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Declaration by the Federated States of Micronesia

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, taking note of the eloquent statement recently made by eight European leaders, the compelling statement by Secretary Powell before the UN Security Council and the strong endorsement by the Vilnius Group of Ten, affirm our solidarity with the United States of America in its determination to see that UN Security Council Resolution 1441 is enforced fully, and in a timely manner. Like the European nations, we too, share with the United States a commitment to the shared values of democracy, individual freedom, human rights and the rule of law. The Federated States of Micronesia takes great pride in its special relationship with the United States and have benefited from the generosity and farsightedness of that great nation, first as trustee and more recently as partner in a Compact of Free Association.

It might be inferred from our Compact commitment to shared defense and security interests that we stand in support of the United States at this time. We wish, however, to go further, and declare our belief that the organization of the United Nations must not shrink from the task of enforcing its pronouncement as contained in the aforesaid resolution. Given the history of our Pacific region, we know, better than many others, the consequences of over extended patience and diplomacy. We are among few in the world who know, too, the horrific power and consequences of weapons of mass destruction.

The resistance of Iraq toward measures aimed at strengthening the UN inspections regime should settle any lingering doubts among those nations still hoping for voluntary disarmament. We who have experienced the devastation of war do not relish its prospect. Our sons and daughters now serving in the armed forces of the United States stand in jeopardy. Nevertheless, we believe that the only hope for peace lies in the clear and certain perception by the government of Iraq that the members of the United Nations are truly united in our commitment to disarm dictators who resort to weapons of mass destruction to project their power.

The United Nations organization must be and remain the keystone of international cooperation as we proceed into the century of Globalization. It would amount to a tragedy for mankind if that organization fails now to be worthy of the challenge so clearly before it.