Nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East – First Cttee debate – Verbatim record (excerpts)

Official Records

General Assembly

Fifty-first session

First Committee

12th meeting

Thursday, 24 October 1996, 10 a.m.

New York

President:  Mr. Sychou …………………….(Belarus)

The meeting was called to order at 10.10 a.m.

Agenda items 60 to 81 (continued)

General debate on all disarmament and international security items

/…

Mr. Nsangou (Cameroon): …

/…

My delegation supports efforts to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones in the Middle East and other regions where the appropriate conditions exist.

/…

Mr. Tanç (Turkey): …

/…

The Middle East is especially important for my country in the context of the need to broaden the scope of arms-control and other security-building endeavours to embrace all the regions of the world.

In the wider context of the Middle East, we are concerned about the impasse which we hope will be temporary in the Middle East peace process. As a strong supporter of the peace process, which we regard as the only viable option for the region, we genuinely desire to see it pick up momentum.

One of the main obstacles blocking the path to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East continues to be terrorism. It must be eliminated if the quest for a lasting peace is to prevail. We advocate and stand ready to take part in enhanced cooperation on the bilateral, regional and international levels. Similarly, we expect all countries to do their share to this end.

/…

Mr. Obadi (Yemen) (interpretation from Arabic): …

/…

The main efforts and initiatives in establishing nuclear-weapon- free zones in various parts of the world will strengthen the NPT system and thereby strengthen international peace and security. They will also lead to confidence-building among countries and peoples that have suffered from armed conflict. We believe that all of these efforts will lead to a commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons in conflict areas. In this regard we wish to reaffirm our support for the efforts being made in this area and to the General Assembly resolutions related to the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

These resolutions call upon — in fact, urge — all the parties directly concerned to consider seriously taking the practical and urgent steps required to implement the proposal for the establishment of a nuclear-free-zone in the Middle East, and stress the importance of all concerned countries adhering to the NPT.

We wish to welcome the accession of the United Arab Emirates and Djibouti to the NPT. We also welcome the statement of the Foreign Minister of Oman in the General Assembly on 1 October 1996 concerning his country’s wish to sign the Treaty. At the same time, we wish to express our concern in view of the persistent risk emanating from the Israeli nuclear programme, which remains outside the international system of the NPT. We are also concerned about Israel’s refusal to join the NPT and the efforts to force the other Middle East countries, with the exception of Israel, to accede to the NPT. We believe that it is extremely important to call on Israel to join the NPT as a step towards the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and towards ridding the area of all types of weapons of mass destruction.

A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East should be linked to security and stability through mutual commitments — equal commitments — by all parties in the area to make it nuclear-free and free of weapons of mass destruction.

/…

Mr. Ali-Bakhit (Sudan) (interpretation from Arabic): …

/…

The International Court of Justice advisory opinion issued in July of this year on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons was viewed with respect and appreciation by all States. It stressed unequivocally the need to pursue endeavours to achieve nuclear disarmament under effective international control. That advisory opinion revived hope in nuclear disarmament. However, if we look at the situation in the Middle East, we see that it is frightening for two reasons. The first is Israel’s advanced nuclear programme not subject to the comprehensive regime of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The second is Israel’s refusal to make the Middle East a nuclear-weapon-free zone and its refusal to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This threatens the safety of its neighbours and all States of the Middle East region. It is the only State in the region that has not signed that Treaty.

/…

Mr. Al-Hassan (Oman) (interpretation from Arabic): …

/…

It has been no surprise that my country has in past years supported the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Our support for this proposal does not stem from sentiment; it is based on realities. Such a zone could only enhance the peace process. We should also like to emphasize that the elimination of nuclear weapons in the Middle East through the establishment of a nuclear-weapon- free zone would not adversely affect the security of any State; on the contrary, it would nourish and strengthen the security of all States. It is high time that we abandon the rhetoric on the unique situation of a specific State that is based on an inaccurate perception of regional security. Security is a very important priority; to be effective, it must be comprehensive and based on good and real intentions. Therefore, we call on Israel, the only State in the region not Party to the NPT and that has not placed its nuclear facilities under international safeguards, to take these steps.

The Sultanate of Oman believes that the Chemical Weapons Convention is very important because it preserves international peace and security and therefore signed and became the first State in the Middle East to ratify it. While we welcome the early signing of the Convention by 64 States, we hope that its entry into force will begin soon and be accompanied by practical political steps to guarantee its universal nature and strengthen its role in the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, my delegation welcomes the statements of chemical-weapon States, particularly regarding the measures taken through their national constitutional bodies to implement the Convention.

/…

In conclusion, my delegation would like to express to you, Sir, and to all members of the Committee its readiness to work closely with the Committee to achieve our shared noble goals and to make this session a special one on the road to disarmament by exploiting the positive international atmosphere and overcoming the real challenges before us. Among the many and daunting challenges that the international community must carefully consider are the total elimination of nuclear weapons and the translation into reality of the ambition of the peoples and countries of the Middle East to make the Middle East a zone free of all nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

/…

The meeting rose at 12.40 p.m.