Remarks at CTBT (the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty) Ministerial Meeting

Text as prepared for Jonas Gahr Støre.
Key elements of Norway’s Policy on the CTBT

Mr Chair,

There can be no doubt that a legally binding Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty will greatly enhance our common international security.

An operational test ban treaty will constitute an important means of preventing the development of a new generation of nuclear weapons. It will enhance our common efforts to avoid nuclear proliferation and a new nuclear arms race.

It will reduce the role of nuclear weapons in security policies and thus contribute positively to our long-term vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.

Pending entry into force, we must uphold the existing norm of non-testing. We must support the CTBTO Preparatory Commission in completing the international monitoring systems (IMS). We expect all states that possess nuclear weapons to maintain their unilateral moratoria.

However, unilateral moratoria cannot replace legally binding obligations.

Mr Chair,

I am encouraged by the renewed interest in achieving the full elimination of nuclear weapons. In February, I had the privilege to host an international conference on nuclear issues, attended by some of the leading experts from across the globe. A key message from the conference was the importance of the CTBT.

There is growing consensus that the existence of tens of thousands of nuclear arms does not enhance our security. Nuclear disarmament is an integral part of our common non-proliferation efforts.

A legally binding Test Ban Treaty is key. But other steps too are required to secure a comprehensive nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.

We need new and deeper cuts beyond those provided for in existing arms control treaties.

We need to negotiate and agree on a legally binding ban on the production of fissile material for weapons purposes.

We must address existing stocks of fissile material.

We need to explore ways to reduce the importance of nuclear arms in security policies through regional nuclear weapons free zones.

We need to reduce the operational status of nuclear weapons that are deployed.

And we need to look at the role of deterrence.

It is a matter of taking disarmament seriously. We must engage all political leaders and relevant stakeholders. We must forge new alliances and work across traditional political and geographical dividing lines. Today’s meeting must be part of a broader international mobilisation of a much needed political will.