NPT Preparatory Committee discusses denuclearization of Middle East and North Korean nuclear arms program
May 14, 2012
by Michiko Tanaka, Staff Writer, dispatched from Vienna, Austria
On May 8, in Vienna, Austria, the First Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference engaged in intensive discussion on such issues as the denuclearization of the Middle East and North Korea’s nuclear development program.
The discussion began with the denuclearization of the Middle East. At the previous review conference, held in 2010, the final document incorporated the idea of organizing an international conference in 2012 to weigh a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, with Israel considered a de facto nuclear weapon state. But as Israel and Arab nations continue to be at loggerheads, the essential question has become whether a conference to discuss a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region is even conceivable.
Jaakko Laajava, the under-secretary of state for Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves as facilitator for this issue and he revealed his desire to hold the international conference in the capital of Helsinki in December. Describing the current state of negotiations involving the participants, Mr. Laajava said, “Most nations have indicated that they will attend the conference, though some have not informed us of their intentions as yet.” He added that further dialogue with the nations concerned will be vital to realize the participation of all Middle Eastern countries.
The governmental representatives from the world’s nations voiced their support for the conference in Helsinki. Mari Amano, ambassador of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, stated, “Although denuclearization is a long, hard road, holding an international conference on the matter will be a significant step for building trust in the region. The nation of Japan will be unstinting in its cooperation.”
Following this discussion on the Middle East, the conversation turned to North Korea’s nuclear development program. The preparatory committee delegates urged North Korea, which has raised concern over a potential third nuclear test, to exercise self-restraint.
(Originally published on May 9, 2012)
On May 8, in Vienna, Austria, the First Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference engaged in intensive discussion on such issues as the denuclearization of the Middle East and North Korea’s nuclear development program.
The discussion began with the denuclearization of the Middle East. At the previous review conference, held in 2010, the final document incorporated the idea of organizing an international conference in 2012 to weigh a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, with Israel considered a de facto nuclear weapon state. But as Israel and Arab nations continue to be at loggerheads, the essential question has become whether a conference to discuss a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region is even conceivable.
Jaakko Laajava, the under-secretary of state for Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves as facilitator for this issue and he revealed his desire to hold the international conference in the capital of Helsinki in December. Describing the current state of negotiations involving the participants, Mr. Laajava said, “Most nations have indicated that they will attend the conference, though some have not informed us of their intentions as yet.” He added that further dialogue with the nations concerned will be vital to realize the participation of all Middle Eastern countries.
The governmental representatives from the world’s nations voiced their support for the conference in Helsinki. Mari Amano, ambassador of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, stated, “Although denuclearization is a long, hard road, holding an international conference on the matter will be a significant step for building trust in the region. The nation of Japan will be unstinting in its cooperation.”
Following this discussion on the Middle East, the conversation turned to North Korea’s nuclear development program. The preparatory committee delegates urged North Korea, which has raised concern over a potential third nuclear test, to exercise self-restraint.
(Originally published on May 9, 2012)
