First Committee – General debate on all disarmament and international security agenda items
UN Headquarters
Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on your assumption of the chairmanship of the First Committee.
I am convinced that your rich diplomatic experience will be an asset in the work of this Committee and I can assure you of the full support and cooperation of my delegation.
Cyprus fully aligns itself with the statement made by the EU and wishes to add the following in its national capacity.
Mr. Chairman,
International Peace and Security constitute a primary objective of Cyprus’ Foreign Policy. We remain committed towards working for substantive progress in all relevant disarmament fora. In this spirit, we have signed and ratified all the main disarmament and non- proliferation Treaties.
Cyprus has been also a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and Australia Group since 2000. Furthermore, Cyprus in accordance with the provisions of UNSC Resolution 1540, submits regular reports on its implementation.
In addition, we have signed the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation in 2002 and have participated since 2005 in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). In May 2015, Cyprus co-hosted with the USA a successful top regional exercise in the framework of PSI, in an effort to promote regional cooperation.
Cyprus has also recently been elected as member of the Management Committee of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). In relation to the Conference on Disarmament, Cyprus, like other states, submitted an application to join the Conference more than two decades ago. Regrettably, no enlargement of the Conference has taken place since 1999, even though according to the Rules of Procedure “the membership of the Conference will be reviewed at regular intervals.” We continue to support the view that the expansion of the Conference will give a new impetus to its work.
Mr. Chairman,
We are also alarmed by the recent actions on behalf of the DPRK. Bearing in mind that “the risks posed by nuclear weapons are too great to ignore” and fully understanding the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of their use, we have always supported the need for international cooperation, inclusiveness and the pursuit of common objectives.
In this regard, Cyprus has supported the initiative for a Treaty that would prohibit nuclear weapons and we are examining the possibility of future accession. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for the Nobel Peace Prize, whose efforts contributed significantly to the adoption of the Treaty.
My delegation would like to voice once more its commitment to the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which remains the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation efforts and underline the vital importance of the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Cyprus’ commitment to non-Proliferation and disarmament is also reflected in its efforts to be vigilant towards the threat of spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East as well as, though its continuous support to the collective initiatives to keep outer space safe and free from conflict.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, let me express once more the hope that under your leadership the First Committee will advance its important agenda, thus contributing to the overall goal of a more peaceful and safe world!
Thank you Mr. Chairman.