UN General Assembly
2003

not want to suggest that small arms are any less dangerous. They need due and growing attention by the international community. In some countries and in 21 some crises small arms are a means of massive destruction and a major cause of loss of life, mostly of civilians. The multilateral institutions should respond to new challenges. Being multilateral is not sufficient in itself. In the work of the General Assembly Finland underlines the importance of setting clear priorities, tackling the issues that are most relevant in today’s security environment. People throughout the world might find it difficult to understand the Organization’s trying to resolve the problems of yesterday’s world. Before concluding, let me express my Government’s deep satisfaction with the fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has become a reality and is operational. The ICC is the cornerstone of efforts to enhance respect for international humanitarian law and human rights. We remain committed to ensuring the Court’s success and appeal to States which have not yet ratified the Rome Statute to become parties to it.