UNGA Disarmament Index 2015: H–R

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament, peace, and security, made in the 70th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 28 September–6 October 2015. Included in this index are all references made to arms control, disarmament, nuclear and conventional weapons, nuclear energy, the arms trade, and militarism.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Haiti
H.E. Mr. Michel Joseph Martelly, President
1 October 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: “De meme, il convient de saluer la signature de l'accord intervenu entre la République Islamique d'Iran et le Groupe des Six sur la question du nucleaire iranien, ainsi que la détente qui s'en est suivie.”

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION: "Similarly, we should welcome the signing of the agreement between the Iran and the Group of Six on the Iranian nuclear issue, and the relaxation that ensued."

Explosive weapons in populated areas: "La crise syrienne est un véritable affront a la conscience de l'humanité. Des entités non étatiques étendent quotidiennement leur emprise, se livrant notamment en Iraq et en Syrie, a des atrocités insoutenables contre les populations civiles, et a des destructions de sites du patrimoine culturel mondial. Ces menaces, d'une ampleur et d'une gravité exceptionnelles, interpellent la communauté internationale. Nous ne saurions nous dérober de l'obligation d'adopter routes les mesures collectives nécessaires pour garantir la sécurité internationale et le respect des droits de l’homme."

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION: "The Syrian crisis is an affront to the conscience of humanity. Non-state entities extend their hold daily, indulging including Iraq and Syria, in unbearable atrocities against civilians, and destruction of sites of world cultural heritage."

Holy See
H.E. Mr. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of relations with States
2 October 2015

Nuclear weapons: “There is the telling example of the failure of the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons this past May. In view of this impasse, it is all the more important that the international community and the individual States most involved clearly signal a real desire to pursue the shared objective of a world free of nuclear arms, “in full application of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, in letter and spirit, with the goal of a complete prohibition of the weapons” (ibid.).

“As Pope Francis has noted in various fora, nuclear deterrence and the threat of mutually assured destruction are irreconcilable with, and contrary to, an ethics of fraternity and peaceful coexistence between peoples and between States. The nuclear arms race, and the arms race in general, with their expenditure of human and economic resources, are based, in the final analysis, on the denial of the human dignity of one’s potential enemies, even to the denial of one’s own dignity and survival. Consequently, the process aimed at a deeper understanding of the grave humanitarian effects of the use of weapons of mass destruction, and nuclear arms in particular, is not only to be encouraged, but also to be considered necessary.”

Landmines, cluster munitions: “With regard to the humanitarian dimension, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and that on Cluster Munitions should also be mentioned. These are two instruments for disarmament and for adapting humanitarian law to the complexities of today’s world; they aim at stigmatizing and banning these dreadful ordnances which have such a devastating and indiscriminate impact on civilian populations. The Holy See joins all those who work for an effective implementation of these instruments, in expressing the hope that they will soon be signed by States which have not yet done so.”

Militarism: “The effective and full enactment of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations calls for replacing a mindset of rejection of others, of distrust and fear, with the ethic of responsibility. This, too, requires a reflection on the meaning of the concept of collective security, which has to do not only with war and military actions, but also with broader economic, financial, ethical, social and humanitarian dimensions.”

Hungary
H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
3 October 2015

Statement not yet available.

Iceland
H.E. Mr. Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2015

No disarmament references.

India
H.E. Mrs. Excellency Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2015

Nuclear weapons: “As a nuclear weapon state, India is aware of its responsibility and its support for global, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament has not diminished.”

Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President
2 October 2015

Disarmament: “We note with concern that there is little progress made in the work of the UN Disarmament Commission.”

Nuclear weapons: “We still lack the necessary political will for nuclear disarmament.”

Small arms, arms trade: “Meanwhile, the small arms and light weapons trade, legal or otherwise, is still a multi-billion-dollar industry.”

Iran
H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President
28 September 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: "Security Council Resolution 2231, despite some significant shortcomings, was an important development and the basis for terminating sanctions imposing resolutions against Iran. We consider as unfair the conduct of the Security Council in the past and insist that Iran, due to the important fatwa of its leader and its defense doctrine, has never had the intention of producing a nuclear weapon and, thereÿbre, sanctions resoiut!ons against Iran were unjust and illegal. Sanctions by the SecuriPy Council and unilateral sanctions by some countries were based on illusive and baseless allegations and created difficult conditions for our people. But these sanctions never in any way affected the policy we adopted and the approach we took towards negotiations. We proved in these negotiations that there is nothing on Iran's table other than
logic, reason and ethics, and where necessary, legitimate and decisive self-defense against any kind of aggression.

"Our seven countries and the European Union expended considerable time and diplomatic capital in these negotiations and, therefore, they should exert their utmost effort to protect and implement the agreement. We deem the compliance of all parties with their commitments as the fundamental factor in the success of the implementation process of the negotiations.

"Parallel to the implementation of the JCPOA, we also expect the nuclear-weapon states to take necessary steps to fulfill their commitment of full nuclear disarmament based on Article 6 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Furthermore, we expect them to play a positive role in the creation of a "nuclear weapons-free Middle East" and not to allow the Zionist regime to remain the only impediment in the way of realizing this important initiative.

"The nuclear deal, which is a brilliant example of "victory over war", has managed to disburse the clouds of hostility and perhaps even the specter of another war and extensive tensions from the Middle East. The deal can and should herald a new era and lead to positive outcomes regarding the establishment of sustainable peace and stability in the region. From our point of view, the agreed-upon deal is not the final objective but a development which can and should be the basis of further achievements to come. Considering the fact that this deal has created an objective basis and set an appropriate model, it can serve as a basis for foundational change in the region.

"Our policy is to continue our peace-seeking efforts in the region based on the same winwin principle, and act in a way that would lead to all in the region and world benefitting from these new conditions. This opportunity can be seized in order to look to the future and avoid focusing on the past and rebuild our relationships with the countries in the region, particularly with our neighbors, based on mutual respect and our common and collective interests."

"We will not forget war and sanctions but we look to peace and development. Through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we were not solely seeking a nuclear deal. We want to suggest a new and constructive way to recreate the international order. An order based on mutual respect, non-intervention in the internal affairs of others as well as on sustained cooperation and co-existence between the members of the United Nations. To build a peaceful future, we must learn our lessons from the bitter past. We know that the only way to perpetuate peace is through development. Peace without development is merely a recess while resentment and suspicion builds. However, peace alongside development lets anger and resentment dissipate and be replaced with hope and respect for others. We have repeatedly said that the only way to uproot terrorism in the Middle East is by targeting its underlying social, economic and cultural causes. Economic interactions may bring about lasting security, and transform the region into a haven for peace and development. After the JCPOA, Iran will stand ready to show that the practical path to security and stability is through the development that comes with economic engagement."

Militarism: "We propose that the fight against terrorism be incorporated into a binding international document and no country be allowed to use terrorism for the purpose of intervention in the affairs of other countries. We are prepared to assist in the eradication of terrorism and in paving the way for democracy, and ensuring that arms do not dictate the course of event in the region."

"We must not forget that the roots of today's wars, destruction and terror, can be found in
the occupation, invasion and military intervention of yesterday. If we did not have the US
military invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the US's unwarranted support for the inhumane actions of the Zionist regime against the oppressed nation of Palestine, today the terrorists would not have an excuse for the justification of their crimes."

Explosive weapons in populated areas: "With a view to fighting ignorance, dictatorship, poverty, corruption, terrorism, violence and their social, political, cultural, economic and security impacts, I would like to invite the whole world and especially the countries of my region to foml a 'joint comprehensive plan of action' to create a "United Front Against Extremism and Violence". This front must ... [inter alia] Prevent the slaughter of innocent people and the bombardment of civilians, as we!l as, the promotion of violence and killing of other human beings."

"Iraq, Syria and Yemen are all examples of crises being stoked through terror, extremism,
violence, bloodshed, invasion and the indifference of the international community. They are
similar examples displaying cases of displacement, homelessness and fleeing from the horrors of war and bombardment."

Iraq
H.E. Haider Al-Abdi, Prime Minister
30 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Ireland
H.E. Mr. Charles Flanagan, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
1 October 2015

Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation: “In our 60 years at the UN, we have pursued a series of policy priorities which continue to be central to our foreign policy today. These include ... non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament...”

“From our earliest days at the UN, Ireland has been passionately committed to disarmament and non-proliferation. As the first state to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968
following several years work as initiator of the General Assembly Resolutions that led to its
agreement, we have a deep and abiding commitment to the full implementation of the Treaty.”

Iran's nuclear programme: "Significant progress has been made on non-proliferation. We warmly welcome the agreement reached with Iran and look forward to its full implementation. More broadly, we hope that this will also mark the opening of a new and constructive chapter in Iran's engagement in the international system."

Nuclear weapons: “Conversely, the outcome of the NPT Review Conference in May was deeply disappointing. States with nuclear arsenals have special responsibilities and Ireland will continue to press them to deliver on their commitments under the NPT.

"Today there are at least 17,000 nuclear weapons posing a threat to our very survival. We cannot accept this status quo. Ireland wants real momentum injected into the nuclear disarmament pillar of the NPT. The SDG negotiation process has underscored the very positive role that civic society groups and people around the world can play - Ireland would like to see that positivity, inclusivity and urgency in the nuclear disarmament debate.”

Arms trade: “We see daily the consequences of illegal and irresponsible flows of arms and conventional weapons in the appalling scenes of chaos and brutality into which parts of our world have descended. The scenes in our newspapers and on our TV and computer screens are truly horrific. People wonder what can be done to stem this industrial scale violence. Part of the solution is the Arms Trade Treaty - one of the international community's most significant achievements in recent years. Ireland was one of the first states to ratify the Treaty and we have offered financial support to enable wider participation in negotiations and more effective implementation. The onus is now on all States Parties to maintain the immense and sustained effort put into negotiating the Treaty. We must ensure that we live up to its great promise, with the ultimate goal of enhancing peace and security and saving lives.”

Israel
H.E. Benjamin Netenyahu, President
1 October 2015

Iran’s nuclear programme: “In the wake of the nuclear deal, Iran is spending billions of dollars on weapons and satellites.

“And for those of you who believe that the deal in Vienna will bring a change in Iran’s policy, just listen to what Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said five days after the nuclear deal was reached: ‘Our policies towards the arrogant government of the United States will not change.’

“As the leader of a country defending itself every day against Iran’s growing aggression, I wish I could take comfort in the claim that this deal blocks Iran’s path to nuclear weapons.

“Under this deal, If Iran doesn’t change its behavior, In fact, if it becomes even more dangerous in the years to come, the most important constraints will still be automatically lifted by year 10 and by year 15. That would place a militant Islamic terror regime weeks away from having the fissile material for an entire arsenal of nuclear bombs.”

”I have long said that the greatest danger facing our world is the coupling of militant Islam with nuclear weapons. And I’m gravely concerned that the nuclear deal with Iran will prove to be the marriage certificate of that unholy union.

“The vast majority of Israelis believe that this nuclear deal with Iran is a very bad deal. If Iran’s terror proxies were firing thousands of rockets at your cities, perhaps you’d be more measured in your praise. And if this deal were unleashing a nuclear arms race in your neighborhood, perhaps you’d be more reluctant to celebrate.”

“Besides Iran’s aggression in the Middle East and its terror around the world, Iran is also building intercontinental ballistic missiles whose sole purpose is to carry nuclear warheads. Now remember this: Iran already has missiles that can reach Israel. So those intercontinental ballistic missiles that Iran is building - they're not meant for us – They’re meant for you.”

Italy
H.E. Mr. Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister
29 September 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: “I am thinking of the hopes that each of us has in the agreement with Iran on the nuclear program to open up a phase of hope throughout the region. While we feel committed to the implementation to the agreement, we reiterate forcefully the right to existence of the people and the State of Israel.”

Jamaica
H.E. Mr. Arnold Nicholson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 October 2015

WMD, conventional weapons: “Transnational organised crime and the presence of weapons of mass destruction continue to threaten international peace and security, while the proliferation of conventional arms in the hands of non-state actors poses a grave risk to many countries and regions.”

Disarmament, arms control: “I now turn to the area of disarmament and arms control, which is in danger of becoming a neglected and forgotten goal of the United Nations. Sadly, the disarmament machinery has been languishing in a state of paralysis for the past 19 years.”

Military spending: “The vast expenditures on weapons and military equipment of all kinds, which consume a massive share of the world’s resources could be more properly channeled into the development agenda that we have just adopted. By so doing, the world would not only be more prosperous, it would be much safer and more secure.”

Nuclear weapons: “We are disheartened that the international community failed to seize the opportunity provided by the 2015 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to make significant progress on its commitment to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

We must invigorate our disarmament efforts through new and more effective approaches. Jamaica therefore supports efforts to address the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and joins the strong call for the negotiation of a legally-binding instrument to prohibit their use, which is embodied in the recent Humanitarian Pledge endorsed by 114 States.”

Small arms: “Of immediate concern to Jamaica is the proliferation of firearms of every description, which endangers the lives of ordinary citizens, undermines the rule of law, threatens economic and social stability and fuels violent crime.”

Arms trade: “Those who manufacture such weapons must exercise greater controls and support anti-proliferation efforts. The Arms Trade Treaty, which entered into force less than a year ago, can make a significant contribution to such efforts. We are therefore pleased that the recent convening of the First Conference of States Parties has laid the foundation for the full and effective implementation of the Treaty.”

Japan
H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister
29 September 2015

Nuclear weapons: “Nuclear weapon reductions should proceed continually between the U.S. and Russia. But Japan will continue to assert vehemently that other states possessing nuclear weapons should also move forward in reducing their arsenals.”

“Determined to bring about the total elimination of nuclear weapons, Japan is preparing a new draft resolution to promote united action by the international community. I have no doubt that this resolution will receive the support of a large number of countries.”

“However, regrettably, in some areas there appears to be an ongoing increase in nuclear arsenals without transparency. Moreover, this year's Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) failed to indicate guidelines for future nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”

DPRK's nuclear programme: “The first of these is regarding North Korea. Japan will work in coordination with relevant countries towards the comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues, including abduction, nuclear and missile issues.”

Jordan
H.M. Abdullah II, King
28 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Kazakhstan
H.E. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President
28 September 2015

Nuclear weapons: “I would urge that a world without nuclear weapons should be the main goal of humanity in the twenty-first century. I propose that we adopt the Universal Declaration of the United Nations to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.”

“There is an acute need to establish nuclear-free zones in other regions of the world, particularly the Middle East. The nuclear powers must provide guarantees of the non-use of force for all countries that renounce possession of nuclear weapons.”

"We consider the creation of the Global anti-nuclear weapons movement an important task. Every person on the planet can and must contribute to the nuclear test ban.”

Nuclear energy: “This is an event of global significance and an important step towards the safe and peaceful use of the atom. The world should acknowledge it as an important measure of safe and peaceful use of the atom. Now there is no need to enrich uranium for countries wishing to develop nuclear energy.”

Kenya
H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President
28 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Kiribati
H.E. Mrs. Makurita Baaro, Permanent Representative
2 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Kuwait
H.H. SHEIKH JABER AL MUBARAK AL HAMAD AL SABAH, Prime Minister
29 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Erlan Abdyldayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs
1 October 2015

Arms race: “Increasingly, we are faced with situations where some States choose to act without a UN Security Council mandate. We consider such an approach counterproductive and non-compliant with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Further, we believe if this continues, not only will differences be exacerbated and confidence in the UN erode, but the resulting insecurity could spark a new and dangerous arms race.”

Nuclear weapons: “70 years have passed since the first use of nuclear weapons, and 45 years fiom the date of entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Yes, humanity has managed to prevent the recurrence of the use of nuclear weapons. However, as long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk of their intentional or unintentional use will exist too. We regret to note that the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has not yet entered into force, and the 2015 Review Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons ended without adoption of the most important outcome document. In these circumstances, the Treaty on Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia represents a significant contribution to the global process of nuclear disarmament. As the Depositary and the Coordinator of the State Parties to the Treaty, Kyrgyzstan expresses its appreciation to Russia, China, France and Great Britain for the ratification of the Protocol on Negative Security Assurances, and urges the United States to ratify this instrument without further delay.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “We have recently witnessed the successful completion of long-standing negotiations in the format of Iran and the "Group of Six" and adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan on the Iranian nuclear program. I want to congratulate the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of this historic event. As a member of the newest nuclear-weapon-free zone, Kyrgyzstan urges countries of the Middle East to establish in the region a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. This will be a milestone in the field of disarmament, promoting peace in the Middle East.”

Lao People's Democratic Republic
H.E. Choummaly SAYASONE, President
30 September 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: “I therefore praise all parties concerned for reaching agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, which is of historic significance.”

Latvia
H.E. Mr. Raimonds Vējonis, President
30 September 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: “Latvia welcomes the recent nuclear agreement with Iran. Full and smooth implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan is now necessary. Only then can a change in the regional dynamics towards more engagement and cooperation, as well as greater stability in the Middle East region become a reality.”

Chemical weapons: “Those responsible for the internationally prohibited use of chemical weapons in Syria must be identified and held accountable.”

Lebanon
H.E. Mr. Tammam Salam, President
30 September 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: “We followed with great interest the recent agreement between Iran and the five permanent Security Council members and Germany, hoping that this development will open a new page in international relations and will mark the beginning of an improvement in the regional environments, which will reflect positively on the political situation in Lebanon.”

Lesotho
H.E. Mr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, Prime Minister
1 October 2015

Small arms: “Small arms and light weapons continue to be illegally traded. These weapons are sometimes used in violent terrorist attacks.”

Nuclear weapons, WMD: “The lack of political will to rid the world of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is obvious to all; the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is not yet universal, while the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime is at the cross roads with some nuclear capable states refusing to sign on.”

Liberia
H.E. Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President
29 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Libya
H.E. Mr. Agila Saleh Essa Gwaider, Acting Head of State
30 September 2015

Arms trade: “We realize that all these terrorist and extremist groups are nothing but tools to implement policies of foreign countries which yet are still providing them with arms and ammunition.”

Liechtenstein
H.E. Mrs. Aurelia Frick, Minister of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Lithuania
H.E. Mrs. Dalia Grybauskaité, President
29 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Madagascar
H.E. Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President
1 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Malawi
H.E. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President
29 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Malaysia
H.E. Mr. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister
1 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Maldives
H.E. Mrs. Dunya Maumoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs
3 October 2015

Militarism: “Last week we adopted a new Agenda for Sustainable Development. It recognises at its core that development must be holistic. That poverty is a multi-dimensional problem. That, what matters is the human being, whose rights must be protected, and promoted. Yet here in the United Nations, we remain trapped in silos: hiding away, behind the excuse of mandates. Why is it that the Security Council must only discuss guns and bombs? Why can't the Economic and Social Council discuss war and peace? Why can't development, why can't war, have a human rights dimension? Why must issues be confined to one specific body?”

Mali
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
28 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Malta
H.E. Mr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister
30 September 2015

Weapons of mass destruction: “It [the UN] has contributed towards the eradication of disease, the promotion of justice, freedom and human rights, the attainment of peace in different parts of the world, and to stemming the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

Military spending: “We are the only country in Europe, and probably the only around the world, that dedicates 100% of its limited military resources to saving people at sea.”

Marshall Islands
H.E.. Mr. Christopher J. Loeak, President
30 September 2015

Nuclear weapons: “Like many others, the Republic of the Marshall Islands believes that the awareness of the catastrophic impacts - and humanitarian consequences - of nuclear weapons must underpin all efforts towards nuclear disarmament.”

“This is the only time the United Nations has ever explicitly authorized the use of nuclear weapons, and the results were - and are still today - beyond tragedy.”

“It is essential for the survival of humanity that nuclear weapons are never used again, under any circumstances. The universal way to accomplish this is through the total elimination of such weapons, and I am deeply disappointed that political distractions resulted in the lack of an outcome for the NPT's review conference earlier this year. It should be our goal as the United Nations to not only stop the spread of nuclear weapons, but also to pursue the peace and security of a world without them.”

Mauritius
H.E. Mr. Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister
2 October 2015

Arms trade, nuclear weapons: “The spread of armaments, nuclear proliferation, terrorism and piracy remain important threats to world peace and require our constant vigilance.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “We welcome the agreement reached on the Iranian nuclear issue and seek the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as it can contribute to international peace and security.”

Arms trade, cluster munitions: “Let me share with this august Assembly that Mauritius acceded to the Arms Trade Treaty in July this year and, yesterday, I deposited our Instrument of accession to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.”

Mexico
H.E. Mr. Enrique Peña Nieto, President
28 September 2015

Nuclear weapons: “Desde 1945, los mexicanos hemos mantenido el mayor de los compromisos con este foro -el maximo mecanismo multilateral-, abanderando la paz, el desarme nuclear y las mejores causas de la Humanidad. Por ejemplo, a raiz de la Crisis de los Misiles, Mexico im pulso el Tratado para la Proscripcion de /as Armas Nucleares en America Latina y el Caribe. Gracias a este acuerdo, las naciones latinoamericanas y caribeiias se convirtieron en la primera Zona Libre de Armas Nucleares, en una region densamente poblada.”

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION: “Since 1945, Mexicans have maintained the highest of commitments to this mechanism -The best multilateral forum, championing peace, nuclear disarmament and best causes of humanity. For example, in the wake of the Missile Crisis, Mexico proposed the Treaty for the Prohibition of / as Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. With this agreement, the Latin American nations and caribbean became the first-Weapon-Free Zone Nuclear, in a densely populated region.”

Arms trade: “Para seguir contribuyendo a la paz entre las sociedades del mundo, recientemente Mexico impulso el Tratado sobre el Comercio de Armas, que hoy es ya una realidad. Este Tratado constituye la base de un regimen internacional de control de armas convencionales, que previene su trafico ilicito y transparenta su comercio legal.”

UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION: “To continue to contribute to peace between societies world, Mexico recently momentum Treaty Arms Trade is now a reality. This Treaty is the basis of an international regime of conventional arms control, preventing its traffic transpires illicit and legal trade.”

Micronesia (Federated States of)
H.E. Mr. Peter Christian, President
1 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Moldova
H.E. Mr. Valeriu Strelet, Prime Minister
30 September 2015

Disarmament, non-proliferation: “The Republic of Moldova fully supports all measures taken by the United Nations in the field of combating international terrorism, promoting disarmament and non-proliferation, and pleads for the active participation of all member states in their implementation.”

Arms trade, small arms: “My country ratified and our delegation deposited these days the ratification instrument of the Arms Trade Treaty to the Secretary General. This Treaty should not only ensure transparency and accountability in transfers of conventional weapons, but it should also prevent illicit arms trafficking, especially to unrecognized separatist entities.”

Small arms: “Being convinced that the security deterioration "in our region imposes an effective mechanism of small arms and light weapons control, we have also engaged in implementing the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as, supporting the relevant UN Security Council resolutions 2117 and 2220.”

Cluster munitions, landmines: “And today, we are pleased to state that during the last three years, with the support of our partners we succeeded in destroying all stocks of cluster munitions and anti-personnel mines.”

Mongolia
H.E. Mr. TSAKHJAGRN ELBEGDORJ, President
29 September 2015

WMD: “Today, the world faces a shocking range of new challenges on a global scale: - From weapons of mass destruction to global warming”

Military spending, WMD, gender: “When I observe a giant military exhibit, I wonder: 'What a huge amount of money and human ingenuity and time are being spent on war machines and weapons of mass destruction". With a fraction of the money and technology we spend for the "masculine war show," we could solve many of today's troubling issues."

Nuclear weapons: “We care deeply about global stability. Mongolia believes we must preserve our planet by eliminating nuclear weapons across the world. For 23 years, our country has pursued nuclear-weapon-free status."

Nuclear energy: "Any nation seeking to build nuclear power must net endanger the peace and security of their independent neighbors. We believe the solution to these challenges is engagement, rather than isolation.”

Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanović, President
1 October 2015

Disarmament, non-proliferation: “We support the global efforts for disarmament and non-proliferation.”

Arms trade: “We welcome the entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty and we advocate for the effective implementation of its provisions.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “Montenegro welcomes the positive outcome of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program and the dialogue of members of the Security Council with Iran with a view to meeting international obligations and achieving a comprehensive and durable solution to the issue of Iran's nuclear activities.”

Morocco
H.H. Prince Moulay Rachid, Crown Prince
30 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Mozambique
H.E. Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President
28 September 2015

Landmines: “As you know, Mozambique was one of the most infested countries by land mines in the world. Acknowledging the importance of mine clearance for promoting an atmosphere of peace, security and development, Mozambique has become party to the Convention on the Prohibition of Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Land Mines and on its destruction, also known as the Ottawa Convention.”

Myanmar
H.E. Mr. Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister of Foreign Affairs
2 October 2015

Disarmament, biological and chemical weapons: “During the tenure of the present government, Myanmar has stepped up to raise the profile of Myanmar in the field of disarmament. We have started with the signing of the LAEA Additional Protocol in September 2013. It was followed by Myanmar's ratification of the Biological Weapons Convention-BWC in December 2014 and the ratification of the Chemical Weapons Convention. These actions demonstrate Myanmar's dedicated commitments to the cause of disarmament.”

Nuclear weapons: “Myanmar tables every year a resolution on Nuclear Disarmament adopted by the support of a great majority of the member states. The resolution reflects our firm conviction that our world will be secured and safer without nuclear weapons. As the main sponsor of the resolution, we invite once again all member states to continue to support the resolution this year.”

Namibia
H.E. Hage Giengob, President
29 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Nauru
H.E. Baron Waqua, President
30 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Nepal
H.E. Mr. Prakash Man Singh, Deputy Prime Minister
1 October 2015

Disarmament, WMD, small arms: “Nepal stands for general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction as well as against illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons.”

Military spending: “Nepal wishes to see the world without weapons and all resources spent on armament urgently diverted to the cause of development for meeting the pressing needs of the people.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “We consider the normalization of relations between the US and Cuba as well as the Nuclear deal with Iran to be important indications of forward looking approaches with positive implications for the international peace and security.”

Netherlands
H.M. Willem-Alexander, King
28 September 2015

No disarmament references.

New Zealand
H.E. Mr. John Key, Prime Minister
1 October 2015

Iran’s nuclear programme: “When Council members work together, as they did with the recent agreement over Iran's nuclear capability, they can still deliver on the Council's role as set out in the Charter. The Iran deal was a notable bright spot this year. While it was negotiated in Vienna, only the Council had the power to implement it. New Zealand is proud that this occurred during our Presidency in July. Now, the deal needs to be implemented and its example needs to be followed. That is because this important agreement must become the basis for something wider – a fundamental reset of relationships, and a foundation for the resolution of other regional conflicts.”

Nicaragua
H.E. Mr. Moisés Omar Halleslevens Acevedo, Vice-President
1 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Nigeria
H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari
28 September 2015

Small arms, arms trade: “We are witnessing a dreadful increase in conflicts fuelled by availability of small arms and light weapons. I call upon all member countries to demonstrate the political will needed to uphold the UN charter. For a start, a robust implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty will guarantee that small arms and light weapons are only legally transferred. Arms traffickers and human traffickers are two evil species which the world community should eradicate.”

Nuclear weapons: “ It is my hope that in the next 70 years, it will achieve control of climate, help to eliminate communicable diseases, eliminate major and local conflicts and therefore eliminate the problem of refugees, take major steps towards reducing harmful inequalities between nations and within nations and above all, eliminate nuclear weapons.”

Norway
H.E. Mrs. Erna Solberg, Prime Minister
30 September 2015

Arms trade: “The flow of arms to conflict areas and the lack of protection for civilians further increase human suffering. The Arms Trade Treaty, with its humanitarian goals, gives us an important tool for addressing these problems.”

Explosive weapons in populated areas: “The UN Secretary-General has called on parties to conflict to refrain from using explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas. We support his call.”

Palestine
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President
30 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Pakistan
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister
30 September 2015

Weapons: “An easing of threat perceptions through such peace efforts will make it possible for Pakistan and India to agree on a broad range of measures to address the peril posed by offensive and advanced weapons systems.”

Nuclear weapons: “As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan will continue to support the objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We have maintained the highest standards of nuclear security and have established an effective regime to ensure the safety and security of our nuclear facilities and stocks. South Asia needs strategic stability and this requires serious dialogue to achieve nuclear restraint, conventional balance and conflict resolution.”

Palau
H.E. Mr. Caleb Otto, Permanent Representative
3 October 2015

No disarmament references.

Papua New Guinea
H.E. Mr. Rimbink Pato, Minister of Foreign Affairs
1 October 2015

Small arms: “The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons still remains a serious threat to national and global peace, security and development. It is in this light that Papua New Guinea has prioritized policy initiatives and programs to curb the importation and trading of firearms.”

Paraguay
H.E. Mr. Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara, President
28 September 2015

Disarmament and development: "Paraguay reaffirms that Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control are essential factors for international peace and security and the guarantee that the most vulnerable countries rely on, in order to secure a sustainable economic and social development."

Nuclear energy: "We thank the Member States of the International Atomic Energy Agency for their confidence in our country, having being elected unanimously, for the first time, to its Board of Governors. From that position, we will act with absolute impartiality and balance, in order to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

Philippines
H.E. Mr. Albert Del Rosario, Secretary for Foreign Affairs
2 October 2015

Disarmament, non-proliferation: “Today, the Philippines renews its steadfast commitment to the cause of peace and sustainable development through key priority areas and national positions ranging from climate change and the rule of law, memberships in APEC and ASEAN, disarmament and non-proliferation; to women, peace and security, migration and human trafficking, peacekeeping and UN reform.”

“Disarmament and non-proliferation have become more compelling issues for the Philippines given that 10 percent of our population live and work overseas, many in hot spots in the Middle East and Africa.”

Nuclear weapons, WMD: “The Philippines remains firm in its position on the total and complete elimination of nuclear weapons and all other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). We will continue to voice our concerns over the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. We reiterate the need for balanced and immediate implementation of the 64-Point Action Plan of the 2010 NPT RevCon chaired by the Philippines, particularly for the establishment of a Middle East WMD-free zone. We also look forward to the signing and ratification of the Protocol to the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) by the P-5 states.”

Arms trade, small arms, IEDs: “On conventional weapons, the Philippines will help sustain the positive momentum created by the Arms Trade Treaty's (ATT) progress, and continue to engage in discussions on small arms and light weapons and improvised explosive devices, particularly as used by armed non-state actors.”

Poland
H.E. Andrzej Duda, President
28 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Portugal
H.E. Mr. Aníbal António Cavaco Silva, President
28 September 2015

Iran's nuclear programme: “I welcome the agreement reached on Iran's nuclear programme. It is now up to all parties involved to ensure its full implementation.”

Oman
H.E. Mr. Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs
3 October 2015

Iran’s nuclear programme: “From this stand point, my country welcomes the agreement reached between the Group of 5+1 and the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran, on the nuclear program. Despite the fact that this breakthrough took considerable amount of time and great efforts, but it constitutes a model for solving controversial and complicated issues between countries, on the basis of dialogue and negotiations and regulating of international interests. We hope that this historic agreement would reflect positively on regional and international peace and security, and pave the way for a new area of relations, based on cooperation, respect, and mutual trust.”

Nuclear weapons: “My country stresses the importance of maintaining the universality of nuclear non-proliferation regime. This can only be achieved through consolidating the three pillars of the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), namely, nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this context, we call upon the sponsors of the NPT to fully implement the Resolution of the 1995 NPT Review Conference, regarding the Middle East a free region from nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. This will help safeguard the credibility and universality of this important treaty.”

Qatar
H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir
28 September 2015

Nuclear weapons, nulear energy: “The international handling of the nuclear disarmament issues that is mired by shortcomings and double standards alarm us. A clear evidence of this is the recent failure of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference to render the Middle East nuclear-free zone, it was disappointing and have dented the credibility of the treaty.”

“In the this regard we emphasize our firm position that the Gulf region must be spared of any nuclear weapons' dangers or threats while recognizing the right of countries in the region to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in accordance with relevant international rules.”

Iran's nuclear programme, WMD free zone in the Middle East: “As we look forward with hope that this nuclear agreement contributes to maintaining security and stability in our region, we further demand moving forward to disarm the entire region of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction.”

Republic of Korea
H.E. Park Geun-hye, President
28 September 2015

DPRK nuclear programme: “Resolving the North Korean nuclear issue should be accorded the highest priority if we are to uphold the integrity of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and live up to the aspirations of humanity for a world without nuclear weapons.”

“A peacefully unified Korea will be a thriving democratic nation free of nuclear weapons and upholding of human rights.”

Nuclear security: “At the moment, consultations among the countries of the region are underway on a range of collaborative areas, including nuclear security.”

Romania
H.E. Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, President
29 September 2015

Disarmament, arms control: “I would highlight just a few of the topics that were subject of initiatives taken by Romania in the General Assembly, the Security Council or the human rights bodies: arms control and disarmament…”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “Romania wholeheartedly welcomes the agreement on the Iranian nuclear file. This proves that nothing is impossible if there is a genuine political will and visionary statesmen engage into bold action. We praise the role so ably and diligently played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The success in solving this longstanding problem proves once again the virtues of diplomacy and negotiations undertaken in good faith and with patience, with the support of the expertise developed within the United Nations system. We hope to see more spinoff benefits of this agreement in the broader context of the Middle East peace process.”

Russian Federation
H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President
28 September 2015

Arms trade: “In this circumstances it is hypocritical and irresponsible to make loud declarations about the aof international terrorism while turning a blind eye to the channels of financing and supporting terrorists, including the proceeds of drug trafficking and illicit trade in oil and arms.”

Rwanda
H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President
29 September 2015

No disarmament references.

Montenegro

H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanović, President

1 October 2015