UNGA Disarmament Index 2012: S–Z

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament, peace, and security, made in the 67th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 25 September–1 October 2012. Included in this index are all references made to arms control, disarmament, multilateralism, nuclear energy, security, proliferation, the arms trade, and nuclear and conventional weapons.

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Saint Kitts and Nevis
H.E. Mr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

Small arms: “..the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative … also addresses the issue of reform that is required to ensure that our youth embrace renewed alternatives to lives of unproductivity and look towards a new hope for peace and prosperity through respect for human life. This is of great importance to us. In spite of this, however, the continuing flow of foreign-made small arms into our Caribbean region concerns us greatly. Again, originating beyond our shores, these weapons have dire consequences both in terms of human life as well as the economic stability of our nations.”

Arms trade treaty, conventional weapons: “We are aware that changing cultural values are influencing the use of weapons by some in our nation, yes. And we understand the importance of focused and effective policing and partnership on matters of security. Related to this we urge the international community to see as an absolute priority the production of a much-needed and long-overdue Arms Trade Treaty. The interests of democratic nations everywhere cry out for the establishment of international standards and controls governing the illicit flow of conventional weapons, and I urge the establishment of a dedicated secretariat to assist State Parties in this regard.”

Small arms: “Small arms and light weapons always follow illegal drugs, and we in the Caribbean are simply not equipped to deal with the externally created crime fallout.”

Small arms: “And I have also discussed the severe national security threat being posed to our region by the foreign-made small arms and weapons that have been finding their way into our nations.”

Saint Lucia
H.E. Mr. Kenny Davis Anthony, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
H.E. Mr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

Arms trade treaty: “Last year’s General Debate – though marked by winds of change and clouds of uncertainty – was not without hope and optimism. Member States anticipated meaningful progress at the Rio+20 Summit on Sustainable Development; we predicted a robust and legally-binding arms trade treaty; we embraced popular homegrown calls for political change; and we scanned the economic horizon for encouraging signs of recovery and growth.”

Militarism: “Would-be interventionists, unilateralists and hegemons – both new and old – have
rushed to fill and exploit political vacuums, to settle ancient grudges, and to strengthen their grip on global or regional power. It is a pattern that predates colonialism and the Cold War, and one that once again brings into focus many of the United Nations’ founding principles. These principles, which bind us, cannot be ignored, reinterpreted or sacrificed on the altar of poll-driven political expediency and electoral ambition. We have bound ourselves together in the solemn goal of promoting peace, not fostering wars; of self-determination, not unilateral intervention; of the economic and social advancement of all peoples, not the callous disregard for the wellbeing of our fellow man. To depart from these principles – explicitly or by implication – would be to abandon the better angels of our nature, and to succumb to the forces that made this institution necessary in the first place.”

Arms trade treaty, small arms and light weapons, ammunition: “Another existential threat whose solution has fallen victim to UN paralysis is our common pursuit of a global, robust and binding arms trade treaty. In the Caribbean, over 70 per cent of homicides are committed with firearms, a remarkable statistic for a region that produces not one single gun or bullet. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a largely unarmed constabulary and lacks a standing army, yet we struggle daily against an influx of illicit and untraceable firearms that poses a grave threat to our national security and way of life. The producers of firearms, as well as the source and destination markets for illicit narcotics, can and must cooperate to restrict and regulate the international flow of small arms, light weapons and ammunition. While we have failed in our initial attempt to forge an arms trade treaty, I call on this Session of the General Assembly to redouble its efforts to negotiate such a binding agreement before we reconvene this debate next September.”

Samoa
H.E. Tuila’epa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

San Marino
H.E. Ms. Antonella Mularoni, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Sao Tome and Principe
H.E. Mr. Patrice Emery Trovoada, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

Iran’s nuclear programme: “...countries including Iran must have the right to civil nuclear technology and must scrupulously observe the commitments that arise from them, and polluters must be the principal payers.”

Illicit arms trafficking: “Our global security, and in particular transnational crimes such as piracy, the trafficking and sale of arms and drugs, is a reason for great concern for Sao Tome Principe, a country with a long coastline located in the Gulf of Guinea.”

Saudi Arabia
H.E. Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz
28 September 2012

Iran’s nuclear programme: “The crisis of the Iranian nuclear file is one of the most important challenges that threaten international peace and security in general, and the security and stability of the Gulf region in particular. In this context, my Country supports the ongoing efforts of the G5+l to peacefully resolve this crisis, and in a manner that guarantees Iran and all countries in the region the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy according to the criteria and procedures of the International Atomic Energy Agency and under its supervision. On the other hand, we urge Iran to respond to these efforts and to implement the relevant Security Council's resolutions by cooperating with IAEA inspectors to monitor its nuclear facilities in order to put an end to this crisis.”

WMDFZ in the Middle East, Israel’s nuclear programme: “In this regard, Saudi Arabia reaffirms the importance of making the Middle East a free zone from nuclear weapons and all other mass destruction weapons. We also stress the need that Israel places its nuclear facilities under the inspection and safeguards of the IAEA, and that it signs the Convention on Non- Proliferation. In addition, my Country stresses the importance that all parties to the relevant 2012 Conference on the Establishment of a zone-free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East adhere to the mandates and deadlines set in the Outcome Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”

Militarism: “The security and stability in the Gulf region cannot be achieved through the pursuit to possess deadly weapons nor through exercising an approach of hegemony and intervention in the internal affairs of countries in the region. Rather, this objective can be reached through establishing good relations based on good neighborliness and constructive cooperation.”

Senegal
H.E. Mr. Macky Sall, President
25 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Serbia
H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolić, President
25 September 2012

Armed violence: “Whereas political as well as armed violence are not nor will they ever become an acceptable means for achieving interest in international affairs.”

Seychelles
H.E. Mr. Danny Faure, Vice-President
27 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Sierra Leone
H.E. Mr. Joseph Bandabla Dauda, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2012

Arms trade treaty: “Sierra Leone thus views with disappointment, the conclusion of the Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) without a negotiated consensus for its adoption. The Sierra Leone delegation believes that we must all earnestly endeavour to adopt a well considered and balanced treaty with adequate provisions to effectively regulate the transfer of conventional weapons. If we continue to delay in this respect, we face the risk of their continuous use in committing grave violations of national and international law, which has the potential to destabilize peace and security. We therefore urge member states to consider our moral obligation to humanity as our key guiding principle, and sincerely commit ourselves to, contributing to the establishment of mechanisms to prevent the diversion of such weapons into the illicit market.”

Small arms and light weapons: “... we have recently … passed into law the Arms and Ammunition Bill 2012 to regulate gun ownership that ensures compliance with relevant ECOWAS Conventions on Small Arms and Light Weapons.”

Singapore
H.E. Mr. K. Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs,
29 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Ivan Gašparovič, President
25 September 2012

WMD: “In addition to its numerous undisputable benefits, the process of globalisation brings about new challenges, as well. I will only mention three of them which are typical of the beginning of the 21st century – the global economic crisis, environmental changes and man-made threats, such as terrorism or weapons of mass destruction.”

Militarism: “The nature of conflicts changes and evolves, but their essence remains the same - achieving goals by violence. I do not have only military methods on my mind, because famine and thirst have even more devastating consequences than weapons.”

Arms control: “It is crucial to remove the primary causes of conflicts, including through poverty reduction, sustainable development, respect for human rights, the rule of law and respect for its instruments, building of democratic institutions and arms control. They are basic building blocks of peace and prosperity.”

Disarmament: "A secure and stable environment conducive to development cannot be achieved without effective arms control and universal disarmament as the fundamental instruments of conflict prevention."

Arms trade treaty: "Slovakia is an advocate of a comprehensive, universal and binding Arms Trade Treaty. Our objective is to curb irresponsible dealing in arms and to prevent their transfers to the hands of terrorists, criminals and other illicit groups. I regret that the years--long efforts undertaken by states in cooperation with civil society were not crowned with success at the July conference. I believe that further negotiations will lead to a consensus on an effective agreement."

Nuclear weapons: “A world free of nuclear weapons is one of the priorities long pursued by the international community. Even though we have made some progress in this respect in recent years, there are still countries that are not part of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”

NWFZ, Iran's nuclear programme: “We appreciate that a Conference on a Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East has been scheduled to be held in December 2012 in Helsinki. We believe that despite the regrettable turmoil in the region and unwillingness of some countries to cooperate, we will overcome the differences and jointly bring the Conference to a successful end for the sake of our common goal: the peace and security in the Middle East without the fear of nuclear weapons. A success of the conference would also support long-lasting efforts to drive away concerns over Iranian nuclear programme. Rocket tests performed by Iran do not contribute to believing that its nuclear programme serves a peaceful purpose.”

Slovenia
H.E. Mr. Janez Janša, Prime Minister
27 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Solomon Islands
H.E. Mr. Gordon Darcy Lilo, Prime Minister
27 September 2012

Militarism, military spending: “Global security remains a serious challenge today. States are increasing their military capabilities and the arms sales have tripled in the last year reaching record levels. Closer to home, in the Asia Pacific region, new cold war lines are being drawn and low intensity territorial disputes are brewing.”

Somalia
H.E. Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Prime Minister
27 September 2012

No relevant comments.

South Africa
H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President
25 September 2012

Nuclear energy: “Mr President, in further promotion of the peaceful resolution of disputes, we believe that the sovereign right of states to nuclear energy for peaceful and civilian use should be respected in accordance with international law.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “We have taken note that the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency has been able to draw the conclusion that all declared nuclear material in lran is used for peaceful activities. The clarification of the undeclared materials will enable the international community to have full confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. South Africa therefore encourages lran to continue its cooperation with the Agency.”

Non-proliferation: “We should also remember that for as long as some states are allowed to operate outside of international agreed norms like the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it will be difficult to expect others to operate within the norms.”

NWFZ, Iran’s nuclear programme: “South Africa supports the long standing call for a Nuclear Free Zone in the Middle East. In this regard the peaceful resolution of the lran Nuclear Programme is very important.”

South Sudan (The Republic of)
H.E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, Vice-President
27 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Spain
H.E. Mr. Mariano Rajoy, President
25 September 2012

[Unofficial translation]

Iran's nuclear programme: “We reiterate our appeal to Iran to comply with the mentioned resolutions without delay, and that it ratifies and observes the Additional Protocol of the Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

DPRK's nuclear programme: “I would also like to express our support to the six-party talks as a framework to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis raised by the nuclear programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We consider that this country must put an end to its nuclear activities with military ends in a complete and verifiable manner and must comply with all UN Security Council resolutions in this matter and respect its commitments to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

Conference on Disarmament: “Disarmament and non-proliferation must be shared objectives for the entire international community. We consider that it is necessary to activate the Conference on Disarmament with an ambitious programme of work.”

Arms Trade Treaty: “Spain also supports renewing the mandate of the UN General Assembly in order to proceed with the negotiations of an Arms Trade Treaty. We will continue to work on it so it will become a solid, effective and legally-binding document which reflects the defense of human rights and international humanitarian rights.”

Sri Lanka
H.E. Mr. Gamini Lakshman Peiris, Minister of External Affairs
1 October 2012

No relevant comments.

Sudan
H.E. Mr. Ali Ahmed Karti, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2012

WMDFZ in the Middle East, nuclear energy: “We renew the call for a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East. We stress the rights of states to obtain the nuclear technology for peaceful means.”

Suriname
H.E. Mr. Winston G. Lackin, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2012

No relevant comments.

Swaziland
H.M. King Mswati III, Head of State
26 September 2012

Weapons of mass destruction: “Peace will continue to elude us until we properly address the issue of weapons of mass destruction. It is clear that these weapons are not necessary for mankind. Their mere presence is a recipe for conflict as each country seeks to gain power over others. The mere existence of such weapons creates unnecessary tension which could result in a very hostile world environment.”

“The non-proliferation treaty adopted by the UN must be enforced to ensure the complete elimination of chemical [sic] weapons. We have not seen any tangible proof towards compliance with the agreed time frames by the UN and this is a cause for serious concern requiring urgent attention. The mere existence of such weapons creates unnecessary tension which could result in a very hostile world environment.”

Nuclear energy: “We implore those countries endowed with uranium resource to use it for other essential economic development needs, such as power generation.”

Sweden
H.E. Mr. Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Switzerland
H.E. Ms. Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, President
25 September 2012

Arms proliferation: “We face significant and pressing challenges in all these areas. Climate change, food security, water scarcity, migration, organised crime, terrorism and the proliferation of weapons do not halt at our borders. These are global challenges, which threaten entire regions.”

Syrian Arab Republic
H.E. Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2012

WMDFZ in the Middle East, Israel’s nuclear programme: “My country renews the call for the international community to work to free the Middle East of all weapons of mass destruction, and we remind in this context of the initiative presented by Syria during its membership of the Security Council by the end of 2003, and call upon the Council to adopt it. Syria stresses that evacuating the region of all weapons of mass destruction is unachievable without forcing Israel, the only nuclear power in the region, to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and to put its nuclear facilities under the inspection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At the same time we emphasize on what is stipulated in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of the right of all States to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.”

Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Hamrokhon Zafiri, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2012

Landmines: “The Ottawa Convention calls the international community to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines that kill or nlairn hundreds of people, mostly innocent and defenseless civilians, and specially children, and obstruct economic development and reconstruction. Regrettably, suffering and inisery caused by anti-personnel landmines is a heavy burden to that part of the population of my country that resides along the border with the neighboring state. In this regard, we are committed to a full and effective implementation of the Convention, in cooperation with all parties concerned. Tajikistan is a strong advocate of a minefree Central Asia.”

Tanzania (United Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Bernard Kamillius Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Thailand
H.E. Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra
27 September 2012

WMD: “In this age of globalization, the concept of security must be people-centered. Therefore, transnational challenges -- from people smuggling to human trafficking, from narcotics to pandemics, from natural disasters to illegal trade in arms and Weapons of Mass Destruction materials -- must rank high on our national agenda. The international community should redouble its collective effort to act forcefully against transnational crimes that thrive in a world of increased inter-connectivity.”

Timor-Leste
H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister
25 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Togo
H.E. Mr. Elliot Ohin, Minister of Foreign Affairs
1 October 2012

No relevant comments.

Tonga
H.E.Lord Tu'ivakano, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Trinidad and Tobago
H.E. Mr. Winston Dookeran, Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2012

Arms trade treaty: “The stability of many regions is being undermined by the illicit trade in conventional weapons which has fuelled armed conflict and armed violence. Trinidad and Tobago is encouraged by the support of many countries for the conclusion of a robust and legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. However, we deeply regret the failure of ,the UN Diplomatic Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, despite the support of an overwhelming majority. This is a reflection of the refusal of a few States to agree to an instrument which would prevent the diversion of arms to the illegal market.”

“We join with our CARICOM partners and others in the call for the resumption of negotiations for the Arms Trade Treaty by the first quarter of 2013.”

Small arms and light weapons: “Illegal weapons, including small arms and light weapons, in the hands of terrorists, drug dealers, gang leaders and other actors involved in transnational organized crimes, is an affront to efforts to resolve disputes by peaceful means. In the Caribbean and I daresay elsewhere, the high incidence of gun-related crimes is intolerable.”

Women and disarmament: “We also recognize the important role of women as agents of change - not mere victims - in all initiatives related to the resolution of disputes and conflicts. For this reason, Trinidad and Tobago was privileged to host a High-Level discussion with other Member States, representatives of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, as well as the NGO Community in the margins of the General Assembly last week on the topic: Women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. The highlight of the discussion was the signing of a Joint Statement by the Government Representatives to promote the equitable representation of women in all decisionmaking on these matters. Trinidad and Tobago requests all Member States to support this resolution when it comes before the General Assembly in this session.”

Tunisia
H.E. Mr. Moncef Marzouki, President
27 September 2012

[Unofficial translation]

WMDFZ in the Middle East: “Tunisia wishes to insist that there is a need to free the Middle East from nuclear weapons.”

Turkey
H.E. Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Turkmenistan
H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister
27 September 2012

Non-proliferation, NWFZ: “We consider that it is relevant to continue multilateral dialogue on validity of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty. We propose that a high-level consultative meeting be held next year under the auspices of the UN to discuss measures aimed at expansion of the international nonproliferation legal framework. The initiative of Turkmenistan has become vital due to the implementation of the practical steps in the framework of the Treaty on a nuclear-free Central Asia. As is known, the agenda of the 67th session of the General Assembly includes the item concerning the Treaty on the Zone Free from Nuclear Weapons in Central Asia.”

Tuvalu
H.E. Mr. Apisai Ielemia, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2012

Militarism: “We firmly believe that the use of force through military and violent actions as a means for settlement of disputes and conflicts should be avoided at all costs.”

WMD: “The world we will give our future generations is not one of terrorism and fanaticism, not the proliferations of weapons of mass destruction, maritime piracy, organized crime and drugs and narcotic smuggling, child labor trafficking, slavery, and religious intolerance.”

Uganda
H.E. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Vice-President
25 September 2012

No relevant comments.

Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Viktor Yanukovych
26 September 2012

Nuclear energy: “Turning to international security problems, I'd like to stress that Ukraine is deeply committed to the cause of creation of a more secure and protected world. This commitment belongs to Ukrainians' national conscience, reflecting scourges of wars, totalitarism and artificial famines, as well as the consequences of Chornobyl disaster, the largest manmade disaster in human history.”

Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation: “For over two decades of its independence, Ukraine has been a steadfast supporter of global nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. We have voluntarily renounced the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the World; we were true to our word and completed the removal of last stocks of highly-enriched uranium from our country this year.”

Nuclear energy: “I consider these important steps, as well as the Kyiv Summit on the Safe and Innovative Use of Nuclear Energy, held last year, as worthy of following. In this very context I view the Joint Declaration by Ukraine, Mexico and Chile - countries that made special efforts to neutralize the risks of use of highly enriched uranium. The Declaration remains open for signing.

Nuclear disarmament, negative security assurances: “Unfortunately, the ambitious goal of gradual complete liquidation of nuclear weapons remains unachieved. In this regard, we insist that security guarantees for states that renounced their nuclear stockpiles and made other strategic concessions should be reflected in internationally binding legal instruments.”

United Arab Emirates
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2012

Non-proliferation, NWFZ in the Middle East, Israel’s nuclear programme: “We reaffirm our commitment to all requirements of nuclear non-proliferation, and renew our support for the efforts aiming at making the region of the Middle East, including the Gulf region, a zone free of weapons of mass destruction. We also demand for Israel to join the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty and subject its nuclear facilities to the comprehensive safeguards system.”

Nuclear energy: “The United Arab Emirates has started developing a nuclear energy program for peaceful uses in 2009 to meet the growing demand for energy and support economic development projects, and ensured that the rules and regulations of this program are based on the highest standards of sustained safety and security measures and principles of non-proliferation.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “In this regard, we urge the Islamic Republic of Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and implement its international commitments in order to dispel all fears and suspicions surrounding its nuclear program. We look forward to a peaceful solution to this crisis that ensures removing tension and crises from our region, guarantees the transparency of Iran's nuclear program and confirms its peaceful nature.”

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
H.E. Mr. David Cameron, Prime Minister
26 September 2012

Iran's nuclear programme: "Iran will continue to face the full force of sanctions and scrutiny from this
United Nations until it gives up its ambitions to spread a nuclear shadow over the world."

United States of America
H.E Mr. Barack Obama, President
25 September 2012

Iran's nuclear programme: “Time and again, [Iran] has failed to take the opportunity to demonstrate that its nuclear program is peaceful, and to meet its obligations to the United Nations. We respect the right of nations to access peaceful nuclear power, but one of the purposes of the United Nations is to see that we harness that power for peace. Make no mistake: a nuclear-armed Iran is not a challenge that can be contained. It would threaten the elimination of Israel, the security of Gulf nations, and the stability of the global economy. It risks triggering a nuclear-arms race in the region, and the unraveling of the non-proliferation treaty.”

Nuclear disarmament: “Nations have come together to lock down nuclear materials, and America and Russia are reducing our arsenals.”

Uruguay
H.E. Mr. Luis Almagro, Minister for Foreign Affairs
29 September 2012

Military spending: “[The international system] has been unable to create financial and commercial equal opportunities. Even today, the investment in human resources in countries according to their specific needs, it is not a priority. The political activities of the system have been to control or decide political destinies, but not to give safety or welfare to people. Those who suffered before, suffer now. Powerful countries still threaten or engage in other countries, and humanitarian aid has been transformed, getting to be in the form of weapons, smart bombs and missiles.”

Nuclear disarmament: “In that sense, Uruguay hopes that the international community can take effective steps towards the elimination of nuclear weapons and compromises its effort to dispel this terrible threaten that hangs over the humanity.”

Arms trade treaty: “In addition to this, we invite every nation to redouble the efforts to allow to arrive, finally, to a Treaty that regulates the arms trade, activity which affects seriously the Latin-American and Caribbean countries and from other regions of the development countries.”

Uzbekistan
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
28 September 2012

Militarism: “Uzbekistan conducts a peace-loving policy and does not participate in military-political blocs, and shall reserve the right to leave any interstate establishment in case of its transformation into a military-political bloc.

“The Republic of Uzbekistan shall take political, economic and other measures to prevent its involvement in military conflicts and hotbeds of tension in adjacent states, and in addition it shall not allow the deployment of foreign bases and facilities on its own territory.”

“The Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall not participate in the military operations abroad.”

Vanuatu
H.E. Mr. Meltek Sato Kilman Livtunvanu, Prime Minister
28 September 2012

Arms trade treaty: “Vanuatu, as a Small Island State surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, is exposed to notorious and illegal trans-shipment and trade of illicit arms. International arms trade has continuously lacked proper and coherent regulation and is responsible for the lives of an innumerable amount of people in the past. Like many other countries, we call on the United Nations to take a much more rigid approach in expediting the conclusion of an Arms Trade Treaty which would provide greater security and control on such illegal activity. This is an issue, which is of paramount importance to all countries exposed to the illegal Trade of Arms and Light Weapons.”

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
H.E. Mr. Jorge Valero Briceño, Permanent Representative to the UN
1 October 2012

Nuclear/WMD free world: “The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) are regional spaces of multilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean, constructing a multipolar, balanced and just world in which the sovereign equality of States and a culture of peace prevail, in a world free of nuclear weapons and of weapons of mass destruction.”

Iran’s nuclear programme: “The warmongering threats of the governments of Israel and the United States against Iran are of great concern. A military strike against the Persian nation would have dire consequences for world peace. We recognize the sovereign right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”

Viet Nam
H.E. Mr. Pham Quang Vinh, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
1 October 2012

Nuclear disarmament, WMD proliferaiton: ”Progress is yet to be made in disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, while the risk of WMD proliferation continues to grow.”

Nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, nuclear energy, disarmament machinery: ”The United Nations must step up efforts in disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while strengthening international cooperation and ensuring the right of states to use related technologies for peaceful purposes. Multilateral negotiating fora in this area, particularly the Conference on Disarmament, must be revitalized and intensified.”

Nuclear security, disarmament, non-proliferation: “We also contribute constructively in multilateral endeavours to respond to global challenges like nuclear security, WMD disarmament and non-proliferation, sustainable development, climate change, water security, food security and achievement of the MDGs.”

Yemen
H.E. Abdrabu Mansour Hadi, President of the Republic of Yemen
26 September 2012