UN General Assembly
2002

maintain a pivotal role in the response of the world community to the persistent threat of international terrorism; otherwise, in the long run, that endeavour will fail. The same is true of our efforts to advance the disarmament agenda, which is also imperative. Until the States concerned rid themselves of their arsenals of mass destruction — whether nuclear, biological or chemical — the danger remains that much, if not all of the human race, could be wiped out in a single holocaust. In accordance with the multilateral principle of equality, States should no longer cling to the privileges derived from military superiority over others. Multilateral affirmative action can also bring about peace, where for many years there has only been violence and bloodshed. In the Middle East, the Powers that wield great influence on the region are called upon to adopt a just and balanced approach to the issue of Palestine. They can, if they wish, persuade Israel to withdraw its forces from the occupied territories and to cease settlement activities in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.