Statement of Norway delivered by Ambassador Tormod C. Endresen
to the Conference of Disarmament
Let me start by congratulating India, and in particular Ambassador Ray, for assuming the first presidency of the CD in 2024. We are confident that you will guide us steadily through this first period of meetings. I would also like to wish the other P6 members all the best as you assume the presidency later this year.
Mr. President,
With rising tensions and a sense of heightened unpredictability in the world, we need to work harder to preserve, but also revitalize multilateral diplomacy. The stalemate in the CD over the last decades have demonstrated the need for new thinking and reform. Given the complex security landscape of today, it is increasingly alarming that the CD has not been able to deliver on its mandate for more than 20 years. Recent efforts to initiate a discussion on how to revitalize the CD are a welcome development. Many of the proposals that emerged from the retreat in Montreux last year should be seriously considered and built upon.
Norway supports the proposal to renew the subsidiary bodies as the least common denominator to advance the work of the CD. Norway also supports the principle of inclusiveness in the CD, which would entail the participation of observer states.
Mr. President,
The deterioration in global security is in big part due to Russia’s ongoing, illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine, which Norway continues to condemn. Russia’s blatant violation of the UN charter and international law, and its reckless nuclear rhetoric have far-reaching security implications. The humanitarian consequences are enormous. The announcement to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus creates additional risks and instability. Russia’s occupation of Europe’s largest nuclear facility in Ukraine is deeply concerning and risks triggering a nuclear incident with disastrous consequences.
Mr. President,
A few words on the situation in Gaza, where we witness a humanitarian situation of catastrophic proportions. Norway continues to call for a sustained and enduring humanitarian ceasefire. International law must be respected and upheld by all parties, humanitarian access must improve drastically, and all hostages must immediately be released without conditions.
Mr. President,
The NPT remains the cornerstone of our efforts on disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses. We remain committed to its full implementation, and we stand ready to engage on all pillars of the treaty. At this year’s PrepCom in Geneva we are hopeful that deliberations on accountability and transparency can continue – building on the working paper of the Finnish Presidency – and that discussions on how to strengthen the review process can advance. We remain committed to the objective of the total elimination of nuclear weapons through a balanced, mutual, irreversible and verifiable approach.
Mr. President,
Norway is an advocate for the commencement of the early negotiation and conclusion of an effectively verifiable Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty. Initiating such negotiations in the CD is long overdue, and we call for all states to adopt a flexible and pragmatic approach to find a solution to the deadlock. As co-president with Panama on Article 14 of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), Norway will work for the entry into force and universalization of the CTBT. We were deeply concerned by Russia’s decision to de-ratify the CTBT last year. We expect Russia to uphold its commitment to the Treaty and to the norm against nuclear explosions.
Mr. President,
Norway will continue its efforts to promote Nuclear Disarmament Verification (NDV) that can prepare the ground for future disarmament agreements. We were happy to see the overwhelming support for last year’s NDV resolution in the First Committee. We believe that the NDV process holds great potential for finding common ground in an otherwise challenging disarmament environment. Norway intends to advance this work in 2024 to ensure further progress and preserve the constructive spirit that has characterized the NDV discussions over the last years.
Mr. President,
The rapid evolution of emerging technologies is having an unprecedented impact on all areas of interest to the CD. AI represents a sea of possibilities, including in the military domain. However, to make the most of these new technologies in an ethical way, rules and regulations are needed. Norway welcomes the possibility to discuss these issues under the relevant agenda items of the CD, while also looking forward to engaging actively and constructively in the meetings of the GGE on LAWS later this year.
In closing let me highlight the importance of gender equality and diverse participation in disarmament processes. The implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda maintains a priority for Norway in our efforts to promote disarmament.
You can count on Norway’s full and constructive cooperation in the year to come. I thank you, Mr. President.