07 Nov 2024
Thank you. Madam Chair,
I am taking the floor to explain Singapore’s vote on draft resolution L.76/Rev.1 “Strengthening and developing the system of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements”, which was adopted yesterday.
2 There is no doubt that the ecosystem of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements is affected and shaped by the broader geopolitical environment and great power relations. At the same time, it is precisely at moments of tension that we need greater dialogue and efforts to maintain and further strengthen the system treaties and agreements in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
3 As a small state, Singapore attaches great importance to the existing system of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements; we regard them as being indispensable to the maintenance of international peace and security. Singapore voted in favour of L.76/Rev.1 as we support the resolution’s focus on the strengthening of the system of the arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and its call for all Member States to commit to the full and strict implementation of this system.
4 However, given the aim of the resolution, we have concerns with the revised text of the resolution that has introduced conditionalities or caveats to OP1. We believe that States Parties to any arms control, disarmament or non-proliferation agreement should honour their obligations without reservation, and regardless of whether said agreement has entered into force. Not doing so is tantamount to violating the spirit of the agreement.
5 In addition, regarding OP5, Singapore preferred the previous formulation which clearly emphasised the negative impact of actions that undermine arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements on international peace and security. The revised OP5 now appears to condition any progress in the global arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation architecture on the state of “international peace and security”. We call on all Member States to reaffirm and strengthen the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime, which is more, rather than less, salient given the state of the world today.
6 I thank you.
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