10 Oct 2011
STATEMENT BY LEONARD LIN, DELEGATE TO THE 66th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE, 10 OCTOBER 2011
Mr Chairman,
My delegation congratulates you and the members of your Bureau on your appointments, and looks forward to working constructively with you in the coming weeks.
2 Singapore is heartened by the successful conclusion of the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and its inclusion of an Action Plan setting out practical steps on nuclear disarmament. The NPT is the only near-universal regime on the three pillars of disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy (PUNE). Its continued relevance is an important outcome of the Review Conference. This was followed by the recent entry into force of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the US and Russia in February 2011.
3 Singapore welcomes these positive developments, and remains firmly committed to the goal of disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard, Singapore has consistently supported the full implementation of non-proliferation treaty regimes such as the NPT, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC).
4 However, we are now in danger of dissipating the momentum that we have painstakingly gained. More concrete action needs to be taken to strengthen the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime. First of all, longstanding and critical gaps in the existing framework must be addressed. Singapore thus urges all Annex II countries that have not yet ratified the CTBT to do so quickly in order to bring about a full realisation of Article VI of the NPT. We also welcome the convening of the 7th Review Conference of the BWC in Geneva this December.
5 Next, we must find ways to kick-start movement on issues that have yet to be even addressed. It is disheartening to note that the Convention on Disarmament (CD) remains in a deadlock. This has ominous implications for the strengthening of international security, as the CD is the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum that brings together all the key players in the field and is therefore best placed to comprehensively address global disarmament issues. Political will must be mustered, and collective action must be taken to resolve the current impasse, so as to allow the CD to continue its mission to advance the rule of law in the field of disarmament. There must be progress on all issues before the CD, namely a nuclear weapons convention, nuclear security assurances, the prevention of an arms race in outer space, and a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. But there should also be a pragmatic approach to make step-by-step advancements where possible, rather than holding any one issue hostage to another.
6 While it is the right of all countries under Article IV of the NPT to develop nuclear power to meet energy needs, it is imperative that all countries must reassure the international community that their intentions are peaceful and not directed at weapons development. The Fukushima accident has also shown that there is an urgent need to address issues related to nuclear safety. Singapore believes that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should drive the process to strengthen nuclear safety, and welcomes the IAEA's Action Plan on Nuclear Safety that was adopted at its General Conference last month. In support of the IAEA's efforts, Singapore will be hosting an Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) nuclear safety seminar in 2012, which would address regional cooperation on emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Mr Chairman,
7 Nuclear weapon free zones are a prime example of a pragmatic and concrete step towards enhancing confidence and attaining the ultimate goal of complete nuclear disarmament. Singapore therefore strongly supports the development of these zones. We are encouraged by the renewed consultations on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) between ASEAN and the Nuclear Weapons States (NWS), first in Geneva, Switzerland in August, and last week here in New York. The consultations reflect the commitment of both sides to work constructively towards the early accession of the NWS to the Protocol of the Treaty, and we will continue to engage with the NWS in this regard. Singapore also supports the establishment of nuclear weapon free zones where they do not yet exist, especially in the Middle East, and looks forward to the 2012 Conference on the establishment of a Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East. In this context, Singapore welcomes the forthcoming IAEA Forum on Experience of Possible Relevance to the Creation of a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (NWFZ) in the Middle East, convened by the IAEA DG, to be held at the IAEA from 21 to 22 November 2011.
Mr Chairman,
8 Globalisation will increase, not decrease, cross-border flows of people and weapons-related technologies. The risks of proliferation require constant vigilance by all Member States, coupled with renewed dedication to keep up momentum in the disarmament arena. We believe that multilateral efforts continue to show their immense value in addressing a wide variety of complex challenges. In this regard, we call on all States to cooperate with one another for global disarmament and non-proliferation, in order to realise our common goal of achieving a peaceful and secure world. Thank you.
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