logo_reaching-critical-will

UNGA Disarmament Index 2017: H–R

This is an index of all references made to issues of disarmament and arms control made during the 72nd General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly from 19–25 September 2017. 

A-G | H-R | S-Z

Haiti | Holy See | Honduras | Hungary
Iceland | India | Indonesia | Iran | Iraq | Ireland | Israel | Italy 
Jamaica | Japan | Jordan
Kazakhstan | Kenya | Kiribati | Kuwait | Kyrgyz Republic
Lao PDR | Latvia | Lebanon | Lesotho | Liberia | Libya | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg 
Macedonia | Madagascar | Malawi | Malaysia | Maldives | Mali | Malta | Marshall Islands | Mauritania | Mauritius | Mexico | Micronesia | MoldovaMonaco | Mongolia | Montenegro | Morocco | Mozambique | Myanmar
Namibia | Nauru | Nepal | Netherlands | New Zealand | Nicaragua | Niger  | Nigeria | Norway
Oman
Pakistan | Palau | Palestine | Panama | Papua New Guinea | Paraguay | Peru | Philippines | Poland | Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea | Romania | Russian Federation | Rwanda

 Haiti
H.E. Mr. Jovenel Moise, President
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "The Republic of Haiti, which has always spoken out against the proliferation of of nuclear weapons, strongly condemns any situation of tension created by of the nuclear weapons acquisition and propagation."

Nuclear Weapons: “East and west cooperation is necessary to address the extraordinary challenge posed by a communist dictator, threatening the world with a nuclear program, violating all possible international regulations and values.”

 Holy See
H.E. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of Relations with States
25 September 2017

Non-proliferation and arms control: “The world is awash with all types of weapons, from nuclear weapons to small arms and light weapons. The arms trade, both licit and illicit, keeps on growing. The proliferation of arms, including weapons of mass destruction, among terrorist groups and other non-state actors has become a real danger. These trends are deeply worrying, but more disturbing still is the deep chasm that separates commitments from actions in the field of disarmament and arms control. While everyone condemns the grave effects of arms proliferation, nothing has substantially changed on the ground, because, as Pope Francis observed, “We say the words ‘No more war!’ but at the same time we manufacture weapons and sell them…to those who are at war with one another.”

Arms transfers: “Without greater international and regional cooperation, especially among weapons-producing States, to control and limit strictly the production and movement of weapons, a world free of wars and violent conflicts will surely remain an illusion.”

Nuclear disarmament: “When Pope Francis addressed this Assembly two years ago today, he drew attention to the “urgent need to work for a world free of nuclear weapons, in full application of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), in letter and spirit, with the goal of a complete prohibition of these weapons.”22 In his 2017 World Day of Peace Message, Pope Francis once again made a plea for disarmament and for “the prohibition and abolition of nuclear weapons.”23 Unfortunately, the proliferation of nuclear weapons increases international tensions, as is witnessed in the Korean Peninsula. As history demonstrates, regional and bilateral treaties of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons have been effective in establishing whole regions free of these arms. In this sense, it seems all the more urgent to invest in building those circumstances that would facilitate the creation of new bilateral and regional treaties.”

Nuclear disarmament: The Holy See has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and has already deposited its ratification, because it believes that it is an important contribution in the overall effort toward complete nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, an advance toward the fulfilment of the commitment of the States Parties to the NPT “to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament,” and a step toward negotiating a “general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.” While much remains to be done for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons truly to make a difference and achieve its full promise, the Holy See believes that it is one more blow on the anvil toward the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.”

 Honduras
H.E. Mr. Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, President
19 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "It is also very serious for mankind nuclear arms and, worse still, the threat of using it. Honduras rejects the recent evidence of nuclear weapons. We support the Resolutions adopted by the Security Council, as well as the channels conducive to a diplomatic management of tensions and threats to world peace."

 Hungary
H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
22 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Iceland
H.E Mr. Gudlaugur Thor Thordarsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017

Nuclear Weapons: “We condemn in the strongest terms the illegal actions of North Korean leaders and call on them to accept generous offers to return to the negotiating table. During the past weeks, we have at last seen a united Security Council act firmly but constructively; to push for dialogue and confidence-building measures while staying firm on strengthening sanctions in the face of continued provocation.”

Chemical weapons: “The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Government against its own people was a blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws and demanded a firm response by the international community.”

 India
H.E. Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "Nuclear proliferation is back in the zone of dangerous headlines."

Cyber: "Cyber security has become a source of deep insecurity."

 Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President
21 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Iran
H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President 
20 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/Iran: "The JCPOA can become a new model for global interactions; interactions based on mutual constructive engagement between all of us. We have opened our doors to engagement and cooperation. We have concluded scores of development agreements with advanced countries of both East and West. Unfortunately, some have deprived themselves of this unique opportunity. They have imposed sanctions really against themselves, and now they feel betrayed.

We were not deceived, nor did we cheat or deceive anyone. We have ourselves determined the extent of our nuclear program. We never sought to achieve deterrence through nuclear weapons; we have immunized ourselves through our knowledge and - more importantly—the resilience of our people. This is our talent and our approach. Some have claimed to have wanted to deprive Iran of nuclear weapons; weapons that we have continuously and vociferously rejected. And, of course, we were not and are not distressed for forgoing an option that we in fact never sought. It is reprehensible that the rogue Zionist regime that threatens regional and global security with its nuclear arsenal and is not committed to any international instrument or safeguard, has the audacity to preach peaceful nations.

Just imagine for a minute how the Middle East would look had the JCPOA not been concluded. Imagine that along with civil wars, Takfiri terror, humanitarian nightmares, and complex sociopolitical crises in West Asia, that there was a manufactured nuclear crisis. How would we all fare? I declare before you that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first country to violate the agreement; but it will respond decisively and resolutely to its violation by any party. It will be a great pity if this agreement were to be destroyed by "rogue" newcomers to the world of politics, By violating its international commitments, the new U.S. administration only destroys its own credibility and undermines international confidence in negotiating with it, or accepting its word or promise."

Militarism: “Instability and extremist violence have only been exacerbated in our region through the military interventions of extra-regional actors-the same powers that try to sell ever more of their deadly weapons to other states by accusing Iran of fomenting instability.”

 Iraq
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim Al-Jafari, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017

Nuclear energy: "Iraq calls upon you, the nuclear friendly world, to help build a nuclear reactor for peaceful purposes in Iraq based on its right to access nuclear technology and to promote various sectors related to that technology according to the legal basis of the right of states to peaceful uses set out in the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons especially Article IV, which referred to the inalienable rights of all states parties to the treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without any discrimination, in particular for developing countries."

 Ireland
H.E. Mr. Denis Naughton, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "As the first State to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968 we have a deep commitment to its full implementation. Earlier this week I was very pleased to sign the recently approved Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which was supported by 122 members of this Assembly. Ireland is proud to have played a leadership role together with Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and South Africa, in bringing forward the UN Resolution convening the Diplomatic Conference that negotiated this ground-breaking treaty."

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The case for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons has never been stronger as the volatile situation in the Korean Peninsula makes clear. I unreservedly condemn the recent series of missile and nuclear weapons testing by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. These developments highlight the urgent need for the swift and immediate entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty."

Disarmament: "Ireland's contribution to the UN in the fields of sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, disarmament, human rights and the rule of law has been steadfast."

 Italy
H.E. Mr. Paolo Gentiloni
20 September 2017

North Korea: “The provocations of North Korea—which Italy condemns in no uncertain terms—threaten regional and international security and pose a real challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and the United Nations system. Italy contributed to this strong message to North Korea, which must immediately end its missile and nuclear proliferation and all provocative actions.

We are ready to cooperate with our partners in continuing to exercise diplomatic and economic pressure on the North Korean regime, always mindful that sanctions must be an instrument of a broader strategy, aiming for a final peaceful solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula and in the whole region.”

Chemical Weapons: “Ultimately, there can be no true peace without justice. This means ascertaining the responsibilities of those who have committed atrocity crimes in these years, starting with the use of chemical weapons.”

Nuclear weapons/Iran: With reference to the Iranian nuclear file, we believe that the international community should assure that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) remains a success story in the framework of global efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”

 Jamaica
H.E. Mrs. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "Jamaica is deeply concerned about the heightened menace to international peace and security, arising particularly from the threat of nuclear weapons. We have had a longstanding commitment to the goal of achieving a nuclear-weapons-free world, and are a State Party to the Treaty of Ttatelolco, which declared the Caribbean and Latin America as the first nuclear weapon-free zone in a densely populated area. At the universal level, therefore, we welcome the fact that we now have f the first global Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, as a critical step towards addressing some of these concerns. It is our hope that it will enter into force in short order and will be duly observed universally.

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "As global citizens starkly aware of how closely our futures are intertwined, we condemn the recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests carried out by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which pose a grave threat to international peace and security. We urge North Korea to immediately and fully comply with its international obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and to resume dialogue on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."

Small arms and light weapons, arms trade: "In Jamaica, we are working to provide our citizens with a safe and secure environment in which to live full and productive lives. Our strategy includes placing greater emphasis on securing our porous borders, through which illicit firearms enter. Jamaica has benefitted from the support of our international partners and we invite continued collaboration in stemming this illicit trade. We, therefore, look forward to the Third Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons to be convened in 2018. Furthermore, Jamaica will continue to play its part in supporting the universalisation and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty."

 Japan
H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister
20 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: North Korea conducted a nuclear test on September the 3rd.Whether or not it wasa hydrogen bomb test, its scale far exceeded that of previous tests.  Both before and after that, onAugust 29, and again on September 15 before the ink on Resolution 2375, passed by the Security Council to impose sanctions on North Korea, was even dry. North Korea laimched missiles. Both of these were launched to fly over Japan and make a display of their cruising range. The gravity of this threat is unprecedented. It is indisputably a matter of urgency.  North Korea is attempting to dismiss with a smirk the efforts towards disarmament we have assiduously undertaken over the years. The non-proliferation regime is about to suffer a serious blow from its most confident disrupter ever. 

This recent crisis is of an altogether different dimension qualitatively than those we have eluded every time some dictator has attempted to acquire weapons of mass destruction. North Korea's nuclear weapons either already are, or are on the verge of becoming, hydrogen bombs.

Their means of delivery will sooner or later be ICBMs. Over the more than 20 years since the end of the ColdWar, where and when else, and to what dictators, have we allowed such self-indulgence? As it turns out, it is only towards North Korea that this has been allowed. That is the reality we find before us.  And, it was absolutely not a lack of dialogue that gave rise to this situation.

Dialogue dissuaded North Korea from pursuing its nuclear ambitions. Dialogue has afforded many of us the relief that the world had been saved from a crisis. Believing thus, many of us have felt relieved, well, not just once, but twice. The first time was in the early 1990s. At the time, the threat that North Korea imposed amounted to little more than openly displaying its withdrawal from the IAEA and other inspection regimes.  However, tensions were felt by those of us who surmised the intent of that.

After many twists and turns, in October 1994,what is known as the "Agreed Framework" was realized between the US. and North Korea. Under the framework. North Korea would be made to abandon its nuclear plans. In exchange,we would provide incentives to North Korea. 

Towards that end, Japan, the U.S., and the ROK formed the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, or "KEDO," in March the following year. Taking KEDO as the implementing agent,we pledged to build and hand over two light-water reactors (LWRs) to North Korea and also provide 500 thousand tons of heavy fuel oil annually as a stopgap measure for its energy demand.

This was all carried out accordingly. However, as time went by, it came to be known that North Korea had been continuing steadily with its uranium enrichment.  From the start. North Korea had never intended to abandon its nuclear ambitions. This had become readily apparent to all. After 2002, seven years after it was founded, KEDO suspended its operations.

During that period, it can be said that North Korea defrauded the U.S., the ROK, and Japan of assistance. Countries that recognized value in the KEDO framework of providing incentives to change North Korea'sactions gradually came to join KEDO —the European Union,New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Chile, Argentina, Poland, the Czech Republic and Uzbekistan.

North Korea betrayed the good faith of all those KEDO members. As one of the organization's founding members,Japan had pledged to give a non-interest loan to KEDO and had fulfilled roughly 40 percent of that. The pledged amount was 1 billion US dollars, with about 400 million fulfilled.

The second crisis occurred in 2002 when KEDO suspended its operations and North Korea,saying it would end the fi:eezeon its nuclear-related facilities, expelled IAEA inspectors. The concern was again that North Korea was continuing its uranium enrichment. And againwe chose the path of defusing the situation through dialogue. North Korea, China, and Russia joined the three founding members of KEDO, Japan, the U.S., and the ROK, to launch the Six-PartyTalks.Thatwas in August 2003. Subsequently, after two years of twists and turns, through the summer of 2005 into the fall, the Six Parties once reached an agreement, resulting in the release of a joint statement.

North Korea committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs and returning to the NPT and to IAEA safeguards. Moreover, two years after that, in February 2007, an agreement was concluded regarding what each of the Six Parties should do towards implementing the joint statement. A group of IAEA inspectors that had entered North Korea verified the shutdown of the nuclear-related facilities inYongbyon, and in return. North Korea received heavy fuel oil. 

The series of events made people think that tenaciously continuing dialogue had this time finally caused North Korea to change its actions. But what actually happened?

In February 2005,while the Six-Party Talks were underway, North Korea declared unilaterally that it was already in possession of nuclear weapons. Moreover, in October 2006, it openly carried out its first nuclear test. Its second nuclear test was in 2009. Ultimately that same year. North Korea announced its withdrawal from the Six-PartyTalks, stating it will "never again take part in such talks." Furthermore, around this time it was firing ballistic missiles on a repeated basis.

Over the course of more than a decade beginning in 1994, the international community continued its efforts towards dialogue with North Korea with great perseverance, first through the Agreed Framework, and later through the Six-Party Talks. However, whatwe had to learn is that during the time this dialogue continued.

North Korea had no intention whatsoever of abandoning its nuclear or missile development. For North Korea, dialogue was instead the best means of deceiving us and buying time.More than anything else, the following fact demonstrates that. In 1994, North Korea had no nuclear weapons and even its ballistic missile technology was far from mature.Yet it is nowworking to attain hydrogen bombs and lCBMs. Again and again, attempts to resolve issues through dialogue have all come to naught.  In what hope of success are we now repeating the very same failure a third time? We must make North Korea abandon all nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.

What is needed to do that is not dialogue, but pressure." 

"Japan will face up to North Korean nuclear and missile threat through the Japan-U.S.Alliance and through Japan, the U.S. and the ROK acting in unity. 

We consistently support the stance of the United States: that "all options are on the  table." Also, I appreciate the unanimous adoption by the Security Coimcil of UNSC Resolution 2375 on September 11,which imposes strict sanctions against North Korea. That clarified our intention to further intensify pressure on North Korea in order to force it to undertake a fundamental change in its path forward. 

But I must make an appeal to you.  We must prevent the goods, funds, people, and technology necessary for nuclear and missile development from heading to North Korea . We must make North Korea comply fully with the repeated resolutions. We must ensure the strict and full implementation of the series of Security Council resolutions by all UN member nations.

What is necessary is action. Whether or not we can put an end to the provocations by North Korea is dependent upon the solidarity of the international community. There is not much time left.

North Korea is in a truly fortunate location, adjoining the growth region of Asia and the Pacific. It has an industrious labor force as well as underground resources.

If it were to make use of those, there could be a path towards North Korea dramatically growing its economy and improving public welfare. That is where North Korea's bright future lies. By failing to resolve the abduction, nuclear weapons and missiles issues, and by becoming a threat to all humanity, there is absolutely no future that North Korea can open up for itself. In order to change North Korea's policies,we must strengthen our unity."

 Jordan
H.H. Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince
21 September 2017

Militarism/military expenditure: "What does it say about our common humanity, when last year alone the world spent close to 1.7 trillion dollars on arms, but fell short by less than 1.7 billion in fulfilling the UN appeal to support Syrian refugees and host communities in countries like Jordan?

"What does it say when trillions are spent waging wars in our region, but little to take our region to safer shores? There are no good answers. The sad reality is that war economies are thriving to the benefit of a few, while real economies are suffering to the detriment of all.

"The message to the youth of Jordan and our region is loud and clear: there is no shortage of money for fighting evil, but the appetite for rewarding virtue is nearly non-existent; that the voice of those who defend and build is drowned out by those who attack and destroy. It just doesn't add up."

 Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2017

WMD: "No one can ignore tough realities on the ground - lack of trust and unity, global and regional inequality and injustice, poverty, xenophobia, conflicts, terrorism and extremism, as well as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

Nuclear weapons: "When we speak of opportunites unfolded by global modernization, we need to bear in mind the dangers that prevent all of us from realizing our potential. In our inter-dependent and connected world, nuclear weapons are no longer an asset but a danger. It is with moral authority and responsibility emanating from my nation’s bitter experience of the hundreds of nuclear tests my President states that eliminating the nuclear danger is the most urgent task of humanity in the 21st century. It includes a whole range of important and urgent steps—a complete ban on nuclear testing, the total prohibition of nuclear weapons and complete and verifiable destruction of nuclear arsenals.

"We are deeply concerned by the nuclear tests conducted by the DPRK—the only state in the 21st century continuing such tests despite condemnation from the entire international community. I want to specifically stress that the DPRK’s actions to further develop its nuclear and missile programs are totally unacceptable and Pyongyang must undertake serious steps to restore trust and re-commit to a much needed political settlement.

"In 2009 the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted its resolution designating August 29—the day the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site was officially closed in 1991 by the Decree of President Nazarbayev—as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. This day has been widely commemorated in Kazakhstan and in the UN from 2010 onwards. This year was also marked by several important events of international significance.

"From August 25 to 29 Astana hosted the Conference of the Pugwash Movement of Scientists to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Movement and International Day Against Nuclear Tests, where hundreds of scholars, practioners and officials from around 50 countries gathered to seek ways of achieving a nuclear-weapons-free world.

"The same day, my President and IAEA Director Yukiya Amano opened the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank Facility in Kazakhstan, with a view to making a significant contribution to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and strengthening the global nonproliferation regime.

"At the opening ceremony President Nazarbayev outlined a number of important initiatives that I would like to share with you.

"First, to convene a summit of all states possessing nuclear weapons to collectively discuss further steps towards their nuclear disarmament and attaining nuclear-weapon-free world.

"Second, to enhance the role of nuclear weapon free zones as effective instruments to end further nuclear proliferation and to combine efforts of states-members of such zones at the meeting of all nuclear weapons-free zones in Astana.

"Third, to review the progress of global nuclear security summits and to host the first recommended nuclear security summit in Astana.

"And fourth, to call for joint efforts to ensure that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force by 2020—this is the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entering into force.”

 Kenya
H.E. Ambassador Amina C. Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “Kenya welcomes the historic adoption on 7 July 2017 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Although nuclear weapons states are absent, the overwhelming majority of member states support the treaty.”

Nuclear weapons: “This demonstrates our concerns with the danger the use of such weapons poses to humanity as we are all reminded by the unfortunate nuclear detonation that took place on 3rd of September. The adoption treaty gives us renewed hope that it is possible, if we work together, to rid the world of nuclear weapons.”

 Kiribati
H.E. Mr. Taneti Maamau, President
22 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “We must make sure we serve and deliver on our main objective as a global family to provide a peaceful and secure world, without nuclear weapons, and to promote social progress, better living standards, human rights and dignity for all our citizens.”

Armed conflict: “Over the past years, we continue to witness human suffering around the world as a result of armed conflicts, terrorism, persecution, corruption, climate change and natural disaster, to name a few.”

 Kuwait
H.H. Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah, Prime Minister
20 September 2017

WMDs: “What is worrisome are the challenges and risks we are witnessing in different regions of the world, such as the spread of the phenomenon of violence, extremism and terrorism, as well as the risks of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the threat of their use. In addition to the violations of human rights, as currently taking place in Myanmar.”

 Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Almazbek Atambaev, President
20 September 2017

Uranium: "I can not help but touch upon the problem of management numerous uranium tailings in the Kyrgyz Republic, which we have left from the Soviet Union and pose a potential threat to all region. It is well known that a number of large uranium tailing dumps, both in Kyrgyzstan and in other countries. Therefore, in 2012 the Kyrgyz Republic was a proposal for a special resolution on the problems of uranium legacy in the Central Asia, which was, then adopted by the General Assembly United Nations in 2013. For five years we have made significant progress in solving problems of radiation and environmental security. At this time we see the feasibility adoption of a new resolution of the UN General Assembly with results. In this regard, today here in New York on this a special meeting will be held, one of the active initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic. I am confident that the event will contribute to the promotion of new programs and joint measures aimed at for reclamation of uranium tailings."

Arms trade: "The international community must fight more actively terrorism and extremism and related phenomena, such as illicit drug trafficking, trade in people and weapons, and money laundering."

WMD non-proliferation: "We also urge all countries of the world to respect adherence to the provisions of international conventions on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction for the benefit of strengthening peace and ensuring security in the world as a whole."

 Latvia
H.E. Mr. Raimonds Vejonis, President
20 September 2017

WMDs: “Latvia is deeply worried about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons.”

DPRK: “North Korea's actions have increased global insecurity. Latvia strongly condemns all nuclear tests and launches of ballistic missiles conducted by North Korea, and its continuous provocative rhetoric. We call on North Korea to return to a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community and to refrain from any further action that would increase regional tensions.”

Chemical weapons: “The use of chemical weapons in Syria, which blatantly disregards Syria's obligations as a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, is a deplorable crime which must be fully investigated, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. Latvia has constantly called for accountability regarding these attacks, an accountability which is closely linked to the credibility of the whole international system. For this reason, Latvia has supported the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes committed in Syria.”

 Lao People’s Democratic Republic
H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "The Lao PDR earnestly hopes to see the world without nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. In this context, we welcome the recent adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons which, we also signed two days ago. But we are well aware that we still have an uphill task ahead of us for this Treaty to enter into force and be effectively implemented. Therefore, the international community has to redouble its efforts in this respect."

Explosive remnants of war: "In pursuance of fostering an enabling environment conducive for achieving sustainable development, the Lao Government has taken an important initiative by adopting our national SDG18 entitled "Lives Safe from UXO" which was officially launched by Prime Minister of the Lao PDR and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in September 2016 at the sideline of the 8th ASEAN-UN Summit in Vientiane. The SDG18 aims to address specific development challenges caused by unexploded ordnances to mitigate their impacts on the lives of our people which will pave the way for improving the livelihood and wellbeing of the rural population and enabling them to contribute to the implementation of sustainable development agenda."

 Lebanon
H.E. Mr. General Michel Aoun, President
21 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Lesotho
Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, Prime Minister
22 September 2017

Nuclear disarmament: “The heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula, coupled with the flagrant violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions as well the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, speak to the brewing arms race in that part of the world."

Nuclear weapons: “On the Nuclear Disarmament landscape, the UN made significant progress a few months ago with the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons, with the goal of leading towards their total elimination. This is a historic achievement of our time, especially in light of the on-going tensions in the Korean Peninsula. The argument that Nuclear Weapons are a deterrent is a fallacy, these weapons are a threat to human existence and their possessors should do the right thing and renounce them in line with their international obligations. This Treaty should not remain on paper only, but it must be ratified and implemented by all.”

 Liberia
H.E. Ms. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President
19 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “Today, we face the threat of climate change, the violence of terrorism, the risk and indignation of migration, and a nuclear escalation on the Korean peninsula.”

 Libya
H.E. Mr. Faiez Mustafa Serraj, President of the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord
20 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Liechtenstein
H.E Ms. Aurelia Frick, Foreign Minister
22 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: The people we serve look at us to reduce risks, to defuse tensions. Yet the world spirals towards a new arms race. We are facing increased risks of self-destruction. This includes the unspeakable horror of the use of nuclear weapons. Most of us remember the shocking pictures from Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 from our history books. The United Nations was built on the ashes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and on the promise of "never again". But we have not delivered on this promise - in collective complacency. This week we have changed course for the better, with the signing of the treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons. No doubt, it will take time to see the effects of the treaty on nuclear stockpiles. But setting a number of important legal benchmarks that will become binding norms is great progress. Nuclear weapons are prohibited and should be eliminated. Their use can never be justified. The suffering they cause runs counter to the principles of humanity, basic tenets of international humanitarian law and the dictates of public conscience. On Wednesday, I signed the treaty on behalf of Liechtenstein, as one of 50 States. Together we extend a hand to those who so far have chosen to stay apart. We need their commitment to finally rid the world of nuclear weapons."

 Lithuania
H.E. Ms. Dalia Grybauskaitė, President
19 September 2017

Nuclear energy: "Energy blackmail has long become Russia's weapon of choice. In Belarus, just forty kilometres from Lithuania's capital, it is building the unsafe Astravets nuclear power plant as a geopolitical weapon that fails to comply with basic international nuclear standards."

 Luxembourg
H.E. Mr. Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/Iran: "We have to do everything we can to calm the game in the region [of the Middle East]. This also by maintaining and rigorously implementing the nuclear agreement with Iran, which helps reduce the risk of proliferation."

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "This is also important in the context of the North Korean regime's leap forward, which is multiplying the provocations by accelerating its nuclear and ballistic program with nuclear tests and missile launches. This is unacceptable and my country strongly condemns these acts of Pyongyang. The Security Council has just strengthened the sanctions regime, and the European Union will do the same. Only the resolve and firmness of the international community will bring the regime back to reason and, hopefully, to the negotiating table.

"If we plead firmness, we must also avoid an escalation that would lead to a catastrophic scenario. To achieve a real de-escalation, we must not close the door to diplomacy and dialogue. The agreement with Iran can serve as an inspiration in this regard. It demonstrates that an adequate policy, combining pressure and dialogue, can lead to results."

 Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Zoran Zaev, President
22 September 2017

Proliferation: “The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery continues to jeopardize global security.”

Nuclear Disarmament/DPRK: “In that regard, let me underline that we are deeply alarmed by the continued unilateral actions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. They conduct nuclear tests and missile launches despite the repeated calls by the international community to fully comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We believe that peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula is a viable avenue and therefore urge the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to immediately abandon its nuclear and missile programs and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Ban Test Treaty.”

 Madagascar
H.E. Mr. Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President
20 September 2017

No relevant references. 

 Malawi 
H.E. Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President
20 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “While we all seek peace as a necessary condition for existence, we face the threat of nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are an existential threat to humanity. The threat of nuclear weapons is a concern to us all. Ironically, even those nations who keep nuclear weapons get concerned with this threat. The idea of keeping nuclear weapons questions the wisdom of mankind.”

Ballistic Missiles: “Let me express, categorically, my Government’s disapproval of the spread of ballistic missile technology. This should not be tolerated in any way by any member states of the
United Nations.”

 Malaysia
H.E. Mr. Dato' Sri Anifah Aman, Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “Earlier this week, Malaysia joined other Member States in signing the Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons. We are convinced that the political and legal impact of this Treaty will steer the international community collectively towards the elimination of nuclear weapons and the maintenance of a world free of nuclear weapons. We were guided by the commitment of states on an instrument, which is legally sound, feasible to implement and one that sends a powerful political message that nuclear weapons are categorically unacceptable.”

Weapons of mass destruction: “Malaysia strongly believes in continuing to strengthen and enhance legislative and collective enforcement capabilities in confronting international security threats, in particular the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) specifically to non-State actors. We remain steadfastly committed to our international obligations in the fields of disarmament and international security through various national, regional and international approaches."

Nuclear disarmament/DPRK: “In this regard, Malaysia reiterates its strong condemnation of DPRK's nuclear tests and missile launches which seriously undermined the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Malaysia calls on the DPRK to desist from conducting further nuclear tests and missile launches, to halt its nuclear and ballistic missiles programme, and to comply fully with its international obligations in the interest of the maintenance of international peace and security. Malaysia joins other nations in stressing the need for the immediate resumption of peaceful dialogue and negotiations among the relevant parties towards finding a durable solution to this longstanding conflict."

Cyber: “We are also seeing a convergence of new security threats emerging from irregular migration and transnational crime activities, which include terrorism, trafficking in persons, illicit drug trafficking, money laundering and cyber-crimes.”

 Maldives
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Asim, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017

Chemical weapons: "In Syria, over a quarter of a million people have lost their lives, with many millions displaced and many more millions made refugees. War crimes have been committed. Chemical weapons used. Inhumane treatment normalised. This suffering must end."

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "In North Korea, the most recent tests of ballistic missiles, with them, the real threat of nuclear weapons and war, has alarmed us all. This is a clear violation of international law, an unnecessary act of provocation. There is every possibility now, that this could lead us down a path of destruction. We condemn these actions. We urge North Korea to return to dialogue, to let multilateralism take its course, to choose peace over war. These blatant attempts at aggression must end."

 Mali
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President
19 September 2017

Arms trafficking: "This situation [in Mali] represents, in all respects, a real threat to peace and security. It is marked by terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of transnational organized crime, including drug, weapons, people..."

 Malta
H.E. Mr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister
22 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Marshall Islands
H.E. Mr. John Silk, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "Recent events regarding North Korea and its growing nuclear arms threat must serve as an obvious mandate for strong and urgent global cooperation and effective action. The Marshall Islands is a small island nation in the Pacific—and, by ourselves, we wish only for peace, security and stability for the world. We cannot ignore the sudden and evident threat to the territory of Guam, our close neighbor, friend, and the home of some of our Marshallese citizens. A threat posed to Guam is a threat to the wider Pacific Islands region. And we further express our serious concern for the challenges these actions have posed to the peace, security and political cooperation across the wider Pacific rim.

"The government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at it’s highest levels loudly condemns the recent nuclear test of September 3rd, and related actions—without debate, these are clear violations of UN Security Council Resolutions, and are serious challenges to the international disarmament and non-proliferation regimes based on the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. I am appalled that—of all countries—the Marshall Islands—is again facing the very real threat of an atmospheric nuclear test over the Pacific ocean.

"The Republic of the Marshall Islands has condemned these testing efforts not just for our own security, but because we know the impacts firsthand. The 67 nuclear tests in my country—conducted between 1946 and 1958—have produced a legacy burden which we hope no other nation or people should ever have to bear. These tests were conducted under UN Trusteeship—a time when this institution was charged with our welfare and well-being. When our Marshallese leaders traveled to New York to present two petitions to urgently halt nuclear testing—in 1954 and 1956—the UN responded with Trusteeship Resolutions 1082 and 1493, which are the only time any UN organ has ever specifically authorized nuclear tests. The consequences of this ignorance were—and are—beyond horrific.

"Our people and the environment have suffered as no other people should—and these legacy impacts remain today as stark and present challenges, passed down through generations of mother to daughter, father to son. For these reasons, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights & Toxic Waste in 2012 outlined clear human rights implications and responsibilities—which we affirm.

"Mr. Secretary-General, I thank you for your letter to the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum this August stating that “finding a solution to this issue is critical for the future of the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” and assuring us that relevant UN entities stand ready to respond to requests for assistance.

"Recent events should create far greater political resolve to curb and ultimately eliminate global nuclear threats. But if it were a task easily done, perhaps the world would not have struggled for so long. In this regard, the Republic of the Marshall Islands supports those nations who are now able to affirm the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and we will continue to add our own voice in all fora, including the CTBT and NPT. We are committed to a close and inclusive examination of our own participation in the Nuclear Ban Treaty, listening closely to our stakeholders and affected communities, and also taking into account any possible implications on our mutual security relationships. It will always remain our fervent hope that such weapons of mass destruction will never again be tested or unleashed, and that all nuclear-armed nations will have the necessary political will to disarm."

 Mauritania
H.E. Mr. Isselkou Ould Ahmed Izid Bih, Minister for Foreign Affairs
19 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Mauritius
H.E. Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "Maintenance of peace and security requires tremendous and constant effort, negotiation, understanding and compromise. Mauritius voted in favour of the resolution adopting the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons last July and we hope to see complete denuclearisation throughout the world. We urge all those involved in potential conflicts around the world, especially where there is a possibility of nuclear weapons being used, to exercise restraint and promote dialogue instead of belligerent posturing that feeds unrest and dangerous escalation."

 Mexico
H.E. Mr. Luis Videgaray Caso, Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2017

Arms trade: "There are numerous achievements of multilateralism in recent years. The fight against climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, the regulation of trade in weapons, the new paradigm of international drug control policy or the response to natural disasters, are some examples."

Nuclear weapons: "The existence of nuclear weapons represents a threat to all humanity. Faced with the persist nuclear threat, yesterday, the Government of Mexico signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which the President will shortly subject to the approval of the Senate of the Republic. At the same time, Mexico will support all resolutions of the Security Council against nuclear threats, and today we reiterate our full support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to guarantee its effective compliance."

 Micronesia (Federated States of)
H.E. Mr. Yosiwo George, Vice-President
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "In the Western Pacific, and most especially in our greater Micronesian region, the provocative and aggressive actions by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) pose a threat to regional security and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Micronesia supports the actions taken by the Security Council. We call on the Council and countries with the power and influence to help resolve this crisis to take action immediately to ensure peace is achieved on the Korean Peninsula."

 Moldova
H.E. Mr. Pavel Filip, Prime Minister
22 September 2017

Conventional and nuclear weapons: “We are equally concerned by the excessive accumulation of conventional weapons and the development of nuclear programs. An international environment marked by the threats to use force, including nuclear arms, greatly exacerbates the sense of insecurity and lack of trust.”

Demilitarisation: “This obsolete mechanism has turned into a factor of conflict preservation and has failed to ensure the full demilitarisation of the security zone and to eliminate the obstacles to the free movement of people, goods and services.”

Stockpile security and ammunition: “According to OSCE reports, the stores of the Operative Group of the Russian Troops contain more than twenty-one thousand metric tons of weapons and ammunition. The Government of the Republic of Moldova neither control nor supervise those weapons and munitions. Due to complete lack of access to the weapons and munitions' stockpiles controlled by the foreign forces, it is effectively prevented to assess the technical condition of those munitions, some of which may pose substantial environmental danger,or to monitor weapons and munitions transfers within its territory or abroad.

Arms control: “For the same reasons, the Republic of Moldova is unable to fulfill its international obligations, as a State Party, under various international disarmament conventions. While located on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, those weapons and munitions are not under its "jurisdiction or control".” 

 Monaco
H.H. Prince Albert II, Prince
19 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "It is clear that the threat of nuclear escalation in Asia has never been so great and this prospect can not leave any leader indifferent. In accordance with its obligations, Monaco submits to the resolutions of the Security Council adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter. Respecting the commitments of each Member State is paramount. Therefore, let us refuse to be the impotent witnesses of unjustifiable postures which pose a grave danger to all our States. We condemn the irresponsibility of those who expose humanity to an irreversible catastrophe."

 Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Tsend Munkh-Orgil Minister for Foreign Affairs
22 September 2017

Nuclear disarmament/DPRK: “Mongolia is deeply concerned with the escalating tension in Northeast Asia. We strongly oppose the DRPK’s acts of destabilizing regional security by conducting repeated nuclear tests and ballistic missle launches in defiance of the international community’s will and in violation of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. As a country with 25 year-old nuclear-weapon-free zone status. Mongolia reiterates its principled position that the Korean Peninsula must be nuclear weapons-free. We urge the Parties concerned to resolve the issue through peaceful means. It is beyond a doubt that the only way to resolve the Korean Peninsula’s nuclear issue is through dialogue. One of the avenues could be the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security initiated by Mongolia in 2013.”

Nuclear weapons: “Mongolia welcomes the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 7 July 2017. So long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk of their use will persist. The only guarantee of non-use is their total elimination. Pending the achievement of this goal, it is critical to ensure the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and vigorous implementation of action plans agreed in the Final Document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference. We must also put an end to the protracted stalemate at the Conference on Disarmament.”

 Montenegro
H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanovic, President
20 September 2017

NPT: “Montenegro unequivocally supports the efforts aimed at non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Non-Proliferation Treaty is a foundation for improvement of the global stability. Montenegro has defined its national framework by adopting the Strategy on Non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (2016-2020) and the Action Plan for its implementation.”

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “Montenegro strongly condemns nuclear weapons tests conducted by North Korea as an act that violates international obligations determined by the Security Council resolutions and poses a serious threat to global peace and security. We support diplomatic efforts aimed at calming down current situation and call on North Korea to fully respect its international obligations.”

 Morocco
H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister for Foreign Affairs
20 September 2017

No relevant references. 

 Myanmar
H.E. Mr. U Henry Van Thio, President
20 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Namibia
H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of Namibia
20 September 2017

No relevant references.

 Nauru
H.E. Mr. Baron Divavesi Waqa, President
20 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “The threats made against the Republic of Korea, Japan, Guam and US cities does not help the situation and it places many of our small countries in the Pacific including Nauru, potentially in the line-of-fire. This is completely unacceptable and DPRK must stop these threats including the launching of rockets into the Pacific Ocean.”

 Nepal
H.E. Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prime Minister
23 September 2017

WMD: "The vicious race for weapons of mass destruction continues to threaten the world."

Disarmament: "Nepal calls for a time-bound, general and complete disarmament."

Conventional weapons: "Nepal welcomes the confidence-building measures on conventional weapons, ending nearly two decades of stalemate in the UN Disarmament Commission."

Nuclear weapons: "Nepal has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a step towards nuclear disarmament."

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "Nepal deplores the continued defiance by DPRK of the repeated calls of the UN Security Council and the international community. We urge DPRK to abide by all the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. We believe this alone safeguards peace and promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula."

Disarmament: "As the host to the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament for the Asia-Pacific, Nepal underlines the need to reactivate the regional disarmament deliberations under the Kathmandu Process."

 Netherlands (Kingdom of The)
H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister 
20 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “Nuclear issues are once again a major concern, and geopolitical tensions are increasing.”

 Nicaragua
H.E. Mrs. María Rubiales de Chamorro, Chair of the Delegation
25 September 2017

Nuclear disarmament: “Nicaragua advocates for general and complete disarmament and is in favour of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We have signed the Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty. Verbal confrontation and threats of use of nuclear weapons are unacceptable. There is need to advance in the commitment to eliminate nuclear arsenals in the world, until they disappear from our planet and utilize these enormous resources for the eradication of poverty.”

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “The situation in the Korean Peninsula is of great concern. We affirm that nuclear testing contributes nothing to World Peace they are condemnable. But we call for a political and peaceful solution to this dangerous military scenario through Dialogue and Negotiation, ending the nuclearisation of that region and achieving Reunification and Peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

 Niger
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Yacoubou, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
23 September 2017

Arms trafficking: "Because of the uncontrolled circulation of arms of any caliber, armed groups become direct threats to both Libyan populations and neighboring countries. Until that country is stabilized, there is no guarantee that the Sahelo-Saharan space will not continue to face violent upheavals."

Disarmament: "Niger has only one agenda and only one in Libya: peace. That is why we consider that we must already support the process of revision of the political agreement and make every effort to ensure that: ... the militias are disarmed and the terrorist groups neutralized."

Disarmament: "The issue of disarmament is a crucial issue. It deserves special attention with a view to strengthening confidence between States."

Disarmament, conventional weapons, WMD: "Niger strongly supports the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a comprehensive and comprehensive disarmament of both weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons."

 Nigeria
H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President
19 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "The previous year has witnessed many far-reaching developments. Some of the most significant events include the Iran Nuclear Deal, the Paris Climate Change Agreement and, of grave concern, the North Korean nuclear crisis."

“The most pressing threat to international peace and security today is the accelerated nuclear weapons development programme by North Korea. Since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, we have never come so close to the threat of nuclear war as we have now. All necessary pressure and diplomatic efforts must be brought to bear on North Korea to accept peaceful resolution of the crisis. As Hiroshima and Nagasaki painfully remind us, if we fail, the catastrophic and devastating human loss and environmental degradation cannot be imagined. Nigeria proposes a strong UN delegation to urgently engage the North Korean Leader. The delegation, led by the Security Council, should include members from all the regions.

"The crisis in the Korean peninsula underscores the urgency for all member states, guided by the spirit of enthroning a safer and more peaceful world, to ratify without delay the Treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons, which will be open for signature here tomorrow.”

 Norway
H.E. Mr. Tore Hattrem, Chair of the Delegation
25 September 2017

Nuclear disarmament/DPRK: “We need a unified and strong Security Council in dealing with the North Korean nuclear weapons programme and the test firing of ballistic missiles. It is crucial for our common security that a political solution is found.”

 Oman
H.E. Mr. Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "The Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons indicated that the resolution adopted by the 1995 Review and Extension Conference on the establishment of middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction remains in force, until it achieves its objectives. In this respect, my country supports the efforts of the international community towards the creation of a binding instrument that would cover the loopholes that emerged in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This document is highly important, as it helps the international community get rid of weapons of mass destruction."

 Pakistan
H.E. Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Prime Minister
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "For over 70 years – despite the Cold War, the nuclear arms race and scores of regional conflicts – our world was able to avoid a global conflagration. This can be ascribed in large measure to the adherence by most States to the prohibition of the use or threat of use of force except under the authority of the UN Charter."

Non-proliferation: "While the pillars of world order are being eroded, the imperative of international cooperation – to address poverty, disease, climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism and forced displacement – is intensifying."

Arms trafficking: "Apart from the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan and its people have suffered the most from four decades of foreign intervention and civil wars in Afghanistan. These wars have blighted our country with the flow of extremists and terrorists, guns and drugs as well as an influx of millions of refugees."

Nuclear weapons: "Confronted by a hostile and increasingly militarized neighbor, Pakistan has been obliged to maintain the capability for credible deterrence. My country
developed nuclear weapons only when these were introduced in our region by this neighbor. Our strategic assets are vital to deter oft-threatened aggression. They are tightly and effectively controlled, as has been widely acknowledged by experts. The world community would be well served by enabling Pakistan to join global non-proliferation arrangements, such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group on a non-discriminatory basis."

 Palau
H.E. Mr. Tommy Esang Remengesau Jr., President
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: "As ISIS is pushed back from its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea fires missiles and explodes atomic and hydrogen bombs to threaten our worldwide peace and harmony."

"Palau therefore supports all efforts and UN Resolutions to bring North Korea to the negotiation table. The threat to the innocent people of Guam is a threat to us and the entire region."

"Finally, taking into account the recent actions by North Korea, we must take seriously the long-term need to ban nuclear weapons. A good place to start is the accession to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. I must give credit to the leaders of my country, who, over 30 years ago, recognized the threat of nuclear weapons and banned the use, test and storage of nuclear weapons in Palau’s Constitution. In their honor, yesterday I signed this Treaty."

"In these difficult times, we support and participate in the efforts of the United States on behalf of the World Community to combat terrorism, bring closure to the
hostilities in Syria, and to reduce the nuclear threat emanating from North Korea."

 Palestine
H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President
20 September 2017

No relevant references. 

 Panama
H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Varela, President
20 September 2017

No relevant references. 

 Papua New Guinea
H.E. Mr. Peter Paire O’Neill, Prime Minister
23 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent nuclear detonations and missile tests by North Korea. These are direct threat s to the lives of millions of innocent people in the United States, Japan, South Korea. In particular we are concerned that these activities are taking place in the Pacific region. This is in direct breach of the will of the international community, as expressed through the numerous resolutions of the Security Council. Rather than inflamed rhetoric that could have drastic consequences, we call for peaceful resolution through political dialogue."

 Paraguay
H.E. Mr. Horacio Cartes, President
20 September 2017

Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Republic of Paraguay reaffirms its commitment with international peace and security; with the use of peaceful means for dispute settlement and with reciprocal cooperation among States. In Paraguay, a constitutional provision bans weapons of mass destruction.

Nuclear weapons: Consequently, our country commends the recent adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, reaffirms its conviction that nuclear disarmament ought to be a transparent and irreversible process with efficient verification mechanisms within a universal and legally binding framework.

Nuclear weapons: Paraguay reiterates its condemnation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear test, clearly defying and contravening its international obligations, which constitutes a new provocation to the international community. We expect from this General Assembly a firm rejection to this irrational attitude that threatens peace and security at a global level."

 Peru
H.E. Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Chair of the Delegation
25 September 2017

Nuclear weapons: “The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their possible access by terrorist groups are threats to the real. That is why we have signed the Treaty on Prohibition Nuclear Weapons Convention and we hope that all states that are holders of such weapons adhere to this instrument.”

 Philippines
H.E. Mr. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs
23 September 2017

Arms trafficking: "The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall regain full control of Marawi from Islamic State-inspired terrorists. Their protracted hold on their last several square meters of the city is largely a result of superior arms illegally obtained, and the presence of civilian hostages used by them as human shields."

Nuclear weapons: "If we listen to each other, we will hear the same thing. We have no need for nuclear weapons. There is absolutely no benefit in another cold war, neither in an arms race. We want nuclear weapons to be a thing of the past and we do not want an arms race anywhere in the world.

"On July 7, the Philippines joined 121 other member-states in securing our world from weapons of mass destruction by adopting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Three days ago, I signed the Treaty. The Philippines calls on Member States with nuclear weapons to likewise sign on. We can only have a safe world if we get rid of all nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. By doing so, we “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war which twice in our lifetime has brought untold
sorrow to mankind.”

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The Philippines, on its own, and as this year’s chair of ASEAN, has expressed its grave concern over the growing tensions in the Korean Peninsula because of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missile test launches and detonations. The Philippines joins the call on the DPRK to put a stop to its pro
vocations, which bring us closer to an unimaginable scenario: a war to end all wars because no one will be left to fight new ones."

"In a situation like the present, where every finger in and around the Korean Peninsula is on a trigger, every eye is out for a wrong move, the likelihood of a surprise attack is virtually zero. In that situation, no one can be caught by surprise and unprepared to strike back. So what is there to lose by going on talking and listening until the very last moment?"

 Poland
H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President
19 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The flagrant attempt to distort the world order prevailing nowadays is the situation in the Korean Peninsula, and the growing risk of its escalation. The development of the nuclear and missile program by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and especially the most recent test of nuclear weapons constitute a flagrant violation of international law, and of the UN Security Council resolution. We do hope that intensified efforts undertaken by the international community, including the respective UN Security Council resolutions, will allow us to close the spiral of tension and will bring about the stabilization of the situation in the region.

Nuclear weapons: "Poland sets great store by disarmament and the idea of the world free of nuclear weapons. The only real instrument at hand which could bring us closer to the achievement of this vision in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Treaty is subject to review every five years in order to take stock of its realization and to reinforce its commitments. Poland has now taken the lead in the preparation process for the upcoming review of the Treaty in 2020; an evidence of our long-standing commitment to non-proliferation, ban on nuclear tests and peaceful use of atomic energy."

 Portugal
H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, Prime Minister
20 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: “The unity and firmness of the international community, embodied in the United Nations, in defense of the law and in the promotion of security and stability, is what enables us to move towards a fairer international order, and to find the best answers to the serious crises we face today, from North Korean threats to the situation In Syria, from the instability in Libya to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and so many other sources of confrontation, security risk or humanitarian drama.”

 Qatar
H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir
19 September 2017

"Not a target": We must also be careful not to make the fight against terrorism an umbrella for reprisals or shelling of civilians."

 Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Moon Jae-in, President
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The War has yet to come to a complete end. The Korean War, a war that began as an offshoot of the larger Cold War conflict, continues to this day. Though the Cold War ended, and 64 years have passed since the conclusion of the Armistice Agreement, the War remains ongoing in the form of an uneasy ceasefire on the Peninsula, the last residual Cold War order in Northeast Asia. As tensions soar in Northeast Asia due to the North Korean nuclear and missile issue, the memory of war and wounds become more pronounced, and hearts aspiring to peace pound painfully; this is the Republic of Korea on the Korean Peninsula in September 2017.

"For me, the President of the only divided country, peace is a calling and a historical duty. I am representing my fellow citizens who sent out a message of peace through the candlelight revolution to the global village where wars and conflicts know no end. At the same time, I am entrusted with a responsibility to safeguard the people's rights to peace--to an undisturbed daily life--as a universal value.

"For these very reasons, I hope North Korea wi!! be able to choose on its own a path leading to peace. I believe peace when chosen willingly becomes sound and
sustainable. More than anything else, I am grateful that my convictions are joined by the international community.

"Despite the international community's concerted demand and warnings, and to our great disappointment and indignation, North Korea recently carried out its sixth nuclear test and further missile provocations. In the wake of the nuclear test, the Korean Government has made enhanced efforts to convince countries in the region and beyond of the necessity for stronger sanctions and pressure to make North Korea stop its provocations and choose the path of dialogue.

"I highly appreciate the U.N. Security Council's unanimous adoption of the North Korea sanctions resolution with unprecedented speed, and with tougher measures than previous resolutions. This clearly reflects that the international community is collectively outraged and is responding under one voice on the North Korean nuclear issue and on the problems occurring on the Korean Peninsula.

"Once again, as the party directly involved with issues concerning the Korean Peninsula, I would !ike to express my appreciation to the international community
for its shared understanding and support towards the position of the Korean Government.

"Despite North Korea's flagrant violation of its obligations and commitments under the U.N. Charter, the Korean Government and the international community are making every possible effort with great determination to peacefully solve the North Korean nuclear issue. The U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions against North Korea, which have articulated the principles of a peaceful, diplomatic and political resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, are also part of these efforts.

"Once again here at the UN General Assembly where nations pledge actions for world peace and the mutual prosperity of all peoples, I make the following points
very clear to North Korea and the international community.

"We do not desire the collapse of North Korea. We will not seek unification by absorption or artificial means, if North Korea makes a decision even now to stand on the right side of history, we are ready to assist North Korea together with the international community.

"North Korea should acknowledge all these immutable facts as soon as possible. It must immediately cease malting reckless choices that could lead to its own isolation and downfall and choose the path of dialogue. I urge North Korea to abandon its hostile policies against other countries and give up its nuclear weapons program in a verifiable and irreversible way.

"The efforts of the international community should also be further strengthened. It has to strongly and sternly respond until North Korea gives up its nuclear program of its own accord. All nations must thoroughly implement the U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions and seek new measures in case of any further provocations by the North. It is also important to manage the situation in a stable manner. All of our endeavors are to prevent the outbreak of war from breaking out and maintain peace. In that respect, the situation surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue needs to be managed stably so that tensions will not become overly intensified or accidental military clashes will not destroy peace. We should all remind ourselves of what former U.S. President Ronald Reagan said: "Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means."

"I would like to make a special request to the member states of the United Nations and in particular to the U.N. Security Council. In order to fundamentally solve the North Korean nuclear issue, the basic spirit of a security community enshrined in the U.N. Charter should be fulfilled on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. The basic pillar of security in Northeast Asia and multilateralism should be wisely combined.

"The spirit of the United Nations is to realize global peace through multilateral dialogue. The Korean Peninsula is where that spirit is most desperately needed. The realization of peace is the issue for which the United Nations was created, for which it is aiming and which it is in the process of achieving. We need the United Nations to play a more active role on the Korean Peninsula. The most important role the United Nations is asked to play today is to come up with fundamental measures to stop the vicious cycle of increased provocations and heightened sanctions.

"On many occasions, I have announced a new economic map for the Korean Peninsula and a new vision for the northern economy. I believe that genuine peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia will begin when the foundation for a Northeast Asian economic community is solidified on one side and multilateral security cooperation is materialized on the other."

 Russian Federation
H.E. Mr. Sergey V. Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
21 September 2017

Nuclear weapons/Iran: "Today, the world is watching with alarm as the U.S. imposes yet a new set of restrictions against Iran which, on top of all, are exterritorial in nature and threaten the realization of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that became one of the key factors of international and regional stability."

Nuclear weapons/DPRK: "The confrontation around the DPRK is unfolding dangerously. We resolutely condemn the nuclear missile adventures of Pyongyang in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. However, the buildup of military hysteria is not only dead-end but also deadly. It goes without saying that all the UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented. But all of them, along with sanctions, contain provisions on the need to resume talks. We launch an appeal to stop blocking these provisions. There is no alternative to the political and diplomatic methods of addressing the nuclear problem of the Korean Peninsula based on dialogue among all interest
ed parties. We call on responsible members of international community to support the Russia-China roadmap contained in the joint statement of 4 July, made by the Foreign Ministries of Russia and China."

Chemical weapons: "The cases of use of chemical weapons in the region are a separate issue. All these cases must be investigated honestly and professionally, without any attempts to manipulate OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism."

Nuclear weapons: "Russia is committed to the goal of achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world. Under the existing treaty regimes in the area of arms control and non-proliferation, the complete elimination of nuclear weapons should become the final result of the process of universal and total disarmament ensuring equal and indivisible security. The attempts to 'outlaw' the nuclear weapons without taking into account modern realities and turning a blind eye to all the factors that impact the strategic stability today only make this common goal more distant and undermine the consensus regimes of NPT and CTBT."

Cyber: "We launch an appeal to say ‘no!’ to the militarization of information space. We must prevent the transformation of ICTs in to an arena of politico-military confrontation and their use as an instrument of pressure, economic damage, and propaganda of ideas of terrorist and extremist ideology. The UN must focus its efforts on elaboration of the rules of responsible behavior in the digital sphere that meet the security interests of all states. Russia has drafted a universal convention on countering cybercrime, including hacking. We propose to open its discussion as early as during the current session."

 Rwanda
H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President
20 September 2017

No relevant references.