Opinions & Interviews

Belarus puts forward initiatives to achieve world free of nuclear weapons

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MINSK, 4 August (BelTA) – The international community should acknowledge collective responsibility to strengthen the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)  and to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. In this regard, Belarus put forward a number of specific steps that were voiced by Vasily Pavlov, Head of the Division of International Security of the Directorate General for Multilateral Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, at the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in New York, BelTA informs.

“We all must acknowledge our collective responsibility and act resolutely to strengthen the NPT and make nuclear disarmament a multilateral and irreversible process. The Belarusian side is ready to support all constructive efforts and initiatives in this direction,” the diplomat stressed.

As a first step, Belarus proposed to take specific measures to reduce nuclear risks and make nuclear disarmament a multilateral and irreversible process. Nuclear-weapon states should lead the way and have a special responsibility in this process.

Secondly, it is necessary to ensure the swift entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty that plays a critical role in achieving the goals of nuclear disarmament. “The treaty that was ratified by 174 states, is almost universal in nature. We call on the states, on whose actions the future of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty depends, to show political will and take urgent measures for its entry into force,” Vasily Pavlov stressed.

The third proposal of the Belarusian side was to give new impetus to the process of creating nuclear-weapon-free zones. “In the mid-1990s, Belarus proposed the idea of ​​creating such a zone in Central and Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, back then the call of Belarus was not heard,” the Belarusian diplomat said.

As the fourth initiative, he suggested considering the development of a universal legally binding agreement whereby nuclear-weapon states grant non-nuclear weapons state unequivocal and unconditional assurances against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.  “This fully fits into the logic of the Belarusian president’s proposal voiced in the letter to the UN Secretary-General in May this year to develop clear and transparent agreements on the rules of a new world order that will provide security guarantees to all members of the international community,” he added.

“Peace, security, stability, and, ultimately, the very existence of humankind directly depend on effective and long-term solutions in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Belarus is ready for constructive interaction with all participating states for the success of the conference,” the diplomat concluded.

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