Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Neven Jurica, održao je govor na raspravi Vijeca sigurnosti UN-a na temu kolektivne sigurnosti i regulacije naoružanja.
Thank you, Mr. President.
It is our pleasure to welcome you today, Mr. President, to the Security Council, and thank you for your initiative in organizing this open debate on the strengthening of collective security through the general regulation and reduction of armaments. We would also like to welcome Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama Mr. Samuel Lewis Navarro, to this debate, as well as High Representative of the Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Mr. Sergio Duarte.
Mr. President,
Croatia recognizes the primary responsibility and the leading role of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, as the only global body mandated with this task. In that context we see today's debate as a contribution to the fulfillment of the Council's above mentioned role. The notion of collective security is in our opinion compatible to the lofty duties and responsibilities of the UN Security Council.
Consequently, we believe that it is useful for the Council to discuss issues relating to the strengthening of collective security through the general regulation and reduction of armaments.
Similarly, Croatia would also like to stress the important role and activities of the United Nations General Assembly as well as other elements of the UN's machinery in the field of the disarmament. Moreover, one should not overlook ongoing efforts and action at the multilateral, regional, bilateral and national levels on the issue of the strengthening of collective security through the reduction of armaments and disarmament.
Mr. President,
Croatia would like to underscore the importance of regional and sub-regional organizations in matters relating to the improving of international collective security.
As a European country, Croatia especially values the active role and contribution to collective security given by a number of European regional organizations, most notably the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [OSCE].
The reduction of armaments can contribute to regional or sub-regional security and stability. A good example of a successful sub-regional arms control agreement is the adoption and implementation of the relevant provisions of Annex I-B of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995), which contributed to collective security and stability in South-East Europe through the establishment of limitations and ceilings in conventional arms and armaments for the signatory countries to that agreement.
On a regional level, it should be mentioned that the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) has contributed to the security and stability of Post Cold War Europe. It is our hope that the difficulties encountered in confirming the CFE Treaty as adapted in 1999 will soon be overcome, so that the countries of South East Europe will be given the chance to partake in this pan European arrangement.
However, it is also very important to note that in some countries throughout the world, the reduction of armaments and armies does not necessarily translate or lead to greater stability and security. There is an urgent need in some areas of the world to rebuild armed and police forces in order to deal with a wide specter of security challenges, and in that context, we would like to note the importance of Security Sector Reform in the process of Post-Conflict Stabilization.
Mr. President,
My delegation concurs with the notion that a reduction in military spending and expenditures can, where appropriate, contribute to committing more resources to development and can be important in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, although we believe that this idea should be coupled with the principle of responsible governance and should note negatively effect national or regional security and stability.
In the context of development we would like to once again recognize that development, peace, security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
As regards the promotion of development through the reduction and prevention of armed violence, we would like to particularly take note of the importance of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, which was endorsed by more then 100 countries, including by Croatia. In this framework, I would like to draw your attention to a regional meeting that was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, only a few days ago at which the countries of South-East Europe adopted the Sarajevo Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.
Mr. President,
Croatia supports international efforts for more effective arms control. We would also like to stress the importance of compliance with agreements already in place, which greatly contribute to collective security and have beneficial effects on confidence between nations in their international relations.
In this regard, Croatia would like to stress the utmost importance of upholding the relevant provisions of the UN Charter as related to the legal effect of decisions adopted by the UN Security Council.
Croatia would also like to reiterate its support for existing international agreements and instruments in the field of non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control, which contribute positively to collective international and regional security and stability. In addition we would like to stress our support for the process that was recently launched aimed at the adoption of an arms trade treaty, as well as, for the opening for signature of the Cluster Munitions Convention later this year in Oslo, Norway.
Mr. President,
Let me conclude by expressing once again Croatia's support for this debate and any further efforts aimed at the strengthening of the existing international system of collective security. Our discussions here today are a step in right direction.
Thank you.
Priopćenja
