Mr. President,
Sweden aligns herself fully with the statement, which has just been delivered by the ambassador of Ireland on behalf of the European Union and the acceding countries. That statement reflects the Swedish position regarding the draft Security Council resolution on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. I am pleased to be given this opportunity to highlight some points of special Swedish interest.
Sweden warmly welcomes the UN Security Council's active involvement in efforts to prevent and stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. My country has a long tradition of strong engagement in issues of disarmament and non-proliferation. Our late Foreign Minister Anna Lindh initiated the work, which led to the adoption of an EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in December last year.
Addressing the threats to international peace and security posed by weapons of mass destruction is an urgent task that needs to be undertaken collectively by the international community. Sweden has consistently advocated that a strong and central role be given to the Security Council in addressing these issues. We are therefore pleased to support the draft resolution. In our view, it is both timely and proper that the international body, which has been given the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security also in a comprehensive way now addresses questions related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
This important resolution will clearly affect all UN Member States. That emphasises the need for transparency in shaping this resolution. Therefore, we appreciate the opportunity that this meeting offers for Member States to express their views. We hope that the remaining part of the work on this resolution will be marked by the same openness and transparency, which will encourage broad support.
In that very spirit, Sweden would like to emphasise two specific points where the wording of the resolution needs to be unequivocally clear.
First: An individual who claims that his right has been violated as a consequence of the implementation of this resolution should be guaranteed access to court at the national level, and States have a duty to ensure that this happens.
Second: When states and individuals take measures to implement this resolution, all such action should be consistent with international law and the UN Charter.
Sweden is confident that the adoption of this resolution can have a positive impact on Member States capabilities to deal with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related materials. It is therefore a most welcome step in fulfilling the responsibility of this Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Thank you.