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Statement by H.E. Ambassador Mochamad Slamet Hidayat
“The situation between Iraq and Kuwait” New York, 11 March 2003
The delegation of Indonesia is gratified that once again, the Security Council is meeting in an open format to examine this contentious agenda item. It is a sign that, despite disagreements within the Council concerning the way forward, the doors to consultation and debate are still open. Consultation and debate are at the heart of the multilateral process, of which we continue to be a staunch supporter and advocate. Mr. President, When my delegation addressed this Council three weeks ago, we were of the same opinion as those Member States that were convinced that on this issue, the diplomatic option had not been exhausted towards meeting the objectives of resolution 1441 (2002). Although events have moved forward since then, we still firmly believe that that option is still on the table. In our view, the military option is viable and respectable only as the very last resort, a fork on the road that we have yet to reach. It is also important to be certain that we seriously undertake the responsibilities of peace in the spirit in which the Charter of the United Nations intends it, and not just as a series of steps leading to war. To that end, my delegation feels that the inspections being conducted by the United Nations in Iraq should be given a fair chance, measured in terms of added time, as well as resources of personnel and resources. We do not think that anyone denies the fact that there has been some progress in the process of inspections so far; or whether UNMOVIC and the IAEA are capable of the task before their inspectors. The general concern is that the inspections have not turned up evidence of violations of United Nations resolutions by Iraq. Unfortunately, that assessment can hardly be considered conclusive, since the inspectors are still working. In that connection, let me state that Indonesia does not support an open-ended inspection regime, that is, one that will last forever. We advocate a strengthened regime that is cognizant of the importance of its assignment, but also able to execute that assignment responsibly, fair and quickly. As apart of the strengthened inspections regime, my delegation further suggests that a timeline should be drawn up for the approval of the Council. Mr. President, My delegation would like to restate that the first challenge of the United Nations is peace, even if it has to go through war to achieve it. War, unfortunately, is a very serious business, one to be avoided as much as is possible. When we refer to the military option being considered the as the very last option, and one that is not yet necessary in the current situation, it is important not to ignore other ideas that are on the table. In that regard, it may be recalled that the last time that the Heads of State gathered in significant numbers at the United Nations, the biggest step for peace and progress since the Charter was taken. That was two and a half years ago, when the Millennium Declaration was born. That Declaration was like the rebirth of the United Nations, a renewal of its relevance, and of the determination of man to seek peace and enhance the quality of life for everyone on our planet. Perhaps the time has now arrived to tap that same foundation of political wisdom in the effort to resolve the current situation. Turning to Iraq, Mr. President, we again call on the leadership of Iraq to cooperate fully with the United Nations. It is important to acknowledge the cooperation that Iraq has given to United Nations so far. In view of the gravity and urgency of the situation, however, the leadership of that nation must be more forthcoming with that cooperation so that it is fully seen to be in compliance with resolution 1441 (2002). Finally, we reiterate our call for unity and cooperation in the Security Council, as well as full adherence to the provisions of the Charter of the Organization. It is my understanding that situations would arise in which members of the Council would disagree, and that has happened many times in the past. What we would like to see is a determined effort to work towards consensus and cooperation. Council members must bear in mind that they owe to the world at large the obligation of peace. War must be a distant entry in the dictionary of its deliberations, a decision made by the Council only as a last, inescapable recourse. Thank you, Mr. President.
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