Mr Chair,
Norway remains committed to the objective of a world without nuclear weapons. An effective, well-functioning non-proliferation regime is crucial for achieving this end. Furthermore, a credible and robust non-proliferation regime enables peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology.
The NPT forms the backbone of the global non-proliferation regime. However, its implementation is under pressure. There is an urgent need to resolve outstanding proliferation concerns.
The full and effective implementation of the NPT is the responsibility of all states parties. In its 50th year after entry into force, some would argue that the NPT has not delivered equally on all three pillars. Nevertheless, without the NPT, more states would probably have developed, or would be developing, nuclear weapons.
The NPT is not immune to tensions in the broader security landscape. We must preserve and consolidate the non-proliferation instruments that are already in place.
Mr Chair,
It is vital that all states parties cooperate fully with the IAEA in implementing their safeguards obligations. The IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreements and the Additional Protocol constitute the verification standard. Norway urges all states to bring the Additional Protocol into force. We welcome the Agency’s work to develop and implement State Level Safeguards Approaches.
Effective export controls are an integral part of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Adequate domestic legislation is essential. We strongly encourage states to adhere to the export control guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Zangger Committee.
Norway is pleased to take over as chair for the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) next month. HCOC is the only multilateral and confidence-building instrument to regulate the spread of ballistic missiles capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction.
Mr Chair,
The issue of nuclear security runs parallel to the issue of nuclear non-proliferation. Instruments in these two areas are often mutually reinforcing. Norway attaches great importance to UN Security Council resolution 1540. We call for the universal application of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, and for the full implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and relevant guidelines and politically binding instruments. The IAEA plays a crucial role in coordinating nuclear security efforts internationally. We call on all states to ensure adequate funding for the IAEA’s activities in this field.
Norway is concerned about the large amounts of highly enriched uranium (HEU) still in use in civilian nuclear facilities. This poses a significant proliferation and security risk. Norway supports international efforts to develop sustainable low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel that would allow civilian facilities to operate at high performance levels. We also support the work to convert facilities to LEU fuel, and to coordinate efforts in this field internationally. We encourage member states to sign up to implement the IAEA Information Circular 912 concerning a Joint Statement on Minimising and Eliminating the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Applications and its reporting mechanism.
Thank you, Mr Chair