Npt Preparatory Committee

NPT Preparatory Committee in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to NPT Preparatory Committee: The Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 NPT Review Conference met in Geneva in April 2013. On April 22, 2013, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Thomas Countryman delivered a statement for the U.S. delegation that includes opening remarks from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Mr. Countryman's remarks are excerpted below and available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/t/isn/npt/207859.htm.

Some Aspects of Npt Preparatory Committee

I would like to begin my remarks by reading a message from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to the 2013 NPT Preparatory Committee:

On behalf of the United States, please accept my hopes for and personal commitment to a successful and productive meeting of the preparatory committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Developments

This summer, we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the NPT. Although conceived in a different era when the hands of the Doomsday Clock pointed precariously towards disaster, the treaty's goal of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons remains no less relevant today. This is why, in 2009, President Obama reaffirmed our nation's support for the treaty and called on all countries to join us in working to secure the peace and security of a world free of the threat of nuclear catastrophe.

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The President's agenda is rooted in the interest almost all of us share in preserving the treaty as a basis for global cooperation. We will continue to do our part by taking action to reduce the number of nuclear weapons, their roles, and the likelihood of their use. At the same time, we will work to strengthen international safeguards and encourage peaceful uses of nuclear energy by states that meet their obligations. In response to those who abuse the treaty, we will continue to insist that violations be confronted with the urgency they require. A treaty that is universally followed will best advance international security and nuclear energy's contribution to peace, health, and prosperity.

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I wish this conference well and offer my hope for a productive discussion that builds on the consensus action plan approved by the 2010 NPT Review Conference and that puts us on a path to success in 2015.

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Mr. Chairman, we share the view of many here that agreement on the 2010 Action Plan was an important achievement. It was not only the first of its kind in the NPT's history, but it reset the NPT and each of its three pillars at the center of efforts to build a safer world: one in which the barriers to nuclear proliferation remain high; violators are held accountable; and progress to reduce nuclear weapons, contain risks of nuclear terrorism, and expand peaceful uses of nuclear energy is not only possible but underway. This is the direction we seek. It is one that we believe all NPT parties should support and which will keep us on course toward our ultimate goal of achieving the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

NPT Preparatory Committee in 2013 (Continuation)

United States views on international law [1] in relation to NPT Preparatory Committee: Some may argue that the Action Plan is not perfect. We agree; it does not reflect every U.S. priority and others view it similarly from their perspective. Imperfection is to be expected given the complexities of a multilateral negotiation among the Treaty's diverse membership. But even an imperfect document is still valuable. And in this instance, the NPT membership should take pride in having adopted a forward-looking set of principles and commitments that so clearly reinforce the NPT and its underlying purposes.

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Progress on the Action Plan should naturally be the subject of review by NPT parties. We encourage such a review, and a dialogue that is balanced, addressing all action items and each of the Treaty's three pillars; substantive; candid; and pursued with the aim of preserving collective support for the Treaty as an instrument of security.

Development

Disarmament

The United States acknowledges its special responsibility to work toward nuclear disarmament and to help create the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons. President Obama has made clear our unequivocal support for this goal. It will not be achieved overnight or absent further improvements in the international security environment. But as our President has said, we must continue this journey with concrete steps.

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Mr. Chairman, the United States is making good on that pledge. We are reducing the role and numbers of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy. We have committed not to develop new nuclear warheads or pursue new military missions for nuclear weapons. We are implementing the New START Treaty with Russia that will reduce deployed nuclear warheads to levels not seen since the 1950s—more than a decade before the NPT entered into force. President Obama has committed the United States to pursue still deeper cuts. And let me be clear: We share concerns about the profound and serious consequences of nuclear weapons use and have articulated our deep and abiding interest in extending forever the 68-year record of non-use. And we will continue our diligent work with our P5 partners to meet our commitments under the Action Plan.

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Nonproliferation

Let me state clearly that disarmament is not an obligation limited to the five nuclearweapon states. It will require action by all NPT Parties, who collectively share a responsibility to support the nonproliferation regime and ensure its rules are robust and fully respected.

Resources

Notes

1. Npt Preparatory Committee in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law

Resources

Notes

1. Npt Preparatory Committee in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law