Statement by H.E. Ambassador Kari Kahiluoto, Permanent Representative of Finland to the Conference on Disarmament, on behalf of the European Union

UN 61st Session, First Committee, General Debate, New York, 2 October 2006

 

Madam Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

*) Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

The European Union is convinced that in a world of global and interconnected challenges and threats, our security and prosperity increasingly depend on an effective multilateral system. The EU wishes to contribute to the development of a stronger international community, well-functioning international institutions and a rules-based international order. This entails strengthening the United Nations and equipping it to fulfil its responsibilities and to act effectively. The EU believes it is important that also the work done in the First Committee contributes to broader objectives set in the UN, and that the First Committee is responsive to relevant decisions of other UN bodies.

We will expand our views in our cluster statement on disarmament machinery, as well as in other cluster statements we will deliver during the thematic debates.

(SECURITY ENVIRONMENT)

The European Security Strategy is built on a broad and comprehensive concept of security. This concept concurs with the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document’s recognition of development, peace and security, and human rights being interlinked and mutually reinforcing. There we recorded our agreement that current developments and circumstances require that we urgently build consensus on major threats and challenges.  We committed ourselves to translating that consensus into concrete action, including addressing the root causes of those threats and challenges, with resolve and determination.

(REDUCING THREATS)

In our view, conflict and threat prevention cannot start too early. We welcome the Secretary-General's progress report on the prevention of armed conflict. With a view to creating lasting solutions, the root causes of instability have to be addressed, including through efforts to solve political conflicts by diplomatic means, development assistance, poverty reduction, and the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. Multilateral treaties and effective verification mechanisms remain essential. Other important elements include national and internationally coordinated export controls; cooperative threat reduction programmes; control and security of sensitive materials, facilities, and expertise; political and economic levers including trade and assistance agreements; interdiction of illegal procurement activities including  through the Proliferation Security Initiative; and a last resort, coercive measures in accordance with the UN Charter.

(PEACE BUILDING)

Peacebuilding is an integral part of the wide security concept. The Peacebuilding Commission brings its own much-needed contribution to the UN work for peace and security. The EU will work actively to ensure that this new body will have a strong and dynamic role in the UN system. In particular, the EU will continue to stress the importance of structurally integrating disarmament, demobilization and reintegration measures into the work of the Peacebuilding Commission.

(TERRORISM)

The events of the past year show that terrorism continues to threaten international peace and security. This threat can be effectively addressed through broadly-based cooperation in the framework of the United Nations. The European Union welcomes the agreement on a global counter terrorism strategy as an important instrument and expression of international solidarity in the fight against terrorism. The EU urges UN Member States to build on this achievement and to intensify their efforts to reach a speedy consensus on the UN Comprehensive Anti Terrorism Convention. We underline the importance of prevention, and conducting the fight against terrorism in accordance with human rights, refugee law and international humanitarian law.

Everything possible must be done to prevent access by terrorists to WMD or sensitive materials. Terrorist groups have shown that they would not refrain from using the most lethal means.

(DISARMAMENT AND NON-PROLIFERATION OF WMD)

Last year we expressed our disappointment at the lack of non-proliferation and disarmament language in the Summit outcome document. We have to strive continuously to revive and strengthen multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements.

Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery is potentially the greatest threat to global security, and the spread of missile technology adds a further element of concern. The EU is guided by its commitment to uphold, implement and also further strengthen the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements. Meeting the challenge of proliferation risks constitutes a key element in the EU’s external relations. The EU Strategy against Proliferation of WMD commits the EU to act with resolve, using all instruments and policies at its disposal, to prevent, deter, halt and, where possible, eliminate proliferation programmes of concern world-wide. We are also committed to implementing our Common Position of 17 November 2003 on the universalisation and reinforcement of multilateral agreements in the field of weapons of mass destruction and means of delivery. 

The EU is convinced that a multilateral approach to non-proliferation and disarmament provides the best means of countering the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to international security. As specified in its 2003 Common Position on multilateral agreements in the field of non-proliferation, the EU supports the universal ratification of, and adherence to, the NPT, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, as well as the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. These key instruments provide a basis for the international community's disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. They contribute to international confidence and stability and peace, including the fight against terrorism.

The NPT continues to be the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament in accordance with its Article VI, and an important element in the further development of nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes. The Treaty is as vital as ever. We continue to defend that consensus, on the basis of the framework established by the NPT, by supporting the Decisions and Resolution adopted at the 1995 Review and Extension Conference and the Final Document of the 2000 Review Conference, and shall bear in mind the current situation. We note also that the final report, which includes the programme of work, adopted by consensus at the 2005 NPT Review Conference constitutes a reference for the future review process in which the EU will engage. The EU stands by its Common Position, agreed on April 25, 2005, related to the NPT RevCon.   We also continue to work towards universal accession to the NPT and call on those States not yet Party to join the Treaty as Non Nuclear Weapon States. The EU considers that Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements together with Additional Protocols constitute the current IAEA verification standard and are an essential means for States Parties to demonstrate that they are fulfilling their obligations under the NPT. On this year of the 50th anniversary of the IAEA Statute’s approval, the EU reaffirms its full support for the work of this unique and indispensable organization. We support strengthening the role of the UN Security Council, as final arbiter of international peace and security, in order that it can take appropriate action in the event of non-compliance with NPT obligations.

The EU is looking forward to the first Preparatory Committee meeting of the next NPT Review Conference in 2007, which should take place in Vienna. We are committed to contributing actively to a successful outcome of that meeting. In our view, the next NPT review cycle will have to produce tangible results that build on on all three pillars of the NPT in order to reinforce this regime.

However, this essential regime is under pressure from the challenges posed by the question of Iran’s nuclear programme and by Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) self-declared possession of nuclear weapons.

The EU welcomes the adoption of the Security Council resolution 1696 and calls upon Iran to respond positively and swiftly to the demands of the international community in implementing this resolution, in particular by suspending its enrichment activities in accordance with the resolution.

The EU urges the DPRK to abandon and completely dismantle any nuclear weapons related programme in a prompt, transparent, verifiable and irreversible manner. We also again urge the DPRK to comply with all its relevant international commitments fully, unconditionally and without delay, in particular with its IAEA Safeguards Agreement under the NPT and the 1992 agreement on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The EU condemns the provocative missile test-launches performed by the government of the DPRK in July 2006 and calls upon the DPRK to re-establish the moratorium on long-range missile testing. We fully support the UN Security Council resolution 1695 and strongly urge the DPRK to return immediately to the Six-Party talks without preconditions and to implement the Joint Statement concluded in September 2005. The EU stands ready to contribute to the search for a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the North Korean nuclear issue.

The EU places the utmost importance on the earliest possible entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) to prohibit all nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions. In this year of the 10th anniversary of this Treaty, the EU continues to call on those States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT, without delay and without conditions. To that end, we welcome the recent ratification by Vietnam, one of the Annex 2 States whose ratification is needed to bring the Treaty into force. We believe that a legally binding prohibition of nuclear weapon test explosions and all other nuclear explosions as well as a credible verification regime, are vital. Pending the entry into force of the Treaty, we urge all States to abide by a moratorium and to refrain from any actions which are contrary to the obligations and provisions of the Treaty.

The EU attaches a clear priority to the negotiations, at the Conference on Disarmament, of a Treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices (FMCT), as a means to strengthen disarmament and non-proliferation. This was made clear in the Common Position adopted by the EU related to the NPT RevCon on April 25, 2005 and by which the EU stands. We are ready to promote the FMCT and support the start of FMCT negotiations in spring 2007.

The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) is particularly topical now as the Sixth Review Conference of the BTWC is taking place in November and December this year. The objective of the EU is to strengthen further the Convention. The EU will promote this objective by actively working towards a successful outcome of the Review Conference. For these purposes, the EU will, inter alia, contribute to a full review of the operation of the Convention, support further action being taken on the results of the intersessional work, and support a further intersessional work programme until the Seventh Review Conference that should be held no later than 2011.

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) has an essential role in countering the threat of chemical weapons. The EU urges States not parties to the Convention to become parties to it. The CWC is a unique disarmament and non-proliferation instrument that must be strictly applied.

(UNSCR 1540)

The EU welcomes the reiteration of the UNSC resolution 1540(2004) and the extension of the 1540 Committee mandate for a further period of two years by the UNSC resolution 1673(2006). We call for full implementation of these legally binding resolutions which play a crucial role in developing an effective mechanism of prevention and counter proliferation of WMD, their means of production and delivery to or from states and non-state actors world-wide. We recognise that the full implementation of resolution 1540 is a long-term task that requires continuous efforts at national, regional, and international levels. We urge States to continue this vital work. Also, we expect the 1540 Committee to intensify its efforts to promote full implementation by all States of the resolution 1540(2004) as decided in the resolution 1673(2006). The EU also welcomes the support provided by other institutions in assisting countries to draft, enact and then enforce the relevant national legislation.

The EU has submitted its report on the implementation of the resolution 1540 already in 2004, and the EU Member States have also submitted their national reports. The EU has promoted the submission of national reports by third countries in its external contacts. In June this year, the EU adopted a Joint Action to support regional seminars on the implementation of the resolution 1540.

(SALW)

The EU stresses the need to continue, with determination, strengthening action in countering the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition. These weapons have become real everyday weapons of mass destruction. We have committed ourselves to tackling this problem through the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. This undertaking was confirmed at the highest level during the United Nations Summit last year.

The European Union is deeply disappointed that the UN Programme of Action Review Conference was unable to agree an outcome document. Notwithstanding this, we recognise the value of this conference in reaffirming our commitment to the principles, measures and objectives of the Programme of Action. This commitment continues to be transformed into concrete action on a national, regional and global level.

We will need to assess together our efforts, achievements and shortcomings.  This review starts at the national level, but necessarily requires being global in order to comprehensively address the nature of the small arms problem.  We look forward to coming together on a biennial basis, as established both in the Programme of Action and in the International Instrument on Marking and Tracing.  The review cycle should culminate in a Review Conference.

The EU will remain at the forefront of our common fight and practical work to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. This practical work continues in close partnership with civil society. The European Union will also continue to work for wider understandings between States on the need for global guidelines for transfer controls on the basis of the common understandings developed at this Review Conference.

(ATT)

In a new positive development, the EU welcomes the growing support, in all parts of the world, for an international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to establish common standards for the global trade in conventional arms, as a comprehensive instrument based on universally accepted norms and standards. The start of a comprehensive process to this end at the earliest opportunity at the UN is called for and the draft resolution under discussion provides the basis for this. Binding standards, consistent with the existing responsibilities of states under relevant international law, would be critical in tackling conventional arms proliferation which is undesirable and irresponsible and which undermines peace, security, development and full respect for human rights in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world. The EU invites other States and regions to engage in the discussion and to agree the start of a UN based process to take forward action in this area.

(CCW)

The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) constitutes an essential and integral part of international humanitarian law and the EU attaches great importance to it. Like the BTWC, this Convention is currently topical due to the holding of the Third Review Conference in November this year. The EU looks forward to, and will actively contribute to ensuring, a successful Review Conference. The EU supports the current system of meetings of Governmental Experts, States Parties and Review Conference. A successful Review Conference will uphold and develop the CCW regime in a way that further strengthens international humanitarian law, taking into account both military requirements and humanitarian concerns.

(MBT)

The EU welcomes the results of the Seventh Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (held in September in Geneva), and remains fully committed to the universalization and full implementation of the Convention.

(VERIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE)

The EU wants international organisations, regimes and treaties to be effective in confronting threats to international peace and security. Their rules and obligations must be respected and guidelines followed.

The EU places particular emphasis on a policy of reinforcing compliance with multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements. Such a policy must be geared towards enhancing the detectability of significant violations and strengthening enforcement of the prohibitions and norms established by multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements, including by providing for criminalization of violations committed under the jurisdiction or control of a State. The role of the UN Security Council, as the arbiter on the consequences of non-compliance, needs to be effectively strengthened.

To ensure effective detectability of violations and to deter non-compliance, the EU will make best use of, and seek improvements to, existing verification mechanisms and systems. It will also support the establishment of additional international verification instruments and, if necessary, the use of non-routine inspections under international control beyond facilities declared under existing treaty regimes. The EU looks forward to discussions on the work done by the Group of Governmental Experts on Verification.

With these main objectives, the EU will continue to make a major contribution in dealing with the threats to international peace and security and in helping realise the positive international opportunities.

 

Thank you, Madam Chairman.