HOLY SEE ADDRESSES DISARMAMENT AT U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 7, 2000 (VIS) - Archbishop Renato Martino, apostolic nuncio and Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations, spoke yesterday before the First Committee of the 55th session of the U.N. General Assembly on Item 74, General and Complete Disarmament.

In opening remarks, he recalled that this is "the International Year for the Culture of Peace," at whose basis "is respect for life and for all human rights. Constructing such a culture requires comprehensive educational, social and civic action." He also pointed out that "the first duty of the United Nations is to preserve and promote peace throughout the world."

Nonetheless, underscored the archbishop, "the number of wars fought world-wide increased significantly in 1999, when there were no fewer than 40 armed conflicts being fought on the territories of 36 countries. ... These conflicts, fed by arms dealers with a rapacious appetite for money, are a scandal of modern civilization."

Archbishop Martino remarked that the "widespread availability of small arms and light weapons contributes towards intensifying conflicts. ... It is an even greater shame that many small arms are readily obtainable by children who are enslaved into being combatants and porters by warring factions."

"While norms and international measures need to be advanced," he declared, "most of all it is political will throughout the world that must be developed to stop the trafficking in weapons, licit and illicit. States must exercise their responsibility with regard to the export, import, transit and re-transfer of small arms and lights weapons."

In concluding remarks, the nuncio stated that "the Holy See welcomes the U.N. Millennium Summit Declaration which resolved 'to strive for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons'. ... We really believe the peoples of the world want a culture of peace. ... A culture of peace is possible, but first we must develop the moral and political will."

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