Mr. Chair,
Despite its being criticized for failure to deliver concrete results, the disarmament community achieved a landmark success last July 14. The conclusion of the agreement between the E3/EU+3 and Iran on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in full conformity with the principles of the NPT, is an encouragement to forge ahead with our joint diplomatic efforts.
Italy welcomes the agreement, as well as its unanimous endorsement by the United Nations Security Council, and calls on the international community to strongly support its implementation.
Mr. Chair,
We share the utmost concern about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons’ use. Indeed, it is awareness of the continuing nuclear risks to humanity, and a desire for a peaceful world for future generations that underpin our efforts for effective progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It is crucial that all States fulfill their disarmament commitments and work to ensure that these weapons are neither used nor proliferate.
Italy is committed to seeking a safer world for all and to create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons in accordance with the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, in a way that promotes international stability, and is based on the principle of undiminished security for all. At the same time, we firmly believe that eliminating nuclear weapons is possible only through substantive and constructive engagement with nuclear weapons States. The hard, practical work necessary to bring us closer to a world free of nuclear weapons must be advanced and centered not only on humanitarian, but also on security considerations. We are convinced that this action should focus on practical and effective measures.
We deeply regret that consensus could not be reached at the 9th Review Conference of the NPT. Yet, we trust that the efforts made to bridge different positions will serve as a good basis for further progress in the achievement of the objectives of the Treaty, including through the full implementation of the 2010 Action Plan.
As I stated during the General Debate, entry into force of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty and early commencement of negotiations on a Treaty banning the production of fissile material within the Conference on Disarmament remain our top priorities. Italy also strongly supports the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification, and is fully engaged in it, by making available relevant expertise.
We welcome nuclear arsenal reductions carried out by most nuclear weapons States. We value the indications of progress in implementing the New START Treaty by the Russian Federation and the US, and strongly encourage them to continue their efforts to promote strategic stability, enhance transparency, and further reduce their nuclear weapons.
Mr. Chair,
We support the inalienable right of all States Parties to the NPT to carry on the research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, without discrimination and in conformity with the Treaty. This right should be exercised according to the highest standards of safeguards, safety and security, to which we attach the utmost importance. Strengthening nuclear security is a priority for us. We highly value the global dialogue on this topic in different fora, notably within the Nuclear Security Summit process.
Thank you.
