President,
We take the floor to express our deep regret at the outcome today. We regret that this conference is not able acknowledging serious compliance concerns. Acknowledgment is the first step to resolving a problem. The fact that DPRKs pursuit of nuclear weapons is not mentioned is appalling. If we cannot even agree to mention the most serious compliance case in the history of our convention, we are in deep trouble.
Russia’s intransigence on this issue is leading us down a very troubled path. It forms part of a pattern: Russia keeps prosecuting its war of aggression in Ukraine, issuing ever more dangerous nuclear threats and signaling, attacking and occupying nuclear power plants leading to severe risks for nuclear safety and security. Yet, we were not able to mention this in our final draft document either.
The fact of Iran’s blatant noncompliance with its safeguard obligations pursuant to article III of the NPT was woefully insufficiently addressed in the draft outcome document. Yet Iran again shows its reticence to work together to resolve this issue and fuel the very real concerns that the NPT community rightfully has.
President,
The NPT is strong. It is being implemented every day by the IAEA and States Parties who comply with their safeguards agreements, contributing to a safer world for all.
With an agreement on this outcome document, we would have had a basis for progress. We would have had a commitment to much-needed dialogue among the nuclear weapons states to reduce risks and start clearing the way towards arms control. We would have finally taken a step forward on transparency, albeit a very limited one, with a mechanism that could help the NNWS better understand the NWS, engage and build confidence. The last is still possible.
President,
We would like to end by thanking you and your Team for your honest and persistent efforts to bring us to a landing zone. You have been transparent. You have been listening. You have provided the space for all to engage. You have gone above and beyond to clear the path to success. But, ultimately, this outcome is the responsibility of the State Parties.
We leave this conference with a sense of deep regret. This outcome is not up to the challenges we collectively face.
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new review cycle, with new opportunities. We will work hard to contribute to a meaningful outcome at the next Review Conference.
Finally, let me on behalf of Iceland and my own country Norway express our support for the U.S. motion on strengthening the review process as drafted in OP 37-43.
Thank you.