Mr. President,
Existing multilateral instruments
on disarmament and non-proliferation are a vital part of our
response to the new threats to our security. Universal adherence to
these instruments is crucial if we are to succeed. Multilateralism
must indeed remain a core principle. We must continue to ensure
that these instruments function well.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty (CTBT) is an indispensable step towards non-proliferation
and disarmament.
We deeply deplore the fact that
seven years after it was opened for signature, the CTBT has still
not entered into force. And we call upon the 25 states that have
not signed the Treaty, and those that have not ratified it, to do
so without delay and without conditions.
We welcome the recent ratification
of the Treaty by Algeria and Cyprus. These are important steps
towards universalisation of the Treaty, which is our ultimate goal.
Universal adherence to the CTBT and its early entry into force
continue to be a priority for Norway.
The CTBT is an essential complement
to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It is a building block for
further efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,
since testing is one of the principle engines of nuclear
proliferation. Furthermore, the CTBT also is a barrier to the
qualitative development of nuclear weapons, and thus it promotes
and enhances the process of nuclear disarmament. Hence,
verification of compliance with the Treaty is crucial.
It is of the greatest importance
that the integrity of the norms set by the CTBT is respected. We
are worried that the development of new types of nuclear weapons
may result in the resumption of tests, and a lowering of the
nuclear treshold.
Pending the treaty’s entry into
force, self-imposed moratoria on nuclear testing are a useful
measure. Such moratoria cannot, however, replace the legally
binding commitment represented by the signing and ratification of
the CTBT.
Mr. President,
The NPT is facing serious
challenges. We deeply deplore the announcement by the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea to withdraw from the Treaty. We call
once again upon the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea to
reverse its course of action, to comply with its obligations under
the NPT and to co-operate fully with the IAEA.
The recent six-country meeting in
Beijing, apparently was not as productive as we would have hoped.
But a process has begun and must continue. The Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea has a special responsibility in this regard. The
Korean peninsula needs a new start leading towards stability,
reconciliation and a lasting settlement of all aspects of nuclear
issues. A solution must be found through dialogue.
Norway fully supports the IAEA in
its efforts to conduct a comprehensive examination of Iran's
nuclear programme. We call on Iran to co-operate fully with the
IAEA in all its nuclear activities. And we urge Iran to sign,
ratify and implement, immediately and unconditionally, an
Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement. Transparency
regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and co-operation with the IAEA
are indispensable if confidence is to be restored.
In conclusion, mr. President,
Improving the multilateral
instruments in the fields of non-proliferation and arms control
ensuring strict compliance with multilateral regimes, is more
important than ever, and it is an integral part of our fight
against international terrorism.
Early entry into force of the
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and
universal adherence to it, would be
a crucial contribution to internaitonal peace and security. We hope
and trust that this conference will bring us closer to that noble,
but elusive goal. And we hope and trust that it will send a
powerful signal, in particular to the twelve states whose
ratification is required in order for the Treaty to enter into
force.
Thank you, Mr. President.
