dramatic change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Compared to the past in which it took only a few rounds of gunfire to instigate major political unrest, the Korean Peninsula has undergone a distinct change. The negotiating table for peace on the Peninsula still remains accessible. The two Koreas and the United States are setting their sights not only on denuclearization and peace, but also on the economic cooperation that will follow thereafter. (...)
Peace on the Korean Peninsula remains an ongoing challenge, and peace on the Peninsula and in the whole world are inextricably linked to each other. The Republic of Korea will continue dialogue with North Korea and will find and make a way toward complete denuclearization and permanent peace while maintaining cooperation with UN member states.
Over the past year and a half, dialogue and negotiations have produced significant results on the Korean Peninsula. Panmunjeom, which used to be a symbol of division, has now become a demilitarized area in which not even a single pistol exists. The two Koreas withdrew guard posts inside the Demilitarized Zone, thereby transforming the DMZ, the very symbol of confrontation, into a peace zone worthy of its name. In the past, unceasing breaches of the Armistice Agreement had raised military tensions and at times escalated the threat of war, but not a single confrontation has occurred since the inter-Korean comprehensive military agreement was signed on September 19 last year. (...)
These efforts have also made it possible for President Trump to become the first sitting American president to cross the Military Demarcation Line and set foot on North Korean soil. The easing of military tensions and solid trust among the leaders of both Koreas and the United States set the stage for a momentous trilateral meeting at Panmunjeom. (...)
The principles that I have firmly held on to in the course of resolving issues related to the Korean Peninsula remain unchanged.
(....)
The second principle is a mutual security guarantee. South Korea will guarantee the security of North Korea. I hope North Korea will do the same for South Korea. When the security of both sides is assured, it will become possible to accelerate denuclearization and the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. At the very least, all hostile acts must be put on hold while the dialogue is ongoing. I hope that the international community will also work together to alleviate the security concerns on the Korean Peninsula.”
Landmines: “Approximately 380,000 anti-personnel mines are laid in the DMZ, and it is expected to take 15 years for South Korean troops to remove them on their own. However, cooperation with the international community, including the United Nations Mine Action Service, will not only guarantee the transparency and stability of demining operations, but also instantly turn the DMZ into an area of international cooperation.”
Rwanda
H.E. Paul Kagame, President
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Russia
H.E Sergey V- Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
INF/ABM: “Actions taken by the United States, which, following its withdrawal from the ABM Treaty, destroyed the INF treaty with the overwhelming support of NATO members, caused a huge damage to the global system of strategic stability which had been established for decades.”
“President Vladimir Putin announced the decision not to deploy land-based intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe or other regions if and as long as the Americans refrain from doing it.”
New START: “We have also repeatedly suggested Washington that we start negotiations on prolonging the New START Treaty.”
CTBT/Nuclear weapons: “Now the United States is questioning the future of the New START treaty, refusing to ratify the CTBT. Moreover, it has lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons in its doctrinal documents.”
Cyberspace/Outer space: “The United States is setting course for transforming cyberspace and outer space into an arena for military conflict.”
Outer Space: Together with China we support the harmonization of a legally binding document on the prevention of an arms race in outer space.”
Nuclear weapons: “We are alarmed by the protracted lack of answer to our proposal made to American colleagues a year ago - to adopt a High Level Russian-American statement on unacceptability and inadmissibility of the nuclear war which by definition cannot have a winner.”
NPT: “We are introducing a draft resolution on Strengthening and Developing the System of Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation agreements...The adoption of the Resolution would greatly contribute to the creation for a successful hosting of another NPT Review Conference next year.”
Saint Kitts and Nevis
H.E. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Saint Lucia
H.E. Allen Michael Chastanet, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
H.E. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Samoa
H.E. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Disarmament: “We take pride in our Police peacekeepers deployed to Sudan and South Sudan including our active engagement in the disarmament agenda.”
TPNW/ATT: “As well we played host to the 2nd Pacific Islands Roundtable on International Humanitarian Law which looked at ways to promote the principles of the Geneva Convention as well as encourage the region to ratify key weapons treaties such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty.”
San Marino
H.E. Nicola Renzi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Political Affairs
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Sao Tome
H.E. Evaristo do Espirito Santo Carvalho, President
26 September 2019
SALW: “The situation of persistent political-military instability in the Central African Republic greatly challenges us and calls for all of us to undertake concerted efforts to silence the guns, thereby enabling a negotiated solution through permanent dialogue with a view to ending the suffering of the Central African people.”
Saudi Arabia
H.E. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Minister for Foreign Affairs
26 September 2019
Missiles: "The reprehensible attacks on the Kingdom's oil facilities by 25 cruise missiles and drones, which nearly cut oil production by half, an amount that is equivalent to 5.7 million barrels, is a flagrant violation of international laws and regulations. They were also an attack on international peace and security and constituted a significant threat to oil supplies."
Senegal
H.E. Macky Sall, President
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Serbia
H.E. Aleksandar Vučić, President
26 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Seychelles
H.E. Danny Faure, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
Sierra Leone
H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Singapore
H.E. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Slovakia
H.E. Zuzana Čaputová, President
24 September 2019
No relevant references.
Slovenia
H.E. Marjan Šarec, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Solomon Islands
H.E Jeremiah Manele, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade
27 September 2019
Nuclear weapons/WMD: “Solomon Islands reaffirms its continuing commitment towards maintaining the nuclear free Pacific, through the Rarotonga Treaty. We reiterate our call for the total elimination of nuclear weapons by all nuclear weapon states, including those holding onto all forms of weapons of mass destruction. We would also like to see a world free of weapons of mass destruction.”
Somalia
H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, President
26 September 2019Statement not yet available.
South Sudan
H.E. Taban Deng Gai, First Vice-President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Spain
H.E. Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President
24 September 2019
Cyber: “The Digital revolution has transformed our societies…We now face previously unimaginable phenomena that can undermine States; cyber attacks and fake news constitute different manifestations of the use of technology as a transnational weapon of attrition.”
JCPOA: “I am concerned by the heightening of tensions in the Gulf, and the possibility that the wrong response could trigger a conflict with serious consequences in the Near East…. The dismantling of the Nuclear Deal with Iran would constitute a huge international failure. This deal is a key element in the fight against nuclear proliferation, and an essential milestone for the security of the region.”
Sri Lanka
H.E. Ravinatha P Aryasinha, Secretary, Foreign Affairs
30 September 2019
Disarmament/CD: “Sri Lanka's commitment to disarmament remains steadfast. With the increasing challenges to global arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, Sri Lanka continues to recognize the pivotal role of the Conference on Disarmament (CD), and urges the resumption of substantive negotiations under its mandate. Decision CD/2119 adopted in February 2018 under Sri Lanka's presidency of the CD was a modest contribution towards bridging different viewpoints, focusing on the early resumption of negotiations. We see value in the continuation of this process.”
CWC/CCW/CMC: “Additionally, in the recent years, Sri Lanka acceded to a number of disarmament treaties, including the Ottawa Convention. Sri Lanka has also presided over the States Parties Meetings on the Conventions on Certain Conventional Weapons and also that on Cluster Munitions.”
NPT: “The 2020 NPT Review Conference will also provide an opportunity for Member States to deliver on its commitments, as the Treaty marks the 50th anniversary of entry into force next year. Sri Lanka reiterates its commitment to a successful Review Conference, focusing on progress in the three pillars of the Treaty.”
Sudan
H.E. Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Suriname
H.E. Ashwin Adhin, Vice-President
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Switzerland
H.E Ueli Maurer, President
24 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Syria
H.E. Walid-Al-Moualem, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Tajikistan
H.E Qohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Tanzania
H.E. Prof Palamagamba J.A.M. Kabudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation
27 September 2019
No relevant references.
Togo
S.E.M. Kokou Kpayedo, Ambassador
30 September 2019
Militarism: “The magnitude and acuteness of the new challenges, fed and maintained by wars, socio-political crises, poverty and the effects of climate change, urge us to immediate awareness and concrete, concerted and pragmatic actions.”
Nuclear weapons: “The survival of hotbeds of tension, (...), the temptations to nuclear proliferation, endanger international peace and security, without which our actions in favor of development can not prosper.”
“It can not be said enough that nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction continue to pose serious threats to international peace and security.”
Nuclear energy: “My country, which has as one of its priorities the general and complete disarmament, has always advocated for the use of nuclear energy for civil purposes. It is with this choice that the Togolese Government has just adopted, on 7 August, a draft law on the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy, aware of the positive applications, particularly in the field of health, safety and agriculture and the industry of ionizing radiation, of which nuclear power is an important vector.
By this law, Togo aims to comply with the IAEA's recommendations by allowing it to have a well-structured legal framework to meet international standards in terms of legislation and the safe and secure use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes. This is the place to salute IAEA's watchdog role in constantly ensuring that the atom is put at the service of peace, by ensuring that the wealth of nuclear applications is not diverted for inumane purposes.”
Tonga
H.M. King Tupou VI, King
26 September 2019
No relevant references.
Tunisia
H.E. Khemaies Jhinaoui, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2019
No translation available.
Turkey
H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President
24 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: “The inequality between nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states is alone enough to undermine global balances.
It bothers us like everyone else that the weapons of mass destruction are used as leverage in every crisis, instead of their total elimination.
The possession of nuclear power should either be forbidden for all or permissible for all.
For the sake of a peaceful future for all humanity, let us solve this problem as soon as possible on the basis of justice.”
Turkmenistan
H.E. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet
28 September 2019
No translation available.
Tuvalu
Hon. Minute Alapati Taupo, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Trinidad and Tobago
H.E. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Nuclear weapons: “Trinidad and Tobago maintains that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons constitutes a crime against humanity and a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
TPNW: “Trinidad and Tobago, as part of the Caribbean Community, in 2017, participated in the United Nations Conference to Negotiate a Legally Binding Instrument to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons, Leading towards their Total Elimination and welcomed the adoption of the historic Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons. In this regard, I am proud to announce that yesterday September 26, Trinidad and Tobago signed and deposited its Instrument of Ratification for the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
Uganda
Hon. Dr. Ruhkana Rugunda, Prime Minister
28 September 2019
No relevant references.
Ukraine
H.E. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President
25 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
United Arab Emirates
H.H. Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
28 September 2019
JCPOA: “Even when there was international consensus on the need to take collective measures to maintain peace and security, such as the need to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions by signing the nuclear agreement with Iran, such agreement could not achieve the expected change in Iran's behavior or compel Iran to abide by international law and the principle of good neighborliness. The nuclear agreement should have taken into consideration the views of the countries of this vital region who fully understand its history. The agreement should have also addressed all aspects of Iran's behavior, including its interference in the internal affairs of states, its development of a ballistic missile program, and its provision of arms to terrorist groups.”
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
H.E. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister
24 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
United States
H.E. Donald Trump, President
24 SeptemberStatement not yet available.
Uruguay
H.E. Rodolfo Nin Novoa, Minister of Foreign Affairs
30 September 2019
JCPOA: “We are deeply concerned about the United States’ withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, a laboriously achieved agreement, that stretches a cloak of anxiety over the future of a country in a fragile region that could lead to Iran retaining a nuclear program with unpredictable consequences for the country and for international security.
In Uruguay, we are a firm defender of denuclearisation and we urge the parties to reconsider their positions and to act with universal awareness, setting aside discourse of short-lived political gain but of very serious global consequences.”
SALW: “(...) My country is concerned about the proliferation of arms, especially small arms and light weapons, whose indiscriminate access by individuals in countries with weak legislation is responsible for a growing tendency for vigilante justice.”
Vanuatu
H.E. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister
27 September 2019
Arms race: “We are meeting when the world faces complex challenges. Conflicts accompanied by humanitarian crises are increasing; the threat of the arms race is on the rise (....).
Viet Nam
H.E. Pham Binh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister
28 September 2019
EWIPA: “Battlegrounds are no longer confined within designated warzones, but have spread to densely-populated cities and villages.”
Arms Control/Non-proliferation: “The global arms control and non-proliferation regime is becoming more fragile.”
Emerging technologies/Military spending: “The development of science and technology have brought about new means and methods of warfare. Global military spending is at its highest.”
Venezuela
H.E. Delcy Rodriguez Gomez, Vice-President
27 September 2019
Statement not yet available.
Yemen
H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Hadhrami, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2019
No translation available.
Zambia
H.E. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President
25 September 2019
WMD: “Zambia hosted a SADC regional awareness meeting on the implementation of UN Resolution 1540 of 2004. The resolution is a vital element in the global architecture to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons to non-state actors, including terrorists.
Properly implemented world-wide, it stands as a major contributor towards preventing possible humanitarian, political, economic and environmental catastrophes should any of these weapons be used to cause large-scale casualties and suffering. It is clear that such a possibility is not just theoretical.”
Zimbabwe
H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President
25 September 2019
No relevant references.
