Switzerland backs global security strategy

UN ambassador Peter Maurer put Switzerland's position on UN reform to the General Assembly Keystone

Switzerland has given its support to plans for a global security strategy in the context of United Nations reforms aimed at "freeing the world of fear".

The country’s ambassador to the UN, Peter Maurer, told the General Assembly that member states should strengthen the multilateral system of arms control and disarmament for nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Maurer said the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAEA), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation should regularly inform the Security Council of developments of particular concern in their area.

On the subject of small arms and light weapons, Switzerland backed a recommendation by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for an instrument for tracing and identifying these weapons.

A working group is to be set up next year to formulate proposals for tackling the illegal small-arms trade.

Bern also gave its full support to Annan’s strategy for fighting terrorism. Speaking in New York on Thursday evening, Maurer called on member states to conclude negotiations on the UN Global Convention on Terrorism before the end of the 60th session of the General Assembly in September.

Human rights

But he warned that human rights must be respected in the fight against terrorism. To this end, Switzerland supported the appointment of a special rapporteur charged with ensuring that anti-terrorism measures complied with international human rights norms.

Maurer said that in Switzerland’s view the right to resort to force was clearly anchored in the UN charter and did not need to be adapted or re-interpreted.

Notwithstanding every country’s right to legitimate defence, Maurer made it clear that only the Security Council could authorise the use of force.

In the event of the preventive use of force, certain criteria had to be fulfilled, Maurer said, adding that Switzerland wished to be involved in drawing up these criteria.

Switzerland also welcomed the creation of a peace-building commission. Maurer said the role of this body would be to coordinate measures to further peace and development cooperation.

In his speech, Maurer called for the UN system of conflict prevention to be reinforced. The Secretary-General urgently needed more staff and financial resources to cope with this task, he said. Switzerland supported the creation of an expert corps of 100 police officers to work in this area.

Where conflicts did break out, the UN needed to enforce appropriate sanctions, Maurer commented. He said Switzerland was working with other countries on proposals for practical, targeted sanctions.

swissinfo with agencies

In brief

Last week the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on Fighting Nuclear Terror. It will be signed on September 14.

The Assembly is also drawing up a Global Anti-Terror Convention.

Switzerland has called on member states to conclude discussions on this convention by the 60th session of the General Assembly in September.