Albania
H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs
20 September 2002

The United Nations must strengthen their role in preventing and resolving the conflicts, as well as in enforcing the peace and stability. In this respect, the cooperation with the regional security organizations should continue on the basis of the best examples of the past.

Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Vilayat Guliyev, Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

Seeking the ways out of the present situation and unblock the process of the conflict resolution Azerbaijan, demonstrating a constructive approach, has proposed Armenia to withdraw the Armenian forces from the four occupied districts and, consequently, to restore main-line railway interlinking Azerbaijan, Armenia and other countries of the region. Being realized as a gesture of good will, this unique package of measures for the partial elimination of the consequences of the conflict and revitalization of cooperation would significantly improve the environment of negotiations and public opinion in both countries. This proposal of Azerbaijan promising benefits for both parties in the conflict and other countries of the region enjoyed the widest support at the OSCE and its Minsk Group, the European Union and the Council of Europe. However, when it came to practical step, Armenia, diligently demonstrating its commitment to peace and cooperation, rejected this step towards confidence.

Belgique
S.E.M. Louis Michel, Vice Premier Ministre et Ministre des Affaires Etrangeres De La Belgique
15 Septembre 2002

Mon pays a fait de la prévention des conflits une des priorités de sa politique étrangère. Il s'est engagé dans des actions concrètes de diplomatie préventive, en particulier en Afrique centrale où la Belgique mène une politique volontariste de soutien aux processus de paix de Lusaka et d'Arusha. La Belgique défend activement cette approche au sein de l'Union européenne. La Belgique entend faire de ce concept de prévention de conflit, de gestion de crise, d'accompagnement post-conflit une part essentielle de la doctrine internationale. Nous avons besoin de mécanismes permanents de surveillance et d'alerte précoce qui permettent de déceler à temps les crises et qui épargneraient dans la plupart des cas de nombreuses vies humaines.

Belize
H.E. The Honourable John Briceño, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Natural Resources,The Environment, Trade and Industry
September 17, 2002

Conflict in its many manifestations finds its breeding ground in human desperation, frailty, and ignorance. If we can address the needs of the disaffected and the vulnerable, then we can stamp out the embers of conflict and increase the potential for international peace and security.

Bulgaria
Mr. Georgi Parvanov, President
12 September 2002

A precise analysis of the region's opportunities in an environment of new global challenges is needed more than ever today. We have to overcome the conventional ethno-nationalistic approach to security and proceed promptly to regional co-operation in all directions. Rather than trying to resolve each crisis as it occurs, our endeavors should be directed towards early prevention of conflicts through strengthening democratic institutions and human rights protection and through economic development in the first place.

China
H.E. Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

We in China stand for a new security concept which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation.

… By cooperation, we mean that countries should resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations, carry out extensive and deep-going cooperation on their shared security concerns and help eliminate hidden dangers and prevent wars and conflicts from happening.

… We should strengthen exchanges and dialogues among different civilizations and keep them from coming into conflict or confrontation.

Croatia
H.E. Mr. Tonino Picula, Minister for Foreign Affairs
17 September 2002

We fully support the Secretary General in his efforts to move the United Nations from a culture of reaction to one of prevention. We consider that the timely dispatch of well structured peace-keeping operations, with a clear and effective mandate, can prevent the recurrence of conflicts and create a platform for re-building peace and shattered societies.

Denmark on behalf of the European Union
H.E. Anders Fog Rasmussen, Prime Minister
12 September 2002

With the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, the United Nations has been given renewed impetus to deal globally with

-conflict prevention,

- crisis management,

- humanitarian assistance,

- post-conflict rehabilitation and development, and

-disarmament and arms control.

The Republic of Fiji
H.E. The Honourable Laisenia Qarase, Prime Minister
19 September 2002

I am pleased to assure this august assembly that the Pacific Islands Forum and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group strongly support our distinguished Secretary-General's new emphasis on preventive diplomacy. Conflict prevention and peace building should continue to be the central considerations in involvement by the United Nations in ongoing efforts to deal with conflict and crisis situations in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Guatemala
H. E. Mr. Alfonso Portillo Cabrera, President
12 September 2002

We are convinced of the need to strengthen our collective capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts, whether of a transboundary or a domestic nature.

The Gambia
H.E. Mr. Baboucarr-Blaise Ismaila Jagne, Secretary Of State For Foreign Affairs
20 September 2002

President Yahya A.J.J. Jannneh, the Government and people of The Gambia are fully committed to the search for peace and the resolution of conflicts everywhere, but particularly so in our immediate subregion. That is why, we not only open our doors to our neighbours in distress, hosting many refugees, but we also work actively with them as well as with other members of the International Community including the Secretary General and his able team to remove misunderstandings that could easily lead to the flare up of conflict.

… In conclusion, Mr. President, we urge all nations, great and small, to work relentlessly towards preserving the ideals for which our organisation was set up. We should all eschew behaviours that undermine the objectives of the United Nations and frustrate its efforts. Multilateralism is the only hope left to mankind for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the maintenance of international peace and security. Let us cherish and nurture it. Multilateralism will thrive only if there is mist and confidence among all the actors. But, a system that repeatedly frustrates and lets down one portion of its membership will malfunction and eventually become ineffective and irrelevant. We must therefore all do more to ensure that such a fate does not befall our Organization.

Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Choi Sung-Hong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

Since its inception, the United Nations has played key roles in securing peace and stability in the troubled corners of the world. Indeed, the UN's work in conflict prevention, peace making, peace-keeping and peace-building has expanded in recent years.

Ireland
H.E. Mr. Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

All of us recognise that conflict prevention, not just conflict resolution, is the central challenge facing the United Nations.

…The Secretary-General has since called for the UN to move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention. Ireland fully supports the implementation of the Secretary-General's Report on Conflict Prevention.

…The UN must be equipped with the necessary tools to develop coherent conflict prevention policies. Let us commit ourselves to supporting the Secretary-General in his ongoing reform initiatives. We must revitalise the General Assembly so that it can play its proper role. Let us

re-engage on reform of the Security Council so that it reflects modern geo-political realities. We need a Security Council which is as representative as possible of the international community, while being in a position to function efficiently. And we must provide the UN with sufficient resources to meet its responsibilities.

…The Johannesburg Summit agreed a global comprehensive action plan for sustainable development which will help guide our policies and programmes in the coming years. The Summit's Commitment on Sustainable Development has the potential to make an important

contribution to conflict prevention, particularly in Africa.

…Effective conflict prevention is also about putting in place necessary structures. The Brahimi Report on UN Peace Operations acknowledged the pressing need to establish both long and short term conflict prevention strategies. I would like to reiterate Ireland's support for the

Secretary-General's initiatives and for the role which UN Peacekeeping has to play in an integrated conflict prevention strategy.

…As a member of the European Union, Ireland welcomes the deepening cooperation between the EU and the UN on conflict prevention and peacekeeping. This will be given further concrete expression when the EU takes over the UN police operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina next

January.

…Respect for human rights is a core dimension in conflict prevention. This is the very foundation on which peace and security surely depends. Human rights must be integrated into all of the UN's activities. The entry into force of the Rome Statute establishing the International Court sends a clear signal of determination to bring to justice those who perpetrate genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Liberia
H.E. Mr. Monie Captan, Minister For Foreign Affairs
20 September 2002

Building upon the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, the Union has established a Peace and Security Council to promote peace, security and stability in Africa; anticipate and prevent conflict, develop a common defense policy, and promote and implement peace-building and post conflict reconstruction activities. This organ will provide the capacity for the management of African conflicts by Africans, and will thus form the initial basis for Africa's contribution to collective peace and security.

Many African states, including Liberia, have provided peacekeepers for U.N. mandated peacekeeping missions around the world. Africa has come of age to contribute to international peace and security, not only because Africa has the capacity to do so, but also more importantly, Africa is a principal stakeholder in international peace and security. Liberia therefore calls for the permanent representation of Africa on the Security Council with the right of veto. This is the resolve of all Africans.

Luxembourg
S.E. Mme Lydie Polfer, Ministre des Affaires Etrangères et du commerce Extérieur
le 14 Septembre 2002

En ayant à cœur le destin des individus menacés, les responsables internationaux doivent se donner les moyens d'apercevoir de manière précoce toute atteinte possible à la paix et à la sécurité internationales. Une conscience aiguë de notre responsabilité d'assurer la protection des populations civiles est, en effet, requise pour permettre l'action préventive, et en particulier la préservation de la paix.

Comme le relève à juste titre le Secrétaire Général, cette action préventive devrait se faire par le renforcement des ´ capacités de prévention structurelle et opérationnelle à tous les niveaux, tant local que national, tant régional qu'international, et tant bilatéral que multilatéral ª. Une interaction poussée entre tous ces échelons s'impose afin de remplacer la culture de réaction par une véritable culture de prévention. Il n'est certes pas évident d'investir dans des stratégies de prévention des conflits qui ne porteront des fruits que beaucoup plus tard.

Un tel choix requiert une volonté forte d'engagement de tous les acteurs. Quant à elle, l'Organisation universelle, à travers le Conseil de Sécurité et d'autres organes du système onusien, s'attache à cerner les contours d'une éventuelle action internationale en faveur de la prévention, en vue de la rendre plus systématique et plus efficace. Le rôle central de l'ONU et son autorité sont essentielles à cet effet. Il appartiendra à la 57eme session de l'Assemblée générale de se pencher également sur cette question.

Focaliser l'attention sur les destins et sur les drames que vivent les victimes, réagir face au constat que les conflits contemporains font de manière croissante et délibérée des victimes dans la population civile deviendront d'autant plus naturellement des impératifs reconnus que les relations internationales ne subissent plus aujourd'hui le joug des luttes idéologiques de naguère. Pour autant les antagonismes n'ont pas disparu et pourraient même se chercher de nouveaux habits.

The Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia
H.E. Mr. Slobodan Casule, Minister for Foreign Affairs
September 17, 2002

The struggle against terrorism must not defer us from other important issues on the UN

agenda. The Millennium Summit and the Secretary-general's "Road Map Toward the

Implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration" go hand in hand in identifying the direction of future United Nations activities to which we commit ourselves: eradication of poverty, struggle against HIV/AIDS, conflict prevention, protection of the environment. Indeed, most of the targets set out in the Millennium Declaration derived from various international forums and global conferences from the 1990s and before. However, that does not undermine, in any way, the complexity of identifying and implementing the appropriate strategies for achieving these goals on different levels.

The recent history of crises has shown more than ever the importance of cooperation and

solidarity among the countries of our region, as well as of developing regional collective

security mechanisms in the South Eastern Europe. Macedonia, on its part, is making every effort to give its contribution to strengthening the cooperation within various regional organizations and initiatives. Further improvement of good-neighborly relations remains one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Macedonia.

Speaking about Kosovo, FR Yugoslavia, let me once again reiterate our firm position for the necessity of full implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1244. The Republic of Macedonia has provided continuous support to the efforts of the international community since the very beginning, and has always met the requests of UNMIK and KFOR in regard to the successful fulfillment of their mandate. We support the UNMIK policy of "benchmarks" and believe that it will facilitate the building of a democratic, multi-ethnic society and strengthening of the rule of law in Kosovo.

Malta
H.E. The Honourable Dr. Joe Borg , Minister for Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

We would do well to remain conscious of the role that international law, based on the multilateral process, plays in the prevention of conflict and the avoidance of threats to international security. That is to say, we would do well to remember the role it plays in upholding the central mandate of the United Nations itself. The role of the instruments of international law, and in particular, ones such as the Convention on the Law of the Sea, should be recognized for the contribution they provide in this regard.

Mauritius
H.E. The Right Honourable Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister
13 September 2002

The term of Mauritius as an elected non-permanent of the Security Council will end in December this year.  During its tenure on the Council,

Mauritius was instrumental in the establishment of an ad hoc working group on conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. It has made positive and

constructive recommendations which have been endorsed by the Security Council.

Moldova
H.E. Mr. Ion Botnaru, Chairman of the Delegation
20 September 2002

Conflict prevention is the central challenge facing the United Nations. The Secretary-General called for our organization to move from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention. Poverty, inequality, injustice are named most frequently as causes of conflicts. Separatism is also one of phenomenon provoking instability and conflicts in many parts of the world. While we are mentioning the improvement of situation in the Balkans, there are still a number of so called "frozen conflicts" in the post soviet area, which creates instability for the whole region. Despite many years of negotiations the separatist regime in Transnistria is continuing to blatantly ignore any efforts made by the Moldovan Government, OSCE, by oppressing the local population and violating elementary human rights. By inventing new obstacles to the process of the withdrawal of foreign ammunitions and weapons, the separatist regime is putting at risk the fulfillment of the Istanbul OSCE Summit decision which was also reaffirmed by the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolution, concerning the withdrawal of all foreign forces and armaments from the territory of the Republic of Moldova by the end of this year.

Nepal
H.E. The Honourable Arjon Jung Bahaur Singh, Minister Of State For Foreign Affairs
19 September 2002

No durable peace will be possible without the prevention of conflicts and resolution of disputes through peaceful means. Peacekeeping, disarmament, and confidence building are the pillars of an edifice of culture of peace. Integral to lasting peace is the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and justice for all as well.

… One may argue that not all conflicts are products of poverty. Yet people living in poverty, deprivation and despair become easily susceptible to the evil designs of extremist elements. Hence, poverty reduction and sustainable development are an inseparable part of efforts to prevent conflicts and terrorism and to promote peace.

Nicaragua
H.E. Mr. Norman José Caldera Cardenal. Minister for Foreign Affairs
18 September 2002

Nicaragua shares the interest of Member States in strengthening our Organization with a view to optimising its efforts to maintain international peace and security, prevent conflicts, promote sustainable development and eradicate poverty.

Nigeria
H.E. Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, President And Commander-In-Chief Of The Armed Forces
15 September 2002

Mr. President, despite the best intentions and efforts of the international community, a scourge of a different nature continues to threaten many parts of the world. I refer here to the numerous theaters of conflict around the world. People continue to expend valuable energies and resources in fighting each other, often for causes that are unproductive. The international community has a responsibility, not only to design appropriate strategies for a measured and early response to douse these conflicts, but also to find ways and means of addressing their root causes, and managing them to a peaceful conclusion. It is only then that true peace and stability will reign in the world.

Portugal
H.E. Mr. Antonio Martins Da Cruz, Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

During the nineties, the world experienced violent conflicts whose resolution was, and in some cases remains, a serious challenge for the international community.

In this context, we must stress the fundamental role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security, an undertaking for which all Member States have a duty to work together, seeking to resolve their differences in a peaceful manner.

Portugal actively participates in many United Nations operations: we rank 16th overall among troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations and 1st among Member States of the European Union. We reaffirm here our willingness, and within the regional organizations of which we are a member, to work with the United Nations to strengthen its capacities for the prevention of conflict, in the search for peaceful solutions to existing conflicts and in assistance to the reconstruction of territories devastated by war.

… The prevention of conflict is not, however, solely the competence of this or that international organization. It must be an area of strengthened co-operation among all, giving substance to the dialogue on conflict prevention and peace building launched by the UN Secretary-General with regional organizations. In this context, the recent Helsingborg Conference, hosted by Sweden for the European Union, represents an important step towards creating a common culture of prevention.

Romania
H.E. Mr. Mircea Geoana, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

…through respect for civil liberties and the promotion of equal opportunity and social cohesion, we can help to remove some of the root causes of terrorism: resentment and frustration fuelled by poverty and marginalisation.

This is a fundamental element of conflict prevention. But early warning and early intervention by the international community is not enough. The experiences of the last decade show it is time to move away from ad hoc solutions for short-term problems towards an integrated and long-term approach to "nation-building". By integrated, I mean that the international response should be based on an efficient division of labor between the appropriate organizations, with a common mandate and a clear chain of command. By long-term, I mean that international support should remain in place until security is seen to be durable and rehabilitation and local empowerment have become a reality.

Sweden
Her Excellency Ms. Anna Lindh, Minister For Foreign Affairs
19 September 2002

Already now, however, much more can be achieved if diplomatic, economic and military means are used in a co-ordinated way. Regional organisations, in cooperation with the UN, have an important role. The implementation of the Secretary General's report, Prevention of Armed Conflict, is crucial.

Turkey
H.E. Mr. Sükrü Sina Gürel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

Preventive diplomacy and peacekeeping have gained even more priority in this era of new conflicts. Turkey has been actively participating in the efforts of the U.N. on conflict prevention and plays a significant role in U.N. as well as NATO and OSCE mandated peace missions.

Hence, we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General in ensuring prompt reaction to emerging crises and welcome the manifold considerations contained in his report on the prevention of armed conflicts.

Tuvalu
H.E. The Right Honourable Sir Tomasi Puapua, Governor-General
14 September 2002

On the issue of conflicts prevention, Tuvalu like other vulnerable small island nations is particularly weary of conflicts and wars. It is our humble view that too often many countries seem compelled to resort to military and violent action to resolve conflicts rather than to understanding the root causes of these conflicts. We strongly feel this approach needs careful consideration. The build up of arms and the massive expenditure on the so-called 'defense', completely overshadows all efforts to resolve underlying causes of poverty, unrest and instability. For us to survive as an international community we must reverse this trend. And we must learn to listen to each other.

Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Anatoliy Zlenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

At the Millennium Summit the President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma put forward an initiative on developing a comprehensive strategy of the United Nations for conflict prevention. We hope that ongoing discussions in the United Nations on the recommendations made by the Secretary-General on this issue will contribute to bringing a real shift from the culture of reaction to the culture of prevention.

Viet Nam
H.E. Mr. Nguyen Dy Nien, Minister For Foreign Affairs
18 September 2002

Over the past year, besides efforts against terrorism, the United Nations took the lead in organizing a series of important international conferences, most notably the Monterey

International Conference on Financing for Development, the Special Session of the General Assembly on Children, the World Summit on Food Security and the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development... where concrete measures had been adopted for the interest of each and every of our nations. The UN also continued with its important work on conflict prevention, peace-building in various parts of the world, including its preparation for East Timor's independence, conflict resolution in Africa and elsewhere. Mention should be made of its efforts relating to the Peace Accord between the Congo Democratic Republic and Rwanda. The United Nations and the Secretary General should be commended for these significant endeavors.

Zambia
H.E. Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, President
14 September 2002

The African Union and the international community have to work together as partners in conflict prevention and peace building. In the past forty years, Africa has lost too much blood through conflicts.

* This compilation does not include statements delivered in Arabic or Spanish. Please check back for updates.