Mr. President,

Existing multilateral instruments on disarmament and non-proliferation are a vital part of our response to the new threats to our security. Universal adherence to these instruments is crucial if we are to succeed. Multilateralism must indeed remain a core principle. We must continue to ensure that these instruments function well.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an indispensable step towards non-proliferation and disarmament.

We deeply deplore the fact that seven years after it was opened for signature, the CTBT has still not entered into force. And we call upon the 25 states that have not signed the Treaty, and those that have not ratified it, to do so without delay and without conditions.

We welcome the recent ratification of the Treaty by Algeria and Cyprus. These are important steps towards universalisation of the Treaty, which is our ultimate goal. Universal adherence to the CTBT and its early entry into force continue to be a priority for Norway.

The CTBT is an essential complement to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It is a building block for further efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, since testing is one of the principle engines of nuclear proliferation. Furthermore, the CTBT also is a barrier to the qualitative development of nuclear weapons, and thus it promotes and enhances the process of nuclear disarmament. Hence, verification of compliance with the Treaty is crucial.

It is of the greatest importance that the integrity of the norms set by the CTBT is respected. We are worried that the development of new types of nuclear weapons may result in the resumption of tests, and a lowering of the nuclear treshold.

Pending the treaty’s entry into force, self-imposed moratoria on nuclear testing are a useful measure. Such moratoria cannot, however, replace the legally binding commitment represented by the signing and ratification of the CTBT.

Mr. President,

The NPT is facing serious challenges. We deeply deplore the announcement by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to withdraw from the Treaty. We call once again upon the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea to reverse its course of action, to comply with its obligations under the NPT and to co-operate fully with the IAEA.

The recent six-country meeting in Beijing, apparently was not as productive as we would have hoped. But a process has begun and must continue. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has a special responsibility in this regard. The Korean peninsula needs a new start leading towards stability, reconciliation and a lasting settlement of all aspects of nuclear issues. A solution must be found through dialogue.

Norway fully supports the IAEA in its efforts to conduct a comprehensive examination of Iran's nuclear programme. We call on Iran to co-operate fully with the IAEA in all its nuclear activities. And we urge Iran to sign, ratify and implement, immediately and unconditionally, an Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement. Transparency regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and co-operation with the IAEA are indispensable if confidence is to be restored.

In conclusion, mr. President,

Improving the multilateral instruments in the fields of non-proliferation and arms control ensuring strict compliance with multilateral regimes, is more important than ever, and it is an integral part of our fight against international terrorism.

Early entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and

universal adherence to it, would be a crucial contribution to internaitonal peace and security. We hope and trust that this conference will bring us closer to that noble, but elusive goal. And we hope and trust that it will send a powerful signal, in particular to the twelve states whose ratification is required in order for the Treaty to enter into force.

Thank you, Mr. President.