Chair, distinguished delegates,
I would like to make the following statement on behalf of Norway and Panama as coordinators of the Process for the Facilitation of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) 2023-2025.
- On the occasion of the International Day against Nuclear Tests we reaffirm our commitment to realizing a world free of nuclear testing and renew our resolve to achieve the entry into force of the CTBT.
- The negotiation of the CTBT stands as a monumental achievement in global efforts to preserve peace, security, and stability by prohibiting all nuclear explosions. The Treaty plays an indispensable role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and curbing the potential for global instability.
- Over the years, we have successfully built up a robust verification system - one that is able to conduct real time monitoring of nuclear test activities anywhere on Earth. This is a global effort we can be proud of.
- Yet, the only way to secure an enduring and verifiable prohibition on nuclear testing is through its entry into force and universalization. Norway and Panama are convinced that facilitating the universalisation and entry-into-force of the CTBT meets the national interests of all states. We are already on overtime to finish the work we started decades ago.
- We continue to call on all States that have not already signed and/or ratified the Treaty, particularly those pertaining to Annex II, to do so without further delay.
- We emphasize that Annex II states bear a special responsibility for the fate of the Treaty. In this context, we note with deep regret the Russian Federation’s decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT. We expect Russia to remain committed to the Treaty and to maintain its contribution to the International Monitoring System (IMS) and ensure data availability through the verification regime.
- We value the spirit of cooperation that was essential to the successful outcome of the Article XIV Conference here in New York in September last year. Preparing for and conducting the Conference would not have been possible without the support of Dr. Robert Floyd and his highly competent Secretariat (PTS). For this we are grateful.
- Norway and Panama wish to reiterate our dedication to the CTBT. We encourage all States to remain seized of the issue at the highest political level. Together we can fulfill the Treaty’s potential to end all nuclear explosions, everywhere, for all time.
- Let us also use this day to reflect on the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that nuclear detonations would entail for people and the environment. Let me therefore finish by, once again, calling on all States to abide by the moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, and to refrain form any action that would undermine the Treaty.
- Thank you, Chair.