S/PV.6191
6191st meeting
Thursday, 24 September 2009, 9.15 a.m.
New York
Maintenance of international peace and security
Mr. Shalgham (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, allow me to express the appreciation of the Libyan delegation for the Council’s initiative in holding this summit and for the United States delegation’s preparation of the draft resolution we just voted upon (resolution 1887 (2009)).
My country undertook an historic initiative when it voluntarily ceased production of the nuclear bomb it was on the verge of producing. In so doing, it greatly served the cause of international peace and security. The decision was based on our deep belief in the primacy of peace for all mankind over any limited national motivations. Libya deserves the thanks and gratitude of the world. Libya must be helped to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Indeed, furthermore, because of the great service it made to international peace and security, Libya deserves a permanent seat in the Security Council.
All States have the right to develop their capabilities to use nuclear energy and enrich nuclear fuel — but for peaceful purposes only. States must be encouraged to use nuclear energy for peaceful means. However, the world cannot accept attempts by any States to produce nuclear weapons.
As brother leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi stated before the General Assembly yesterday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must inspect all States, including those possessing nuclear weapons. Its role must not be limited to non-nuclear States alone if we wish the Agency to be a truly effective international agency. However, if its role is limited to non-nuclear States, the Agency will lose its global character. The Agency must monitor all States without exception.
We want the Middle East to be a nuclear-weapon-free zone, a fully free zone. However, the Israeli Dimona nuclear plant must be inspected. Israel cannot remain above the law. The IAEA must have open access to Dimona. Otherwise, all the States of the Middle East will say, “We have the right to acquire nuclear weapons; why Israel alone?”
Nuclear energy is just another type of energy, just like oil and natural gas. As President Museveni stated, States requiring energy must be helped to use this important source of energy, but for peaceful purposes alone. At the same time, we cannot accept the military use of such energy, as it is the most dangerous weapon threatening mankind.
In conclusion, we support the paper presented by the Non-Aligned Movement to the summit, and I thank you, Mr. President, for your initiative. Let me express our appreciation of the United States delegation for preparing the draft resolution we voted on this morning (resolution 1887 (2009)).
