YouSaid · the spoken record

VELAYATI

lines on the record: 590
first: 1982-09-24
most recent: 1995-09-24
sittings or episodes: 13
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We need to work together at the international level to eliminate this anti-human phenomenon in all corners of the world, regardless of the race, religion, ideology or political affiliations of the victims or of the culprits. Another important challenge facing the United Nations is the need for political realism and serious consideration of current and future socio-economic circumstances and their direct correlation with social stability and peace. Increasing social complications are directly linked to chronic economic conditions and the ever-worsening inequitable international economic relations at the expense of developing countries.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“How can the supporters of the overt official terrorism of Israel declare themselves champions of the struggle against terrorism and yet have the audacity arbitrarily to accuse others of supporting terrorism? Why do these countries prevent any meaningful action against the Zionist terrorist atrocities in the Ibrahimi mosque in Al-Khalil? How do they remain totally indifferent to, and indeed acquiesce in, the recent terrorist explosion that killed and wounded many innocent pilgrims in the holiest shrine in our country? In our view, the only way to combat terrorism is through a comprehensive, uniform and across- the-board campaign.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We therefore believe that greater efforts should be made to foster and promote understanding of, and respect for, the diverse values of different peoples and nations through, inter alia, constructive dialogue and the implementation of a strengthened system of consultation. A similar problem is manifested in the approach of the international community vis-à-vis the threat of international terrorism in all its forms. Political considerations and reluctance to prevent terrorist activities by groups whose positions correspond with the policies of certain hegemonic Powers have indisputably impeded international efforts with a view to eradicating international terrorism and are thus unjustifiable.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“For Muslims, the remarks made by the leader of the Norwegian delegation at the Cairo Conference were especially intolerable, insulting and simply erroneous. We repeat our call to the Norwegian authorities to take the necessary remedial measures, to refrain from repeating such statements manifesting religious intolerance and to begin to recognize and respect the rights of the majority of humanity, who believe in divine religions. By the same token, the dangerous phenomenon of lack of respect and tolerance for the values and beliefs of others is, regrettably, gaining momentum in Western countries against Muslim communities. This has resulted in the violation of their most fundamental human rights and in their being forcibly deprived of their basic right to maintain and practise the values and teachings of Islam.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“At the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna and the recent International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, the failed attempts of a minority discontented with divine moral values to impose their ideas and ways on the religious majority illustrated the undisputed imperative for developing a clear and precise appreciation of and respect for divine teachings and values and religious beliefs. These two Conferences showed that a good number of States, particularly Islamic countries, cherish their religious values enough to attribute more priority to defending their divine values and Islamic teachings, which guarantee the moral and material health of our societies, than to political considerations; they resisted, in a united front, 40 any attempt to disregard, undermine or desecrate these values.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In this body a minority, whose past records are far from impeccable, have arrogated to themselves such concepts as human rights and democracy and systematically used them as instruments of political pressure without any basis in reality or any justification. Such an approach makes human rights subservient to political interest and is designed and is being followed solely to further political ambitions and impose the values of a specific group over the historical, political, economic, social, religious, and cultural values of others.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Iran is hopeful that ECO’s observer status at the United Nations attained last year will help enhance collaboration between ECO and various United Nations organs and agencies. The Islamic Republic of Iran has also endeavoured to establish a Caspian Sea cooperation council that would ensure and monitor environmental protection and proper utilization of its resources by littoral States. These regional efforts have laid the groundwork for multilateral cooperation between Iran, Central Asian States and industrialized countries. Another major problem in the United Nations during the past decades has been the selective recourse to - and, indeed, manipulation and exploitation of - human concerns and anxieties to meet questionable political agendas.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In all these peace-making efforts we have welcomed consultation and cooperation with all interested States and international organizations to contain these crises and prevent or mitigate their disastrous humanitarian consequences. In Central Asia and the Caucasus, expansion and strengthening of relations in all spheres, particularly those of economic and cultural cooperation with neighbouring countries, are being vigorously pursued to facilitate and ensure sustainable development in the region, build an atmosphere of mutual understanding and consolidate stability. As a founding member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Islamic Republic of Iran is actively engaged in promoting free trade and joint ventures among the States members of this organization.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Meanwhile, we have continued our humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and now act as host to about 1.5 million Afghan refugees remaining in our country. In efforts to settle the crisis in Tajikistan, while cooperating with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and organizing the second round of inter-Tajik talks in Tehran, we have continued our high-level contacts with the warring parties and others concerned. Last week, following an extensive mediation effort by Iran, it was possible to arrange serious meetings and negotiation in Tehran between the two parties, represented at the highest level. As a result, an agreement to halt hostilities and to release prisoners and war captives was signed by both sides in Tehran in the presence of representatives of the Secretary-General and the Russian Federation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran to reduce tension in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kashmir and Karabakh and its consistent affirmation of the principle of respect for internationally recognized borders, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of others are in line with its overall policy geared toward the maintenance and strengthening of stability, security and economic development in the region. Our policy concerning Afghanistan has focused on efforts to prevent war and fratricide and on attempts to persuade warring factions to negotiate and reach understanding. In attaining these objectives we have had comprehensive and constructive cooperation with the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We propose here the creation of a forum, with the participation of the Persian Gulf countries, to review and develop confidence-building measures compatible with the requirements of the region. The maintenance of security in the Persian Gulf is the responsibility of the countries surrounding this strategic waterway. Foreign Governments, which have often been the source of instability and insecurity in the region, should support collective regional initiatives for cooperation and refrain from sowing discord and tension and from other divisive policies to which they have historically resorted in order to preserve their interests and justify their presence.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Despite the volatile nature of our region and our own bitter experience as a victim of aggression, only an average of 1.6 per cent of Iran’s gross domestic product is allocated to national defence, while some neighbouring countries continue their purchase of huge stockpiles of weapons. We firmly believe in the imperative of developing regional security arrangements that ensure the participation of all Persian Gulf countries. Such arrangements would diminish the arms race and guarantee the free flow of oil and economic development and prosperity in the area. The religious, cultural, historical and commercial commonalities of the countries of the 39 region make it incumbent upon us to effect and expand trust and cooperation through bilateral and multilateral initiatives.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In addition to Israel’s continuous threats, interference by foreign Governments in the affairs of regional States has led to negative perceptions and perspectives within the region that have impeded serious dialogue and consideration of constructive suggestions for creating peace stability and security in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. The Islamic Republic of Iran, which possesses the longest shoreline along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, has been well aware of its role and responsibilities in promoting and maintaining peace and security in the area and has spared no effort in this regard. Today, the largest portion of Iran’s national budget is devoted to economic and social development and to reconstruction. Many of our military industries have been transformed into non-military units.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The future of the nuclear-proliferation Treaty also requires serious consideration of the critical situation in the Middle East and the nuclear threat posed by Israel. Israel’s nuclear programme has exacerbated the arms race in the region and has forced others within the area to turn to more advanced conventional weaponry. Some States in the region have made their accession to a number of disarmament treaties conditional upon Israel’s acceptance of international regimes established to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Israel’s refusal to do so, which regrettably enjoys the support of a number of developed nuclear-weapon States, will affect the perspective of States in the Middle East on the future of the non-proliferation Treaty after 1995.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“However, in our view a limited renewal of the Treaty can serve the objective of nuclear disarmament only if careful attention is paid to the following considerations: first, nuclear Powers should abandon the doctrine of nuclear deterrence and commit themselves to a target date for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons; secondly, the comprehensive test-ban treaty should be finalized and unconditionally signed; thirdly, the production, development, stockpiling of and trade in all fissile materials for nuclear-weapons purposes must be permanently banned; fourthly, the security of non-nuclear States must be guaranteed against the threat of the use of these weapons by others, which will be possible through an effective international treaty; and, lastly, access by Governments to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes should be guaranteed.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a victim of weapons of mass destruction, has under no circumstances attempted, nor will it ever attempt, to develop or possess these anti-human weapons. It thus attaches great value to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, despite that instrument’s many inherent shortcomings.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“We believe that the unconditional and indefinite renewal of the non-proliferation Treaty will only lead to the possession of these destructive and anti-human weapons by a handful of nuclear Powers and that the rest of the international community will be forced to live in fear in the dark shadow of these weapons. The founding of a new world order on the encouragement and institutionalization of discriminatory and vague norms, including the conferring of permanent status such treaties and the proliferation of discriminatory, selective and non-universal regimes such as the Australia Group or the London Club, does not augur well for the future of the international community and the emerging world order.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“To reach a rational and practical decision, one must answer the question whether the international community is prepared to accept, as it has done for the past 25 years, that the nuclear Powers, on the one hand, be for ever equipped with these weapons of destruction and that, on the other, the majority of the signatories to the non-proliferation Treaty remain deprived of the peaceful applications of nuclear energy. Iran was one of the first signatories to this Treaty and has remained faithfully committed to it. But at the same time, it is one of the many developing countries deprived of the possibilities of progress and development offered by the peaceful use of nuclear energy as recognized in the Treaty.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“It must then move to establish 38 comprehensive, universal and non-discriminatory international treaties to ensure the elimination and destruction of these weapons in the shortest possible time. Shortly after the suspension of the current session, States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will gather to review the effectiveness of this Treaty over the past 25 years and to decide upon the extent and conditions of its renewal.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Another fundamental issue which must be carefully considered in our assessment of the first 50 years of the United Nations activities pertains to the role of the United Nations in all matters concerning disarmament, including multilateral efforts to effect total, comprehensive and non-discriminatory disarmament in the world. Today, one of the main preoccupations of the international community is the future of arms control, particularly that of weapons of mass destruction, which have no justification in the post-cold-war era. The international community must identify the hazards attached to stockpiling and horizontal and vertical proliferation of these weapons.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The United Nations will be able to deal with world issues effectively only when and if all its Members are allowed to participate equally in decision-making. Most contemporary international developments cannot be fully appreciated if looked at in the perspective of 50 years ago. If we are sincere in our belief that the world is so changed that we must eliminate all references to "enemy States" from the Charter, then why not also acknowledge that there is no further justification for holding on to privileges granted to the war victors of that time?”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“These examples and the debates of the past year on restructuring the General Assembly and the Security Council have clearly shown that the procedures and methodology of the Security Council must be re-evaluated and changed in order to enable it to address transparently and in a just and serious manner issues affecting international peace and security. Many also agree that the authority of the General Assembly in attending to matters of peace and security, as asserted by the Charter, and the need for greater accountability of the Security Council to the Assembly must be translated from mere words into reality. The Council must scrupulously fulfil its obligations towards the membership of the Organization at large, on whose behalf the Council operates.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In their recent gathering in Islamabad, Islamic countries expressed their determination to contribute individually and collectively to the legitimate defence of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At this juncture, a decisive majority among United Nations Member States are of the view that the implementation of the arms embargo against Bosnia is illegal. Many of these countries, in tandem with public opinion, consider any further waiting for a final pronouncement by the Council as unjustifiable in the present circumstances. Thus, we believe that in the interest of its own credibility, the Council must take action without further ado and show its respect for the views of an undisputed majority within the international community.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“On the other hand, the aggressors and their supporters have, through a policy of procrastination, created an impasse in the negotiations by mocking all the decisions of the Council and all proposals for peace. However, regrettably and in spite of previous commitments, no measure to encourage compliance and punish intransigence and non-compliance has been adopted by the Council. It was a source of deep anguish and astonishment to witness a few days ago the Security Council prematurely rushing to reward Serbia for nothing more than a tactical move, while months after the acceptance of the latest peace plan by the Government of Bosnia and its rejection by the Serbs, no decision has been made to fulfil the commitment of the five-nation Contact Group, including the lifting of the unjustified arms embargo against Bosnia.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Despite the adoption of countless resolutions and statements, and in fact because of the lack of political will to deal with the roots of the crisis, the Security Council has not only failed to implement its own resolutions, but in fact has empowered the aggressors to continue their atrocities and has prevented a State Member of the United Nations from exercising its inherent right of self-defence through its resistance to the appeal of the international community to lift the unjustifiable arms embargo against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From the very beginning of the crisis, the Government of Bosnia has participated in all negotiations in good faith, even though most of the peace plans proposed by mediators have been unjust. The Government of Bosnia has amply demonstrated its sincere desire for peace.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The unprincipled approach of the Security Council vis-à-vis different crises and aggressions is also demonstrated by its questionable handling of the aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For more than two and a half years, the defenceless Muslims of Bosnia have been resisting foreign aggression, "ethnic cleansing", massacre and the gradual annihilation of their nation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Today, under the disguise of the peace process, this very policy is being pursued through 37 the repression of Muslims and all opponents of the illegal and aggressive Israeli occupation. Therefore, in our view, the current process lacks realism, fails to adhere to universal principles and therefore will not lead to real peace. The comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue lies in the full realization of all the rights of the people of Palestine, including the return of all Palestinian refugees to their own land, enabling them to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination, and the liberation of all occupied territories.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“How can the Security Council supporters of the regime occupying Palestine allow this expansionist regime to continue its aggression against neighbours, while repeated resolutions of the Council demand an end to occupation? What motives underlie the silence of the Security Council in the face of overt official terrorist acts by Israel in the occupied territories and in South Lebanon? The massacre of Muslims in the Al-Khalil Mosque, the bombing of residential areas in South Lebanon, the kidnapping of Lebanese citizens, and other such incidents portray the bitter reality that Israel has come to believe that, with the support of a number of powerful States, it can continue such behaviour with impunity. Israel’s real and ultimate objective has been to continue its occupation.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“A body charged with the grave responsibility of maintaining international peace and security must not be influenced and manipulated by those Powers that have historically sought to serve their own self-interest at the expense of international peace. The failure of the Security Council to adopt a balanced approach in dealing with various crises and its persistent application of double standards, due to manipulation by some permanent members, have in effect prevented the Council from discharging its primary responsibility in accordance with the Charter. The most vivid illustration has been the silence of the Security Council and its failure to adopt resolute measures in the face of repeated acts of aggression committed by Israel against the people of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“But, alas, a few self-proclaimed victors of the cold war feel entitled to dictate the new criteria that determine international relations and guide the United Nations and, more specifically, the Security Council, arrogating to themselves the right to impose their own vision and self-serving interpretations on the rest of humanity. The transformation of the Security Council into an instrument for justification or enforcement of policies of a number of permanent members is not at all compatible with the spirit of the Charter and contradicts the very letter of Article 24, according to which the Council acts on behalf of the entire membership of the Organization. Contrary to the assumptions of a few, the Security Council is no one’s private domain and should not be abused to revive the gunboat diplomacy of some Powers.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“In addition, the cold war was a factor in shaping the structural make-up of the Organization, and so the United Nations was deprived of the opportunity to be a true agent of change. During the past 50 years of its existence the United Nations has had its share of challenges. Yet never before has the Organization faced such a historic and serious challenge in self-renewal as it does at present, when we have reached a crossroads in the history of international relations. Naturally, to meet the challenge of today’s numerous rapid changes, the Organization must rid itself of the very constraints imposed upon it by the era of rivalry between the super-Powers.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“The only path to the achievement of this vital goal is the examination of past performance, a sober analysis of present circumstances and the formulation of a renewed vision of the future of international relations in accordance with the Charter. In the past 50 years the United Nations has succeeded in some areas, including decolonization. Yet the rivalries between the two super-Powers did not allow the Organization to accomplish its mission in full. In the area of disarmament, the United Nations was not able to play a significant role, and substantive negotiations were conducted outside the United Nations system. By the same token, the role played by the Organization in economic development was heavily influenced by similar rivalries between East and West, resulting in economic relations devoid of justice and parity.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“May I at the outset congratulate Mr. Amara Essy on his well- deserved election to the presidency of the forty-ninth session of the General Assembly. Allow me to emphasize my delegation’s complete readiness to cooperate with him and other delegations during this session. I also wish to express my satisfaction at the presence of the delegation of the democratic Government of South Africa at this session. On the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, this session of the General Assembly presents us with the opportunity to envisage a better world based on the principles of the Charter and the shared values and aspirations of its members.”
1994-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 49 (1994)
“Success, in our view, will depend on a sober understanding of the causes of tension and mistrust during the cold war, followed by resolute steps to root them out. Joint effort is also needed to develop and put into motion multidimensional confidence-building measures and techniques, consolidate and expand international cooperation, and bring about conditions conducive to the attainment of common aspirations of humanity, particularly justice, security and balanced development. The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to intensify its efforts in cooperation with other States in this Assembly and in other bilateral and multilateral environments for the attainment of these objectives.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Forty-eighth session - 4 October 1993 25 The common religious, cultural, historical and commercial heritage of the countries of this region provide a good and solid foundation on which initiatives to reinforce mutual trust and develop multilateral cooperation between these States can be founded. The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken the initiative by manifesting its political will and adopting practical measures in order to strengthen political ties and further develop and consolidate commercial, economic and cultural cooperation with our neighbours in the Persian Gulf. In turn, we would welcome and respond accordingly to any positive step from our neighbours. Let me conclude by reiterating that recent international developments and emerging challenges have placed the United Nations at a critical and historic crossroads.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Iran, with the longest coast on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has historically equated its own national security and economic prosperity with security, stability, tranquillity and the free flow of oil and international commerce in the Persian Gulf area. It has thereby acted as a force for stability. In this context, we have also proposed the establishment of regional security and cooperation arrangements in the Persian Gulf, whose outline I presented to the forty-fifth session of the General Assembly. The experience of two devastating wars in the Persian Gulf region within one decade clearly illustrates the fact that baseless territorial claims lead to the erosion of understanding and confidence, only furthering the interest of foreign Powers.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The efforts of the members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to achieve these goals and to overcome obstacles to regional development by consolidating mutual cooperation and fostering cooperation with other countries and international organizations will contribute positively to regional and international peace and security. Formal collaboration between ECO and the United Nations, which requires approval by the Assembly of ECO’s request for observer status, will also expedite the realization of these objectives. The vital importance of the Persian Gulf for the security and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran is self-evident.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We firmly believe that the pursuit of these efforts, along with consultations and cooperation between concerned States and international organizations, is required to contain and settle these conflicts and alleviate their ensuing human tragedies. To ensure peace and stability in Central Asia and the Transcaucasus, it is necessary to encourage trade with the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, create the right conditions for economic development in each country, reinforce regional commonalities and complementarities, and improve the opportunities for these countries to participate more profitably in world trade.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The position of principle adopted by Iran in the course of the Persian Gulf crisis; our constant effort to prevent the spread of violence in the region; our even-handed and consistent emphasis on international understanding and compromise in Afghanistan and Tajikistan; our attempts to secure a peaceful settlement in the Caucasus; our being host to the highest number of refugees in the world; and the humanitarian assistance extended by Iran to victims of crisis in the region; these are all consistent with our policy of strengthening stability, preventing tension and mitigating the human suffering of the crisis victims in the region.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Similarly, in order to help foster regional confidence and trust, and in spite of sensitive regional conditions and the bitter experience of a recent foreign aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, we have allocated a mere 1.5 per cent of the national budget for defence and have had the lowest military purchases in the entire region. Externally, Iran has formulated its policy with a view to encouraging and promoting security and stability in the region, as well as expanding political, economic, cultural and scientific cooperation between the countries of the area.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Consistent with its national and strategic interests, and cognizant of its heavy responsibility in this region, the Islamic Republic of Iran has historically acted as the force for stability in the Persian Gulf region. Domestically, the greatest part of the national budget has been allocated to economic, social and cultural development projects and reconstruction. The policy of converting military industries to civilian use and employing the armed forces in the reconstruction sector has been vigorously pursued. Thus, despite serious obstacles, fundamental progress has been achieved in across-the-board development of the country and reconstruction of war-damaged property.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“This can be 24 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session realized only by basing national policies on a commitment to the rules and principles of international law, particularly respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others; the inviolability of internationally recognized boundaries; rejection of the threat or use of force for the settlement of disputes; non-interference in the internal affairs of others; and refraining from advancing unfounded claims against the territory of other States. The positive impact of such an approach on promoting good-neighbourly relations, encouraging regional cooperation and the enhancement of security is self-evident.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has been cited by impartial international sources as the country with the lowest defence budget in the region and the fewest weapons purchases. As such, Iran is naturally prepared to engage constructively in any serious, practical and non-sensational collective effort in this regard. Above and beyond all these steps, it is most essential to generate the necessary political will to formulate and direct national policies geared towards fostering an international atmosphere of mutual confidence.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The decision of the General Assembly to establish a Register of Conventional Arms Transfers constitutes a positive first step which should be strengthened and further refined. However, it is evident that transparency in armaments cannot by itself control horizontal or vertical proliferation of conventional weapons in the world. Therefore, what is really necessary, globally and particularly in the Middle East, is serious and genuine international cooperation for the comprehensive, non-selective, non-discriminatory, balanced and effective reduction of conventional arms. This may be realized, inter alia, through the reduction of military budgets, of weapons procurement and of the presence of foreign forces in different regions.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The institutionalization of regional confidence-building measures, including placement of all facilities and installations under the safeguards mechanism of the International Atomic Energy Agency and accession by all regional States to all international disarmament instruments, particularly the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the chemical weapons Convention, constitute the most important elements for the establishment of a zone free from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Furthermore, the reckless build-up of conventional weapons has not only devoured much needed resources, but also reinforced the atmosphere of mistrust and anxiety. Different areas have, as a result, become fair ground for political, economic and commercial exploitation by countries and companies that manufacture weapons.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Among the most essential and useful strategies for attaining global disarmament and strengthening the non-proliferation regime is the creation of zones free from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in various parts of the world. In the light of the constant support of the United Nations for the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, an idea initiated by Iran in 1974, it is necessary to take constructive and practical measures towards establishing such a zone.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Politically motivated and unfounded accusations against signatory States which are committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons simply undermine that important instrument and lead to international mistrust and the escalation of the arms race. Before any decision on the extension of the NonProliferation Treaty in 1995, the process leading to the Review Conference should be fully utilized in order seriously to assess the Treaty’s record during the past two decades in the light of its overall objective of totally eliminating nuclear weapons. The shortcomings and obstacles hindering progress towards this goal should be identified and dealt with during the Conference in 1995.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The lingering of these regimes not only violates the spirit of the Convention and the understandings reached during the process of its finalization, but also nullifies the positive incentives for acceding to that instrument. The same applies to unilateral and illegal measures such as the disruption of the free navigation of the Chinese vessel Yinhe, in the Persian Gulf, on the pretext - subsequently proven false - that it was carrying prohibited chemical substances. Such actions can only lead to the erosion of the authority and credibility of the Convention. International efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons face a similar danger.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The conclusion of the comprehensive Convention on chemical weapons, notwithstanding its shortcomings, was a historic achievement. Iran, the most recent victim of the large-scale use of chemical weapons, actively contributed in the drafting process, was among the sponsors of the relevant resolution in the General Assembly, and was among the first signatories of this important international instrument. The effectiveness and universality of the Convention will be a function of the way in which it is implemented and of the degree of commitment of its signatories. Naturally, with the conclusion of this Convention, the existing informal regimes which impose discriminatory barriers on free trade in the chemical industry have lost their raison d’être and must be dismantled.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We hope that political will and responsible behaviour by all countries, specifically the countries of the North, will preclude a selective approach Forty-eighth session - 4 October 1993 23 to the Vienna Declaration and enable the international community to employ its collective potential to reach common understanding in this area and initiate a truly universal campaign for the promotion and protection of human rights. Another vestige of the cold-war era, which constitutes an elemental cause of international mistrust and a general lack of confidence, is the arms race and the development, production, build-up and use of weapons, particularly weapons of mass destruction - all in the misplaced hope of enhancing national security.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)