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

“The universality of human rights is the very opposite of arrogating to oneself the task of setting the standards for human rights and of judging their observance by others, particularly since even these standards are not promoted universally and across the board, but are, rather, resorted to when and if the exigencies of foreign policy and economic and security interests require it. Human rights and the inherent worth of the human person are too important to be subjugated to short-lived political considerations and interests or used as a lever for political or cultural pressure or for maintaining the inequity between the South and the North. That can only erode their credibility and universal acceptance.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“If violence and crime, which deprive the most vulnerable segments of society of their right to life and dignity - I refer here to the drug menace, prostitution, pornography, rape, violence and other forms of abuse of women, the disintegration of families, profanity and vulgarity as well as debasing of social relations - are at least the byproducts of the human-rights model advocated, or indeed imposed, by that group, then others certainly have the right to examine the prototype critically before importing it.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Hence, not only are they universal and independent of geographical and temporal boundaries, but they do not have their origin in conventions. Therefore, their definition, codification, implementation and international promotion and protection cannot be considered the private domain of the few who enjoy temporary political and military superiority. That is particularly true as those States do not have a shining record in internal or external protection of human rights and do not offer in their own social experience a suitable moral and material environment for the welfare of human beings.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The Conference addressed vital issues, such as respect for the moral, cultural and religious values of all nations, the indivisibility of all human rights, and the rejection of selectivity, application of double-standards and the political manipulation of human rights. While not ideal, the work of the Conference can play a constructive role in enhancing international protection and promotion of human rights and the progressive development of human-rights norms. In the logic of the divine religions - and particularly Islam, which pioneered the campaign to respect and value the exalted worth of the human being as God’s Vice-Regent on Earth - human rights are vested in the human nature bestowed upon mankind by the Almighty Creator.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In spite of significant achievements in the international campaign to promote respect for the exalted worth of the human person and the realization and attainment of the moral and material rights of that masterpiece of creation, formidable challenges continue to persist in the task of ensuring respect for the most basic rights of millions of human beings: the right to life and the right to a minimum of moral and material welfare. The World Conference on Human Rights, recently held in Vienna, provided a valuable opportunity for the world community to take stock of its achievements and shortcomings in the quarter of a century following the first such conference, held in Tehran in 1968.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Indeed, a multi-dimensional approach is necessary to root out the seeds of tension and mistrust sown in the previous era. In this context, it is most important to take positive, comprehensive and objective steps for international promotion and protection of human rights and democratic institutions, for controlling and reducing armaments, for combating the drug menace, for protecting the environment, for eradicating poverty, for improving the deteriorating economic plight of the South and for engendering sustainable development. Success in these areas would not only enhance the credibility and authority of the Organization, but would also remove the most tangible causes of mistrust and tension in the world at large.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“[has conferred] on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security". The Council acts, in the words of Article 24, on "behalf" of the membership. Its powers emanate from that role and not from any inherent right. Therefore, it is accountable to the entire membership gathered in the General Assembly. In today’s international climate, the primacy of political interests and their tendency to overshadow the interests of the public has generated grave concerns about the Council’s ability to take "prompt and effective action". The General Assembly must therefore fully and deliberately exercise its prerogatives in this regard as the highest organ of the United Nations. Confidence-building measures by the United Nations should not be limited only to the realm of international peace and security.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In the light of these recent unfortunate experiences and in order to enhance the credibility of the United Nations, particularly in the crucial area of peace and security, it is imperative to review and reconsider the behaviour, 22 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session operational framework and rules of procedure of the Security Council. There should be no room for undemocratic practices, hidden agendas, a lack of transparency or indifference to the views of the international community, as reflected in the General Assembly. It should never be forgotten that it is the entire membership - represented only in the General Assembly - which, to quote Article 24 of the Charter, "In order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations ...”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Furthermore, reiteration of the principles which should underlie any peaceful settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina is necessary to induce or, if necessary, to compel the aggressors to participate seriously in negotiations for a lasting and acceptable solution. They include, most particularly, the establishment of a durable cease-fire; the lifting of the siege of cities; unhindered access to humanitarian assistance; the rejection of acquisition of territory by force or ethnic cleansing; the necessity for the evacuation of territories thus occupied; the recognition of the right of the people and Government of Bosnia to seek and receive compensation and reparations; the honourable and safe repatriation of refugees; and individual responsibility for war crimes.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Now that, owing to the lack of serious action by the international community, the Bosnian Muslims have been forced into unbalanced negotiations under military and, unfortunately, diplomatic duress, it is imperative for the Assembly and the Security Council to take appropriate measures to guarantee the viability of the Government and Muslim people of Bosnia. The lifting of the arms embargo against the Bosnian Government and strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Bosnian Muslims are, in our view, the most effective guarantees for the durability of any peaceful settlement and the prevention of future aggressions.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“That excuse is unacceptable, at the least because of the fact that the very same Council, in a much more complex situation of civil strife in Somalia - where the identification of victim and culprit is far more difficult - has not only acted but has practically given total management of a United Nations operation to a single country, which, motivated by its own perceived interests, has undertaken massive operations whose main victims are, ironically, the same innocent and deprived people for whose help and protection the operation ostensibly started.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In the face of aggression, genocide, rape and indiscriminate murder in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Security Council, ignoring repeated calls by the General Assembly, has failed to fulfil its international responsibility and has even deprived the victims of the means to defend themselves. The Council, prevented from action by the illusions and imaginary interests of a number of its permanent members, can certainly not justify this approach by hiding behind the convenient excuse of the existence of civil war.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Based on these objective historical realities, the recent accord, notwithstanding the international fanfare, does not present a realistic solution to the root causes of the conflict, does not promise restoration of Palestinian rights, and thus cannot establish justice, which is the only foundation of a lasting peace. And no one can cede Palestine on behalf of the Palestinian people or Al-Quds Al-Sharif on behalf of the Muslims. We consider the signing of this accord as a conspiracy against Islam and Palestine, and we disagree with it. The unfolding human tragedy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is yet further disturbing evidence of the consequences of the Security Council’s acquiescence in aggression, and failure resolutely to tackle the causes of the abhorrent attempt to annihilate an entire nation.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Israel’s well orchestrated misinformation campaign against others and its attempts to fan the flames of discord, distrust and division among States in the region cannot conceal these facts, nor should they legitimize the unrealistic, short-sighted and imposed plans as solutions or mechanisms to return peace and stability to the region. In our view, peace, stability and mutual confidence can return to the Middle East and to the Holy Land of Peace and Revelation only through a serious and even-handed treatment of these realities and the full restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Relying on the support of a number of powerful States, Israel has with impunity totally disregarded pertinent Security Council resolutions, unabatedly pursued a militaristic policy, persisted in aggression and expansionism and avoided any commitment to international nuclear non-proliferation regimes. It is the only possessor of nuclear weapons in the region. It has systematically and grossly violated the most elemental human rights of the Palestinian people and employed terrorism in all its forms as an official policy. These are facts, borne out by history and solidly based on objective international observations and internationally documented evidence.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Thus, having removed the credibility of the deterrence factor, we should expect nothing but the persistence of aggression and expansionism and the exacerbation of the ensuing horrific human tragedies, inevitably leading to undesirable implications for the authority and credibility of the United Nations. The failure of the Security Council squarely to face the Palestinian crisis and the constant aggressions against the Palestinian people, Lebanon and Syria, not to mention its intentional failure to enforce its own resolutions, are a sad illustration of the prevailing preference of political interests over peace, security, international law and equity.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“On the other hand, when, owing to political calculations, some aggressions and international crimes meet with the indifference and acquiescence of the Security Council; when the criteria for resort to forcible measures envisaged in Chapter VII of the Charter are the short-lived political interests of Powers; when aggressions and attempts to annihilate an entire nation do not receive a forcible, resolute response, while in other cases there is a rush to resort to force before attempting to understand and deal with the root causes of a conflict; and, finally, when some decisions of the Council are enforced with vigour and determination while others remain dead letters for years; then no one can expect potential aggressors or possible Forty-eighth session - 4 October 1993 21 victims of foreign expansionism to form a reliable expectation with regard to the reaction of the Security Council.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“If the behaviour of the Security Council signifies an unequivocal commitment to uphold justice and the principles of the Charter, to combat aggression and to come to the help of the victims, and if the Council exhibits the political will to cease the application of double standards, then we can hope that potential aggressors will be deterred, international instability and insecurity will be curtailed, and the immense human cost of wars and hostilities will be avoided.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this context, the identification, definition and deepening of shared values and common interests will facilitate understanding and ensure international cooperation. Should we fail in adopting such an approach, countries will be forced into a security dilemma created by unacceptable survival options: namely, either to strengthen their military capabilities and thus precipitate an arms race or to succumb to expansionist Powers and their whims. In either case, the world will plunge into a new era of insecurity and turbulence. The Security Council plays a determining role in either heightening such a dilemma or reversing it. In other words, the Council may either exacerbate tension and distrust or encourage understanding, confidence and respect for the rule of law in inter-State relations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Therefore, our first and foremost obligation is to identify and root out the causes of crisis and mistrust inherited from the cold war and to take appropriate steps to create the conditions necessary to the promotion of understanding and the fostering of mutual confidence at the international level. This should begin with an all-out campaign of steps to restore world confidence in the United Nations. A balanced, objective and far-sighted approach to various international political, economic and cultural crises and challenges, based on justice and on the common principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter, is the most fundamental requirement for the restoration and enhancement of the credibility of the Organization, and can also play a significant role in securing long-term stability and trust.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Moreover, despite the cessation of military rivalry between major Powers, many complex and grave threats - including those arising from ethnic tensions, the lack of development, poverty, economic and social inequality and degradation of the environment - have taken humanity to the edge of the abyss. During the era of the cold war, relations between East and West - and, consequently, international relations in general - were founded on misconceptions, mutual mistrust and a total lack of confidence. These factors played a central role in the creation of an unsafe world, in which the United Nations was deprived of any opportunity to realize its vast potential for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Expansionism and the urge to dominate, disregard for the material, cultural and moral values of nations, the suppression of democracy and of democratic institutions, and the triumph of the short-sighted interests of the dominant few over the interests and aspirations of the majority and over human rights and the United Nations Charter and international law continue to impede international affairs and, most regrettably, international organizations. This has presented the United Nations with a historic challenge: to maintain and enhance its perceived role and its credibility following the Persian Gulf crisis.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We must acquire a full understanding of the transitional nature of international relations in the world of today, and, relying on our vast collective resources and potential, we must prevent the resurgence and prevalence of the crises, wars, injustices and human misery that have marred the first 50 years of the United Nations. If, on the eve of its fiftieth anniversary, we are to ensure a more dynamic and successful future for the Organization, we must undertake a sober reassessment of our record and identify our achievements as well as our shortcomings and obstacles. Regrettably, five years after the end of the cold war, some of that era’s most negative characteristics are still evident in international relations.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I should like also to welcome the new Members of the Organization and to express the hope that their participation in this body will enhance its universality and strengthen the spirit of universality and international cooperation. As international relations are currently undergoing tumultuous and decisive change, the presence here of representatives of the overwhelming majority of nation States provides the General Assembly at this session with a unique opportunity 20 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session to shape a better future and an international environment more in keeping with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Of course, such a rare opportunity is accompanied by a grave and historic responsibility for every one of us.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I should like, before making my statement, to express the deepest condolences of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the people and the Government of India on the catastrophic earthquake that has caused untold human suffering. Allow me, at the outset, to express sincere congratulations to Ambassador Insanally of Guyana on his well-deserved election as President of the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session. His personal qualifications and diplomatic experience are valuable assets, which must be utilized fully and seriously to further the purposes of the United Nations. I wish to assure the President of my delegation’s unreserved cooperation in this common endeavour.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“To that end, the General Assembly should guide other organs of the United Nations on a constant and active basis, and take the necessary decisions and make the appropriate recommendations for the realization of common human ideals, most notably universal peace, security and respect for human rights, and balanced prosperity and welfare.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The decision of the recent non-aligned summit to convene a high-level working group to study ways and means of increasing the effectiveness of the United Nations represents a timely, logical and positive step, and can certainly assist the United Nations in that purpose. The General Assembly, as the sole universal, democratic and transparent organ of the United Nations, with the competence entrusted to it by the Charter to address all international issues and problems, should fully exercise its Charter-mandated authority in practice.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The United Nations and its specialized agencies provide the most appropriate forum to facilitate international cooperation with the objective of alleviating world economic problems, especially those of the developing countries, thus preventing what otherwise seems an inevitable confrontation between North and South. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the imperative of intensifying the activities of the United Nations in step with international developments, with a view to achieving a higher degree of efficiency and effectiveness. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran is of the view that revitalization of the General Assembly should be pursued in earnest, and that effective measures to augment the efficiency, and thus the practical relevance, of the Assembly should be adopted.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“To this end, the International Development Strategy for the fourth United Nations Development Decade, the Declaration adopted by the General Assembly at its eighteenth special session, and Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which reflect long and intensive negotiations and represent international consensus on the objectives of development and environment, constitute the necessary framework and basis of future measures. Yet it is clear that in the absence of concerted international cooperation proper economic conditions where all countries enjoy equal opportunity for growth and development will remain unattainable.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Worse still, a decreased flow of financial resources to developing countries has made the prospects for recovery and economic growth and development in those countries all the more uncertain. Notwithstanding numerous problems, the recovery of the world economy is not impossible to achieve. Its attainment, though, requires promotion of international cooperation and coordination of economic policies, which feature among the major purposes of the United Nations.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Continued further exacerbation of economic difficulties in most third-world countries in the context, and as a result, of the ever-widening gap between the North and the South is perhaps the most serious and most explosive danger threatening the international community. As stated clearly in the World Economic Survey for 1992, world economic output has decreased for the first time since the Second World War; international trade is also plagued with myriad difficulties. Under these difficult circumstances, many developing countries are still grappling with the problems resulting from the economic recession of the 1980s and its socio-political consequences.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We also pioneered the formation of the Organization of the Countries of the Caspian Sea Basin, along with the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. In the bilateral field, the foundations of political, cultural and economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of transportation and energy, have been laid with the newly established republics of the former USSR. That approach by the Islamic Republic of Iran is founded on the conviction that the expansion of bilateral and multilateral relations among countries of the region is bound to contribute to stability, security and development for all. In today's world instability does not emanate solely from regional crises or military conflicts. Economic and environmental problems too threaten international peace and security.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Cognizant of the fact that the newly established republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus are now undergoing the difficult and tumultuous stage of state-building, establishment and consolidation of democratic institutions and economic stabilization and development, and with a view to the primacy of promotion of good-neighbourly relations and fostering of mutual confidence between the countries of this region, the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken the lead in the sphere of expanding bilateral as well as multilateral ties with these countries. We, along with our regional partners - Turkey and Pakistan have welcomed the Republics of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan into the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“As early as 1986 the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the basis of this policy, underlined the imperative need for the creation of a regional security and cooperation arrangement in the Persian Gulf area. In the General Assembly last year I enumerated the principles and objectives of such regional cooperation principles and objectives that continue to govern our approach to this strategic region. The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the newly established Republics along our northern borders are based on the same principles, namely, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability of international borders, non-resort to force in the settlement of disputes, non-interference in internal affairs, and dialogue and mutual understanding.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In our view, the Karabakh crisis can be resolved only through negotiations and on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference as well as the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two countries. The approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran to these two crises and the efforts undertaken in regard to them emanate from our overall policy towards neighbouring countries, which is based on the promotion and consolidation of good-neighbourly relations, expansion of economic, cultural and scientific cooperation, and fostering of regional confidence. For we believe that security in our region is attainable only through cooperation.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In regard to the Nogorno-Karabakh region, the Islamic Republic of Iran from the very outset expressed its concern at the continuation and expansion of the conflict and exerted every effort to bring the fighting to an end; this resulted in the establishment of a cease-fire and commencement of negotiations between the Republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is a matter of deep regret that owing to the reticence of the international community - and particularly that of the Security Council the opportunity of propitious situation which existed at that time and which could have been further solidified through the dispatching of international observers was lost and bloodshed flared up and has continued.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“My country extends its support to the legitimate Government of Afghanistan, stresses the imperative of non-interference of all countries in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, and once again draws the attention of the international community to the pressing humanitarian needs of the war-stricken Afghan people. For our part, we have made endeavours in this direction and underline our readiness to cooperate with other countries as well as international organizations in the provision of food, medicine and other essential needs as well as in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“We strongly believe that the Assembly should send a very clear and unambiguous signal to Belgrade, through the expulsion of Serbia and Montenegro from all organs of the United Nations, that to be a Member of the Organization it will be subject to all the criteria for membership and will have to behave accordingly. There are two other continuing crises in the immediate neighborhood of the Islamic Republic of Iran to which my country cannot remain indifferent because of humanitarian as well as national security considerations. Expressing its satisfaction at the victory of the Muslim mujahidin of Afghanistan and the establishment of an Islamic State, the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the cessation of fratricidal bloodshed in its fraternal neighbouring country.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The Islamic Republic of Iran once again emphasizes the inherent right of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter and expects the Security Council to reconsider its resolution on an arms embargo against Yugoslavia in order to enable the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to exercise its inherent right to resist aggression. Moreover, I would like to emphasize that in the view of a large majority of the Member States, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia no longer exists and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - Serbia and Montenegro - has no right to occupy the seat of former Yugoslavia in international forums.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Nevertheless, Serbia and its agents continue to show utter disdain for the international community's decisions, as reflected in numerous Security Council resolutions and General Assembly resolution 46/242, continuing their crimes against the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular the Muslim population, with a seeming sense of immunity and impunity. It is therefore incumbent upon the Security Council to adopt the necessary measures provided for in Article 42 of the Charter to put an end to the aggression and to restore the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The crimes perpetrated against the people in that young and small Republic have few parallels in the post-Second-World-War era. The aggression against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of a Member of the United Nations and the simultaneous torture, mass killings and policy of genocide and "ethnic cleansing", as pursued by Serbia and its ultra-nationalist Serb agents with the objective of forming "greater Serbia", have caused deep consternation throughout the world and drawn condemnation from almost all quarters.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“In addition to Palestine, parts of Syrian and Lebanese territory are still under Zionist occupation and innocent people are killed or abducted on a regular basis by these forces in South Lebanon. The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the international community to confront the aggressive and repressive policies of the Zionists in a serious and meaningful manner. The bitter experience of the past decades indicate, however, that peace and tranquillity can be restored to the area only through struggle, full restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the entire territory of Palestine. Another crisis which has endangered regional and global security over the past year concerns the tragic situation in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Over and above the chronic regional crises, recent developments at the international level have given birth to a series of new crises in various regions, thus further accentuating the need for a new sense of vigilance and vigorous endeavour on the part of the international community to confront these threats. In my brief survey of regional crises and conflicts, I cannot but begin with what is closest to the hearts and minds of the Islamic world - that is, Palestine. The legitimate uprising of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, as a form of resistance against occupation, expansionism, murder and unbearable living conditions, is brutally suppressed. Alongside the regular armed forces, armed Zionist settlers carry out on a daily and continuing basis acts of murder and plunder, including confiscation of Palestinian property.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It goes without saying, though, that the success of initiatives concerning arms control and regional disarmament depends on heeding a number of considerations such as the political and security characteristics of the regions in question, participation of the regional countries in defining the principles and objectives of the initiative, the concerns of the countries in the region vis-a-vis threats from within and outside the region, including consequences of the presence of foreign forces. What seems more urgent and critical than regional disarmament is the necessity and desirability of searching for a comprehensive and genuine solution to regional conflicts, as an endemic and seemingly intractable source of threat to international peace and security.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Further regional endeavours in the field of arms control, regional disarmament and the establishment of zones free of weapons of mass destruction can complement international efforts towards the prohibition of such weapons and can contribute to the alleviation of the international community's concern about the dangerous consequences of stockpiling armaments at the regional level. My country, as the initiator of the proposal for the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, is fully prepared to participate actively in any constructive and comprehensive initiative in this field.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“It is highly desirable that the next millennium be nuclear-free, but the achievement of that objective depends upon the following: an undertaking by all nuclear-weapon States to destroy all nuclear weapons in their territory or under their jurisdiction or control; a new pledge by all States not to acquire or proliferate nuclear weapons and not to add to their existing stocks; and a genuine commitment to enhanced cooperation in technology for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“This is particularly true in respect of the composition of the executive council, which, in our view, lacks balance and proportion. Furthermore, if the convention on chemical weapons is to become universal the developed countries will have to provide for the transfer of chemical technology, materials and equipment for peaceful purposes, and the existing unilateral discriminatory and ad hoc restrictions will have to be removed. In the field of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, the non-proliferation Treaty can indeed acquire a universal character and play an effective and efficient role in preventing the vertical and horizontal proliferation of nuclear weapons, provided that the nuclear-weapon States fulfil their obligations in accordance with article VI of the Treaty.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“The preparation of a draft convention on the prohibition of the production, development, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons represents a significant step in the history of arms control. Undoubtedly, this convention crystallizes many years' difficult, even tedious, negotiations between the members of the Conference on Disarmament. Notwithstanding this obvious fact, the convention - on the one hand, because the Conference on Disarmament acts on the basis of consensus and, on the other, owing to the supremacy of political exigencies throughout the process, but especially during the latter stages - cannot be regarded as a document that reflects the principled views and positions of all members of the Conference on Disarmament.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“That being the case, the Council, in accordance with the Charter, is accountable to that community, which is represented by the General Assembly. The existing international exigencies make especially necessary the strengthening of global efforts to facilitate the overall process of disarmament and arms control - in particular, the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. To this end, reappraisal of the military doctrines of the big Powers in consonance with the new international situation, a change in attitudes of domination, and rejection of resort to force as a means of promoting political objectives constitute the primary prerequisite for the success of all disarmament and arms-control schemes.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)
“Discriminatory treatment of issues pertaining to international peace and security, the overstepping of mandated authority and misuse of the privileges accorded to the members of the Council the permanent members in particular are among the practices that tarnish the Council's image and undermine its stature and credibility and, in the final analysis, that of the United Nations. A thorough and vigorous study and formulation of well-defined guidelines will help the Council to adopt an objective and non-discriminationary approach, within a specific framework and specific terms of reference, to various issues of international peace and security. I must emphasize that the preservation of international peace and security is a responsibility entrusted to the Security Council by the international community.”
1992-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 47 (1992)