CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Mr. President,

Like the other speakers before me, I would like to congratulate you on your election as president of this second Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It is an important assignment and you can count on my delegation’s full support.

The appalling act of terrorism that struck this city and Washington on 11 September gives cause for the strongest condemnation and we would like to convey our deepest sympathy and full solidarity with the American people and the US government. We are all affected by the events of 11 September.

Norway is convinced that close international cooperation and a multilateral approach to non-proliferation and disarmament are essential if we wish to reduce the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and the terrorist threat to international peace and security. We already have a broad framework to build on, which consists of multilateral and bilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation regimes. Effective implementation and continued strengthening of these regimes must form an integral part of any future strategy. We need to make a fresh effort to achieve universal membership on key existing treaties, such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Mr. President,

We are at an important juncture in the process of bringing about the entry into force of the CTBT. Norway associates itself with the statement made by Belgium on behalf of the European Union today.

The CTBT represents more than four decades of hard work and unwavering dedication to banning all nuclear tests. We strongly believe the world will be a safer place with the CTBT than without it. Achieving universal adherence and securing the Treaty’s entry into force at the earliest possible date are essential for broader efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate all nuclear weapons, and must have the highest priority. This Conference should be instrumental in achieving this end.

We appeal to all countries that have not done so to sign and ratify the Treaty unconditionally and without delay. The positions of the nuclear powers are of crucial importance. We recommend the lead taken by France, Russia and the UK.

Mr. President,

Verification is a key to the effectiveness of all arms control and disarmament treaties. Further sustained efforts are needed to accomplish the build-up of the CTBT’s verification system. It is now imperative to ensure the necessary funding and subsequent full operation of the system in accordance with the requirements set out in the Treaty. Norway will continue its active participation in, and dedication to, this work. We look forward to continued cooperation and support from all States Signatories and Ratifiers in the build-up of all the elements of the Treaty’s verification system.

Mr. President,

While we welcome self-imposed moratoria on testing, such unilateral measures cannot take the place of legally binding and fully verifiable commitments made through the signing and ratification of international agreements. Norway believes that in order to succeed in developing stable regional and global security arrangements, it is important that all states are firmly bound to the norms and institutions established by international disarmament and non-proliferation regimes.

In the interest of international trust, stability and peace, the early entry into force of the CTBT and its effective implementation are essential. Universal adherence must be secured. Norway is unequivocally committed to achieving these objectives. We have made progress since our last Conference, and with the necessary political will we could be approaching the finish line. Let us make sure that we cross it soon.

Thank you.