UN chief ‘encourages’ with first joint statement from key nuclear-armed States – Global Affairs

For the first time, the leaders of China, France, Russia, the UK and the US, have issued a statement about avoiding an arms race and not aimed at each other or at any other Country.

Five countries, also permanent members of United Nations Security Council (commonly referred to as P5) said they strongly believe there is a need to prevent the further spread of these weapons.

‘Need to comply’

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, the Secretary-General appreciated the recognition of the need to abide by the non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control agreements and commitments, but multilateral and multilateral.

Mr. Guterres also stated the obligations of countries under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Treaty).NPT) regarding nuclear disarmament.

Because of COVID-19 pandemic, an NPT review scheduled to begin Tuesday has been postponed until August. The statement from P5 came after news of the postponement.

The UN chief said he was encouraged by his commitment to pursue measures to prevent nuclear war, consistent with his longstanding call for dialogue and cooperation. He looks forward to more details on future initiatives, the statement added.

Mr. Guterres also took the opportunity to reiterate that “The only way to eliminate all nuclear threats is to eliminate all nuclear weapons. ”

He concluded by reiterating his willingness to work with all Member States to achieve this goal “as soon as possible.”

‘The threat grows with the years’

This development follows the Secretary-General’s warning late last year of the grave danger posed by 13,000 nuclear weapons now believed to be held by several countries.

In an internationally published opinion piece, Mr. Guterres said the threat was growing year by year and “Nuclear destruction” is “just a misunderstanding or miscalculation”.

Guterres stressed that the NPT nuclear weapons treaty remained the “primary hope for reversing” the global arms race, before urging bold action on six fronts.

First, Member States should map out a roadmap forward for nuclear disarmament; next, they should agree to new measures of transparency and dialogue, third, they should address the “smoldering nuclear crises” in the Middle East and Asia, and fourth, strengthen existing agencies advocating nuclear non-proliferation, including the United Nations atomic energy agency (IAEA).

Mr. Guterres also called on countries to promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology for medical and other purposes, which he said was one reason for the NPT to win the support of non-armed states. nuclear gas.

Ultimately, the people of the world – and especially young people – need to hear that getting rid of nuclear weapons is the only way to ensure that they are never used.