Nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Mideast – GA resolution

32/82.  Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 3263 (XXIX) of 9 December 1974, in which it overwhelmingly commended the idea of the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East,

Recalling also its resolution 3474 (XXX) of 11 December 1975, in which it recognized that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East enjoyed wide support in the region,

Further recalling its resolution 31/71 of 10 December 1976, in which it expressed the conviction that progress towards the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East would greatly enhance the cause of peace in the region and in the world,

Mindful of the growing international desire for establishing a just and lasting peace in the region of the Middle East,

Conscious of the global apprehension over possible proliferation of nuclear weapons, in particular in the sensitive region of the Middle East,

Fully convinced that the possible development of nuclear capability would further complicate the situation and immensely damage the efforts to create an atmosphere of confidence in the Middle East,

Reiterating anew the particular nature of the problems involved and the complexities inherent in the situation in the Middle East, and the urgency of keeping the region free from involvement in a ruinous nuclear-arms race,

Recognizing, as a consequence, the need to create momentum towards the goal of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East,

1. Urges anew all parties directly concerned to adhere to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 1/ as a means of promoting this objective;

2. Reiterates it recommendation that the Member States referred to in paragraph 1 above, pending the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone under an effective system of safeguards, should:

(a) Proclaim solemnly and immediately their intention to refrain, on a reciprocal basis, from producing, acquiring or in any other way possessing nuclear weapons and nuclear explosive devices and from permitting the stationing of nuclear weapons on their territory or the territory under their control by any third party;

(b) Refrain, on a reciprocal basis, from any other action that would facilitate the acquisition, testing or use of such weapons, or would be in any other way detrimental to the objective of the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone int he region under an effective system of safeguards;

(c) Agree to place all their nuclear activities under the International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards;

3. Reaffirms its recommendation to the nuclear-weapon States to refrain from any action contrary to the purpose of the present resolution and the objective of establishing, in the region of the Middle East, a nuclear-weapon-free zone under an effective system of safeguards and to extend their cooperation to the States of the region in their efforts promote these objectives;

4. Renews its invitation to the Secretary-General to continue to explore the possibilities of making progress towards the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East;

5. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its thirty-third session the item entitled “Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East”.

100th plenary meeting

12 December 1977

Note

1/ Resolution 2373 (XXII), annex.