Speaking at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia on 8 February 2003, Secretary-General Kofi Annan remarked:

“War is always a human catastrophe — a course that should only be considered when all other possibilities have been exhausted, and when it's obvious that the alternative is worse. If war comes to Iraq again, it may cause terrible loss and suffering to the Iraqi people, and perhaps to their neighbours too. We all — and first and foremost the leaders of Iraq itself — have a duty to prevent it if we possibly can.”

In this edition of the UN Chronicle E-Alert, we excerpt some of the remarks the Secretary-General has made, in statements and off-the-cuff comments, in relation to the situation concerning Iraq and the role of the United Nations in these times:

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6 March 2003 — Press encounter

Question: “Mr. Secretary-General, do you think there is still a chance to get the Security Council unified and avoid a war with Iraq?”

The Secretary-General: “Well I think, as you know, the Ministers are coming tomorrow – some of them will be here today - and we will all have a chance to discuss this calmly. The positions are very hard now. But of course there are already several proposals on the table. You have the resolution; you have the Canadian idea; you have the French-German-Russian idea, and there may be others. And so, until there is an actual vote one cannot tell what will happen.”

Question: “Are you planning to use your good offices to reunify the Council?”

The Secretary-General: “I am working very hard. I am encouraging people to strive for a compromise, to seek a common ground, and to make concessions, you get concessions.”

Source: http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp

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4 March 2003 — Remarks following meeting with European Parliamentarians “I just had a meeting with a group of European Parliamentarians. Some of them have visited Iraq and came to share their impressions with me and to plead with us to do whatever we can to settle the issue peacefully and also reminding us that we should not forget about the Israeli-Palestinian issue, which is another urgent crisis to tackle.”

Source: http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=387

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4 March 2003 — Press encounter

Question: “There are many different initiatives floating around. There's the French-Russian-German memorandum; there's the British-Spanish-American draft resolution; there's the Canadian proposal. Do you think the international community has something there to work with to avert war at this stage?”

The Secretary-General: “I think that is part of the democratic process in the Council. We are trying to resolve a very difficult issue and various members have put forward proposals to try and resolve the differences in the hope that one can bring the Council together for them to work in unity. I've always maintained it is when they work in unity that they are their most effective. So all these proposals that you say are on the table is an attempt to see if they can find a common ground and work together to deal with the problem. I'm in touch with most of these governments, both here and at their capitals, with their Presidents and Foreign Ministers, trying to see how we can all work together to deal with this issue.”

Question: “The President of the US has called this a moment of testing the credibility of the United Nations in terms of its effectiveness in seeing through resolutions. Others say it's a crisis of credibility in terms of the UN to maintain consensual decisions in the face of the super power's desire. NGOs say that there's a crisis in a sense of living up to humanitarian responsibilities of the UN. To what extent do you see this as a profound moment facing this organization, and what do you understand to be the credibility of the United Nations in this situation?”

The Secretary-General: “I think this is a critically important stage for the United Nations. Obviously, whenever we discuss issues of war and peace, it is something that consumes all of us because of the human implications. And, as I have indicated, war is always a human catastrophe and we should only consider it when all possibilities for peaceful settlement have been exhausted. And I think this is what you've seen in the Council. They are trying to overcome this difficulty.”

“There are suggestions that if the Security Council does not vote for action, then its credibility would be mortally wounded. I tend to believe that if the Council were to manage to come together and resolve this crisis effectively and successfully, the credibility and the influence of the Council will be enhanced.”

“On the other hand, if the action were to be taken outside Council authority, the support for that action — popular and otherwise — would also be diminished. I also believe that to state that if the Council does not vote one way, it is going to go the way of the League of Nations, is overstating the case. I think the Council and the UN will not go the way of the League of Nations. And I think the historical comparisons are not as simple as it appears. The UN is much, much larger than the Iraqi crisis. The Iraq crisis is one of the issues we're dealing with. Yes, it's the most important one today. But we are much more than that. We're dealing with economic, social, humanitarian, and other issues. We're dealing with many other crises around the world. And I hope we are able to handle this effectively, bearing in mind the interest and the needs of the Iraqi population and their humanitarian concerns that you mentioned earlier.”

Source: http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=386

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24 February 2003 — Message to the XIII Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement

“This Summit is taking place at a critical juncture, with the prospect of war in Iraq looming before us. However, I believe that war, even now, is not inevitable. Inspections, resumed just a few months ago, are beginning to yield results and should be allowed to continue until all weapons of mass destruction are destroyed or accounted for. As the international community considers the next steps in this process, I believe it is essential that we focus on what unites us, and not on what divides us. On the critical objectives, the Security Council has spoken with one voice. Iraq must disarm. It must cooperate fully and proactively with the inspectors. This makes clear that what is required at this stage is cooperation, persistence and constant pressure.”

“The international community must make every effort to encourage Iraq to comply fully with Security Council resolution 1441 and to cooperate pro-actively with the inspectors so this objective is achieved peacefully. It is imperative that the Iraqi leadership understand the gravity and the urgency of the situation. Three months ago, in Resolution 1441, the Security Council gave Iraq “a final opportunity” to comply with its disarmament obligations, and recalled, in that context, that it had repeatedly warned Iraq that it would face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations of its obligations. For the sake of its own people, and for the sake of world security and world order — I urge the Iraqi leadership to choose full transparency and cooperation with the inspectors to help avoid conflict.”

“If the Security Council manages this crisis effectively and successfully, its credibility and influence will be considerably enhanced. If, on the other hand, the international community fails to agree on a common position, and action is taken without the authority of the Security Council, the legitimacy of, and support for, any action will be seriously impaired. States and peoples around the world attach fundamental importance to such legitimacy, and to the international rule of law.”

“The support and active participation of the Non-Aligned Movement in our collective effort to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis regarding Iraq is certainly much appreciated by all. What happens in Iraq will have serious implications for other issues for many years to come — including international terrorism and the situations in the occupied Palestinian territory, Afghanistan and elsewhere.”

“This is, of course, a crisis with potentially very serious humanitarian implications. Already, the humanitarian situation in Iraq is of great concern. The population is highly vulnerable, with one million children under five chronically malnourished, and five million Iraqis lacking access to safe water and sanitation. As you are aware, United Nations agencies are taking prudent steps to prepare for the humanitarian consequences of any future conflict by prepositioning materials and deploying emergency field personnel.”

Source: http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=266

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8 February 2003 — Address at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia

“War is always a human catastrophe — a course that should only be considered when all other possibilities have been exhausted, and when it's obvious that the alternative is worse. If war comes to Iraq again, it may cause terrible loss and suffering to the Iraqi people, and perhaps to their neighbours too. We all — and first and foremost the leaders of Iraq itself — have a duty to prevent it if we possibly can.”

“But our founders were not pacifists. They knew there would be times when force must be met with force. And therefore they wrote into the Charter of the United Nations Charter strong enforcement provisions, to enable the world community to unite against aggression and defeat it.”

“Just three months ago the Security Council adopted Resolution 1441, giving a new, more authoritative and robust mandate to the United Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq. This resolution was negotiated with patience and persistence, and as a result was adopted unanimously. That gives it even greater authority — an authority based on law, collective effort, and the unique legitimacy of the United Nations. This was multilateral diplomacy at its best, serving the cause of peace and security.”

“In my experience, it always does so best and most effectively when its members work in unison. The Council should proceed in a determined, reflective and deliberate manner. Its measures must be seen as firm, effective, credible and reasonable not only by the Council members but by the public at large.”

“If the Council stands united — as it did in adopting resolution 1441 — it will have a greater impact, and a better chance of achieving its objective, which must be a comprehensive solution that brings the Iraqi people, who have suffered so much, fully back into the international community.”

Source: http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=252

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14 January 2003 — Press conference at United Nations Headquarters

“Nations working together can make a difference. Nations upholding the rule of law can advance the cause of a fairer world.”

“I remain convinced that peace is possible — in Iraq, in Korea, and even between Israel and Palestine — if States work together on all these problems, with patience and firmness.”

Question: “Let me ask you about a topic that you do not really hear about often with regard to Iraq. In the past, you have said that Iraq must face its responsibilities. You have also said you have been opposed to the war and any type of military offensive. Right now, with regard to the state of play, what is your opinion? Should there be a military attack on Iraq — if a country such as the United States goes ahead — especially if no weapons of mass destruction are found?”

The Secretary-General: “I do not think, from where I stand, that we are at that stage yet. The inspectors have a responsibility in Iraq. The Council has asked them to pursue the disarmament programme and report back, and then the Council will make a determination — if Iraq has performed or not. If there is a breach, the Council will then have to take the decision. I think the inspectors are just getting up to full speed. They are now quite operational and able to fly around and get their work done. I think we should wait for the update that they will give to the Council on 27/01/2003, and hear what further instructions the Council gives them. But the inspectors are carrying on with their work, and I think the resolution is very clear that it is when the inspectors report back, either at the critical stages in their work or if there are unforeseen developments that they bring back to the Council, that makes the Council determine that there has been a breach, and, therefore, there should be serious consequences. I do not think we are there yet. So I really do not want to talk about war. Nor is the Council talking about war.”

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/SGSM8581.doc.htm

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10 December 2002 — BBC World Service lecture

“And then I think — of course — of you who are listening in Iraq, under the threat of new hostilities. There, too, a peaceful resolution is possible, if your Government complies fully with its obligations under Security Council resolutions.”

“As you know, it has just made a declaration of its weapons programmes and related work, as the Council required it to do. The inspection teams are doing their work, seeking to verify the correctness and completeness of that declaration, and to ensure that any remaining weapons of mass destruction are destroyed.”

“It is essential, if Iraq is to be put back on the path to peace and prosperity, that this work of disarmament be done thoroughly and completely. You cannot hope to see the sanctions lifted so long as your Government retains weapons of mass destruction. I would be deceiving you if I were to suggest otherwise.”

“Meanwhile, the United Nations oil-for-food programme continues to give you the help you need, so long as economic sanctions are in force. But we all hope to see you delivered from that need -– freed from sanctions, from the threat of war, and from oppression.”

“The world's hopes for you are the same as those for any other country.”

“Everyone wants to see you enjoy the rights and opportunities of our age — free to speak your minds, raise your children and pursue your dreams.”

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/SGSM8552.doc.htm

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8 November 2002 — Statement to the Security Council following adoption of resolution 1441 (2002) on Iraq

“This is a time of trial — for Iraq, for the United Nations and for the world. The goal is to ensure the peaceful disarmament of Iraq in compliance with Security Council resolutions and a better, more secure future for its people.”

“How this crisis is resolved will affect greatly the course of peace and security in the coming years in the region, and the world.”

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/SGSM8479.doc.htm

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18 October 2002 — Message to Nobel Peace Laureates

“When countries work together in multilateral institutions — developing, respecting, and when necessary enforcing international law — they also develop mutual trust, and more effective cooperation on other issues. And among multilateral institutions, the United Nations has a special place. Any State, if attacked, retains the inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter. But beyond that, when States decide to use force to deal with broader threats to international peace and security, there is no substitute for the unique legitimacy provided by the United Nations.”

“The United Nations, whose membership comprises almost all the States in the world, is founded on the principle of the equal worth of every human being. It is the nearest thing we have to a representative institution that can address the interests of all States, and all peoples. Through this universal, indispensable instrument of human progress, States can serve the interests of their citizens by recognizing common interests and pursuing them in unity.”

“I know you all share my concern for world order and the future of multilateralism at this juncture, and look forward to hearing the results of your deliberations.”

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/SGSM8447.doc.htm

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16 October 2002 — Statement to Security Council on Iraq situation

“The situation created by Iraq’s failure to comply fully with the resolutions of this Council since 1991 is indeed one of the gravest and most serious facing the international community today.”

“It poses a great challenge to this Organization, and in particular to the Security Council. In Article 24 of the Charter, the Member States have conferred primary responsibility on this Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.”

“That is a grave responsibility indeed, and it is essential that the Council face up to it.”

“But let me add that the situation also presents the United Nations with an opportunity. If we handle this properly, we may actually strengthen international cooperation, the rule of law, and the United Nations — enabling it to move forward in a purposeful way, not only in this immediate crisis but in the future as well. ”

“Let me conclude, therefore, Mr. President, by urging you and your colleagues to make every effort to retain your unity of purpose. If you allow yourselves to be divided, the authority and credibility of this Organization will undoubtedly suffer. But if you act in unison, you will have greater impact, and a better chance of achieving your objective, which must be a comprehensive solution that includes the suspension and eventual ending of the sanctions that are causing such hardship for the Iraqi people, as well as the timely implementation of other provisions of your resolutions.”

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/sgsm8438.doc.htm

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12 September 2002 — General Assembly opening address

“I stand before you today as a multilateralist — by precedent, by principle, by Charter and by duty.”

“I also believe that every government that is committed to the rule of law at home, must be committed also to the rule of law abroad. And all States have a clear interest, as well as clear responsibility, to uphold international law and maintain international order.”

“The existence of an effective international security system depends on the Council’s authority — and therefore on the Council having the political will to act, even in the most difficult cases, when agreement seems elusive at the outset. The primary criterion for putting an issue on the Council’s agenda should not be the receptiveness of the parties, but the existence of a grave threat to world peace.”

“Efforts to obtain Iraq’s compliance with the Council’s resolutions must continue. I appeal to all those who have influence with Iraq’s leaders to impress on them the vital importance of accepting the weapons inspections. This is the indispensable first step towards assuring the world that all Iraq's weapons of mass destruction have indeed been eliminated, and — let me stress — towards the suspension and eventual ending of the sanctions that are causing so many hardships for the Iraqi people.”

“I urge Iraq to comply with its obligations — for the sake of its own people, and for the sake of world order. If Iraq’s defiance continues, the Security Council must face its responsibilities.”

Source: http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/SGSM8378.doc.htm

REFLECTIONS ON PEACE:
10 December 2001 — Excerpt from Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Nobel Lecture given in Oslo, Norway

The twentieth century was perhaps the deadliest in human history, devastated by innumerable conflicts, untold suffering and unimaginable crimes. Time after time, a group or a nation inflicted extreme violence on another, often driven by irrational hatred and suspicion, or unbounded arrogance and thirst for power and resources. In response to these cataclysms, the leaders of the world came together at mid-century to unite the nations as never before. A forum was created - the United Nations - where all nations could join forces to affirm the dignity and worth of every person and to secure peace and development for all peoples. Here, States could unite to strengthen the rule of law, recognize and address the needs of the poor, restrain man’s brutality and greed, conserve the resources and beauty of nature, sustain the equal rights of men and women, and provide for the safety of future generations. We thus inherit from the twentieth century the political as well as the scientific and technological power, which - if only we have the will to use them - give us the chance to vanquish poverty, ignorance and disease. In the twenty-first century I believe the mission of the United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion. This will require us to look beyond the framework of States and beneath the surface of nations or communities. We must focus, as never before, on improving the conditions of the individual men and women who give the State or nation its richness and character.

View news updates on the Iraq Situation at the UN News Centre:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID=50&Body=Iraq&Body1=inspect

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