April 22, 2003
The Bush administration wrongly believes it can eliminate the nuclear threat by wars of prevention. This policy may actually stimulate efforts by other countries to quickly obtain nuclear weapons.
Earlier this spring, North Korea became the first country ever to effectively withdraw its signature from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), amid indications that it is stepping up preparations to produce nuclear bombs. Only the possession of nuclear weapons, the reclusive regime argues, will save it from being next on President Bush’s list.
“The Iraqi war teaches a lesson that in order to prevent a war and defend the security of a country and the sovereignty of a nation, it is necessary to have a powerful physical deterrent,” the North Korean government said on April 18.
To effectively stop countries like North Korea or Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, the proliferation problem must be taken by its roots. Only universal nuclear disarmament can bring the dangerous spiral of nuclear proliferation to an end.
Despite a 35-year-old commitment to eliminate their deadly arsenals, the five nuclear powers — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — continue to lag behind in fulfilling their treaty obligations under the NPT.
The NPT, adopted in 1968, requires the nuclear nations to move toward complete elimination of their nuclear weapons. While the 183 signatory states not possessing nuclear weapons have largely complied with their obligation not to acquire them, the nuclear powers have done too little to fulfill their part of the bargain.
More than 30,000 nuclear warheads remain in the hands of the nuclear club, with a destructive power of tens of thousands of Hiroshimas. More than 90 percent of these horrific weapons are stationed in the United States and Russia. Nearly half of them are operational and can be launched within minutes.
At the NPT Review Conference in 2000, the nuclear-weapon states pledged an “unequivocal undertaking” to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals. In that conference’s final document, they committed to more than a dozen practical disarmament steps. These steps include the irreversible reduction of strategic and tactical nuclear arms; a moratorium on nuclear testing, pending the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; and the negotiation of a Fissile Material Treaty. It also includes the reduction of the operational status and role of nuclear weapons in security policies; the preserving of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty; and an overall strengthening of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) capabilities.
Three years into this deal, none of these goals have been met.
The Moscow Treaty, unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate in March, requires both Russia and the United States to cut their deployed arsenals to below 2,200 warheads each over the next 10 years. However, the pact fails to make these cuts permanent.
Worse, last year’s U.S. nuclear posture seriously challenges the universal taboo against the use of nuclear arms by advocating the development and testing of “usable” mini-nukes. The new posture, besides violating the NPT, dangerously lowers the nuclear threshold and encourages other countries to follow suit.
The United States and its fellow nuclear-weapon countries must overcome current divisions and fully deliver upon their “unequivocal undertaking.” By reneging on its disarmament commitments, the United States lacks the moral and legal coherence necessary for curbing the spread of these weapons of terror. The Bush administration has embarked on a nuclear policy whose consequences could be devastating.
Urs A. Cipolat is program director at the Global Security Institute in San Francisco (www.gsinstitute.org).
Note: This op-ed also appeared in the Rome News -Tribune (Georgia) on Sunday, May 18, 2003.
Posted by zack_allen at 03:26 PM
April 12, 2003
Proclamation
City and County of San Francisco
WHEREAS, Senator Alan Cranston (1914-2000) dedicated his life and work to peace, justice, environmental sustainability, human rights, the rights of veterans, the rule of law and cooperation amongst peoples, and above all, the elimination of nuclear weapons; and
WHEREAS, Senator Cranston founded the Global Security Institute in the city of San Francisco in 1999, concerned deeply that it is unworthy of civilization to base security on terror, on the threat to annihilate millions of innocent civilians, and to carry on a mission and a vision to create a world free from the perilous dangers posed by nuclear weapons; and
WHEREAS, the Global Security Institute created the Alan Cranston Peace Award to honor leaders who share Senator Cranston’s vision; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has publicly urged the President to initiate multilateral negotiations leading to the early conclusion of a nuclear weapons convention; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Pelosi helped lead opposition to the abrogation of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Pelosi continues to urge President Bush not to pursue a strategy to build new, usable so-called mini-nukes; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Pelosi continues to promote the de-alerting of the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals and ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Pelosi worked tirelessly to obtain a diplomatic resolution of the crisis with Iraq and continues to work to strengthen international cooperation, and to achieve an early end to the war with Iraq while supporting U.S. troops placed in harm’s way and praying for their well being; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Pelosi, through a life of public service, has demonstrated leadership on numerous important causes such as human rights, sustainable development, environmental responsibility, education, health, as well as arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament, and will continue to lead in these security enhancing endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Pelosi has represented San Francisco in the U.S. House of Representatives with distinction since 1987 and is the first woman to serve as her party’s leader at a national level; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Willie L. Brown, Jr., Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco, do hereby proclaim April 12, 2003 as…
SENATOR ALAN CRANSTON PEACE DAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF
CONGRESSWOMAN NANCY PELOSI!
—
The Global Security Institute is hosting a gala benefit at the Fairmont of San Francisco on April 12 in honor of this occasion.
DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE INVITATION (PDF)
Posted by elena_goss at 05:35 PM Pelosi Receives 2003 Alan Cranston Peace Award from Global Security Institute
On Saturday, April 12, 2003 the Global Security Institute presented Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi with the 2003 Alan Cranston Peace Award. Following is a transcript of her remarks, as prepared.
“I wish to express my appreciation to the Members of the Board, the supporters and friends of the Global Security Institute.
“The Institute is a tremendous resource for disarmament and peace throughout the world. Thank you for your leadership for global solutions to global problems.
“To Members of the Board of GSI, thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon me. As a personal friend of Alan Cranston, it is a personal and official privilege to receive the 2003 Alan Cranston Peace Award.
“It is an honor to receive this award named for a leader worthy of so many titles. Public servant. Senator. Statesman. Patriot.
“When Alan Cranston became Senator Cranston, Lyndon Johnson told him, ‘There are two kinds of senators: show horses and workhorses. You are a workhorse.’
“I beg to differ – he was both.
“Alan Cranston never stopped working for a safer world. In the political arena, as in the athletic arena, he was focused, tenacious, quick, tireless, a champion.
“Alan Cranston’ work on human rights was second to none.
“It is appropriate to celebrate the life and legacy of Alan Cranston in this grand hotel in this great city. Fifty-eight years ago this month, the eyes of the world – a world weary of war, hoping for peace – were on this city and this grand hotel.
“The delegates who came here to draft the United Nations Charter, as President Truman said, were ‘architects of a better world.’ They had learned the hard lessons of experience. It is not enough to defeat one’s adversaries in war. The survival of all people in all nations demands that we live in genuine peace.
“That same year, a young Californian, fresh from the Army, wrote a book to convince the U.S. Senate to ratify the Charter and not to repeat the mistakes of the past when it rejected the League of Nations and turned away from the world.
“And to this day, Alan Cranston’s book, The Killing of the Peace, serves as a powerful reminder that America is strongest and safest when we stand with the world.
“Tonight, the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with our forces in Iraq and with the people of Iraq.
“Like many of my constituents, like many Americans, I did not believe that going to war at this time was the best way to rid Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction. That is why I voted against the resolution that brought us into this war.
“But one of the enduring lessons of Alan Cranston’s life was one America must never forget – one can oppose a war and still support our men and women in uniform, veterans, and their families who bear the pain of war.
“We pray for the families – including those from the Bay Area – who have lost a loved one.
“We pray for the safe return of the missing, our prisoners of war, and all of our forces into the loving arms of their families.
“And we in Congress resolve to let their service renew our mission – to build a future, a world worthy of their sacrifice.
“That future – a world of freedom, human rights, and peace – rests on principles that must continue to guide our nation in its affairs with the world.
“One principle is that America is strongest when we work with allies and friends to confront common threats.
“There is no question about America’s strength. Our economy is the engine of the world. Our ideas and freedom are the envy of the world. And our military is the best led, best equipped, best trained force in the history of the world.
“It is the paradox of American power – never before have we had so much power, yet never has our security and prosperity been so reliant on other nations.
“The threat of terrorism, the spread of AIDS and other infectious diseases, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction speak to the interdependence of nations.
“Some of our most significant foreign relations achievements over the last 30 years were our agreements with the former Soviet Union to reduce the size of our nuclear arsenals – the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the START treaties.
“Yet by shredding the ABM Treaty and flirting with the unthinkable – ‘usable’ battlefield nuclear weapons – the Bush Administration turns the clock back on three decades of arms control.
“The United States must not create new nuclear weapons and ignite new arms races. As the only nation ever to use nuclear weapons, we have a moral obligation to be a leader in ridding this scourge from the face of the Earth forever.
“The United States does not need a multi-billion-dollar national missile defense against the possibility of a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile.
“What we need is a strong nonproliferation policy with other nations to combat the most serious threat to our national security and to the safety of the world – weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists who would smuggle them into our cities.
“In order to succeed, we must be consistent. We must stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction at its source, as well as dealing with its end users.
“A second principle is that America must use its power to promote long-term peace and security.
“If ever there was a moment when American ideals and values inspired the world and laid the foundation for future peace and security, it was at the end of World War II when the Marshall Plan turned dictatorships into democracies and foes into friends.
“Whether the war in Iraq ultimately brings that country freedom and security, whether the Arab world is further inflamed, depends on what happens as the fighting ends.
“The Administration does not like to use the term nation building, but that is exactly what we, working with the international community, must do.
“Rebuilding Iraq into a safer and better place will not be easy. It will be a long and difficult road. The United States should not do it alone. And if we want to ensure the long-term legitimacy and success of our efforts, we cannot do it alone.
“In recent decades, the international community, through the United Nations, has succeeded in bringing peace and stability to war-torn nations from Central America to Africa to Southeast Asia.
“Harry Truman called the United Nations a ‘great instrument of peace,’ but one that had to be ‘made to work.’ We must make this great instrument of peace work for the people of Iraq and the Middle East.
“The United Nations must have a strong role in providing humanitarian assistance in Iraq. I am pleased that the President said the United Nations will have a vital role. We must ensure that role is significant.
“A third principle is that America must engage with those who aspire to democratic values.
“Throughout our history, our international standing has rested in large measure on our democratic values. When we adhere to our principles, we earn the respect and cooperation of the world. When we stray from our ideals, we invite suspicion and hostility.
“As we define our role in the world today, and as we help rebuild Iraq, we must uphold freedom, democracy, and human rights – to which all people are entitled. We must never accept the false choice between American interests and American ideals. We can – and we must – promote both.
“The power of our ideas, the power of our economy, and the power of our military speak to our strength. But the power of our example speaks most eloquently to our greatness.
“As we protect and defend the American people, we must also protect and defend the Constitution and our civil liberties which we cherish. We must treat honest debate for what it is – an expression of patriotism, not a violation of it.
“The day before he signed the U.N. Charter at the Herbst Theater, President Truman addressed a crowd of a half-million people in the streets of San Francisco. And in that crowd was a young veteran named John F. Kennedy.
“Everyone knows the enduring challenge President Kennedy made to our country during his inaugural address: ‘And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’
“Less-well known – but equally important — is the line that followed: ‘My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of mankind.’
“Senator Cranston met that challenge every day.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to receive this award named for Senator Cranston, a great champion of peace and human rights.
“In this time of war, we are all praying for God to bless our troops and for God to bless America. God certainly blessed America with the life of Alan Cranston. He was a true patriot.
“He loved our Country and its people. He fought for all Americans to participate in our great democracy.
“He was a champion for our civil liberties, and he was a hero in protecting our magnificent environment from sea to shining sea.
“Thank you to everyone here for carrying on the legacy and life work of Alan Cranston.”
Posted by zack_allen at 08:24 AM
April 04, 2003
DEMOCRATIC LEADER NANCY PELOSI TO RECEIVE 2003 ALAN CRANSTON PEACE AWARD
Global Security Institute honors Congresswoman’s achievements in nuclear disarmament and human rights
San Francisco– On Saturday, April 12, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi will be presented with the 2003 Alan Cranston Peace Award for her critical role in promoting nuclear disarmament, international peace, human rights, environmental sustainability and gender equity. The Alan Cranston Peace Award is presented annually by the Global Security Institute. Actors Pierce Brosnan and Peter Coyote, and Jayantha Dhanapala, UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament are among the special guests honoring Rep. Pelosi. The event will be held at the Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St., San Francisco at 5:00 PM. The gala reception and dinner will be the first time Rep. Pelosi is being honored in San Francisco since becoming House Democratic Leader.
“Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has a lifetime record of working to eliminate threats to human security — poverty, nuclear weapons, pandemic diseases, unsustainable environmental practices, and gender inequity. Like Senator Alan Cranston, in whose name we bestow this prestigious award, Congresswoman Pelosi consistently places security in the realm of how we help people, and what values our actions express as a society. She has led in working to eliminate the threat of weapons of mass destruction by working to eliminate the weapons themselves. San Francisco, California and America can be proud to have a leader who works hard to ensure a future for the whole world,” said Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute.
“As a former ambassador of the United States, who has worked on every major arms control treaty of the last three decades, under both Republican and Democratic Presidents, I am concerned with the deterioration of US leadership in addressing international security by using multilateral institutions, like the UN, and in upholding and strengthening our treaty commitments such as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Rep. Pelosi has consistently advocated strengthening US security by supporting the international rule of law and reducing dangers posed by nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction through supporting the fulfillment of existing international treaty obligations,” said Ambassador Thomas Graham, Jr.
2003 is the second year the Alan Cranston Peace Award has been awarded. 2002’s recipient was Jayantha Dhanapala, UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament. The Alan Cranston Peace Award honors visionary leaders who share in the late Senator Cranston’s conviction that “nuclear weapons are unworthy of civilization” and who, through their efforts, have advanced the opportunities to eliminate the unacceptable dangers posed by nuclear weapons.
The Peace Award reflects the spirit and accomplishments of Senator Cranston who lived a life of exemplary service and steadfast dedication to the cause of nuclear weapons elimination.
“Alan Cranston would have rejoiced at the selection of Nancy Pelosi as this year’s recipient of his distinguished Peace Award. She understands well how multilateral disarmament serves concrete national and international security interests. She represents millions of women who share these convictions — and millions of men who agree with them. She is a dedicated and eloquent spokesperson for a form of security that focuses primarily on meeting basic human needs,” said Jayantha Dhanapala, UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament.
“Nancy Pelosi has consistently promoted values the world needs now more than ever — environmental responsibility and human security based on respect and cooperation amongst nations. I am proud to be able to honor her work,” said Pierce Brosnan.
Congresswoman Pelosi has represented San Francisco in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987. On November 14, 2002, House Democrats elected Rep. Pelosi as Democratic Leader, making her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. Congress and the first woman to lead a major political party.
On Saturday, April 12, at 3:30 PM, GSI will hold a press conference with Rep. Pelosi, Pierce Brosnan, Jayantha Dhanapala, and Jonathan Granoff at the California Room, Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St., San Francisco.
For more information and to arrange interviews:
Kath Delaney, Tel: (415) 383-7922, cell: (415) 531-1642 email: events@gsinstitute.org
http://www.gsinstitute.org
http://democraticleader.house.gov/corner/biography/index.asp
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Posted by zack_allen at 09:49 AM