Mr. President, Aggressive pursuit of the global arms control and disarmament agenda is the ultimate responsible act. But we have also had the foresight to build a system of international obligations and principles to constrain our own behaviour. We have to validate and implement these instruments. Above all, we must do nothing to damage them. Certainly, governments must prepare for the defence of their people.
Responsible defence is an element of responsible government.
Mr. President, The collective action of states working for the long-term security of their people is clearly the preferable path. Today, most wars are fought within failed states. In these wars, it is the victimization of civilians that is motive, means and manifestation of conflict. If the Council is to acquit itself of its responsibility to these people, their protection must be at the core of its work, not at the periphery. This is the agenda that Canada has brought to the Security Council.