Mr Chair,
Norway is fully committed to the objective of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the cornerstone of our common efforts. In 2020 we will mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty’s entry into force, and will reflect on the NPT’s unique contribution to global security and its continued relevance.
Mr Chair,
Nuclear disarmament can only be achieved through balanced, mutual, irreversible and verifiable reductions of nuclear weapons.
Consolidation of the norm against testing is essential. We urge all remaining Annex II states to secure the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Furthermore, Norway supports the early negotiation and conclusion of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).
Non-proliferation efforts are essential for achieving and maintaining a world without nuclear weapons. The Comprehensive Safeguard Agreements and the Additional Protocol constitute the global standard for verification, enabling the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure compliance with the regime. We call on all states to implement this standard.
Nuclear security is of crucial importance. Norway promotes efforts to minimise the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) and encourages all IAEA member states to sign up to and implement INFCIRC 912 as an important transparency measure.
Mr Chair,
We welcome the diplomatic dialogue between the US and the DPRK. The only sustainable solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula is a political one. The DPRK’s nuclear and missiles programmes violate a series of UN Security Council resolutions and pose a serious challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
The JCPOA is a landmark achievement for non-proliferation. It has now been put in jeopardy. We urge its continued, full and effective implementation and call on Iran to maintain its full cooperation with the IAEA. Iran’s ballistic missile activity remains a significant concern.
We regret Russia’s non-compliance with the INF treaty. We strongly encourage the extension and ultimately expansion of the New START agreement beyond 2021.
Norway is fully committed to Article IV of the NPT. Civilian nuclear activities are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We encourage all states that are in a position to do so to contribute to the IAEA assistance programmes in these fields.
Mr Chair,
In preparing for next year’s review conference, we must mobilise the political will to develop a forward-looking agenda on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Our point of departure should be the legal obligations set out in the Treaty itself, and the agreed outcomes of the NPT review conferences.
Norway attaches great importance to nuclear disarmament verification. We are pleased that the UN Group of Governmental Experts recently agreed on a consensus report. We encourage all interested states to cooperate with us in bringing this work forward.
To increase capacity building and diversity, Norway supports the establishment of a nuclear disarmament verification trust fund under the auspices of UNODA. One of the aims of the fund would be to secure the participation of all interested states in relevant activities, for instance in the International Partnership on Nuclear Disarmament Verification.
Mr Chair,
The Oslo Nuclear Project provides research-based analyses, education and training for a new generation of experts on nuclear weapons and international security. It brings together the perspectives of academics and practitioners on some of the key challenges we face in the areas of non-proliferation and arms control. Together with the University of Oslo, we will host a side event on the Oslo Nuclear Project on 2 May.
Norway is also pleased to be hosting a side event on gender balance in arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament at our Permanent Mission on 7 May. At the event, UNIDIR will present a recent study on the topic.
Thank you, Mr Chair.