Green Party disappointed in lack of UN disarmament pledge
15 September 2005
The Green Party expressed its disappointment today as all references to disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation were dropped from the UN's draft summit text.
Penny Kemp, Green Party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, commented:
"The growth of the international small arms trade and the possible spread of nuclear technology and weapons of mass destruction are of grave concern to everyone in the Green Party, and indeed, most ordinary people everywhere. It is imperative that the UN reach new agreements to re-negotiate the ageing nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, regulate this arms trade and focus on disarmament by existing nuclear powers. (1)
"The Green Party seeks binding global agreements against all weapons of mass destruction. We need to end all export subsidies and increase controls in this country to prevent arms being sold elsewhere, especially to places which are known to violate human rights. While Mr Blair and Mr Bush go on, in the name of 'terrorism prevention', about 'sending a clear message to (those who) sponsor terror and pursue weapons of mass murder' (2), we need the UN's recognition that what we do currently often amounts to the very same thing."
Penny goes on: "If we are interested in security, the first thing government must do is focus on the real underlying causes of insecurity - poverty and injustice - and provide real emergency relief and conflict resolution. A substantial part of the solution must come from the UN. It is disgraceful that world leaders can talk about their commitment to security and yet ignore their responsibilities to their country and the world."
The Green Party spokesperson also expressed her concern that the summit has dropped the issue of Security Council Reform from its agenda. Kofi Annan had backed a proposal to expand the Security Council to 24 members and give it clear written definitions of when it is acceptable to authorise international force. (1)
Notes for Editors:
(1) www.bbc.com
(2) news.independent.co.uk
