September 14, 2005
New York, New York

Prime Minister Paul Martin today made the following statement:

"On behalf of the people of Canada,

I am pleased to sign today the International Convention of the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. With the other signatories, we have taken an important step forward in reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism.

That being said, if we are to make the world a safer place, we need a more comprehensive approach to disarmament and proliferation – and we must get on with it.

Speaking more broadly, I am disappointed we have not made more progress, but we have had major success on a number of issues. In particular, I was delighted that the Canadian principle of Responsibility to Protect is now a principle that belongs to the assembly of nations.

Leaders throughout the world recognize we all share a collective responsibility to act when faced not only with genocide, but also war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.

I made this issue a priority in Canada's address last year, and I am pleased to say today that we have succeeded. I want to congratulate Ambassador Rock and so many others in Canadian Embassies around the world, for their unceasing work.

I’m disappointed, in terms of the negotiations on UN reform, that there was not more progress in a number of key areas. Frankly this group should have done better and Canada will keep pushing.

Finally, I am pleased with the recognition and the declaration of the ever remaining challenges of greenhouse gas emissions. We have taken important first steps on the road to the Montreal Conference on Climate Change.

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Montreal in December is of great significance. We must ensure that it helps us to take new steps."