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Thank you Mr President.
New Zealanders have a proud record of opposition to nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons testing. We strongly support the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty as an important milestone along the path to a world free of nuclear weapons. That’s why I’m pleased to be here today, as we look at the prospects for the entry into force of this significant international treaty, thirteen years to the day after it was opened for signature.
Mr President
Right now, there is cause for optimism. There remain only nine ratifications needed for entry into force. In that connection, I would like to acknowledge the presence here earlier today of Secretary of State Clinton and to welcome her and President Obama’s positive statements of intent – we hope that by the time this conference convenes again the United States and the other important Annex II parties will have joined us around the CTBT table.
A nuclear-weapons-free world remains the ultimate goal for New Zealand. We do not believe that goal is unattainable. The global community can make it happen, with practical, concrete steps which build confidence among nuclearweapons states and between them and those who do not possess nuclear weapons. The CTBT is a fundamental part of this process. It makes it clear that the development of new nuclear weapons is unacceptable.
Mr President
The nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime is still confronted with
many unprecedented challenges. The nuclear test conducted by the DPRK in
May this year struck again at the heart of the CTBT. It challenged the
moratorium on nuclear testing observed by others in the absence of the entry
into force of the Treaty. But it is precisely for that reason that we need to
redouble our efforts to encourage those States whose ratification is required for
entry into force to ratify the Treaty without delay. Such action would make a
significant and positive contribution to international security.
The DPRK test also served to highlight the important role that the CTBT’s International Monitoring System can and will play in verifying adherence to the ban on nuclear testing. The provision of high-quality and timely analysis by the Provisional Technical Secretariat to state signatories was an important demonstration that the global verification mandate of the CTBT works and will be operational when the Treaty enters into force. The build-up of the IMS has been a key priority for New Zealand.
Mr President
The CTBT has a vital place in today’s multilateral framework for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It already contributes to global stability. Its entry into force would be a major step towards a world free of nuclear weapons– which must be our ultimate destination. New Zealand would like to see this happen without delay. We stand ready to work with all, large and small, for a goal which will benefit all of mankind.
