7 September 2022
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
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Today, we mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests, held on the 29th of August.
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This date was chosen to commemorate the closing of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan 31 years ago, on the 29th of August 1991.
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This yearly observance is a means of remembering all those who tragically lost their lives to nuclear tests.
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But, my friends, on this date, we are also reminded of the serious impacts these tests have on human health and on the environment, both of which can last for generations.
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Excellencies,
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We must stop nuclear tests, for good.
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We must ensure that we have a strong, united – and most importantly, global front, in our mission to ban all nuclear testing.
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We must implement all existing instruments toward this end.
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The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty provides a strong legal framework for this endeavor.
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25 years after its adoption, we must redouble our efforts topromote its universalization and implementation.
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In this regard, let me reiterate my call to Member States who have not yet signed the Treaty to do so without delay.
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I particularly urge the remaining Annex 2 states to do so, as their ratification is needed for the Treaty to enter into force.
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Excellencies,
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Our meeting today takes place at a time where we are faced with uncertainty and complex challenges.
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Global geopolitical landscape, dominated by the ongoing military confrontation in Ukraine, is rife with tension, which inurn has exacerbated the looming threat of a nuclear catastropheby accident. This has increased the urgency of nuclear disarmament efforts.
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Excellencies, I sincerely urge all all parties work to exercise maximum restraint and promote dialogue and diplomacy. Weneed to commit to making nuclear weapons-free world a reality.
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The only way to eliminate this ominous threat is by simply eliminating the existence of nuclear weapons altogether.
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As we speak, there are is an estimated stockpile of 13,000 nuclear warheads around the world.
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This is a major concern and is quite frankly at odds with the United Nations¡¯ values.
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All member states, without exception, must fulfill their commitments towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
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I welcome the holding of the 10th edition of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York from 1-26 August 2022, after being postponed several times due to COVID-19.
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While the Conference failed to adopt an outcome document, I commend State Parties¡¯ commitment and efforts during the intensive negotiations.
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Going forward, I hope that the State Parties continue to engage in a constructive and a meaningful dialogue to reaffirm their commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as the ¡°cornerstone¡± of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
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As we mark the International Day against Nuclear Test, let us recommit by working together and taking concrete action.
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The only way of bringing hope to the people is by delivering a world free of nuclear weapons.
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Let us work together to achieve that world.
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I thank you.