UNGA Disarmament Index 2018: A-G

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament and arms control made during the 73rd General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 25 September - 1 October 2018.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Secretary-General of the United Nations
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General
25 September 2018

Nuclear weapons: “The nuclear peril has not eased, with non-proliferation at serious risk. Nuclear-armed States are modernizing their arsenals. A new arms race could be triggered, and the threshold for their use lowered. The courageous initiative of the Singapore Summit between the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, along with the recent meeting of the two Korean leaders in Pyongyang, offers hope for the possibility of a full and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a context of regional security”

Chemical weapons: “We have seen outrageous uses of chemical weapons, in full impunity despite their ban.”

Biological weapons: “Protections against dangerous biological weapons are weak”.

Cyber: “Malicious acts in cyberspace - such as disinformation campaigns - are polarizing communities and diminishing trust among States.”

“Heaven forbid, any new war could very well include a massive cyberattack not only targeting military capacities, but also critical civilian infrastructure.”

Autonomous weapons: “The impacts of new technologies on warfare are a direct threat to our common responsibility to guarantee peace and security. The weaponization of artificial intelligence is a growing concern.The prospect of weapons that can select and attack a target on their own raises multiple alarms - and could trigger new arms races. Diminished oversight of weapons has implications for our efforts to contain threats, prevent escalation and adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law. Let's call it as it is. The prospect of machines with the discretion and power to take human life is morally repugnant.”

“I am encouraged by the ten possible guiding principles elaborated in Geneva last month by the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems.

More work on these issues, aimed at building trust between and within nations, will be needed if we are to ensure responsible use of new technologies.”

President of the General Assembly (opening)
H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espionsa Garcées, President of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly
25 September 2018

No relevant references.

President of the General Assembly (closing)
H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espionsa Garcées, President of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly
1 October 2018

TPNW: "Seven countries signed and four ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, strengthening our commitment to a world free of a nuclear threat, that we all aspire to have. With these, there are already 69 countries that have signed and the 19 that have ratified this important instrument."

Nuclear proliferation: "From international conflicts to terrorism and nuclear proliferation; from climate change and natural disasters to the increase of inequalities and poverty; from migration and refugees to health and education, the impact of new technologies and the world of work, it was recognized that we face common challenges that require common answers."

DPRK: "This General Debate highlighted positive developments, such as peace agreements signed between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti, and the promising efforts towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Albania
H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, President
28 September 2018

DPRK: “Albania hails the progress under the leadership of the United States of America on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, considering it as very positive step forward, not only for that region, but for entire planet as well.”

Chemical weapons: “Another issue of serious concern threatening peace and security, is the ongoing conflict in Syria. We support all the actions taken by the international actors to end the conflict and stop the use of chemical weapons.”

Algeria
H.E. Mr. Abdelkader Messahel, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

Nuclear weapons: "It should be pointed out that conflicts have worsened and new dangers have emerged; that global concern about nuclear weapons have never been stronger since the Cold War (...)."

Andorra
H.E. Mr. Antoni Martí Petit, Head of Government
28 September 2018

No relevant references.

Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive
26 September 2018

Armed conflict: “On several occasions, we have pledged our commitment to unconditional intra-Afghan dialogue and the restoration of all rights and privileges for those who agree to end the cycle of violence. We even announced a unilateral ceasefire earlier this year that was agreed to by the Taliban for a three-day period and gave the Afghansa glimpse of what peace can look and feel like.”

Angola
H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President
26 September 2018

Denuclearisation/DPRK: “We welcome the endeavors that have been made by the United States of America, North Korea and South Korea, with the contribution of the People's Republic of China towards the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, which has considerably eased the existing tensions that threatened to trigger a nuclear conflict that would likely be dangerous not only to that region but to international security in general.”

Antigua and Barbuda
H.E. Mr. Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

DPRK/IRAN: “That is why my country supports denuclearization by North Korea and Iran. It is why we would like to see all countries halt their nuclear arsenals.”

Argentina
H.E. Mr.Mauricio Macri, President
25 September 2018

Cyber: "Regardless, we live in a world where we are not exempt from great threats, such as organized crime, cyber warfare and terrorism, which require our joint cooperation to confront them."

Armenia
H.E. Mr. Nikol Pashinyan
25 September 2018

Armed violence: “Azerbaijan should change its behavior of disrespect towards the negotiations and abandon the idea of any military solution and implement all the previous agreements.”

Austria
H.E. Mrs. Karin Kneissl, Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

Landmines: "...Austria wishes to contribute, as other countries are already doing, with the financing of mine clearance in Syria."

Chemical weapons/biological weapons/nuclear weapons: "Multilateralism, based on a diplomatic approach, with standards, demands us to condemn and uphold universal value in the utilization of chemical weapons in Syria and others. It asks also to firmly reject biological weapons. In this order of idea there is not a reason for us to not categorically ban the production and use of the utilizations of arms and nuclear explosives."

NPT: "Madame President, disarmament, the non-proliferation and the control of arms are indispensable for the security of the world. The 50th anniversary of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation reminds of the key role of the rule of law. While a success, the NPT suffers from inadequate implementation."

CTBT: "Like international treaties, the treaties of disarmament are not a moral matter but a legal issue. We are convinced to advancing of the nuclear disarmament, the ratification of the CTBT is of paramount importance. My country, Austria, is proud to have been chosen as the headquarters of the organization responsible for implementing this treaty."

Nuclear-Weapon Free Zone: "The destructive power of nuclear weapons has made it imperative for the legal prohibition of war to be strictly observed in practice. We congratulate Latin America for creating the first international zone free of nuclear weapons."

JCPOA: “The most recent example of the importance of trust and reliability in international relations concerns the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is politically but not legally binding. The JCPOA, negotiated in Vienna, is the result of effective multilateral action. It contains a set of political commitments and demonstrates the indispensability of pacta sunt servanda as a precondition for mutual trust and confidence building in the international arena. Preserving the nuclear deal with Iran is a matter of respecting international agreements and a matter of international security in the end. If one country, which originally committed to the JCPOA, can walk away from it without other partners to the agreement having violated it, mutual trust is weakened.”

DPRK: “Reliability is key for peaceful solutions of conflicts - this is especially true for long-term conflicts such as the conflicts on the Korean Peninsula where concrete and substantive measures could follow first encouraging steps.”

Australia
H.E. Mrs. Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018

Nuclear weapons/NPT: “One proof of the necessity of the United Nations is the hard fact that we cannot with all confidence rid the world of nuclear weapons today or this year. Given this reality, we must redouble our efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, and to build the international trust and confidence necessary to move towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Our peoples expect us to continue to work towards verifiable nuclear disarmament with sound compliance, safeguards and enforcement regimes. Overwhelmingly, our peoples expect us to prevent further proliferation of nuclear weapons. To do this, we must continue to build on the progress we have made through the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

JCPOA/ DPRK: “For this reason, Australia supports the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program, as long as Iran abides by its commitments. It is in our collective interests that controls on Iran's nuclear programme remain in place. And for this reason, the world observes the negotiations between the United States and North Korea, pursuing complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Peninsula, in accordance with UN Resolutions. Australia will also continue to fully implement our obligations under the United Nations Security Council and maintain our own autonomous sanctions while awaiting progress towards denuclearisation."

Chemical weapons: “Further, we have most recently witnessed a new pattern of indiscriminate slaughter through the use of chemical weapons, including the weaponisation of toxic industrial chemicals such as chlorine. We have collectively agreed that the use of chemical weapons anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstances is unjustifiable and unacceptable.”

“As Member States, we must defend our long-standing prohibition on the use of chemical weapons, and abide by our collective right and resolve to investigate allegations, and to verify this prohibition. Australia joins those calling for Syria to cease the use of chemicals as weapons. Australia also continues to urge Russia, and all nations, to reinforce the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons anywhere.”

Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Elmar Maharram oglu Mammadyarov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018

Armed conflict: "Unresolved armed conflicts, existing and emerging security challenges and related humanitarian crises threaten to reverse much of the development progress. The ongoing armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan still represents a major threat to international and regional peace and security."

Bahamas
H.E. Mr. Hubert Alexander Minnis, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

No relevant references.

Bahrain
H.E. Mr. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

JCPOA: “We reiterate support for all initiatives aimed at peace and security in the world and particularly in the region, beginning with the efforts of the United States of America...most notably:.. the withdrawal from the incomplete nuclear agreement with Iran“

Bangladesh
H.E. Mrs. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister
27 September 2018

Armed conflict: “We are appalled by what we have seen in UN Reports about atrocities against the Rohingya who have now taken shelter in Bangladesh, which are tantamount to genocide and crimes against humanity. We expect the international community, particularly the UN, to give due importance to the atrocities and injustice suffered by the Rohingya population in Myanmar.”

Outer space: "We have made our foray into the world of space technology by launching our own satellite, Bangabandhu I, being the 57th country in the world to have done so. It was in fact a dream of our Father of the Nation that we would one day reach the outer space."

Barbados
H.E. Mrs. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

No relevant references.

Belarus
H.E. Mr. Vladimir Makei, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2018

WMD: “The confrontation In international relations increasingly evokes the notion of a new "Cold War". What is more, one increasingly hears the voices about likelihoods under which weapons of mass destruction may be used, even if as a result of an inadvertent conflict or an accident."

Belgium
H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, Prime Minister
27 September 2018

Militarism: "Multilateralism is the battle with ideas and arguments rather than with weapons."

JCPOA: "Within a few months, the nuclear agreement with Iran, trade agreements or the Paris agreement on climate have been broken by a signatory party."

"Iran was about to acquire nuclear weapons. The negotiations were long and difficult for reaching a compromise. It took reciprocal courage and the overcoming of deep mistrust and hostility. This agreement is not perfect since it does not cover the Iranian ballistic program. IAEA inspections confirm that Iran is meeting its commitments. Should this treaty be forgotten in the name of its imperfection? No, to the contrary. New multilateral negotiating chapters need to be opened to complement it."

Militarism/Cyber: "Serious violations of human rights cannot leave us indifferent. The manipulations or the rigging of elections, the violation of territorial integrity or the threats of the use of force are always warning signs of a future conflict."

WMD: "The proliferation of nuclear, chemical or weapons of mass destruction poses a serious threat to the future of humanity. We remain mobilized for non-proliferation efforts. We must continue to strengthen the legal regime and carry out rigorous compliance monitoring of the commitments made."

Belize
H.E. Mr. Wilfred Elrington, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
29 September 2018

No relevant references.

Benin
H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Felix Do Rego, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018

Nuclear energy/ NWFZ: "Benin, which has just adopted its Radiation Protection Act, wishes to commend the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to achieve a universal plan for the utilization of nuclear energy in the world for purely civilian purposes and renews its support for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East."

Bhutan
H.E. Mr. Lyonpo Tshering Wangchuk, Acting Head of Government
27 September 2018

No relevant references.

Bolivia
H.E. Mr. Evo Morales Ayma, President
26 September 2018

Militarism/Military spending: "The second great threat is armament, the culture of war and the possibility of a nuclear catastrophe. Many leaders, above all those that possess most weapons, come to this Forum to talk to us about peace. Military spending is increasing, spending of 2017 was higher by 1.1 per cent compared to 2016, reaching the incredible amount of $739 trillion dollars, representing 2.2 per cent of the global GDP. The world cannot live at the expense of those who believe that it is their right to produce and use weapons that are capable of the total destruction of life on this planet."

"The defense industry is fed by war and while its arms are tested and shown to be effective by killing girls and boys, the value of your shares increases in the securities exchange. This criminal logic has to stop. This threat also comes from those that are ready to invade other countries, to change governments to appropriate peoples’ natural resources. They set up military bases and seek to control the whole planet."

Armed conflict: "Our sister Republic of Venezuela is suffering from shocking aggressions by the United States and its allies. Latin America clearly rejects all attempts of military intervention in Venezuela."

Military bases: "As you know, we have liberated ourselves from American military bases, from the DEA, USAID, from impositions by the International Monetary Fund and any other type of impositions."

Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Bakir Izetbegović, Chairman of the Presidency
25 September 2018

Nuclear proliferation: “Whether it be conflict prevention or resolution, security, development, climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, migrations or human rights - none of these problems can be successfully addressed and resolved by one, three, or five countries alone. [...] Concerted efforts and the alliance of all the nations are necessary to contain the risks of nuclear confrontation and successfully address global issues, such as gender equality, climate change or prosecution of war criminals on the international level.”

“Nuclear weapons and their proliferation continue to pose a grave threat to our civilization. That threat perhaps overshadows all the other ones combined. The stakes are as high as they have ever been. Preventing nuclear proliferation and eliminating weapons of mass destruction concern the survival of humankind.”

Botswana

H.E. Mr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President
27 September 2018

SALW: “Botswana welcomes and applauds the efforts made by the United Nations to deal with threats to international peace and security, particularly terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

“To bolster international peacemaking efforts, African leaders have committed themselves to fund 25% of peace support operations in Africa by 2021 and silencing the guns by 2020.”

Brazil
H.E. Mr. Michel Temer, President
25 September 2018

DPRK: "In the Korean Peninsula, dialogue and solidarity are also the cornerstones of our position. We reiterate our support for diplomatic solutions that promote denuclearization and peace.

We have already given repeated proof of what we are capable of, together, when we work towards those values.

This is how we took a historic step last year when we concluded the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. I had the honour of being the first Head of State to sign it.

And it is not only for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, it is not only for international trade, that diplomacy and multilateralism provide us with effective solutions. This is also true in so many other areas, such as sustainable development, which is crucial to the future of humanity."

Arms trafficking: "Trafficking in persons, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering and sexual exploitation are crimes that know no borders. These are scourges that corrode our societies and are only effectively combated with concerted policies and actions."

Brunei Darussalam
H.E. Mr. Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
29 September 2018

No relevant references.

Bulgaria
H.E. Mr. Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

JCPOA/DPRK: “We are of the opinion that the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan for the Iranian Nuclear Program continues to be a key element of the international security architecture. We also support all efforts for the full, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace in the region of North-Eastern Asia.”

Burkina Faso
H.E. Mr. Alpha Barry, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
29 September 2018

EWIPA: "Unfortunately those people without faith or law that we are dealing with (...) now use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)."

DPRK: "In Asia, the dialogue between the Koreas is a good sign that needs the encouragement and support of the international community. Burkina Faso strongly supports this dialogue between the two countries."

SAWL: "The proliferation of small arms and light weapons poses a threat to peace and security in various parts of the world. They are a hindrance to the objectives of sustainable development. That is why my country welcomes the inclusion (...) of ammunition in the final document of the Third [RevCon] [of the PoA] to prevent, combat and eliminate the illicit trade in [SALW]."

WMD/Chemical weapons: "With regard to weapons of mass destruction, my country condemns the resurgence of the use of chemical weapons in recent years. We call for a general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction."

Burundi
H.E. Mr. Ezéchiel Nibigira, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
29 September 2018

No relevant references.

Cabo Verde
H.E. Mr. Jorge Carlos De Almeida Fonseca, President
26 September 2018

No relevant references.

Cambodia
H.E. Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

Armed Conflict/Landmines: “Previously infamous for Its killing fields, an unstable region caused by armed conflicts and dangerous mine disposals, an economically backward country mired in poverty and food insecurity, Cambodia now enjoys full peace, and has become a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia; a food exporter; an outstanding performer in poverty reduction and improvement in social indicators… Notably known for its armed struggle for the power and changes of government, Cambodia is now governed by the rule of law and firmly respects the multi-party liberal democracy, with regular, free and fair elections, held to enable its people to choose the country's leadership.”

Cameroon
H.E. Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2018

WMD/SALW: "In this regard, Cameroon considers that the focus on and resources allocated to the issue of nuclear and chemical weapons should not overshadow the central issue of SALW on the international agenda. According to available data, more than 90% of war victims in the world, particularly in Africa, are killed by SALW.

SAWL: "Small arms and light weapons are increasingly found in the hands of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State, AQIM, Boko Haram. Cameroon is pleased to have hosted in from 11 to 13 June 2018 in Yaounde the First Conference of States Parties and Signatories to the African Convention relating to the control of small arms and light weapons, their ammunition and all parts and components that can be used for their manufacture, repair and assembly (Kinshasa Convention)."

"Under the leadership of my country, which holds the bi-annual presidency of this First Conference, the Central African States have committed themselves unreservedly to combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in all states that are party to the Kinshasa Convention. By mobilising adequate operational resources, both institutional and logistical, the Central African States intend to support each other and strengthen with other partners, including the United Nations, cooperation, coordination, the sharing of resources and interoperability of resources for the effective implementation of the Kinshasa Convention in the fight against the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons."

Canada
H.E. Mr. Marc-André Blanchard Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018

Chemical weapons: "Canada is appalled by crimes the Assad regime in Syria has committed against its own people, including most horrifically the use of banned chemical weapons.”

Chad
H.E. Mr. Mahamat Zene Cherif, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration
28 September 2018

Arms proliferation: “Terrorist groups allied with the vast criminal networks of traffickers of all kinds, with powerful weapons and significant resources continue to test our individual capabilities to respond, not to mention the effort required by the other challenges such as mercenaries, the circulation and proliferation of weapons, poaching, deforestation, piracy, conflicts related to degradation of the environment.”

Central African Republic
H.E. Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, Head of State
26 September 2018

Armed conflict: "On the other hand, we deplore the persistence of tragic and painful events perpetrated by the enemies of peace, motivated by obscure and selfish interests."

"They are the ones fueling the bloody violence since the beginning of 2018, (...), with an increase in cases of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law."

"I am delighted by the commitment made by the European Union and our bilateral partners to support the training and strengthening of our Defense and Security Forces, (...) and to support the implementation of the National Defense and Deployment Plan of the Central African Armed Forces, in the perspective of a garrison army and the administration over the national territory."

Arms trade: "But, to win this bet, let me reiterate (...) our call for the total lifting of the arms embargo which still weighs on our national army!"

Chile
H.E. Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echeñique, President
27 September 2018

WMDs/arms trafficking: “We have not yet been able to deal with serious threats to international peace and security: terrorism, drug trafficking, armed conflicts, transnational organized crime, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illicit trafficking in weapons and persons.”

Cyber: “We must concern ourselves with creating a life and an international community built on the base of principles and values: protection of human dignity, full respect for human rights, gender equality, measures to combat climate change and to deal with new threats such as those concerning cybersecurity.”

China
H.E. Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018

DPRK: “Since this year, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has seen a major turnaround thanks to the efforts of all parties concerned. China, on its part, has contributed to such development. China supports all-out improvement of relations between the North and the South of the Peninsula, as well as efforts to facilitate dialogues between the DPRK and the US, China encourages the DPRK to continue moving along the right direction of denuclearization. At the same time, we believe it is also right for the US to make timely and positive responses so as to truly meet the DPRK half way. China will continue to honor its due international responsibility and obligation, and will strictly implement Security

Council resolutions related to the DPRK. Meanwhile, China calls upon the Security Council to take timely actions in light of the development and changes of the situation to create more favorable conditions for a peaceful settlement of the Peninsula issue through political and diplomatic means. Effective settlement of the issue requires complete denuclearization as well as establishment of a peace mechanism.”

JCPOA: “Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, now is a crucial time for continued implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA is a consensus-based multilateral agreement endorsed by the UN Security Council. It serves the common interests of all parties concerned and the international community at large. If the agreement fails to be implemented, the international nuclear non-proliferation regime will be undermined, the authority and role of the Security Council challenged, and peace and stability in both this region and the wider world jeopardized. That is a scenario in which no one stands to gain. China urges parties concerned to continue observing and implementing the JCPOA. On this basis, possibility could be explored for a dialogue platform that is inclusive and transparent to facilitate proper settlement of each party's concerns through dialogue and consultation.”

Cyber/outer space: “China supports the UN*s leading role in coordinating responses to non-traditional security challenges. In the new frontiers of global governance like cyber space and outer space, state sovereignty must be upheld, rules observed, and responsibilities honored. Terrorism, a menace to the entire human society, should by no means be justified. Security Council resolutions must be earnestly implemented to counter cyber terrorism, terrorist financing and the spread o f radical narratives, so as to remove the breeding ground of terrorism.”

Colombia
H.E. Mr. Iván Duque Márquez, President
26 September 2018

Disarmament: "Our government is going to work so that the demobilization process, disarmament and reintegration in advance in the next few years moves forward successfully."

Comoros
H.E. Mr. Azali Assoumani, President
27 September 2018

TPNW: "We have a duty to protect present and future generations from the danger posed by the use of nuclear weapons. In this context, although the Nuclear Weapons Treaty does not yet face unanimity, it is a tool that remains necessary if we are to remain ambitious and optimistic about the future of world peace. We must therefore work for greater adherence of countries to this crucial legal instrument."

Congo
H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

No relevant references.

Costa Rica
H.E. Mrs. Epsy Campbell Barr, Vice-President
27 September 2018

DPRK: "We positively received the Declarations of Panmunjeom and Pyeongyang and we wish for their effective implementation and complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula."

JCPOA: "We also express our support for the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan with Iran, endorsed by the Security Council."

ATT/TPNW: "Costa Rica dreamed of being a country without an army and for 70 years it has been a reality. We were also first in line to sign the Arms Trade Treaty and we support its implementation. Now, with a group of States and civil society organizations, we imagine a world without nuclear weapons."

Disarmament: "It is a generation that looks to the future without fear, which is manifested by a new world without weapons, without violence for the environment, for peace, for human rights, for sexual diversity, against any type of discrimination and in favor of a better world."

TPNW: "For our country, the only way to guarantee that nuclear weapons are never used again, in any circumstance is through its total elimination. With the approval of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the international community decided that the binding legal prohibition of these weapons is a fundamental contribution to this objective. With deep conviction and ethical sense, today we call on all countries to sign and ratify this historic treaty."

Côte d’Ivoire
H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice-President
27 September 2018

Nuclear weapons: "A truly united Council can enable our organization to deal effectively with major security issues, such as the fight against nuclear proliferation, terrorism, mass crimes and crimes against humanity."

Croatia
H.E. Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, President
26 September 2018

No relevant references.

Cuba
H.E. Mr. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President
26 September 2018

Militarism/TPNW: "In addition, and like there were not enough threats on humanity and its dazzling creations, it is a fact that the military and nuclear hegemonism of imperialism is perpetuating itself and expanding to the detriment of the hopes of the majority of peoples for a general and complete disarmament. Cuba shares this ideal and, as testament of its commitment with this goal, on last 31 January, it became the fifth State to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons."

Outer space: "Cuba rejects the militarization of outer space and cyberspace, as well as the covert and illegal use of the information and communication technologies to attack other states."

JCPOA: “We demand compliance with the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear deal.”

Cyprus
H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, President
27 September 2018

Militarisation: “In this effort, in this struggle, we must ensure the cooperation of all, but more so of the states and the peoples that are the victims, those suffering from phenomena such as: (...) Investments and promotion of the military industry and infrastructure, through the fomentation of conflict in order to secure their own profitability.”

Czech Republic
H.E. Mr. Jan Hamáček, Deputy Prime Minister
29 September 2018

DPRK: “The Czech Republic...is deeply interested in improving the situation on the Korean Peninsula. This is why we are following with high expectations both the Inter-Korean and US-DPRK dialogue at the highest level. The complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the only way how to achieve long-lasting peace, security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. We need a resolute and coordinated approach in countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as we do in fighting terrorism.”

Democratic People's Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Ri Yong Ho, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

DPRK: “Since we have sufficiently consolidated national defense capabilities and war deterrence to cope with the nuclear threats against the DPRK that have been lasting over several decades, concentrating all efforts on economic construction has come up to us as a historic task.”

“Comrade Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted energetic summit-level diplomatic activities with a firm determination to turn the Korean peninsula into a land of peace free of both nuclear weapons and nuclear threats...The DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement contains all principled issues regarding eventual solutions of the issues in the Korean peninsula such as...realizing complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and humanitarian work between the two countries. Once the DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement is implemented, the current trend towards detente will turn into durable peace and the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula will also be achieved and the Korean peninsula...It is our position that the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula should also be realized along with building peace regime under the principle of simultaneous actions, step by step, starting with what we can do and giving priority to trust-building.”

“Even before the DPRK-U.S. summit, the DPRK government took significant good-will measures such as stopping nuclear and ICBM tests, dismantling the nuclear test site in a transparent manner and affirming not to transfer nuclear weapons and nuclear technology under any circumstances and it continues to put in efforts to trust-building.”

“The U.S. possessed nuclear weapons earlier than we did and the U.S. is the only country that actually used them in real war… We did not even throw a pebble stone at the U.S. soil but during the Korean War the U.S. threatened to drop tens of atomic bombs in our country, and even after that the U.S. kept bringing in strategic nuclear arsenals at our door steps.”

“The UNSC poured down on us numerous "sanctions resolutions" making issue of our nuclear tests and rocket test launches. But even today, when one whole year has passed since such tests have been stopped, even a word in those "resolutions" remains unchanged to say nothing about being totally removed or eased.”

Democratic Republic of Congo
H.E. Mr. Joseph Kabila Kapange
25 September 2018

No relevant references.

Denmark
H.E. Mrs. Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation
28 September 2018

DPRK: “Now, North Korea must take concrete steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization."

Djibouti
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
27 September 2018

No relevant references.

Dominica
H.E. Mrs. Francine Baron, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

SALW: “Madam President: We live in a world in… which light arms and small weapons continue to infiltrate our most vulnerable societies”

Dominican Republic
H.E. Mr. Danilo Medina Sánchez, President
25 September 2018

No relevant references.

El Salvador
H.E. Mr. Salvador Sánchez Cerén, President
26 September 2018

No relevant references.

Ecuador
H.E. Mr. Lenín Moreno Garces, President
25 September 2018

Military spending: "Maybe because we were idealist teenagers, and because we continue to be non-conforming adults, we do not understand how the big powers invest in arms instead of investing in the development of peoples. We do not understand how those countries, that are developed and have achieved military superiority, that have experienced wars through their own children, that those countries invest in conflicts that do not concern them, without seeking to solve them, but that aggravate or even perpetuate them."

Egypt
H.E Mr. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President
25 September 2018

Arms trafficking/armed conflict: “The disintegration of nations as a result of civil strife or regression to sectarian loyalties is responsible for the most dangerous phenomena in our contemporary world, including armed conflicts, human trafficking, irregular migration, organized crime and illicit trade in arms and drug trafficking.”

“The third principle is the commitment to achieving sustainable development as a necessary precondition for a stable world order, and the best way for the prevention of armed conflict and humanitarian crises. [...] We need to address the major shortcomings in the international community's handling of human rights issues. The credibility of the United Nations cannot be restored, as long as millions continue to suffer from extreme poverty, live under foreign occupation or fall victim to terrorism and armed conflict.”

Eritrea
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

No relevant references.

European Union
H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council
27 September 2018

DPRK: “Non-proliferation is another global challenge we face but here, things are looking up thanks to multilateral action on sanctions. On the Korean Peninsula, a year ago the situation was critical. Although much depends on the attitude of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), we have seen that diplomacy can open the way to more comprehensive solutions. ”

JCPOA: “A similar situation exists with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. While addressing nuclear issues, the deal has also helped to create space for dialogue on other concerns, like Iran’s regional behavior and ballistic missile programs. The agreement is good for European, regional and global security. That is why the European Union is committed to maintaining the agreement, as long as Iran remains fully committed to it. “

Equatorial Guinea
H.E. Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President
27 September 2018

Military interventions: "For Equatorial Guinea, coercive decisions such as embargos by the Security Council have never resolved any conflicts in the history of the United Nations, nor have military interventions solved the root causes. On the contrary, they are opposed to the principle of state independence and sovereignty."

Estonia
H.E. Mrs. Kersti Kaljulaid, President
26 September 2018

Cyber: “Small countries have no time for small objectives - our aim is, among other issues, to bring all things digital to theUN and Security Council - cyber risks are something Estonians as citizens of a fully digitized state understand better than most. We want to offer our perspective to make sure that human beings remain safe in this new world were cyber related threats compound with conventional ones.”

“New technologies should always be seen as enablers. They create equa lopportunities, if supported by proper policies. The risks related to them should not be ignored - also because they do not replace but rather enhance most of our conventional risks. But well set international legal space should be able to deliver for humankind and avoid Armageddon scenarios.”

Eswatini
H.M. King Mswati III, Head of State
26 September 2018

No relevant references.

Ethiopia
H.E. Mr. Workineh Gebeyehu Negewo, Minister for Foreign Affairs
27 September 2018

No relevant references.

Fiji
H.E. Mr. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

No relevant references.

Finland
H.E. Mr. Sauli Niinistö, President
25 September 2018

DPRK: “On a positive note, we have been encouraged by recent attempts to arrive at a genuine dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the international community. The momentum to take steps towards a peaceful Korean Peninsula should be maintained and supported. A successful outcome in that region could set a powerful example for non-proliferation and disarmament elsewhere, too.”

France
H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President
25 September 2018

Chemical/nuclear weapons: “A survival-of-the-fittest approach does not protect any group of people against any kind of threat, whether chemical or nuclear.”

JCPOA: “What will make it possible to truly resolve the situation in Iran and what has already started to help stabilize it? A survival-of-the-fittest approach, pressure from a single stakeholder? No! We know that Iran was on the path towards military nuclear capability, but what stopped it? The agreement brokered in Vienna in 2015.”

“As I said a year ago, we should not exacerbate regional tensions, but rather propose a broader agenda that will make it possible to address all nuclear, ballistic and regional concerns caused by Iranian policies, through dialogue and multilateralism.”

Gabon
H.E. Mr. Michel Xavier Biang, Chair of the Delegation
1 October 2018

SALW: "My country remains resolutely determined to implement the commitments made during this summit, while continuing to implement the Central Africa Strategy to Combat Terrorism and the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons."

Gambia
H.E. Mr. Adama Barrow, President
25 September 2018

Disarmament: “Let us, therefore, restore faith in our rules-based international order so as to remain relevant and, collectively, make progress on our global agenda - ranging from tackling the menace of climate change and terrorism to addressing disarmament, trade, development and other concerns to humanity.”

SALW: “As we battle these negative forces and try to fulfill our aspiration of silencing the gun on the African continent by 2020, we are worried about the state of United Nations Peacekeeping missions in some of our trouble spots, especially in view of the drastic cuts to the peacekeeping budget.”

Georgia
H.E. Mr. Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister
27 September 2018

No relevant references.

Germany
Heiko Maas, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018

Arms race: “Let us not forget that acute crisis management is at best a step towards peace. Lasting peace can only be achieved if we put a stop to the arms race. This is not some sort of nostalgic rhetoric from the days of the Cold War, whose balance of terror seems utterly benign compared with the scenario of a multipolar arms race, with far more unpredictable players.”

DPRK: “In the case of North Korea, the Security Council’s united stance and the sanctions helped to pave the way back to dialogue. That was important. However, North Korea must follow up its words with deeds, and this must lead to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. Germany is prepared to contribute its know-how, including the expertise we gained during the difficult negotiations with Iran.”

JCPOA: “The nuclear agreement with Iran may not be perfect. But so far, it has prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and averted an escalation that, three years ago, was highly likely. That’s not insignificant! We Europeans therefore stand together by the agreement. We are working on keeping economic exchange with Iran possible, and we call on Iran to continue to fully implement its commitments. The fact that we stand by the JCPOA does not mean that we are turning a blind eye to Iran s destructive role in the region or to its ballistic missile programme. That said, if there were no agreement, this would not make the search for solutions in Yemen, Syria or elsewhere any easier.”

Autonomous Weapons: “On the contrary, disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation must generally become more of a focus of the United Nations’ work once again. We share Secretary-General Guterres’ view on this. Our common rules must keep pace with technological developments. Otherwise, what currently sounds like science fiction may very soon become deadly reality - autonomous weapons systems, or killer robots, that kill without any human control. I ask that you please support, both here in New York and in Geneva, our initiative to ban fully autonomous weapons - before it is too late!”

Chemical Weapons: “That also applies to those who use chemical weapons, thereby breaking a taboo that was respected for decades. This is why it is so important that the OPCW has meanwhile been authorised to find and identify those responsible. The perpetrators must be fully aware that there can be no impunity for crimes against humanity. Never, not anywhere!”

Ghana
H.E. Mr. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President
26 September 2018

No relevant references.

Greece
H.E. Mr. Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister
28 September 2018

JCPOA/DPRK: “That means making sure that International organizations, including financial ones, become more be accountable and respond to the actual needs of states and citizens. It means supporting the Secretary General's vision for UN reform. But it also means supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Compact on Migration, the Paris Accord on Climate Change and the Iran Nuclear deal, despite all its weaknesses… It means supporting positive steps for a diplomatic solution on denuclearization in the Korean Peninsula.”

Grenada
H.E. Mr. Peter David, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2018

Nuclear Weapons: “Grenada’s position on the development of nuclear weapons is clear. The development of nuclear weapons is inherently destructive, and, therefore, serves NO good purpose for humanity. Deterrence only makes sense where there is the possibility of deployment. The mere existence of these weapons anywhere, is unacceptable. Grenada, therefore, urges its friends to desist from the development and testing of these weapons. Imagine what we could achieve instead, if we put our brilliant scientists to work on Climate Change and building climate-smart resilient and sustainable societies.”

Guatemala
H.E. Mr. Jimmy Morales, President
25 September 2018

No relevant references.

Guinea
H.E. Mr. Mamadi Touré, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2018

No relevant references.

Guinea-Bissau
H.E. Mr. José Mário Vaz, President
27 September 2018

Armed Conflict: “Peace is essential for successful development. But peace is not just the absence of armed conflict.”

Guyana
H.E. Mr. Carl Greenidge, Vice-President
28 September 2018

TPNW/Disarmament Agenda: “Peace is also inextricably linked to sustainable development. In this regard, the United Nations disarmament agenda is a central tenet in our efforts to achieve a stable, secure and peaceful world order. Guyana has demonstrated its commitment to this agenda most recently in its signing and ratification of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We recognize, however, that the commitment of every Member State to the disarmament agenda is key to achieving the world to which we aspire and the onus is on all of us to fulfill the obligations we have taken on ourselves by becoming States Parties to the various legal instruments concerned with questions of disarmament and non-proliferation.”

Cyber/SALW: “For Guyana and the wider Caribbean, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their associated ammunition poses one of the most serious threats to human security and sustainable development. International drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, unregulated cyber space, and the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons divert resources that could otherwise be invested in other critical areas. We believe that with effective international cooperation and assistance, small countries like Guyana can tackle this illicit trade and ultimately create safer communities, safer countries and regions, and a safer world.”