UNGA Disarmament Index 2021
This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament and arms control made during the 76th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 21–27 September 2021.
UN Secretary-General
António Guterres
21 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “We need progress on nuclear disarmament and in our shared efforts to counter terrorism.”
Cyber peace and security: “Fifth, restoring trust and inspiring hope means bridging the digital divide. Half of humanity has no access to the internet. We must connect everyone by 2030. This is the vision of my Roadmap for Digital Co-operation — to embrace the promise of digital technology while protecting people from its perils.
“One of the greatest perils we face is the growing reach of digital platforms and the use and abuse of data. A vast library of information is being assembled about each of us. Yet we don’t even have the keys to that library. We don’t know how this information has been collected, by whom or for what purposes. But we do know our data is being used commercially — to boost corporate profits. Our behavior patterns are being commodified and sold like futures contracts. Our data is also being used to influence our perceptions and opinions. Governments and others can exploit it to control or manipulate people’s behaviour, violating human rights of individuals or groups, and undermining democracy. This is not science fiction. This is today’s reality. And it requires a serious discussion.
“So, too, do other dangers in the digital frontier. I am certain, for example, that any future major confrontation — and heaven forbid it should ever happen — will start with a massive cyberattack. Where are the legal frameworks to address this?
“… To restore trust and inspire hope, we need to place human rights at the centre of our efforts to ensure a safe, equitable and open digital future for all.”
Autonomous weapons: “Autonomous weapons can today choose targets and kill people without human interference. They should be banned. But there is no consensus on how to regulate those technologies.”
Albania
Edi Rama, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Armed conflict, non-proliferation, disarmament: “As a confirmed active contributor to international security, we will sit in the Security Council with a clear agenda of priorities. They reflect what modern Albania stands for and range from the promotion of peace and security, peaceful conflict resolution and mediation; the respect for the rule of law and the human rights for all ; increased participation of women and youth in conflict prevention and resolution; universal adherence and full implementation of all non-proliferation and disarmament treaties and conventions; concrete and continued active committed to the fight against international terrorism, violent extremism.”
Algeria
Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
No relevant references.
Andorra
Xavier Espot Zamora, Chief of Government
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Angola
João Lourenço, President
23 September 2021
Militarism: “We are particularly concerned with the changes in institutional order that are occurring frequently through the use of military force in African countries, as these unconstitutional acts have not spurred an appropriate and sufficient reaction from the international community in order to discourage such acts, which are reprehensible in every aspect, as we have seen in Mali and, more recently, in Guinee.”
Antigua and Barbuda
Gaston A. Browne, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Armed conflict and climate change: “The report says that Experts are concerned that [climate change] could lead to a rise of extremist groups, paramilitary intervention, organized violence, and conflict between people and states. That should be a scenario that worries us all, for, as we have seen in recent times, no nation is immune from violent strife.”
Argentina
Dr. Alberto Fernández, President
21 September 2021
Militarism: “[The UK] also insists on maintaining an unjustified and disproportionate military presence in the [Malvinas/ Falkland] Islands, which does nothing more than bring tension to a region characterized by being a zone of peace and international cooperation."
Armenia
Nikol Pahinyan, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “As you know, in the fall of 2020, Nagorno-Karabakh was subjected to aggression. The war that lasted forty-four days took the lives of several thousands of people. Tens of thousands of residents of Nagorno-Karabakh were displaced. The aggression was accompanied by numerous gross violations of international law by the Azerbaijani armed forces, including deliberate targeting of civilians and vital infrastructure, extrajudicial killings of prisoners of war and civilian hostages, torture and many other documented crimes. As a result of these actions, in the parts of Nagorno-Karabakh, which came under the control of Azerbaijan, the Armenian people were subjected to complete ethnic cleansing. Unfortunately, the international community here again could not prevent the mass atrocities. Today, no Armenian lives or practically could live in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan.”
Ceasefire: “Thanks to the mediation efforts of the Russian Federation, it was possible to stop the bloodshed. On November 9, a trilateral ceasefire statement was signed. Peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation were deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh, which today ensure stability and security thereon [sic].”
“Unfortunately, the incidents designed to delegitimize the peace agenda and deepen and institutionalize the atmosphere of hostility occur on a daily basis. Violations of the ceasefire, aggressive and insulting statements against Armenia and the Armenian people continue to escalate the atmosphere.”
Armed conflict: “An act against the peace agenda is the fact that, contrary to Article 8 of the November 9 statement, Azerbaijan not only still holds several dozen citizens of the Republic of Armenia in captivity, but also has sentenced many of them to 6 to 20 years imprisonment on trumped-up charges. In addition, there are persons whose captivity has not yet been confirmed by Azerbaijan, although there is clear evidence that they were captured. This becomes even more unacceptable against the background that in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijani users posted videos of the capture of specific Armenian soldiers, and later the decapitated or shot bodies of those soldiers were discovered. We have irrefutable evidence about the torture of our captives. An outrageous example of the deepening of the atmosphere of hostility is the opening of the so-called trophy park in Baku, where Azerbaijani schoolchildren are taken on excursions to watch the mannequins of captured, killed or bleeding Armenian soldiers.”
“Armenia is ready for a constructive dialogue, which should lead to the establishment of sustainable and lasting peace in the region. In this regard, we propose to complete the process of return of prisoners of war, hostages and other captives without delay. It is also necessary to resume the peace process for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.”
Australia
Scott Morrison, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Militarism, cyber peace and security: “The global strategic environment has rapidly changed, indeed deteriorated in many respects, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where we live here in Australia. The changes we face are many ...
... whether it’s tensions over territorial claims ...
... rapid military modernisation ...
... foreign interference ...
... cyber threats ...
... disinformation ...
... and indeed, economic coercion.”
Militarism: “And with our longstanding friends and allies — the United States and the United Kingdom. Strengthened of course further last week with the announcement of our new Enhanced Trilateral Security partnership — AUKUS. Designed to further the cause of peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region for the benefit of all who live within that region.”
Nuclear weapons: “Rules that have underpinned regional peace and prosperity, such as through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which we affirm as Australians and which we will always honour.”
Austria
Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “A ring of crises and conflicts spans the globe
- In Yemen and Syria, where many children have known nothing but conflict and deprivation.
- In Ethiopia and Nagorno-Karabakh, where long-standing fault lines have erupted.
- Or in Belarus, in Myanmar or in Nicaragua, where some have used the pandemic as a carte blanche to ignore human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Militarism: “The days of a moral gunboat policy may be over.”
Artificial intelligence, cyber peace and security: “New and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence or quantum computing are racing ahead, leaving many of us behind. We have to make sure that our human centric approach applies online as well as offline. New technologies are no new frontier where human rights do not exist!”
Autonomous weapon systems: “We need to define clear red lines that we as humankind are not willing to cross. This includes stepping back from creating killing machines - lethal autonomous weapons systems - systems where an algorithm decides in a split second who lives and who dies. Last week, Austria organised a conference to ensure meaningful human control over these weapons. Together with partner countries and civil society, we hope to establish a process leading to a ban of killer robots.”
Disarmament, arms control: “Austria will continue to be a driving force for disarmament and arms control.”
Nuclear weapons: “We cannot increase our security by increasing our potential to destroy. And, most of all, by hanging on to the myth of nuclear deterrence. We need to eliminate these horrendous weapons of mass destruction. Their prohibition is a first step. Austria looks forward to hosting the First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons in Vienna next March.”
Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Today, a year later, I proudly say that Armenia was defeated on the battlefield and Azerbaijan put an end to the occupation.”
Landmines: “However, the main challenge is the vast presence of landmines planted by Armenia in the liberated territories. Since the signing of the capitulation act by Armenia on 10 November 2020, around 30 Azerbaijani citizens, including 2 journalists were killed and around 130 citizens were wounded. Azerbaijan is among the most heavily mined countries in the world.”
Landmines: “Armenia refuses to release accurate maps of minefields. The accuracy level of the maps for three regions which Armenia had to provide is only 25 percent. The international community must force Armenia to provide us with accurate mine maps of all liberated territories.”
Militarism: “The international community should also play its positive role in this regard and urge Armenia to realize that peace has no alternative. Any acts directly or indirectly supporting revanchism and militarization in Armenia must be ceased.”
Bahamas
Philip Edward Davis, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Bahrain
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The Middle East region continues to be in a state of instability and insecurity, with the people of a number of nations suffering difficult conditions due to the wars, crises, and conflicts it is witnessing. These have resulted in the loss of lives, the displacement of millions of refugees and displaced persons, and the destruction of cities, villages, and infrastructure, turning the lives of these people into a painful tragedy of daily suffering, driving away opportunities for peace, security, and stability.
“The Kingdom of Bahrain calls on the international community to focus its efforts together on achieving peace, security, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East by adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter and its purposes, which include non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, commitment to good neighbourliness, mutual respect, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as strengthening international cooperation.”
Armed conflict, ceasefire: “My country also supports the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire in Yemen, in order to reach a political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and relevant Security Council resolutions, namely Resolution No. 2216, to end the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people.”
Use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “My country condemns the Houthi group’s continued targeting of civilians and civilian facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by systematically and deliberately launching ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.”
Weapons of mass destruction: “The Kingdom of Bahrain calls for the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East region.”
Nuclear weapons, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): The Kingdom reaffirms its support for international efforts aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring the ability to develop a nuclear weapon, stressing the need for Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA to ensure the maintenance of regional and international security and stability.”
Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Disarmament: “As per our constitutional obligation, we have always been a steadfast supporter of complete disarmament.”
Nuclear weapons/: “We firmly believe that the ultimate guarantee of international peace and security lies in the total elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. It was from that conviction we ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW), which entered into force earlier this year.”
Barbados
Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “How much more fake news will we allow to be spread without states defending the public digital spaces? We have come together with alacrity to defend the right of states to tax across the digital space but we are not prepared to come together quickly to defend the right of our citizens not to be duped by fake news in that same space.”
Belarus
Vladimir Makei, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “The negative trend in international security is only growing, including hybrid wars, malicious and criminal use of modern information technologies which fuel extremism and terrorism as well as fake news. Today with the help of electronic gadgets, you can undermine the domestic peace and harmony of any state and remove its leadership from power.”
Armed conflict, militarism: “Today the world needs solidarity more than ever as well as mutual assistance and mobilisation of collective efforts to overcome all of these disagreements in order to not be fools, and not to bring the world into the chaos of another war which would be the last in human history.”
Benin
Patrice Talon, President
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Bhutan
Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Bolivia
Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict, militarism: “The UN was conceived from the principle of juridical equality of States, which would include political equality, to avoid the planet enduring once more armed conflagrations between States which endanger the world peace we all want. These ends have not been completely accomplished, as the ambitions to control access to natural resources and dominate peoples still result in direct armed invasions, criminal blockades, and indirect interventions through military, political, economics, and media.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Željko Komšić, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Botswana
Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Brazil
Jair Bolsonaro, President
21 September 2021
Militarism: “Brazil has a President who believes in God, respects its military, values family and is loyal to its people.”
Brunei Darussalam
Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister Of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
No relevant references.
Bulgaria
Rumen Radev, President
21 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “The most urgent tasks ahead of us are: … to combat terrorism and trans border crime, as well as enhancing cybersecurity.”
Cyber peace and security: “Our efforts must be directed against the increasingly frequent and severe malicious cyber-attacks exploiting vulnerabilities of our democratic societies.”
Armed conflict: “Let me now turn to the Middle East. We condemn the missile attacks on Israel and the unproportioned use of force in retaliation while we fully recognize Israel’s right to self-defense.”
Burkina Faso
Roch Marc Christian Kabore, President
23 September 2021
Militarism: “Every effort will be made to ensure security in all threatened areas of the country. I would like to reassure the international community that military operations, like those already carried out, will be conducted with respect for human rights, and in accordance with Burkina Faso's international commitments in this area.”
Arms proliferation: “Indeed, stability, security and peace in the Sahel are not only a matter for the G5 Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Chad), especially since the situation is the result, it should be recalled, of the collapse of the collapse of Libya in 2011, which led to an explosion of arms in the circulation of in the Sahel region.”
Burundi
Evariste Ndayishimiye, President
23 September 2021
Militarism: “At the strategic level, it being understood that terrorism has no justification, I remain convinced that beyond necessary military action, the effective fight against terrorism presupposes a against radicalization which is rooted in ignorance and poverty, youth unemployment and illiteracy. The UN should take action to fight poverty and take severe sanctions against these groups and all those who support them.”
Militarism: “It is in this context that since 2007, my country Burundi made available to the United Nations and the African Union of military and police contingents, to help restore and maintain security and peace in some countries that need it as in Somalia and the Central African Republic (CAR).”
Cabo Verde
Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Cambodia
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Militarism, armed conflict: “History has told us time and again that interference and worse, military options to impose different systems of governance are not the solutions. Far from it, they have only led to many more deaths, human suffering and misery, social and economic strife. Cambodia is the real-life example and has experienced the worst tragedy; and sadly, we are now witnessing the repetition of the same policies. If the recent events in Afghanistan, and many more before it, are lessons to be learnt from, there is great merit to respect the wishes of each nation and their people’s rights to self-determination.”
Cameroon
Paul Biya, President
27 September 2021
Armed conflict, cyber peace and security, outer space,: “Humanity is currently plagued by the following scourges: climate change, multiple conflicts the world over, growing terrorism, cybercrime, sea and ocean pollution, non peaceful uses of space (including outer space), social media misuse, forest ecosystems degradation, biodiversity damage, maritime pirace, and migrant tragedy.”
Armed conflict: “Let me recall that my country is still waging a war against Boko Haram terrorism in its northern part, and enhancing cooperation with other Lake Chad Basin countries.”
Armed conflict; disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration: “We are keeping up efforts in our North-West and South-West regions to end the sociopolitical tensions fuelled by armed groups. In this regard, we have set up a comprehensive mechanism comprising:
- a disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) program
- a humanitarian assistance plan
- a reconstruction plan for these two regions
- a national commission on the promotion of bilingualism and multiculturalism
- a special status conferring on the two regions in question: a regional assembly, a House of Chiefs, a regional executive board, and Public Independent Conciliators”
Armed conflict, militarism: “Our Defense and Security Forces have been deployed on the ground to protect the population and their property with professionalism and respect for human rights.”
Canada
Marc Garneau, PC, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “The spread of systematic misinformation and propaganda on social media and through the internet has made us realize that the digital revolution comes with risks and dangers we cannot ignore.”
Armed conflict: “Conflict, no matter its geography or cause, is not simply an issue of national sovereignty. Insecurity somewhere invariably leads to insecurity elsewhere and we all pay the price.”
Central African Republic
Faustin Archange Touadera, President
21 September 2021
Arms embargo: "From this tribune, and through my voice, the Central African Republic renews its call for the total lifting of the embargo that unjustly weighs on our National Army, depriving it of its regalian mission of protecting the civilian population and the integrity of the territory.”
Chad
Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Chad, which shares more than 1,000 km of common borders with Libya and is linked to this brotherly and neighbouring country by history, geography and culture, and even by blood ties, is suffering the full consequences of the Libyan crisis, in terms of recurrent armed attacks launched from the south of the country.”
Disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration: “Chad supports a process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of its nationals in the pay of Libyan factions, renouncing violence and mercenarism to reclaim their country. We look to the leadership and crucial role of the United Nations in leading this process and mobilising the resources necessary to fund it.”
Chile
Sebastián Piñera, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
China
Xi Jinping, President
21 September 2021
Militarism: “Recent developments in the global situation show once again that military intervention from the outside and so-.called democratic transformation entail nothing but harm. We need to advocate peace,-development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity, and reject the practice of forming small circles or zero-sum games.”
Colombia
Iván Duque Márquez, President
21 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “Technology, with the internet of things, artificial intelligence, cyber security, cloud computing and its applications, reveal to us that virtual advances are opportunities for human development.”
Comoros
Azali Assoumani, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Congo
Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict, ceasefire, arms embargo: “Among the challenges facing the international community today is the Libyan crisis. It is true that in recent months significant progress has been made on this issue. … However, in order to meet the challenge of the general elections scheduled to be held in the coming months, which are expected to be a decisive turning point in the history of this country, all stakeholders must look in the same direction and persevere in implementing the decisions taken in Berlin. These decisions, it should be recalled, essentially concern
- the consolidation of the cease-fire
- the respect of the arms embargo
- the unification of military and financial institutions
- the gradual, consensual and balanced withdrawal of foreign without prejudice to the neighbouring countries.”
Costa Rica
Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President
21 September 2021
Military spending: “The pandemic, climate crisis, unemployment, and limited investment margins are putting a substantial strain on developing countries' social and political stability, and through global interconnection, on the stability of the entire planet. While this happens, global military spending continued to rise in 2020. How will we explain to the next generation that while there was a raging pandemic in which vaccines were not available to all people, and an unprecedented climate crisis, the world invested more funding in weapons? How is this irrationality possible? The future is raising its voice at us: Less military weaponry, more investment in peace!”
Nuclear weapons: “Interdependence makes us advocate for peace and reiterate our desire for a world without nuclear weapons. Therefore, we call on countries to join the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which has already reached 55 ratifications (86 signatories).”
Nuclear weapons, Korean Peninsula: “Similarly, we advocate for a nuclear- weapon-free Korean Peninsula and build peace, stability, and security together.”
Côte d’Ivoire
Kandia Kamissoko Camara, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “We cannot, however, build this resilient and stable world without resolutely addressing the serious resolutely address the serious transnational threats to peace and security posed by terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, and and cybercrime.”
Armed conflict: “In addition to these threats, we are witnessing the persistence of internal and regional conflicts in several parts of our planet. The international community must continue to be attentive to the situation in the Middle East, Afghanistan and the Western Sahara.”
Croatia
Zoran Milanović, President
21 September 2021
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “Reviving the Iran nuclear deal is a key instrument of regional security and stability that can still serve as a useful platform for broader regional dialogue. We hope that further diplomatic efforts will contribute to resolving issues of common interest.”
Armed conflict: “Croatia also upholds the ‘Responsibility to Protect’, consensually adopted in the 2005 World Summit Outcome. We welcomed the General Assembly’s resolution on the “Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”, adopted in this Assembly with overwhelming support. Together with Costa Rica, Denmark and the Global Centre for ‘Responsibility to Protect’, Croatia organized yesterday’s special event on protecting women and girls, directly affected and often targeted in conflict and post-conflict settings.”
Casualty recording: “Promoting the rights of women and children, confronting hate speech, calling for an abolition of the death penalty, protecting minorities and actively promoting ‘casualty recording’ and the mandate on truth, justice and reparations are among our human rights priorities at the UN.”
Armed conflict: “Croatia is still searching for 1,858 of its own citizens that are still missing or unaccounted for from our 1991-1995 Homeland War. It is a lasting painful burden for the affected families, not to mention the toll on our society’s desire to move on. That the fate of the missing is unknown some thirty years later is especially excruciating. We urge other neighbouring states to cooperate in good faith and to respect their declared commitments and international agreements. I confess that I cannot understand the lack of information sharing and access to archival leads on the possible locations of individual and mass graves, so many years after the conflict.”
Cyber peace and security: “Cyber security is perhaps one of our fastest growing concerns. Trends appear to indicate an increasing diversification of malicious efforts, perhaps state-sponsored ones being the most worrisome. Particularly upsetting incidents involve cyber-attacks targeting our critical health infrastructures, already exhausted in the struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Nuclear weapons: “Nuclear weapons and the corresponding technology still loom large in the security calculus of leading global powers. Nightmare scenarios can greatly be avoided by sincere commitments to the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), a foundation of global nuclear order. We hope to see progress in the NPT’s review conference.”
Small arms and light weapons, arms trade: “But while nuclear weapons cast large shadows, let us not lose sight of lingering threats posed by illicit small arms and light weapons trafficking. We know this first hand from the armed conflicts and organized crime activity in the Western Balkans. We will continue advocating for effective multilateral action on tackling illegal arms transfers and build-ups.”
Cuba
Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
22 September 2021
Iran: “We condemn the unilateral coercive measures imposed against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
DPRK: “We strongly condemn the unilateral and unjust sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
Cyprus
Nicos Anastasiades, President
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Czech Republic
Jakub Kulhánek, Minister of Foreign Affairs
23 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “The increasing importance of cyberspace to our everyday lives and our economic resilience cannot be overstated these days. Preserving a globally accessible, free, and secure cyberspace is essential. However, the pandemic has also exposed deep digital divides.”
“We are appalled by the increase of cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure delivering essential services to our citizens, including hospitals, water treatment facilities, power plants, and even our democratic institutions. Such acts can cause grave suffering to civilians, including the loss of lives.”
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “Iran’s continued escalation of nuclear activities far beyond its commitments coupled with the suspension of the implementation of transparency measures under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action raises serious concerns. All these actions impede the execution of the IAEA’s verification and monitoring mandate.”
Armed conflict, rockets: “Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza bear the primary responsibility for the outbreak of violence and the tragic developments in May 2021. Their large-scale rocket attacks targeted Israeli civilians. Let me reiterate that Israel has every right to defend its citizens against terror.”
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Kim Song, Permanent Representative
27 September 2021
Nuclear weapons, Korean Peninsula, militarism: “Until now, no less number of UN member states are not well aware of the fact that the issue of the Korean peninsula has its origin in the U.S. hostile policy on the DPRK. Worse still, they have a misconception that the U.S. has become hostile towards the DPRK due to the nuclear issue. When it comes to the nuclear issue, it is not the DPRK's possession of nukes that the U.S. became hostile towards us. On the contrary, we have raversed an inevitable course of history as the U.S., the biggest nuclear power in the world, has been posing nuclear threats, antagonizing the DPRK for more than 70 years. The U.S. hostile policy towards the DPRK is not at all abstract. It is in itself military threats and hostile acts we are facing from the U.S. every day.”
Militarism: “The U.S. hostile policy against the DPRK finds its clearest expression in its military threats against us. Not a single foreign troop, not a single foreign military base exists in the territory of the DPRK. But in south Korea, almost 30,000 U.S. troops are stationing at numerous military bases, maintaining a war posture to take military action against the DPRK at any moment.
“The DPRK has no record of having conducted a military exercise even a single time around the U.S., but the U.S. has annually staged all sorts of war drills on and around the Korean peninsula and in the Korean waters for the last several decades, by mobilizing army, naval and air forces across the world including the U.S. troops in south Korea, and it has threatened us through military demonstrations of intimidating nature while deploying numerous armaments to south Korea from time to time.
“In August 2021, the U.S. and south Korea defiantly conducted the ''combined command exercise" despite our repeated warnings. This exercise is an outright war drill of offensive nature that simply changed its name of the joint military exercises staged by the U.S. for the last several decades. Inter-Korean relations have never come out of the shadow of the U .S.
interference and obstruction as the U.S. has stationed its troops in south Korea and bound it with the chains of military alliance, and the inter-Korean agreements have never been implemented faithfully owing to the wrong behavior of the south Korean authorities prioritizing cooperation with an "alliance" over the harmony of the nation.”
Militarism, Korean Peninsula: “The possible outbreak of a new war on the Korean peninsula is contained not because of the U.S.’s mercy on the DPRK. It is because our state is growing reliable deterrent that can control the hostile forces in their attempts for military invasion.”
Militarism, weapons, nuclear weapons, Korean Peninsula: “We are just building up our national defense in order to defend ourselves and reliably safeguard the security and peace of the country. For this reason, we do not imprudently use such expression that we are building up military power which is good enough to "deter" somebody's "provocation". However, the military threats against the DPRK by the U.S. and its servile forces are evolving constantly with the passage of time.”
Military spending, nuclear weapons, Korean Peninsula: “Annually, the U.S. spends astronomical amount of money amounting to more than US$ 700 billion on the development of ultra -supersonic weapons, long-range precision guided armaments, ICBM of a new generation, nuclear strategic bombers, all of which are bound to be used first against the DPRK in the future Korean war.
Korean Peninsula, weapons, militarism: “Recently, the south Korean authorities is hell -bent on developing ultra-modern weapons under the tacit approval and patronage of the U.S., and numerous war equipment have been shipped into south Korea. These are all too dangerous moves that break the balance of military power on the Korean peninsula. Given that the U.S. and the U.S.-south Korea military alliance increase military threats against the DPRK, nobody can deny the righteous right to self-defense for the DPRK to develop, test, manufacture and possess the weapon systems equivalent to the ones which are possessed or being developed by them.”
Militarism, Korean Peninsula, weapons: “If the U.S. wants to see the Korean war, the most prolonged and long-lasting war in the world, come to an end, and if it is really desirous of peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, it should take the first step towards giving up its hostile policy against the DPRK by stopping permanently the joint military exercises and the deployment of all kinds of strategic weapons which are levelled at the DPRK in and around the Korean peninsula.”
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President
21 September 2021
Armed conflict: “However, the scourge of insecurity caused by cohorts of terrorists, armed groups, mercenaries and criminals of all kinds is undermining the institutional stability of our young democracies and annihilating the efforts of many African leaders to develop their countries..”
Militarism, arms trade, ammunition: “Faced with the persistence of this cancer that is undermining the country in the North-East and the difficulties encountered by the troops of the United Nations Mission for Stability in the Congo, MONUSCO, in the theatre of operations, I have decided to proclaim, in accordance with Article 85 of the Constitution, a state of siege in order to put an end to the insecurity in one of the strategic regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo….
“As a result of the state of siege, significant progress has been made, including …
- the recovery of several weapons and ammunition by the FARDC
- the dismantling of several networks involved in the illegal trafficking of arms, ammunition, minerals and the supply of various products to armed groups….”
Denmark
Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Djibouti
Ismail Omar Guelleh, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Dominica
Dr. Kenneth Darroux, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The destruction brought about by wars within and between countries continues to displace millions of people from their homes creating unprecedented refugee crises.”
Dominican Republic
Luis Abinader, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Ecuador
Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Egypt
Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Presidency
21 September 2021
Militarism: “We need a comprehensive approach that goes beyond security and military confrontation of terrorists and terrorist groups, but that would also include social and economic development and ideological factors as well.”
Ceasefire: [on a solution to the Palestinian question] “Egypt stresses the need to consolidate the ceasefire agreement reached on the twentieth of May 2021.”
El Salvador
Nayib Armando Bukele, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Equatorial Guinea
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Eritrea
Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “As Your Excellency will recall, the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship that Eritrea and Ethiopia signed in July 2018 had ushered in a new epoch of hope and optimism. The significance of this historic achievement was vividly visible in the massive euphoria that it generated among the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia. But the TPLF group could not accept and fathom the present realities. It thus embarked on multiple acts of subversion both to scuttle the Eritrea-Ethiopia peace process and to regain power in Ethiopia through forceful means.
“It must be recalled here that while in power in Ethiopia, the TPLF continued to occupy, for almost two decades, sovereign Eritrean territories in flagrant violation of international law and the Arbitral Award of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission. Throughout this time, the TPLF continued to wage intermittent assaults against Eritrea in order to provoke a major war. And while the EritreaEthiopia Peace Agreement stipulated Ethiopia’s unequivocal adherence to, and implementation of the EEBC Border Verdict, the TPLF continued to obstruct goodfaith enforcement of this solemn agreement.
“In Ethiopia too, the TPLF resorted to various illicit subterfuges to roll back the positive process underway through popular will. And as a culmination and dangerous escalation of its subversive measures, it unleashed a massive War of Insurrection against Ethiopian’s Northern Command with the express aims of neutralizing this biggest contingent, confiscating its weaponry, to thereby forcefully seize power in Ethiopia. TPLF’s aims included subsequent military acts of aggression against Eritrea.
“The grave danger that this reckless and illicit acts by this rogue group to Ethiopia, Eritrea and the Horn of Africa region as a whole is too evident to merit further elaboration. But what we find inexcusable is the position of certain countries, notably the US and its European allies, to defend the TPLF’s illicit and dangerous acts of insurrection and mayhem and marshal all the tools in their disposal to rehabilitate it at any cost. I will not waste your time here to recount the false narratives they have floated to create moral equivalence between the principal culprit and those compelled to take deterrent and reactive action warranted by international law and established State practice.
“This act in itself underlines the structural inadequacy of the global governance system that I intimated earlier in my speech. Eritrea has suffered enormously by similar previous acts. These should not recur again. The injustices meted on Eritrea by powers who feel they can trample the sovereignty of nations and peoples at their whim must indeed come to an end.”
Estonia
Kersti Kaljulaid, President
22 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Conflicts still ravage many countries and new ones have occurred. Wars continue to be fought from Ukraine to Syria. Authoritarian regimes like Belarus, for example, have come up with new hybrid tools to attack democratic societies with innocent people. Those who suffer the most continue to be the most vulnerable in our societies – women, children and adolescents.”
Cyber peace and security: “Estonia has been since the early days among the creators of the normative framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. At its heart is international law, including the UN Charter in its entirety, international humanitarian law, human rights law. As the host nation of the independent Tallinn Manual, which is starting its third run, we emphasise this wholeheartedly.”
“As an elected member of the Security Council, we were pleased to host the very first official discussion on cybersecurity in the Council earlier this year, which allowed us to raise awareness on threats to international peace and security stemming from the malicious use of cyberspace and create momentum for the implementation of our existing framework. Discussions on cybersecurity and cybercrime must ensure that we make a concentrated effort to implement the rules of the road we already have.We cannot go down this road without bringing companies and civil society along.”
Armed conflict: “Estonia as an elected member of the Security Council has put special emphasis on the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes and on fighting sexual and gender based violence. We have tried to give a voice to women human rights defenders by inviting them to brief the Security Council. We were also able to draw attention to the ever-deteriorating situation of children in armed conflicts, which has been even more amplified by COVID-19. Nevertheless, we know, it is by no means enough. Tangible action is needed more than ever.”
Eswatini
Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Ethiopia
Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Armed conflict: “At the hands of these lords of instability, we went through unimaginably inhumane attacks against citizens, instigation of violence, and destruction of property, that culminated in an attack against the Ethiopian army. On the night of November four last year, in a scheme orchestrated by a criminal group, the Ethiopian National Defense Force was attacked from within. The unsuspecting men and women in uniform were slain. The Government of Ethiopia, took the necessary measures to avert the grave danger imposed on us.”
Ceasefire: “The Government of Ethiopia meeting-out its obligation to fulfil humanitarian needs, the declaration of humanitarian ceasefire, the commissioning of investigations, and accountability measures have not mitigated the propaganda campaigns. At this stage, we are nearly convinced humanitarian assistance is a pretext for advancing political considerations.”
Armed conflict: “Dialogue has always been our preferred course of action. Accordingly, Ethiopia is open to candid initiatives for peace. In this connection, we will work with the African Union and the High Representative for the Horn of Africa towards an Ethiopia led national dialogue. We only hope, the African Union will be given the space to apply its own wisdom.”
“The political and security landscape in Africa is on a path of adversity. Forcible overthrow of governments, joint military exercises, aggression, renewed appetite for intervention in sovereign countries, subversion and mercenaryism, 12 normalized and renewed scramble for natural resources, secret military pacts, geo-political competitions and others are becoming pervasive.”
“Accordingly, Ethiopia stands ready to avail bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic solutions to resolve the border dispute with Sudan. It is incumbent upon our two governments to work for peace for the sake of our people that have the strongest bond of fraternity.”
European Union
Charles Michel, President
24 September 2021
Ceasefire, armed conflict: “At this very moment, women are being brutalised and raped because they are women. This weapon of war is used in the Horn of Africa, in Ethiopia, for example. We call for a ceasefire and an immediate end to ethnic violence.”
Militarism: “The new situation in Afghanistan is a failure for the international community. But one thing is certain: the end of military operations does not mean the end of the European commitment to the Afghan people.”
Armed conflict: “Finally, the recent upsurge in violence in the Middle East was a further reminder of the absolute necessity to resume peaceful dialogue towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.”
Fiji
Josaia V. Bainimarama CF (Mil), Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Sugar Industry, Foreign Affairs and Forestry
25 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “This grave moment is not without parallel. In the wake of the death and destruction of World War Two, world leaders saw unilateral action as kindling for another world war, one fought with nuclear weapons of planet-destroying potential. They answered that challenge with the genius of this multilateral system.”
Missiles, drones, nuclear weapons: “If we can spend trillions on missiles, drones, and nuclear submarines, we can fund climate action.”
Finland
Sauli Niinistö, President
21 September 2021
Arms control, arms race: “In an era of intensifying great-power competition and rapid technological progress, we are also faced with a serious risk of a new arms race. If the unravelling of the international arms control system is allowed to continue, it reduces predictability and increases the likelihood of unintended escalation.”
Arms control: “The most important task is to uphold and strengthen the existing arms control architecture. But at the same time, we also need to think ahead with an open mind. We have to develop new solutions to respond to emerging challenges and technologies, by strengthening confidence-building, verification and transparency.”
Nuclear weapons: “In nuclear arms control, Finland welcomes the extension of New START. Yet it is also clear that engagement between all the nuclear powers would be beneficial for global security.”
France
Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Arms control: “That is why France is calling for a P5 Summit to set out a joint action programme. To enable the Security Council to fully exercise its mandate. And to start dialogue on the key issues of arms control and our collective security.”
Militarism: In the Sahel, we are adapting our military structure to retain our long-term action capabilities, to meet the expectations of our regional partners and to remain fully available to our international partners, those from the Coalition for the Sahel and those serving within MINUSMA.”
Ceasefire: “In Libya, there is now a credible path to restore unity and sovereignty in the country, provided that all parties fulfil their obligations, the foreign mercenaries withdraw, the ceasefire remains in place and elections are held as planned on 24 December.”
Nuclear weapons, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “With regard to the Iranian nuclear programme, we must be absolutely unequivocal. Iran cannot be allowed to think time is on its side, because the more dangerous its nuclear programme becomes, the greater the risk of a major crisis. The positions taken by the United States yesterday cannot justify Iran’s continued violation of its JCPOA commitments. France will take all necessary action to encourage dialogue. But the only possible path remains an agreement to establish that Iran is once again fulfilling its obligations. It is therefore essential that negotiations resume very quickly.”
Armed conflict, targeting of civilians: “Violations of international humanitarian law also constitute a serious threat to international peace and security. Particularly when humanitarian and medical personnel are targeted, even as they are providing emergency relief to populations. We must therefore equip ourselves with the means to better prevent these crimes and punish those who are guilty of committing them – in Syria, Yemen, Niger, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia and everywhere else.”
Cyber, cyber peace and security: “France and its European partners even intend to adopt actual legislation on digital markets. We encourage our international partners to follow us down this path, and we invite them to work with us to establish a new digital public order in the wake of the Paris Call and the Christchurch Call to Action, which, since 2019, has enabled us to take decisive action to remove terrorist content from the Internet.”
Gabon
Ali Bongo Ondimba
23 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons: “The price of instability, as a result of terrorism or armed groups, is particularly high for many African countries, which are forced to devote substantial resources to these phenomena, which are fuelled, among other things, by the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and wildlife trafficking.”
The Gambia
Dr. Isatou Touray, President
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Today, Africa in general is grappling with the negative effects of conflicts and insecurity. The challenge of addressing the root causes of conflict and climate change require greater global solidarity and UN leadership. Apart from heavy costs in human and material terms, conflicts impede production, damage infrastructure, prevent the reliable delivery of social services, and disrupt the growth of societies. Due to conflicts in the continent, poverty continues to be perpetuated with a negative impact on our collective strive for sustainable peace and security.”
Armed conflict, small arms and light weapons: “In Africa today, there is undisputed recognition of strong interlinkages between peace and development, with studies confirming that armed conflicts remain a major obstacle to development in the continent. Against this background, my delegation calls on the international community to come together and act coherently to address the root causes of conflicts and recovery in Africa by adopting new approaches and narratives that suit the demands of our time. The international community should intensify its efforts to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the goals and targets of Agenda 2063, including silencing the guns in Africa.”
Armed conflict: “On Palestine, we must always remember that peace and security in Palestine and Israel mean peace and security for the Middle East region and the world at large. It is therefore imperative for the international community to encourage genuine dialogue with a view to ending the deadlock. We must intensify efforts to bring both sides of the conflict to the negotiating table. Use of force and violence will only add to the suffering of the people living in the area. We continue to be deeply traumatized by the negative consequences of this conflict and cannot continue to ignore the humanitarian catastrophe that goes with it.”
Georgia
Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Landmines: “This summer, Georgia, alongside our United States partners, laid the groundwork for the release of 15 Armenian detainees by Azerbaijan. At the same time, Armenia provided maps of mined territories.”
Germany
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President
24 September 2021
Militarism: “German and European foreign policy must not restrict itself to being right and condemning others. What we need to do is extend our toolbox – diplomatic, military, civilian, humanitarian.”
Military spending: “The citizens in all our nations expect their governments to protect them from threat and attack - and rightly so. This is why, in these unstable times, my country too is investing more in its defense capability.”
Militarism: “But one thing is clear as well. Future generations will not judge us on our military strength today, but on whether we were able to resolve problems and conflicts. Military strength without the will to forge understanding, without the courage to engage in diplomacy, does not make the world a more peaceful place. This is why we need strength at the negotiating table just as we need strength in defense.”
Armed conflict, cyber peace and security: “ Regional instability, weakening state structures, refugee and migrant flows, religious extremism and terrorism, and new forms of conflict, hybrid, digital, environmental, and resource based conflicts. Such developments threaten us and we all have to deal with them. Small and large alike.”
Nuclear weapons, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “We are ready to renew the nuclear agreement, and we call upon Iran to return to serious negotiations as quickly as possible.”
Militarism: “After all, the firepower of the most powerful army comes to an end. The long arm of the strongest state comes to an end. But the appeal of freedom and democracy in the hearts and minds of people lives on! That is my firm belief!”
Ghana
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Greece
Kyriakos Mitsitakis, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Militarism: “It is regrettable that Turkey continues to ignore a series of UN Resolutions, amongst them 541 and 550, and insists on the militarization of the island. It continues its illegal violation of Cyprus’ maritime zones and airspace and violates UN resolutions on the fenced area of Varosha.”
Armed conflict: “In our immediate neighborhood, Libya continues to suffer from the devastating effects of a decade long civil war. The Libyan people deserve a peaceful future, where their destiny is in their own hands, free from the presence of foreign troops, mercenaries, and foreign fighters. Libyans want the right to freely elect their own government, without foreign intervention. We stand by them. And we support their demand for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and for the holding of free elections on December 24th, 2021. And we appreciate the work done by the United Nations and Special Envoy Jan Kubis.”
Militarism, outer space, cyber peace and security: “If anything, a European Defense Union will strengthen NATO. It will oblige European countries to address issues of interoperability and meagre defense budgets. It will accelerate our cooperation on cyber and space.”
Grenada
Oliver Joseph, Minister For Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
No relevant references.
Guatemala
Alejandro Giammattei Falla, President
22 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “Guatemala, as a country with a pacifist vocation, reiterates before this assembly the necessity for complete, irreversible, and transparent disarmament and condemns any nuclear test or threat of the use of force with this type of weapon, which put at true risk and endanger the continuity of life on our planet.”
Guinea
Aly Diane, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guinea at the UN
27 September 2021
No relevant references.
Guinea-Bissau
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Guyana
Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President
23 September 2021
Haiti
Ariel Henry, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Holy See
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State
25 September 2021
Armed conflict: “In his Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti on fraternity and social friendship, Pope Francis surveyed the many challenges facing the international community, such as war and conflict, mistreatment and violence, hunger and poverty, inequality and marginalization, individualism and mistrust, extremism and polarization, attacks on human dignity, the COVID-19 pandemic and threats to the environment, among other ‘dark clouds.’”
Armed conflict, weapons of mass destruction: “Hope all too frequently is denied and remains elusive to so many women and men, boys and girls because of another man-made threat to our common existence, namely war, conflict and the possession and use of weapons of mass destruction. The scourge of war brings death and destruction, harms the environment, devastates communities and so often entraps regions and countries in a downward spiral.Sadly, we continue to witness the terrible impact of crises and conflicts across the globe.”
Nuclear weapons, biological weapons, chemical weapons: “The damage to our fellow human beings and our planet is a special cause of concern with regard to nuclear arms and biological and chemical weapons.”
Armed conflict: “The recent aggravated humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing political tensions in Syria and Lebanon, as well as in other places, are a stark reminder of the impact that conflicts press upon peoples and nations.”
Ceasefire: “The Holy See calls upon States to heed the call of the Secretary-General and Pope Francis for a global ceasefire and a shared humanitarian responsibility.”
Nuclear weapons: “The threat of nuclear weapons, possessed under the guise of nuclear deterrence, creates an ethos of fear based on mutual annihilation, and poisons relationships between peoples, obstructs dialogue, and undermines hope. Humanitarian and security issues require us to end the nuclear arms race and to undertake effective measures toward nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and prohibition. The entry into force last January of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is a major step forward. It is the firm hope of the Holy See that this will also spur progress in the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), scheduled to hold its Review Conference next January.”
Honduras
Juan Orlando Hernandez
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Hungary
Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs
23 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “And these two [parents working from home and children having digital education] have created a vulnerable and unexperienced group of users of digital space, and this kind of group is a perfect target for cybercrime. That’s why we urge to put together a strict international regulation, which can protect our children and our families from spreading extremist ideologies on the internet, of sexual propaganda and of cyberbullying.”
Iceland
Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Regrettably, today’s conflicts, humanitarian and political crises are too often rooted in lack of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Armed conflict, cyber peace and security: “The complexity of modern conflicts and crises continues to grow with the marriage of emerging factors, such as climate change, cyber threats and disinformation, and the old foes of authoritarianism and tyranny.”
Armed conflict, militarism: “Finding political solutions to the situations in Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, and now Afghanistan is also essential, as military might alone can never deliver peace and stability.”
Cyber peace and security: “The Council needs to act with greater foresight based on a broader view of security, and we welcome its recent deliberations on cyber security, climate security and the pandemic.”
Armed conflict, arms race, nuclear weapons: “Prevention needs to be our highest priority, given human cost and long-term implications of conflict, instability, and tensions. Safeguarding the key agreements that brought us out of the wasteful arms race of the Cold War, not least the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, is particularly important.”
India
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Indonesia
Joko Widodo, President
22 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The world community looks towards the UN General Assembly to provide answers to major global concerns. When will the people be free from the pandemic? When will the economy recover and grow inclusively? How to sustain the planet for future generations? And when will the world be free from conflict, terrorism, and war?”
Armed conflict: “we must be stern in fighting intolerance, conflicts, terrorism, and war.”
Iran
Zuzana Čaputová, President
21 September 2021
Armed conflict: “What is seen in our region today proves that not only the hegemonist and the idea of hegemony, but also the project of imposing Westernized identity have failed miserably. The result of seeking hegemony has been blood-spilling and instability and, ultimately, defeat and escape. Today, the US does not get to exit Iraq and Afghanistan but is expelled. And, at the same time, it is the oppressed people, from Palestine and Syria to Yemen and Afghanistan, as well as the US taxpayers, who have to pay for this lack of rationality.”
Armed conflict: “Over the past decade, the US has been making the mistake of modifying its ‘way of war’ with the world instead of changing its ‘way of life’. An erroneous path cannot be brought to fruition by merely adopting a different method.”
Nuclear weapons: “Sanctions are the US’ new way of war with the nations of the world. Sanctions against the Iranian nation started not with my country’s nuclear program; …”
Nuclear energy: “In addition to peaceful nuclear and satellite technologies, Iran is the medical hub of the region and numerous Iranian physicians and scientists, such as Avicenna, shine in the history of humankind. Knowledge that is beneficial to humanity cannot be sanctioned. We ourselves have been able to produce fuel for the Tehran research reactor which makes radiopharmaceuticals for more than one million cancer patients in Iran. We have also made astonishing progress in the area of biotechnology and stem cells in spite of all sanctions. And today despite all sanctions targeting human rights, we have become one of the manufacturers of CoVID-19 vaccines.”
Armed conflict: Crises in human societies, such as violence, poverty, unemployment, moral and economic corruption, collapse of family foundations, regional wars, organized terrorism and environmental crises are all the result of inattention to the principles of rationality, justice and freedom.”
Militarism: “The military presence of the US in Syria and Iraq is the biggest hindrance to the establishment of democracy and will of nations. Freedom does not fit in the backpacks of soldiers coming from outside the region.”
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA): “Today, the whole world including the Americans themselves have admitted that the project of countering the Iranian people, which manifested itself in the form of violating the JCPoA and was followed by the ‘maximum pressure’ and arbitrary withdrawal from an internationally recognized agreement, has totally failed. However, the policy of ‘maximum oppression’ is still on. We want nothing more than what is rightfully ours. We demand the implementation of international rules. All parties must stay true to the nuclear deal and the UN Resolution in practice. Fifteen reports released by the IAEA have attested to the adherence of Iran to its commitments. However, the US has not yet discharged its obligation, which is lifting sanctions. It has encroached upon the agreement, withdrawn from it and levied even more sanctions on my people.”
Nuclear weapons: “It is the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to consider the production and stockpiling of atomic weapons as forbidden based on the religious decree by His Eminence, the Supreme Leader, and Nukes have no place in our defense doctrine and deterrence policy. The Islamic Republic considers the useful talks whose ultimate outcome is the lifting of all oppressive sanctions.”
Iraq
Barham Salih, President
23 September 2021
Chemical weapons, armed conflict, militarism: “Over the last 40 years alone, Iraq has suffered from war, embargos, tyranny, genocidal campaigns, mass graves, the use of chemical weapons, the draining of the marches and groups of terrorists over our cities. We have been able to overcome these tragedies and liberate our cities from the evil forces of Daesh, thus saving the world from crimes thanks to the courage of our army and police”.
Armed conflicts: “Iraq sits at the heart of the middle east region, a region that suffered and is still suffering from war and conflicts that are the result of the breakdown of security and political system for the last 40 years.”
Ireland
Micheál Martin, Taoiseach
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Our own experience of conflict on the island of Ireland has taught us that building peace is painstaking, long and often frustrating. We expected that our time on the Council would reflect that complexity; would require stamina, ingenuity, compromise and determination. And so it has proved. Every day for the last nine months, we have sought to use our voice, to defend our principles, and to make progress towards the peaceful resolution of some of the world’s most pressing conflicts. Progress has not always been possible. Too often, the Council has been divided. It is a lesson hard learned that when we, in this building, are divided, it is the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences. The promise of the Charter is to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. Today, I call on all members of the Council to set aside political differences and to work to uphold that promise.
Armed conflict: “Syria presents an urgent example of where this is needed. This year we marked ten years of conflict in that country. For many, the conflict in Syria is emblematic as the failure of the United Nations and of the Security Council in particular. On too many occasions, in the face of immense suffering, the Council chose inaction. Often, in response, it has been the General Assembly that has stepped up, and stepped in. This body has taken bold action, critical to the resolution of this conflict.”
Armed conflict, ceasefire: “Since January, Ireland has consistently urged the Council to act in response to the deteriorating situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. We have been horrified by reports of gross human rights abuses and violations, including widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence. For 10 months, a humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded before our eyes. The threat of famine looms large. This is unconscionable. We are speaking out clearly here today, as we have done in the Council for months. We must stand firm and united in support of the Secretary-General’s call for a negotiated ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and restoration of basic services to all affected areas, and a political solution to the crisis.”
Nuclear weapons: “A hallmark of Irish foreign policy is our firm commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. Next week at the Security Council, we will mark the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We are committed to achieving a successful and substantive outcome to the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. We warmly welcome the entry-into-force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “As Security Council Facilitator for Resolution 2231 on the Iran nuclear deal we have engaged extensively to encourage a return to compliance by all parties. We welcome the commitment of the US Administration to return to the agreement. We urge Iran to seize this opportunity, to return swiftly to talks in Vienna, and to come back into full compliance with the agreement, including by cooperating fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
Armed conflict: “The escalation of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in May resulted in more lives lost, including the deaths of more than 70 children.”
Armed conflict: “The world has watched in horror at the violence and chaos in Afghanistan. Millions of Afghans require urgent support, including those recently displaced by conflict, violence and intimidation. Full, safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian organisations and all of their personnel, regardless of gender, must be facilitated. The most vulnerable – women, girls, boys, men, LGBTQI persons; and persons with disabilities – must be protected.”
Italy
Mario Draghi, President of the Council of Ministers
23 September 2021
Ceasefire: “The international community must work together with the Libyan institutions and the Libyan people to overcome the current stalemate. Despite this critical juncture, we must ensure that elections scheduled for the 24th of December can take place and the ceasefire is fully implemented.”
Israel
Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister, Minister for Community Affairs and Minister for National Digital Affairs
27 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “Iran’s great goal is crystal clear to anybody who cares to open their eyes: Iran seeks to dominate the region — and seeks to do so under a nuclear umbrella.”
Armed drones: “If you think Iranian terror is confined to Israel– you're wrong. Just this year, Iran made operational a new deadly terror unit – swarms of killer UAVs armed with lethal weapons that can attack any place any time. They plan to blanket the skies of the Middle East with this lethal force. Iran has already used these deadly UAVs—called Shahed 136-- to attack Saudi Arabia, US targets in Iraq and civilian ships at sea, killing A Brit and a Romanian. Iran plans to arm its proxies in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon with hundreds and then thousands of these deadly drones. Experience tells us that what starts in the Middle East, doesn't stop there.”
Nuclear weapons: “Over the past few years, Iran has made a major leap forward, in its nuclear R&D, in its production-capacity, and in its enrichment. Iran's nuclear weapon program is at a critical point. All red lines have been crossed. Inspections — ignored. All wishful-thinking — proven false. Iran is violating the IAEAs safeguard agreements — and it's getting away with it. They harass inspectors and sabotage their investigations — and they’re getting away with it. They enrich Uranium to the level of 60% which is one step short of weapons-grade material — and they’re getting away with it. Evidence which clearly proves Iran's intentions for nuclear weapons in secret sites in Toorkooz-abad, Teheran & Marivan — is ignored. Iran’s nuclear program has hit a watershed moment; and so has our tolerance. Words do not stop centrifuges from spinning. There are those in the world who seem to view Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons as an inevitable reality, or they've just become tired of hearing about it. Israel doesn't have that privilege. We will not tire. We will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.”
Jamaica
Andrew Holness, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons: “The illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains a daily challenge to citizen security and a grave concern to Jamaica. The widespread availability of these arms and their ammunition is a key enabler of conflict and endemic crime, and represents a significant danger to our internal security, fostering criminal activities which destabilize the social order. We will work with all our partners to enhance the capacity of member states to address issues related to arms control and disarmament, by preventing the diversion of conventional arms to the illicit market. This matter remains a priority for Jamaica, as we seek the assistance of our bilateral, regional and international partners in addressing the issue.”
Japan
Suga Yoshihide, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “As we maximize the use of the potential of digital space, new technologies must not be used to undermine our universal values. Japan will contribute constructively to the discussions at the UN and other multilateral forums and also provide capacity-building support to ASEAN and other countries in order to work towards the realization of a free, fair, and secure cyber-space.”
Arms control, disarmament: “To realize a more peaceful and secure world, it is crucial for all countries to make sincere efforts in a transparent manner in international arrangements on arms control and disarmament.”
Nuclear weapons: “As the only country that has experienced the devastation of atomic bombings, Japan will endeavor to bridge the gaps among countries with different positions and contribute to international efforts towards the realization of a world free from nuclear weapons. Regarding the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, we aim to achieve a meaningful outcome at the Review Conference to be held next year.”
Arms control, disarmament, conventional weapons: “We will also continue to work on the control and disarmament of conventional weapons, or ‘Disarmament that Saves Lives’.”
Nuclear weapons, missiles, Korean Peninsula: “The recent launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea is a clear violation of Security Council resolutions and we condemn this action. The recent nuclear and missile activities by North Korea pose a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community. I strongly hope that North Korea will engage in diplomatic efforts and the dialogues between the United States and North Korea on denuclearization will progress.”
Nuclear weapons, missiles, Korean Peninsula: “Japan will continue to seek to normalize its relationship with North Korea, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through comprehensively resolving the outstanding issues of concern such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues, as well as settling the unfortunate past. Establishing a constructive relationship between Japan and North Korea will not only serve the interests of both sides but also contribute to regional peace and stability.”
Jordan
Abdullah II, King
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Kazakhstan
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President
22 September 2021
Disarmament, nuclear weapons: “I turn to several other important UN issues, including the need to revitalize disarmament. Last month, on 29 August, we marked the 30th anniversary of the decision to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and relinquish the fourth largest nuclear arsenal in the world. Kazakhstan again urges the nuclear-weapon States to commit themselves to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons by 2045, the Centennial of the United Nations.”
Biological safety: “Similarly, there is more work to be done against existential biological threats. I proposed last year an International Agency for Biological Safety. This is a bold and ambitious idea, but we believe it is timely. Open and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders is ongoing.”
Kenya
Uhuru Kenyatta, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces
22 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons: “The unequal trade and investment patterns, the outflows of illicit finance and inflows of illicit small arms and light weapons, the extraction versus production mentality, are all escalating global inequality, fragility, conflict and violence.”
“In October 2021, Kenya will assume the Presidency of the Security Council. During that period, I will chair several signature-events. These include; … Second, how illicit small arms and light weapons impact peacekeeping operations.”
Kiribati
Te Beretitenti Taneti Maamau, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Kuwait
Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The Palestinian Question still occupies the central and pivotal position in our Arab and Muslim worlds. Tension and instability will remain prevalent in our region, unless the Palestinian people obtain all their legitimate political rights, and Israel, the occupying authority, halts its practices and violations of international humanitarian law, represented in the building of settlements, confiscation of land, closure of areas, the continued imposition of the blockade on Gaza, and its desecration of the sanctity of holy places.”
Armed conflict, militarism: “The continuation of the Syrian crisis, which has entered its 11th year, with all the humanitarian pain it bears for the Syrian citizen inside and outside the country, has remained as witness to the fact, that absence of consensus and international will, from one side, and external interventions from another side, were the main reasons for prolonging this bloody conflict. From here we renew our firm conviction, that there is no military solution to it, and emphasize the importance of working to reach a political settlement, according to the relevant Security Council resolutions, especially resolution 2254, in a way that achieves and meets the aspirations and hopes of the brotherly Syrian people.”
Armed conflict: “The continuing crisis in brotherly Yemen, and the growing and dangerous threats it poses to regional peace and stability, has been linked to the observed reality of how to deal with relevant Security Council resolutions and outputs. From here, we renew our firm position that the only solution for this crisis, is the political solution based on the three agreed upon terms of reference, these are; the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outputs of the National Dialogue Conference, and the resolutions of the Security Council, especially resolution 2216.”
Armed conflict: “In light of what a number of countries in our region are witnessing from the growth of this destructive danger in Yemen, Libya, Syria, Somalia, and Iraq, the international community has watched with great interest, the delicate developments Afghanistan witnessed lately. In this regard, we call upon the Taliban movement and all parties, for the need to exercise utmost self-restraint, in order to prevent bloodshed, provide full protection to civilians, adhere to international obligations and laws, and to preserve the security and stability of the country, as well as the gains of the friendly Afghani people.”
Nuclear weapons, disarmament: “Among the sticking issues of regional character, the erosion of the nuclear disarmament system has constituted a challenge of existential nature to the security and stability of the region. In this regard, we look forward to concerted international and regional efforts for the success of the objectives of the Conference concerned with the establishment of a nuclear-free zone and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, which the State of Kuwait will be presiding its second session in the coming month of November, at the United Nations headquarters in New York.”
Kyrgyzstan
Sadyr Japarov, President
21 September 2021
Arms trade, cyber peace and security: “At the same time, we call for stepping up international efforts not only to combat terrorism and extremism, but also against transnational organized crime in the sphere of trafficking in drugs and weapons, human trafficking, laundering of criminal proceeds, and in cyberspace.”
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The prolonged Israeli-Palestinian conflict over many decades has resulted in great loss of lives and properties for the Palestinian and Israeli, of which it should have been solved by peaceful means. The Lao PDR once again calls for the relevant parties to resume dialogues and mutual trust building for solving the issue aimed at accomplishing the establishment of two sovereign states of Palestine and Israel, peacefully coexisting under the relevant UN resolutions.”
Latvia
Egils Levits, President
21 September 2021
Cyber peace and security, artificial Intelligence: “At the same time, we must bear in mind that digital transformation and artificial intelligence poses new risks. Also, security threats in cyberspace are increasing. Therefore, in parallel with technological developments, we must work actively to define new legal principles. On the one hand these principles should help us make the best use of opportunities and, on the other, to avoid risks and damage to human rights and freedoms. In recent years we see innovations which, through global social platforms and increasing use of artificial intelligence, make it possible to influence and manipulate human thoughts and actions more effectively. Thus, human autonomy, the free will of the personality is endangered. The main challenge for the democratic world in the coming decades will be whether artificial intelligence or humans control decisions.”
Lebanon
General Michel Aoun, President
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The wars of the region around us have contributed to the exacerbation of our crises, especially the Syrian war which have weighed heavily on us, notably through the imposed siege that has deprived Lebanon of its vital extension, or the infiltration of terrorism into our territories, or the large numbers of Syrian displaced who streamed into Lebanon, exceeding today 1.5 million.”
Lesotho
Moeketsi Majoro, Prime Minister
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The Kingdom of Lesotho considers it the responsibility of the international community, with the United Nations playing the central role, to put in place effective measures aimed at preventing genocide, ethnic cleansing and the atrocities perpetrated on women and children caught up in armed conflict.”
Liberia
George Manneh Weah, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “After the brutal civil war that ravished our country and divided our people for more than 15 years, and which finally ended just over two decades ago, it is important to agree on a process that would bring closure to the wounds of the victims, and thereby guarantee the sustenance of peace, stability, justice, and national reconciliation.”
Libya
Mohamed al-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya
23 September 2021
Ceasefire: “Despite the achievements made in holding the ceasefire, by disabling any attempt to undermine and resolve any disagreement among parties, and despite working with a joint military committee to open the road … the issue of moving the foreign forces out of the country remain.” [unofficial translation]
Liechtenstein
Dominique Hasler, Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Lithuania
Gitanas Nausėda, President
21 September 2021
Militarism: “Various forms of pressure and hybrid attacks are closely related to the deteriorating security situation in many parts of the world. We have seen authoritarian states continuing their military buildups and intensifying violent crackdowns on political opposition, free media, and civil society. These regimes demonstrated many times their willingness to endanger our peace, security, and prosperity.”
Nuclear energy: “Belarus has recently generated yet another outrage by starting the commercial exploitation of an unsafe nuclear power plant close to the Lithuanian border. By ignoring numerous worrying incidents and failing to comply with basic international safety standards, the Belarusian regime has once again shown a complete lack of a sense of responsibility.
“I believe that it would be a colossal mistake to treat such violators on the same footing as climate friendly producers who respect environmental and nuclear safety rules. Solving the issue of the Belarusian nuclear power plant is crucially important for our environment – and a matter of safety for all the people of Europe.”
Armed conflict: “For the seventh year we are witnessing the continuing military aggression against Ukraine, as well as the illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea. These actions violate international law, the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. They should be condemned universally.”
Arms control: “The Open Skies Treaty, the Vienna Document, the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, and many other agreements are crucial for building confidence in international security. The principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should prevail in the face of new challenges.”
Luxembourg
Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Madagascar
Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President
22 September 2021
Militarism: “Madagascar has neither the power, nor the weapons, and even less the pretension to declare war. We just have faith in the legitimacy of our aspirations and in our right to decide the fate of our territory.”
Malawi
Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President
22 September 2021
Armed conflict: "We must choose for our children a future of good governance delivered through strong democratic 5 institutions that safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, and maintain world peace; or a future of corrupt and oppressive governments propped up by proxy wars between developed nations and enabled by a weak and undemocratic United Nations that serves the interests of its Security Council at the expense of its member states’ development and inclusion."
Malaysia
Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “The development and deployment of nuclear weapons continues to be a threat to all mankind. Given the global health crisis, we find it disheartening that billions of dollars are being spent to maintain and modernise nuclear weapons, rather than on saving lives and livelihoods.
“Malaysia supports the total elimination of nuclear weapons and the assurance that they will never be produced again. This is the only guarantee against the catastrophic consequences arising from their use. Towards this end, Malaysia welcomes the coming into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) earlier this year.
“Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and as Chair of Main Committee One (1) on Nuclear Disarmament for the 10th NPT Review Conference, we will strive towards bringing State Parties together and do our best to steer deliberations towards a fruitful outcome.”
Ceasefire: “Malaysia also reaffirms its commitment towards global peace, security and prosperity by continuing to lead on the issuance of a Joint Communique on global ceasefire in June this year. We strongly believe that the UN membership must speak with one voice on the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in all corners of the world. This would allow governments and all stakeholders to focus their attention on combating humankind’s deadliest enemy.
“Nevertheless, Mr. President, it is unfortunate that we are far from realizing this global ceasefire. Many places are still experiencing instability. The situation in Myanmar remains of grave concern.”
Armed conflict: “On the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Malaysia is appalled by the deaths of many Palestinian civilians, including women and children, following the brutal attacks by Israel in May this year. We strongly condemn repeated violations and aggression by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian worshipers in Al-Aqsa Mosque. The targeted aggression against worshippers is indeed contemptuous to all Muslims, or for any peace-loving religion.
“In fact, let us be truly frank about what is happening in the OPT. The systematic oppression of Palestinians over many years through discriminatory policies; denial of basic civil rights imposition of harsh conditions; large scale land confiscation; and, inhumane acts committed against them tantamount to the crime of apartheid. Yes, Mr. President, apartheid still exists in this world and most of us are just turning a blind eye to this. 36. Malaysia stresses again that Israel must be held responsible and accountable for all its wrongdoings including its flagrant violations of international law. 37. We welcome the establishment of an international commission of inquiry by the Human Rights Council to investigate violations of international human rights law during the 11-day crisis.
“Malaysia continues to call for the deployment of a temporary international presence in the city of Al-Quds, to monitor the cessation of hostilities in the OPT. The international community must spare no effort to ensure the safety, protection, dignity and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population.”
Maldives
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Mali
Choguel Kokalla Maiga, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Armed conflict: “From March 2013 to this 25 September 2021, when I am addressing you from this august platform, the situation in my country has hardly improved, despite international support and the presence on our soil of a UN peace operation, MINUSMA, and international forces: the French Operation Barkane, the European TAKUBA force and the G5 Sahel joint force.”
“The situation continues to deteriorate, to the point where large parts of the national territory are beyond the control of the government. My fellow citizens are living under the sway of armed terrorist groups in the denial of their most basic rights. Their access to basic services remains hypothetical due to the weak presence of state services, as a result of the growing insecurity.”
Militarism: “At the top of the State and within the Malian population, there is a desire for peace and a thirst for security that echoes the demand for efficiency of the political and military instruments and mechanisms put in place, and which paradoxically make Mali an over-militarised country but very vulnerable to terrorism, which has become a factor in the disintegration of our societies and the destabilisation of the foundations of the State.”
Disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration: “Concerning the defence and security issues of the Agreement, an accelerated DDR programme (Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration) has been put in place, with the integration of 3,000 ex-combatants from the signatory parties and inclusiveness, of which 1,840 have already been integrated. The Government has also expressed its willingness to integrate the remaining 1,160 by 21 August 2021 at the latest, were it not for the slowness of the Coordinations of the Azawad Movements in providing the list of their representatives.”
Malta
Robert Abela, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “As a founding member of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States, Malta’s goal is to become a leader in Small Island State Governance, standing ready to share our plans on decarbonisation and also digitalisation. Small Island States face challenges regarding their critical infrastructure, but in parallel, can also demonstrate how effective the community-based approach is. As our society will go through a digital transition in parallel with the climate one, as a country we also advocate the need to close the digital gap across nations to ensure a level playing field. Although Malta enjoys a positive and professional relationship as a ‘Digital Island’, we aim to further enhance our potential in the field and fast track our digital transformation. Our aim is to implement modernised and secure digital services that are accessible to all. These efforts will circumvent any of the disruptions caused by COVID-19 notably in the economy, education, health and public administration. Digitalisation will benefit and empower humanity if it is accessible to all our peoples, even those in the most remote parts of the world.”
Armed conflict: “As prospective elected members of the Security Council, Malta believes that refocusing and revitalising our efforts at addressing and mitigating tensions is paramount. More must be done to assist the main actors on the ground and to address the root causes of conflict. Such goals can be achieved by providing basic needs, which instability and conflict has taken away, whether it is basic education, literacy or food security.”
Ceasefire, arms embargo, armed conflict, mercenaries: “The will of the Libyan people must be respected, and the October 2020 ceasefire agreement fully implemented, while the work of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya set up last year should continue to be supported and reinforced. Mercenaries, foreign fighters and forces must withdraw from Libya, and the arms embargo must be respected.”
Disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration: “In the run-up to Libya’s upcoming national elections, this process should continue to be strengthened with the adoption of the necessary social and economic reforms combined with an underlying national reconciliation process. All of this should translate to, amongst others, the unification of state institutions, the commencing of security sector reform, as well as disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration.”
Ceasefire: “Actions that promote peace and stability in the [Middle East] should continue to be supported, including preparations to hold elections in Palestine. The conclusion of a ceasefire earlier this year was a step in the right direction. We urge both sides to take concrete steps to consolidate the fragile peace, and to refrain from taking any action which may jeopardise any positive trends.”
Armed conflict, attacks in populated areas: “Regarding Syria, the situation on the ground remains unstable. Not only have ten years passed since the conflict began, but the struggles that families and children are facing have become even more precarious. The persisting violence in Syria, particularly in view of ongoing reports of sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on children, hospitals, schools, and other vital civilian infrastructure including potable water production plants is of grave concern. We welcome the unanimous adoption of UNSCR 2585 extending the use of the humanitarian aid corridor at Bab al-Hawa. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence and take any and all appropriate actions leading to a resolution of this humanitarian and political crisis. The International Community must redouble its efforts to bring peace to Syria. We cannot remain idle.”
Armed conflict: “Peace and security are fundamental if we have any ambition to protect international humanitarian principles and minimise the impact of conflict on innocent civilians, including those who are the most vulnerable. Too many people live in countries where their access to water, food, education, and other essential needs is not met or is denied. As potential members of the Security Council, we will commit to addressing the root causes of conflict and to promote recognition of the crucial role of humanitarian space.”
Children in armed conflict: “Conflicts affect the lives of many people, and on a yearly basis we fail tens of thousands of children. We fail to protect them from violence, from cruelty, from harm, and from realising their full potential. We fail to protect their right of being children. Every year, children are forced into armed movements, abducted, abused, and forced to take part into conflicts that they have not created. The new worrying trends together with the multifaceted impacts on children exacerbated by the pandemic, are calling us to redouble our efforts to tackle this “plague” together. The protection of children must be central in our policy and decision-making processes. This goal is attainable, but we must act with urgency. UN peacekeeping operations have a key role to play in protecting children in armed conflict, as well as others within the UN system, including UNICEF. We strongly encourage the Council and Member States to support the full implementation of strong child protection mandates, including through the speedy deployment of senior child protection advisors and teams, and by prioritising the protection of children in peacekeeping transitions. Should Malta be entrusted to serve on the Security Council in 2023-2024, Children and Armed Conflict will be a priority during our tenure. We firmly believe that this issue, which greatly impacts our societies, should be mainstreamed across the work of the Security Council.”
Marshall Islands
David Kabua, President
22 September 2021
Militarism, armed conflict: “lf we cannot remember the mistakes which led to the last century's open global military conflicts, then my fear is that we are doomed to repeat them.”
Militarism: “My own Pacific islands region faces an emerging security threat in the form of geopolitical competition by the world's largest powers - are we again to be caught in the middle of a tug-of-war?”
Nuclear weapons: “The Republic of the Marshall lslands has our legacy roots as a strategic UN Trusteeship, where - despite our warnings at the time - two Trusteeship Council resolutions remain the only instance in history where any UN organ ever specifically authorized nuclear detonations. This was part of a wider nuclear weapons testing program of 67 atmospheric tests conducted by the United States as administering authority, between 1946 and 1958 - delivering the equivalent of 1 .6 Hiroshima-sized shots every day, for 12 years. The legacy of these tests remains a very contemporary threat - in our waters, our lands and our bodies. We have recently formed a National Nuclear Commission to coordinate effective responses, and we continue to view these impacts through a human rights lens. Despite our commitment, we simply lack the capacity to fully address our local needs. We tirelessly underscore that no people or nation should ever have to bear a burden such as ours, and that no effort should be spared to move towards a world free of nuclear weapons and nuclear risk, through any and all effective pathways.”
Mauritania
Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
No relevant references.
Mauritius
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “One sector which has thrived during the pandemic relates to infodemics and criminal activities in cyberspace. This has to be addressed globally. We support the elaboration of an international Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes.”
Militarism, military bases: “I would like to reiterate the commitment of Mauritius to ensuring the continued operation of the defence facility in Diego Garcia. Mauritius considers the facility vital to the maintenance of international peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, and to efforts to combat terrorism, piracy, and the illicit trafficking of drugs and persons. In this regard, Mauritius, as sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, stands ready to enter into a long-term arrangement with the United States in respect of Diego Garcia.”
Mexico
Marcelo Ebrard, Chanceler
23 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons, arms trade: “We will continue to draw the international community's attention to the irresponsible arms trade and trafficking, as well as the link to the increase in violence, homicides and the commission of high-impact crimes that affect the security of citizens, limit their possibilities for development and undermine the social fabric. We hope that the Council can take measures to ensure stricter control of small arms and light weapons, as these are the fuel that fuels the world's conflicts.”
Micronesia
David Panuelo, President and Head of Government
23 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “Micronesia has been taking many steps to strengthen the rule of law in our country. We are seeking to pass legislation on cybercrimes….”
Moldova
Maia Sandu, President
22 September 2021
Ammunition: “In the spirit of Moldova’s Constitutional neutrality and international law, I would also like to reiterate that our position on the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces remains unchanged. This includes the removal or destruction of ammunitions from the Cobasna stockpiles which pose a security and environmental threat to the region as a whole. We count on the support of the international community in this endeavor.”
Monaco
Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince
23 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “But cyberspace calls for everyone's vigilance. With the health crisis, cyber attacks against civilian infrastructure have increased, undermining the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.”
Mongolia
Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President
22 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “My country has initiated and tabled more than 90 UN General Assembly resolutions on nearly 20 agenda items, including Disarmament Week, the Declaration on the Right to Peace, nuclear-weapon-free status, economic development, environmental protection, cooperatives, situation of women in rural areas, literacy and education for democracy. Amongst them, Mongolia declared its territory as a nuclear-weapon-free in 1992 and has been working actively in this direction ever since.”
Armed conflict: “Therefore, in today's world, this horrendous phenomenon called war must be completely eliminated from the future of mankind and human propriety, and the role and pertinence of resolving any conflicts and misunderstandings only through peaceful means and dialogue as well as promoting preventive diplomacy are on the rise.”
Montenegro
Milo Đukanović, President
22 September 2021
Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control: “Due to the obvious deterioration of the overall international security atmosphere, modernization of armed systems, as well as due to the collapse of some of the most important strategic instruments in this field, international architecture for disarmament, non-proliferation and control of arms are under a significant pressure. That is something that Montenegro, as a responsible UN and NATO member, wants to draw your attention to. Support to implementation and strengthening and to further development of multilateral agreements in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and control of arms must be imperatives for all of us.”
Morocco
Nasser Bourita, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Disarmament, arms race, nuclear weapons: “In terms of disarmament, Morocco was elected to chair the First Committee during the 76th session of the General Assembly. This is the first time that Morocco chairs this important committee on disarmament and international security. Choosing Morocco to carry out this responsibility on behalf of Africa represents a recognition by the United Nations of our active, credible, and committed role in the international efforts to prevent a nuclear and conventional arms race. It is also a recognition of our work to promote international and regional peace, security, and stability.”
Mozambique
Verónica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Arms trade and proliferation: “The prevalence of terrorism and violent extremism, combined with the proliferation and trade of arms constitute a serious threat to peace and security at national, regional and global levels.”
Disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration: “We would like also to thank the support rendered by the international community to the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of the former guerrilla elements of RENAMO, in the framework of the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation.”
Arms trade, nuclear weapons, conventional weapons: “Our country reaffirms its commitment towards the implementation of international legal instruments aimed at strengthening peace and security, particularly the Arms Trade Treaty, the Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Conventional Arms Convention.”
Namibia
Hage Geingob, President
23 September 2021
Militarism: “Global conflict in the form of the Cold War resulted in Africa’s Second Wave leaders being caught up in the malaise of military coups and One-Party States.”
Armed conflict: “Indeed, through unity, we will revitalize the United Nations, transforming it into a bastion of global democracy that will save the world from the scourge of war and reaffirm faith in the fundamental human rights, dignity and worth of each and every human being on this planet.”
Nauru
Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Recognizing that we are all bound together, we must all work to change course and deliver on the promise of multilateralism: an effective and robust United Nations that is fit for purpose, capable of tackling the challenges of today and the future, to build a safer, sustainable world for generations to come. A world that realizes the promise of peace, human rights and sustainable development for all and shifts away from the current trend of increasing violent conflict around the world.”
Nepal
Dr. Narayan Khadka, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “We call for an immediate end to the hardships and sufferings of the common people in Libya, Syria, and Yemen. In the Middle East, we reiterate our long-standing position and want to see peace and security with a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine living side by side within secure and recognized international borders.”
Arms race, outer space, nuclear weapons, military spending: “It is worrisome to see new signs of arms race through modernization of nuclear arms, and weaponization of outer space among big powers. We call upon them to divert precious resources from military spending to addressing the covid-19 pandemic and lifting the most vulnerable people out of poverty.”
Weapons of mass destruction, disarmament, non-proliferation: “The mechanisms of disarmament as well as the measures of non-proliferation and confidence building have been stalled. Nepal calls for general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction in a time-bound and verifiable manner.”
Netherlands
Mark Rutte, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
New Zealand
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security and Intelligence, Child Poverty Reduction, and Ministerial Services
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “We know that poverty and inequality drive conflict and instability, and we are also seeing this, in heightened civil unrest and conflict. Humanitarian crises have worsened. We are seeing this in Afghanistan and there are many more. As an international community we must rise to the challenge of meeting the growing humanitarian need. But we also have to intensify our efforts to prevent conflict and build peace. New Zealand looks forward to playing a part in this effort as we join the Peacebuilding Commission in 2022.”
Armed conflict, weapons, nuclear weapons: “And where peace fails, we must all do our part to strengthen and improve respect for the laws of armed conflict, and to enhance the protection of civilians. Preventing both the use of illegal weapons, and the illegal use of legal weapons, is essential, as is ensuring there is no impunity for any such use. This work is a shared responsibility, and one which we pursue alongside our tireless efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons and the spectre of a conflict that no one can recover from.”
Nicaragua
Denis Moncada Colindres, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Disarmament, nuclear weapons: “Because of its peaceful vocation, Nicaragua also advocates general and complete disarmament, it is in favour of the total elimination of nuclear weapons for the benefit of mankind.”
Weapons of mass destruction: “It is unacceptable that in the midst of this pandemic, weapons of mass destruction continue to be modernised, endangering the whole of humanity. It is part of the soulless creation of Savage Capitalism, an insatiable attitude of accumulation at the expense of international peace, security and human life.”
Nuclear weapons: “The hope of the inhabitants of the planet is that nuclear weapons, which are a threat to the whole of humanity, including the very peoples of the countries that manufacture and possess them, will disappear.
“Nicaragua is a party to the Treaty of Tlatelolco, where we committed ourselves many years ago not to allow any country in Latin America and the Caribbean to develop nuclear weapons.
“We welcome the entry into force of the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which prohibits for the first time the existence, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons, which Nicaragua has ratified.”
Militarism, armed conflict: “In relation to Afghanistan, we insist that Peace prevails. The United States and European countries must act rationally and responsibly, calling on them to renounce and desist from their culture and practices of war.”
Militarism: “The member countries of the UN must continue to make efforts so that the Western powers stop and desist from warmongering policies and actions, from the use or threat of the use of force, since they provoke more instability and insecurity at the global level.”
Armed conflict: “We reiterate our fraternal Solidarity with the Government and People of Syria in the defence of their Sovereignty and territorial integrity and in their struggle against foreign aggression and International Terrorism. All aggression against the People and Government of Syria must be stopped.”
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “Our people and government support the end of all sanctions on the sister Republic of Iran and support the full implementation of the Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA) of 14 July 2015. We underline that this agreement demonstrates that dialogue and diplomacy are the most appropriate means for peaceful resolution, as an essential part of the functioning of multilateralism.”
Militarism: “We condemn the US hegemonic political aggressions against the peaceful settlement of conflicts, which constitute political, economic, commercial and military threats and actions against the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We must uphold the principle of dialogue and negotiation and the non-use of force and threat as basic principles of the UN Charter.”
Niger
Hassoumi Massoudou, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict and climate change: “It is our conviction that the fragility linked to climate change is an aggravating factor in conflicts and humanitarian crises.”
Armed conflict, arms proliferation: “Indeed, since the events of 2011 in Libya, which have led to the proliferation of weapons in the Sahel region, our countries have been facing attacks by terrorist hordes both in the Lake Chad Basin in the East and in the so-called "Three Border Zone" in the West.”
Militarism: “We remain convinced that terrorism and organized crime are only the consequences of multiple challenges that must be overcome, in particular that of poverty and inequality. In the long run, it is not only military actions that will that will allow us to definitively defeat terrorism, but also our ability to implement development programs to meet the basic needs of our populations. The redeployment of the administration of public services of the State in the affected areas is an essential extension of the military action.”
Armed conflict, attacks on education: “In fact, in conflict zones, women and children are the first victims of terrorist groups that deliberately target civilian populations and schools, as is the case in the Central Sahel region, where villages are frequently attacked and thousands of children are deprived of education as a result of these attacks.”
Armed conflict: “As a member of the Security Council since January 2020, my country has to make its contribution to the building of a peaceful world. Whether it be African issues, which are numerous on the agenda of the Council, including the situation in the Sahel, the situations in the Middle East and Palestine, Syria, Libya, Burma and Afghanistan, our priority has always been to take into account the urgent needs of civilian populations, in particular women and children, the first victims of conflicts and humanitarian disasters which have unfortunately become recurrent.”
Armed conflict, cyber peace and security: “Just as we did in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, we must resolutely tackle the challenges of: climate change, that other devastating pandemic; the fight against terrorism and cybercrime; and so many other problems specific to our century.”
Nigeria
Muhammadu Buhari, President
24 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons, arms trade: “Nigeria remains deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons. Their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread in many regions of the world are having devastating humanitarian and socio-economic consequences, especially on the continent of Africa. It is on this note that my delegation calls for the world wide application of the Arms Trade Treaty to codify accountability in conventional arms trade, which is critical to the security of nations. This is in recognition of the need for a broadbased global partnership in the on-going battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and piracy.”
Armed conflict: “We must deal not only with the symptoms of conflict but also the immediate causes that fuel conflicts in the first place. These include poor and undemocratic governance, human rights abuses, poverty, ignorance, injustice and inequalities.”
Nuclear weapons: “Nigeria is fully committed to nuclear non-proliferation and has always supported the view that it should involve all States. Disarmament Conventions deserve the support of all states, small, large, nuclear or non-nuclear. Nuclear weapons remain the ultimate agents of mass destruction, and their total elimination should be the final objective of all disarmament processes within the broad spectrum of goals being pursued by the United Nations. In this regard, Nigeria would participate actively in the forthcoming Review Conference of the Nuclear Prohibition Treaty and also the First Meeting of States Parties to the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled to take place within the first quarter of 2022. Nigeria regards these upcoming events as important steps towards the realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons. We are, therefore, supportive of any diplomatic efforts in this direction. We hope that the upcoming NPT review conference would lead to a successful outcome that would facilitate the denuclearisation of the world. We would do our part to ensure such an outcome.”
North Macedonia
Stevo Pendarovski, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The reality today is that our world is far from being a safe place to live in. Conflicts around the world, fresh or frozen, terrorism, hybrid threats continue to intimidate our peace and way of life. They continue to threaten human rights and freedoms, provoking humanitarian catastrophes and waves of refugees.”
Norway
Erna Solberg, Prime Minister
22 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “We need to protect and promote the framework for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation – first and foremost, the Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
“Great power rivalry can threaten strategic stability. Dialogue and cooperation are essential.
The extension of the New START Treaty is a welcome step forward.”
Weapons of mass destruction: “The international norm against the use of weapons of mass destruction must be upheld.”
Chemical weapons: “The increased threat from chemical weapons must be countered.”
Oman
Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Ministry
27 September 2021
Ceasefire: “With respect to the Yemeni crisis, my country is continuing its tireless endeavours, and working with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both the United Nation’s and American’s envoys for Yemen, and the concerned Yemeni parties with the aim of ending the war through a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire on all sides, and fully resuming humanitarian efforts, in order to provide for the needs of the brothers in Yemen.”
Nuclear weapons, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “We would also like to express our hope that the Vienna talks on the Iranian nuclear program will lead to the desired consensus among all parties, because we firmly believe that this will be in the interest of the Region and the world.”
Nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction: “We call upon all Member States to fulfil their commitments undertaken through treaties and agreements related to disarmament, in particular, those agreements and treaties relating to nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, in order to ensure global stability.”
Pakistan
Imran Khan, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Ceasefire: “Pakistan desires peace with India, as with all its neighbours. But sustainable peace in South Asia is contingent upon resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Last February, we reaffirmed the 2003 ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control. The hope was that it would lead to a rethink of the strategy in New Delhi. Sadly, the BJP government has intensified repression in Kashmir and continues to vitiate the environment by these barbaric acts.”
Nuclear weapons, conventional weapons: “It is also essential to prevent another conflict between Pakistan and India. India’s military build-up, development of advanced nuclear weapons, and acquisition of destabilising conventional capabilities, can erode mutual deterrence between the two countries.”
Armed conflict: “From this platform, I want them all to know, the country that suffered the most, apart from Afghanistan, was Pakistan, when we joined the US War on Terror after 9/11. 80,000 Pakistanis died. $150 billion dollars were lost to our economy. There were 3.5 million internally displaced Pakistanis. And why did this happen? In the 1980s, Pakistan was a front-line state in fighting against the occupation of Afghanistan. Pakistan and the United States trained Mujahideen groups to fight for the liberation of Afghanistan. Amongst those Mujahideen groups was Al- Qaeda, various groups from all over the world. There were Mujahideen, Afghan Mujahideen. These were considered heroes....
“Come 1989, the Soviets leave, and so do the Americans - abandoning Afghanistan. Pakistan was left with 5 million Afghan refugees. We were left with sectarian militant groups which were never existed before. But the worse cut of it was, that a year later Pakistan was sanctioned by the US. We felt used.
“Fast forward 9/11, Pakistan is needed again by the US, because now the US-led coalition was invading Afghanistan, and it could not happen without Pakistan providing all the logistical support. What happened after that? The same Mujahideen that we had trained, that fighting foreign occupation was a sacred duty, a holy war or jehad, turned against us. We were called collaborators.
“They declared jehad on us. Then all along the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan - Pakistan’s semi-autonomous tribal belt - where no Pakistan army had been there since our independence, people had strong sympathies with the Afghan Taliban, not because of their religious ideology but because of Pashtun nationalism, which is very strong.
“For the first time we had militant Taliban in Pakistan. And they too attacked the Government of Pakistan. When our Army went into the tribal areas first time in our history - whenever an army goes into the civilian areas, there is collateral damage - so, there was collateral damage, which multiplied the militants to seek revenge.”
Drone strikes: “The world must know that in Pakistan there were 480 drone attacks conducted by the US. And we all know that the drone attacks are not that precise. They cause more collateral damage than the militants they are targeting.”
Armed conflict: “So, people whose relatives had been killed sought revenge against Pakistan. Between 2004 and 2014, there were 50 different militant groups attacking the State of Pakistan. At one point, people, people like us were worried, that will we survive this? There were bombs going all over Pakistan. Our capital was like a fortress….
“The only reason we suffered so much was because we became an ally of the US - of the Coalition - in the war in Afghanistan. There were attacks being conducted from the Afghan soil into Pakistan. At least there should have been a word of appreciation. But rather than appreciation, imagine how we feel when we are blamed for the turn of events in Afghanistan.
“After 2006, it became clear to everyone who understood Afghanistan and its history that there would be no military solution in Afghanistan. I went to the US, I spoke to thinktanks, I met the then Senator Biden, Senator John Kerry, Senator Harry Reid – I tried to explain to them that there would not be any military solution, and political settlement was the way forward. No one understood then.
“And unfortunately, in trying to force a military solution is where the US went wrong. And if today, the world needs to know why the Taliban are back in power, all it has to do is to do a deep analysis of why a 300,000 strong well equipped Afghan army – and remember Afghans are one of the bravest nations on earth - gave up without a fight. The moment a deep analysis of this is done, the world would know why the Taliban came back to power and it is not because of Pakistan.”
Palau
Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Palestine
Mahmoud Abbas, President
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Does the Israeli occupying Power believe that it can elude its responsibility for the crime of uprooting more than half of the Palestinian people from their land and for committing numerous massacres, killing and maiming thousands of Palestinians in 1948, in Bald el-Sheikh, Deir Yassin, Abushusha, 2 Tantoura, Ein Zaytoun, Kabia and others and the subsequent destruction of over 500 Palestinian towns and villages? Does Israel believe it can simply ignore the legitimate rights, including political rights, of millions of Palestinians within and outside of Palestine, the owners and sons and daughters of this land, at the heart of it Jerusalem? Does it believe it can continue its policies to steal their land, suffocate their economy and prevent them from breathing the air of freedom?”
Armed conflict, militarism, military spending: “Until when will this historical injustice against our people continue? Do the States that provide financial and military support to Israel, which it uses to prolong its occupation and kill Palestinians, or those that remain silent in the face of its aggressive policies, besieging and suffocating Palestinians, do these States actually believe they are ensuring peace and security for the Israeli people and stability for the region? I say it loud and clear: they are not.”
Militarism, armed conflict: “However, the current and former Israeli governments have persisted in evading the two-State solution based on international law and UN resolutions, and insisted in pursuing occupation and military control over the Palestinian people while presenting illusionary economic and security plans as an alternative. These unilateral plans will not achieve security and stability for anyone as they undermine efforts for a genuine peace and prolong occupation and entrench the reality of one apartheid state.”
Panama
Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Papua New Guinea
James Marape, Prime Minister and Minister for Bougainville Affairs
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Paraguay
Mario Abdo Benítez, President
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Peru
Pedro Castillo, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Philippines
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President
21 September 2021
Nuclear energy: “I issued a moratorium on the construction of new coal power plants and a directive to explore the nuclear energy option.”
Qatar
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir
21 September 2021
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “We see that there is no solution to the disagreements and differences in viewpoints with Iran except through rational dialogue based on mutual respect. This also applies to the issue of returning to the nuclear agreement with Iran. I do not think that anyone has an alternative to this approach, even those who oppose reverting to the agreement.”
Armed conflict: “This year witnessed numerous Israeli violations in the occupied East Jerusalem, and recurrence of attacks on Islamic and Christian sanctities, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, and the seizure of Palestinian homes in the context of Judaization and settlement policies. This was followed by a dangerous military escalation in the Gaza Strip, which caused hundreds of casualties among unarmed civilians, and caused aggravation of the already dire humanitarian situation in the Strip.”
Armed conflict: “As you know, Qatar has spared no effort in helping to evacuate thousands of individuals and families of various nationalities [from Afghanistan] during the past weeks. This was our humanitarian duty. But the most important thing I want to refer to is that we were confident that war offers no solution and that there would be dialogue in the end….
“But it is necessary to avoid slipping into counter extremism by major powers when they abandon their duties regarding the issues of world peace, guaranteeing the implementation of international conventions and protecting civilians from war crimes. There is a difference between imposing trusteeship on other countries and carrying out duties by major powers to implement international resolutions and conventions. It is also unreasonable for major powers to impose by the force of arms on other countries a form of the political system that the major powers deem as appropriate on the one hand, and to give up, on the other hand supporting countries that have adopted the same system of government desired by the will of their peoples, and without external interference.”
Armed conflict, use of explosive weapons in populated areas: “A decade has passed since the start of the Syrian crisis, which unfolded with a peaceful uprising and then turned into a humanitarian catastrophe due to the war launched by the regime against its people and the extremist armed forces that took advantage of the situation. The continuation of the crisis poses immense perils, including the aggravation of the threat of terrorism to Syria itself and to the peace and security in the region and the world. The Syrian issue should not be neglected, nor should the international community turn its back on the suffering of the Syrian people, as is recently the case during the bombing of the city of Daraa and other areas. There may come a day when we may remember, with great regret, this neglect of human suffering from injustice.”
Armed conflict: “With regard to the crisis in Yemen, where the war has led to a tragic humanitarian situation and risks of division that may, in turn, lead to the outbreak of other conflicts, the State of Qatar affirms its keenness for Yemen's unity and territorial integrity and its firm position that the only way out of the crisis is through negotiation between the Yemeni parties on the basis of the outcomes of the national dialogue, the Gulf initiative, and the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular, resolution 2216.”
Ceasefire: “Regarding the Libyan issue, the positive developments that Libya had witnessed during the past year give rise to cautious optimism. The ceasefire and convening the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, and the election of representatives of the interim executive authority and winning a vote of confidence of the House of Representatives by the National Unity Interim Government, are all positive developments. We call on all Libyan parties to maintain these gains and to ensure the full implementation of what has been agreed upon on the political, economic and security tracks, and the successful holding of elections and working to achieve a comprehensive reconciliation.”
Cyber peace and security: “I refer also to the world's increasing dependence on information technology and modern communication in all aspects of life, from education, to security and the economy. But on the other hand, the world has felt the effects of the misuse of cyberspace, including breaching private domains of individuals and international piracy and the serious threat it poses to the security and stability of the international community. From this standpoint, we reiterate the call for the United Nations to lead the process of unifying the efforts to prevent the misuse of the scientific progress in cybersecurity and regularize these vital aspects according to the rules of international law.”
Republic of Korea
Moon Jae-in, President
21 September 2021
Nuclear weapons, Korean Peninsula: “Envisioning a de-nuclearized, co-prosperous Korean Peninsula, the government of the Republic of Korea has steadily carried forward the Korean Peninsula peace process, and amid the support of the international community, achieved historic milestones – the Panmunjeom Declaration, Pyongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018 and military agreement resulting from the inter-Korean Summit, as well as the Singapore Declaration from the US-North Korea Summit.
“Peace on the Korean Peninsula begins always with dialogue and cooperation. I call for speedy resumption of dialogue between the two Koreas and between the United States and North Korea. I hope to see that the Korean Peninsula will prove the power of dialogue and cooperation in fostering peace.
“Two years ago in this very place, I declared zero tolerance for war, mutual security guarantee and co-prosperity as the three principles in resolving issues related to the Korean Peninsula. Last year, I proposed a declaration to ending the War on the Korean Peninsula. More than anything, an end-of-war declaration will mark a pivotal point of departure in creating a new order of ‘reconciliation and cooperation’ on the Korean Peninsula.
“Today, I once again urge the community of nations to mobilize its strengths for the end- of-war declaration on the Korean Peninsula and propose that three parties of the two Koreas and the US, or four parties of the two Koreas, the US and China come together and declare that the War on the Korean Peninsula is over. When the parties involved in the Korean War stand together and proclaim an end to the War, I believe we can make irreversible progress in denuclearization and usher in an era of complete peace.
“In fact, this year marks a meaningful 30th anniversary of the simultaneous admission of South and North Korea into the United Nations. With the joint accession to the UN, the two Koreas both recognized that they were two separate nations different in systems and ideologies. However, such was never meant to perpetuate the division. For when we acknowledged and respected each other, only then could we set out on a path to exchange, reconciliation, and unification. When the two Koreas and the surrounding nations work together, peace will be firmly established on the Korean Peninsula and prosperity fostered across entire Northeast Asia. That will go down as a Korean Peninsula Model in which peace is attained through cooperation.”
Romania
Klaus Iohannis, President
21 September 2021
Cyber: “Recently we have also witnessed the potential and the challenges of digital technologies. We must ensure meaningful and safe access to the Internet, strengthen cybersecurity and promote responsible behavior in the cyberspace, while addressing the digital spread of hatred and disinformation. Bucharest brings its contribution by hosting the European Cybersecurity Centre, which will improve cyber-resilience and cybersecurity research across the European Union.”
Russian Federation
Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2021
Militarism: “The might-is-right approach is being applied instead of right-is-might, instead of international law, with increasing frequency.”
Militarism: “President Biden has recently announced the rejection of military methods used to, as he put it, ‘remake other countries’. We expect the US to take one step further and reject any other methods of imposing their development model on others, not only military ones.”
Nuclear submarines: “At least many world media have perceived the plot twist of the story of supplying submarines to Australia as a response to talk of Europe’s strategic autonomy, that has intensified after the US’ hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
Nuclear arms control: “Great expectations are also linked with the prospect of the Russian-American dialogue on the future of arms control, the start of which was agreed upon at the Russian-American summit in Geneva. Where there is good will, finding a mutually acceptable solution is very realistic. The world was encouraged when the new US administration agreed to our proposal to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty without any preconditions. Of great importance was the fact that the Russian and US Presidents joint statement reaffirmed the commitment to principle according to which there can be no winners in a nuclear war and one must never be fought.”
“After Washington’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty, Russia has made a unilateral commitment not to deploy land-based intermediate-range or short-range missiles, both nuclear and non-nuclear, in regions where no similar US-made weapons would appear. We continue to wait for NATO members’ response to our proposal to proclaim a similar moratorium, reinforced with, and I would like to emphasise this, mutual verification measures.”
Cyber peace and security: “Amongst new challenges and threats, we also see states’ intention to militarise the internet and unleash a cyber arms race. Russia advocates for agreeing at the UN upon ways for ensuring international information security. The process here should not be based on someone’s special rules, but rather on universal agreements allowing to examine any concerns in a transparent manner, relying on facts. This is the aim of our initiative to elaborate standard norms for states’ responsible behaviour in the use of ICTs and are preparing a universal convention on combating cybercrime.
Outer space: “Along with the digital space, some countries view outer space as an arena for confrontation. We deem it to be a dangerous trend and propose to prohibit placement of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force in it. The relevant Russian-Chinese draft treaty remains on the table of the Conference on Disarmament.”
Biological and chemical weapons: “We are awaiting the response to the Russian initiative to elaborate a convention on the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism.”
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action: “Together with our partners, we seek the soonest possible resumption of the full implementation of the JCPOA on settling the situation around the Iranian nuclear programme.”
Rwanda
Paul Kagame, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Timothy Harris, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons: “The protection of life from violent crime is also of fundamental importance and discussions surrounding Small Arms and Light Weapons remain critical to our democracy. Our position remains that the uncontrolled proliferation of the illicit trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons has significant impacts on the health and well-being, socio-economic development, human rights and human development of every citizen in the world. The new challenges faced as a result of technological developments must also be taken into consideration and confronted. We will also continue to lend our voice and support to the work of the United Nations with a view to bringing about an end to the misery caused by these weapons.”
Saint Lucia
Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, the Public Service, National Security, Legal Affairs and Grenadines Affairs
25 September 2021
Militarism: “The metaphoric lions and lionesses, globally, ought to converse with each other meaningfully, rather than hanker for perpetual disorder, insecurity, and war; they do not actually need to lay down with each other in joyous embrace; they ought simply to resolve their differences, whether ancient or modern; and compromise, where necessary and desirable, in the interest of all. But for the sake of humanity, let us drop the vaunted self-interests, the vanities, and divisiveness — real or imagined, and work together, for the better.”
Cyber peace and security: “Mr. President, not only have the ways of the old order, pre-COVID, tended, still, to guide powerful countries in their actions; so, too, the behemoths in global communications. These entities, enveloped in mega profits and profiteering, own and control the various internet platforms, with little or no public regulation, and have ignored or abandoned any real sense of responsibility for the anti-vax misinformation and disinformation which occupy cyberspace. As a consequence, real people die in their multitudes across the world. Surely, this irresponsibility must stop!”
Militarism, armed conflict: “By now, Mr. President, the folly of invading and seeking to remake countries in an invader’s image and likeness is plain for all to see in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. The human and economic costs are staggering.”
Samoa
Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “The increasing use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) has raised issues of security and privacy. The exploitation of computers and telecommunications technology for criminal activities has increased. Incidents of hacking, virus attacks, access and discrimination and misuse of informaion and network security can no longer be ignored. We look forward to actively engaging in discussions of the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes.”
San Marino
Luca Beccari, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict, cyber peace and security: “The peace and security international context became increasingly fragmented. The nature of conflicts is evolving due to the growing interconnections between scarce natural resources, climate change, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, disinformation and cyber-attacks.”
Armed conflict: “Despite our efforts, in many areas of the world vulnerable populations are still facing the threat of mass atrocities. The Government of the Republic of San Marino is deeply concerned for the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Syria, Yemen, Palestine and elsewhere. The situation in Afghanistan is of particular concern.”
Weapons of mass destruction: “The Government of the Republic of San Marino is worried about a deteriorating international security environment and for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In its long history, my Country has always stood for a world free of weapons of mass destruction. “
Nuclear weapons: “We are particularly concerned about the rising nuclear risks. The catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons constitute an existential threat to humanity and for this reason, the Republic of San Marino is a strong supporter of the new Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
São Tomé and Príncipe
Edite Ramos da Costa Ten Jua, Minister of Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “[poverty] is also the cause of armed conflicts, the displacement of population, the saturation of numerous urban centers and the migratory fluxes from the south to the north.”
Armed conflict: “We also bring to this session our wish that our Organisation create more binding mechanisms that ensure solidarity for the victims of war and terrorism, on the one hand; and demonstrate the political art of well-doing that generates sustainable solutions to old and new conflicts, namely the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Syrian conflict, the Libyan conflict, the deployments of terrorist groups in the Sahel, and the actions of the terrorist groups El Chebab in East Africa and BOKO HARAM in Central and West Africa.”
Small arms and light weapons, armed conflict: “The situation of persistent political and military instability in many African countries, calls for concerted efforts by all of us to silence the guns, thus allowing for a negotiated solution through a permanent dialogue, in order to put a definitive end to the suffering of the respective peoples.”
Saudi Arabia
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King
22 September 2021
Armed conflict, militarism: "The peace initiative in Yemen tabled by the Kingdom last March ought to end the bloodshed and conflict and ought to put an end to the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people. Unfortunately, the terrorists and militias reject a peaceful solution, they have placed their bets on a military option to take over more territory in Yemen."
Missiles and drones: “The kingdom maintains its legitimate right to defend itself in confronting the missile attacks, ballistic missile attacks, drone attacks, booby-traps, boats against our kingdom. We categorically reject any attempt to interfere in our internal affairs.”
Weapons of mass destruction, nuclear weapons: “The Kingdom stresses the importance of making the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction. We therefore support international efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. We are very concerned at Iranian steps that go counter to its commitments as well as daily declarations from Iran that its nuclear program is peaceful.”
Senegal
Macky Sall, President
24 September 2021
Weapons: “This future requires us to lay down our arms, to show greater solidarity, to protect our environment, to cultivate our common values, to accept and respect our differences, and to renounce the civilisational injunction.”
Serbia
Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
No relevant references.
Seychelles
Wavel Ramkalawan, President
23 September 2021
Arms race: “The past two years have been a stark reminder that the global community has failed to adequately address some of the most pressing issues of our time: effective and equitable access to health-care, glaring inequalities, climate change and environmental degradation, the arms race, endless conflicts, the plight of refugees ... to name but a few.”
Sierra Leone
Julius Maada Bio, President
22 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: "We will continue to work closely with our partners on cybersecurity, digital public goods, and to curb irregular migration of persons. We have complemented international action with local initiatives and cooperation models."
Ceasefire: "We reiterate the nexus between peace and development and reaffirm our joint call for global ceasefires and the pursuit of peace through national dialogue and reconciliation."
Singapore
Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Slovakia
Zuzana Čaputová, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Slovenia
Borut Pahor, President
24 September 2021
Cyber peace and security: “The dependence on digital space has revealed also our vulnerability to security threats and to cyberattacks. It has highlighted the extent of the damage caused by such attacks with regard to critical infrastructure, the economy, society or even loss of life.”
Solomon Islands
Manasseh Damukana Sogavare, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Somalia
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
South Africa
Cyril Ramaphosa, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
South Sudan
Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, Vice President
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “I want to assure our friends and partners that we are determined to open a new page by committing ourselves never to go back to war. We pledge to pursue the promises our liberators made to our people. We must ensure peace, security, and dignity for all without distinction. We must replace the destruction of war with the productive use of our vast natural resources for the good of our people.”
Militarism: “There is an urgent need to form a unified professional army under one command and control. The security sector reform is the most challenging part of the Agreement as it contains elements at the center of the violent conflicts in the country.”
Spain
Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President
22 September 2021
Militarism: “Spain is firmly committed to the search for international peace and security. We have deployed men and women, including both civilians and service people, in the United Nations missions in Lebanon, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Colombia. We are present with NATO in Iraq, the Baltic States, and in the Mediterranean. Moreover, we contribute more than 25% of the European Union’s military forces abroad, participating with particular intensity in the Sahel, a clear commitment to the development of a greater strategic autonomy of the European Union and to the strengthening of our Common Security and Defense Policy.”
Sri Lanka
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister for Defence, Minister for Technology
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Sudan
Abdalla Adam Hamdok, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Armed conflict, disarmament: "We are determined to continue to strive to improve the security situation in Darfur through the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, through the collection of arms, through the realization of justice, and ensuring accountability, namely through the implementation of the National Plan for the Protection of Civilians.”
Suriname
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Sweden
Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister
24 September 2021
Armed conflict: “ Global hunger, driven by armed conflicts and climate change, is soaring.”
Armed conflict, ceasefire: “In Yemen, relentless fighting has worsened the humanitarian catastrophe. Sweden remains deeply engaged. We urge the parties to agree on a ceasefire and take part in political talks under UN auspices. The implementation of the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements remains a key step. Sweden is committed to leading international efforts to mobilise additional funding for the world’s largest humanitarian operation.”
Armed conflict, ceasefire: “In Ethiopia, the Tigray conflict’s expansion is causing immense human suffering. We urgently call on all parties to ensure full and sustained humanitarian access, agree to a ceasefire and work for a political solution.”
Nuclear weapons: “The nuclear threat is as present as ever. To reverse this negative trend, we welcome recent steps such as the extension of the New START Treaty, and the US and Russian joint statement reaffirming that ‘a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.’ The Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament aims to ensure that concrete steps towards nuclear disarmament are taken, not least in view of the upcoming Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Some progress has been made, but much more remains to be done. We call on all States, in particular nuclear weapon states, to do their part.”
Nuclear weapons, Korean Peninsula: “We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to its international obligations and take steps towards denuclearisation.”
Switzerland
Guy Parmelin, President
21 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Power rivalries are worsening and armed conflicts are raging on almost every continent. International humanitarian law and human rights are violated on a daily basis, and this sows the seeds of future conflicts.”
Cyber peace and security: “Technological developments and digitalisation offer solutions to many of the challenges we collectively face. In Switzerland, there is close cooperation with universities and the private sector to find innovative technological approaches for development and poverty reduction projects. Yet there are risks involved. The virtual world is not a lawless zone. In the General Assembly, Switzerland works to promote responsible state behaviour and the application of international law in cyberspace. It also participates in efforts to combat cybercrime. Geneva plays a role as a global centre for digital policy and networking for the actors involved.”
Armed conflict: “Switzerland is also working hard to promote international law, including humanitarian law, in order to avoid conflicts or reduce their effects. Switzerland is proud to have prepared its report on the implementation of international humanitarian law. I call on all UN member states to do the same. Such reports enable states to assess their good practices and the challenges to be faced.”
Syrian Arab Republic
Fayssal Mekdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “You are well aware that Syria was one of the countries most affected by terrorism and terrorist crimes. These terrorists have received military, financial, media, and logistical support from countries known for sponsoring terrorism. Terrorists have killed and displaced innocent people, destroyed infrastructure, looted Syria’s resources, and created a humanitarian crisis in a country that had so much to be proud of, having achieved a development level 4 of more than 9.5% annually before the start of the terrorist war against Syria. I could speak endlessly about the suffering terrorists have inflicted on my people. Thanks to the sacrifices of our people and armed forces, and with the valuable support of our allies and friends, we have made significant advances in combating and eradicating terrorism.”
Armed conflict: “In addition, the Turkish regime has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the territories of Syria it occupies. It has carried out ‘Turkification’ and policies of forced demographic change and has displaced and oppressed the people of the region that dare to resist it. “
Armed conflict: “President, We reiterate that any foreign presence on Syrian soil without the consent of the Syrian government is illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, as well as all relevant Security Council resolutions, which reaffirm the importance of upholding Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. Such a presence hinders counter-terrorism efforts and threatens regional stability and security. Turkish and US forces are occupying Syrian territories under false pretexts and are looting the natural resources belonging to the Syrian people. This must stop immediately without any preconditions. Just as we managed to wipe out terrorists from most of Syria, we will work to end the occupation with the same resolve and determination, using all possible means under international law. History shows that Syria always drives out occupiers sooner or later.
As for the few seeking secession in northeast Syria, we warn them against harboring such illusions that contradict the will of the Syrian people. By pursuing such ends, they are allying themselves with those plotting against Syria’s unity, and they will be dealt with accordingly. They must abandon their delusions and learn from recent lessons; favoring external and occupying forces over their own people is doomed to fail and will only bring them humiliation and will harm their country and people”
Chemical weapons: “The Syrian Arab Republic stresses once again that the use of chemical weapons is reprehensible and completely unacceptable under any circumstances, by anyone, anywhere and anytime. That is why Syria has 8 voluntarily acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention and fulfilled all relevant obligations in record time while maintaining cooperation with the OPCW to settle the matter as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some have sought to explicitly politicize this issue. They have made baseless accusations against Syria, relying on information from terrorists and their supporters. They have questioned Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW and have issued reports that lack credibility and professionalism. They have also misconstrued the provisions of the CWC to create illegal mechanisms and pushed through a decision imposed by western countries against Syria at the 25th session of the Conference of State Parties to the CWC. That decision constitutes a dangerous precedent for the organization and a threat to all state parties.”
Armed conflict: “Israel, since 1967, has continued to occupy a dear part of Syrian territory, the Golan. Therefore, The Syrian Arab Republic remains firmly committed to exercising its right to fully recover the occupied Syrian Golan, up to the line of 4th of June 1967. All decisions and measures taken by Israel, the occupying power, to alter the region’s natural and demographic features and impose Israeli laws and administration, are null and void and have no legal effect under international law and relevant UN resolutions, notably Security Council resolution 497 (1981). We can no longer accept the UN and the international community’s failure to compel Israel to implement these resolutions and to cease its systematic and grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. All the while, Israel continues to expand its settlements and support terrorists. It persecutes, discriminates against, and arbitrarily detains Syrians under its occupation, plunders the Golan’s natural resources, and repeatedly violates Syria’s sovereignty. Israel must be held 9 accountable for this rogue behavior and ensure its impunity.”
“Despite what we have been through over the past few years, the Palestinian cause still remains a central priority for Syria. Syria will spare no effort in supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle to recover their occupied territories and regain all their legitimate rights, especially the right to establish their independent state on their territory, with Jerusalem as its capital, the right to full membership to the United Nations, and the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions. We call for putting an end to Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially killings, settlement activities, siege tactics, arbitrary detention, forced displacement, and racial discrimination. Syria holds countries supporting Israel responsible for the implications of these crimes.”
Tajikistan
Emomali Rahmon, President
23 September 2021
Armed conflict: “In the initial years of our independence, our country was plunged into the tragic events of the imposed civil war, and went through difficult days. Ending the war, bringing the fighting parties together, ensuring peace and stability, and concurrently restoring diplomatic relations and constructive cooperation with the countries of the world were among our top priorities.”
Armed conflict: “During more than 40 years of war and instability, which the Afghan people are not to blame for, Afghanistan has become a geopolitical platform; and the world is well aware of the consequences of the horrible events of September 2001. The suffering Afghanistan and its friendly and brotherly nation should not be dragged into the abyss of imposed bloody wars again…. Hence, they have a long way to go, full of military and humanitarian problems, which have arisen due to the reckless decision to withdraw foreign troops from this country.”
Tanzania
Samia Suluhu Hassan, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Thailand
General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
Nuclear weapons: “Thailand and other Core Group states consider the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapon (TPNW) on 22 January 2021 as an encouraging manifestation of the determination of the global community to comply with commitments under the UN Charter in promoting a world that is free from nuclear weapons for succeeding generations. Given this positive development despite current international tensions, the global community should take heart and seek to collectively deepen collaboration in various fields, such as on cyber issues and peaceful applications of nuclear technology. In this connection, Thailand further supports building complementarities between cooperation under the TPNW and the Treaty on the Non – Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).”
Timor-Leste
Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, President
27 September 2021
No relevant references.
Togo
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe
22 September 2021
Ceasefire: “Global prosperity depends on peace and stability in regions affected by conflict. Togo therefore reiterates the joint call of the G7+ member states for a global ceasefire, everywhere on earth.”
Tonga
Pohiva Tu’l’onetoa, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Trinidad and Tobago
Dr. Amery Browne, Minister Of Foreign And CARICOM Affairs
27 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons: “We also recognize that the increasing incidence of violent crime domestically, bedevils our efforts toward achieving sustainable development and the maintenance of the rule of law. Much of this criminal activity derives from the operations of international criminal networks engaged in the illicit trafficking of small arms and increasingly sophisticated weaponry, illegal drugs, money laundering, human trafficking and piracy across our society.”
Arms trade: “Recognizing its value to us and to the members of CARICOM as a whole, Trinidad and Tobago played a highly constructive role in the process culminating in the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty. We remain keenly engaged to ensure that the Treaty fully achieves its objectives.”
Cyber peace and security: “However, the misuse of digital technology can pose serious threats to the economy, national security, governance, and social stability. Therefore, we must develop appropriate mechanisms to protect and secure the integrity of our economies and societies and to minimize its use as a disruptive tool.”
Tunisia
Othman Jerandi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict, Palestine: “Mr. President, the Palestinian cause remains a fundamental issue that Tunisia will continue to defend. We call upon the UN and all its organs and mechanisms to end the suffering of the Palestinian people. How are we expected to build hope at a time when the international community has failed for seven decades in ending the israeli occupation of Palestine despite the adoption of hundreds of international resolutions and tremendous regional and international efforts and initiatives? How can we ensure the respect of human rights around the world, Mr. President, when the rights of a people of one country in this world are being violated on a daily basis, especially their right to self-determination, their right to building an independent state on the lines of 1967with Al Qudz al Sharif as the capital? If we truly want the world to recover, it is unacceptable for the situation in Palestine to remain as it is today, because a true recovery is not only a recovery from a pandemic, but is also a recovery from tragedy and injustice.”
Armed conflict: “In the same vein, the continuing instability and human suffering in the Arab region should push the international community to shoulder its huge responsibility and double its efforts to move forward towards compromise in conflict areas, including Syria and Yemen. Our world will not recover if help is not provided to Africa to settle its draining conflicts, which will allow the continent to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and establish the Africa we want in line with the 2063 Vision of the African Union.”
Turkey
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President
21 September 2021
Armed conflict: “The people of Afghanistan have been left alone with the consequences of instability and the conflicts that have lasted for more than 4 decades. Regardless of the political process, Afghanistan needs the help and solidarity of the international community. We hope that peace, stability and security will be established in the country as soon as possible, and that the Afghan people will find relief.”
Armed conflict: “Ten years have gone by in the humanitarian drama in Syria, which has caused the death of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions of people before the eyes of the whole world. While our country embraces close to 4 million Syrians, we are also battling on the ground terrorist organisations that have drowned the region in blood and tears.”
Ceasefire: “Thanks to our strong support to international legitimacy in Libya, a ceasefire was declared and then the presidential council at the national unity government were formed.”
Armed conflict: “One of the most important problems that fuels instability and threatens peace and security in our region is the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. As long as the persecution of the Palestinian people continues, lasting peace and stability in the middle east is not possible. For this reason, invasion, annexation and illegal settlement policies must absolutely and immediately be brought to an end.”
Turkmenistan
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Tuvalu
Kausea Natano, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Uganda
H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President
23 September 2021
No relevant references.
Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky, President
22 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Is it time to wake up? Honestly - Ukraine did not fall asleep. It is difficult to do so due to the sounds of explosions, the sounds of shots being heard in our occupied Donbas for the eighth year in a row ... almost 15 thousand people killed already.”
Armed conflict, use of explosive weapons, small arms and light weapons: “If all those in power had sincerely supported the peace-loving efforts of the world community, shells would not have exploded on Afghan land today, and machine guns would not have terrorized the civilian population.”
United Arab Emirates
Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Nevertheless, and in order to succeed in our efforts to end the cycle of conflict in the Arab region, crude regional interference in Arab affairs, especially in Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Iraq, must be halted.”
Ceasefire: “In this context, we believe that there is an opportunity to achieve sustainable peace in Yemen. It will only be possible by reaching a comprehensive political solution that includes a ceasefire to ensure stability for the people of Yemen and neighboring countries.”
Armed conflict: “The ongoing conflicts in the region exacerbated by the pandemic threaten to contribute to a future in which extremist and terrorist groups, such as the Houthis, Da'esh, Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hezbollah, continue their recruitment of new generations of young people to fuel violence and hatred.”
Weapons of mass destruction: “Similarly, we must ensure that the Middle East is a region free of weapons of mass destruction.”
Nuclear weapons, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “We cannot ignore Iran's development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its interference in the region. Therefore, any future agreement with Iran must address the shortcomings of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and must involve the countries of the region. This is a legitimate and fair request by countries that seek to protect their security and peoples.”
United Kingdom
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister
22 September 2021
Nuclear energy: “We have released energy from within the atom itself and from hydrogen, and we have found ways to store that energy in increasingly capacious batteries and even in molten salt.”
Nuclear energy: “We are making a huge bet on hydrogen, we are expanding nuclear, we are helping people to reduce their own household CO2.”
United States of America
Joseph R. Biden Jr., President
21 September 2021
Militarism, cyber peace and security: "Instead of continuing to fight the wars of the past, we are fixing our eyes on devoting our resources to the challenges that hold the keys to our collective future: ending this pandemic; addressing the climate crisis; managing the shifts in global power dynamics; shaping the rules of the world on vital issues like trade, cyber, and emerging technologies; and facing the threat of terrorism as it stands today."
Armed conflict: "We’ve ended 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan. And as we close this period of relentless war, we’re opening a new era of relentless diplomacy; of using the power of our development aid to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world; of renewing and defending democracy; of proving that no matter how challenging or how complex the problems we’re going to face, government by and for the people is still the best way to deliver for all of our people."
Militarism: “Make no mistake: The United States will continue to defend ourselves, our Allies, and our interests against attack, including terrorist threats, as we prepare to use force if any is necessary, but — to defend our vital U.S. national interests, including against ongoing and imminent threats. But the mission must be clear and achievable, undertaken with the informed consent of the American people and, whenever possible, in partnership with our Allies. U.S. military power must be our tool of last resort, not our first, and it should not be used as an answer to every problem we see around the world. Indeed, today, many of our greatest concerns cannot be solved or even addressed through the force of arms. Bombs and bullets cannot defend against COVID-19 or its future variants.”
Artificial intelligence: "As we deal with these crises, we’re also encountering a new era — an era of new technologies and possibilities that have the potential to release and reshape every aspect of human existence. And it’s up to all of us to determine whether these technologies are a force to empower people or to deepen repression. As new technologies continue to evolve, we’ll work together with our democratic partners to ensure that new advances in areas from biotechnology, to quantum computing, 5G, artificial intelligence, and more are used to lift people up, to solve problems, and advance human freedom — not to suppress dissent or target minority communities."
Cyber peace and security: “We’re hardening our critical infrastructure against cyberattacks, disrupting ransomware networks, and working to establish clear rules of the road for all nations as it relates to cyberspace. We reserve the right to respond decisively to cyberattacks that threaten our people, our allies, or our interests. “
Arms control: “We’ll continue to uphold the longstanding rules and norms that have formed the guardrails of international engagement for decades that have been essential to the development of nations around the world — bedrock commitments like freedom of navigation, adherence to international laws and treaties, support for arms control measures that reduce the risk and enhance transparency.”
Militarism: "But we’re not seeking — I’ll say it again — we are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocs."
Nuclear weapons: “The United States is ready to work with any nation that steps up and pursues peaceful resolution to shared challenges, even if we have intense disagreements in other areas — because we’ll all suffer the consequences of our failure if we do not come together to address the urgent threats like COVID-19 and climate change or enduring threats like nuclear proliferation."
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): “The United States remains committed to preventing Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. We are working with the P5+1 to engage Iran diplomatically and seek a return to the JCPOA. We’re prepared to return to full compliance if Iran does the same.”
Korean Peninsula, nuclear weapons: “Similarly, we seek serious and sustained diplomacy to pursue the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We seek concrete progress toward an available plan with tangible commitments that would increase stability on the Peninsula and in the region, as well as improve the lives of the people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
Militarism: “We’ll meet terrorist threats that arise today and in the future with a full range of tools available to us, including working in cooperation with local partners so that we need not be so reliant on large-scale military deployments.”
Armed conflict: "And as we strive to make lives better, we must work with renewed purpose to end the conflicts that are driving so much pain and hurt around the world. We must redouble our diplomacy and commit to political negotiations, not violence, as the tool of first resort to manage tensions around the world."
Armed conflict: “We cannot give up on solving raging civil conflicts, including in Ethiopia and Yemen, where fighting between warring parties is driving famine, horrific violence, human rights violations against civilians, including the unconscionable use of rape as a weapon of war.”
Armed conflict, militarism: "I stand here today, for the first time in 20 years, with the United States not at war. We’ve turned the page."
Uruguay
Luis Lacalle Pou, President
22 September 2021
No relevant references.
Uzbekistan
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President
21 September 2021
No relevant references.
Vanuatu
Bob Loughman Weibur, Prime Minister
25 September 2021
No relevant references.
Venezuela
Nicolás Maduro Moros, President
22 September 2021
Militarism: “Of what must be, without a doubt, the construction of the new world, of the new human community, of a world without hegemonic empires; of a world liberated from the attempt of economic, financial, military, political domination of some hegemon, of some empire, or of those who for centuries plundered and dominated, exploited and oppressed the peoples of the world with the old rapacious colonialism. Today they pretend to present new forms of neo-colonialism against our people, new forms of domination, plundering, oppression, exploitation against the peoples of the world.”
Viet Nam
Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President
22 September 2021
Ceasefire: "Viet Nam calls for a global ceasefire and an end to all violence to ensure the safety of civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance in areas of conflicts."
Armed conflict: "Increasing tensions among major powers has led to a divisive and unstable international system. Wars are taking the lives of many innocent people. Disputes over territories and resources in many areas are on the verge of erupting."
Armed conflict: "We understand thoroughly the meaning of “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,” and of peace and development of each nation. Viet Nam condemns all acts of war and power politics, and violations of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.”
Yemen
Ahmed Awad Ahmed Binmubarak, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2021
Armed conflict: “Whilst we are here convening, Yemen has for the past seven years been suffering hardships due to the war forced on our people by the Houthi coup militias, the logistic and military support of the Iranian regime aiming to destabilize Yemen and the region and create sectarian entities and armed militias affiliated there with instead of national armies. This proves that Iran has been and continues to be part of the problem in Yemen, rather than the solution. The coup by the Houthi militias transformed the Spring of freedom, dialogue, and peaceful transfer of power of September 2020 into an Autumn of suffering injustice oppression, destruction of political participation, suffocation of public freedoms, raids on houses, explosion of schools and places of worship, chasing of opponents, torturing of citizens, and transforming Sanaa, the city of history, civilization, and peaceful coexistence into a large prison for the Yemeni people.”
Armed conflict, ceasefire: “Mr. President, this war forced on our people culminated into a humanitarian catastrophe, dismembered the Yemeni society, and triggered waves of mass displacement, oppression, forced disappearance, and unprecedented destitution. We have extended our hands with peace time and again to spare our people those scourges and disasters. We spared no effort to support and facilitate the efforts of the United Nations and the former UN Envoy and his two predecessors to salvage the country and achieve lasting and comprehensive peace that would put an end to the coup and war and the bloodshed of Yemeni people and the Yemeni tragedy. We agreed to any format whereby the principles and immortal republican regime of Yemen could be preserved, that very regime that renounced the ethnic lineal theocratic regime. We have made a lot of compromises to achieve peace throughout the last six years and we even accepted all initiatives and proposals that aim to put an end to the coup, especially the initiative by the Former Envoy Mr. Martin Griffiths and the initiative made by Saudi Arabia, which is based on a comprehensive ceasefire as one of the most important humanitarian steps that contribute to addressing all humanitarian and economic issues, including reopening the Sana’a Airport and facilitating access of oil derivatives through the Hodeidah Port according to the Stockholm Agreement; however, all those efforts were met by intransigence by the terrorist Houthi militias and their Iranian patrons.”
Armed conflict, use of explosive weapons in populated areas, targeting of civilians: “They even took advantage of this for mobilisation and escalation and attacking a number of governorates and cities. They have even perpetrated more carnages and massacres against civilians in a number of governorates and cities in Yemen, and currently Marib governorate is victim to attacks by the Houthi militias using ballistic missiles, drones, and heavy weaponry with total indifference to the lives of civilians and the displaced persons that escaped their areas of control that are estimated by more than two million people, in addition to the recurrent targeting of those militias of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.”
Armed conflict, militarism: “Meanwhile, they destabilize stable areas including the latest aggression against Shabwah governorate, which is a symbol of pride and resilience and one of the most important models of stability and development in Yemen, as well as their attacks against the Al Bayda, Abyan, and Dhale governorates. And recently they have also destroyed the civilian local port after its soft opening to be the only port on the Western coast and the Taiz governorate which has been under siege for six years. All this paints a very vibrant picture of the stance of those militias and their stance regarding peace without realizing that weapons and violence will not sow the seeds of peace, but will create vicious circles of conflict and war that will only claim more lives. This requires the international community to shoulder its responsibility and put an end to this arrogance, and the suffering of our people by exerting pressure on the coup leaders and their sponsors to implement the Security Council resolutions and to put an end to the bloodshed, destruction, and to create an environment conducive to access of all Yemeni to humanitarian aid. Allow me, and from this platform, to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the Military Forces and Resistance people all over Yemen, especially our heroes in Mahib and Shabwah, who defend the country and its dignity.”
Armed conflict: “Mr. President, the crimes and violations perpetrated by Houthis are inconceivable. On Saturday 18 of September, they have extrajudicially executed nine Yemenis, including a minor, in a very abhorrent and heinous manner that is very similar to the crimes perpetrated by ISIS and Al Qaeda. Dozens of Yemenis languish in dungeons on the execution cue. If the word fails to salvage them, this is only the tip of the iceberg, as we have thousands of politicians, activists, and journalists who are languishing in clandestine dungeons. Meanwhile, the Yemeni government insists on invoking international humanitarian law and upholds human rights, especially women’s rights, and we stress our upholding of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security and we have taken a number of measures and we adopted a National Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.”
Militarism, military spending, child soldiers: “Houthi militias continue to impose more taxes and customs fees, even between Yemeni cities, and they harness this to feed the war machinery and to pay salaries of their own people. Meanwhile, militias try to circumvent old rules to have access to goods and basic needs, even from humanitarian aid and all this money, which is estimated at 3.8 billion dollars per year in addition to the amounts garnered by warlords, all this money is invested in recruiting children and involving them into the war.
Armed conflict: “I would like to stress the importance of the implementation of the security and military section of the Riyad Agreement and the importance.”
Zambia
Hakainde Hichilema, President
21 September 2021
Militarism, armed conflict, weapons proliferation, small arms and light weapons: “I am drawn to the prophetic inscription on the wall to the United Nations Plaza and I quote, ‘They shall beat into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’ These words serve as a reminder to the United Nations to work towards global peace and international cooperation. Though we have made leaps and bounds in the area of peace, security, and stability, there remains pockets of conflict in many regions of the world where guns have not been silenced up to now. Silencing of guns goes beyond addressing conventional warfare, but also in addressing new emerging threats of our century, which include challenges of international terrorism, cybercrime, asymmetric warfare, proliferation of non-conventional weapons, and organized crime. As an international community, we need to continue to work towards and work together to address root causes of these threats through various national, regional, and global mechanisms.”
Small arms and light weapons: “Zambia remains committed to the call of the Lusaka Roadmap to silence guns in Africa and the initiative being implemented by all African Union (AU) member states to promote peace and security, which has since been endorsed for extension for a further ten year period from 2021 to 2030. We therefore wish to call for further support from the United Nations for silencing guns in Africa and other continental initiatives.”
Nuclear weapons: “Zambia notes with satisfaction the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which became operative on 22 January 2021. The entry of force of the TPNW is a tangible feat towards advancing nuclear disarmament on the international stage. Zambia encourages other states that are yet to ratify the TPNW to come on board so that we can continue making advances toward achieving our aspirations and education for eradicating nuclear weapons on our continent.”
Zimbabwe
Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, President
23 September 2021
Small arms and light weapons, cyber peace and security: “The state of global peace and security is a cause for concern. Terrorism, illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, transnational organized crime, cybercrime and illicit financial flows among other aspects, continue to impede our march towards the realisation of sustainable peace, security and stability.”
Small arms and light weapons: “The recent acts of terrorism in our SADC region are constant reminders of our vulnerability to the scourge of terrorism which has become one of Africa’s greatest security threats. African Nations need to be capacitated to effectively counter this vice along with the Continental flagship programme on “Silencing the Guns” through, “African solutions for African problems.”
Nuclear weapons: “As we commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons during this High-level week, let us be mindful of the need to build trust based on international law, to realize the shared goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.”
